We all have to shop. Some of us hate it. Others love it. Some get all hot and sweating just walking into a store. Maybe you fall somewhere in the middle.

Before I started couponing, I was a grocery shopping hater and was overwhelemed. Our every 4-6 mega trip was so expensive and time consuming we would just start tossing things into our cart with no regard for the price or plan. Then we would get home and wonder where all the food we purchased was.

Then, in 2006, I started researching how to cut our grocery costs online and I haven’t looked back. I’m not going to lie to you – it does take time and effort. Once you get it all figured out and get a system that works for you in place, you can cut your grocery bill in half or more AND save time. With meal planning, lists, stockpiling items when they are their lowest price, you will find shopping to be a much more rewarding experience.

According to the Coupon Council 89% of shoppers USE coupons. However, those shoppers are only saving around 7%. As a “coupon freak” , I know even the average user can save more by using their coupons effectively with just a little more effort.

Again, I won’t lie to you. Don’t have unrealistic expectations to  begin with. You will mess up deals. You will forget your coupons. You will let them expire. This happens to even the hard core couponing queens. However, even with my coupon screw ups, I have more successes and savings than ever.

The 15 Days of Couponing will guide you through the art of couponing. It is a skill that you can learn and maximize to the full potential to help your family and help others. So if you are interested in cutting your grocery budget in half or more, stay tuned for tommorrow’s edition where I give you all the scoop on coupon lingo!

Day 1: We all have to shop! Why not save money while doing it?
Day 2: The Language of Couponers – Translated!
Day 3: Where Art Thou Coupons?
Day 4: Know Thy Coupon (What does that fine print mean?)
Day 5: When to Use Your Coupons
Day 6: Buy Groceries, Pay for College with Upromise eCoupons
Day 7: eCoupons the Alternate to Clipping
Day 8: Don’t Get Mad, Get a Rain Check
Day 9: Advance Your Couponing Skills with Rebates
Day 10: Stockpiling
Day 11: Organize Your Coupon Stash
Day 12: Surviving the Checkout Lane