Mastering the Art of Couponing

Twenty years ago coupons were rarely ever looked at, much less used. They were included with the Sunday paper only to be tossed aside while searching for store flyers. Fast forward to June 2011 where coupons have taken on a brand new identity, changing the once negative stigma surrounding them into a hip way to save money. Beginning as newspaper inserts, then in-home mailers such as ValPak, coupons have finally and most successfully hit the internet, which has become quite popular amongst today's tech-savvy shoppers. Since not all coupons are created equal and "clipping" coupons is a time consuming deterrent, we at Savvy Student have decided to help make you a couponing guru. So, please read on for the best tips and advice to keep you at the top of your game.

In our research, we have come across several websites that discuss couponing and its money saving benefits. Couponing has become so popular that TLC even created a reality tv show on obsessive couponers called Extreme Couponing. Individuals featured on this program save hundreds of dollars at the check out with their coupons and even have the ability to donate certain goods that they purchased too many of. The key for these shoppers is to get organized and get multiples of all coupons. While TLC does not recommend this, it has apparently become common practice to steel coupon inserts from the Sunday paper, which is almost funny being that they were once considered junk mail. Luckily, you don't need to take to dumpster diving 0r coupon theft to save money. Below are some websites that we found useful to help get you the biggest bang for your buck.

According to the personal finance blog, MONEY NING it is possible to save money at the grocery store by getting extra coupons, shopping the grocery circular before your trip and by organizing all of your coupons. If you would like to see MONEY NING's other tips you can view the article in full here.

The Money Beagle says to "Keep it simple." Look online and check the Sunday paper for money saving deals. If you are doing a search online type "Amazon coupon code" or "promo code" in the search engine and see what comes up.

About.Com/Frugal Living has a beginners guide to couponing which offers great tips on locating coupons, store policies on coupons and how to get organized with your clippings.

Vastly different from the other websites listed we have come across thekrazycouponlady.com. This website offers a snapshot of the best product deals, as well as free printable coupons and a "Brag Lounge," amongst other fun couponing items.

As you take on this new challenge, be leery of spam websites. We found that several coupons were blocked by random surveys and subscriptions. But, if you do your due diligence you should be on the fast track to savings.

If there are other coupon sites that you have used and like, such as Retailmenot.com, please let us know and we will post them.

~Savvy Student