• Happy Homemaker Cindy
• Common Sense with Money
• Mommy Snacks

So back to the coupon binder. My system has definitely evolved and been refined over the last two years of couponing. And yours may too. If you are looking to get started find a system that seems right for you and try it out. If it isn’t working, consider a new system. Evaluate what is working for you and what isn’t. What works for one person might not work for you. Here is what I have used in the past.

Coupon Binder #1

When I started I cut out ALL of the coupons every week and slipped them into baseball card sleeves, divided by section of the grocery store and placed in a small 3 ring binder. One thing that has always worked for me is using a zippered binder. It is great because if my toddler gets a hold of my binder or I accidentally drop it, or I am trying to carry 2 children and my coupons, I don’t have to worry about it dropping and losing all of my coupons.

Anyway, I would cut and sort, cut and sort. The problem with this system for me is that I was ALWAYS cutting and sorting. I grew weary.

Coupon Binder System #2

I’m not sure where I heard her say it, but once upon a time Jill said that she just kept the coupon inserts intact and then she cut the coupons out that she needed based on the couponing sites and what she had found to be on sale. I thought this was crazy. I was wrong.

I didn’t want to totally go to Jill’s system so I would cut out the coupons I was fairly certain I would use, I would file them in my baseball card system. Then I would three hole punch the leftover coupon inserts and put them in a separate notebook. I would do research before I go to the store and clip my coupons and then I would only take the binder that included the clipped coupons.

Eventually I found that rotating the coupons in the baseball card holder system was also time consuming and was taking away from actual time spent at the grocery store. I also realized that 98% of the time I follow the blogging sites and they list coupons by insert. Therefore, cutting any coupons out was not very effective.

Coupon Binder System #3

So here is where I am at now. I have the baseball card inserts but ONLY for loose coupons that I get in the mail or receive as promotions. Otherwise, I leave the coupon inserts intact, three-hole punch them, mark them with the insert date and place them in my binder in FRONT of my baseball inserts.

I moved up to the 4-inch binder so that I only have one binder to lug around (even though it is huge). This ensures that I don’t leave coupons at home.

Before I go to the grocery store I do my research and cut or pull out any coupons that I am sure I am going to use. I keep a spare pair of scissors in my binder as well so that I make sure that if I need a coupon while I am at the store that I can cut it out easily.

With tools like my iPhone I can always look up coupon match-ups on location if need be. It is a win-win for me.

I love, love, love this binder! Yes, it is an affiliate link, but seriously, this binder has it all. It has pockets for me to slip in those Kroger coupon books when I get them. It zips. I can store all of my inserts without having to leave any of them at home. It has a  handy small pocket in the front for me to stick those coupons I plan to use on that visit. And it comes with a strap for wearing on my shoulder if I want. SCORE!

Like I said, not every system works for everyone. What system works for you? Or are you looking to start a new system? I would love to hear what works for you!

**Don’t forget to give Jen some $4 love – today is day 2 of the Celebrate Jen Campaign!

**Also, the Marriott $250 gc contest ends today (6/30) at NOON EST!