Whether you’re a coupon novice just dipping your toe or a full-time coupon clipper, couponing is a terrific and easy way to save your hard-earned cash.

WHERE TO FIND COUPONS

Sunday Newspaper. Not all coupon inserts are created equal. Larger newspapers tend to have more coupons, and the types of coupons can vary from region-to-region. Think about subscribing to more than one newspaper to get the best selection and best deals.

Online Coupons. Printable online coupons can be found all over the Internet, from the merchant’s direct website to Online Coupon sites like RetailMeNot.com, CouponCabin.com, SmartSource.com or TheKrazyCouponLady.com. Make sure to stock up on ink and computer paper!

Store Coupons. Oftentimes, these are given to you at checkout for use on your next visit.

Mobile Coupons – download free SmartPhone apps like GeoQpons, Coupon Sherpa or A Full Cup to get access to coupons right on your phone!

On Packaging. Referred as “peelies” in the Couponing World, these coupons are attached to the actual product. Manufacturers offer these in hopes that you’ll buy their product over their competitor’s sitting on the same shelf.

Loyalty Programs. Many companies have membership cards or “frequent buyer” programs, where customers are given access to special discounts and coupons. Signing up is usually free!

NOW THAT YOU HAVE THE COUPONS, WHAT DO YOU DO NEXT?

Stack Coupons. Some stores will let you stack store coupons with manufacturer’s discounts.

Double Coupons. Some stores will double (or even triple!) your coupon up to a certain dollar amount or up to a maximum quantity.

Be Competitive. Sometimes competitor coupons will be honored. It never hurts to try!

Learn Sales Cycles. Use your coupon when the product is at its lowest price.

Be Flexible. Are you tied to certain brands? Ditch the brand loyalty when coupons are offered from different manufacturers.

Double Check. Check receipt to make sure that the cashier included all the coupons.

GET ORGANIZED!

Think Ahead. Set aside space in your pantry and stockpile non-perishables. Get creative with freezing foods. Stock up on products with a long shelf life: shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste.

Make a List. Let your coupons – not your regular grocery list – be your guide. Make meals based on what foods have coupons.

Use a Filing System. Keep track of all your coupons in an accordion file or in clear binder inserts. Organize coupons
by category, alphabetically by brand, by expiration date, etc. Purge any expired coupons.

GET INSPIRED!

Extreme Couponing. Check out the TLC Network television show Extreme Couponing. These folks have clearly taken couponing to the next level. Click here for the television programming schedule.

Donate. Did you buy more than you need? Consider donating any excess items to charity or to your local food bank.

HOW CAN YOU SAVE EVEN MORE?

Buy discounted gift cards from Plastic Jungle! As the web’s largest gift card exchange, you can save up to 35% on from over 400 merchants. Shipping is free and all transactions are guaranteed.

Written by Amanda Grossman author of Frugal Confessions

Arguably, the best way to stick to your normal budget during the holidays is to have diligently planned ahead, and to have bought most of your gifts, food items, and decorations throughout the year instead of waiting until the holiday season is here.

Don’t worry; there is no judgment here. We are not all Martha Stewarts, and sometimes planning way in advance actually takes the fun out of what is supposed to be the most emotionally satisfying time of the year. So how can you stick to your budget now that you’ve waited until the holiday season is knocking down your door?

Here are some tips to get you started.

Purchase Loss Leaders

Loss leaders, or products that stores will actually lose money on in order to attract customers into their stores, are not just found at the grocery market. During the holiday season you can cherry pick extra special promotions in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Make sure to only purchase these products (and read the fine print of ads, as a few stores say you can only purchase the product if you spend a certain amount of money with the purchase). By cherry picking from several different stores, you are bound to save a decent amount of money.

Grab a Cup of Hot Joe or Tea and Partake in Black Friday

There is a reason why millions of people come out of their turkey-comas in the wee hours after Thanksgiving, disheveled and dressed in layers: the sales just cannot be beat. If you are looking to do a large amount of holiday shopping with a very small budget, then Black Friday is for you. Purchase a newspaper on Thanksgiving Day, and check out online websites that list Black Friday Deals ahead of time. Sit down that Thursday night to print out coupons, gather up your gift cards (see below), make a list, and set your plan of attack for the next day. You might find yourself extremely tired by mid-day Friday, but you will have saved a load of money.

Layer Your Deals to Increase Discounts

An easy way to get a discount on everything you purchase this holiday season from groceries, to gifts is to purchase fee-free gift cards at a discount. Let’s say you have children and know that you will spend $75 at Sears this year. Purchase a $50 and $25 gift card to Sears from Plastic Jungle at a discount of 10%, and you’ve just saved 10% on your holiday shopping. Add in store sales, promotions, and manufacturer’s coupons on top of this, and you could be looking at over 30% savings! If you used this strategy for Black Friday, your savings could be even higher.

Between now and Christmas, I will be updating Frugal Confessions with a new great Amazon.com deal each week, so check out my blog for some great deals!

And remember, it truly is the thought that counts. If your thoughts are going to be filled with buyer’s remorse three months into the New Year, then you need to reevaluate your priorities and enjoy the season for what it is, whether that is celebrating your religion, or showing the ones you cherish the most how important they are to you.