{Introduction}

I have only recently been in the couponing game, but I have come to realize very quickly that it is a difficult skill to know how to do. However, that does not last long. Once you understand how it works, it becomes second hand. When I first started, I wanted to go out and grab every single deal available to me. However, this quickly became a lot to deal with since I was in school full time and working part time. Some days I wish I could just live a "stay at home mom" lifestyle (without the mom part right now!) and be able to dedicate a good amount of my time to couponing. I realize that may sound crazy, but it's honestly how I feel. Maybe the future will lead me down that path. I truly enjoy couponing and I hope that this blog will help offer some insight into saving money and maybe even inspire you to coupon! :]


I have only been couponing for four months now. I started at the beginning of January 2012. Something switched on and in my head and it was like, "I want to start couponing." Usually when something like this happens, I throw myself into whatever it is completely, and this was no different. Yes, I had seen the crazy 'Extreme Couponing' show on TLC and was baffled by how a small, simple sheet of paper cut from a newspaper I had never really paid any attention to could save a person such a significant amount of money on groceries. And being able to get items for free? FOR FREE? Really? It was absolutely mind blowing, and I wanted to get in on it. 


From watching the show, I knew I needed to buy: a) Sunday newspapers and b) a binder to keep all those money saving pieces of paper in. I am someone who researches everything before committing to buying it (thanks, Grandpa<3) and even something as small as a purchase of a binder was included in that scrutiny. I wanted to make sure that I was going to be obtaining the right materials in order to be completely successful with my new adventure of couponing. From what I found out, getting a zipper binder was one of the many routes you could take in regards to organizing your coupons. Although it is highly recommended you play around see what is best for you. I like to organize my binder by category. Others like to organize their system by expiration date. It all depends on who you are as a person and what suits you as a person! Do not be afraid to try several different options until you find the route that is right for you! :]


I realize that there are several (okay, more than several) blogs out there that relate to couponing, but a few people that I know have asked me how I go about couponing and are interested in trying it for themselves. If you decide to take on this adventure, start small! Any savings = a good thing! Do not become distressed if you are not seeing the 50% or more savings on your first few shopping trips. Once you become more used to couponing, you will start to see your savings increase. Some people go all out and try to grab deals from every store. Others pick two or three and stay with those. Whatever route you plan to take, just keep focused and stay the course.


I'm happy to share what I know and what I have learned in my journey to never pay full retail price for anything ever again! Remember: any savings is good!