Clipping Coupons: What is it worth?

If you are a coupon clipper, you might wonder sometimes if that time is worth the savings. If you are a reader of my blog you know that just clipping a coupon for $.35 cents here and $.50 cents there is not how to maximize your savings. It's when you combine coupons with sales, rebates, and clearance items where you get ahead. Not to mention doubling coupons! (I just did that this morning!)


Jared emailed me this morning with this article from the Wall Street Journal. The math figures are sure interesting! Make sure you read the entire article to get the entire picture.

• Average saving per coupon: just $1.44, according to the Inmar report.
• Figuring it takes one minute to clip a coupon, saving $1.44 a minute is the equivalent of saving $14.40 for 10 minutes.

That averages to an hourly rate of $86.40.

Does that change your mind about clipping coupons? Of course, you still don't need to spend hours a week. I spend about 45 minutes (or less) each week putting my 6 sets of coupon inserts into my coupon binder for the week. I don't clip my coupons, either.

When I can build up my family's food storage for less than half the cost why not do it? Seriously, people! Jump on board! Couponing is the new bling. Just in the past few weeks I have gotten many, many great deals with my coupons. Here are a few:

45 Chinet paper plates: FREE
4 bags Goldfish crackers: FREE
2 bottles Suave shampoo: FREE
7 packs Trident gum: FREE
8 boxes Ronzoni pasta: FREE
4 boxes Kelloggs cereal: $.38 cents each
Pampers diapers: $4.50

I have literally saved thousands of dollars every year! And on a regular basis I save about 65% when I go shopping, and up to 95% when I have double coupons at Albertson's. So those $1 coupon here and $.50 coupons there really do make a difference!

What is your verdict? Are coupons worth it? They are to me!

Clipping Coupons: What is it worth?

Coupon Binder Organization

Remember last week when I posted a picture of my coupon binder? I couldn't even close it!
(Sorry for the bad pictures. Our camera is going out and we are looking for a new one).

I was in need of a coupon organization makeover! I did some research and found a HUGE binder that would work to hold all my coupons. I get 6 copies of the Sunday paper so it accumulates quickly. Here she is folks....whalla! My new HUGE coupon binder!

Isn't she beautiful! This is the Case-It Dual 500 dual binder 2-in-1 zipper binder. What a name, huh! I have been in love ever since the Fed Ex man came with her. As you can see, she expands up to 5 inches...which gives me plenty of room to store all those coupons. I can zip it closed with ease.

In the front are pockets where I keep the current weekly ads. I don't like going to the store without them. I also keep my weekly coupon list here for easy reference.

The front opens up to reveal lots of compartments for storage. Pens, calculators, highlighters, etc. The possibilities are endless!

Now to the coupons. See my post below on how I organize my coupons. That is a separate post in and of itself. This binder is perfect for lots of coupons as it has two sets of binder rings. One large and one small.

The larger ring on the left is where I keep my Smart Source and Red Plum inserts. The right side is where I keep my Proctor and Gamble and General Mills inserts.

In the very back I have a pouch where I keep printable coupon, catalinas, and other items I will be using soon. Behind that I am putting clear holders to put the rest of my printable coupons, store coupons, and catalinas. I will have a separate page for each store, ie Target, Albertsons...so I can keep everything together.

In the very back is another storage compartment for whatever you need. Right now this is where I have my calculator, pens, highlighters and such. I might move them though. I haven't decided if I like them there.

The binder is pretty heavy, but it also has a shoulder strap too! Awesome.

If you are liking this idea, get your binder on Amazon. I checked around and Amazon is the cheapest place to buy these bad babies. Order a 'filler item' to get your price up to $25 and you will get free shipping. I just googled 'filler item' and found something for .20 cents. Here is a link for easy ordering.
Caseit Dual500 Dual Ring Zipper Binder, Extra Large, Purple (Dual 500 PUR)

Here is the LINK to the Case-It website for more info on the binder. But Amazon has the best price.

Let me know what you think! Go here to see how I organize my coupons.

Coupon Binder Organization

How I 'clip' my coupons

In the past couple of months I have changed how I organize my coupons. Since I get so many Sunday newspapers (6), I thought I would share how I now organize my coupons. I no longer clip my coupons and store them in a file. It would take me forever and they would not fit! Here is what I do.

When I get my inserts I rip them apart at the spine so each page is separate. Then I lay them out in piles of the same page. Sometimes when the inserts are thick I have 15 pages, other times I have less. It just depends on how thick the inserts are. Then I staple each set together.

My baby loves watching me do this, lol!

