One of my biggest problems with coupon organization is that I never seem to have enough time to clip every coupon and file it away. So, I would end up with piles of coupons ready to be cut and filed.
To solve that problem, I decided to start writing the insert date on the front of the entire insert and filing it together in a page protector in my coupon binder.
But how do I find coupons in the insert?
There are 2 ways that I find the coupons when I need to use them:
- Search the Coupon Database - when I need to purchase something and I'm looking for a coupon that I can use with it, I search the coupon database. I can search by any attribute such as brand, products, etc and the database will list various printable coupons that are available as well as the insert date and name (such as 1/27 S - or the Smart Source insert that came in the paper on 1/27)
- Store Matchups on my favorite Coupon Blogs - there's likely a blog out there that lists the coupons with the sale products for virtually any store you visit. All coupon matchups list the date and insert in the matchups.
When I clip out coupons in anticipation of using them at a store, I put them in a store-specific envelope. For example, if I'm planning out my trip to Rite Aid, I'll take notes of what I wish to purchase and what the prices and deals are. Then, I'll clip the coupons and insert them with my list into a Rite Aid envelope (just a plain envelope).
What about "Other Coupons"?
The only drawback that I see to not clipping and organizing all coupons when you get them is the lack of flexibility when I'm at the store. If I see something on clearance, I may not have a coupon with me. However, I feel like it also keeps me from making any impulse purchases, because I wouldn't want to come home and find out that I had a coupon after the fact!
Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings
Great way to organize.
I started the binder method back in the late 90's and boy has that method taken off and others using a version of it too.
Glad you are saving with coupons!!
Have a wonderful day!
Laura
formerly known at LWMSAVON
The Coupon Binder Method Creator
Brooke
Hello - I agree totally with the non-clipping method of organizing inserts! It is so much easier for me, too. I organize my inserts by their dates in file folders which I keep in a portable filing milk-crate-type bin. (I use file folders because I typically get around 10-12 copies of each insert) I also buy differently-colored file folders and assign a color to each month's inserts to further organize. So then, when I am reading a website's weekly post about a current deal and I see that "Dial is free at Publix this week with the $0.50 coupon from 4/11 ss (fictional example only)," I can then go straight to my file, pull the 4/11 ss's and clip the number of Dial coupons I need. It is so easy. And you are SO right about saving the entire inserts, because you never know what is going to be a freebie that you can gift, use to get your subtotal higher so that you may implement a $ off of$ coupon, or even a MM!! (I just had a $7 MM this week on some Listerine from a January insert coupon!) I also have file folders for my catalina coupons, Publix store coupons, Target store coupons, Internet printables, and Commisary q's (all seperate folders).
As for peelies and blinkies, I have a 3 ring binder with baseball card pages. That works great for me. I keep all my tearpad coupons in my top right desk drawer. And then, finally :-), I have my stash of my most-used coupons in a small 4x 6 photo album that I keep in my purse. That album keeps a few of each closeby for me - milk, eggs, bread, yogurt, etc. I also keep my overage-providers in there, along with all my high value/freebie q's.
And lastly, even though I pride myself on organization, there are still little piles of coupons that end up here and there around the house. . . So I understand where all you other fellow couponers are coming from . . .Finding a method/technique of organization that works for you is great, but it is always a work in progress. Good Luck, everyone!!!
jeannette
Brooke....i am a newby at all this....have cut out tons of coupons, have the flyers and they just lay there expiring....cant get organized and cant really catch on as to how to BEGIN the match up process (grocery stores). Seems a little overwhelming.
Also, the "coupon lingo" is Greek to me? Where can i get help to understand it? Such as in your blog (i have never blogged either!).. MM ?; peelies?; blinkies?; freebie Q's ? ; ECB's and Overage Providers ?.....just a short list example. Thanks SO much.
Corrie @ "Cents"able Momma
Jeannette - I would start small and try saving at just one store - either a grocery store or a drugstore and get the hang of it before you try to coupon full-force. I post the drugstore deals each week (see Stores above on the navigation bar) as well as Meijer and Kroger. If you shop at a different store, find a blogger who posts the deals for you each week.
As far as the coupon terms, check out my Coupons 101 post for more info.
Hope that helps!
M'chelle Lynne
I have tried organizing my coupons and separating them by category, but that takes too much time searching for the coupons with 4 and 2 year-olds. I like sorting the coupons in an accordian file according to the date of expiration and looking for the coupon, cutting it out when needed. I think that it would be easier to make a list of all of the coupons that I think I may use for the month. I do like to sort through the sale ads and matching up coupons with the sale ads. I went to Walgreens two weeks ago and saved over $90 dollars. I still spent $65, but I did have significant savings.
I love hearing about other ideas. I think that I may start keeping them in an accordian file by date and cutting the ones that I think that I may use or need.