I have something really exciting in the works! At this point that's all I can say... But I could really use your help! If you all could answer any of the questions below in the comment section- I would be very appreciative!:)
- How do you organize your coupons?
- What do you like about your coupon organization method?
- What don't you like?
- Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
- Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
- How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
184 comments:
I have plastic pencil holders in differnet colors. One color for each store I frequent. I clip coupons, do not save the entire mailer, and put them into the color holder of store I will purchase at. Then I have one big container for extra/later date coupons.
Sound to me like you are planning on MAKING a coupon organizer to sell?! If so, go you! I absolutely LOVE my zippered notebook with clipped out coupons in baseball card protector sheets filed by category. SO easy to find what I need. I have a thousand or more coupons in it. I spent $20 on mine and would spend no more than $30 for an awesome one. Now if someone were to make them customized- OMG. That would just be awesome. Can we say DAMASK? ;)
I have two of the coupon holders I get from the dollar store. One has baby + drug store items. The other has grocery + restaurants and services. I changed the labels to match the categories I cared about. I carry both with me when going shopping. I also clip my coupons each week and organize them within the current week. If there was an awesome organizer, I'd pay up to $5 for it.
OK, so I found a small coupon organizer and a large organizer in Target's 'Dollar' section a few days ago and have started using that. In the small one, I put ALL of the Target coupons in one section (since you can only use them there) and then divide up the rest into categories (I clip the inserts to fit in my organizer). Then in the large (8 1/2 x 11) one, I print off every day's 'Hip to Save' announcement to be able to refer back to. I only spent $5 for both!
Oh and on top of my notebook, I also have one of those flexy coupon holders with different categories in which before I go to the store, I gather all of my needed coupons, print off any info I need to bring with me (deals and match-ups) and file it under the store I need. I have a tab for each store that I frequent. So I bring my notebook with all of my coupons and a smaller coupon organizer with each store's coupons and deals all ready to go.
I file the whole insert and then clip the ones I need for that shopping trip and take them with me. I like how easy it is to file them initially. I wish it didn't take quite so long when I am preparing to go to the store but it isn't too bad. My biggest complaint is that since I don't have all my coupons with me when I shop I miss out on deals like clearance items.
Alright let's see if I can help
1. How I organize my coupons-
Right now, sadly, just in a paper envelope. I have them grouped together though; body/health (lotion, shavers,facewash, toothpaste, medicines, etc.), food, cleaning products. I write what coupons I currently have on the outside of the envelope and cross them off when I use them
2. What I like about my method- It's simple, and I almost always have it with me because it's in my purse.
3. What I don't like-
It's not a great organization system- though their separated and next to similar coupons, they are all stuffed together for the most part.
4. How many coupons I take with me- Depends on the deals during the week and what I need. I carry all the coupons I have with me all the time. But I like having lots of choices! You can never have too many coupons :)
5. Clip coupons or whole inserts- I clip just the coupon so it fits in my purse better.
6. How much would spend on a coupon organizer- $1.00 (What? I'm cheap, why do you think I'm on here? :)
Hope this helped!
I have a 5x7 accordian coupon organizer. But, it is really too small. I like the zippered notebook ones with baseball cards in there. My friend has that and it wonderful.
I also have a notebook with pockets that I use for my CVS, Walgreens, Jewel, etc coupons.
Love your BLOG!
I have the old checkbook size accordian file. I am new to couponing (2 months) and have recently gotten to the point that I'm wondering if they will all fit. I clip and file my coupons each week. I prepare in advance and pull the ones I will be using at each store but I do carry the rest in my purse in case I find a good deal.
I have a mini index divider I organize my coupons in. It holds a lot of coupons and I bring the whole thing with me when I go to the store-you never know when something will be on a hidden sale or clearance! I like it divides everything, but it doesn't have enough dividers that I'd like. I clip all coupons and organize them. I wouldn't spend too much more than $10 on an organizer.
I use a big zippered binder with baseball card inserts separated by categories. I clip all mine and have several hundred in there. I keep them all together in that binder. As I select items, I move the appropriate coupon to a folder pocket in the front. It also has some accordion style folders that I use to keep rebate forms, receipts etc in. I paid about $15 for it and would probably pay no more than 20-25 for a really cool one.
