A Simple "here's what I've learned so far"

[Poochie]

A place where people could input their "lessons learned" from couponing so far. Great ideas and tips! It could range from anything to how you coupon, things you found out ("lightbulb moments"). Something real simple and short--"bullet format". People could obviously input more than one thing (we do have alot of master and veteran shoppers out there!).

Ex:
1. Align all similar newspaper pages together before cutting to save time
2. Buy your bigger cities newspapers to get the most coupons
3. And so on......(tips could even deal with specific stores too!)

[DeniseD]

That's a good idea Poochie.

[gatherer]

1. Know prices of the items you buy, especially know the prices at the least expensive store in your area.
2. Keep records
3. Make time to sit with all the circulars, the computer, and your coupons, and make lists for each of the stores you frequent.
4. Be organized
5. Bring a calculator, pencil, and scrap paper to the store
6. Know that prices vary. Even at the most expensive store, there will be advertised specials that make it worth a trip.
7. buying larger size is *not* always the cheaper way to go!
8. At the end of the month, if you can, put the amount you've saved into an account for retirement, college, emergencies, etc...
9. It does take time, and a bit of "practice" to get into a groove with this.
10. If you can get a free or really good deal on an extra freezer, take it!

[savvysaver77]

7. buying larger size is *not* always the cheaper way to go!

this is a great list, and # 7 especially! you need to be aware to focus on price per ounce/item/pound etc. in combination with your coupon to understand this method best and have it work for you.

[simplify]

Great idea - and good tip, too, Poochie (#1). Just learned this the hard way last week!

[mis140]

things I've learned so far...let's see...besides all the great stuff previously mentioned, I have learned that I am addicted to couponing, this website and free stuff!! lol!!

[simplify]

I hear ya!

[tdrshopping]

Glance through the coupon inserts on Sunday before rushing to buy multiple copies. There are some weeks with lame coupons that wind up costing more out of pocket than the coupon savings inside using multiple q's

[shoppingsnyder]

1. To open your mind to alternative places to shop. Prior to couponing I was spending my grocery budget at (60%) Wal-Mart and (40%) COSTCO. Now I spend my budget equally across seven different stores including CVS and Walgreens.
2. That is takes awhile to grow a stockpile. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is a good stockpile.
3. That it takes work to be a good "professional shopper." If it was easy, everyone would do it.