» Forum Navigation
Go Back   Hot Coupon World > Show Me the Deals > Talk it up!
Holiday Savings Center Black Friday Deals Cyber Monday Deals More Online Coupons & Coupon Codes
Talk it up! Discuss Should I stop clipping and filing? in the Show Me the Deals forums; I'm super-lucky in that I usually get 10+ free copies of every insert (my husband's friend has a connection). I'm in the same place that TWOMOMS is now -- First, ...
Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 07-01-2009, 10:55:42 PM   #11
iTrader: (0)
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 42
marysuzannej has much to be proud ofmarysuzannej has much to be proud ofmarysuzannej has much to be proud ofmarysuzannej has much to be proud ofmarysuzannej has much to be proud ofmarysuzannej has much to be proud ofmarysuzannej has much to be proud ofmarysuzannej has much to be proud ofmarysuzannej has much to be proud of
Default Re: Should I stop clipping and filing?

I'm super-lucky in that I usually get 10+ free copies of every insert (my husband's friend has a connection). I'm in the same place that TWOMOMS is now -- First, I clipped and filed everything, then I clipped and filed only the ones I *knew* I would use.

Now, I don't clip anything unless and until I know that I need it that week. I keep all of my old inserts in a file cabinet drawer, in folders by date. I check out the ads for the week, and then I go into the coupon database and find out where the coupons I need are, and clip them. Sometimes takes me 1/2 an hour or so before a shopping trip, but I've found that to be better than the 3-4 hours per week I used to spend clipping and filing stuff that I eventually threw away!

I also use the coupon database to figure out which inserts I can get rid of -- I seach for the date of the insert in the database. If I can't find anything associated with the date, it's ok to toss the old insert. If there's any doubt, I just look through the insert and check the expiration dates. I purge old inserts about once a month.

This system is working for me (for now)! It took a long time to find one that works, for sure. Good luck with finding your system!
marysuzannej is online now  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
 
Old 07-01-2009, 11:24:05 PM   #12
TRADER
FORUM MODERATOR
ENTREPRENEUR
SCORCHING
iTrader: (25)
 
Macaela25's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,012
Blog Entries: 43
Macaela25 has a reputation beyond reputeMacaela25 has a reputation beyond reputeMacaela25 has a reputation beyond reputeMacaela25 has a reputation beyond reputeMacaela25 has a reputation beyond reputeMacaela25 has a reputation beyond reputeMacaela25 has a reputation beyond reputeMacaela25 has a reputation beyond reputeMacaela25 has a reputation beyond reputeMacaela25 has a reputation beyond reputeMacaela25 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Should I stop clipping and filing?

I have been using the "file and clip as needed" system for 3+ years, and it works great for me. I currently spend a few hours per week on couponing, and that's it. If I were to cut and sort every coupon I owned into a binder, I'd have to quit my job to stay home to care for my coupon collection.

Have I missed out on hidden deals and clearance because I didn't lug every coupon I own to the store? I'm sure I have, but it's worth the thousands of hours I save in the end.
__________________
Mary Hunting those deals down in central Florida

It's a boy! Jordan Bryce born 11/17/09 - 9lbs 8 oz

Have $1.50/2 Clorox products, including bleach! (non-insert)
Always ISO Similac checks and coupons!!
Macaela25 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
 
Old 07-01-2009, 11:27:46 PM   #13
TRADER
SCORCHING
iTrader: (50)
 
TheWoman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,431
TheWoman has a reputation beyond reputeTheWoman has a reputation beyond reputeTheWoman has a reputation beyond reputeTheWoman has a reputation beyond reputeTheWoman has a reputation beyond reputeTheWoman has a reputation beyond reputeTheWoman has a reputation beyond reputeTheWoman has a reputation beyond reputeTheWoman has a reputation beyond reputeTheWoman has a reputation beyond reputeTheWoman has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Should I stop clipping and filing?

I file the inserts by date and clip them when I know I am going to use them. Sure, I have missed out on a few great clearance deals because of this, but not enough to make it worth all the time and effort involved in clipping and carrying them all.

When I file them I write on the front the date that all the coupons will be expired so I know when I can safely toss them.
__________________
I can't be done shopping, I still have coupons left!!!


