The only way to save money with coupons is to have them on hand. Here are the best ways to begin building your stash of coupons.

1. One place where I find at least half of my coupons is online. You can print them on coupon websites like www.coupons.com, www.Redplum.com, and www.smartsource.com.

   Usually, you can print two of each coupon from the same computer. If you have two computers in your house, then you can print two of each coupon from each computer!

   You have to download a coupon printer application to your computer. It is free and usually only takes a few seconds.

2. Email the companies that produce your favorite or most used products in your house.

   Companies often have contact information right on their websites. Email them or fill out a contact form telling them how much you love their products and ask to have coupons mailed to your home. Include your address to speed up the process!

3. Most companies have their own websites with coupons on them. Often times, you'll have to sign up on their page. If it is something you buy often, it can be worth it to take the time to become a member of their page.

   Major companies such at Pillsbury, Kellogg's, Hormel Foods, www.Huggies.com and others are good companies to sign up with to get coupons.

4. Another resource to find coupons is on Facebook. If you “like” your favorite products' official pages, sometimes they'll post information about printable coupons and special sales.
5. Subscribe to your local newspaper. There are ways to get Sunday only or Sunday and Wednesday subscriptions.

   Most major Sunday newspapers almost always have 2 to 3 coupon inserts in them. The will not have coupons in them on holiday weekends, however.

6. Ask friends, family, fellow church members, co-workers and neighbors for their coupons.

   Many people don't even look at coupon inserts in the newspaper because they don't want to take the time or effort to clip. If the people you know are planning to throw them away, you might as well take advantage!

7. Once you have a good stash of coupons saved, it is critical to organize them. It will be so much easier and efficient. If it becomes too hard to find your coupons and too messy, the less likely you are to use them.

   I suggest buying a small accordion file folder that can fit in your purse. If it is always in your purse, you can't forget it at home! I have one of those that I use to hold my coupons for the discount retailers.

   I also use a 3 ring binder to hold coupons for groceries. Go to a store that sells baseball card holders and use that to hold your coupons in the binder. I have mine organized by the type of products, such as "frozen", "jarred", and "perishable."

8. The best way to maximize your savings is to check all the sale ads. They usually come out for grocery stores on Tuesdays. The sales typically begin on Wednesdays.

   If you have several stores where you live, you can compare prices! I typically go to 3 stores each week. It does take more time, but that way I know what products to buy and where I can get them the cheapest.

   Some major discount retailers and grocery stores will give you an additional 5 cents off for each reusable bag you bring in the store with you. I always bring a few of them in the store with me to maximize my savings. Be sure to watch the check out person to ensure that they gave you the discount.

I hope this helps to get you started! Keep following me each week to learn more about how to maximize your savings at the store. My goal is to save my family and yours lots of money!