To achieve the benefits of any new routine but specifically as it pertains to new economizing behaviors such as using coupons, three basic things are needed:
 
GOALS
One of our family goals is to be good stewards of money and live within our means.  So using coupons supports and reinforces this goal.  Do you have goals?  Without connecting using coupons to a higher purpose, you are likely to get caught up in the activity of using coupons rather than the results.   If you focus on the results, then you will stick with getting the most out of coupons and are less likely to abandon ship when the going gets tough. 
 
TOOLS & INFORMATION
It can be overwhelming to plan and shop the grocery store differently since these patterns and behaviors are ingrained as a part of everyday life.  This is why to be successful; you must equip yourself with the right tools and information.  There are many coupon organizing solutions on the market today, much more than when I got started or perhaps The Couponizer would never been invented!  The important thing here is to find what works for you!  Then use sources such as websites featured on my website and the Sunday newspaper to gather coupons and more information about store sales.  

PRACTICE
Practice is another way of saying repetition.  To achieve progress, you must practice economizing behaviors more often than not.  Doing what it takes to conserve financial resources day after day and week after week will move you closer to your goals.  Find a routine for planning and organizing your shopping that works and stick with it. 

 

By putting these three things in place, your fear of spending more money will be replaced by the confidence you build over time with saving money.  Afterall, living within your means It is a journey, not a destination and there will be ups and downs along the way, however the important thing is to keep trying.