Welcome back to my Realistic Look at Couponing Video Series! If you didn’t get a chance to watch last week’s video, you will definitely want to watch it first. (It will explain a few things that may puzzle you in the beginning of this video!)
I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments on this series as we go along. Here are a few things that I’m wondering:
- What is your favorite method of coupon organization?
- How many coupon inserts do you purchase?
- Do you have any tips on getting coupons for free or cheap?
lol about using the Wal-mart name tag. The only thing that might not work for you is if you had your kids along in the cart. People might get suspicious.
I get one newspaper each week and clip the coupons I think I’ll use before they expire and put them in envelopes (in alpha order) that I’ve labeled by category. I also use a lot of internet printable coupons, and they go in the envelopes as well. I have an envelopes for each store that I go to. I try to get all the coupons I need for a trip to the store in their corresponding envelope beforehand. But I usually do bring along my category envelopes just in case. I just put a thick rubberband around them all and shove them in my purse. And the envelope for each store goes on top of the stack.
I sometimes get extra inserts from my mom on the occasion that she has bought a Sunday paper.
I started keeping all the inserts until the last coupon expires because there have been instances where I skipped over a coupon and later found that it may not be a brand I’ve used before, but I need an item they make and can get it for free or cheaper than my usual brand.
SO funny. About the nametag, I made the mistake in college of going into target wearing a red polo shirt. I got asked about every other aisle if I could help someone..haha. & that was in my pre-couponing days.
First, I want you to know that I am a big fan of your website. I think you truly represent those of us that practice “realistic couponing”. I organize my coupons using a small acordion organizer. I am not a big fan of the binder as I think it would be too cumbersome to lug into a grocery store. I also try to not attract too much attention when I am shopping and I think that would. I do commend those that do use one as I think it takes a lot of dedication and organization to keep it up. I only buy two newspapers for inserts. In saying that I belong to a “coupon train” with three of my friends. They each buy two newspapers or get inserts from others and we all look through our own inserts and those coupons that we don’t use, we pass them along to one another. We also utilize each other when we want more than 2 prints of a particular coupon online. This system really works for me as I have saved quite a bit and have been able to pay off debt because of my couponing.
As far as favorite stores, I am a big fan of Rite Aid as you can use Up rewards and stack coupons. I used to shop at Target because you are allowed to stack coupons there too, but I experienced too much stress explaining their coupon policy to their cashiers. I like hassle free couponing experiences.
Thanks for all your posts!
Just kidding!
They are pretty cute mugs, Mom, so I’ll see what I can do next time. 🙂
Great job, Kaley! I was only disappointed about one thing: if you had just moved your head slightly, everyone would have seen the beautiful red mugs I bought for you at the dollar store. You might want to keep that in mind the next time you tape.
Like your comment about the “seasons of life”. When I lived in WI and had 3 teens at home I started getting 4 inserts per week so that I could stock up and help 2 of them that were budget limited college students. The 3rd teen just ate everything in site (yes a boy) lol. Now I have moved to GA, kids all adults, just the 2 of us and I only get 1 insert a week. I use a lot of internet printables as the sales come up. We just don’t require a huge stockpile.
Enjoying your series and I think the name tag is still an awesome idea, although I personally haven’t tried it myself 🙂
Oh, and I organize in a 4 x 6 inch box w/ alpha tabs, it’s easy to go through for the sales week and then I just take the ones I need to the store.
Thanks Kaley, would love to see how your coupons are organized. Not sure weather to cut coupons or keep full circulars by date. Very confusing!!! I am a coupon user, but not quiet to this extent, but i can’t wait to learn more. With having 4 children the more money saved the better!!
Love the video! Great job once again!
Now to answer your questions:
I use a coupon binder. I have seen the other methods, but with having kids with me at all times, I think it’s best for me to have my coupons clipped, easily visible and ready to go. I do take it in the store even though I plan my trips. There have been many times where I come across a clearance item or unadvertised sale that I have a coupon for and have been so glad that my binder was there with me.
Inserts: I typically buy 4 Sunday papers. I also get an additional Red Plum insert from my mom’s home mailer. She also gives me coupons that she comes across at work. However, if it’s a poor coupon week, I’ll just buy 1 paper.
Thanks for sharing, Janice! Sounds like you have a great system! I like the idea of a coupon binder too…if I knew that I would make the time to clip coupons each week.
{Squuuueal} Kaley on video…woohoo…you are so adorable. Great job! What did you record it on? Such great quality!
Thanks for thinking I’m adorable, Beckie. I just used my Canon Power Shot camera. I think the sun my have helped. 🙂
You haven’t lived until you’ve gone dumpster diving for coupons!
😉
Kidding!
I’m enjoying your video series. 🙂
I’ll try anything once, Leanna! (Ok…almost anything…)
Thanks for the focus on reality. I have had great and not so great couponing experiences! Can’t wait for installment #3:) Thanks Kaley!
Thanks for the encouragement, Melanie!