Coupons, Coupons, Coupons

The Coupon Binder

     I have used many coupon organizational methods but the one that works the best for me is the binder method.  I have a Case-it binder from staples.  This binder zips around keeping every thing inside and has a handle and a long strap to put on my shoulder to carry it.  They come in many sizes and there are different versions.  I believe mine is a 3 inch binder.  You could also use a regular binder and a larger purse.  You want the binder to be able to fit in the front child seat of a grocery cart.  For reference, here is a link to coupon abbreviations.  

     This is the inside of my binder.  I attempt to keep a pair of scissors, calculator, pen, and a pad of paper in it.  These are handy tools in the art of couponing, and yes it is a art that you must master.  I also have a my Menards rebate check and a envelope for rain checks.   The pencil cases are assigned to stores.  I have one for Walgreens, Target, Jewel-Osco, Walmart, Hyee, Kroger, and two for CVS (one for each card).  

     Behind the zippered pocket there is a according file.  Here I keep any coupons that still may need to be filled, adds for the stores I shop at, and the local Market Guide Magazine.  The Market Guide Magazine comes in the mail and has coupons in it for local business.  

     And here is the inside of my binder.  I cut all of my coupons and save all of them.  I file then with 9 slot baseball card holders (Walmart).  I double the coupons, putting them on both sides of the slots.  I keep all coupons!  The reason is because you never know when an item will be free to try or a money maker with the coupon.  Walmart coupon policy is that if you have a coupon that is more then the purchase price of an item they must give you the full amount of the coupon for the item, which means overage to apply to the rest of your order.  You can also make money with coupons with rebates.  Some rebates do not take coupons in account and will actually pay back the full purchase price before coupons.  I also like to make money at Walgreens with coupons  to generate register rewards (RR) which can be used at Walgreens on you next purchase or be used at Jewel-Osco like cash!  It is also very easy to make money at CVS.  They have many deals in which using coupons will make your purchase price less then the ECBs you will receive.  So yes I purchase things I use and things that are money makers.  It is the best way to make your coupons work for you!

     This is how I organize my coupons.  I use tabs.  Some couponers file them alphabetically by brand name, but you have to find the method that works for you.  I have never tried the alphabetically by brand name only because I was able to purchase the pre-labed tabs.  Here are my labels in my binder:

Baking

Beverage

Bread

Baby Needs

Canned

Cereal

Cleaning

Condiments

Cosmetics

Dairy

Deodorant

Eye Care

Face Wash

Feminine

Frozen

Hair

Lotion

Laundry

Meat

Medical

Oral Care

Paper and Plastic

Pasta And Rice

Pet Care

Razors

Salad Dressing

Snacks

Soap

Target Coupons

     Now to where I store all of my items.  Granted I give a lot away.  But any thing that I have not given away I stockpile.  Below are some pictures!

Hallway Coat Closet ( to small to hold coats lol) 

Cleaning Supplies/Dog Food/Air Freshers

Another Hallway Closet

Diapers/Tissue/Toilet Paper/Paper Towels/Flushable Wipes

Ashley's Closet

Diapers and Wipes

In My Bedroom Closet

Every Thing Else!

All Feminine Personal Products

My Laundry Room

Under The Kitchen Sink

Under The Bathroom Sink

The Bathroom Cabinet

Just Cereal

Above The Fridge

What else do you put up there?

   Ok, now that I have shared all of this information you may be wondering about time.  Once you understand the process and have a good easy for you to use organizational method, couponing only takes as much time for you to clip and file.  Planning a shopping trip becomes easier in time because there is less questions in what is supposed to happen at the register.  I get my coupons Sunday morning and typical clip and file when the kids are in bed and I am watching TV. You can also buy extra papers Sunday morning at the Dollar Store for $1.00!  It probably takes me an hour to clip and file, only because I am also enjoying a TV show.  I visit the following web sites to quickly view the adds and see what coupons are need and where they are located.  

www.iheartcvs.com (Blog)

www.iheartwags.com (Blog)

www.hiptosave.com (Blog)

     In the end couponing is worth the time.  You save a lot of money and gain a stockpile.  I highly recommend the above web sites.  They are quick and easy references, and tell you what to buy and what to use.  The below website is a coupon community.  Here you can have an online wish list and join coupon trains.  A coupon train is an organized coupon trading system, which are typically wish list based  (love it).   There are are also forums for multiple stores where members post there purchases and questions and supply tips.  All the web sites are free!

www.afullcup.com (A forum and coupon trading web site, also has a coupon database to find coupons)

     Lastly, all stores have there own rules and each store system works differently.  You must know the in and outs in of each store you shop at for the coupons to work for you.  Any questions let me know.  Plus I am happy to teach any one the art!