Help me out here! Should I switch my coupon organization system?

Anyone who has read my blog for more than a few months knows that I'm a big fan of clipping and filing every coupon you think you might use. I got into this habit because I used to shop almost exclusively at Kroger where the deals and mark-downs were plentiful and I was often able to snag unadvertised specials for free or almost free every week thanks to having all my coupons clipped, organized, and handy.

However, as most of you know, our Kroger stores were bought out a few months ago (I'm still agonizing over the loss!) and while I've continued on with my clip-and-file-every-coupon system, I've noticed I rarely have come upon any unadvertised deals or mark-downs. And I do mean rarely, as in non-existent. Well, I did find one mark-down one time, but I didn't even have a coupon for it.

In seeking to streamline and be more efficient, I'm seriously considering keeping my inserts whole and just clipping out the coupons I need each week as I plan my shopping trip. This would save me the hassle of having to spend a lot of time clipping and filing; it would also save me the trouble of going through my coupon box for expired coupons every month, too.

But I'm really tossing and turning over breaking tradition and completely revamping my whole coupon organization system as I know it. It's become so ingrained in me to clip and file all my coupons in my coupon box as I've done it this way for going on eight years.

Does it really work to just file the inserts and clip out the coupons you need? Do you find yourself having to pass over a lot of the deals when you're at the store because you don't have the needed coupon with you? Can anyone reassure me that I really will not end up spending twice as much at the grocery store if I don't clip all the coupons? Do you think I'm up to the challenge of a complete revamping of my system? 

Any feedback or thoughts would be much-appreciated.

Note: For those of you who may need a point of reference, here's my current system and here's the system I'm considering switching to.

Comments

[tenthingsfarm]

I go through the inserts and clip the things I think I might use, and I file those. I save the remaining inserts in a folder - I keep that folder by my cookbooks. When we go to the store, I don't take the folder. I suppose you could if you wanted to (but do you really want to be flipping through all that stuff looking for a coupon that might not be there?)

I don't see tons of markdowns that I miss because I don't have the coupon. If it's a product that I already use, I have the coupons with me anyway...so it would have to be some random thing that I haven't tried yet anyway. I can remember one time when I missed out on a 'wisp candle' thingy. Somehow, I survived! (wink!)

-Laura

[Laura]

I actually just switched to this within the past two months and I love it! I make my list or use the list from Coupon Mom, do a quick search for coupon locations and then go through my stack.

I mark on the front of the circulars the date in Sharpie and they're so easy to keep organized.

I think you'll be very happy with this. Considering the very few times you might miss a good deal, it's soooo worth the extra time you can spend with your family and less time cutting and filing.

I keep mine in trays like an in/out box so I don't have to constantly sort through the entire pile. If there are ones I know I'll use at a particular store often, then I just clip those and keep them in that store's envelope.

[Margaret]

I tried it for one month and hated it! I missed out on deals and because I keep all my receipts I know I spent more money. I also was not able to pick up great deals to pass along to others because I was planning and clipping around my needs.

I would suggest trying it for a few weeks and see what you think. Who knows maybe it will work for you. I use Kroger, Albertons and CVS so I like having ALL my coupons!

[Holle]

Oh, Crystal!!
I JUST (and I mean JUST) finished my nifty coupon organizer box per your suggestion (with the envelopes w/ flaps cut off, index cards with categories, etc.). I tried saving the entire inserts, but I found myself flipping through over and over to find the coupons needed for these great stacking opportunities and such.

In the three days I've been using "your" organization system, I've been much more efficient in my searches for specific coupons. No more flipping through those pages! And the box is easier to handle & navigate than a bunch of file folders.

Maybe I was doing the filing thing wrong with the inserts, but I sure have liked the change I made! Good luck in your decision!

[Andrea @ Mommy Snacks]

I use the file box method where I keep all my inserts dated. I shared about it here:

http://mommysnacks.blogspot.com/2008/07/snack-time-coupon-organization.html

I shared in there that I do this because I plan everything to the penny and even if something is at a great bargain, if it will cause me to go over my budget, then I can't do it (although I'm not perfect). However, one thing I have recently started doing is keeping an envelope with me, along with all my list/store coupons, that are "SMART" coupons - coupons for items that I NEED to get at a discount for stockpiling or really good valued coupons (like those Electrasol coupons). So, my "SMART" envelope contains my Electrasol coupons, wipes (since I have a little one in the "wipes" stage), Powerade, and any coupons I may have purchases through a clipping service. I know that if these items are on sale or found discounted then I'll want to snatch them up if I can get them at the right price (to me, at least 50-75% off regular price). So far, it's working for me and makes me feel like I'm still able to shop and find those undiscovered deals!