I have a binder with baseball card plastic pages. I organize by category, food, beauty, meds, etc. I pretty much know where most things are since I put them in there. I don't clip everything, just the ones that I know I need right away. The rest of my inserts I file away in a file tote by date. Sometimes I take all my coupons with me into a store unless I am going for just a specific list, then I just take in a small wallet size coupon holder with my list and the coupons I need. My system works okay for me although my binder does get too full with IPs and they do tend to fall out some when they get too full.
I am currently keeping the inserts by date, in hanging file folders in a file box that I take with me everywhere I go. Its really easy to flip to a coupon for a deal I want to do, however, I am outgrowing the box rapidly. So I plan to make some changes-Im still going to keep the inserts by date but I think I am going to clip coupons that I KNOW I will use, and keep them in a binder similar to what Ambra described above. These I will take with me and into the stores so I dont have to worry about missing any really great deals!! I would be willing to spend about $25-30, especially from someone like you :) instead of Walmart or Amazon LOL!
hey Abby C - if you have a publix nearby you may be able to use those target coupons there!
1. in a binder seperated by category ie shaving, dairy, bread, frozen snacks, teeth, etc in 3.5" x 5" photo holder sleeves
2. I like that I can find coupons pretty quickly and that I can easily take the binder to the store
3. My 3" binder is pretty jam packed...okay, it's busting at the seams.
4. every coupon I have, but I have no CLUE how many that would be....thousands???
5. clip most of them unless I have a lot of one insert and then I'll clip out coupons from say 6 and leave the rest whole in case I need later.
6. $15
Sarah
How do you organize your coupons?
-In catagorized envelopes in a rubbermaid (shoe box size) box.
What do you like about your coupon organization method?
-It's the best I have come up with so far, but it does keep changing!
What don't you like?
-It's big enough to be too noticeable to take to the store. :)
Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
50 or more.
Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
-Clip them.
How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
-$20 or less? I am not sure.
P.S. And under $10 would be more like it for price. Although, if it would be really good & stay around a long time, it might be worth more.
I have no organization at all. I have some in envelopes that are now badly torn and some in paper clips. I do cut them out, and I think I try to put the coupons I think I will be using in an envelope and I take 2-3 envelopes in a store with me. Makes it very time consuming when trying to find a coupon as I am sure that goes without saying! So, I don't like anything about my organization as I have none! I am new at this tho..that is my excuse!
* How do you organize your coupons?
I use a 'Trapper Keeper' style binder, with a zipper.
* What do you like about your coupon organization method?
I use clear trading card sheets and have them organized in alphabetical order. I love how easy it is to find the coupon I'm looking for...no digging!
* What don't you like?
The binder is super heavy and hard to lug around when I also have to carry a diaper bag and a 25lb baby, lol.
* Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
All of them. I carry ALL of my coupons everywhere I go.
* Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
I clip each one. It's a pain in the rear but it's a lot easier to pull one out if I find an unadvertised deal.
* How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
About $20.
-I started with the baseball card sleeves, but I found it too hard to add coupons. I loved being able to see what I had though. Now I have an expanding note card holder that is stuffed to the max. Coupons are alphabetized and when I am going to use a coupon at a certain store, or when a coupon is for a specific store, I put it in a small white mailing envelope with the store's name on it.
-I like having the individual envelopes for stores, so when I know I am getting something that week, I just put it into that envelope, and it is really easy to grab that envelope at the doors of the store, and go shopping!
-I don't always know what I have So hard to be flipping through to see "Do I really have that coupon?" I am working on putting together an excel spreadsheet listing my coupons, how much they are for, what requirements it has, and when it expires so I can more easily see what I have left.
-Depends, if I am going in and want to get out within x amount of dollars, I take only what I need. Grocery store or general wandering, the whole thing!
-I clip all of mine, although I *really* love when you date the inserts the coupons come from.
-Cost, wow, don't really know there. If other people rave about it, $30. If it is something I am just trying to see how it works, $8. I hate trying things and finding out I don't like it. Would love to test drive things and then return or pay full price. (like that is ever going to happen).
that's my two cents!
How do you organize your coupons?
