#3...Although many people like the idea of using coupons, the task of clipping and sorting them can be intimidating.

A favorite approach of mine is to sort coupons into categories that mirror the order of the aisles. I purchase the divided paper coupon files at the Dollar Store...one for grocery stores, one for drug stores. This makes shopping easier, as the coupons will already be in the correct order as I comb through the aisles.

The categories shown below are based on the order of the aisles in a typical grocery store.

Personal Care / Medicine
Cleaning / Other Household Supplies
Meat / Dairy
Sauces / Dressings / Condiments / Jellies
Canned Goods / Soups
Pasta / Rice / Seasonings / Crackers
Beverages
Flour / Baking / Oil
Cereal / Breakfast Foods
Paper Goods / Containers
Baby
Frozen Food / Bread
Dessert / Snacks

A simple and well planned organizational method will cut down on the time required to maintain your current stash of coupons. I will return after Christmas to share with you where to find coupons other than your Sunday newspaper.