And, you won't spend twice as much if you have your list you stick to and a budget! So, don't sweat it - it does work!!

[Tara]

I tried keeping the coupon inserts whole when I first started couponing and then would keep them in the car thinking I could just go get them if something caught my eye. After several months those inserts add up and I kept forgetting which coupon was where and then had to go through them all. It was more trouble than I thought.

I now cut and file all coupons. You never know when you can get something super cheap or free that could benefit a soup kitchen or women's shelter.

[Tonya]

Crystal,

I use a filing system with the whole inserts. I tried the whole clipping every coupon thing but with 4 children and countless activities I was not able to keep up with it. I buy about 6 papers a week and just couldn't do it. I would start clipping them and never finish. Then by that time there is no way I wanted to organize them! I know some gals are wonderful at this but i just wasn't.

So, I went and bought a cute file box at Target. When I get my weekly flyers I label a manilla file with the date of the flyer and what flyer it is, RP 6/1, SS 6/1, PG 6/1, etc. It then gets put into the box into monthly hanging files. I of course put the manilla folders in order by date. So, then when I am searching post, blogs and forums for deals I can write them down and then go to my files and cut out the corresponding coupon. I also use The coupon mom for the virtual coupon database if I need to find out what flyer a particular coupon is in. Hope this helps some in you descision! I love your blog by the way! Tonya

[Trixie]

Hello,

I clip and file all coupons that I have a remote chance of using. It is much easier for me to find a coupon when I need one and to pick up unsuspecting deals at CVS.

I think I would need to search through the stack of whole inserts to find the ones I need each week. Plus I would be tempted to bring the whole stack to the store so I wouldn't miss any deals. Sounds like more hassle than clipping.

As soon as you teach Kathrynn about dates, you are home free! :)

Take Care,

Trixie

[Karen in Maryland]

I also cut and file most coupons. I do save the inserts just in case I see something on your website, iheartcvs.com, etc., that may be included on an upcoming sale that I haven't clipped yet. It's rare that I run across something in the store that I haven't clipped the coupon for. Whatever works best for you, go for it.

[Rachelle/mamabear]

Crystal-

I tried keeping the inserts, but found it harder to find "that" coupon. I went back to clipping only the coupons I know we will use and then filing them. I find it so much easier to go that envelope and get the coupon for ..... I also found that I wasted so much time fliping through the stack of inserts looking for the coupon! Just my two cents worth. Good luck with what ever way you choose.

[Tiffany]

When I first started couponing I clipped them all and filed them by category and within each category I have them filed by exp. date. I got lazy with it and started to just clip the ones that I needed every week. Well, that didn't work out either because I noticed that I wasn't saving nearly as much money as I would have had I been filing them like I was the first time. I've since went back to my old ways and categorize and file by exp date. That way all the ones that expire you can just take out from the top of your pile. I hope this make sense to you. Good Luck.

[Marla]

I save every insert and keep them in date order (and labeled) in a big file folder. I use couponmom for CVS and for my local grocery stores and I have yet to feel that I missed a deal. Plus couponmom lets you search for types of coupons that you might have - very handy if you make a list before you shop. I don't have the time nor energy to clip every coupon and I think I'd be less likely to find the ones I need that way.

[Kelli]

I tried the file box and the whole inserts and neither one worked for me. I felt like I was constantly going through both and never finding the end of it. I now use a zippered notebook with baseball card inserts. It keeps everything really organized and easy to find, as well as gives me a secure place to keep my gift cards, store cards, money, scissors, calculator, and more. I don't clip everything, just things I usually find on sale that I or my family can use. To be honest, I don't concern myself with buying specifically donating (I don't buy anything we can't use). I just give from my stockpile when I have something. This method has worked so great for me. I can put it flat in the shopping cart and flip through to find something (alphabetical). I have saved so much time and money since doing this, and I walk out with less frustration than the other methods. You could do this with just sheet protectors and leave the pages whole with reusable tabs. That way, you don't have to flip through the inserts, which tend to fall apart, but you also don't have to cut everything out. Just a thought. Good luck in whatever you do!

