I’m fascinated by other people coupon methods.
I used to only clip what I needed, and while that worked fine for the grocery store (I will never be buying dog food), it killed me when it came to CVS/Walgreens/Rite-Aid. I found that I would have to readjust my plans on the fly when items were out of stock, or when I discovered unadvertised deals…and I wouldn’t have my coupons with me. Even at the best scenario, it’s horrid to run out to the car and clip.
So now I set aside about 1/2 hr. each week to clip ‘em alllll out. I also write on the back of each coupon the insert it came from (the 1.18.09 SS sort of notation); that way I don’t have to look up every.single.coupon in CouponMom’s database (as convenient and helpful as that is!), which saves me time in front of the computer (my main goal in life).
I then organize them by category (household/dairy/etc.) that I have labeled in my Coupon-Briefcase (file folder with a handle), and within each broader category, I have paper clips that further subdivide. For example, under “household”, I have paperclips that delineate air fresheners, paper goods, cleaners, sponges, food storage, batteries & house maintenance, laundry, and dish-soap. Certainly not without flaws (like when your paperclips snag, or fall off…), but I generally find it to be the best system for me right now. My little case fits into the front of the shopping cart or alongside a carry-basket, and is large enough for me to grab what I need without too much fumbling.
And that’s what works for me! See more WFMW here.
What a great idea to jot the coupon dates and inserts on the back! I never know where to tell my blog readers a coupon came from when I post about a deal I got. Doesn’t it take you forever, though, to write that on all of them?
Surprisingly, not really! Instead of a clip/organize routine, I just clip out everything from one insert into a pile, date the backs all at once, repeat, and then organize–it probably takes no more than an extra minute per insert.