The CLIPLESS Coupon method

So you’re new to couponing (or even a veteran), but it’s just too much.  If you are like I was, you might try to go through your Sunday inserts and cut all the coupons you may think you want or need.  Then after the mess of cutting everything and leaving your inserts in disarray, you try to sort them.  UGH!  Then when you need it, you think which section did I put that coupon in my organizer?  You may want to throw your hands up and want to quit!  Well don’t,  there is an easier way.  I learned this method a couple of years ago at a grocery smarts class and couldn’t believe I was doing it the hard way all those years.

Maybe your life is just so busy, your child needs help on homework, you are on the PTA, or even working full time, and can barely breathe you’re so tired or busy.  But you really want to save money and know that people all over are succeeding at couponing.  What should you do?

If this sounds familiar, than this method is for you.  It’s called the CLIPLESS coupon method.  It’s  very easy to do, and will still help you get the great savings at the store.

 

This is the simple, proven, easy method.

Here’s video for instructions for the Clipless Coupon method, if you are a more visual person 

Clipless Coupon Method Video

• First thing you want to do is pull your coupon inserts out of your newspaper (but don’t cut them).  If you get multiple papers, you will want to put like inserts together.  When I have time, I even put like pages together and put them back.  For example, if you have multiple papers take all of the Smart Source inserts and put each individual page 0f that insert with the like pages.  Then fold them all back together.  I do this for two reasons: One, so I know what coupons are in the inserts.  Two, so that when I go to clip them I can just cut all the same coupons at the same time. 

• You will want to find a container to file your inserts in.  You can start with something as simple as a cardboard box, but I would suggest using a plastic file box for increased durability.  I have a hanging file folder for each type of insert {ie. Smart Source, Proctor & Gamble or Red Plum}

• Next you need to date each coupon insert at the top corner of the insert with the initials of the insert (ie. SS – Smart Source, PG – Proctor & Gamble, RP – Red Plum, etc).  If you get behind like I  sometimes do and don’t get to sorting them right away each week,  it may get confusing which week they came in.  All you need to do is look at the spine of the insert and it will have the date on it in small lettering.

 

• Next step is getting your shopping list together.  When you are ready to go shopping or get your shopping list together, you can go to  Lots2Save match ups to get your list ready.  Each Week I will feature many stores, (including RiteAid, Walgreens, Target, and a Pricematch list for Walmart with the local deals in Utah, and a National Walmart deals and Match up list).  For each list located on Lots2Save  you can choose the Print Friendly button at the bottom of each post.

It will then take you to a new window in which you can take off any deal you do not want and leave the ones you do.  Afterward you can print it so you have it ready when you want to grab your coupons and head to the store. (Here is a short Print friendly tutorial Video if you want more instructions).  You can also go to Grocery Smarts to find your own store deals and match up and choose your own state and local stores.  They cover just about every store in Utah as well as many other states.  For instructions on Grocery Smarts go to the bottom of this page or check out this Grocery Smarts tutorial.  On your list you can make any notes you need including how many of that particular item you want to get.

• The next step is to sit down with your list and your container of filed coupon inserts.  On your deal list you will see which coupons to use and where they are located.  If it is a coupon that came from the newspaper you will see which insert it is in (ie. SS, P&G, RP) and the date.  (Example SS 2/19).  You will then know exactly what coupons you need.  Take the coupon insert out of your files, locate the coupon, and cut only the coupon(s) you need.
• I then put the coupons in order of my deal list and put them in an envelope or a plastic page protector.  Have you ever wondered if there is a coupon available for something you want to buy?  Look it up on the Coupon Database  and it will show you where and if there are coupons available.  (For a short video on how to use the Coupon Database you can go here). You are then all ready to go get awesome deals.

For Use with Grocery Smarts

If you choose to use the Grocery Smarts list, go to Grocery Smarts.  Put in the Passport code: g84csg.  Choose your state that you live in.  Then choose which store you want to get the list from.

After you’ve selected a store, press the Start button that is in the top right corner to start making your list.  If you want to only get the best deals, you will want to stay with the deals that have 4 or 5 stars next to them.   If you only want the 4 or 5 star deals highlighted and the other deals not, then click on Stock up scale words with the star on the Left side.  Go through the list and click on any deals you plan on getting.  You can also type anything you plan to buy at the bottom of the list.  Once you are done with your list, click on the Shrink button and then Print now to print out your list.

Thanks Utah Deal Diva