It seems that TLC's Extreme Couponing is making people across the country become a little more interested in saving on their weekly grocery bill. I keep getting people asking me how they can save 95% on their grocery bill and they want to do it next Wednesday when they shop. I am here to tell you that you will NOT save that amount of money right away.
If you have not ever used coupons, or use them very little, trying to run the deals that you see others doing will do nothing but make you run with your tail between your legs and not look back. You have to start slow. Think of it like this, if you wanted to golf, you would not expect to be in the PGA Tour after one lesson, would you? Of course not. Couponing is the same way. You have to learn how to use the coupons and really save. If you try to use 45 coupons in one trip your head will be spinning and you'll run home, throw your coupons away and never pick them up again.
If you are new to couponing, you have to be taught. I recommend following some great deal sites such as www.pennypinchinmom.com, www.sarathesavvyshopper.com or www.cuttingcouponsinkc.blogspot.com. These sites can help you with what are called "coupon matchups." This is when they review the items from the weekly sales add ad at your favorite stores such at Target, Walmart, Price Chopper, etc and pair them with any coupons that are available. This is how you can save on those items you need.
Once you are comfortable redeeming a few coupons on your shopping trip, you can start working your way into drug store deals. These are where the BIG deals are found. It is nothing to be able to save 80% - 95% on your toiletries and houeshold goods at CVS or Walgreens. Yes - believe it or not - drug stores are the best places to save money. These same money saving sites can help teach you how to use these rewards programs to help you get your items for FREE.
This all will not happen in a week, or even two or three. Give yourself time to learn how to really use coupons (and do so in the right way). Eventually, you'll be a pro at using coupons and wonder WHY in the world you didn't start doing all of this sooner!!!