Social Media Can Lead to Effective Couponing

It's a way to shop. It's a hobby. No, it's a part-time job. These days, couponing is the real deal, and there is a lot of money to be saved. The key to success lies in organization and knowledge. It's exciting to save money while enjoying name brands that you normally do at a fraction of the cost.

Today, there are many resources to help navigate the coupon maze that looms before us. Blogger Shannon Cunningham of metro Atlanta, who is also known as the Preppy Saver, offers tips for organization, stacking (using two coupons on one item) and just plain old saving money.

"Basically coupons are like cutting out money," said Cunningham, who provides insight into how coupons work. "The store doesn't lose money because they are reimbursed by the manufacturer," said Preppy Saver, who also encourages responsible couponing by not using expired coupons or those that are photocopied.

Cunningham, who teaches classes on couponing, prefers shopping at Publix and CVS Pharmacy and never buys anything she doesn't need. She said she doesn't hoard or purchase unnecessarily, and she doesn't ever pay for toothpaste.

"When couponing, it pays not to be brand specific, which allows me to buy what I need while saving more money," she said. Cunningham, who spends about $100 per adult per month on groceries, happily shares knowledge through her classes or blog.

Listed below are some tips for creating your own coupon cornucopia:

• Use coupons on items like spices and pasta and splurge on organic vegetables and eggs;
• Set aside about an hour every week to clip and organize coupons;
• Use Facebook and other social media platforms to receive coupons from your favorite companies;
• Set up a specific e-mail account to receive coupons and other special offers for optimal organization; and,
• Establish a coupon swap with friends or co-workers on a weekly or bimonthly basis to trade coupons you might not use.

Preppy Saver also recommended All You magazine for great coupon deals. So, move over Vogue. You’ve got some competition in my house. And, another note, to my friends, don’t be surprised if you are invited to a little coupon swap sometime soon at my house. I can’t wait to get started!