Here’s some simple steps. Just take them one or two at a time.
Start buying 2 newspapers a week. You may not need all of the coupons, but if you just use 3 or 4 different coupons on products you already use, you’ll make your money back. And as you get better and more addicted to it, you’ll do better. I bought 8 of the papers from 6-7 and actually ended up with $125 worth of stuff for FREE! That is not a newbie step though. 🙂
Figure out what things you are absolutely brand loyal to. In my house, that’s Axe body wash and deodorant for my husband and son, Tampax and Always pads for me, and Pampers for my littlest. My daughter uses ethnic hair stuff, but I buy that at the novelty store where there are no coupons. If you’re brand loyal to some things, find out when the coupons are coming out for that product, because they will, and usually the sales will follow.
Figure out how much stuff you use. Whether that’s toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, razors, diapers, whatever. How much do you actually use in a week, a month, etc. That way, when it’s at it’s rockbottom price, you can buy enough to last you till the next extra good sale.
Find out what a rockbottom price looks like. For example, I don’t pay for razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, or deodorant for me. I get it free, or even better than free when combined with sales, promotions and coupons.
Learn your stores. Which ones are coupon friendly. What the policies are. Who doubles and triples coupons.
Then find a blogger that covers your area. They’ll cover the stores you have, along with probably knowing where’s best to shop. I’m in Texas, Houston area, so I have one good source, and then kinda link search from there.
Find an organization system that works for you. I have two coupon envelopes that I use. One is just for food, one is just for non-food. I also have my inserts filed away at home, so that if I hear about a great deal, I can clip my coupons and go if I don’t already have them. My two little envelopes go with me to every store, in case I find a good deal or something on clearance. Some people clip every coupon, every week. I’m not that good.