Ok, I admit it! My name is Karin and I am addicted to coupons. If there were some sort of support group, I could be the President. I've got it so bad, I've been known to put my cart of groceries to the side and run out to the car to get the coupons I had forgotten to bring inside.

I can't help it, I mean why pay regular price when you can get it cheaper. I know, I know, many of you are probably thinking, "give me a break, what's 30 cents here or 30 cents there?" But believe me, those cents add up to dollars and you can see a big difference in your grocery bill. Even with all of the great savings coupons can bring, there are a few pit falls.

First, take the time to figure out what's the best bargain. For example, I buy a lot of plastic sandwich baggies for my little ones. They put everything in there, fruit, pop tarts, their sandwiches for lunch, you name it. And while I am a name brand person about some things, sandwich bags isn't one of them. So, if the supermarket brand is $2.49 and the name brand is $3.00 and I have a 30 cents coupon for the name brand baggies, which do I buy - the off brand of course. Even with the name brand coupon the generic is still cheaper. In other words, don't get so excited about the coupon that you don't think about what is really the better buy.

When you cut out coupons, only cut out coupons for items you really use. That is, if you don't buy pickles, then don't cut out coupons for them. You aren't saving money if you buy items that you wouldn't normally buy just because you have a coupon for it. Now, I must say there is an exception to this rule. If there's an item you've wanted to try but you didn't want to pay full price for it, a coupon may be a good time to give it a whirl - that way, you can try it out for cheaper.

Keep your coupons organized. It doesn't do you any good to cut out the coupons if you can't figure out what you have when it's time to shop. I suggest purchasing a coupon organizer (they sell them all over) or getting a system of your own to organize your coupons.

Ask your favorite grocery store if they take competitors' coupons. If they do, don't hesitate to use them.

And what about those discount coupon books you can buy from schools and non-profits for fundraisers? I buy one every year, but only when I know it's going to be worth my while. Before I buy the book, I consider the cost and ask to take a look to see what coupons are inside. If the book is let's say, $25 and there are at least $50 worth of savings in coupons that I would use, then the book is a good purchase.

Always get a Sunday paper, sometimes two. We all know Sunday papers are the best source of coupons right? Be sure to get one each week and cut out your coupons. If there are a considerably large number of coupons that interest you that week, it may be worth it to buy more than one paper so you can stock up on coupons for an item you buy a lot.

Surf the internet for sites where you can download coupons. If you just type in "Coupons" in a search engine, you will come up with all sorts of sites you can join to get coupons. Beware though, some are just looking for a way to gain your contact information to solicit you. Check out each site thoroughly to determine the ones that best fit your needs.

Clipping coupons does take a bit of work, but trust me, it's worth it in the end. With the price of grocery items going up almost daily, believe me, you will be grateful for the savings. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be hooked too!