Using coupons is a great way to save additional money, and once you've got the bug, you'll never shop the same way again. All it takes is a little time, organization and planning.
Start with the Sunday paper. It's loaded with coupons almost every week.
If you buy multiple papers, make sure you're getting what you pay for. Inserts can go missing from freestanding kiosks.
Then comes organization. Use a couple of 3-ring binders full of baseball card holders, one for food and one for toiletries. They are meticulously detailed with categories and subcategories. Setup both to follow the walking order of your favorite store, making it easy for you to find the coupon you're looking for when you spot an unadvertised deal.
"I keep my little binder," said coupon user Jill White.
This concept isn't new to Jill. She grew up watching her father save this way, and says it's easier now than ever.
"Coupons are everywhere now. I'm not over the top with it at this point, but if it's there, you might as well save the money, double coupons, you can save a lot of money so at this point why not," she said.
Many think it takes too much time, but not Jill.
"Maybe a half hour on Sunday mornings and that's about it," Jill added.
The bloggers simplify the planning. They point out where the deals are and what coupons are available, including links where you can print them online.
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