I bought a coupon organizer at the dollar store it is basically a mini accordian file, I keep all of them in here except grocery ones etc...
What do you like about your coupon organization method?
It is small and easy to carry on the go or throw in the car or purse and I have all the different stores in there that can be good or bad.
What don't you like? Sometimes it is a lot to go thru at the store but sometimes I can grab the ones I know I will use ahead of time.
Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
50, but maybe pull like 5 or 6 to try and use
Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts? CLIP!
How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
5.00 max, depending on how cool it is! :)
I use a zippered three ring binder. The front cover has pocket that I store a calculator, scissors, pen in. Inside is a small accordion file that I store sale ads, envelopes for rebates, and receipts. Next is lot of baseball card holders. I put the coupons in these, they are divided by categories.
I have a note pad as well. I make a list for each store, pull out the coupons and place in an envelope. I take the envelope in the store. Occasionally I will take the binder in with me. It depends on the amount of time I have.
What I disliked was the amount of time it took to start the binder method. It was a lot of trimming and sorting. It’s not so bad now. Still takes a good hour on Sundays to cut and file them all.
It is easy to see what I have coupons for. I don’t have to dig and shuffle like I did with an accordion file.
* How do you organize your coupons? I have two small coupons organizers. One for food, one for non-food. They are them divided into categories.
* What do you like about your coupon organization method?
I know exactly which category to look in to see if I have a specific coupon.
* What don't you like?
That they're getting old and I need new ones. LOL!
* Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
I carry both of my coupon organizers to the store, in my purse.
* Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
I clip coupons.
* How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
It depends. I'd say no more than $10.
I clip coupons and file them according to genre in a soft pencil case. It's too full so it doesn't close. The dividers are home made and fal;ling apart. I definitely need a coupon organizer. Don't want a big binder. Any suggestions.
*I have a binder with baseball card inserts.
*I organize my coupons by what aisle they would be in.
*This method is so easy because you can actually see all your coupons when you are walking through the store. I have tried the envelopes but it takes way to long.
*There is nothing that I don't like about this method.
*I usually carry my binder with me and when I put something in my cart I take the coupon out of the sleeve and into an envelope.
*I think its easier to clip all your coupons when you get them.
I currently have a 5x7 according style folder that I use for my coupons. I clip the coupons first & then seperate them into 10 different catergories. This worked alright @ first, but it is currently stuffed(can't close it) & I have a huge pile of coupons(Kraft & kelloggs) that I can't fit inside.
My system is organized well, but way too small. I would love to have a zippered folder with some kind of pockets, baseball card holders(not sure what yet). I think I could spend around $10 for one that meets all my needs & would give me some room to grow as well.
I take all of my coupons in everytime, which is a bit cumbersome lately, but I have missed out on too many unadvertised deals not to.
Hope this helps...dying to know what your up to!!
I'm excited to hear about what's going on. I must check your site a million times a day for all the deals. lol
How do you organize your coupons?
I have a small organizer with slots/dividers that I got from walmart. In there I keep the coupons that I clipped. I only clip/cut out the internet coupons and coupons that I thought I was going to use at the store but didn't. I also have 1 folder that has envelopes for each store and I put a large post-it note with what I plan to buy listed and then the coupons in the envelope. If I don't use them then I file them in my organizer from walmart when I get home.
What do you like about your coupon organization method?
That I write the date on each insert and then put them in a folder, then I put all the folders in a purse. That way I can take it with me if I notice something on clearance.
What don't you like?
I look weird carrying in 2 purses. And my coupon purse is a bit heavy. But I deal with it to get FREEBIES!!!
Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
All
How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer? Not sure I like my set up now but if I found one that worked for me - maybe $10.
i have a coupon binder. it's kind of a pain to take to the store sometimes cause it's so heavy and thick, so i don't always have it with me and i miss out on getting really good deals. but it's nice cause you get to see all the coupons. i'd spend about $20 on a new coupon binder if it's unlike something i already use.
I file mine in a 3 ring binder using baseball card inserts. I have them separated into categories and divided by divider sheets. I also have two pencil holders in the front of my binder. One for restaurant coupons and the other for coupons I am using while shopping. I carry my binder with me 24/7 and I am not kidding. It stays in my van when I am not updating it.
