My 2011 Couponing Goals

When I return to couponing in 2011, I have a few new goals. I want to continue using coupons, but I want to change the way I use coupons. Coupons are everywhere, and when you get sucked into using coupons and being able to print them and receive them in newspapers, they can add up, and become overwhelming.

My plan is to clip only the coupons to items that I KNOW I purchase on a regular basis. It's very easy as a couponer, especially a beginner couponer, to start saving every coupon that comes along. When one does this, its easy to fall into the temptations of purchasing useless items just because you have a coupon for it.

I also plan to continue to shop the sales and pair my coupons with sales, however, I want to make sure that I am sticking to buying and purchasing healthy foods. Just because a bag of chips are on sale buy one get one free, and I have a coupon for it, doesn't mean its a good deal if it means you are settling for "junk" food, because its cheaper. If you notice the coupons in circulation, many of the items advertised are junk food. I feel strongly about spending a little more on wholesome foods if that means living a healthier life. This is where it is important to watch the sales on fresh meats and produce and price compare.

I do plan to use my coupon binder and keep it stocked up with my grocery coupons and store coupons, like JCPenneys and Target coupons, but hopefully it won't seem like such a task to keep it organized. I want to continue to enjoy using coupons and if that means I need to scale back a little bit more, then in the long run, it will be worth it!