Everyone wants to save money. Stores understand this, and want to take advantage of it by offering appealing deals for shopping with them. It helps stores move merchandise, and it helps shoppers like you get the best deals around. To take advantage of these deals, some shoppers use a method known as “extreme couponing.” All you have to do is keep track of when things go on sale and keep a book of coupon clippings on hand. Here’s how to do it:

1. Check the Sunday paper: The first thing you need to do is subscribe to get the local Sunday newspaper. You’ll get a better rate for selecting home delivery, and you’ll have it on your front step every week without having to travel anywhere. You can purchase a Sunday paper from a local gas station, but you run the risk of getting a paper without any coupons. Some thieves will slip all of the coupon inserts out of the paper and leave the newsprint on the rack. This is where you’re going to find the largest number of coupons. Many newspapers are also offering online and rewards coupons for being a subscriber. You can double up on your savings by registering your account online.
2. Email account for couponing: Set up a separate account for acquiring emails for couponing. Set up store accounts and shopping profiles with that email address to keep everything in one location. Have another email for personal use to keep things separate.
3. Organize: Keep a calendar or planner of when things go on sale at specific stores. Write down electronic discounts to help you remember what other coupons you have at your disposal. Keep clippings and receipts paperclipped to the page so that you have an organized book of coupons. Little pieces of paper are easy to lose, so keep them all together in one easy to find location.
4. Double up on coupons: The trick for saving the most money is by doubling up on coupons. Usually you’ll see things like, “cannot be combined with another coupon,” but there’s a catch. You can typically use a manufacturer coupons as well as a local store coupons together. You can get a BOGO sale as well as $0.75 off each by having multiple coupons from different places. Request to have other advertisements sent you like grocery periodicals, as well as the Red Plum, and P&G.
5. Rewards programs: Most stores have a rewards program. Always apply for rewards, and use their card or code to shop to accrue more points. It’s an easy way to get the most of their rewards for spending money with them.
6. Go To Several Stores: With that being said, you usually aren’t going to find all of your deals at one location. You’ll need to be willing to go to several different stores to get the best prices around. The more stores that you go to, the more rewards programs you’ll be in.
7. Don’t Be Picky On Brand: The other caveat is not being picky. To get the best prices, you’ll need to be okay with using any toothpaste brand, switching up the pasta sauce, and being flexible on what sodas you drink. Use coupons for whatever products give you the best deals, instead of worrying about what brand it is.

Extreme couponing isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a chore to stay updated on when and where things are going on sale. You have to be willing to spend more time going to other stores to find the best deals. But, if you do, you can save hundreds of dollars every year.