How Much Cereal Should I BUY?

Watch our video to find out how we are figuring out

how many boxes of cereal to buy at

tomorrows Post Cereal Sale. Woot Woot FREE CEREAL!!!

Calculate boxes used per week:

Number of Cereal eaters: Monica 4 Cathy 8
x Number of days you eat cereal in a week: Monica 3 Cathy 6
x Number of times a day: Monica 1.5 Cathy 1
=
Your Serving per week Monica 18 Cathy 48 (Cathy rounded to 54 to compensate for her teenager)

DIVIDE by 6 servings in a box
= number of boxes used per week. Monica 3 Cathy 8


EXPIRES IN 9-10 months (40 WEEKS)

Number of boxes per week(Monica 3 Cathy 8)
times 40 = Monica 120 Cathy 360
- the number you have in your pantry already: Monica 20 Cathy 30
= Monica 100 Cathy 330

Divide this number by 2! Unless you want to only eat Post cereal for breakfast for the next 9 months! Monica 50 Cathy 165


Now you will just have to see if you have enough doubles and coupons for all that cereal. I only have enough for 20 so I will not be getting 50. Or maybe 36 to make an easy 6 transactions.

So there you have it! Remember that if the stock is low SAVE SOME FOR OTHERS!

Check out our most recent post all about Albertsons Post cereal scenarios!

Organize Your Internet Space

I am always finding new things on the web; recipes, digital scrapbooking tutorials, scrapbooking papers and elements, blogging ideas, blogging tutorials, photoshop secrets, frugal living ideas, craft ideas.

I used to try to bookmark them, but a it is was hard to find them again in a big long list. Springpad helps you bookmark these things and also helps you organize them in categories. It is awesome! Then I can easily find ideas I love quickly.

Guess what it is FREE! You can access it from any computer too. So if I am at my moms and want to make a certain recipe but can not remember where it is I just access my Springpad account.

Watch this short video to learn more and then get started with Springpad.





Disclosure

Organizing Printable Coupons

Organizing printable coupons can be different for everyone. It will likely depend on the way you organize your other coupons.

We have a few ideas for you.....................

Filing Method :
If you are doing the filing method where you don't cut your inserts and you file them by date until you are ready to use them you may like to do the same with your printables.
Just dedicate a divider in your file to printable coupons and file them away for later.

Binder/Baseball Card Holder Method :
Simply cut and file the coupons according to category along with your other coupons.

But you are looking for the most FABULOUS way to organize right? Remember this awesome way that Amber and Cathy organize? The Combination Method!

We have come up with a way to organize those printables that fits right in with The Combination Method and could be combined with any of the organizing methods.

1. At the first of the month go to Coupons.com, SmartSource and RedPlum and print ALL of the coupons you think you might use. Remember some coupons reach a print limit after the first few days or weeks and are unavailable for print later when the item may be on a hot sale.

2. Print out our coupons lists. Click to view the lists of coupons on {Coupons.com} , {smartsource} and {RedPlum}.

3. Highlight with a highlighting marker all the coupons you have printed. (This is not necessary if you print all of the coupons on the site.)

4. File your coupons with the list in front in three clearview page pockets. One for {Coupons.com}, one for {smartsource}, and one for{ RedPlum}. Click on each list name to get the list.

5. As you use the coupons cross them off of the list.

6. For the bricks coupons or other coupons you print on the web or from Fab Five coupons, keep another clear view page holder with a blank page to add coupons as you print. Be sure to write down the value, description and expiration date.

Disclosure

Coupon Insert Lists

These are the lists of the current coupon inserts you may have in your binder! These lists are most useful to use if you organize your coupons using the FAB fruGAL Combo Method!!


Each link will bring up a page where you'll be able to print all the inserts from that week on a separate page. Thank you Fab FruGAL Sophie for compiling these lists and SHARING THEM!! If you have any ideas of ways to improve the lists, please leave a comment and we'll see what we can do!