Kelli

[Tiffany]

When I first started couponing I clipped them all and filed them by category and within each category I have them filed by exp. date. I got lazy with it and started to just clip the ones that I needed every week. Well, that didn't work out either because I noticed that I wasn't saving nearly as much money as I would have had I been filing them like I was the first time. I've since went back to my old ways and categorize and file by exp date. That way all the ones that expire you can just take out from the top of your pile. I hope this make sense to you. Good Luck.

[Nicole]

I clip anything that I use on a regular basis and anything that I would buy if it was a good deal. For me it is helpful to actually cut out the coupons so that I remember what I have. Seeing it as a I clip helps me remember the coupons.

I just clip the coupons as I am watching the kids in the pool or while I watch TV at night with my husband. For me this is way less time consuming than trying to find every coupon I need on the day that I am shopping. I have a hard enough time trying to get out the door with 4 kids, let alone if I had to search for coupons before I go.

Keep us posted on what you decide to do!

[Heather]

Make the switch! I did and it is working great for me and saving a lot of time - I file whole inserts. You will still need a coupon file for coupons you receive already clipped. I also go through each insert and clip the coupons I know for sure I will use. The Coupon Database at HCW helps me find coupons in my inserts fairly quickly.

[Lori]

Couldn't you do a bit of a compromise? Maybe go through and clip the coupons you KNOW you'll probably use and then keep the inserts for future reference? I've considered doing this, but can't figure out a good storage/sorting method. But then I hate going to a store and not having my bag with me...it's a bummer indeed when you pass a product that's a good deal and you know you have a coupon...at home...in your file! Ughh.

[Colette B]

I used to use a similar system to your box, but got a little overwhelmed and thought having to sift through my stacks was taking too long and was too inefficient. I, too, was clipping and filing EVERY coupon. I recently switched to the binder method and LOVE it! I can see everything I have at a quick glance and I KNOW I am saving more money because it is SO convenient to grab a coupon and go. Plus, I know what I have. With the insert filing method, you never know what's at your finger tips without doing an online search or paying for a service that matches all the deals up for you. My vote is to stick with the box, or switch to a binder.

Pics of my system are posted on my blog @ http://waymore4wayless.blogspot.com/2008/06/coupon-storage.html

Good luck!
Colette

[Melanie@NotebookLearning]

When I am couponing, I'm a believer in the "clip what you need, save the inserts for the rest" system. I also use a coupon book - I *hate, hate, hate* flipping through the same stack of coupons over and over again looking for a coupon. (They always seem to be on the bottom of the stack, don't they!)

I think you have to realize a couple of things. Unknown deals are ones that you hadn't counted on finding anyway. Yes, it hurts not to have the coupon with you, but you weren't necessarily planning on buying that item. Yes, it would save you money if you could get the markdown and the coupon both. But you just can't plan for everything.

The other thing to keep in mind is how much is your time worth? If you switch systems, how much time will you save, and what other worthy things could you be doing instead of that? That will more than likely balance out the coupon savings losses.

[Kristine]

I only clip coupons that I think we'll use. And I actually *gasp* throw the inserts out once I've done that.

I throw all my coupons into one envelope labeled "COUPONS" with a Sharpie.

If there's a stellar deal (like the Electrasol coupons) I might buy 6 or 7 papers, but just clip what I need. Most weeks it's just one paper.

It's not the most efficient system, but a lot of stores aren't convenient for me to get to. So I do the best I can with what I have, and without driving a lot of extra miles.

[Rachel V.]

Another vote for the file box method of storing inserts. I'm sure I do miss a few deals, but the time I save by not clipping and filing every coupon is better spent on other things in my crazy life with full-time job and 2 little kids.

[Ladyflower]

The system I use is pretty much the system you are thinking of switching to. I tried clipping and filing all coupons at first and it was so time comsuming and most of the coupons I never even used. I also had to constantly go through them to throw out the expireds.

Now I file the entire insert in a three ring binder inside a plastic page protector. I have several binders - one for SS, RP, and P&G. I keep these on a bookshelf by my computer. Before I go shopping I look through the sales ad and use an online coupon database to find and clip the coupons I will need. I do keep an envelope of clipped coupons with me for items that I frequently buy.

I've rarely had to pass up a deal because I didn't have every coupon with me. I find the time saved with my new system is worth so much more to me.