I could really use a different binder. I would like one with handles. I would pay no more than $25.00 with a coupon :-)
I clip every single coupon.
I put them in big birthday card size envelopes, each envelope is labeled by catagory (ex. frozen,dairy,etc.) I clip coupons so that I can organize by category. I usually put all the coupons for a particular grocery trip into one envelope. I don't like the fact that 12 envelopes with coupons is pretty bulky and i can't carry them in for just in case I find a good deal. On a coupon organizer, i'd probably spend about $10.
I store my coupons in a rubbermaid container in envelopes with tabs on them and then they are filed alphabetically. I clip all my coupons each week and file them. Before going to the store i pull out the coupons i need and that is all i take with me. I like my method, it works for me. Love your site by the way!!
1. How do you organize your coupons? In a small organizer I can easily carry or stick in my purse. I bought at the Dollar Store. It is separated by dividers so I label them personal, canned items, baking items, etc.
2. What do you like about your coupon organization method? It's easy!
3. What don't you like? There isn't anything I don't like
4. Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store? at the most 25 coupons, but that's rare!
5. Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts? Clip
6. How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer: $5-$10 if it is a better system than I have now.
How do you organize your coupons?
by categories....hair, baby, canned...etc.
What do you like about your coupon organization method?
i made the tabs....so they make sense to me.
What don't you like?
spacing
Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
I have an evenlope for every store.
I rarely take all my coupons.
Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
clip everyone
How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
not much.....5
i think the folders are nice but im too cheap spend the money
I spent a little more than I should have on my organizer, but I use it almost everyday so I decided it was worth a little extra $65. I saw other binders that were less expensive, but did not have the pockets I needed for calculator, etc. I use baseball card holders in a zip up binder by category with a handle. I cut MOST of my coupons and carry them with me whereever I go. The ones I don't clip, I keep in the whole insert and file by week in case later I need something and I can find it quickly. I like carrying all of then with me becuse you just never know when and where you will see something you need..clearance or unadvertised specials. Jocelyn
I file all the inserts by date and then when I need a particular coupon, I look on the coupon database. Coupons that I print out from the computer, go into my purses. I keep them in one of two envelopes. Each envelope is divided in two (food/paper or beauty/household products). The only thing that I don't like about my system is that if I see something that I had not planned on buying, there is a good chance that I won't have the coupon with me. I LOVE YOUR SITE. YOU'RE AWESOME!! Thanks.
I'm cutting and pasting what Christine above wrote, bc we use an almost identical method! I use a big zippered binder with baseball card inserts separated by categories. I clip all mine and have several hundred (a couple thousand?!) in there. I keep them all together in that binder. As I select items, I move the appropriate coupon to a little pocket in the front. There is another pocket in front where I clip "use quick" coupons like doubles or one-week store coupons. It also has some accordion style folders inside where I keep rebate forms, receipts, current store flyers, etc in. I paid about $30 for it (ack!) but don't regret the expense because I LOVE IT SO MUCH!
I have a midsize cosmetic bag in which I place envelopes labeled health & beauty, food, household etc. The coupons that I receive from my friends I keep in a clear, large portfolio (along with scissors) with the dates marked on them so that I know where I should look after reading your blog. I put padfolio in a canvas bag and keep in the car in case I find a deal when I'm in a store.
I do like the fact that I have all my coupons with me so that I don't have to make a second trip
I dislike having to dig through both bags to get what I need.
I guess $10. Although I view Qs as money, I don't really want to spend very much on the carrier, but I'm open to the possibilities if it will save me some time.
Big zippered binder with food categories for the grocery stores.
A smaller binder for Wags/CVS trips (divided by hair, lotions, soaps, paper good etc).
I keep both in my car at all times.
Am trying one month of not clipping coupons and organizing in a file box by date. I print out the coupon index for each insert from www.taylortownpreview.com and keep it in the front of each folder.
