If you’ve had enough of your grocery bill total and landed on this post because you know something has to change, then you’re not alone. Extreme couponing started for me out of necessity, but now I do it because it kills me to overpay for things I know will be cheaper.
How could you not be curious to enter the world of extreme couponing? The promise of slashed prices and bulk buy savings makes anyone’s heart race. But as we all know, with extreme deals comes great responsibility. The key to successful couponing? Organization.
Let’s dive into the tips to organize coupons and save money together.
The Basics of Couponing
Couponing is more than just cutting out little pieces of paper. It’s an art form that requires planning, strategy, and a keen eye for deals.
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, the thrill of getting that massive discount never gets old. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love seeing that total price drop at the checkout?
If you are brand new to extreme couponing, start with this post. That gives you all the basics and everything you need to know about how to coupon.
The Benefits of Being Organized
Now, I’ll be the first to admit I wasn’t always the most organized person. But when I started couponing, I quickly realized that organization was the secret ingredient to my success.
No more expired coupons, no more missed deals, and, most importantly, no more stress!
Practical Tips and Tricks to Organize Coupons
So, how do we stay organized in the wild world of couponing?
Here are some strategies that work for me:
Apps
There are plenty of couponing apps out there that can help you keep track of your coupons and alert you when they’re about to expire. My personal favorite is Ibotta, but find one that works for you.
When it comes to staying organized, I keep all my receipts and then scan every receipt into every app available.
I recommend setting up separate folders in your email for different stores so you can easily find the coupons you need. For mobile apps, take advantage of their sorting and filtering features to keep your coupons tidy and searchable.
You can set up reminders on your phone when specific coupons are going to expire.
The best apps to use to coupon are all explained in this blog post.
Coupon Binder
This is a game-changer, folks! Having a physical binder to sort and organize coupons by category or expiration date can save you time (and money).
Couponing Schedule
Set aside a specific weekly time to review your coupons and plan your shopping trips. I find Sunday afternoons work best for me.
Most deals begin on Sunday, but there are stores where the deals start on Saturday. When starting couponing, pick one store before moving on to multiple stores so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Expiration Dates
Keep a close eye on these. There’s nothing worse than finding a great deal only to realize your coupon expired yesterday. Put all the physical coupons you have that expire first in the front of your coupon binder or pile.
Finding Coupons and Knowing When to Use Them
Your local newspaper is a goldmine for coupons, but don’t forget about online resources too. As for when to use them, try to combine your coupons with sales for maximum savings.
It’s like hitting the jackpot!- This is the key to extreme couponing.
Track Savings
Let’s talk about tracking your savings. This can be as simple or as complex as you want. I like using a spreadsheet to track my monthly savings and price matches. This also helps keep you motivated when you wonder if it’s worth to coupon for deals each week.
If you are living paycheck to paycheck learning how to extreme coupon is a smart choice especially when it comes to striving for a debt free life.
It’s a great way to see how much you’re saving and identify areas where you could save more.
Here are some categories that might be helpful:
- Date: This is crucial for tracking when you used a particular coupon and noting your coupons’ expiry dates.
- Store: It’s helpful to note down where you used the coupon. This lets you track which stores have the best deals or where specific coupons are accepted.
- Item: Writing down the exact item you bought with the coupon will help you track your savings.
- Original Price: This will give you a reference point for how much you would have spent without the coupon.
- Discounted Price: After applying the coupon, how much did you pay?
- Coupon Value: This is the value of the coupon’s discount.
- Savings: This is the difference between the original and discounted prices. It represents how much you saved by using the coupon.
- Cumulative Savings: This is a running total of all your savings. It can be very satisfying to see this number grow!
Applying What You’ve Learned
Now that you’ve got the knowledge, it’s time to put it into practice. Start small, don’t stress, and remember, every penny saved is a victory.
To inspire you, let me share a success story: My friend Sarah managed to save $200 on her monthly grocery bill through couponing. If she can do it, so can you!
So go forth, my fellow couponers, armed with your binders and apps. May the deals be ever in your favor, and remember – stay organized!