starting over..again

[savingsabby]

I have stopped couponing for a couple months. I just let it get away from me. Now I feel like im starting all over at the beginning again...
so here i go riding the overwhelming train again.. whats the easiest way to get back in the swing of things??

[MalloryGrace]

Positive reinforcement. Example - I got some cheap shampoo at Target and immediately got a Target gift card. The immediate reward makes it seem more worthwhile than if you have to mail things off and wait for a rebate. And, if I had more coupons, I'd go and do it again.

And, don't beat yourself up. Do the best you can. I get frustrated when I "miss" a coupon, or let a good one expire but it's about saving money, not (usually) a life or death situation.

[jenrose]

I am kinda with you there. I have PILES of uncut inserts and have not been caught up since the end of July. Now I look at the towers and don't know where to start.

My goal is to be semi caught up by the end of the month since I've had to 'gasp' pay full price for things lately since I'm so unorganized and so far behind!

[ladyeeyore7]

I've done that several times throughout the years of couponing. Sometimes it was burnout, sometimes it was a time issue and other projects. When I would start up again I would take the time to sort thru and throw out all the old stuff and work my way back in. It's kind of like a newbie except you know more about what you're doing. You just have to relearn any new rules, policy changes, etc. You'll be up to speed in no time.

As far as being behind on inserts, I have a huge pile also. I take 3 of each insert, starting with the oldest ones and cut them out. I work my way up to the newest ones. Then I go back to the oldest and start over with 3 of each again. It seems like I can cut 3 inserts out and file them away pretty quickly and it's not so overwhelming. If I find a good deal online when planning my trips I just go to those inserts and cut out the additional coupons I need. That way I have the coupons I need for my planned deals plus at least 3 of each coupon from all the inserts if I find a clearance or unadvertised deal. I can then run home, look for those coupons as well and go back to the store to get more of the found deals.

[wendylv5]

You'll get back into the swing of things. It's starting from the beginning that is the hardest part, I am a complete beginner. I have a son and twins on the way, I gotta get saving.