couponing : have someone do the dirty work for you

By: Kate Parham

For the last few weeks, we’ve learned about the best places to find coupons,secrets from TLC’s Extreme Couponers and even the best couponing books to read. But, I’m sure many of you are still bemoaning, “I just don’t have the time to coupon!”

It’s a valid argument. Scanning weekly ads takes time. Finding coupons takes time. Actually using coupons at the store takes time. And time is a rare commodity these days. So, how can you take advantage of coupons without spending hours every week? Fortunately, many coupon enthusiasts have done the work for you. Check it out:

Comparison Shopping Made Easy

It can be incredibly time consuming to go through the store circulars each week and compare those deals to the coupons you've already collected. Instead, let someone else do the work for you.

Blogs like Deal Seeking Mom and The Krazy Coupon Lady compile lists each week for dozens of stores, providing the sale price of the item, then matching that with applicable coupons and a final price for the consumer. All it takes is five minutes each week to check these sites and you’ll know what the best deals are at all of your favorite stores. It couldn’t be easier!

Stop Clipping Coupons!

Every week, the Sunday paper comes filled with coupon inserts. But, who has time to go through each insert, clipping the coupons they think they’ll need, comparing it to weekly sales and then organizing those coupons to minimize shopping time? Thanks to Fabulessly Frugal, now you do! Or rather, now you won’t have to make the time, because she’ll do it for you!

Fabulessly Frugal’s clipless organization method has the functionality and portability of a binder, combined with the ease of a filing method, but without the frustration of not being able to quickly see what coupons you have while roaming the aisles of your favorite store. All you need is a binder and sheet protectors. Simply organize your inserts by type and date (e.g. Smartsource 5/1/11 insert) and put them in a sheet protector. Add the cover page, which has the coupons listed in alphabetical order, and you’re good to go!

Check a Coupon Database

If you notice that one of your favorite products is on sale or if you’re looking for a specific coupon, the easiest way to find a coupon for that product is to search a coupon database. There are hundreds out there, but out favorite database is How to Shop for Free. You can find what coupons are currently out for the brand or product and from what source they came. Compare that to your coupon list/cover page from step two and you can see how many of the desired coupons you have and how many you’ll need to find.

Tip: You can find more great coupons on eBay or a coupon clipping service like CouponDede.

Now, all you’ll have to worry about is what to do with all your extra money… and time!