TheWoman is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
 
Old 07-02-2009, 12:51:11 AM   #14
SPARKING
iTrader: (0)
 
chicana's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 406
chicana has a brilliant futurechicana has a brilliant futurechicana has a brilliant futurechicana has a brilliant futurechicana has a brilliant futurechicana has a brilliant futurechicana has a brilliant futurechicana has a brilliant futurechicana has a brilliant futurechicana has a brilliant futurechicana has a brilliant future
Default Re: Should I stop clipping and filing?

This is my procedure:
1) I search a particular bin that I find up to 50 inserts from the same week.
2) I staple 10 at a time together so if I need a coupon I am cutting 10 at a time instead of 1 at a time.
3) I file them in file folders with the date marked with a sharpie on the front cover of every stack of inserts.
4) I check the ads every week, check the database for coupons to match with the items on sale.
5) I clip them and store them in a coupon organizer that has a slot for every store I shop at.
6) The first week of the month I go through all my inserts and throw away any and all expired. Now remember I said that I staple my inserts by 10's? Well that means I through that whole stack of 10 away if expired. So if I only have 5 sets of 10 to go through it's a faster process than going through each one individually.
chicana is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
 
Old 07-02-2009, 01:09:37 AM   #15
TRADER
SIZZLING
iTrader: (267)
 
isis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,522
isis has a reputation beyond reputeisis has a reputation beyond reputeisis has a reputation beyond reputeisis has a reputation beyond reputeisis has a reputation beyond reputeisis has a reputation beyond reputeisis has a reputation beyond reputeisis has a reputation beyond reputeisis has a reputation beyond reputeisis has a reputation beyond reputeisis has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Should I stop clipping and filing?

I only clip & file the coupons I know I will use, and a few maybe's. I only buy 1 Sun paper, then I ask my 2 neighbors for their inserts when they're finished.
I only get extra inserts (anywhere from 1 - 10) when DH works on Sun or very early Mon. I've been leaving them whole and only clipping when needed. Whatever coupons I'm not going to use, I add them to my HL. If I'm looking at an ad and something catches my eye, I check the dbase for the insert date. Then I can pull the insert and clip as needed.

When I'm not able to get extras, then I trade. But I've been very slack about filing them the past 2 weeks and I have a big pile on my table that's begging for me to do something with them! I go through phases where I'm on top of everything for a while, then I get lax and when that happens, it seems to take a while to get back in order. DH, while he likes that I save us money, gets frustrated by my ever growing piles of little scraps of paper!
__________________
Melissa in New Orleans
Haves & Wishes / General WL
Geaux Saints 9 - oh!!!
isis is online now  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
 
Old 07-02-2009, 01:16:52 AM   #16
TRADER
FLAMING
iTrader: (29)
 
CocoB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,152
CocoB has a reputation beyond reputeCocoB has a reputation beyond reputeCocoB has a reputation beyond reputeCocoB has a reputation beyond reputeCocoB has a reputation beyond reputeCocoB has a reputation beyond reputeCocoB has a reputation beyond reputeCocoB has a reputation beyond reputeCocoB has a reputation beyond reputeCocoB has a reputation beyond reputeCocoB has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Should I stop clipping and filing?

I used to clip and file when I first started. After I joined HCW I read about some people filing in baseball card holders in a binder and tried that-- that did not last long AT ALL. I stopped after about a week. I'm amazed anyone used the baseball card holder- takes forever to clip and then file.

For the past year I have been keeping the inserts whole and arranging in files by date. Ahhhhhhhh. So much better! I use the weekly threads for my supermarkets, CVS and Target and it's great. And Thank God for the coupon database. That saves me so much time.

I would suggest keeping your inserts whole- just try it for a few weeks and see how you like it. When I used to clip I sort of dreaded Sundays b/c that meant clipping and filing- it was taking over my day. Yes, the downside to not clipping is that you may lose out on a few deals b/c you may not have all your qs with you at all but it will be so nice to get your life back!!!
__________________
ISO: .85/1 Viva, CVS or Target gift card
Have: $3/1 snuggle; .75/1 skippy; $2/1 Morningstar
CocoB is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
 
Old 07-02-2009, 01:48:51 AM   #17
Non-Participant
SMOKIN'
iTrader: (71)
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 718
Sprite_babies has a reputation beyond reputeSprite_babies has a reputation beyond reputeSprite_babies has a reputation beyond reputeSprite_babies has a reputation beyond reputeSprite_babies has a reputation beyond reputeSprite_babies has a reputation beyond reputeSprite_babies has a reputation beyond reputeSprite_babies has a reputation beyond reputeSprite_babies has a reputation beyond reputeSprite_babies has a reputation beyond reputeSprite_babies has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Should I stop clipping and filing?

