Couponing 101

If you are new to the wide wide world of couponing... here are the first basic steps. I started a group on Facebook called The Summit Savers, look for us there. These steps were posted there but I thought I'd also include them here. Start slowly or the process is overwhelming.

STEP ONE... START buying the paper each Sunday. I buy 2 Double papers (so 4 papers), spending 6 dollars each Sunday. Work 24 dollars a month into your budget for papers. YOU WILL EARN THIS BACK.

STEP TWO... with the papers you buy, remove the inserts: Redplum, Smart source, P&G... put each week's insert collection into a folder or manila envelope. Store these in a bin or something.

STEP THREE: RINSE AND REPEAT EACH WEEK.

STEP FOUR: Check out Southernsavers.com This lists stores such as Kroger, Publix, Ingels, Bi-lo...

When you get to the site, put your mouse cursor over the store you are interested. For example, Publix. It will show a drop down list. Click on "Weekly Ad".

Then click on the current dates in blue for THIS week's ad...

Then a LONG list will appear. I love this list. It's overwhelming but wonderful. Here, the author of the site, Jenny, will tell you WHAT is on sale and WHERE to find it. Check the little boxes on the left of the things you are INTERESTED in buying. At the bottom of the long list, there is a "create my own list" and your condensed list will appear. WONDERFUL! Print this page! Use this as your guide and one by one, find the coupons it tells you will be needed per item.


STEP 5: Get familiar with the abbreviations and the couponing lingo. There are many.
ECBs= Extra Care Bucks (CVS)
RP=REDPLUM (sunday inserts)
SS= SMARTSOURCE (sunday inserts)
P/G= Proctor and Gamble (sunday inserts)

SS 1/31 for example means the coupon can be found in SS = Smart Source on Jan 31st.
RP 3/14 for example means the coupon can be found in RP= Red Plum on Mar 14th.