Why the binder?
The binder is simply for organization. I do not want all my coupons laying around. I get the Sunday inserts, I put the date of the insert on the front (the date I received the insert in the paper) I hole punch it and put it away. I only go to this binder when a shopping lists tells me go to your SS 1/4 to get your $1 off Clorox coupon. Inside my binder I find my smart source insert for January 4th and cut the $1 off Clorox coupon.

What do I take into the store?
Before I go shopping, I cut the coupons I need from my binder or print them from the Internet. I put the coupons I need in the envelope marked with the stores name. If I have coupons for my Walmart shopping list, I put the coupons in my Walmart envelope and only bring in my Walmart envelope (coupons are already cut) and my shopping list. The bulk stays in the car.

What do you keep in the car?
I keep ALL of my coupons in the car. This way if I need to stop by a store (unplanned) I have my envelopes, binder, accordion folder. These all stay in a bag for portability.

How many coupons can you print?
Most website only allow you to print 2 coupons of each type. You can use the back arrow (top left) of your Internet browser to print a second coupon after the first printed. Sometimes you have to press the back arrow button a couple times.

Is the ink/printer paper worth it?
I get my ink refilled at Walgreens for a reduction of the cost. Often the ink goes on sale or has a coupon in the Walgreens flier…great, huh? I also stockpiled on computer paper when I had a great HP coupon last year. This coupon opened in adobe and allowed me to print multiple copies. I loaded up on computer paper for about 75% off. Coupons for paper and ink do exist, but they come out few and far in between. These are great items to stockpile on.

Is it better to shop at a warehouse?
It depends on who you ask. I am not a member of a warehouse but I am willing to visit. I find I stockpile and save more in places I can use coupons. Friends I have swear by warehouses for their meats. I can understand this. You have decide what your family gets at warehouses, start shopping at other places and decide what is best for your family. In my family’s case we get so much for FREE to CHEAP that warehouses would do nothing for us (just to get a membership for meat.)

Can you tell me about Store Brand vs Manufacturer Brand?
Manufacturer brand…you save more because manufacturers put out coupons. When I need something that does not have a sale and coupon combination, then I get generic. Get whatever is cheapest but I find I get the most expensive products for cheapest. It is true!

What is the coupon formula?
You CAN combine coupons. You CAN NOT combine manufacturer and manufacturer coupons. You CAN combine a store and manufacturer coupon…combined with a sale you get things for VERY cheap. The formula is combine with a sale, manufacturer, or store (or competitor) coupon. There sometimes is a missing link. That is okay. Save what you can.

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How long does it take you to shop?
For grocery shopping it generally takes me 30-45 minutes. This is because I don’t browse. I have my list organized, and my coupons cut. I know exactly what I need. I also tend to shop when my husband can take care of the baby. Pharmacy stores take me 20 minutes. I take the baby.

How long does it take you to check out?
This takes time. On a big bill maybe 15 minutes. I apologize to the person behind me, but they are always amazed to see my bill. I sometimes tell them I might be awhile as I have a lot of coupons. Kindness always gets you far. I actually shop during the most busiest time of the week – Sunday afternoon. I do not recommend it unless you need someone to watch over the kids (which is my story.)

Do stores take expired coupons?
Stores get credit for expired coupons up to 6 months after it has expired, but THEY DO NOT take expired coupons unless you are a military family. In the case of a military family, I am not sure if you have to shop at a certain location – perhaps at grocery locations on base. You can send your expired coupons to APO addresses so that you are helping a military family. You can read where to send them Here.

Have you had trouble with printed coupons?
No I have not. Target sometimes will only take ONE printed coupon of each type. If you are having trouble, I would take to the manager. If that doesn’t work, call the coporate office. You can see a list of corporate office numbers and contact information Here.

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I am so happy to be helping everyone save no their grocery bills. I wish I could answer all of your questions individually but I think it might be best for me to post a number of your questions in a post so that everyone is able to view the answers.

Where do I get coupons?

They exist folks. There are many places to print/retrieve coupons. 1) Coupons.com. You can utilize this resource on my left column where it says print coupons 2) Sunday inserts. Larger cities get better coupons. Small town folks are out of luck. I haven’t found a good solution to this. Try a book store to see if they have an edition to a larger city newspaper. If so, see if the inserts are in there (likely not.) 3) Manufacturer websites 4) My website has links 5) Smart Source 6) Eat Better America 7) All You Magazine – you can buy it on my website. I remember when I started couponing I would google to search for coupons. This is a waste of time. Let the coupons come to you. When you search for them, you can find yourself wasting a large amount of time looking for coupons that do not exist.

Isn’t Store Brand Cheaper?

Yes, it is but you save more money when you combine sales and manufacturer coupons that the larger brand names put out. When I do not have a coupon or sale and I am REALLY in need of an item, I buy store brands.

Where Can I Find Organic Coupons?

Again, let the coupons come to you. They exist. Manufacturers know that consumers want these coupons. They are producing them. I can tell you, though, that organic coupons are produced much less than processed food. My advice is begin saving on your beauty, cleaning, health, and other items. By saving a lot here, your budget will still drop.

How do I Find Meat and Produce Coupons?

These are few and far in between. These are usually items you find on sale by the stores. Some stores put out coupons like $2 off a $5 purchase.

Organization Questions

I do hole punch my coupons. This has not caused trouble when scanning because I am hole punching the insert not the individual coupon. I do not write what is inside on the front. I just date it. When a shopping list requests me to go to a certain dates insert, I go. I then find the coupon I need. I stay organized by dating them. I have the newest in front, the oldest in the back. By sorting coupons immediately (meaning I cut them as soon as I get them, my accoridan folder becomes too large. I also might neglect a coupon of something I could get FREE later and donate. I do not throw away the coupons of items I don’t need. I believe strongly in donating.

How do I make my shopping list?

I highlight the list on my website. I copy it. I paste it into word and then I have my shopping list.

Time, Time, Time – How do I find the time?

It does take time. I would do it when I had someone (my husband) to watch the baby. This works for us on Sunday afternoon of after the babies go to bed. You have to decide is saving is worth your time. It will take more time up front, but in the end you will be moving very fast. The average couponer takes about 45 minutes a week for around 2 stores. It will take some time, but it WILL BE worth it. I promise. Don’t drive yourself nuts, though. Do what you can.

Do I need to download software?

You will need to install a couple programs on your website to print coupons. You will soon find out most of the websites use the same software. I have never received a virus from these program. I do weekly/monthly deleate cookies and run a scan for my own computer safety. I trust manufacturer websites (for downloading coupon printers) and coupons.com.

Thanks for all the support and well wishes.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.