How to Use Coupons: Part 1

One thing I hear quite often from family and friends is, “I don’t have the time to cut coupons.”  Then I ask them, “Do you have time to save money?”

One of main reasons I started using coupons was because money was so tight back at the beginning of 2011.  We had been real estate investors and the crash took basically all the extra money we had saved up.  So, until the rest of the bills were paid off, I had to make some cuts some where.  We were working part time jobs and living on Glenn’s retirement.  Saving money in other areas of our life was our only choice.

The Lord was very gracious in 2011 and now I can say in a few more months,  we will only have a mortgage and extra money at the end of every month!!  

If you are serious about cutting your grocery bills in 1/2 or more, then cutting coupons is a great solution.  I saved over $4800 in 2011 from 2010 and all because I used coupons.  And this is for a family of 2.  Can you imagine how much you save with a larger family?

First thing you will have to do is “Find Coupons”

You might be lucky and have a way of getting Sunday paper inserts from family or friends or you might even enjoy dumpster diving.  I do receive a few coupons inserts from friends and family, but not enough for my family.  You will also be able to print out coupons online which will add to your collection each week.

NOTE:  I will be basing my information on a family of 2.  You will have to add more for your family.

After using coupons for a while, I realized that I need 2 sets of coupon inserts per person. (This works great on the Buy 1, Get 1 free sales)  So, I will need 4 Sunday papers for our family.  I actually pay for 3 Sunday newspapers each week and have them delivered to my home.  I pay about $70.00 every quarter for them which costs about $280.00 a year.  Please understand that I get that money back plus much more in the end and so will you.   UPDATE:  My husband took on a part time job where the Sunday newspaper is delivered and he is able to bring home 3 sets of coupons each week.  So, I have stopped the delivery service to my home.

I know your next question is:  Why do you only buy 3 sets of newspapers when you said you needed 2 sets per person?  I get one set from my mom and that makes a total of 4. 

One of the next things you will need to do was to find the best deals on newspapers.  The place where I found my best deal when I first started was at Subscription-Offers.com. When you land on the page, click on Newspapers, then look to the right and click on your state to find the best deals in your area. In my area, they offer Publix gift cards with your order.  If you are able to choose different papers, ask around and see which one gives the best value coupons.  Also remember coupons are very regional and will make a difference on which ones you receive every week.

Sometimes the newspaper’s website will offer even a much better deal.  So be sure to check out all options.

If you can get all your newspapers from family and friends, you are already saving!!