wow, all this advice helps me a lot
Sprite_babies is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
 
Old 07-02-2009, 01:59:00 AM   #18
TRADER
SCORCHING
iTrader: (384)
 
meems's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,527
meems has a reputation beyond reputemeems has a reputation beyond reputemeems has a reputation beyond reputemeems has a reputation beyond reputemeems has a reputation beyond reputemeems has a reputation beyond reputemeems has a reputation beyond reputemeems has a reputation beyond reputemeems has a reputation beyond reputemeems has a reputation beyond reputemeems has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Should I stop clipping and filing?

I too cut what I know I'll use & store the rest by date. I usually collate all like pages, then when I need to pull something they are stapled together & easy to pull, sometimes I bail on even doing that since that alone can be an hour/two project. I feel most organized when at least that is done anyway.

I also agree that the binder method is too much work, I have a box, close to shoe size (sterilite I think) & store by category..I also keep a smaller reg coupon holder in my purse, that holds what I KNOW is on sale that week...the box usually stays in the car.
__________________
Wish List
If one is good, ten is great!

ISO Box Tops for Education!
meems is online now  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
 
Old 07-02-2009, 06:46:58 PM   #19
TRADER
FORUM MODERATOR
ENTREPRENEUR
SIZZLING
iTrader: (445)
 
rebate_queen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,674
rebate_queen has a reputation beyond reputerebate_queen has a reputation beyond reputerebate_queen has a reputation beyond reputerebate_queen has a reputation beyond reputerebate_queen has a reputation beyond reputerebate_queen has a reputation beyond reputerebate_queen has a reputation beyond reputerebate_queen has a reputation beyond reputerebate_queen has a reputation beyond reputerebate_queen has a reputation beyond reputerebate_queen has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Should I stop clipping and filing?

I used to clip them all too and file them in a binder with baseball card holder sheets. I actually did this for a year or more and I don't know how I did it that long! Now I just cut out what I'll use or trade (if it's hot) and then keep all my inserts in a big stack (probably not the best way but works for me) and only cut out what I need for the weeks sales (after I check the database of course). All of my cut coupons that my dad mails me or that I get as extras in trades and all my tearpads are organized in piles by expiration date on a little shelf that sits above my desk. Again, probably not the best method but works for me. Like others have said, I know I've missed out on some deals because a coupon I needed was at home, but it's worth all the extra time I have. I still spend a good amount of time shopping, trading, and organizing my deals, so if I had to clip everything and file I would lose my mind! Hope that helps!
__________________
Co-Moderator for Auctions
rebate_queen is online now  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
 
Old 07-02-2009, 06:55:00 PM   #20
TRADER
SCORCHING
iTrader: (130)
 
carisal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,074
carisal has a reputation beyond reputecarisal has a reputation beyond reputecarisal has a reputation beyond reputecarisal has a reputation beyond reputecarisal has a reputation beyond reputecarisal has a reputation beyond reputecarisal has a reputation beyond reputecarisal has a reputation beyond reputecarisal has a reputation beyond reputecarisal has a reputation beyond reputecarisal has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Should I stop clipping and filing?

I quit clipping and sorting (never really filed, LOL) back in march (started qing in octoberish) - the stacks were too much for me to handle....

I buy 5 papers a week usually, unless its a bad q week or I dont make it out. on a really good week I will buy 10. I sort the inserts each week into like pages together. I need to go through and get the like pages stapled together and start doing that regularly too, that would help me a lot. I keep each insert full until I use the coupons or trade them, I just cut what I need. about once a month- month and a half I go through and get all the expireds and soon-expiring that I wont use out, and trade them or raok them... this works well for me since I can always check the database to see what insert has what couon. helps a lot to keep my have list updated also.

my noninserts I have sorted into small baskets I found on clearance a long time ago for .08 a piece.... I have one basket for peelies, one for mailers, one for blinkies, one for mail in rebates, etc....

