Extreme Couponing: Real Test to Save $1,000 in 30 Days

I, as many of you, have seen the TLC show "Extreme Couponing" and wonder, how the heck are they able to walk away with thousands upon thousands of dollars worth of groceries for just pennies. Some websites have explained that these situations are not the norm and this type of savings may not be realistically achievable. However, these stories are truly inspiring to those of us struggling with day to day expenses, including groceries.

Today is Oct. 1, 2011 and I have made a plan to see just how couponing will work for my household. My goal is to save $1,000 over the next 30 days on groceries, dining out and other items purchases by using coupons. As stated by many couponers in the past…"I will not pay retail for anything"…and I am sure as heck gonna try this month.

To start my quest, I have trolled various websites, blogs and spoke with others I know who coupon here and there. The number one thing I have learned is that you cannot successfully save money using coupons without being organized and knowing what you want. Organized? Hmm...I am, but my coupons are not. Knowing? I know I want to save money and coupons will light the path to building a successful savings plan.

Here are the steps I am taking today to get organized today:

1. I gathered all of the coupons I had lying around the house. You would not believe where I found them…closets, drawers, desk, tables, cabinets and just lying around with last weeks mailers.
2. I clipped out all of the coupons and only those I will use Personally, I feel there is no need to buy something, even with a coupon, if we will not eat it, use it or be able to donate it somewhere.
3. Using a plastic shoe box and some small envelopes I started to separate all of the different coupons. I wrote down categories on each envelope, such as refrigerated, boxed goods, cleaning supplies, medicine, health and beauty, frozen and canned goods and put each coupon in its categorized envelope.
4. I made a place in my pantry to hold my coupons and a file folder for weekly advertisements and special fliers from local stores.

Remember, that the way you organize your coupons must fit your lifestyle and how you feel comfortable keeping your coupons organized. Other ways to store your coupons can include using a coupon wallet, binder or other storage container.

Finally, I went through and collected all of the advertisements that I had and tossed any that are expiring tonight. This will give me a fresh start tomorrow when I go and pick up newspapers in the morning. Check back tomorrow to find out some ideas, awesome sales and my success (or failure) along the road to saving $1,000 in 30 days by couponing.

Happy Clipping!!!