- 1). Create a coupon plan and routine. In 2011, MSNBC Money interviewed a coupon clipping mom from TLC's "Extreme Couponing" who averaged about three hours a week couponing. For a busy adult, three hours is a large time commitment. Make a weekly schedule so that you can develop a routine. The largest cost in couponing is time and the biggest benefit is savings. Your planning should also include a method for tracking how much time you are spending and how much savings you are finding. It will either motivate you or help you realize if couponing is right for you.
- 2). Learn where to find coupons. It is likely that your mailbox is filled with coupons from store mailers, but there are a number of other ways to obtain a useful collection of coupons. Make a habit of searching your favorite brand's website as many manufacturers offer online coupons. If you are having trouble finding coupons for the items your regularly buy, try sending the manufacturer an email expressing interest in their products. Companies will often mail back coupons. Social networking sites like Facebook are also becoming common mediums for companies to distribute coupons.
- 3). Organize your coupons to save time and money. There is no single way to effectively manage your coupons. Pick a system that works best for you. If you like to use software, try making a database or spreadsheet. File folders organized by grocery aisle is also a useful method. Just remember your system should keep track of the coupon's expiration and conditions.
- 4). Utilize coupon strategies to maximize your savings. To maximize savings, coupon clippers pair their coupons for maximum savings. Some strategies include timing the use of coupons when the specified products are on sale, matching manufacturer coupons with store coupons and taking advantage of special store deals like doubling and tripling coupon values.