I went to my first couponing class

Our local library was holding a free couponing class this week. I thought maybe I can learn a thing or two...so I went. That was 2 hrs of my time I will never get back, lol. One of these classes would have been extremely helpful when I first started. But in true me fashion I've learnt the hard way on how to do couponing. I've even went over some friends houses to teach them what I know. I pay less than a dollar on all health and beauty products that includes make-up and my cabinet of first aid. My cabinet of first aid is huge. It has every type of band-aid, gauze, wraps, heating patches, ointments, things to help with minor colds to things that help with congestion and allergies. My family gives me a symptom and I go to the cabinet (we are all in shock and awe of the cabinet).

Okay so moving on I'm going to give a few tips that I've learned that might help someone else out there:

1. Shop ahead of time not when you're out of the item. Plan, plan.
2. A coupon is most valuable when you combine it with a sale. Bonus is if an item is on clearance or if your store doubles coupons/and has a sale.
3. It's okay to have multiply transactions. Examples: Some stores have a 12 cpn. limit per transaction so at these stores I divide my items up and usually have 4 transactions., The stores that have register rewards or extra bucks (which is cpn that prints out say $4 off your next purchase) again multiple transaction so I can use them in one trip but multiply transactions.
4. I have a list ahead of time for each store and I check each product before I go to see if there is any mail in rebates for the items.
5. I enter at least one giveaway a day, and I sign up for free samples at least once a day.
6. Donate. This has become one of my favorite things.
   
7. Don't clear a shelf, be courteous. If you need multiply of a said item order it online and have it shipped to the store so you can still get the sale but not clear a shelf.
8. Just because you have a coupon doesn't mean you have to use it. Remember you're trying to save your family money not use coupons.
9. Stacking coupons is simple it is a store coupon and a manufacture coupon. A coupon will say manufacture next to the expiration date or have a store name. Example dollar general has $1 off say shampoo plus there is a manufacture coupon in Sunday's paper for $2 off the same shampoo you can use both of them to get a total of $3 off combine that with a sale you are talking pennies for shampoo.
   
10. Have fun and don't get frustrated. Every store has a coupon policy check their websites and if you are confused about something go to customer service and ask them.