Whenever people find out that I use coupons–either from reading this blog, or just seeing me in action at the grocery store, there is one comment I hear more than anything else:
I would LOVE to use coupons, but I just don’t have time for all that clipping and sorting.”
But today I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Okay, well, maybe it’s not a secret, per se. In fact, I’ve talked about it multiple times before. Whether you are just getting started or have been using coupons for years, there is a very simple method of coupon organization that can literally save you hours of time every week. But rather than write about it once again, I decided I would show you what I’m talking about.
I know you’ll be very excited to hear that I made a little video.
Don’t worry, it is pretty short.
This file method of coupon organization is so fast & easy to keep organized that I still can’t believe not everyone uses it. (You can find this portable file box similar to the one I use HERE.)
That said, please don’t misunderstand me and think that this is the ONLY way to organize your coupons. It’s not. Everyone’s brain works a little differently, and everyone needs to find the system that works best for them.
There are a lot of couponers who use a binder system. I have nothing against binders, and there are lots of great options available. (Like this Keep Calm and Coupon On one–so cute!) Even so, I don’t normally use a coupon binder because I find it to be a lot more time-consuming than the filing system. That said, I would be remiss not to acknowledge that experienced couponers who use the binder system probably end up getting some better deals, especially on unadvertised specials and clearance items.
But I still prefer the filing system, and here is why:
- I like to save money, but I also don’t have unlimited time. The filing method of organization allows me to still see significant savings but takes a very minimal amount of time and effort to keep organized.
- I get enough great deals on almost everything that missing out on a few unadvertised specials or clearance items won’t make a huge difference to my bottom line.
- I don’t have extra time to spend looking for unadvertised or clearance items anyway. When I go to the store, I like to get in, grab what’s on my list (and only what’s on my list) and get out. I bring only the coupons I need for that specific trip.
For printing coupons, I strongly recommend investing in a black & white laser printer (if you currently are using an ink jet printer.) It will pay for itself within just a few months. I use an older version of the Brother HL-L2300D Black & White Printer, which I purchased for less than $100 and have been very happy with it so far.
If you are just starting out, you should be prepared for your organization system to change along the way in order to suit your own needs. In fact, you might even find that it is possible to cut your grocery bill in half without using coupons at all! That’s okay. Ultimately you just need to find what works for you & your family.
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I have been watching extreme coupon shows on tv, researching coupon websites for the past 3weeks; and am eager to start learning the process but do not know where to start. I have purchased 30 different binders(1 for each different product). And have purchased several different local newspapers, but they do not have that many coupons in them. And those coupons I will never use. I have researched many different website, with no such luck on finding the coupons i need. I am wanting to try and save money on my personal groceries and also try to start a stock pile. Can anyone direct me in the right direction?
Hi Jana,
I’m so sorry you have been struggling with learning how to coupon. I’m attaching two posts that I think will be very helpful. https://www.livingwellspendingless.com/faqs/ and https://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2013/04/05/why-i-dont-always-use-coupons/
I hope these help.
I am just starting on doing this coupon saving and I was wondering on how do you categorize your coupon book such as example by items for each room in the house or by how?
WHERE CAN I FIND YOUR PRINTABLE SHOPPING LIST? I’M DOING THE COUPON STARTER GUIDE AND I SAW THAT YOU SAID TO USE IT BUT I CANT SEE TO FIND IT.
THANKS JEN
hi ruth! i’m 19 and a college sophomore looking into couponing to help keep me on my budget, i love your website it’s incredibly easy to follow for someone who’s never even made a weekly meal plan. i’m moving into an apartment soon so my parents wont be footing the grocery bill. if you have any tips for college savings i’d appreciate the extra advice!(:
That is a great idea for a blog post Sarah! I will see what I can do! 🙂
I’m a single, low income mom in buffalo NY .I logged on to your couponing for beginners and was really excited to get started but couldn’t view the video. I cannot see the strategy , and you don’t explain it without the video . What to do? Don’t know why I can’t open the video? Also, in buffalo NY and we only get crappy coupons that require you to buy 3 or more of something for a mere 25¢ off. Also, most stores have eliminated the double coupon system. Seriously, NY is a rip off food state. A normal trip to the store ratio is one bag of groceries=$100. Can you suggest a few tips for my overpriced grocery store state? Unfortunately, moving is not an option. Thank you . Also, I’m interested in giving back to food banks etc. How do I start this process?