Clip and save this interview: Coupon secrets with the Coupon Mom

There is no doubt in my mind that Stephanie Nelson, the whiz behind CouponMom.com, is one of the savviest spenders I know. Her site lists coupon deals at 43 different stores across the country. When I talked to her recently, she revealed the secret behind saving 86% off her grocery bill, the downsides to coupons, and what she actually pays full price for.

When did you clip your first coupon? 1992 would have been when I started doing it out of practicality. I had my first baby and I wanted to quit working so I started budgeting across the board. Couponing is one of the easiest ways to save, so I started doing grocery coupons.

How do you organize your coupons? I do the no-clip system. I just put the date on the coupon circular and save the whole thing. Then I use coupon websites to find the best deals for my stores. Then I just clip out the coupons I need. I save the whole circular because a few weeks away something goes on sale and shoot, I wish I'd saved the coupon.