February 7, 2010 inserts - {pdf} or {web page} or {excel}

February 14, 2010 inserts - {pdf} or {web page} or {excel}

February 21, 2010 inserts - {pdf} or {web page} or {excel}

February 28, 2010 inserts - {pdf} or {web page} or {excel}

March 7, 2010 inserts - {pdf} or {web page} or {excel}

March 7, 2010 Smart Source found in {pdf} or {web page} or {excel}
Idaho Falls Post Register, Lewiston Tribune, Pocatello Idaho State Journal, Nampa Idaho Press Tribune, Blackfoot News, Rexburg Standard Journal, Twin Falls Times News, Driggs Teton Valley News, Baker City Herald

March 14, 2010 inserts {pdf} or {web page} or {excel}

These are the original lists that I cleaned up after copy/pasting them from the PYP Idaho Insert List (that isn't going anymore, that is why we are soooo thankful for Sophie for sharing her talents with us! PLUS hers are MUCH easier to read!!!)

January 3, 2010 Smart Source (Sears)
January 3, 2010 Smart Source (Direct TV)
January 3, 2010 Red Plum (L'Oreal)
January 10, 2010 Smart Source
January 10, 2010 Red Plum
January 17, 2010 Smart Source
January 17, 2010 Procter & Gamble
January 24, 2010 Smart Source
January 24, 2010 Red Plum
January 31, 2010 Smart Source
January 31, 2010 Red Plum

(see PYP to make your own through January 31)

Coupon Organization: Making it Work for YOU {part 5}

Missed the start of this series? {Part 1} and {Part 2} and {Part 3} and {Part 4}.

You've patiently waited to see what method of organization I'm currently using... I intended to do this series in a period of 10 days. Of course, life is always busier than I expect, and it took me a little long {asking for forgiveness!}.

This method is a combination of the first two I tried {and featured}. Amber, one of our contributors, showed me this fabulous idea last summer, and I finally implemented it a few months ago. I must say - it is working for me!!

• It has the functionality and portability of the binder, with out spending hours clipping coupons you may or may not use.
  
• Incorporates the ease of the filing method, without the frustration of not being able to quickly see what coupons you have while roaming the isles of the store.

#3 - COMBO METHOD

So instead of using an expandable file folder that isn't very portable, you can use your favorite binder! (I strongly suggest getting something that you can close shut thanks to velcro, snaps, or zippers!!).

Personally, I am using my super cute "Stylin Binder" bag. I love it because:

1 - ITS FABULOUSLY STYLIN!
2 - It's fabulously portable!
3 - It velcros shut, so I don't have to worry about dropping it and having all the contents fly all over the place!

{You can see all their super cute new fabrics and bags right here!}

NEXT - Purchase some sheet protectors. I remember seeing them advertised super cheap during the back to school sales (like less than $.20 for a pack of 12). Since I missed those sales, I purchased a huge box of 225 at Costco for around $13.00 (If I'm remembering correctly!?). Obviously you won't need that many, so you could split it with several friends, or just buy a smaller pack on sale somewhere. (I bought a big one so I'd have extras to giveaway at our classes!). You'll want enough to get you through about 13 weeks (one sheet protector per set of inserts - 30, give or take a few, should cover it!).


Here is the cool part, not only are you going to put your group of 4, 5, or 6 inserts inside the sheet protector, you are going to give each set a "Cover Page" that lists all the coupons (and their expiration dates) on the front.

It looks a little something like this:

I bold the coupons that I am excited about (you could also use a highlighter). This makes for quick and easy viewing! Now when I'm in the store roaming the isles, and I see something on a great sale, I can quickly scan my cover pages to see if there is a coupon to use! Each page has the coupons listed in alphabetical order and I put the newest ones in the front of my binder. Of course, you'll have to get over the "I'll look stupid standing in the isle clipping coupons" feeling. C'mon girl (or guy)! You're walking out of the store paying 50%-90% less than the dude that's lookin at you funny! Who cares if you're clippin in the isle!

