i have a question

[deleana]

so i have been collecting the sunday newspaper coupons i get between 7 to 10 copies and have them filed in my file cabinet....my question is how do you remember all those coupons, is something else i am suppose to be doing in order to know what coupons i have...thank you deleana

[Stef]

That's what the CM database is for - matching local sales with coupons. There's also just the coupon database, where it lists the coupons released in your area.

[Desert Debbi]

The long and short of it is yes.. you have alot more to do. There are TWO methods most couponers use in order to organize their coupons:

1) File Method (this is what I used when I first started)

Pros: only cut what you need so save alot of time

Cons: have to have a database handy to know which insert the coupons you want are in which means you have to PREPLAN all your trips and its much harder to score deals on the fly. also harder to do trades with people for coupons you want.. and what do you do with all the catalinas, blinkies and peelies and other loose coupons.. your coupon policies and your ads?

2) Coupon Binder (this is what I switched to a couple months ago and I am NEVER going back!)

Pros: everything is at your fingertips. You can score deals on the fly because you have your coupons with you and can easily flip to the page they are in, pull them out and keep scoring savings. Also makes it easier to trade coupons as they are all cut out.

Cons: you spend alot of time cutting coupons- 2-4 hours a week is what I average. However I do it while I watch tv, talk on the phone to my mom, or while my 3.5yo subjects me to his TV viewing but wants me with him =p
Also you will need to purge coupons you dont want.

There is another option too. Cut out only what you WOULD use.. and file the rest for "just in case" and trades. Use a binder for everything your family would use, your ads.. store policies ect. That way you can cut less, score deals on things you LIKE, and still have the depends and denture cream and pet foods you dont use for trades =P

[Kiervin]

Coupon Binder (this is what I switched to a couple months ago and I am NEVER going back!)

Pros: everything is at your fingertips. You can score deals on the fly because you have your coupons with you and can easily flip to the page they are in, pull them out and keep scoring savings. Also makes it easier to trade coupons as they are all cut out.

Cons: you spend alot of time cutting coupons- 2-4 hours a week is what I average. However I do it while I watch tv, talk on the phone to my mom, or while my 3.5yo subjects me to his TV viewing but wants me with him =p
Also you will need to purge coupons you dont want.

There is another option too. Cut out only what you WOULD use.. and file the rest for "just in case" and trades. Use a binder for everything your family would use, your ads.. store policies ect. That way you can cut less, score deals on things you LIKE, and still have the depends and denture cream and pet foods you dont use for trades =P

Another Pro to the binder is that by cutting them as you get them you know what you have and when you run across an unadvertised special that you know you cut a coupon for you are going to score. I cut what I know we'll use and make note of what I haven't cut. When I check the database and find something I wouldn't use on sale that I can get for free or next to free I go ahead and cut them and get the items and donate them to the women's shelter or food bank.

[CurtisBeers]

I do a combination of both the binder and filing methods.

I go through my coupon inserts on Sunday evenings (after going to the coffee shops down the street from me for any extra inserts).

I clip what I know I will use (based on feedback from this site, things I normally buy, things that will be free, etc) and file them for the store I will be using them at.

I then file the coupon inserts by date and type (Smart Source, Red Plum, General Mills, Procter & Gamble, etc).

If I see or hear of another sale or great deal, I can just go back to that date and pull the coupons.

It is not prefect but it keeps me organized, is easy to find what I need and is easy to purge the expired coupons and inserts.

[missmbb]

I use the same method that Curtis does. I wind up with so many inserts some weeks that I just wouldn't be able to cut out all of the coupons and put them in a binder. I have missed out on some unadvertised deals, but luckily my stores are all very close, so if it is a GREAT deal, I can always go back the next day.

[deleana]

thanks you guy,s....you have all given me some great ideal,s....i love this forum cause i alway,s get the help i need...

[dp38587]

Another thing to consider is drive time and ease of store access. In my case.......it's almost 20 miles to town any direction you go. The binder is my best option cause I am sure not going home for Qs once I'm out. My binder lives in my trunk till it's time to add the new weeks Qs.

Deb

[missmbb]

Another thing to consider is drive time and ease of store access. In my case.......it's almost 20 miles to town any direction you go. The binder is my best option cause I am sure not going home for Qs once I'm out. My binder lives in my trunk till it's time to add the new weeks Qs.

Deb

Absolutely! If I didn't have so many stores within just a few miles, I would have to use the binder method only. Mine are close enough that after I drop DS13 off at school, I can hit CVS, Kroger, Meijer and Giant Eagle and go back home and I haven't even driven 10 miles round trip.