First thing I think the beginner needs to know is where to start, so I am going to try to explain that first:
The first thing you need to start doing is you need to start getting a Sunday newspaper, every week (I almost always get at least 2 or 4). Don’t just get your little town’s paper, but get the largest paper in your State as possible. When we were in MI I didn’t get the Kalamazoo Gazette, I got the Detroit Free press because it had much better coupons! (YES, different papers get different coupons) Check out your papers and try to determine which paper has the best inserts. I also use a lot of Internet coupons in addition to newspaper coupons.
What I do next is I cut out all the coupons in those “inserts” out and I file mine all in a coupon binder by categories (ie. dairy, meat, frozen foods, etc.). Yes, I realize this is fairly time consuming but really it saves me a lot of stress and time while shopping, especially if I have the kids with me. There are many ways to organize your coupons and a coupon binder is just one way. If you’re interested in learning other, less time consuming ways organizing your coupons this site has some great tips. Also, utilize google…if you have a question about anything coupons just google it, I guarantee you can find the answer!
Here is my spiffy binder: not only does it hold my coupons, but my Register Rewards, catalinas, scissors, a pen, and a calculator!
I use baseball card holders to organize my coupons–you can find those just about anywhere. I think I got mine at Meijer. I also realize what you’re all thinking! “OMG, she seriously takes that whole thing in the store with her?! That’s so embarrassing!!” I do think it’s a little embarrassing so I hide mine in a huge purse and take the whole thing in! No one even knows what’s in my purse :)!
After cutting and organizing my coupons, I then sit down and go through all the websites that I use in order to find the match ups that I’m interested in. (Match ups = what’s on sale matched with current, non expired coupons) This is my #1 secret: I do NONE of the work myself. You all think I’m so smart and so good at figuring out the deals where in reality I actually do none of the work–the websites do it all. There. I feel better, now you all know :)! I’m trying to get a list together of all the websites that I use for each store and find reputable websites for the grocery stores that you guys use and I’ll get that out to you in another post.
When I determine what I want to buy I copy and paste the deal (from the website) into a word document and print that list to take when I go to the store, so I know exactly what to buy, the coupons to use and how much it should cost me when I get there. Sometimes I even get the coupons out beforehand and paperclip them to my list.
I hope that at least helps if you don’t know how to begin! Any questions so far?? I’ll try to answer all of your questions in my next post…
***Disclaimer: This is just how I do things, there are so many other ways and probably better ways, but this is what works for me!!
shelbypaulk.com 
Shelby, my favorite site is southern savers. Have you used that one yet? http://www.southernsavers.com/ On the match-up lists for the week, you can even check the little boxes next to the item and then print the list, so you don't have to copy and paste. When it prints the list, it also prints the match-ups for coupons, so it is all right there. I sometimes copy the list into a word document to rearrange the items so they are in the order I shop. I have to be super organized when I go (especially with kids) and this helps. Can't wait to see the list of the sites you use, I am always looking for good coupon sites!
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Michelle-I haven't used southernsavers, only because I just moved to WV in the past 6 weeks, so we didn't have most of those stores back in MI. I have a bunch of websites I'll post, I just have to find time to do it :)! I'll have to look into that blog more, I'm always looking for good ones too :)! You're so right about being organized, I'd say it's a huge part of using coupons!!
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I love your way of organizing your coupons. I never get more than 1 paper, but I probably should. And I've never cut out all the coupons… usually just cut out the ones for stuff we use. Why cut they all out?
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Wow, and I thought I was organized with my coupons! I didn't realized the Detroit Free Press had coupon inserts in them, and I never thought to get more than one, but it makes so much sense since I usually buy multiple items of the P&G stuff! Can't wait for the next lesson 🙂
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Thanks so much for helping us, Shelby! I can't wait for more lessons!
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Thanks Shelby! I laughed when I read your comment about being embarrassed about the binder and therefore carrying a big bag. 🙂 I can fit my coupon binder in my purse too. I occasionally see someone, out of the corner of my eye, do a double take when they see \”the binder.\” ha ha! I haven't gotten the Detroit Free Press in a while, but I will tomorrow!!!
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this is really helpful shelby! i am going to have to get a sunday paper (or two) from the grocery store and see where i can start my saving 🙂 I actually really like the idea of using a binder for your coupons.
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HEY THANKS SOOOO MUCH!!!! I am excited to get started.
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This is so great, Shelby! I'm going to be glued to your blog to get more tips from you…so far I am loving what I'm reading. Also, I missed that you guys moved to WV…where are you guys at? You're looking super cute preggers!:)
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