[Lea Ann]

I use a 3-ring zippered cloth binder. inside left flap has file pockets, which i label for each store i visit (Walgreens, CVS, Kroger, Tom Thumb, Target, etc.) in those i can put each week's newspaper circular with specials, and an envelope with coupons that are specific to that store (ie Target only coupons) AND i take 3 minutes to scan the circular and pull relevant coupons and put them in that envelope too.
Then, i use clear plastic 3-hole punched CD sleeves for all the coupons in the binder (each page would hold 2 CDs with a cover flap.) i use divider tabs for big categories (like dairy, meat, frozen, cleaning) and i put labels on each plastic pocket for subcategories under each (like under dairy i have cheese, ice cream, yogurt, butter). i can find everything i need VERY quickly in store. and can whip out coupons for other people in the aisle quickly too. End of each month, i take expired out of each pocket.
When new coupons come on Sunday, i cut out immediately into two piles: ones i want to keep and file, ones i will pass on to coupon round robin group (which go immediately into a mailing envelope). i have an in-box for "To File in Notebook", and file little handfuls here and there when i have a minute.
Notebook is a super organized method for me.

[Erin Pettingill]

Every one who is looking at this website might already be doing this with their coupons but I just thought I would mention it just in case. For an easy quick way to clip your coupons I take my three SS insert that I get on sunday or whatever the insert is and the take the first pages from each of them and stack them on top of each and then take the second page from each insert and stack them together and put them in another pile. I do this with each set of pages so all similar papers are stacked together. That way I can take the page 1 stack of 3 papers and see that there is a coupon that I want and then instead of cutting out each one individually I can stack them all up together and then cut all three with one quick clip. Right after that I just staple the three identical coupons together and then go on to the next stack of page 2 coupons and do the same. This way of clipping goes much faster because you are clipping the similar coupons 3 at a time instead of one at a time and then because you stapled them together you are filing 3 together at the same time and then they are easy to find and you can quickly know how many you have right when you need them instead of digging through your categories to make sure you grabbed all three of the like coupons. This has saved me a ton of time and keeps things a little bit more organized.

I hope this makes sense and helps at least one person to cut back on clipping time.

I also have done the box way of clipping coupons and the baseball card holder way I think both ways are alot more efficient than just cutting the inserts when you need them. Good luck!!! Its hard to break old habits, especially if they are working for you.

[Beth (A Mom's Life)]

When I first started clipping coupons, I tried it the other way. I wrote the date on the top of the insert and tucked them away in folders.

I thought I was so smart until I actually started needing the coupons. It was a nightmare. I would go through the inserts until I found the coupons I needed and I would clip. This was all well and good until the next week when I needed something else from one of the inserts I had already clipped from. After a couple of weeks the inserts were a mess...half clipped pages here, quarter clipped pages there. UGH! Scraps of paper everywhere!

It got to be a huge mess! After only 2 months, I decided to switch to your method. It is a bit of a hassle up front once a week but I think in the end it is easier.

Also since I get several papers, I have started using a WFMW tip where someone suggested coalating the pages and then clipping the coupons. So now I clip once and get three coupons already stacked together.

Sorry for the rambling comment!

[Michele]

I clip almost every coupon in the inserts and file them in a 3 ring binder (baseball page inserts). I love this system. It is so easy to find them when I'm in the store and easy to pull out the expired coupons. It does take a few extra minutes on the front end though putting them away.

We have a lot of good stores here that tend to have clearance items. (My local Harris Teeter has had some great clearance lately and our Super Wal-Mart has some stuff every now and then). I would go crazy flipping through inserts. But, if you don't have the stores, and you don't mind missing a deal every now and then, save the time.

[Donielle @ Raising Peanuts]

Crystal,
I think if you go to NOT clipping out every coupon, you'll have a lot more TIME on your hands. No searching through each insert for the products you use or might use. Just date each insert and file it away to be used when I see a sale. My weeks budget is basically down to the penny and I only bring the coupons I need with me. There have really only been a couple times I had wished for a coupon when I saw some clearance stuff.
My system is here: http://tinyurl.com/5b5svq

[Jenna]

I have been clipping and filing since I was 11 years old and I have recently celebrated 46 years. I tried the inserts whole for awhile it does not work it is way more trouble than it is worth!