NOW - I know what you're thinking. Who in the world has time to go through each insert, type the details of every coupon, AND alphabetize!?!?! Our fab reader Sophie, a spreadsheet freak, has kindly shared her lists with us! Here are the CURRENT Idaho Coupons Lists by Insert Date
or you can always click up on the menu bar under "ORGANIZATION" and find the link to the CURRENT Idaho Coupons Lists by Insert Date!

Simply print it and stick it inside the sheet protector with that corresponding group of coupons!

What do you think?
Do you want to give it a try?

ps - Not in Idaho? There are a few different places to look for the coupons you received. I'd first check to see if your state forum at PYP has a similar list. If not, you could always go to sites like Sunday Coupon Preview and copy and paste there. Remember that those coupons do vary a little bit too, so you may want to double check!

I'd like to hear what you think of this system!

And yes, I still have one more installment in this series! Email me your current organization system! I'll post the pictures and what you're loving/hating about it! I also took some pictures of Cathy B's homemade coupon holders for you to see her great method!

WELCOME TIP JUNKIE READERS!!
Are you new to this couponing thing? We've got all the basics laid out for you in our Couponing 101 post! We'll show you where to collect coupons, how to organize them, and how to use them effectively! Join in on all our fun and you can be a fab fruGAL too! You can subscribe to our FREE newsletter and join us on Facebook!

Every week we're talking about how to save loads of money at


Live in the Northwest? Be sure to see all the hot deals at our favorite grocery stores!

{Return to series index}

Coupon Orginization: Making it Work for YOU {part 4}

Missed the start of this series? {Part 1} and {Part 2} and {Part 3}.

If you are like us, you are getting 4, 5, or even 6 copies of the Sunday paper so you can get a LOT of coupons {so you can effectively build your stockpile!}. This means clipping your coupons could be a LOT of work! You're right, is IS a lot of work... but there is an easier way.

Take a look at my pictorial below...


Coming up next.... I'm going to show you what I'm doing NOW for coupon organization! Plus a few pictures of other couponers methods!

I'd love to show others what YOU are doing! Send me an email with a picture of your system and brief description {and why you are loving it - OR hating it!} and I'll post it!!


{Return to series index}

Coupon Organization - Making it Work for YOU {Part 3}

If you haven't already, be sure to read Part 1 {where I explained WHY you must get organized to succeed in couponing! I also shared a link to a fab spreadsheet to track your savings} and Part 2 {where I showed you how I organized my coupons the first 9 months of couponing!}.

#2 - Binder/Baseball Card Holder Method

This is probably the most common method of organization. Monica gave a great tutorial about how she set up her coupon binder. There is no sense in me rewriting what she's already done, so go check it out! She breaks down all the categories that she sorts her coupons in as well.

A few things to keep in mind if you decide to do a binder. I would suggest getting something that zips or snaps or velcros shut! You can pretty much guarantee you'll drop your binder at least one time. It really stinks to have everything fall out! (Last summer we each purchased a fabulous binder at Costco for $10 {they had a coupon of course!}. Although they are no longer carrying it, you can see what a great binder it is and look for something similar).

I was tired of feeling like I was missing out on deals because I didn't know what every coupon was that I had (hard to see when they are filed away), so I tried this method for a few months. But after a bit, I realized it just wasn't working for me. I had a difficult time finding the time to clip and tuck the coupons in the slots (good heavens - I've got 7 kidlets you know! YIKES!).

PROS:
* You will always (OK, well, some of us don't always remember EVERYTHING), know what coupons you've clipped, since you spent so much time handling them!
* If you have your categories organized according to your stores layout (surely you have one store you shop more than anything else!), it will be easy to find coupons while browsing through the isles. If you see that deodorant on clearance, you'll be able to easily find that fab coupon to match it to!
* More user friendly during the shopping trip.