this works retty well for me at the moment, I would LOVE to have a working binder system with EVERYTHING filed alphabetically but I just dont have the time.
__________________
Upstate/Lowcountry SC... DD 3/24/08, DS 8/23/09.
My database lists - Not trading much right now. IF I owe you anything PLEASE LMK!!!! ISO Coke codes for Christmas gifts, Have PPEF offering .02 per point - (.06 per cap or .20 per flap, etc.)
carisal is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.0.1




Hot Coupon World | Organic Grocery Deals
Aafes Sales Ad - Acme Weekly Ads - Adopt A Newbie - Albertsons Ad - Albertsons Coupon Deals - Albertsons Weekly Ads - Amazing Coupon Shoppers - Baby Boomer Coupons - Bilo Weekly Ads - Bountiful Backyard - Cash In On Coupons - College Coupon Deals - Commissary Weekly Sales - Consumer Brands Expo - Copps Ad - Copps Weekly Ad - Coupon Babies - Coupon Consulters - Coupon Coupon ^2 - Coupon Future - Coupon History - Couponing 101 - Coupon Millionaire - Coupon Mother - Coupons Coupons ^2 - Coupon Toolbox - Coupon Tutor - Coupon University - Cub Foods Weekly Ads - Cvs Ad - Cvs Coupon Deals - Cvs Weekly Ads - Cyber Monday Saver - Deals For Black Friday - Donate With Coupons - Earn My Points - Earn My Points - Earn My Points - Eco Friendly Moms - Family Coupon Deals - Farmers Market Network - Food Access - Food Lion Weekly Ads - Fun Family Restaurants - Giant Eagle Weekly Ads - Grazing Through Costco - Green Dollar - Green Dollar Coupons - Green Dollar Coupons - Green Dollar Printables - Grocery Brands Management - Grocery Coupon Chat - Grocery Coupon Clipper - Grocery Coupon Database - Grocery Coupon Forum - Grocery Coupon News - Grocery Store Forum - Grocery Tradeshow - Hcw Coupons - Healthy Food Coupons - Holiday Deal Seeker - Holiday Deal Seeker - Holiday Deal Seeker - Holiday Promo Codes - Hot Coupon Mama - Hot Coupon Printables - Hot Printable Rebates - Investing For Moms - Jewel Ad - Jewel Coupon Deals - Jewel Weekly Ads - Kmart Weekly Ads - Kroger Sales Ad - Local Foods Network - Longs Weekly Ads - Lowes Weekly Ads - Medical Coupon Deals - Meijer Weekly Ads - Military Commissary Coupons - Military Coupon Deals - Mobile Coupon Deals - Mobile Coupon Deals - My Coupon Binder - Natural Food Coupons - Office Depot Weekly Ads - Officemax Ad - Organic Brands Expo - Organic Certified Foods - Organic Coupon Forum - Organic Coupon Forum - Organic Coupon Forum - Organic Coupon Guide - Organic Coupon Marketing - Organic Deal Seeker - Organic Shopping Forum - Pay With Coupons - Pick N Save Ad - Prescription Refill Coupons - Price Chopper Weekly Ads - Publix Coupon Deals - Publix Weekly Ads - Queen Of The Hive Mom Of 5 - Rite Aid Weekly Ads - Safeway - Coupons - Safeway Ad - Safeway Coupon Deals - Safeway Sales Ad - Sahm Resources - Schnucks Weekly Ads - Senior Clippers - Shaws Weekly Ads - Shop Farmers Markets - Shopping Cart Millionaire - Shopping For School Supplies - Shopping With Food Stamps - Shoprite Weekly Ads - Staples Ad - Stay At Home Coupon Mom - Stock Moms - Stock Pile Pictures - Stop And Shop Weekly Ads - Superfresh Weekly Ads - Target Coupon Deals - Target Sales Ad - The Coupon College - The Coupon Database - The Coupon Database - The Coupon University - The Deals Directory - The Locavore - Vacation Coupon Deals - Virtual Brand Management - Virtual Grocery Tradeshow - Virtural Brand Advertising - Vons Weekly Ads - Walmart Coupon Deals - Walmart Weekly Ads - Wegmans Weekly Ads - Weis Weekly Ads - Whole Foods Weekly Ads - Winn Dixie Weekly Ads - Working Coupon Mom - Your Store Info - Zappa Deal - Miragelimo - LKHLC - Coupons To Troops . Com
Copyright - Coupon Girls, LLC 2006-2009 - All rights reserved.


Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.3.0