Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

In last week’s overview of our coupon-ology series, I shared the five main parts. As I breakdown the sections, I will have multiple posts within each part.

Your life is busy and our goal is to use coupons effectively. Rushing through the steps does not teach one how to coupon.

I’ve sat through one couponing class since learning how to use coupons. Though I enjoyed hearing the presenter, I was amazed by how many participants left more confused than they came.

You don’t want to be frustrated, nor do I want to pressure you into using my system. So, we’ll take it slowly.

Beginning today, I will share how to purge your stash and two possibilities for those expired coupons in Part 1a.

Part 1: Purge Coupons

If you were able to complete last week’s project and gather your coupons, then let’s begin to purge. During this step, I concentrate on expiration dates.

As I purge my coupons at the beginning of the month, I remove all the expired coupons from the previous month out of my coupon binders. Leaving my binders with only the current coupons, I know I can use all of them without having to worry about the expiration date.

With all the expired ones removed, you have two options for those coupons: trash them or donate them.

Trash Them

Not all expired coupons are trash worthy.  The following coupons have reached the end of their usefulness and can gather in the trash:

• Manufacturer coupons more than 3 months expired
• Expired store coupons (e.g., Publix, Target, Walmart, etc.)

Donate Them

Our military personnel living outside of the United States may use certain coupons up to 6 months past their expiration date at their commissary and exchange. The following types of coupons can bless one of our own away from the States:

• Manufacturer coupons less than 3 months past their expiration date
• Internet printable coupons less than 3 months past their expiration date

In taking back your coupons, purge the ones you have to start fresh. When I have stepped away from couponing for a month or more, I start with purging. With a fresh start, I can build up my supply knowing all the coupons are current.

Weekly Project: Choose to trash or donate your expired coupons.

Next week, I will share the options to donating your expired coupons to our troops overseas. Start where you are and work up. Take it slowly to get it right. Happy purging!

Question: How often do you purge your coupons?