Then after I have stapled each set I label it on the front, like so. The date and what insert it is (SS=Smart Source). There are also Red Plum inserts, General Mills inserts, and Proctor and Gamble inserts.

Then I stick them in sheet protectors by date. I also organize them by insert. So all my Smart Source inserts are together, Red Plum are together, etc. When I need a coupon I just take out the stapled set and cut out what I need at the store.

So far I really like organizing my coupons this way because it cuts down on wasted cutting time. Many, many times I would spend time planning out my trip, clipping the coupons I needed then when I got to the store they were out of what I wanted and I was left with a mess of coupons to refile. Now I cut only what I need when I need it. I love it! And as the coupons expire I just take out the whole insert. So easy.

And I know you are wondering how in the world I find the coupon I need, right? SUPER EASY. PinchingYourPennies has a updated weekly list of available coupons in alphabetical order. So I print out that list, keep it in my binder and I am good to go. Takes me 2 minutes tops to find what I need.

I do have some folders in the back of the binder where I keep printable coupons, store coupons, and catalinas. I still have lots of clipped coupons so I will be carrying around my accordion file for a little longer.

My next post is on my coupon binder, so stay tuned!

Oh, and I only pay $12 a month for the daily paper PLUS 5 Sunday papers. Then a friend gives me her Sunday paper too. It is so cheap to buy it that way instead of separately. I make up the $12 cost EASILY every month. Many times I triple or quadruple the savings. If you live in my area I can tell you how to get that deal. If you don't, call your local paper to see if they offer a deal on multiple Sunday subscriptions.

Why do I get multiple Sunday papers? Because it gives me more coupons so when there are great deals I can stock up! Its a great way to build up your food storage without breaking the bank.

How I 'clip' my coupons

My Coupon Binder

I have been needing another coupon binder. I can't even close mine! With 6 Sunday papers every week the bulk adds up quick. I ordered a new coupon binder and I have it!!!! I am so excited....in a few days I will show you my new binder and how I organize my coupons.

Stay tuned!

My Coupon Binder

Store Coupon Policies

Do you know the coupon policy at the store you shop at? It pays to! Then you are better informed when there is a problem at checkout. I recommend you printing these out and carrying them with you when you shop.

GO HERE for a current store policy list.

Store Coupon Policies

$20 in coupons from Nestle

Get this Free Back-to-School Calender from Nestle which includes $20 in savings towards Nestle products! Thanks, PYP!

$20 in coupons from Nestle

Today's newspaper inserts

In today's Sunday paper I got 3 coupon inserts:

Smartsouce

Redplum

Genereal Mills Everyday Saver

Did you get all 3 inserts in your area?

Also, look on the front page of your Smartsource insert. There is a coupon for a FREE 2 oz soy candle from Glade, a value of $3.49!

Even if you don't use candles on a regular don't waste this coupon. Candles are great for emergency preparedness! Add to your supply for free.

Today's newspaper inserts

Save $1 on Crest

I got this offer in my email and thought I would share with you!



Fill out THIS FORM to get a $1/1 Crest Pro Health Enamel Shield Toothpaste coupon.

Save $1 on Crest

Is it worth it?

I have many new readers to my blog, so I thought I would re-introduce how to use coupons. It is really easy once you get the hang of it! It does take organization, patience and yes...a lot of time! Read a past post to get the jist of it all!

Is Couponing Worth It?

Is it worth it?

No coupons this weekend

Just a reminder: There will be no coupon inserts this weekend. There are never coupons in the Sunday paper on holiday weekends. Now we can all catch up on clipping the 5 inserts (or more) that we got this past weekend!

Yes, we do know in advance! GO HERE to see the entire coupon schedule for 2009.

No coupons this weekend

Simple & Delicious coupon booklet: $10 in savings!

Sign up to get a FREE Simple & Delicious coupon booklet with $10 in coupon savings for brands such as Hunt's, Orville Redenbacher, Chef Boyardee and more. There's even a coupon for a free 24 oz bottle of Hunt's ketchup! Thanks Coupon Cravings!

This might not last long!

Simple & Delicious coupon booklet: $10 in savings!

Printable coupon for Michaels

Click HERE to print this 40% off coupon good at any Michael's, good through March 28th.

I get their email updates and get printable coupons in my email inbox on a regular basis. It's where I got this coupon. If you want to get regular email coupons from Michael's, go HERE to learn how.

Printable coupon for Michaels

Michaels Arts and Crafts discount coupons

You know the 40% off coupons Michaels puts out in their Sunday ads? Well, you don't have to subscribe to the newspaper or buy the Sunday paper to get those coupons. **As of August 30th 2009 Michaels is discontinuing their Sunday newspaper ads.**

Sign up at Michaels.com to get 40% off coupons directly in your email inbox! There are two separate things to sign up for: the regular discount coupons, and The Knack newsletter and coupons.

