I have been semi-crazy couponing since the end of November. I can't tell you how much it is worth doing. On average, I would say I've cut my grocery and household item (baby, cleaners, personal care,etc) bills in half. Yes, half. And yes, on average. Some weeks I'm saving 75%. There are those weeks when I save only (only?!) about 30%, but hey! 30% of what I was spending ($120-$140) is still DARN good in my book. Today I went to Walmart, had a $100 total, but after those glorious beeps, I only had to pay $65. This was not my best excursion, but STILL! It's well worth it.
I wanted to organize my system (and share it with you!) because it was in need of being streamlined. Before, I just collected the circulars and other coupons, dated them, and shoved them in a box. It was annoying. It was time consuming to go through every week. It was messy. The solution? Why, here you go!
When the circulars arrive in Sunday's paper, I date each coupon and also abbreviate where it comes from. (Examples: Red plum from 1/8 = R1/8 Smart Source 1/1 = S1/1). I do this because the main site I use for my deals list (couponmom.com) tells you exactly where to find that coupon in that way.
Then all I do is simply cut out the coupons and put them in their corresponding category. I have made up the following categories for my binder:
- Produce
- Condiments/Sauces
- Baking
- Cereal/Breakfast
- Packaged/Canned Goods
- Beverages
- Snacks/Candy
- Refrigerated/Dairy
- Frozen
- Personal Care
- Cosmetics
- Oral Care
- Cleaning/Household
- Paper Goods
- Medicine
- Baby/Kids
- Pets
- Miscellaneous
- Store Specific
Do you coupon? What is your system like? And... are you as addicted as I am?! ;)
We have the occasional vouchers that come in the mail for Blockbuster or pizza etc but we don't do couponing here, we have catalogues advertising the sales at the grocery stores so we know what is cheaper that week but no coupons.
ReplyDeleteHowever your system looks awesome and much easier for you to tackle!
I don't feel like I have the time to "coupon" but I'm sure it really is worth it! And your organization has me green with envy :) Maybe if I was that organized I would find I have the time after all. That is awesome that you are reaping the rewards and have shared your success with all us slackers ;)
ReplyDeleteomygoodness, stephanie. what an awesome system you have!! i admire it!
ReplyDeleteand your binder is so neat, cute and tidy...what a great idea.
i'm so happy for you. that's a lot of extra loot!!
steve and i watched "extreme couponing" a few months ago and haven't since. we were all talk. well, steve was. haha. he swore he was going to get right on clippin coupons and finding codes. he has yet to :)
i have a strong feeling when babes come into the family, i will be asking you for some pointers :)
have a happy wednesday <3
xoxox
maria
I want to start couponing...but it's so overwhelming...I don't know where to start :(
ReplyDelete<3-Cami from First Day of My Life