CONS:
* The most time consuming method of organization.
* Can become overwhelming if you don't stay on top of it.
* A bigger investment for the system (good binder and baseball card holders)


STAY TUNED!! In part 4 of the series, I'll show you a super fab and super quick way to cut your coupons - especially if you're getting multiple copies of the Sunday paper like we are! I'll also post some pictures that I took last week at our coupon swap, reader Cathy B makes her very own coupon holders (much cheaper than buying baseball card holders!). I promise to get this next post up SOONER than LATER!!! :)

SO - are you currently using the binder/baseball card method? What do you like about it? What do you hate about it?


{Return to series index}

Coupon Organization - Making it Work for YOU {Part 2}

In part one of the series, I gave you a link to a Savings Tracker spreadsheet created by the super fab Angela over at The Coupon Project. Now for Part Two!

There is no proven method when it comes to organizing your coupons. The only thing that IS proven is that you're more likely to USE them if they are ORGANIZED!

Organization can be the wall that stops a newbie couponer from couponing! It's overwhelming to find a new place for all this new "clutter"! I have a sister that is THE MOST organized person I know, but she was overwhelmed with the whole coupon organization thing, she finally bagged it and {gasp!} tossed all of her coupons she had been collecting.

Lucky for us - there is more than one way to do it. And if you're like me, you'll change methods a few times, trying to find what works for you.

Just starting out? Not quite sure you want to commit? You can go to the dollar store and purchase a small photo book to organize your coupons in. Investment - $1.00. This is what Monica did to start out. She'll tell you that it only lasted a few weeks before she moved on to something bigger.

As for me, there are three main methods of coupon organizing that I have tried. Each have their pros and cons... again, you just do what works for you! And it may take a little time to figure that out, and that is OK!!!

Here is my own coupon organization metamorphosis!

#1 - Filing Method

This is pretty basic. You simply find a way to file your coupons! I've seen some use a mini filing box, or a crate. Personally, I wanted something a little more portable, so I purchased an accordion binder on clearance.

It had 13 slots - which would hold about 3 months of coupons. Perfect! I put the oldest coupons in the back, and the newer ones in the front. It certainly wasn't anything fancy! I used sticky notes and wrote the date of each coupon week on it and then filed all coupons from that date in that slot.

Then when it came time to plan my shopping trips, I could easily find on a *certain fabulous blog* which coupons I would need for what deal. (ie: $1/8 Yoplait Yogurt from 1/3 SS told me that if I pulled out my Jan 3rd Smart Source insert, I would find a great Yopait Yogurt coupon!). I'd pull the insert, clip out the coupons, and file it away again. When I got to the point where I had my 14th week of inserts to file, I simply looked at my oldest insert, and most often, every single coupon had expired, so I could recycle it!

PROS:
* Quick way to organize - no cutting!
* Simple to use for a busy mom
* Very small investment for the system

CONS:
* Takes more time to prepare for shopping trip because you have to find and clip the coupons
* Although it is portable, it's not user friendly when in the store. Example: If I ran into a great clearance deal (let's say I found Secret Deodorant on clearance), I may or may not even remember that I have a great coupon to use, let alone know where in the heck to find it!
* Often times I didn't even look through the inserts. Just filed them away, so I'm sure there were some fabulous coupons I missed out on!

I used this method for the first 9 months of couponing. Stay tuned for stage two of my metamorphosis in coupon organization! The Binder Method! The most commonly used method that I've seen in these parts. :) We'll have a list of all the sections we have in our binders. ALSO, we'll show you our super fast way of cutting coupons! The last post, I'll show you what I'm doing NOW (yep, I'm no longer doing the binder method either!).

SO - are you using this method? What do you like? What don't you like?


{Return to series index}

Coupon Organization - Making it work, FOR YOU!