1. Go to the Michaels website.
2. Click on the box in the upper right hand corner that says "sign up to receive discounts"
3. Click on the button on the right hand bottom corner that says "The Knack parents find out more and join today"
4. Sign up to receive The Knack newsletter.

The Knack is a kids program at Michaels where kids can do craft projects, print online coloring sheets, and more. They also send you Michaels discount coupon in your email. I will profile The Knack in a different post.

Enjoy your free coupons!

Michaels Arts and Crafts discount coupons

40% off one item at Old Navy

Get a 40% off one regular priced item coupon to use at Old Navy, valid Feb 20th-26th. Thanks Shelley for the tip.

40% off one item at Old Navy

Organizing Coupons

Using coupons is becoming much more popular now as the economy is so bad. A cashier told me that not too long ago. She said it used to be just a few people here and there using coupons, but now many more customers are coming through the checkout line with coupons in hand.

How do you organize your coupons? There are countless ways to do it. But one thing is for sure: if you want to coupon you HAVE to have an organizational system or it won't work! Avid couponing can become frustrating very quickly if you don't have your coupons in order.

Today I will feature a few ideas and then on Friday I will talk more in depth about couponing....organization, how to do it, and how it can benefit you.

You can organize by expiration date, by manufacturer, or by product. There is no right or wrong way to organize your coupons. Do what is best for you and what works for your shopping system. I like to organize my coupons by expiration date in a large accordion file. I take it with my wherever I go. At home I keep all my inserts filed by date so if there is an extra coupon I can find it easily when shopping lists come out. I clip all the coupons I know I will use, think I might use, and will use if it may be free. All the others I don't clip...which isn't very many!

If you are going to be an avid couponer and use multiple sets of coupons, I recommend doing the binder method because you can carry more coupons with you. But here are some ideas if you are just getting started.

The accordion file is one option. This one attaches nicely to your shopping cart.

Here is your basic accordion file you can find anywhere, even the dollar store. You can organize by category or alphabetically.

Organizing in envelopes is a cheap option but not very efficient.

This is personally my favorite! The binder system. My friend Faye has lots of great info on her site about this.

And for all you die-hards out there....using a briefcase is always an option too!

How do you organize your coupons? What has not worked for you?

Organizing Coupons

$5 in Old Orchard Coupons

Fill out this form to receive $5 in coupons from Old Orchard in the mail. Offer only valid while supplies last!

$5 in Old Orchard Coupons

KMart Super Double Coupon Days

UPDATE: The Boise store said they were not participating...the lady was kind of rude about it. But the Nampa store said they ARE participating! Yippee!

KMart is offering Super Double coupons from October 1-5! All coupons except printables up to $2 are being doubled!! WOW!

I just heard about this tonight, and got my information from Money Saving Mom. She spells out all the rules and info, along with the link to participating stores and even shopping deals to be found.

So, I recommend you first read her post to find out all the details. If you don't see your store listed as participating, do what she suggested and call your store anyway and ask, because apparently all stores are supposed to be participating!

I am calling the 2 KMart stores by me in the morning to find out if my stores are participating. Stay tuned if you are a local for more info on that.

KMart Super Double Coupon Days

Free Betty Crocker booklet with $10 in savings

Sign up for the Dinner Made Easy email newsletter and get tasty 30 minute meal ideas your family will love. As a bonus, you will receive a FREE booklet packed with $10 in coupon savings.

Sign up here

Free Betty Crocker booklet with $10 in savings

Malt-O-Meal Cereal Coupons

I saw this post on Stacy's blog, and thought I would share! (Thanks Stacy!) Here are 3 different links to coupons for Malt-O-Meal cereal. These are printable coupon links so remember you can print each coupon twice. And, they don't expire until 12/31/08 so you have plenty of time to hold onto them for a great sale!

• Become a member of Cereal Central...sign up to receive special offers via mail and email and also printable coupons.

• Print a coupon for a 15 oz or larger bag of Malt-O-Meal Honey and Oats Blenders

• Malt-o-Meal coupons from Walmart (15 oz or larger bag of Cinnamon Golden Puffs and Honey & Oat Clusters)

Malt-O-Meal Cereal Coupons

40% off coupon at Michael's Arts & Crafts

I got an email from Michael's today, and in it was an end-of-the-summer discount coupon....40% off any regular price item through August 30th. Print your coupon and go save!

40% off coupon at Michael's Arts & Crafts