Steps 1 and 2 to get you on the road to saving

Step 1: Couponing takes time...but it can be fun
So yes it takes time.  I spend on average at least 30 min a day doing something coupon related.  For example this how I did my coupons two weeks ago.
SATURDAY: Spent almost 2 hours getting ready to go to Publix where I saved $128 and spent $120.  It took me longer because I was using a new website that had WAY more items that I was used to.
SUNDAY: Pulled coupons out of the paper and looked at the sale flyers. Attempted some match ups to see if I understood the concept.
MONDAY: Spent 30 min getting my lists and coupons ready for CVS and Walgreens.  Shopped CVS at lunch.  Shopped Walgreens on the way to get the kids....did great saved 30.00 and spent 10.
So if you are starting out you need to set a schedule for yourself as well.  Contrary to popular belief you don't have to get the paper to coupon... most of what I used at Publix was printed and that is part of what takes time is printing the coupons.  Coupon sites put out new ones almost every day which is why you have to check them everyday.


Step 2: Be organized. When I first started this I didn't have a coupon binder or coupon holder at all.  I just had coupons in envelopes.  That made my time getting ready for a shop MUCH LONGER.  So after a week I went to WalMart and got a binder like all the ladies I was watching on YouTube.  IT IS A LIFE SAVER.  There are two huge benefits to the binder.  1. Everything is organized which makes it easy to find. 2. This one may just be me but when I am filing my coupons and I see them I tend to remember that I have them.  I have found that I can get 100 coupons on eBay for .99 and if I sort those 100 to file there is a good chance that I will remember that I have a product when it comes up on my list. 
Not only do I organize my binder but I organize my shops.  I have an envelope for every store that I am going to shop.  In my CVS envelope I keep my ECBs and my green tag as well as any coupons that I get when I scan my card in the store.  In my Walgreens one I keep my Register Rewards.  Once a shop is done I then take my receipt and I put it in my receipt envelope just in case I need it for something later on.  Being organized is a HUGE part of being a good couponer.  What I do may not work for anyone but me but I have been asked so there you have it!!!!