How to Efficiently Organize and Use Coupons (with very little cutting!)

Do you feel like clipping coupons (or, 'couponing') is a waste of time?

Without a proper method, it probably is. Generic brands are often cheaper anyway, and the time spent cutting and sorting coupons (into envelopes, binders, etc) does not pay - especially when they just expire anyway.

Learn how to organize your coupons and plan your shopping trips to save a ton of money - and not cost much extra time!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A hanging file box with dividers, or a large accordion file.
• One or more 3-ring binders, with plastic baseball card or photo inserts.
• A computer w/internet connection
• Coupon inserts

1. Organizing (File box): Using your accordion file or file folders, make a section for each 'Sunday' that you have newspaper inserts for. Do NOT clip your inserts - you will clip them as you need them. As you get new inserts, just label them, make a new section, and add them to the box. You'll soon amass a nice collection.
   
   Organizing (Binder): Use your 3-ring binder to organize any coupons that you have already clipped, or any 'odd' coupons you have collected - from home mailers, magazines, store printouts, etc. You can also use your binder to organize any coupons that you don't end up using.
   
   We have two 3 ring binders at my house - food, and non-food. They are organized alphabetically by manufacturer (sometimes product) name - this saves a TON of time, as opposed to organizing by category.

2. Planning (Make a list!): Go ahead and write down everything you need to buy. If you need to be brand specific, that's okay, but the best couponers are rarely brand loyal.
   
   Next, obtain your local store ad(s). Leaf through them, and locate the items on sale that you could or will use. Add those items to your list.
   
   'Stockpiling' is a must for the money-conscious couponer. It involves buying things when on sale, and often buying multiples. In the long run, this can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. We have an extra closet in my house used for stockpiling.

3. Find a database: To use this method, you will need a coupon database. I use the one at Hot Coupon World, there is another at A Full Cup (see links below). You will have to register with these sites, but both are free, and are an excellent resource to save money on all kinds of items.

4. Match coupons: Using the coupon database, search for each item on your list.
   
   If you find a match, note how each entry tells you the source of the coupon. Many are inserts - either SS (SmartSource) or RP (RedPlum, also known as Valassis). They will have a date that the coupon came out.
   
   Flip through your handy coupon file, find the insert in question, and clip it. If you know you should have a coupon that's listed, go ahead and search your binder.

5. Go to the store: Once you have your coupons, clip them to your list (or use an envelope), and go shopping. Watch your savings tally up at the register!

Tips & Warnings

• It will take you a while to become familiar with the ins and outs of YOUR system - but it will eventually work for you!
• As you continue to watch prices and sales, you will start figuring out what 'best' prices are for you - and make your deals even sweeter by waiting for the right price!
• If you can get an item for free or close to it with your coupons, consider buying it even if you don't see an immediate need. If you don't end up using it, you could always donate it, give it away - or sell it at that upcoming garage sale!

Resources

• Hot Coupon World
• A Full Cup

[kaytay]

on 1/19/2009 great money saving advice. 5 stars and a recommend

[FrazzledNanny]

on 1/18/2009 Thanks you for the tips on keeping my coupons organized. This is the hardest part of clipping coupons for me. :) 5*