What's the Dealio with Coupons?

When I mention I am a coupon shopper, I usually get one of two reactions.

First is "Oh coupons are the best way to save money, love them!"

OR

"Oh, those take up too much time and just aren't worth it. Also, I don't really get why people love them."

I will admit, I was once in group 2! I know, *gasps*! However, once I got into couponing I finally understood why using coupons was so important to me and my family. That is definitely the key to coupon shopping, using coupons to my advantage of how it fits for us. I'm not a crazy coupon gal that gets everything she can for free. While I love a good deal, if I can't use it I don't get it.

Have you guys seen Extreme Couponing on TLC? If not, you should take a look at these 2 minute videos. These shoppers are literally obsessed with saving! I mean I love a good deal but you will not find me rummaging through any type of trash or recycling bin or dumpster to get coupons. Also, you will not find 100 bottles of salad dressing in my garage. Now if you are an extreme couponer, I am definitely not trying to step on your toes. If you feel this is what works for you then by all means have at it. If you do shop like this, I really hope that your items are being donated because I know you can not eat 150 Butterfinger Bars (or at least you shouldn't be).

So how do you know what your style is?

• Do you have food allergies?
• Is your family on a strict diet?
• What is your family size?
• Do you buy more on a particular brand than a general selection?

These are all things to consider before you start your couponing adventures. Thinking about what you will buy and what coupons you are looking for will help you start couponing. You really need to make this fit into your lifestyle and not make it your lifestyle.

So what group are you in?

P.S., if you are really new to coupining and you are serious about starting, check out my fellow frugal bloggers series called Grocery University:

Here is what is coming up next in the What's the Dealio with Coupons series:

• The What, Where and How of Coupons
• You Don't Have to Be a Junk Food Junkie to Coupon
• Stockpiling
• What Do I do with Unused Coupons?