Top 10 Couponer Must Haves

Every job requires tools and here are my Top 10 for Couponing (’cause it isn’t a hobby- it’s a job!)

1. Organization System

A binder, whole insert method- a combination.  Find what works for you and stay on top of it!  Don’t let a week go by without filing away the coupons from that week.  Set a day a week to check for expired coupons and send them to our troops overseas.  If you go a week without being organized- it will take twice as long (or longer) to get back on track.

2. A good pair of scissors

Do not tear coupons- I’ve learned from experience it’s just not worth the risk!  Tearing through the barcode of an amazing coupon just because I was too lazy to go get my scissors was painful!

3. A good store

I know we can’t pick the stores in our neighborhoods- but if you have a choice go to the more coupon friendly store.  For example- I have 2 Food Lions.  One on either sound of town from me.  Both are about the same distance.  I will NOT go to the store on one side of town due to many couponing issues there.  They are NOT coupon friendly.  Find the more coupon friendly stores in your area and develop a relationship with the store personnel. In fact, I give my favorite store employees coupons for the weekend specials and other great deals!

4. A plan

Planning your trip before you walk into the store is vital to reducing your spending.  Walking into the store with a pile of coupons is the absolute best way to overspend.  I say this over and over but KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.  Prices may not be correct in the store’s system, something may just go wrong.  Blindly paying the amount requested at the register is one of the biggest mistakes shoppers make.  I use an excel file to create my shopping trips and it does all the math for me.

5. A computer & printer

If you are reading this- you have access to a computer- Check.  A printer (or access to one) is a must have to be the most efficient couponer.  Printable coupons are often higher value than those in the papers- for example Crystal Light has been putting out B1G1 and even $2 off coupons on their facebook page.  Don’t have a printer?  Some printable coupons have the option to have it mailed to you- click “help” on the printing screen and then “mail me the coupon”  You can print coupons from Coupons.com, Red Plum, Smart Source, & Coupon network!

6. Sunday Coupon Inserts

I get 5 newspapers delivered each week and often end up with 15-20 by the end of the week by gathering them from people who won’t use them.  I subscribe to my paper since it was actually cheaper (and safer) than picking them up in the stores.  You can see some discount subscription rates HERE.  How many newspapers you should get will depend on your family- but a minimum of 2 is important.  This way when a sale is B1G1 free- you have 2 coupons!

7. Reusable Shopping Bags

Many stores will give instant credit when you use your own shopping bag. Target gives a 5 cent credit, CVS give a 25 cents ECB for each green bag tag attached to the bag and Lowe’s Foods gives 5 cent credit for each bag.  In addition to being more environmentally friendly- it saves you money AND you won’t have 5 million plastic bags floating around!

8. Loyalty Cards

Your store loyalty card is your key to saving money!  It is what gives you the sales price.  It can also give you extras.  Some stores will toss a goodie at the bottom of your receipt so always be sure to check that too!  Many stores will also offer even more discounts if you sign up with their “e-club” or newsletters.  Check with your store or on their website.

Not just grocery stores but any store you shop- check and see if they have a store loyalty card of some sort.  If they don’t see if they have an “e-club” that will provide you exclusive coupons!

9. Room to stockpile

You do NOT need to shove all your kids into one bedroom and use the other 2 bedrooms to store soup and laundry detergent- but you do need an area to keep your stock and overflow.  I was blessed with a house that has a large utility room and a teeny tiny pantry.  So I turned the pantry into storage for appliances and the utility room into my pantry.  As strategic couponers when something goes on sale we aren’t buying just one box of cereal- we are buying six.  You will need room to store it.  Being organized is key to not having products expire.

10. A freezer

My freezer is one of my favorite couponing tools.  So many foods can be frozen to prolong their shelf life.  Buying meat in bulk is a great way to save.  I love the Zaycon chicken – waiting for them to come back to my area! Keeping ANY storage area organized is key!

And of course- one of the TOP must haves for couponers is MoolaSavingMom.com!  Let me do the leg work- and you do the saving!  Follow the deals on FaceBook, Twitter, and get our nightly email!