Teaching my first coupon class!

We'll see how it goes. It's only for a half an hour and I doubt if I'll be able to cover everything, but I'd like to stress a few things....

The idea behind using coupons is to purchase items YOU USE at drastically lower prices than you would normally buy them at.

You cannot be brand loyal.

Shop early when there's a sale. Stores don't always stock up enough of the best sale items. Don't take it all. If the item is gone, ask for a raincheck for as many as you think you might purchase. Rainchecks normally never expire.

Be kind to the cashier. Tell them up front if you are going to make more than one transaction. If there is a line of shoppers be patient and wait for them to pay for their items before you check out.

The Sunday newspaper inserts are the best place to get your coupons.

Ask neighbors and friends if you can have their coupons. Stock pile as many as you can. If you know that the Sunday paper will have 5 or more inserts and they are usable, think about purchasing an extra paper at the drug store.

Only print out coupons if you know you are going to use that one in particular. Toner and paper are expensive and coupons, unfortunately, expire.

Shop the grocery sales, buy what's on sale and make your menu for the week with what you purchased. Keep an inventory on your fridge so you know what you have to work with.

Follow blogs like www.mycouponteacher.com. She will let you know the sales and coupons before they come out. She also matches the coupons to the stores with prices. It is unnecessary to pay for a coupon service. You can do this on your own.