Coupon Box

Let me start by saying I am in no way the expert in couponing.  I am still in awe when I see some of the ladies on the net and their stockpile.  I have had several friends ask me how I get things for free.  I have been couponing for about 9 months so I am still considered a newbie. I use to coupon many years ago and did really well with my groceries.  Then the store I shopped at changed their coupon policy and it was no longer worth it.  I always used a coupon if I had one but never like I am now. The Internet has changed the game.  I no longer have to spend hours in the store searching through coupons.  I have a system. I have a coupon box.  Not just any coupon box, I have a full size filing box.

I know, your looking at this box and your saying what in the world.  Yes it is big and heavy but it works.  Almost everyone knows that the Sunday paper has coupon inserts. There are usually 2 sets of insert a week.  one from Redplum and the other Smartsource.  Once a month there is also an insert from Proctor and Gamble.  I get 2 Sunday papers and I have a few friends that donate their inserts.  That is why I use such a big box.  I started with a BIG folder.

I take the inserts and put them in a page protector.  I date them and file them newest week in front.  Then when I sit down to look at the weekly ads I set my box next to me and then I go to couponmom.com and use their database.  This site tells you what coupons you have, what week and insert the coupon is in.  All I have to do is pull out that file look through the right insert and THEN cut the coupon.

I should say that I don't make most of my deals by myself.  I use several couponing sites where they do all the research for you.  I use this plus the ad to make my deals.

I believe that couponing is part of my job as a SAHM.  I save money and sometimes make money.  My family is not going without but actually the opposite.  I am able to buy things I would never have the money for otherwise.  I haven't paid for diapers since I started.  I now "buy" the "good" shampoo and body wash. I have the beginnings of a great stockpile.  I do have one rule that I rarely break.  I don't buy things that I won't use, donate or that I can't give to someone.