Everyone I know is facing financial difficulties, so I'm assuming that you are as well. I'm not great with all that techincal stuff about CDs and interest and whatnot, but I do know how to bargain shop fairly well.

Today I went to Publix and CVS and managed to get $96 worth of groceries for only $66. I saved thirty dollars! It was pretty fantastic, because I'm fairly new at the whole coupon game. But for all you beginners out there, here a few tips that I hope make this hub worthwhile.

Tip 1: Collect coupons

This should be a no-brainer, but I know very few people who actually take the time to clip, organize, and use their coupons. It's pretty sad, because without the coupons, I only would have saved about $15.

The first thing you should know is that you can print out coupons as well as get them from Sunday papers and other mailers. One site is www.coupons.com, which updates weekly with fairly good deals.
However, if you're like me and prefer to shop for organic and otherwise healthy foods, then coupons.com isn't very helpful. Their coupons are generally for unhealthy or neutral foods and snacks, which can be fine sometimes, but not something I want to make a habit out of.
However, this is a problem easily solved with a little help from Google. Basically, all you have to do is search for "organic coupons," and tons of sites pop up.
Now, it's up to you to choose which sites you prefer, but Affluent Pauper (a blog about frugal living) has a truly fantastic section - the link is posted below. Most of the coupons I used today were from that site.

Also browse Sunday papers, circulars, and magazines for coupons. I used a 25 cent coupon today from a home decorating magazine, which surprised me greatly.

Tip 2: Get a coupon organizer

I really didn't want to have to buy an organizer, since I was trying to save money, but it turned out to be well worth the price. I went on eBay and purchased a small filing pocket that was already labeled for different categories. It's served me well.
You can use binders, photo albums, envelopes, or just about anything to organize your coupons, but you must make sure not to skip this crucial step. Without some type of organizer, coupons will get lost, misplaced, or ignored.

Tip 3: Don't use your coupons on every trip

Before you go grocery shopping, go through your coupons. See which ones are expiring soon and which ones apply to items you truly need. Then go through the circular for whichever store you're choosing - Publix, Kroger, CVS, etc. See what items are already on sale. If you have coupons for these items, make sure to use them! I saved $1 off a 12-pack roll of toilet paper that was already half price. I saved $7 total on toilet paper!
Also, I drink a ton of Crystal Lite, and Publix was having a Buy One, Get One Free sale. I used three coupons - a free Crystal Lite with purchase of two, $2 off a purchase of 2, and $1 off a purchase of 1. I got five boxes for an amazing price. Talk about smart shopping!

Tip 4: Coupon Stacking

Coupon stacking is combing a merchant coupon with a store coupon. You can't, unfortunately, combine two merchant coupons for one item (tried it today). But you can combine a $1 merchant coupon with a 50 cent store coupon, and if you do that with an item already on sale, you can pat yourself on the back.

I would recommend trying to stack merchant coupons anyway, just in case you come across a lenient store cashier who's willing to bend the rules for you. It's rare, but it does happen.

Some stores also double coupons, although I think you have to ask. Doubling coupons is using the same one twice. Some coupons have specific instructions not to do this, and I don't really understand why any store would allow it, but I know for a fact that some do. The Publix by my sister's house, for instance, always doubles her coupons.

Tip 5: Plan ahead!

Always compare your coupons with circulars. Always write down what you need and match it up with coupons. Double and triple check your grocery list. Learn to live without some items until they go on sale. Don't be afraid to shop around - I went to Publix for most of my items, but I checked out the CVS across the street because they had better prices for toilet paper and Cascade.

And finally, don't give up. Bargain shopping can be a pain, but it's well worth your time and efforts. Saving money is something we all need to learn how to do better, particularly in the midst of this economy. So use those coupons, and use them wisely!