How do I get started couponing?

Its the question I get most from friends & family: Where do I begin?. To be honest, I taught myself. I watched one episode of Extreme Couponing (and I have NOT watched it since! grr!). I decided I would first start with newspapers!

After a few trials and errors, I learned which newspapers in my area carry the best coupons. I now purchase 3 of one and 2 of another. I also subscribe to Virginia at My Coupon Hunter , who I HIGHLY recommend to anyone trying to start their coupon collection! After I clip my coupons, I put them neatly in my binder in the appropriate category. Then I just walk my favorite stores (Target, Kroger, Walgreens) and just look for the deals. I do use a few blogs (whom of which do the looking for you) to get a few ideas! (Kerry @ Totallytarget & Iheartkroger are my favs!)  Its also good to invest in a coupon or notecard divider. I found mine in the dollar section at Target. It matches my binder and is discreet. 

My binder is my world. My boyfriend laughs at it because it's pink, has a picture of us and a yorkie sign. I have plans to get a bigger one, and a less dorky one. It's my first one so of course, I have an attachment to it. If your looking for card inserts, you can find some at Walmart ($4.95 for 35), Target ($9.99 for 66), or the cheapest way, is Amazon! I found these, and plan on ordering them when I run out. They come to be $.14 each! 

I also keep my handy dandy notebook with me at ALL times, to write down deals I see online or even in the stores. I'm a sucker for zebra so of course I had to make it fun. I write down the store, the 'deal', when the sale ends (if I need to take advantage of the deal now.. or if I can wait until next week) and the coupons I need. I cross the items I purchases, mark the coupons I have.. and so on. Trust me, Its hard to remember EVERY deal you want, so this helps!

And I am excited to report, because of couponing I got to spoil myself. I bought a new Vera bag, from Vera Bradley! I purchased Happy Snails, which was a color released last week. Sad to report, I did not get to use a coupon and paid full price (eek!), but I knew it was worth it! Tis the reason why I coupon!


If you ever have any questions, PLEASE email me , facebook me , or find me on twitter! 


-Stacey