So now that you have started clipping and organizing coupons, the question becomes "how the heck do I organize them so I don't spend a ton of time searching for them when I need them??"
There are several different types of organizational tools you can use to get your coupons organized and functioning for you. Here are the 3 most common ways that I know of:
1. A coupon binder - this is my favorite for me. It's a big 3 ring binder with tons of baseball card type holders to slip each coupon into. Each sleeve has a tab dividing them up into sections, ie: produce, beverages, meats, dairy, bread, canned goods, pasta/grains, cereal, snacks, home products, baby products, soaps/lotions/deodorants, cleaning supplies, hair care, dental, etc. This makes it super easy to flip to each section and see if I have a coupon for a product in that category. There are several websites you can order these binders already put together or you can make one yourself, whatever works for your budget!!
I always pull coupons out that I know I'm going to use and keep them in an envelope. I still bring my binder to the grocery store along with my calculator, grocery list, highlighter, pen/pencil, copy of the store ad and print out of my digital coupons already loaded to my Dillons card. Having my binder with me helps me check for coupons if I see an item marked down that I might not have known was on sale. I ordered mine from www.Thecouponbinder.com, however i have heard reports that she's not producing them right now. There are several other websites with the same concept though!
The other benefit to my coupon binder is that everything fits in one place. My coupons, Meal Plans, grocery lists, pencil holder with pens, pencils, and calculator and blank paper are all in one binder. So there is never a question of "what was I planning for that dinner??" when I'm at the store. I like having everything together so I don't miss items and have to make a return trip back to the store.
2. Accordion Style Folders - I started with this method but found it annoying to have to sort through stacks of coupons in the middle of the store just to see if I had a coupon matching an item. For the non-serious couponer however, this works well because they are generally small and can fit into your purse.
3. File Folder - I tried this method for about two weeks and gave up. You can get a file folder system and instead of clipping coupons on Sundays, you just file the entire coupon inserts into the folder. Then when you see a deal come up that is referenced by which newspaper it was in you can pull the entire insert out, clip just the coupons you need and go to the store. I missed a lot of good coupons by doing this so it didn't work for me. Many people have had a lot of success with it though!
So the best way to maximize your savings with coupons is to find a system that works for YOU! Just because it works for someone else, doesn't mean it's going to be the most beneficial to your style of organization/shopping.
If anyone needs help getting started with coupon organizing, I'd be happy to help set up a binder!! I've also been asked by many if I would ever do a coupon-teaching class. If there is interest I would totally be open to doing this! Leave me a comment and let me know :0)
Happy Shopping!!
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