I have a box like yours and have had it since I was 11 years old when I turned 40 years old I had calculated in an account for every coin I had saved I put that amount in an account. I had $ 250K that is almost 30 years of savings. So who ever says the nickles and dimes do not add up would be totally wrong. For anyone who is 20 years old. Start saving coupons now if you put ever penny you would have spent in a seperate account when it comes time to retire you will have what you need.

[Kate]

Just this week I tried to not clip them all, and just this week I missed a coupon opportunity because of it!

[Alexis]

I just decided yesterday, as a newish couponer, the file I was using just wasn't gonna work anymore and I'd be switching to a binder system.

[Cole & Lia's mom]

I just started serious couponing a few months ago, and I'm getting to the point where I'm overwhelmed, so I was hoping that this thread would help. But -- gasp! -- different people prefer different methods! I've been filing whole inserts, but have found some problems with that method. 1) What do I do with all my internet printables? 2) What do I do with the coupons that I cut and then don't use? I can't remember where they came from! 3) I'm having trouble finding some coupons that I know I have... where did those Revlon ones go? What insert was that? :-0 So, I guess I'm not much help, but at least it's reassuring to know that I'm not the only one with this dilemma... Will be watching, Crystal, to see what you decide!
~Karen

[Littlemissknowitall]

I have a similar system to the one you linked. I pull out all the inserts each week, and search through them for the q's I might use. If I know for sure I want to use it, I'll go ahead and clip it. Otherwise I put it in a hanging filing cabinet in files labeled by month. Then I leave it until I need it. For the q's I've clipped or bought multiples of, I have a coupon binder that I use. I took a regular Mead Five Star three inch ring binder and keep them in there inside baseball card pages. I have five dividers which have pockets to hold loose q's I haven't filed yet. I have a zipper pouch to hold recent receipts, catalinas, ECB's, RR's, etc. I have page protectors in the back that hold my store coupon policies. I use the pockets on the inside of the binder to hold the q's I think I'm going to use that shopping trip, along with my planned run, and then when I find the item I move the q to the front pocket--that way when I get to the register all I have to do is grab the whole stack--they're all ready for the cashier. The baseball card pages allow me to see every q I have clipped in a matter of seconds, and they don't fall out if the binder falls over or the kids are playing around. I know you know the pain and grief it causes when all those carefully arranged coupons are all over the floor in one big mess! Not to mention being able to flip right to the page and see the q you need the second you need it, instead of having to pull it out of a stack in one of those box dividers and search through them until you find the right one. HTH!

[Heather]

Crystle,

I use the method Marla uses, but use scrapbook supply organizer pages, instead.

I also had an "aha" moment with the time it was taking me to clip everything. Three weeks ago I'd bought 10 papers, and had spent about an hour clipping the inserts for the first three. My husband came in and jokingly told me that my craft room looked just like I was doing a scrapbook, which made me think -- why am I cutting these by hand with scissors and not just using my paper cutter that can cut multiple sheets at once? I stacked the rest of the inserts and was done clipping the remaining 7 inserts in 15 minutes. I now use this for all of my "clipping" and it saves so much time!

(If you don't have a paper cutter that can do this, the best deal to get one is when Michael's or Hobby Lobby has a 50% off a regularly priced item sale....)

[Erin]

Why not store the inserts into a notebook that you can keep in the car? You could even bring this in to the store with you. It make take a few extra seconds to flip through, but I think you start to recognize where certain coupons are.

I actually only cut out coupons I know I will use, because I found myself starting to buy things I didn't need. Then I throw out the inserts. I know I do miss a few deals, but then I'm also saving money by not getting them.

[rachel]

I get very overwhelmed by sorting through coupons in a box. I have a 3 ring binder (I think it's like 3'') and trading card sheet protectors. They are the same size as a sheet protector but there are 9 little pockets on a page. I cut my coupons and file them in the little pockets. As I am filing I just throw out the expired ones. This is soooo helpful because I can just flip to dairy and see all the coupons I have in one glance. I purchased mine at Walmart, though they apparently don't sell them anymore. The cost was $1.50 for 10 sheets. I think I wound up with about 50 or so sheets. This way I have ALL my coupons and if I find something on clearance I can quick check to see if I have a matching coupon. I have found it to be SUPER helpful

[Tami@ourhouse]

What? I can't believe my eyes- the coupon queen (whose influence has made ME a coupon queen, too), thinking about changing her system? :) I respect you so much, Crystal- you are always looking for the best way to do something, not just stuck on the way you used to do it.

