Planning the system is the first step.
It will take time to perfect the system that works best for you. Extreme Couponing takes time and you will have to schedule the time around your other activities. To begin with you will need to understand that there is a method to the madness of extreme couponing. It is a system that combines the shopping list, the sales, store rewards and of course coupons.
Finding and clipping coupons can in itself be a rewarding hobby. After all it is going to save your family money on your day to day items that you buy. You will only need to clip the coupons for items that you shop for monthly. Food, beauty, laundry detergents and softeners, household goods and cleaners ect… you can find coupons on practically any product made.
Finding coupons is not that difficult if you know where to look. Newspapers, especially the Sunday paper offers a rich selection as manufactures fall all over each other to offer specials. On Sundays the major grocery stores in your area advertise their ‘in store’ specials too. You will need this information also when planning your shopping trip. Magazines like Good Housekeeping also offer a selection of good coupons.
A nice surprise when buying Sunday papers for coupons is that men don’t like the inserts. Look below the pile of Sunday papers and you may be delighted to find a big pile of coupon inserts just laying there begging to be taken home with you.
Clipping coupons does not mean you have to clip every coupon for every item offered. Unless of course, you swap coupons with neighbors or friends. Swapping coupons is quickly becoming the ‘in thing’ online with sites like http://www.couponless.com/ for coupon lovers.
Find stores in your area that double coupons. Here is a handy reference to find stores in your state: http://couponing.about.com/od/groceryzone/a/doublecoupons.htm
Stores that double coupons are the cream of the crop and make it worth the time and effort it takes to organize your shopping system. Here is an example of the savings you can earn with double coupons. The store offers an in-store special for a box of mac n cheese at $1.00. That is a 49 cent savings off the regular price. You have a coupon for .55 cents on that product. By doubling the coupon you are actually earning .10 cents per every box you purchase! Say you have clipped 10 coupons for the mac n cheese. 10 boxes at +.10 cents per box = $1.00 in your pocket.
Start slow and build up as you go.
Until you get a system in place it is best to take it slow. Your system will begin to take shape as you go. When you try to start full throttle you may find yourself spending to much on things you may not need or use. Stay focused and don’t get overwhelmed. Extreme couponing will take time and can be overwhelming if you’re not organized or focused.