Oh my......

[bowersgirl2001]

Ok I have been gathering coupon's for about a month now and I am ready to dive in, BUT I am OVERWHELMED!!! I have read the ebooks, read posts on here, looked at my store's deals, looked at sales papers, etc.......INFORMATION OVERLOAD! I feel like I am back at square one, only now I have a bunch of coupons. I just can't seem to figure out how to use them for the best deal, and don't even get me started on trying to figure the Rite-Aid and Walgreens stuff! I really want this to work, but am getting frustrated! Any advice, strategies, game plans or just help in general would be appreciated!

[determinedtosave]

Hi and Welcome!

It can be very overwhelming in the beginning when you are surrounded by coupons and don't know how to use them for the best deals.

My advice is to start reading the threads for the stores you shop. People will post their deals and you can basically make a shopping list off of other people's posts. Also, on the CM website you can choose your store and it will display a list of the weekly sales and what coupons to use, where to find them, how many to buy, total cost, etc. You can find links to that in the threads for those specific stores or just go to the CM website!

It won't take long to get the hang of it! Once you do, it's sooo much fun!!

[AlInAz]

Pick either CVS/Walgreen's OR grocery store to focus on at first.
When you feel more comfortable with Qs, then add some small drug store trips.
I agree that you should read the posts for the store you will be visiting prior to going. Watch what the pros are buying. Maybe you can duplicate their successes.
Don't think you have to get every deal and hit all the stores every week. I rarely go anywhere except CVS and Fry's (Kroger's).
Don't worry about "missing" out on the deals. Take a deep breath and say to yourself "There will be great deals next week! And the next. And the next."
Also, in the beginning, you may not see huge savings, but you'll probably notice that you're bringing home way more stuff than you used to.

Soon you'll be getting FREEBIES and a nice stockpile, too. And grinning all the way to the bank.

Allison

[katiegillam]

Don't feel bad Bowersgirl2001. I am in the same boat. I think that I have figured it out and know what I am doing but apparently I don't. Seems like everytime I get up to the register something is wrong with the coupon. I have thought about quiting too but we have to hang in there. I know it will pay off in the long run. Take Care.

[r2short]

Hi and welcome! I agree with everyone, please don't give up. And do read what others are doing on the forum, and if you don't understand...don't hesitate to ask. I also agree to start small...do small trips at first, so that you can concentrate on the few items at hand...instead of a cart full. I also write down my plan so that I don't get confused or sidetracked. Don't be to hard on yourself, it's a learning experience and you will get the hang of it as you go along. Happy savings to you

[g&g'smomma]

Welcome! The best advice I can give is to just get out there! Your oop (out of pocket) won't be as great in the begining but as time goes by and more trips have been made you will soon notice your progression as a "couponer"! And, yes, read the blogs about our fellow couponer's trips. They are going to be your biggest tool! We are all here for each other, right? Good luck!

[seawulf71]

Originally Posted by AlInAz

Pick either CVS/Walgreen's OR grocery store to focus on at first.
When you feel more comfortable with Qs, then add some small drug store trips.

Allison

Couldn't have said this better myself.

I focused on saving money at my Kroger first. Soon after I was going to Kroger and Marsh. Now I hit only the best deals each week and shop Kroger, Marsh, Meijer, and tonite Kmart. It gets much easier. Keep at it.