[LinearChaos]

I used to be really active with my couponing and participation on this board. My situation has changed a bit so I haven't been very active for a while and I'd like to get it together.

I used to work at home and had tons of time to clip and file my coupons in my coupon binder. I sold my business to a competitor in December, they hired me on to manage the business I brought over and I picked up a second job because I'm dying to get out of my current field.

So I'm trying to balance two jobs and time with my boyfriend. I need to go back to school for an accounting degree to further my career transition and I'd like to start playing roller derby again.

So...any advice on getting and staying organized? I have inserts from the last 2-3 months that I have stacked inside my binder waiting for clipping and filing. I just don't have the time to catch up.

Any extra time I do have is spent sleeping, reading, and watching TV to relax.

[Momma D]

I do my coupon clipping, late at night, in front of the tv... Get a good lap desk and you can watch TV and clip coupons at the same time.

[Linda Smythe]

Put a dish in the oven...turn on timer...clip 10 or 15 min.
Put a load of clothes in washer...insert in binder 10 or 15 min.
Water the lawn using timer...clip 10 or 15 min.
Fold a load of clothes...clip 15 min.
Take binder to dr visits...file while waiting.
Pay a visit to elderly mom...clip Qs she gives me while chatting. File in binder.
Clip while talking on phone, checking email.
Obsessive?
Maybe.

[LindseyLouXOX]

I don't have time either, with a toddler and baby, and trying to keep the house in order, cook, clean, do piles of laundry everyday and STILL try to get time to myself. When everyone is in bed I watch a little TV and clip coupons on the couch, finish trains, trades, etc. Everyone wonders why I stay up so late, it's the only time I have to myself! I am really not sure how I did it when I worked!

[karenvallone]

I know its hard . My babies are in college and I struggle. I work a full time job as well as care for my disabled 87 MIL. so now I am clipping for her too as she is home bound. I just try to do a little bit every day.and as the others said I sit in front of the tv and clip and organize and file. I am in a couple of trains and when I get those q's I seperate into what I can use and what I will trade away and try to file them right away so they dont get backlogged on me. I have missed some deals cuz I wasn't organized enough. i just try to do a lil something every day, more on other days than others. But I have found that if I keep up with it , it is easier.

[DebB831]

I agree with just doing a little bit each day. Even just 10 minutes at the end of a week makes a difference. I have a pile of expireds I have to file so I can take them with me to the store, but I am making a small dent in them each week.

With that said, I do 10-20 minutes at night before bed while watching the news.

[LinearChaos]

I like the idea of a little bit each day, thanks.

I've been trying this whole week to clip while watching TV, I'm just too exhausted to do anything but sit and stare.

Maybe if I tell myself, "just clip one instert tonight" or "just file HBA tonight" that will help.

Thank goodness I don't have munchkins. I dunno how you mom's do it, especially those of you who work and have little ones! Kuddos!

[superk]

I follow the advice above. I clip while watching the news, at the boys doctor appts., etc. Sometimes it's actually relaxing to take 10 minutes and organize them. Remember it is suppose to be fun as well as helping out your family...don't lose the fun!

[adavant]

I feel your pain. It is very difficult. I work from home, but I also have 3 children and a husband to take care of, so time is limited. I say, "you gotta do whatcha gotta do."

[Random Refunder]

It hasn't been there recently (the time for the boards).

This is the only coupon/savings site I have ever been an active member of and I miss being here lately.

It isn't a permanent thing, thank goodness, soon I will be able to be back here often as before.

We've just had quite a bit of stuff going on here, that and also that school is out for the summer and I recently had this overwhelming "need" to spend a lot of time with my youngest who just turned 17 in April. I think I just realized all of a sudden that he's grown and won't be long before he might not have much time for mama anymore.

As far as finding the time any other time, it's easy for me because my better half works and we don't have young children that require more time such as soccer, ballet, backyard supervision, etc.

If I were working, I would probably try and clip them out while we watch tv at night or something like that.

[Loading...]

I agree, just do a bit a day. I have 3 little ones, including a 6 week old. Right before I had her was a week I had gotten like 10 papers, so even though I had a newborn I knew I needed to just knock it out. Once I did, I just find time here and there to be sure I maintain what needs to be clipped/sorted. As long as I have it done before my big grocery trip of the week I'm happy.