Pacific Debt Relief Program

Confessions Of A Novice Couponer

Feb 04, 2012

Last Updated: October 13, 2023


A Novice Couponer's Real-World Experience

A Novice Couponer's Real-World Experience

Have you ever wondered if clipping coupons could pay off? Recently a colleague in my office volunteered to share her experience with me on using coupons. The busy manager, wife, and mother said she didn’t have a lot of time to organize her shopping but wondered if she could make a dent in her monthly budget then get debt help, and even explore if she could negotiate her own debt settlement just by using the coupons that came in her weekly newspaper.


Sally was inspired to try couponing after watching an episode of the TLC hit show ‘Extreme Couponing.’ “The people on that show are clearly extreme,” explained Sally. “Most of the people on the show make it a priority and are obsessed with saving and couponing.”


I told Sally that I would follow her story to see if she could be successful on a smaller scale. Sally resolved to set her first goal – dedicating time to consider her monthly grocery expenditures. She also knew that she buys a lot of the same things week after week.


“When I took a good look at my usual routine, I noticed a pattern in my buying,” said Sally. “I saw that most of what I purchased each week included necessities like diapers, paper towels, milk, and cereal. This inspired me to set my next goal which was to clip coupons that pertained to necessities I already buy and use often. Sally, who is expecting another baby, also had a goal of creating a “mini-stock pile” for her family; she said this would help reduce her “emergency” runs to the grocery store.”


Setting Couponing Goals


To start she made sure she paid attention to the newspaper circulars. She also considered in-store promotions, such as Buy-One-Get-One specials, and combined them with coupons when possible. “It has made a difference in my budget so far,” said Sally, a self-professed coupon novice. “With 10-15 minutes a day and a bit of planning, before I shopped, I saved a little over $100 my first month.


Budgeting Tips


Budgeting is key to successful couponing. Here are some tips to maximize savings:

  • Use a budgeting app to track expenses. This will help identify spending habits and areas to cut back.
  • Set a realistic grocery budget based on your household's needs. Factor in savings from coupons and stick to your allotment.
  • Look for ways to reduce non-essential costs like dining out. Redirect those funds to pay off debt faster.
  • Automate bill payments and savings to reduce the temptation to overspend.

Saving Strategies


“I was a little nervous that I would end up spending more than usual, which I did on some weeks, but I can already see how it will benefit me in the long run when I’m busy with a new baby. It’s a debt relief when my husband tells me we are out of something, and I can tell him to go to the basement “stockpile” to get more, instead of one of us jumping in the car.”


Sally revealed that other goals, such as planning meals ahead of time and focusing on the necessary ingredients, help her refrain from clipping coupons on things she may not need just for savings' sake.


Meal Planning Strategies

Meal Planning Strategies

Planning affordable meals ahead of time can make couponing easier:

  • Review circulars and construct a monthly meal plan around what's on sale and what coupons are available.
  • Cook larger batches and freeze portions to reduce trips needed to the grocery store.
  • Incorporate more meatless meals into your meal plan to save money. Meat is often a high-cost item.

Online Couponing Strategies


The Internet opens up new couponing opportunities:

  • Install browser extensions to automatically apply coupons at checkout.
  • Check sites like RetailMeNot before purchasing anything online.
  • Follow brands on social media for giveaways and coupon codes.
  • Sign up for newsletters and create brand site accounts for exclusive coupon offers.


“Taking a small step to consider what I buy has changed the way I think about my finances,” she remarked. “I’ve also become more organized. Having a plan helps me feel more confident about my buying decisions and my budget.”


Looking Ahead


Sally's next goal is to see if she can save even more for debt help by utilizing online coupons or by obtaining specific coupons for specialty products, such as organic foods.


FAQs

  • How much time does couponing take?

    Expect to spend at least an hour a week organizing coupons, researching deals, and planning shopping trips and meals. Being organized and strategic with your time makes couponing manageable.

  • Is couponing really worth it?

    Couponing saves the average family $50-100 per month. For some extreme couponers, monthly savings can reach hundreds of dollars. Even smaller discounts add up over time.

