5 Tips For The Wannabe Couponer

I hear lots of excuses why people don't use coupons - I don't have the time, I never see coupons for what I buy, generics are cheaper...... But, if you are here, you are past the excuses, and want to get serious about saving money. The next step is knowing how to get started.

1. It's easier than it looks - Sure, there are some new things to learn, but couponing isn't rocket science, it doesn't take years to master, and everyone can save money using coupons. You just need to make the commitment to use them.

2. Read and reread- You will never master a new skill without spending some time learning the ropes. I started by reading Coupon Moms' Tutorials. Some other good resources are 15 Days of Couponing at Bargain Briana and 31 Days to a Better Grocery Budget at Money Saving Mom. Yes, the information can be overwhelming at first, so just pick one. Read and reread a little bit each day. After a few days, it will start to make sense.

3. Subscribe to, or follow on Facebook, a blog that covers your local grocery stores - Check out a few blogs that cover your area stores and pick one that fits your personality. Of course, if you are in St Louis, I would love you to follow Coupon STL. Don't worry about using coupons yet, just get the hang of what information you can find online. Some of the best information is in the comments, so don't forget to check them also.

4. Ask questions - Leave your questions in blog comment sections, on coupon forums, or email me. Couponers are the friendliest group of people I've ever been associated with. Every couponer has lots of questions starting out - don't be embarrassed to ask.

5. Buy the Sunday paper - The Sunday coupon inserts are the cheapest and easiest way to acquire a coupon stash. You'll need multiple coupons to take advantage of the best deals. One Sunday paper per person in your family, or a minimum of three, is a good rule of thumb to start with. Don't worry about clipping or using the coupons yet. Save them until you are ready to take the plunge into couponing.

I got started couponing after I saw Coupon Mom on Oprah in October 2008. She didn't look like a crazy coupon lady, and she made sense. I read more about couponing online, and within a week bought 4 Sunday papers. I've never looked back and can't make myself pay full price for consumable products.

Seasoned couponers - How did you get started couponing, and what 5 tips would you give a wannabe couponer?