Why use a “system” vs just clipping and keeping the coupons I think I will use?
By clipping only the coupons we need right before a shopping trip, we save a ton of time. As moms of young children we need all the help we can get in the “making life simpler” area! This system will help you save time AND maximize savings.
Why would I want to save ALL the coupons, and what should I do with the ones I won’t or don’t use?
Glad you asked! First, being frugal is sometimes about being flexible as well. There are some products we wouldn’t normally buy but are willing to substitute when the price is right! For any economists out there, this would be called a “substitute good.” Having the stash of miscellaneous coupons helps us get the most for our money. In addition, you can help military families stationed overseas by saving and sending your unused or expired coupons. We can help them and thank them by offering a small substitution for the great deals they could get here in the states.
So how does it work ?
Each week, file the coupon inserts from the Sunday paper by date in a folder or notebook for later reference. File by the date you received the paper. This date will be printed in small print along the binding of the insert.
Glancing through the coupons inserts each week will help you remember what coupons are available, but you do not need to clip the coupons yet.
How do you know which coupons are in which ads in each part of the country?
We use coupon databases like this one here.
Using this system of organization is a huge time saver. Put your feet up for a minute. 🙂
To learn about this and how to save money and time with coupons take our workshop on the fundamental of coupons. Click here for more information.
