How to Extreme Coupon

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Money is tight. Groceries are expensive. And you want to know how to extreme coupon but don’t know where to start. Right?

No worries. I’m here to teach how to coupon for beginners in a series of posts I call “The Online Coupon Class.” Saving money with coupons is not hard, but it is nice to have someone walk you through extreme couponing step by step.

In today’s economy, saving money is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re learning how to budget your money, building your savings account, or simply wanting the most bang for your buck, extreme couponing can be a game-changer.

Gone are the days when couponing meant clipping a few cents off your grocery bill. Now, with the right strategies and dedication, you can slash your expenses and even score freebies.

In the Online Coupon Class, I will give you a personalized tour through the world of extreme couponing, one post at a time.

All along the way, I will offer tips and tricks for beginners to get started on their money-saving journey, but let’s get started with this quick overview.

Extreme Couponing Means Planning Ahead

The basics of learning to coupon is simple: Buy what you normally need using coupons while purchasing these items at the lowest price price possible.

Extreme couponing is a strategic approach to saving money by maximizing the discounts offered through coupons, promotions, and sales.

Although learning to use coupons can feel intimidating in the beginning, I promise you will soon see success in reducing your grocery expenses by using of coupons.

Just make up your mind that you ARE going to do this. Then, prepare to change the way you think about grocery shopping.

The changes you make will be difficult at first because chances are, it will go against everything you have heard and believe about going to the grocery store.

But, as you see the savings start to pile up, it will be easier to adapt to this new lifestyle.

Extreme Couponers Build a Stockpile

This is NOT magic. There are many other people out there testifying that extreme couponing does work.

And, you will find it works for you too. Just focus on combining coupons with the lowest sales price and buying in quantities to build a stockpile.

I encourage you to make a list of the most expensive items you purchase as well as the items you use most often. These will be the top priorities for your stockpile.

Where to Find Coupons

The first step in extreme couponing is to gather coupons. In my area, I cannot get newspaper inserts because we no longer have a newspaper. If you do, awesome! Collect those weekly inserts from everyone you know who gets the newspaper delivered but does not use them.

Then, find a way to organize those coupons. Many years ago, I had a binder with inserts. Some people prefer to use a coupon wallet.

But what if you do not have a newspaper?

You can find coupons in a variety of places, including magazines, online coupon sites, and even directly from manufacturers’ websites. Additionally, keep an eye out for coupons in-store, on product packaging, and in mailers.

But my favorite coupons are the digital coupons that are found inside each store’s app. No printing or organizing required. Just download the app and create an account. Then, clip away under the “savings” or “coupons” tab, depending on the store.

The coupons automatically apply when you sign in at the register using your phone number.

Extreme Coupon on the Sales Cycle

Most stores have their prices on a 6 to 8 week sales cycle; twelve weeks at the most. As you begin extreme couponing, you will begin to notice and even predict the rotation.

When you see those prices drop super low during the sales, that’s your cue to stock up. But not just a little bit – you want to grab enough stuff to last you until the next time those prices drop.

Another tip: When you start seeing coupons popping on every money-saving app for the things you need, that’s a sign that a big sale is on the horizon. But here’s the trick – don’t jump the gun and use those coupons right away.

Make note of the expiration date and wait for the perfect moment when those prices drop even lower during the sale.

Buy what you normally need using coupons while purchasing these items at the lowest price price possible.

No Impulse Shopping Allowed

You must stop buying items based on impulse. Before you even step foot in the store, think about what you need to buy.

You cannot just walk through a store, tossing items into your cart because they look good.

If you’re having trouble sticking to your list, try some tricks to keep yourself on track.

Set a budget for your trip and only bring enough money to cover what’s on your list.
Bring a friend or family member along to help keep you accountable.
Place impulse buys in the small area of the cart and walk around the store before going to the check out.
Remember your goals and consider whether that item will bring you closer or keep your goal farther away.

You are going into the store with a plan and will stick to the plan. Impulse buying can add up fast and leave you with less money for the things you really need.

RELATED: Online Coupon Class

So, the next time you’re tempted to toss something into your cart on a whim, just remember your plan, put on your imaginary horse blinders, and stay focused on what you came to buy.

Extreme Coupon at Multiple Stores

You probably have one or two places where you prefer to shop. As creatures of habit, it’s hard to get outside our normal routine. But, extreme couponers shop a multitude of places.

Why?

Different stores have different sales and promotions happening all the time. So, by checking out a few different stores, you can snag the best deals from each one.

When you shop at multiple stores, you also have more chances to save on the items you need because each store has an app with their own digital coupons.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – isn’t it a hassle to go to all these different stores?

Well, it can be a bit more work, but think of it like this: the more effort you put in, the more money you’ll save! And hey, isn’t it worth it to score some awesome deals and keep more cash in your pocket?

Just make sure to review each store’s coupon policy because they can all be different.

Stacking Coupons for Maximum Savings

One of the most powerful techniques in extreme couponing is stacking coupons.

The only way to stack coupons is by using a manufacturer coupon at the same time as a store coupon. You can tell which coupons are from the manufacturer because they are clearly marked as “manufacturer’s coupon” or have it in the fine print.

Just be sure to check the fine print on your coupons to ensure they can be stacked together.

Utilizing Rebate Apps

In addition to traditional coupons, rebate apps can help you save even more money on your purchases.

Apps like Ibotta, Shopkick, and Fetch offer cashback on select items when you upload your receipt.

Simply browse your favorite app for offers, activate the offer, make your purchase, and scan your receipt to earn cashback rewards.

Just keep in mind that some of these apps cannot be used together for the same offer. Others have marked in the fine print that you cannot redeem the offer if you have already used a coupon. So always read the fine print.

Over time, these savings can add up significantly.

How to Menu Plan While Couponing

You might be scratching your head and thinking, “What in the world do I do about planning meals?”

Well, worry not, because I’ve got some tips to help you navigate menu planning while extreme couponing like a pro!

Here’s the scoop: when it comes time to plan your meals, take a peek into your stockpile. Got some canned veggies? Check. Pasta for days? Double check. With all those pantry staples at your fingertips, you can whip up delicious meals without even breaking a sweat.

But what if you’re missing a key ingredient for your culinary masterpiece?

Just add it to your grocery list. Whether it’s fresh produce, dairy, or a fancy spice you’ve been eyeing, jot it down and add it to your shopping list.

When you head to the store to fill in those ingredient gaps, consider going for the generics. Generic brands often offer the same quality at a lower price, which means more savings for you.

Are You Ready to Extreme Coupon?

Extreme couponing is addictive, but a super fun hobby that helps you save money on groceries.

You can be a smart shopper ninja, using coupons and sales to get the best deals possible.

With a little planning and some clever tricks, you’ll be amazed at how much money you can save while still getting all the stuff you need.

So, don’t be afraid to give it a try! Start small, stick to your plan, and soon you’ll be a couponing pro. Happy saving!