Brand New at This--Confused/Overwhelmed

[jamiety]

So, I purchased a coupon organizer & I have been saving a ton a money--I think?...that's what the store's coupons tell me. Then, I see ladys like the one that were on Good Morning America this morning & the one I ran into at Walgreens the other day...and I feel like I'm not doing very well at all.

For example, a $270 grocery bill cut in half by clipping and matches with ads...but ladies are paying next to nothing and even getting credits.

I have all the ads in paper copies & on-line, but then I get confused with how to remember all of what everyone has AND match them with coupons.

Also, I have like ten different coupon sites but am I just looking at all the same coupons over and over...I don't have a clue.

HELP, HELP!! I want to be just like you ladies & am desperately trying to gain some headway but I'm about to give up.

What are tags??? What are trackbacks???? How do you do this huge money saving phenomenon, please help???

[Kristinemomof3]

I just wanted to say Welcome from Indiana. Take a deep breath, slow down, relax....we all didn't become expert couponers overnight, but with patience, practice & time, it's easy and fun to learn. I am not sure about a tag & trackback but just wanted to say welcome.

Kristine

[floridaclipper]

Hello and welcome Learning takes time. It can be overwhelming to try and learn all the different policies at different stores. Reading the forums and copying deals is an easy way to start. Try and master one store at a time. Each week you'll see increased savings and lower out of pocket expense if you stick with it. Everyone is very friendly here so ask questions when you need help. Someone here will have the answer.

[Magnolia]

I also want to welcome you!! I believe I could coupon till the day I die & never do as good as the lady on GMA!! I'm like the others just slow down & it will get easier & better! I know there are people out there that save more than I do,but I'm just glad to be saving what I am!!!

[PattyCake]

Hi and another welcome from Indiana! I have been at this for years and sometimes I still feel it is mind boggling! I sometimes write the name of the store on a piece of paper and then write down what I want there. Most of us do multiple stores and drugstores so we all have that overwhelming feeling from time to time. Don't give up and check in on this forum everyday to see what the rest of us are up to. Good luck!!!

[jojoshort]

Don't forget that she might spend her whole week, planning/clipping/scouring/running around. And wherever she is getting her q's, well, that has to cost her something, right? Either the price of a paper, or stamps to trade, or clipping service...

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that she's an "extreme" couponer. Most of us have a level we're comfortable with. Heck, I'm a part-timer myself and I'm happy saving 50% on my grocery bill. Better than a sharp stick in the eye!

[AlInAz]

Welcome from Arizona!

Breathe!
Download and read Stephanie's ebooks. Reread them. Start tracking prices.
Focus on groceries OR drug stores first until you feel more comfortable.
Try not to compare yourself with any others. Your savings will be different due to what you buy, the stores you have available, how expensive products are in your area of the country.

Give yourself time to learn. Expect to make mistakes, miss out on deals, forget to bring your coupons, etc. We ALL do that at times. It does get easier.

Check the forum for what the experts are buying at the stores you will be visiting before you head out the door. Never hesitate to ask questions here. Use the search function to read older threads.

Come to us for encouragement, hugs, pats on the back, high fives. Repeat as needed!
Allison