Couponing is so time consuming!

[cowgrrlup]

I was so gung-ho about doing all of this couponing and deal seeking but it seems to take up so much time. I mean, I haven't been doing it like I was a month ago but when I was really trying to go at it, I probably spent 5-10 hours per week cutting, filing, deal seeking, etc etc and it drives me nuts that it takes so much of my free time just to save money. It almost doesn't seem worth it at times when I could be spending those 5-10 hours with my DD or actually cleaning around the house, lol.

How can I make it go faster? I have already decided to just cut the coupons I know we will use and just file them accordingly but I still think I could be saving a lot of time somehow.

[pyxiedust]

You know, first I enjoy reading posts on HCW. That helps me find deals faster. I already know the things that I buy from years of making the same grocery lists over and over. So I know what I'm looking for. I also subscribe to several blogs that talk about the same stores where I shop. So when I see a deal that is interesting I cut and paste into a word document. When I get ready to do some shopping I look at my deals, collect my coupons I intend to use, and go. If I see deals that I want lots of, like Beechnut Let's Grow at Walmart for $1.06 paired with $1/1 mfc, I might order those from a clipping service.

If you're tired of filing, try filing by date and source and skip the clipping part. Then you have all the inserts organized and easy to pull from, but you're only clipping what you intend to use.

So there are ways to cut down on the time you spend couponing, but you're right, it does take time and effort. That said, so does any job. For me, I'd rather stay home with my kids and save $500+ a month on food/meds/health and beauty/extras we're already using than go to work part-time and only bring home $500, half of which goes to day care, work clothes, and gas.

[luckimomma]

Like the OP said- file by insert. It frees up HOURS each week! Clipping only the coupons you think you'll use, you may miss a super deal. Clipping all of them takes forever between the snipping and sorting and putting into binders...

[gctattoo]

Like the other posters said, don't clip them all! No way. Clip as needed only.

[tmsmalley]

My theory is that it takes as much time as you put into it. So, in my case, maybe an hour is spent cutting coupons and filing them (usually while I'm also watching some other TV show). Then I do spend about 2 hours doing the shopping since my system is to go up and down each aisle. Then, I do read the upcomming ad for my store, so maybe there's a half hour in that and making a few notes.

It does not have to include driving all over town, making multiple transactions, going to the store every few days, cutting so many coupons you can't file them, etc. You can do as much or as little as fits your life and even without going whole hog, you can see big savings.

And, always, if something has to go, in my house, it is the cleaning

Tess

[notbillsgirl]

Granted, I'm just starting out and while it does/can take up a lot of time, it's so worthwhile.

[csweuve]

I personally don't look at the time spent as a chore - it excites me to see great coupons and I look forward to Wed just for the ads. I live in a small town so we don't have stores close by. I plan on spending all day sat. shopping and finding the best deals I can, so I do have most of my week to clip, sort, file and browse the web sites. My thought is, I have more time than money...plus, my family says I'm obsessed with couponing and I have to agree!

[Hevvymama]

I also want to add, just stick with it! It gets easier, as you get better at it. My husbo calls what I do "commando shopping," there's more planning the mission in advance, then when I hit the store, I know exactly what I need to accomplish, and can get it done FAST. But it never starts out this way, everyone will tell you that while you can start saving $$ right off the bat, there is a big learning curve to really mastering it. I sure ain't there yet, not by a long shot!

So don't give up; this is a skill, a true life skill, like learning to drive or do your job. If you stick with it, it pays off. BIG time.

Also, I must agree about not cutting them all out. Big time-eater, and with all the resources you have here, not even necessary. Write the date on the front with your trusty Sharpie, file 'em by month and type, and use the database to look up what you need. I guess I save at least 2 hours a week doing this alone.

Hang in there, sister! We gotcha back!

[raesana]

I personally don't look at the time spent as a chore - it excites me to see great coupons and I look forward to Wed just for the ads. I live in a small town so we don't have stores close by. I plan on spending all day sat. shopping and finding the best deals I can, so I do have most of my week to clip, sort, file and browse the web sites. My thought is, I have more time than money...plus, my family says I'm obsessed with couponing and I have to agree!

I'm like this too! I LOVE couponing... it's more like a sport for me. Although I work full time, go to school full time, and have a 3 year old I still do it and I'll still do it when the economy gets better.
It's like a hobby. Some people scrapbook... I coupon.

[csweuve]

So glad to know I'm not the only one who looks at this as a hobby!!!