Better Living > CommunityOctober 04, 2005

I've done this for a number of years and due to our recent national disasters, it has seemed even more important (especially considering the cost of gas!)
EVERY Sunday I subscribe to 2 copies of our local newspaper. Usually they are filled with little "booklets" of manufacturer's coupons. Now I have 2 sets.

I cut out EVERY coupon - even those I won't personally use.

I have made envelopes to categorize the coupons and I promptly sort them into their envelopes.

Once or twice a week I select a different grocery store, drug store, or discount "super" store. I take a roll of tape and several envelopes of sorted coupons. I go up and down the aisles taping the coupons to the products they discount. (I do highlight any coupon that requires the shopper to buy two items to get the coupon redeemed). In about 10 minutes I can attach 20 coupons since they are selectively sorted.

In the beginning I always told the store manager what I was doing and EVERY SINGLE ONE was thrilled - since it might entice a "borderline" customer to go ahead and try to product.

Since several of our stores double and triple manufacturer's coupons, I'm able to "give away" about $200 worth of coupons per week. It helps families on a budget (especially the disposable diaper coupons and breakfast cereals) and makes me feel so good - which I suppose is actually quite selfish. But it's what I can do to help our national economy. Try it once - you might just get hooked! (TIP) One little piece of tape at the top of the coupon is best to not block the UPC code!

By Barbara Calfee

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