by Cary Farrell July 28, 2019 Statistics say that a large percentage of us are still using paper coupons so companies know that their coupons are driving sales and bringing in customers. Coupons can be a great tool for Raleigh families to save money, but they can also cost a family more in time, money and frustration. In my experience as a professional organizer serving Raleigh, I have found that serious and extreme couponers have a system in place to organize their coupons. But, I always ask those individuals to be sure that they are saving money on necessary items. Keep in mind: Most grocery store coupons are for items new to the market and not normally on the shopping list. Even at a discount they are more than a store brand’s price. Couponing requires time to clip and organize before heading to the store. A discount or sale can be deceiving. If a store offers you a buy one get one free discount, that free pair will still cost you time in maintaining and organizing so be sure it is a true need. I am going to step on some toes here (pun intended) but when I help Triangle clients organize unused piles of shoes, clothes, pantries with food bought on sale, there is a lot of frustration from money wasted. To receive the benefit of couponing, managing the purchased items needs to be a priority. 4 suggestions to manage coupons: Keep the coupon where it will be used: If it is an online purchase coupon or gift certificate then keep it near the computer. If it is a grocery store coupon, then I suggest keeping it in the car. There is nothing more frustrating than to be at the store and realize the coupon is at home! Make a Quick Decision: When you receive a coupon, decide if it is a needed item. When getting coupons in the mail or at the checkout, quickly scan the coupons and only put in the car coupon organizer - a zip lock bag will work or an inexpensive coupon organizer, ones that you will use. Regularly Monitor Coupons: Get in the habit of checking the coupon container regularly before entering the store to see if there is a coupon to use. Use Coupons as Reminder: If a coupon is for a local service that you need, schedule the appointment ASAP and write “coupon” in the calendar with the appointment. If coupons are too difficult to manage, throw those tiny pieces of paper in the recycling bin and say “no thank you” at the store when the cashier passes them across the register. But, if you are going to use coupons then have a simple plan in place to manage them. As a Raleigh professional organizer, I would love to help you set up a system to organize coupons and other paper piles. Contact me now to set up a consultation.