Check out Good Housekeeping's advice on getting started, planning your savings approach and handling rebates. Then, start counting your savings.
GET-IT-FOR-LESS GAME PLAN
Grab this Sunday newspaper's advertising circulars (the inserts from supermarkets, drugstores, etc., that list weekly sales). Then go to the coupon Web site http://www.cutouthunger.org, created by Stephanie Nelson, a mom in Marietta, Ga. Although you will ultimately clip the coupons from the paper, this site helps you get organized.
In fact, Nelson's site has a cool feature called Virtual Coupon Organizer (located at http://www.cutouthunger.org/get coupons!.htm). It helps you put the paper's coupons in a useful order. Once you've found the coupons you like, plan your menus according to the best bargains that week.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Get a coupon organizer/holder - and no, a plastic baggie doesn't qualify. If something stylish will get you motivated, check out http://www.galison.com, a stationery site that sells attractive, small accordion organizers for $10 or less.
For one month, jot down the highest and lowest prices your supermarket charges for the major items you buy each week. That way, when a price hits bottom and you have a coupon, you know it's the right time to buy 10. Many grocery stores and some libraries have coupon-swap bulletin boards or bins.
HOW TO WIN AT REBATES
In the supermarket, keep an eye out for displays that advertise manufacturer's rebates or refunds. Then when you get home, clip the proof of purchase before you stash a rebate product in the cabinet.
As soon as all the groceries are unpacked, sit down and do the rebate paperwork. You might consider keeping a kit of everything you'll need (scissors, pen, envelopes, stamps, mailing labels) in a plastic baggie in a kitchen drawer.
For high-value refunds, photocopy the completed form before you send it in, in case the rebate doesn't show up and you need to contact the manufacturer.
Forgot to pick up a refund form in the store? Check out the manufacturer's Web site. You can sometimes find the forms you need and print them out.
Keep a list of rebates you've sent in, with the numbers to call for information. Note how long the company says the rebate will take to arrive; check back if it doesn't show up.
PRICE CLUB OR SUPERMARKET?
Most consumer mavens insist that food is as cheap or even cheaper at the grocery store than at clubs - especially if you have double coupons or if you combine your coupons with weekly sales.
Some shoppers, however, swear by clubs like Costco and BJs for basics like paper goods and seasonal items. If you club-shop, the best deals probably will be in these: milk, spaghetti sauce, microwave popcorn, peanut butter, juice boxes, pickles, sugar-free sweeteners, instant hot chocolate, brand-name clothing, film developing, baby wipes, laundry detergent, tires and batteries.
* On another matter: Staying home this Saturday night? If your den is equipped with these high-tech extras recommended by the Good Housekeeping Institute, you might never go out to the movies again: Watch "Lord of the Rings" widescreen in your den with the small, lightweight Mitsubishi HC3 ColorView Projector ($1,495; 888-307-0349). With the GE Monogram Double Drawer Refrigerator ($1,999 to $2,299; 800-626-2000) in your family room, you can grab a snack without pausing the movie. For musical entertainment, slip your iPod into the Bose SoundDock cradle speaker system ($299; 800-999-2673) for incredible sound - the system comes with a remote.
