My Beginners Guide to Savings

You truly do not have to pay full price for everything and why would you when there is the exhilarating world of coupons?! Since I've started saving big time I've wondered more than once how I went almost my whole life paying full price for things like household goods, beauty products, and food items. My friends, I'm here to convince you couponing is well worth your time. 
Okay, so for those of you who are not convinced and have already decided you do not have any time to give to extreme couponing or any form of it, I'm hoping you can gain something from the basics I share in this post. For those who don't know where to start, but have a desire to learn, I sure hope this helps!

1. Research and Get Motivated!

Yes, right away I'm telling you not to just read MY blog. May seem weird but, I do not know all things coupon (surprise, surprise? I think not), and the couponing community is just that; a community! There are so many great blogs, YouTube channels, and websites galore that have excellent advice and content to get you started. You could even grab a friend and do this thing together! It is work but it is also fun, and doing things together I can assure you is twice the fun! 
My main source of motivation has come from some of the great couponers out there on the internet. Check out these amazing folks...

the Krazy Coupon Ladies

(my favourite website!)

Visit their site and also check out their app!

Jeff Saves with Coupons

(my favourite YouTube channel!)

Subscribe to his channel he is king of the freebies!

Clean Cut Couponing

(my favourite Couponing Queen!)

Follow her on Instagram and other social media platforms!

There are so many more! Get out there and see who inspires you most. Subscribe, follow, and shout out to the master couponers out there because they definitely love what they do and are there to help!

2. Buy Your First Paper

This is a MUST in my opinion, and here is why... 

Even if you don't commit to buying a Sunday Paper every single week and clip all the coupons out (yes, it can get a little time consuming), you should absolutely try it once. There is something about holding that paper, grabbing those inserts, skimming on through, and getting excited about the tangible savings in your hand that makes it feel a little like Christmas. Also, if you are an organization junkie this is yet another outlet to make us swoon! Two words... Coupon Binder (post to come in the future!).

I would advise that you check online for a preview of which coupon inserts will be in the paper the upcoming weekend. This helps you know which weekend has the most bang for your buck. Sometimes there are three thick inserts, sometimes there is one thin guy. We don't have to go to the store to check, just pull up that search engine, ladies and gents! You can also not only see which inserts will be in the paper but also which coupons will be in the inserts (heads up! Some coupons are regional, meaning they may not be in everyone's Sunday paper). 

These are the beautiful, modern-day miracles of the internet that makes coupon planning so much easier than people realize. Often, there are couponers that will preview coupon inserts for the upcomping Sunday on their YouTube channels and highlight the best deals for you. Yes, it just keeps getting easier!

3. What's With Rebate Apps?

Okay, apps obviously take up space on your phone and the rebate ones have so many different offers it can get a little complicated keeping up. However, the mega savings are undeniable, so I am going to suggest the best rebate app in my opinion that you should be sure to upload right now. Hey, I mean it! NOW! Sorry for shouting, but there is easy money to be saved, friends!

Ibotta is the most advanced rebate app and offers the most savings for you, I can guarantee. This app is particularly grand for those who primarily shop at Walmart. You simply shop and snap a photo of the square barcode on the bottom of your receipt and, ta-da! Savings showers bring happy days! Ha ha, so there you go! Get the app, sign up and use my referral code (nejxpre) for a cash bonus that benefits us both! Then skim that puppy for products. Activate it. Shop. Snap pics of your receipt. Make it rain! Money rain that is. A little tip: some products you can receive mobile rebates for also will have coupons floating around out there meaning double savings on items! It really is easy as pie! (I'd say easier than pie. Have you tried to bake a pie?!)

Well, that's it. Yeah, I mean it! Start there! Three simple steps.

OH! One more I almost forgot... Reach out to me! Seriously. If there are any starter points I missed or something you have a question about I'd love to help with what I can. 

Now, ready... set... GO! Just start. The only way to make it happen is to begin. That may seem obvious, but at times it can be the hardest step. That goes for far more in life than just couponing. So, please, begin. Whatever it is you face and fear, big or small, just begin. 

Sincerely, Mummy Miser