This is something I've been wanting to do for, gee, like nearly a YEAR now! One of my resolutions is to get all the ideas floating in my noggin out there for you all to read! So I started this organization post, intending for it to be one short and sweet post... but, you know me, at times I tend to be long winded when talking about something fun. SO - I'm breaking it up into a series of posts!

I want to start off today by sharing this FABULESS tool created by one of our newest blogging buddys, Angela, over at The Coupon Project. She is a self proclaimed organizing nerd freak junkie couponer, and has come up with a super fab excel spreadsheet that you can use to track all of your coupon savings!! So the next time someone complains to you about "what a waste of time", you can whip out your handy dandy 2010 Savings Tracker spreadsheet!

Angela is so kind to share this creation with all - you can go view more details about it, plus get the FREE download at her site, The Coupon Project!

Coming SOON - You'll see the first of THREE different methods of organization I've tried, and later in the week we'll show you Monica's super fab and fast way of clipping coupons!

{PART 2} - Filing Method
{PART 3} - Binder/Baseball Card Holder Method

{PART 4} - A fast way to clip all those coupons!
{PART 5} - The Combination Method {What I'm doing now!}


{Return to series index}

Fabulous Coupon Binder at Costco

Go to Costco to get this Fabulous Coupon Binder. They are Priced $13.99

Use this coupon from the Costco coupon book and get the binder for $10.99

There is a place for those coupon inserts to be filed before you can cut them!

And Plenty of room for the baseball card holders with coupons!
This baby has tons of extra's too!

-2 Zipper pockets

- 6 pocket filing system (for those inserts)

-Large expandable pocket (for printables that need to be cut or the PYP shopping list)

-acedemic planner (to keep track of your savings, or make a price list)

-Large Capacity 2" rings

- notes + Assignments pad ( to make a shopping list)

-bonus tech case (to keep my coupon cash)

-removeable easy view pencil pouch (great for printables, or catalinas)

-extra pockets

-5 tab dividers ( to divide my coupons into categories)

-pockets for pens, pencils and supplies


Oh and the whole thing zips up and has a great handle!

Look for them in green, grey, red, and blue!

Fabuless Coupon Tip Tuesday: Binder Organization

We are excited to tell you that we are starting a new series on the blog. Fabuless Coupon Tip Tuesday. It will be kind of like a Q & A. We will answer reader questions. If you have questions send them to fabulesslyfrugal at gmail dot com. Also we know that many of our Fabuless readers are getting really good at couponing and have some great tips to share so we encourage you to submit your tips too!

For our first Fabuless Coupon Tip Tuesday I am going to answer a reader question about how to organize your coupon binder.

Binder Organization Categories
There are several different ways you can organize your coupons. You can sort them by insert date, expiration date, alphabetically, or store isle. Different things work for different people. This is what works for me.
I like to sort mine by isle in the store.

I have FOUR main sections: Food, Personal Care, OTC meds and Cleaning.
Then I alphabetize the categories not the coupons.

Food
Baking
Breakfast
Dairy
Drinks
Frozen
Pantry
Refrigerated
Snack
Diet/Nutrition Products This one is out of order and at the back because I do not use it as much.

Personal Care

Baby Care/Batteries
Body Wash
Deodorant
Eye Care
Facial Care
Feminine Hygiene
Lotion

Oral Care
Shampoo/Conditioner
Shaving

OTC Meds
Allergy
First Aid
Pain
Stomach
Vitamins

Cleaning
Air Fresheners
Bathroom
Carpet
General
Kitchen
Laundry

I also have folders for each of the stores I shop. In the folders I keep: in store coupons, copies of rebates, copies of receipts for rebates, the store ad for the week.
In addition I have a folder for my Restaurant.com certificates and other restaurant coupons and a folder for the coupons I know I will not use, but I give away to someone else. Example dog food, cat food, hair color. I do not have pets and I don't color my hair.

To see my full post on how I organize my coupons go here!