Some couponing mistakes and more ideas

There are so many things to remember when you start couponing.  You will learn through trial and error.  What one couponer does may not work for you, so adapt to your needs and organizational abilities.  There are also many ways to gather and organize coupons, but one of the biggest mistakes we all make is forgetting to use your coupons.

There are different systems for storing coupons, determine which way you want to keep yours.  It could be in a 3”x5” index card box; a 3-ring binder with sleeves used for baseball or postcards; an envelope; or some other method.  Some people like to set their coupons up based upon the layout of the grocery store they shop the most often.  I use a zippered coupon holder I purchased many years ago (possibly from Current) and divide my coupons into categories based upon 6 major categories (there are 6 sections):

•             Baking/Pasta/Condiments
•             Cleaning/Laundry/Paper Products
•             Health and Beauty/Pet Supplies
•             Breakfast/Snacks/Beverages
•             Misc. – this includes coupons for batteries, restaurants, and other
•             Dairy/Frozen/Meats

Each week, I cut coupons and place them in the appropriate section.  At least once a month I pull out the expired coupons (I have noticed the expiration date appears to come faster as many expire within a month).  As I review the sale ads and make my list, I pull the appropriate coupons and place an “*” on the right side of my shopping list.  I also list the sale price with initials for the store so that I can get a good deal.  For example my list might look like:

                       Ice cream  W 3.00  OD 2.99                                   *
                       Paper towels OD 1.19  R 1.09                                *
                       Yogurt R .33  W .39

After coupons that have expired I believe the second mistake we make is forgetting to take your coupons with you.  Why spend all the time to cut, organize, and create your lists if you do not use them?  In a way, this is a trick question.  At times, the coupon may not be the best deal.

Carefully look at the size and quantity on the coupon and determine if the deal using the coupon will save you money.  There are many store brand items that I purchase because we like them more than the name brand not only for the price, but for the quality.  Sometimes using a coupon because you have it is not a deal.  Coupon inserts are designed to appeal to the general population, not you specifically, which means that you won’t use all the coupons in each insert.  Yes, that $2 coupon off some random product is a great deal, but is it something you want and will use?  Don’t pay for something you don’t actually want, no matter the bargain.

Coupons can be found everywhere.  Not only are they delivered to your home in the Sunday newspaper (none on Labor Day weekend due to the holiday - here is the insert schedule for the year www.sundaycouponpreview.com/2012- sunday-coupon-insert-schedule); they come in your mailbox in the format of Valpak (also online at www.valpak.com/coupons/home) and publications like Clipper Magazine (also online at www.couponclipper.com); they can be found in some stores at their customer service desk or on their bulletin board; and are on the Internet including store web sites (Target - www.target.com/coupons); and sites specifically designed for coupon users.

Here are just a few sites I either use or have checked out:

•             coupons.com
•             shopathome.com 
•             couponmom.com

Please feel free to share unique places you have found coupons or your favorite place to get that deal.  In a few weeks, I will continue with more ideas on where to find coupons, including one key tip about coupons that are not free.