So Many Coupons!!!

1. First you will have to collect or print off the coupons. Kinda obvious, huh. If you don't have any coupons saved up, then print some off from the links. You can also visit blogs such as The Frugal Housewife's Coupon Database for a Coupon Database that is searchable and tells you where to find coupons and their expiration date.

2. It's always been easier for me to go ahead and cut them out and put them into categories. Some people get coupon filing album or pouches. I use envelopes and label them. Whichever works for you.

3. Make your grocery list and use the sales circulars with your coupons. Some stores will match other stores sales cirulars. This will save gas by not having to drive all over town.

4. Get a CVS Extra Care card and start earning Extra Bucks. By watching the circulars and using coupons, many items can be greatly reduced and even free.

Have any more good couponing tips. Let us hear about them. Please sign the guestbook below!!!

Once you start collecting your coupons, you want to get the best bang for your buck when using them. You can save money by combining coupons with ECB at CVS, Register Rewards at Walgreens, and UP Rewards at Rite-Aid.

1. Watch the sales circulars for the ads that feature the ECB, RR & UP.
2. Combine coupons with the sales that offer the ECB, RR & UP.
3. Split your items into multiple purchases to maximize the ECB, RR & UP.
4. Buy multiple sales items with coupons. Stocking up when items are on sale is a great way to maximize your savings.
5. Be sure to pick a time of day to shop when the stores aren't packed. This way when splitting your items into multiple purchases you don't create a big line and possibly ruin your shopping trip by angry shoppers behind you in line.

Is there ever a time when using a coupon is not a good thing? The answer is absolutely yes!!! Some storebrands or "generics" are just as good as the "real" thing. Sometimes you can save more money by buying the "generic" or store brand of a product instead of using a manufacturer's coupon.

One tip -- If you are going to use a "generic" or "storebrand" they may not be the same quality as the name brand.

Living a frugal life is not all doom and gloom. Sacrifices are made in living a frugal lifestyle. There is no one set rule for living a frugal lifestyle. It is different to each person. To one person it may mean never going out to eat. To another it may mean going out to eat one time a week.

Frugal living involves setting goals, making some tough decisions, saving money, and becoming debt free.

There is a wealth of information out there on frugal living. Check out some of the sites below.