I do a mixture, that a few people have written about. I clip the coupons I know I'll use and file the rest by insert. OK, I don't file them. I stick them in their own drawer. This works pretty well, but I have to say that it can be a bit of a pain to find a coupon when I see a deal here or a website you have referred.

I haven't missed out on any deals that I didn't want to miss out on. I do put my CVS (or whatever store I'm headed out for) coupons in their own envelope before I leave to do my deals for the week, but I take all my coupons with me in case I see a deal I don't want to miss. This is what is working for me, but it seem impossible to completely take all the 'hassle' out of couponing. Of course, the hassle pales in comparison to the rewards.

[Precious]

I have been clipping coupons and using them for 40 years. I have tried every system out there. I fnally found the binder system and have never been more organized. I take it with me everywhere and can see all the coupons so easily and never miss on on deals I find. My binder has room for my shopping lists and store type coupons in the front.

[Derenda]

I have tried many methods of storing coupons. A lot of what method you choose depends on your current season of life. Currently, I am using a combination of the methods.

I cut the coupons for products that I am likely to use or brands with high probability of being on sale. I store these alphabetically by brand in baseball card holders in a zippered binder (a zipper is a must or all of your coupons will fall out if you accidentally pick it up upside down). Also, all of the blinkies, direct mail, and internet printable coupons are in this section.

In the front of the binder I have photo album pages that have store coupons and coupons that I am planning on using during my next shopping trip. I have a page for each store, while I shop I take from the "plan to buy" pocket and move to the "hand to the cashier" pocket. I use multiple pockets because my stores are often out of stock, this way I don't miss handing a coupon to the cashier or give her too many. Each store also has a separate sheet protector page to hold the monthly rebate catalog or store coupons that I am unlikely to use. I save all of my receipts for rebates, coupons to file, a pen, and a pair of scissors. I keep them in a zippered pencil pouch.

In a separate notebook I store the inserts with the uncut coupons. It is rare for me to get these out, usually only for an unexpected freebie or money maker deal.

One downside to the baseball card holders is that you have to cut fairly precisely to have the coupons fit in the pockets. My pages have 9 pockets per page. Pages with just slightly larger slots would be ideal (maybe with 6 pockets per page).

Let us know what you decide!

[julie]

I only clip what we really use or we think we might try (food wise). I do clip all razors, paper goods etc. So my file is very small and actually fits in an accordian style coupon folder from Big Lots. We do alot of co-oping and from scratch cooking. We have no stores that double or do way deep discounts. We will be getting an Aldi here soon. Which I'm excited about checking out!

[jan]

I used to cut every coupon but it is too overwhelming. I have never come across an unadvertised deal- so I just save the whole insert.

[Melissa]

I switched over to filing my coupons as whole inserts a little over a month ago. I think it’s going to be a lot less hassle in the end. But right now I’m trying to juggle two methods because I couldn’t unclip the coupons I already had. I still clip a few to carry with me in a very small binder for a few items that I’m always searching for a good deal on. Do I ever come across a good deal that I could have snagged if I had the coupon with me? Yes, once in a while. But as you said in one of your posts not too long ago, you don’t have to do every deal. If I don’t have the coupon with me, then it’s not something I’m in real need of and I’ll be OK without it.
It’s not just the not clipping every coupon that I’m enjoying, it’s also not carrying every coupon with me. The size of what ever binder or box that I found big enough to put them all in, got to be so overwhelming. I was a little anxious at first about going shopping without my coupons in tow, but now it’s like a big relief. No more having to be constantly on alert for a bargain. I don’t dread going shopping anymore, and I get to enjoy my husband’s company more because I’m not preoccupied with something else.

[Tami]

Hi, Crystal,

I have been keeping whole inserts since I started the Grocery Game a few years ago. I had an empty box that held hanging file folders, and it holds several months' worth of coupons. I currently get 3 papers per week. And I easily have 6 months' worth of inserts. I use a pen to write the date clearly on the top page of each insert, and then I put the newest inserts on top.

I buy 2 papers per week, and later in the week, my mom gives me her inserts. So I usually have an insert that has not been demolished, and that will help tonight as I pull coupons for triple coupons at Harris-Teeter this week. (Thanks for the tip!)

I cannot keep up with clipping coupons each week,and I estimate that I spend about 1.5-2 hrs each Sunday with my coupons and Grocery Game list for the grocery store and Walgreens. I use your site and Hot Coupon World for CVS.

