How to get started with coupons

Coupons 101
How to use coupons sucessfully you might ask? It has taken me some time to figure it out, but once you do, it really is worth all the effort with the amount of money that you can save. Here are a few things that I have learned along the way.
KNOW THE COUPON CODE
In order to get a good deal with a coupon usally sale+coupon= good deal. Try to combine the 2. I have found that using a coupon for an item that's on sale is often cheaper than the store brand.
STAY ORGANIZED
It is so important to know what coupons you have, but it can be hard to keep them in order. For me I try to keep it simple, I don't clip all my coupons, I punch holes in them and put them in a 3 ring binder, then clip when I need them. Some people use a checking folder, an index box ect. find a way that works for you to keep your coupons in order.
COUPONS
This may seem basic, but one question many people ask me is “How do you get all those coupons?” Sunday Paper inserts is one way. You can buy mulitple papers, I do this when the coupons are really good and for items that my family uses regualy. One those weeks I may buy 2 or 3 papers. Ask family and friends who don't use there coupons. Sometimes if you call or email a company and rave about their product, they will send you coupons. There are also coupon clipping services out there and yes they even sell coupons on Ebay! (if you do buy from ebay, just make sure you buy from your region, trust me South Dakota does not have the same brands that they sell in North Carolia, can you tell I learned that the hard way?)
PLAN AHEAD
Know what store has what on sale and have a list, I have found that if I go into a store prepared, it really cuts back on time, which is real important to me.
BE FLEXIBILE
Be willing to try a different brand! If you are open to other brands, there are more deals out there for you. As always, don't buy something that you know you won't use just becase you have a coupon.
LEARN TO STOCKPILE
When there is a great deal and you have coupons to get mulitible items, stock up. While stock piling, take into consideration how much you use and what kind of space you have to store things. For example, if cearl is on sale, and with your coupon it is $0.20 a box, don't get 20 if your family only goes through 1 a week! But if you go through 5 or 6 boxes, it not such a bad idea, if you have the space. A lot of times shopping this way holds me over to the next sale.
REWARD CARDS
Reward cards are great and almost everyone has some form of them, whether it's a Harris Teeter card or CVS. Some stores will reward you with in store gift cards if you buy certain items. Target does this, Walgreens ect. Or they will give you some kind of store credit, like CVS. If done correctly, you can roll these over to you next purchace.
KNOW THE FINE PRINT
Make sure you know what the coupon says in the little print that no one looks at! I cannot tell you how many times I bought something only to find out at check out, that the coupon said for 2 and I only bought one. Check if it specifies size. I always go for the smallest allowed to make for less per ounce. Remember if they don't take your coupon and it is not a good deal, you don't have to get it.
DON'T REINVENT THE WHEEL
Don't stress out over trying to plan your shopping trip. Use different recouses that are alreay out there. There are many free web sites that post a shopping list each week and tell what is on sale and you coupon to match it with. That is why I don't clip my coupons, I just lable what week they came out. I print my list, find my coupons in my binder, put in an envople pocket for that store and off I go.
TRY TO HAVE FUN
It may be stressful at first, but you will figure it out, try to enjoy it and make the most of it. Just think if you get a lot of tolitrie items for cheap or free, try blessing someone in need or give to a shelter. Clipping coupons has allowed me to same my family lots of money and still help other people at the same time, to me that is a win win situation.