Extreme couponing for people without a TV crew

Saving $1 here or there was just not enough after I watched the hardcore couponers on TLC’s Extreme Couponing. But the tactics on the show are not realistic, especially here in NY. Many of the supermarkets change the rules in exchange for being promoted on the show. North Carolina chain Lowe’s even publicly regretted participating in the show. So, can you have major savings when going to the “extreme” is not possible? Yes! I got so good at it my friends and family started calling me the “Coupon Queen,” and I will be sharing my tips in my upcoming coupon class Nov. 12 in Windsor Terrace.

What kind of savings are we talking about? My most recent “extreme” trip netted $101 worth of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, makeup and chocolate for just $18.86! I’ll give you a sneak preview of how I do it here.

Get The Good OldNewspaper

The Sunday paper is still one of the best ways to get coupons. Buy three or four newspapers to get more of the coupons you need. More coupons = more savings.Combine these coupons with store coupons and weekly sales to maximize your oh so precious savings.

Social Media Can SaveYou $$$

Facebook is not just for clicking through your friends’pictures. Follow your favorite products and brands on Facebook. Many of them offer coupons for free products or high-dollar-value coupons. I received a $5 coupon from Bounty over the summer. I combined that coupon with a store sale to get a large pack of paper towels to get them super cheap. I’ve also gotten coupons for free products from Suave, Pantene, Herbal Essences and many more, just through Facebook! They are often offered on Fridays, and they have a limited amount available, so you have to be quick! These companies also mail the coupons, so you don’t have to use your printer’s ink!

Barter with friends

If you have coupons for diapers, but don’t have a child, pass them along to one of your friends who does. Ask them to put coupons for whatever you need to the side. Trading coupons is a great way to help your friends out and get help. I always pass my mom the cat food coupons, and she always saved diaper coupons for me.

Want to learn more? Come check out my Coupons 101 Class! We will be discussing:

• Where to get coupons
• How to match coupons with sales
• Coupon policies of different stores
• How to get free products with coupons
• Internet coupons
• The difference between store coupons and manufacturer coupons
• What is stockpiling?
• What to do with expired coupons

COUPONS 101
Nov. 12 2pm-3pm
Kings Bay Y at Windsor Terrace
1224 Prospect Avenue and Vanderbilt Street (near the 15th Street-Prospect Park West station F and G train)
(718) 407-6377

Please RSVP as we have a 50-person limit. The cost for theclass is $10 per person.