Have a blessed day! Tami
www.tamifox.com

[Rebekah]

AUGH! Don't switch! I just switched from the "whole coupon section filed by date" system to your coupon box system last Thursday and I LOVE your system so much better. I hated going through 12 weeks of circulars each time I went to the store. Now, I just make my menu and list then go to the envelope for the items I think will have coupons and viola! It is so frustrating with the whole coupon section system because they have coupons that expire at diffent times within the same section and so you'll have just a few pages with unexpired coupons left on it and have to keep the outside cover to remember where it was from.... I could go on and on. Your system is soooo much better. Stay strong. Resist the temptation!

[Nichole]

My mom use to cut coupons and I dreaded it! So when I started using coupons and saving money I knew I had to find a better way! I still so GREAT in saving money and I do find that I know my inserts from going thru them to find coupons that I know when I see something on clearanced I am able to find that coupon in the insert. I wouldnt go to clipping coupons for anything. To me thats to much time that I can spend on other things.
Whatever you do don't stress about it to much! :-D

[Angela]

Wow! Seems like a nice split bag of feedback. I do a bit of a cross system. My main system is to clip the coupons I know I will use and to file them in broad categories. I just don't always do this right away. I hang onto my inserts for a couple of weeks, clipping what I need to match ads, but otherwise leaving them whole. I find that after a couple of weeks, there are so many holes that it really is just easier to go through and determine if I would use any of the coupons if the right deal came along. Those that fit, I clip and file. Each week when I am adding new coupons, I scan my coupons in each category and look for any that expire in the coming week. This way, I don't realize a week too late that I had a great coupon that I could have used. It works for me. I take my file to the store because sometimes there are unadvertised sales or extended markdowns (month long deals not mentioned in the ad weekly) or in the case of Target - the most random things on Clearance (one visit, we got the 6 pk Mott's Healthy Harvest Applesauce cups for 38 cents each. They are good until December, but they were still on Clearance). It works for me.

[Kerry]

Having all the coupons with you is very handy. If you keep them intact, maybe you could keep them in a folder in the car? I think it's best to clip them so you have them ready. We have been using card holders in two different three ring binders, one for food, and one for pharmacies. I bring them both into all stores though, just in case. The box system that you use didn't work well for us. I like to browse through my coupons and see them all, something lacking in not clipping.

[Eva]

I started out just clipping the coupons I needed and finally made my way to clipping a organizing. I shop at several places and just started taking my entire book and have found great deals. Really I think it boils down to whether or not you just shop at Kroger (which sounds like it wouldn't be worth it) or if you shop elsewhere (maybe making it worth the time).

[Courtney]

I think there are a lot of good ways to really organize your coupons (just reading through the already posted comments gave me new ideas, too). However, I would definitely keep clipping every coupon because there actually are times that you'll be out and need/want a coupon that you may not have with you. Think about the Walgreens clearance that could could possibly get for free but didn't know about till you got to the store. You could always go back, but that would take more time than it would take to just keep clipping all of your coupons.

If you want to feel better about taking the time to keep clipping, think of it like being paid for a job. Count your savings and pretend that's what you're being paid for the hour or less it took to clip and file those coupons. That's a pretty fantastic job!

[- 50cent]

I originally started with the envelopes and small shoe box method, but quickly found it too hard to carry around... I then moved to the binder method with the baseball card pages. I get several inserts so I only clip one set of the coupons for the week and file the rest into pocket folder system by date... that way i can carry the binder with me into the store in case i find any deals, but also when i look up the coupons on this site i can easily go to the folder and pull those ones as well. In the back of the binder I keep a plastic folder that holds the weekly store inserts (target, cvs, etc.) so i can quickly access store specific stuff...

[MJ]

I file by insert. But I'm also worried about missing great deals, so I type a quick list of what's in each insert when I get it. All I enter is the item and the expiration date. I print these lists and keep them in a binder, which I carry with me when I shop. (I use the front pocket of the binder for the coupons I've pulled for my shopping trip.) I store my inserts in a 13 pocket file (9 by 12 size), which I leave in the car when I'm shopping. This does two things for me. First, it keeps me from buying things just because there's a coupon . . . I really have to consider if it's a good enough deal to go outside for! Second, it allows me to get those great deals when I do find them. I'm a big fan of filing by insert -- I could never stand putting all those coupons into little baseball card sleeves! It drove me crazy!