In this story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, I mentioned that I don’t use coupons as much as I have in the past. My main reasons were: I shop at Aldi (which doesn’t accept coupons) and I have a well-stocked supply of toiletries and other products thanks to doing the drugstore deals.

For the last three weekends, I didn’t even buy a newspaper, because I didn’t want to bother with coupons. However, my husband bought a newspaper for me today, so I’ll be clipping those.

Some people have absolutely no interest in using coupons. Others swear by them, and get several newspapers each week and trade coupons, and more. Most of us fall somewhere in between.

Where do you fit in?

When I do go through the inserts, I cut out all coupons I might use, since I know that some items will be free or almost free if I combine them with awesome store deals.

I put them in a little accordian-style filer, which I carry with me pretty much as often as I can (You just never know when you’ll want to dart into a CVS when you’re out and about!).

I use my coupons primarily at the drugstores, but if a deal is extra special at a grocery, I’ll use them there.

Overall, I’d estimate I spend no more than a half an hour cutting and filing coupons. I’m usually watching TV or chatting with my husband while I cut and organize, too.

As far as Internet coupons go, I print them only if it’s a fantastic coupon (usually $2 or more) AND I really want the product. Otherwise, I save my printer the trouble.

So, how about you? How much time do you spend couponing? Do your couponing efforts come and go in cycles?