To cut or not to cut...

...that is the question! On my "Couponing 101" tab, I talk about the two ways you can handle your coupons: either cut them all out and put them into a binder like I usually do, or just put the entire coupon insert into a folder and call it a day. (I am strongly considering changing to that last one - I have a PILE of coupons that I haven't looked at for three weeks.)

When I cut everything out, I get an idea of what I have. Then I categorize them so that I can find them easily in the store (go to www.krazycouponlady.com for a good system). This is a good method if I find something on sale or clearance; I can quickly check to see if I have a coupon. However, this method can also be very time-consuming. In addition, if you are prone to impulse buys when you get to the store then you might consider NOT doing this to curb that practice. I have a smartphone and can check while I am inside the store if the price is really a good one or not, but if you don't have this ability you may be paying more than you should.

If you decide to go with the second method of just putting the entire coupon insert into a folder, here's what you do: 1. Get a black marker; 2. Write the date on the front of the insert; 3. Put all the same dates together; 4. Get some coffee and enjoy your Sunday. Then, when it is time to shop, you have a little bit more work to do, but not much more than you would do with the first method. (Tip: if you get behind and haven't marked the dates lately, they are printed on the "spine" of the insert - it is pretty small, but it is there!)

With either method, before you go shopping you need to look up the coupon matchups for your store and the things you need. You look in your binder under the correct category for your coupons with the first method. However, if you are using the second method, you will see something like the following on matchups:

"Use $0.35/1 Totino’s Rolls Snacks, exp. 4/21/12 (SS 01/29/12)
or use $0.35/1 Totino’s Rolls Snacks, exp. 3/31/12 (GM 01/08/12)
or use $1/2 Totino’s Pizza Rolls printable"

"SS 01/29/12" and "GM 01/08/12" are the codes that tell you where to find those coupons. These mean that you will find the coupons in the SmartSource (SS) insert that came in newspapers on 1/29/12 and in the General Mills (GM) insert that came in newspapers on 1/8/12. You know which date you received the coupon insert because you marked it on the front in black marker before you kicked back and relaxed! You find that folder, cut that coupon, and you are done! Or, in this case, you might also consider printing the internet coupon since it is available as well.

I think there are really great resources out there from several places that can help you get started with your couponing: www.couponmom.com and www.weusecoupons.com are two great websites. There is also www.southerncalisaver.com - I use this one since she is in our area and most of the prices match what we have here in the Coachella Valley.

Just remember: don't just go shopping and don't just buy things because they are on sale. Have a plan for what you will eat that week and a list of any toiletries/cleaning supplies/etc that you need before you even start. I went to the store too many times and came home with "nothing" (meaning I didn't have a complete meal for any night of the week). I won't do that again!

Hope this helps you get organized...now I need to get organized too!
--Katie