Quick Getting Started to Do list

*I highly recommend setting up a "coupon and deals" email account.... something you ONLY use for the deals, coupons, and freebie sign ups. Don't give them your personal account. It will get too full! ALSO, realize that every freebie you sign up for is really you selling some of your information for a freebie. Cheap for them. Make sure it is worth it to you. I get freebies in the mail all the time and love it. BUT I pass on certain freebies, especially FB ones that you have to allow access to your account, etc.. if I feel a free Power Bar is just not worth the trade for access to some of my info and friends lists, etc. Keep that in mind.

1. Get a coupon file or binder. I use a 3 ringed binder with baseball card protector sleeves and dividers so that I can see all the coupons in categories the way I want them and don't have to sift through a file every time I need a coupon. They stay neater this way too.

2. Clip your Sunday Coupons! File the ones you know you will use, hang onto most of the rest. You never know when a money maker rebate deal may come along, or you might use the coupon to get an item for free that you can give, sell, or donate later.

3. Print your coupons! Find a site you like and keep checking it for coupons you need. I like to print from coupons.com and target.com. Keep in mind that they usually print 3 to a page. It would not make much sense to print just one low value coupon and waste the rest of the paper, unless you just really need that coupon.

4. Designate up to 3 hrs a week for clipping, trimming, filing your coupons, looking at the circulars and making a plan of action of what you want to buy from what store, using what coupons. You can spend less time on this. I just find that to save $70 or more a week, it takes me 3 hrs. (My weekly grocery and necessity budget is $120 for 5 people, including a baby in diapers. And, that amount usually includes the clothes they need,any gifts, etc). I live within my budget and have nicer things now than before I started couponing. I routinely tell others I just can't afford store or off brand products. Not when I can get Olay and Gillette and Pantene for free.

5. Pick a blog or Fb page or two to follow. Search around for the one (s) that suit you best. Don't overwhelm yourself by following too many.

6.   Once you pick your favorite stores to shop and coupon in, Print out their coupon policy and carry it with you! Some cashiers just don't know the actual policy. Some managers have different policy interpretations. Having a firm official copy in hand can save a lot of time and frustration.

7.  Start slow, learn it, love it! And, share your deals with us!! :)