Should I stop clipping and filing?

[Theresat]

I need advice from veterans. Dh has told me I am spending waaaay too much time clipping and filing and sorting and checking expired for my 2-15 inserts each week (depending what I find in the recycle bins).

I would appreciate and rep all thoughts..I have been clipping/filing x 1 year and I agree, it is losing the fun and I am dreading it each week. Would it be smarter to do something else..one thing I thought of would be to write a list of the coupons (or print list from a frugal blog) that are in each week's insert and attach it to the insert, then just clip when I need it.

Or just check out the grocery store blogs/board which usually tells you which insert date the coupon came from and clip it then.

Or, just clip what I know I'll use immediately, save the rest unclipped in a box, and order from clipping service or trade for multiples of a "hot" coupon.

I have been clipping every thing thinking maybe I'll get to the store and see a clearance item, but it seems that doesn't happen too often. I could always store the uncut inserts in my trunk in case I see something on clearance I could run out and get my coupons (not joking! )

What should I do? I have 2 small kiddies and want to stockpile but not spend all my time clipping/filing/matching.

[CouponSAHM]

I don't clip until it's time for a sale. I bought plastic folders that have a string tie and file them by date of insert. Then I just check the database when I need to find out wich insert to go to. I have a label maker that I use to print the date on the outside. When i first started I used manilla envelopes and a sharpie scratching out as needed! LOL You can store them in a plastic crate and when you start running out of room, pull the oldest and clip the few that remain unexpired. These I then file in my binder. HTH

[PirateQueen]

I do the "cut what I know I'll use" and file the inserts away, and then cut any that are hot deals for that week after reviewing all the store threads.

[hbaqueen]

Im burnt out. Ive always clipped them all in case I run into clearance, they have doubles or triples, or Im shopping far from home (often).
But its just gotten to be too much.
I havent clipped the past two weeks and instead of stored in walgreens reusable bags.
I know Im gonna miss out on a lot of sales this way but Im just so tired and burnt out on it all. Im gonna try it this way for a while and only clip when I see the sales ad and matchups.
I feel like I was missing out a lot anyway b/c I was never organized and never fully caught up.
Ive restocked most of my hba/cleaning stuff and we dont eat a ton of processed foods so Im just gonna focus on the things I need to stockpile and kinda take a break. I know its not much help just wanted to say I know where your coming from. Saving is important for my family but I feel like Im missing out on other things I want to do.

[twomoms]

I have done this;

Originally Posted by Theresat Or, just clip what I know I'll use immediately, save the rest unclipped in a box, and order from clipping service or trade for multiples of a "hot" coupon.

and this;

Originally Posted by PirateQueen I do the "cut what I know I'll use" and file the inserts away, and then cut any that are hot deals for that week after reviewing all the store threads.

and currently i am doing this;

Originally Posted by Theresat Or just check out the grocery store blogs/board which usually tells you which insert date the coupon came from and clip it then.

And it is working out the best way for me, i remember when I first started I would spend hours cutting and filing away coupons I would never use. now i put them in the db and on the first of everymonth I pull the expireds.

[jess323]

same here... I have my binder and have filed every single coupon from my 5-20 inserts weekly, and it really is tiring! I think I'll slowly phase my q's out of the binder, and file in a cabinet by insert date...

[OneHotMomma]

I started out with 2 papers a week and I clipped and filed them all. I got to the point where I was always behind and never had what I needed at the store. Now, I buy 4 inserts a week (for 3 people) I clip and file what I know I will use and file the rest of the inserts (like pages together) by date in hanging file folders. That way I have what I need at the store and can clip if a moneymaker comes along that I need a q for. It takes maybe 15 minutes a week now and is so much easier to keep up with. I also order or trade for multiples for sales and such. HTH

[gctattoo]

Depending upon how my dumpster diving goes, I can have many copies of several weeks of inserts at a time. There's no way I would ever want to clip and organize them all, especially since it'd be a nonstop process. I know which ones I really want from each insert and just clip those. Then I break down the rest of the inserts and organize them by page using paperclips. And stack them with the front page attached so I can see which insert each pile is. This isn't the greatest method though since I'm always grabbing some and not replacing them in the proper place. However, it does help in keeping track of just how many I have of each coupon for trading purposes or for sales that come up. Now getting them all into my database have list is another story.

My advice is not to bother clipping and filing each coupon. Figure out how to organize whole inserts in the way that works best for you so you only end up clipping ones you'll actually use. Otherwise you'll burn out fast.

[faeryedark]

I tend to buy only multiple papers for those that have alot of "hot Qs" I file, those and clip as needed. Otherwise, I go to the library and search thru the coupons there for the ones I want/need and bring some to leave that I don't want.
Sometimes it's hit and miss but I it's mostly "hit". I do keep my clipped coupon file in my car just in case I find a hot deal. I also search the forums for unadvertised clearance so I have a better idea of what coupons to have handy, or grab from the library if I see'em.

[Theresat]

Reps to all of you..any other advice appreciated. I think clipping every coupon is on it's way out for me! With the coupon database or blogs telling me which insert each is from, I think it will go much easier searching instead of clipping clipping clipping