Carolina Pad

By Ashley Nuzzo
Frugal Coupon Living

In today’s trying economic times, many individuals are turning toward couponing.  Growing up a money-conscious person, I always used coupons (especially in my early years of marriage.) The problem was, I didn’t use them correctly!

In May of 2008 my husband and I welcomed our first child. I become a stay-at-home mom (taking a year of leave from teaching) and soon discovered the secret formula to couponing.  Friends and family frequently would ask me how I was saving and where I was shopping each week.  Tired of repeating myself, I created a blog – Frugal Coupon Living (http://www.frugalcouponliving.com).  My blog took off like a rocket and my life became a whirlwind.  In just three months time I was featured in local newspapers, television stations, US News and World Report and then the Dr. Phil show. It was there that I showed a fellow stay-at-home mom how to organize her coupons so she could save for her family.   As I shared with this young mom, one critical component to maximizing your savings is having a system of organization.  Even the most unorganized person can become organized with three simple resources.

When shopping for my organizational tools, I was frugal conscious but also fashion aware.  I was able to find the best price for the most adorable accessories.

1)      A Three Ring Binder – many people cut their coupon inserts (Red Plum, Smart Source, Proctor and Gamble) when they arrive in the Sunday paper.  This system works very poorly for the master couponer.  I do not cut a single coupon in these inserts.  Instead, I three-hole punch my inserts, date them (the date I received them in the Sunday paper) and place them in my three- ring binder (oldest in the back, newest in the front).  Even if there are items/coupons I do not need I never know when a coupon will get me something FREE or even make me money (MONEYMAKER) – yep, that is right. Coupons make me money ALL THE TIME!

2)      An Accordion File Folder – this is a MUST!  In couponing there are a number of coupons that are pre-cut. This can include coupons that are mailed to your home, coupons that are found on the outside of products (peelies) and coupons that are dispensed in machines at your local grocery store (blinkies).  My fashion-forward accordion folder not only allowed me to bring design and beauty to couponing, but it helped me organize my coupons into store location (i.e. Target, Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Publix, etc.) and types of coupons (Baby, Frozen, Dairy, Cleaning, Beauty, Medicine, etc.)

3)      A Carrying Case – I keep all my coupons in the car 24/7.  Both my binder and my accordion file folder are all in the carrying case.  When I have an extra minute or two, I can run into my corner pharmacy/grocery store and get my deals for the week.  By using FrugalCouponLiving.com, I have my list each week of items I need when I run into the store.  Inside my bag, I keep a pen, paper clips, binder clips, and scissors. A little office on the go.

Carolina Pad’s products have been a great resource in aiding my success in fashion-forward couponing and sharing my couponing secrets.