How do I get couponing?

[andrew's mom]

I have been a member here since May of last year and I am ashamed to say I have not couponed for groceries ever. I was just reading this article about the woman who is trying to live on $1 a day and in the comments portions there was a post about a woman who got paid $14 by the store on a $123 grocery bill by using coupons.
We buy groceries at a large store that has awesome prices but I never used coupons. I would like to start saving some money but where do I start? We buy a lot of fruits and veggies and we do buy some organic stuff. Someone mentioned on a thread that they have coupons mailed to them? How do you do that?
Thanks.
Mea.

[Contrary Housewife]

You can get coupons from the Sunday paper, some weekday papers in some areas, and through many web sites as well as manufacturer web sites. Just do a google search. There is software that you will need to download for a lot of the coupon programs being run. Do this with the assistance of a computer-savvy helper.

Be aware that most coupons are for pre-packaged processed and prepared foods and snacks. If you buy a lot of "whole foods" like fresh fruit and vegs, raw meat, etc you will find very few coupons you can use. And in most cases buying the store brand is still going to be cheaper on boxed/dry goods.

There is also a couponing section in the forums here where this has been discussed already, and you will find lots of answers.

[frugalwarrior2]

I have couponed on and off for years. I recently started super couponing and would be glad to help.
First go to Supercouponing in utube.
there are videos on how to organize,how to save,how to make a coupon binder and explanations for all coupon types and terms.

I like macombmoneysavers.com. It is local to my area. It will show you how to add sale+coupon+store coupons tp save about 60-75% consistantly.
This month alone I got 6 mini first aid kits,3 boxes of shells and cheese. 10 reach toothbrushes,10 reach dental floss and so many other things. It will prob. take awhile to build up to this level but I have saved more than $1000. by stockpiling w/ coupons. You can pm me w/ questions after you watch the videos.

Not all coupons are just for prepackaged junk. Manufacturers will give you rewards (catalinas) that you can buy anything in the store w/. Also Mambosprouts has natural foods coupons.

Just noticed your in Ill. are you near a Meijers??

[druthb00]

There are many regional sites (I use southernsavers as well as iheartpublix) that are run very well and have previews for upcoming Sunday paper inserts (sometimes as early as the Tuesday prior.) This allows you to decide how many papers you want to buy early on. In addition, those sites generally have the sale ads for the grocery stores in your region (Publix, Harvey's, Food Lion, & Kroger down here) at least a couple of days before the sale starts, also giving you more time to match sale + manufacturer coupon + store coupon (if your store has them.)

I'd have to agree that many coupons are for prepackaged foods like chicken nuggets, soft pretzels, potato chips and such. But there are still many good coupons for food items. Some recent ones I've used include mustard, canned tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, pasta, beans, tuna, cheese, sour cream, bread, cereal, butter, yogurt (lots of Dannon and Yopait coupons ALWAYS.) There are also many many good coupons for toiletries and cleaning supplies, which if you have a CVS in your area, can make for many free items by utilizing their program called Extra Bucks. Just match their extra bucks deals with coupons and be sure to not actualy spend more than you mean to just to get a "deal", and it can really save you some money on kitchen and bath items.

[norcalmommy]

I mainly use coupons for paper goods, toiletries, etc. For grocery coupons, I get out the things that I buy, then contact the company for coupons. That works really well. I use internet printables too. Because we are in small town, far from any city, the deals I get are limited. But I am still able to save money each week.

I like to check out hotcoupon world and moneysaving mom.

[shoiji]

I enjoy using the coupon mom website. If your grocery store is listed you may find it very helpful. I use the coupons mainly for personal care products, household items, detergent, etc. I really do not eat many processed foods.

[andrew's mom]

Thanks everyone, this helps. I usually shop at Woodman's which is in Wisconsin and right across the border from where I live. There is no tax on food so I save a bunch that way but I don't eat many processed or packaged foods. I do buy pasta, grains and organic small beans so I may peruse manufacturer's coupons for those. Thanks for the website and youtube info. I may check it out and try and get organized (which most often I am not.... :-)
Mea.