1. Thou Shalt Be Prepared for Preparing. The key to great couponing is being prepared for any situation before you get to the stores. Research deals, coupons (online and offline (newspaper, mailed (you know, the stuff that goes in your mailbox) circulars, etc), as well as sites like http://recyclebank.com), store websites for every type of deal possible. Many people make pre-shopping trips to the store to find in-store only deals.

2. Thou Shalt Make a List. The list should drive your purchases, not the coupons you have.

3. Thou Shalt Slice, not cut coupons. To me, this is the fastest way to get them out.

4. Thou Shalt consistently update your coupon binder. Remove the expired coupons, and send them to military families that can use them. He here a site to get info on this: http://www.southernsavers.com/2011/05/expired-coupons-send-coupons-to-the-troops/

5. Thou Shalt keep up with your store’s coupon policy. It can change all the time.

6. Thou Shalt build up your stockpile. However, be very aware of expiration dates. If something is getting close and you can’t use it before it expires, donate to a foodbank that can use it right away.

7. Thou Shalt use your freezer to control the expiration dates. Freeze the freezable items before they expire, and only take out what you will use at the time you use it. Defrost, use and leave the rest in the freezer. Here is a site about freezing food: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/focus_on_freezing/index.asp

8. Thou Shalt learn the cycles of when stores discount items. That way, once you have built up your stockpile, you can strategically plan your next stock up purchase.

9. Thou Shalt track prices each time you shop. Learn a “stock up” price, so you will always get the best price.

10. Thou Shalt use great sites for match-ups. Couponing is cool, but it can be overwhelming. Any help you can get from sites will help you from getting burnt out.

Extra tips -

11. Thou Shalt watch fun youtube videos about couponing. Great scenario ideas can come from these. Here are some great youtube channels;

http://www.youtube.com/user/frugaltv
http://www.youtube.com/user/hip2save
http://www.youtube.com/user/CouponDivas

12. Thou Shalt have a website address (written or printed on a business card) ready to give someone who wants to get started couponing. I use http://startcouponing.roneyzone.com

Related posts:

1. Intro to Couponing Tips – Letting Manufacturers, Brands and Stores know where to find YOU.
2. (Semi) Extreme Couponing – 10 Things you must have to get started
3. Intro to Semi-Extreme Couponing – Finding and Using Coupons
4. Intro to Semi-Extreme Couponing – The Tools You Will Need
5. Hot Couponing Secret Tip! Save Time Registering for Freebies