8 Ways to Maximize Your Couponing Experience

frugal advice on couponingI am slowly getting back into the savings game - with a little help from my friends. I have listened to a lot of advice and really taken it to heart.

After releasing the guilt over a couponing break, I've been slowly adding coupons to my shopping habits again. We're once again collecting coupons from a variety of sources, and it's piling up.

The problem now is finding the time to sort through my coupons! So, I turned once again to the experts - fellow frugal blogger across the web - to see how they make time for couponing:





Denise says, Clip the Best, File the Rest
"Between five kids, a blog and a business, I have NO time to organize my coupons so I use the 'clip the best and file the rest' method!"
Tip: Clip only the coupons you know you will use while filing the rest away in case you find a better deal later.
Get more tips from Denise at Shopper Strategy and Coupon Clutch











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Laura says, Multi-task
"I typically clip mine on Sundays when my husband and I are watching shows together, being occupied makes it easier to get it done and not feel like a chore ... Every blue moon, I'll get lucky and my husband will help clip them. I cherish those days."
Tip: The new coupons and most weekly ads come in the Sunday newspaper, making it the perfect time to sift through your stash on a lazy afternoon.
Get more tips form Laura at Thrifty Wifey












Matt says, Keep the Kids Occupied
"I clip them when the kids are watching America's Funniest Home Videos ... they are so engulfed in it."
Tip: As the kids get older, feel free to let them pitch in - they can cut coupons, file inserts, and help alphabetize or categorize your coupons.
Get more tips from Matt at A Thrifty Mom












Related: 10 "money-saving" tips that actually leave you broke






Zach says, Don't Clip Everything
"We don't clip them all, but store full inserts in a file cabinet filed by date. We clip the ones we know we're going to use and put those (along with printables, tearpads and coupons by mail) in a binder that is organized using subject dividers by product category. Not clipping them all also saves a lot of time, since 75% of the coupons in inserts will not be used."
Tip: Concentrate your efforts on coupons for items you'll actually need - so if your kids are past the potty-training years, save the diaper coupons for a friend instead of wasting precious time clipping them.
Get more tips from Zach at Look Before Spending










Miri says, Don't Clip Anything
"I'll be the black sheep and point out that you don't always have to physically clip - use a service like Saving Star and there's no clipping required!"
Tip: This was the first step that really got me invested in couponing. Mobile coupons, printable coupons, e-coupons - they're easy to use since I can click or print just before I head to the store. Find more Internet Coupons at Inexpensively.com.
Get more tips from Mir at Want Not










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Laura says, Clip Together
"I clip them on Sunday afternoons while my girls are sleeping. My husband usually helps me."
Tip: Working as a pair can help you stay organized and move faster - have one person clip, while the other organizes!
Get more tips from Laura at I Am THAT Lady












Aimee says, Name Your Binder
"Naming your binder makes it a part of the family so it's always with you. I keep my binder in my car and I take Pinky out of the car on Friday night. Cause nothing says 'I am mom' like cutting coupons on Friday night and Saturday morning."
Tip: I totally love this idea - who wants to help me name my lovely purple houndstooth Coupon Clutch? Incorporating couponing into your weekly routine is also a great way to make sure it doesn't fall to the wayside!
Get more tips from Aimee at Pretty Frugal Diva









Related: The 25 healthiest foods for under $1





Kate says, Road Clip
"I enjoy cutting and gathering my coupons, going through my coupon binder and reviewing what coupons I have ... I have also been known to organize my coupons on car rides."
Tip: As long as you're not the one behind the wheel, this is a brilliant way to use extra time on the road. Get everything back into shape on your next road trip!
Get more tips form Kate at Coupon Cravings







- By Heather Sokol
Follow Heather at Babble

For 2 more frugal tips on couponing, visit Babble!

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