Clipping Coupons!

You can save hundreds, even thousands a year by simply clipping coupons. You can start saving by starting with clipping those "Sunday" coupons from your local newspaper. There are also some coupon websites that you can print coupons right from your printer. Also there is a website that you can register your shoppers savings card and it will automatically take off "coupons" for certain things that you buy. www.coupons.com


1. Start by looking at the stores circular for things like chicken breast 50% off. Plan a few meals around the sale items that you buy. Have a "complete" list so that you do not buy unnecessary things. Be "store flexible" shop at the stores with the best sales for the week.

2.Look for sales on the coupon items. Many stores will put the item on sale the week that the coupon is out.


3.Go through your grocery list and put a star next to any item for which you have a coupon. Make a note of the specific brand and any special requirements (ie, must buy 2) next to the product. Immediately after you put the item in your cart, pull your coupon from your file and place it somewhere you won't miss it (the front of your file, your pocket, your cart). When you go to check out you'll have all your coupons together. This way you won't be stuck looking through a pile of clipped coupons while you're rushing to pay and risk missing one.


4. www.shortcuts.com

• Take advantage of frequent shopper cards that offer discounts or bonus savings. My local Kroger lets me swipe my Kroger Card at the register, so I can receive additional, unadvertised coupons — mostly on items that are already on sale that day!
• Use coupons on double coupon day if your store offers it.
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5.Typically, buying the smaller size when on sale and with a coupon, results in the biggest savings.

Storing Coupons

Inexpensive Containers - There are plenty of coupon organizers on the market today but all you really need is a simple basket or box with some index cards for dividers. Here are a few of my favorite ideas for inexpensive containers to store your coupons in…

* Gallon size plastic zip bags: I like using these because they’re clear and you can see your coupons at all times – sometimes out of sight means out of mind!

* Recycled envelopes: FREE! Instead of tossing out all those crisp clean reply envelopes (others may think of as junk mail), tuck the flap inside and use to store your coupons. This is great if you don’t have many coupons to store.

* Recycled shoe boxes, diaper wipe containers or empty food boxes: FREE! These are great because they won’t cost you a penny and have plenty of room to store hundreds of coupons.

Index Dividers – You can either purchase index dividers from an office supply or discount store, or make your own, as I did.

* Store bought dividers: Alphabetical and numerical index card dividers can be purchased and either used as is or adapted for coupon categories.

* Making your own dividers: FREE! Just about any type of large index cards or heavy card stock paper will do. You can even cut out cereal boxes and make your own sturdy dividers completely for free.

* Labeling your dividers: FREE! Make a list of the coupon categories you’d like to have in your coupon file, such as Breakfast Items, Coffee & Tea, Frozen Foods, etc… in alphabetical order. Then either label or print your dividers with these categories.

Initially, organizing your coupons may take a few hours, but it will help you save precious time (and money) each week. And by getting your coupons organized and ready to use, you’ll be on your way to saving in no time!!!