  • Where can I find coupons?

    Newspaper inserts, websites, apps, social media, and direct mailers are all sources of printable and digital coupons. Check your grocery store's website for e-coupons too.

  • How many newspapers should I buy?

    One Sunday newspaper is enough for most casual couponers. Buying multiple papers provides more coupon inserts but has diminishing returns.

  • Can I use a manufacturer and store coupon together?

    You can typically "stack" a store and manufacturer coupon. Make sure to check your grocery store's specific coupon policies.

  • What should I do if a coupon doesn't scan?

    Politely ask the cashier to enter the coupon manually or call a manager over to assist you. Being friendly goes a long way!

Conclusion


Couponing can seem daunting, but as Sally discovered, it does not require extreme dedication to start saving. With consistent effort, beginner couponers can easily save $50 or more per month. Setting realistic goals, staying organized, planning ahead, and utilizing all available coupon sources sets you up for success. 


Remember to stick to your grocery budget and shop intentionally even with coupons in hand. Implementing even a few of these couponing best practices will put extra money back in your wallet. With the extra savings, you can pay down debt, grow your emergency fund, or purchase family necessities. Give couponing a try - with a little time and focus, you'll be on your way to savings.



If you are struggling with overwhelming debt and want to explore your debt relief options, Pacific Debt Relief offers a free consultation to assess your financial situation. Our debt specialists can provide objective guidance relevant information and support to help find the right debt relief solution.

Are you ready for debt relief help now?

Get Free Consultation
A group of people are looking at a tablet using The Best Personal Finance Software for 2024
By Jason Guadayo 27 Mar, 2024
Discover how these powerful tools can help you take control of your finances, save money, and make informed decisions about your financial future.
A group of people pushing a ball of money represents the idea of Using the Debt Snowball Method
By Jason Guadayo 20 Mar, 2024
Learn the step-by-step process of the debt snowball method to melt away debt. Discover its pros, cons, and success stories to achieve financial freedom.
 A woman holding a credit card emphasizes the idea of What Happens If You Stop Paying Credit Card?
By Jason Guadayo 19 Mar, 2024
Learn the consequences of not paying credit cards and discover options for managing debt and rebuilding credit with Pacific Debt Relief's comprehensive guide.
A man covering his face with papers under a warning sign about Debt Addiction and How to Overcome It
By Jason Guadayo 07 Mar, 2024
Learn to recognize the warning signs of debt addiction and discover practical strategies for overcoming it. Our comprehensive guide provides resources, support, and expert advice to help you break free from the cycle of debt and rebuild your financial health.
A sign that says fraud alert emphasizes What To Do If You Fall Victim To Credit Card Fraud
By Jason Guadayo 28 Feb, 2024
Discovering credit card fraud is alarming, but swift action is crucial. Learn how to report and remove debt fraud.
A yellow sign that says Beware of zombie debt emphasizes What is Zombie Debt.
By Jason Guadayo 21 Feb, 2024
Learn about zombie debt and how to handle aggressive debt collectors pursuing old, legally discharged debts.
Man Raising his hands on the Beach Walkway gaining debt freedom, a Pacific Debt Relief Review
By Jason Guadayo 14 Feb, 2024
Abram was drowning in over $35K of debt for 10 exhausting years until he discovered Pacific Debt Relief. Read his inspiring story of how Pacific Debt changed his family's financial life forever.
How to file taxes as a new homeowner.
By Jason Guadayo 13 Feb, 2024
Maximize tax benefits as a new homeowner. Explore deductions and tips for itemizing, mortgage interest, property tax, and capital gains.
A city skyline with a credit score on it, emphasizing the idea of will debt would ruin my credit.
By Jason Guadayo 06 Feb, 2024
Discover how debt relief affects credit scores and explore recovery strategies in this comprehensive guide.
A judge's gavel on a chalkboard with the words student loan debt forgiveness written on it.
By Jason Guadayo 23 Jan, 2024
Uncover California's stance on taxing forgiven federal student loans. Get advice on preparing and estimating potential tax implications.
More Posts
Share by: