A year ago I would have considered myself a big couponer. I'm not crazy with the stockpiling, but I haven't had to buy toothpaste, hair products, etc. in over a year. After all, it's only Chris and I that I'm buying for. Couponing has taken a backseat since January, and the coupons that I receive in the two newspapers I subscribe to have been stacking up. So I had to decide: give it up or get back in the game. Because I was so into couponing for so long, it bugs me when I'm shopping and I know that there had to be a coupon in the inserts for certain things. There's always coupons for condiments, cereal, etc., and we buy these things still since I don't stockpile them. I decided to get back in the game, but only clip the coupons I'll seriously use. I don't have the time to look up the deals and match them with coupons anymore. I just want to simply coupon.
Here's the pile I had to sort through. It was fairly simple with the inserts that had the old dates printed on the side. I didn't even bother with those.
This is my couponing purse. Now that my coupon files aren't as big, I don't think I'll be needing this purse specifically for couponing anymore.
What is nice though, is that it fits both coupon files, a small clipboard, pens, scissors, and my wallet and grocery ad, when needed.
I used my label maker to label each coupon section. This makes it so much easier for me when I'm shopping, rather than looking through all of the food coupons at once.
For the multiple duplicate coupons I clip, I staple them together. It makes it easier to handle, file, clip, etc.
After clipping, I sort. These coupon sorting mats have the same categories that I have in my files. To download these sorting pages for free, click here.
It's such a relief to have that taken care of. Now I can save a bit of money while I shop, too!









This is great I coupon a little but I feel like I never have coupons for all the stuff I need only some of it.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Rose
http://sewmuchtosay.blogspot.com
I had to give up couponing too. It takes a lot of time and I end up buying things I don't need and therefore can't afford. Now I clip what I need, and give the extra to my mother-in-law! I also save time by not hoping from grocery store to grocery store. I don't save as much, but my sanity is more intact.
ReplyDeleteI love using coupons too, I am not a big couponer but I try to clip the ones that I know I will need. Thanks for the printable that will come on handy and help me get more organized.
ReplyDeleteI coupon as well but you seem much more organized. :) I love your little coupon purse. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI come from a long line of coupon users and I tell people that it doesn't take that much time to maintain. I have one coupon wallet, an accordion, like yours. The sections are labeled in broad categories, which makes filing the coupons go quickly. I advise only cutting coupons for things you use and checking the expiration dates. If you don't need to buy shampoo before the coupon expires, don't cut it. Keeping one or two items in reserve makes sense, but not stockpiling enough to outfit the entire community (like you see on TV). I probably spend 10 minutes a week on coupons, which is a good use of time, considering the amount of money I save. As I file the new ones, I look for any that have expired and toss them. Keeping the process lean saves time and effort.
ReplyDeletewould you be interested in swapping / trading coupons? I swap with several people monthly by mailing them out.
ReplyDeleteDreams Do Come True
http://happilyeverafter-tiffany.blogspot.com/
Email: scottysgirl4life@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/tiffanyj84
Love this concept. I have been a binder user for years now but hubby didn't like it. First argument of the year and it is about coupon organization...LOL... guess I shouldn't complain seeing as he is 100% on board and helps with cutting, sorting, and shopping.
ReplyDelete