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.
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.
But I still prefer the filing system, and here is why:
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
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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It says the video is not available in my country, but I live in the United States.
I'm new to couponing.. Just starting to collect my coupons. When printing from sites like coupons.com, do you print all the coupons available or just the ones you think you might use?! Also how often do the coupons on those sites change?! Didn't know how often you print them.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of
any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my
newest twitter updates. I've been looking for a plug-in like
this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have
some experience with something like this. Please let
me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and
I look forward to your nnew updates.
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?
Ruth, I have searched the internet for help on this also and am so glad I found your site today. My husband and I are seniors on pension and social security. Additionally I have a son who is starting over after a divorce and job loss. I want to coupon to help us both out. I'm not concerned with huge bunkers of grocery items as shown on TV but things like paper goods, hygiene items and essentials that store well would really help us. I'm going out today to get the organizational items you refer to and get started. Thanks for helping this "old lady" learn to live well and spend less.
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Your time and effort is so helpfull in this very sometimes confusing process. I to am just getting started and you have made this system so easy to understand. Keep up the great work and I look foward to seeing more ideas and postings on your site.