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WFMW: Coupon Binder
Posted by
tricia on
06.30.10 |
9 Comments
Short Link: http://onceamonthmom.com/?p=7484
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There is no better advertising for me than my coupon binder. At 4 inches thick, with a handle and full of coupons it is an attention getter! I don’t carry it around to attract attention, I carry it to save money. However, without fail, I always have someone ask me about what blogs I follow for couponing. I am not a coupon blogger per say but it definitely gives me an opportunity to share my business cards. Bonus! I also find it interesting to ask them which blogs they follow. The most recently sited blogs have been:
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!
This post has motivated me to do something about my coupons…..I have tried several different methods without good results. Thanks for the tip.
Blessings,
Katia
Funny – I am doing the EXACT same thing! It works for me, except when I find something on clearance somewhere and know there is a coupon but don’t know which flier it’s in.
yes, that gets a little tricky. If I don’t have the kids I will look the answer up on my phone using afullcup.com but that isn’t the fastest method for sure.
I too am going to switch to a new system. I am going to keep my ads in a file folder. Right now I take out the stuff I know I will use for sure, even though it’s not a ton, it that seems to be more than my little hand held coupon holder can hold. I am going to bump that up to a binder system.
There is so much processed foods, baby or pet stuff that I never use, no need to carry it around.
I’m actually just beginning this process, getting into couponing and starting a really strict budget. Looking forward to implementing some of your ideas. Thank you for sharing!
Ugh. I’ve tried a few approaches. Like another commenter, I hated looking through coupons for clearance items so I’ve recently gone back to cutting them again. Honestly, I’m still not happy with my system but I think it’s more that I’m not spending enough time on the research side. I need a class!!
How many papers do ou get per week?
How many weeks of inserts do you carry around at any given time?
I’m currently only getting 2-3 sets per week but was considering increasing to 6. I’m wondering if a 4″ binder would be able to handle that.
How do you organize the loose coupons? By department?
Can you repost the link to our binder as this one is not working?
I get 2-3 most weeks from family members. You might need an extra binder for more inserts as mine is bursting at the seams. I organize loose coupons by department in the store.
I bought 2 small 5X7 file box with handles, one for non-perishable and the other for. I labeled them alphabetical. I then cut out my coupons (4 papers for each member of the family. Make two stacks (non & perishable). I then take one stack and make columns of my alphabets (according to the way I labeled) Pick them up and drop in box. Takes me abt 15 min or less.