Bargain/Couponing Links and Tips

For a little while now I have been meaning to put some of this info in one place as I seem to find myself recreating it every now and then. So, today is the day I start! [it is about a week later now. I think it is finally done. It is very rambly, but I hope you can pick some nuggets out of it all. I hope you enjoy your couponing journey!]

First, the blogs I use...
I use several. Some I subscribe to via e-mail, many also have a FB page, I also have a 'favorites' folder and every couple of days I try to skim through them when I feel I have the time. The ones I am currently using are...

Adding in here - If you are just starting out I would strongly suggest only following one or two of these for starters. I believe I put them in the order of how often I use them.

The Krazy Coupon Lady - I probably use her site the most, I 'like' her on Facebook. This blog is based in ID, but most the deals still work just the same. She also seems to have the most information for 'coupon virgins'

Frugal Living NW - I often check in here if I want the local scoop. This blog is based in the Portland area. She also often posts other articles that help with the frugal living lifestyle. Also on Facebook.

A Thrifty Mom - Also based in ID. She seems to be the most complete (exhaustive?) on a regular basis.

Hip2Save - A fun site. She lets you know about good coupons to print off. Also often lets you know of good deals to get online. I also have a soft spot for her as her hubby is in the USMC. Ooh-Rah! :) Also on Facebook.

Coupon Mom - I love her data base. If I am looking for a particular coupon, this is where I head. For my area I go to the by region (Northwest) option. If I have a Wal-Mart shopping trip planned I try to head here to see what on my list there just may be coupons for.

Surviving the Stores - A new one for me. Seems to be a lot of duplicate info from my other sites. I do have this one on Facebook as well. I have gotten a couple of deals through this one that have not shown up elsewhere.

Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs - Ok, she is more a DIY paper craft site I just came across yesterday. But she mentioned shopping in McMinnville as well as going to Bible study, and over all just seems cute, so I thought I would add her to my list, just to see what she has! I mostly just keep up with her on FB.

Ok - I know there have been several tidbits I like to share with new couponers, lets see how many I can remember now. These will be given in no particular order.

• Stockpiling - This is what really makes couponing worthwhile. Figure what your need for a particular item for 3-6 months, and try to get that much. The goal is to get enough to last until the next great sale. I have been doing this with diapers with Joey, amazing how nice it is to have cheap (I should say, inexpensive, they are all Huggies) diapers waiting for me in my closet. Ok, over all I look forward to NOT having a 4+ month supply of diapers in my closet, but you know what I mean! Dennis and I regularly stockpile... cereal, salad dressing, soups (I really like Progresso) BBQ sauce, toothbrushes, deodorant and the list goes on. Last week Oatmeal was the great bargain, I spent $2.40 for 6 large canisters. Wish I had, had more of those coupons!
• Learn to shake it off - Sometimes a deal just does not work. Its all good. I know in those early days I would get quite worked up, it really is not worth it.
• Buy multiple papers - I would suggest at least 2 for everyone. Here, get the Sunday Oregonian. Dennis and I regularly get 4 papers, occasionally 6 (hence the 6 canisters of Oatmeal!)
• Give it time. When you first start try to commit to hanging in there for a particular length of time. Three months would be good. Please do not give up after your first attempt just because the store was out of toothbrushes.
• Be polite - don't clean out a store (this applies more to drug stores) of a great deal on the first day. Think of others.
• Know that a store will run out of the great deals sometimes. Get rainchecks when you can.
• You don't need to clip all your coupons! (at least not until you need them) I have a Rubbermaid-like hanging folder box, I file my coupon inserts by date, most recent to the front. I do try to clip a few coupons that I KNOW I will want to use deal or no deal. That said, I am working on a Krazy Coupon Lady style coupon binder to keep track of my loose and printed coupons. They are taking over!
• Cut yourself some slack - if you are overwhelmed with life and the idea of following through on the latest bargain makes you feel a bit queasy. Take a break. The world will not come to an end! BUT do keep buying your papers, otherwise you will kick yourself later down the road. (Trust me!)
• It is good to know that there are not always coupons in the paper holiday weekends. Check your favorite blog, or just take a peek in the paper before buying multiple copies.
• Sunday comics - multiple copies make most families happy. I also make my kids save these to wrap birthday gifts with.
• It may take a while to get your computer/printer set-up working. Took Dennis a few hours of trying things. But oh so worth it when you get there. Great coupons online. We have a b/w laser printer so toner goes quite aways. I often come across ladies complaining about the amount of (color) ink they go through. Might be wise to learn how to print your coupons in b/w. Also good to know you can print your coupons on the back of used paper you were going to toss anyway.
• I remember! (I knew I had one more) Try to pick one or two stores to do most of your couponing at. If you try to get every deal within a 30 mile radius you will drive yourself crazy! My favorites are Albertson's and Rite-Aid. They are both very friendly to couponers. I also keep my eyes open for deals at Staples (I got so much free and cheap printer paper last summer!) as well as Wal-Mart. Our Wal-Mart does not have all the great deals the others do, but if I am in the right frame of mind I will take some coupons in and see if I can get lucky. Last week, it was free Tucks, don't know if we will ever need them, but if they are free, worth having on hand. I personally will not do deals at the WalGreens here in Mac, never works. Amelia has done ok a couple times. I will do Safeway from time to time.
• Know your own frame of mind. If you are in the mood to bite someones head off, probably not the best time to be doing a deal you are not sure how it is going to go.
• One last thing - be nice to those in the stores. It does not take much for all couponers to get a bad name.
• Oh! One more last thing - cashier profiling. I did this before I even knew it had a name. Coupon deals generally go better with young guys. Otherwise just get to know your cashiers. There are a couple at Alebertson's that I will always choose to go to if they are available. I know they are on my side!