I use baseball card sleeves in a large binder....I have several categores (dry goods, frozen goods, fridge goods, personal, and household...and then I organize within the categories by LIKE item...toothpastes, deoderants, etc...)I LOVE being able to flip through my book and see nine or more coupons on each page.I clip all my coupons so if I find a good deal in the store I'm ready to go with what I need. I would be willing to spend 25 dollars (about what it cost me to set mie up)
I use a 3 ring binder with baseball card sheets. I have it divided by category, food, teeth, lotions, shampoos, etc....I like it because I can see every coupon. The down side is that it is big and bulky. I clip every coupon and file it immediately into my binder. I also have a small accordian style filer that I carry into the stores with me. Sometimes I take my big binder with me to the store in case I find good clearance items. I like my coupon system but I would be willing to try something new for around $20. Can't wait to see what you're up to!
How do you organize your coupons?
Catagorized in a rubbermaid (shoe box size) box. Each Catagory is seperated by an index card (dairy,meat,paper products,etc...)
What do you like about your coupon organization method? It's easy to file my coupons...NO individual pockets like the baseball card holders.
What don't you like? It's not small enough for me to carry into a store so I have photo/scrab booking file w/ individual pockets that I carry with me in the stores. I have a different pocket for each store I visit!!! :)
Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store? Up to 10 per store..sometimes.
Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
I'm a clipper!!
How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
Around $10! I paid $1.00 for my rubbermaid box at the dollar store and my friend gave me the photo file that I carry with me in the store. Hope this helps you.
1. How I organize my coupons-
I currently have the couponizer. I also have all of my coupons on an excel spreadsheet listed by category, item, how many I have to purchase to fulfill coupon, amount off, expiration date and how many of that coupon I have on hand. I print off a new sheet each week removing any used or expired coupons and adding the new coupons for the week.
2. What I like about my method- It is organized by category and there is a section for everthing even rebates and a place to store coupons to be used when you check out.
3. What I don't like-
My only complaint is actually my fault that I need to put them in alphabetical order so I can get to them faster.
4. How many coupons I take with me- I take all of my coupons with me. I do however have an envelope for each grocery/department store I visit and I place the shopping list with that weeks coupons in it. I find this helps me only buy what is on my list and if I happen to run across a good deal I have the others on hand.
5. Clip coupons or whole inserts- Clip
6. How much would spend on a I spent $20 on mine and would want to stay in that range.
I have the typical coupon organizer that you can buy at like walmart/target that has the little sections to file coupons by letter group. I do clip the coupons most of the time... I would like to save the whole insert, but I don't have any place to keep them... without them getting in our way. I typically take all of the coupons I have to the store with me... but I am beginning to organize them and paperclip just the ones I need to the list for that particular store. I like that I always have mine in my purse... I don't like that it takes a while to go through them all.
I use a envelope that has completely ripped apart because my stash has gotten soooo big - thanks to your awesome site!!! I need a new system!! The only thing I like about my system is that I have all my coupons with me and can find one in about 3 hours if I spot a good deal! (haha!) And I definetly clip every coupon because you don't know when you are going to get something free or close to! I would spend between 10-15 bucks for a good organizer (it will help me save more money in the long run!)
I organize them by grocery store/Walmart rows. It makes it very easy to know what I have, especially with a 4 & 1 year old 'helping'! I have two coupon file holders, one for food coupons one for h&b, baby, cleaning & misc. Together they take some space, but I carry a diaperbag around so they are always in there. I clip, carrying the whole insert is too much work. I think I spent a total of $7-8 on my folders.
Holly
I have a file box(like for index cards), and i added dividers with tabs(food, baby products, cleaning products, household items, Target only, Walgreens only, Cvs only, etc. etc.), then behind that divider i have envelopes for each subcategory(Baby products: bath products, diapers, food. Food: Boxed Food, Condiments, Rice & Pasta's, drink, candy & snacks, cereal.)
I like it because i can pull out an envelope like boxed foods and know that i will find the mac n cheese coupons there.
It's very easy to find what i need.
I also like that it's small enought that i can bring the whole thing in with me where ever i go.
That's when i find the best bargains.
I don't like, because my box is so full with internet coupons, that it's starting to bust at the seams.
I would like for it to be a tad bit bigger, but if it were much bigger, i wouldn't feel comfortable carrying it in with me everywhere.
I cut all coupons every sunday and file them at the same time.
I would be willing to pay $10 or so for a really awesome one( good size, well organized, made to last).
Thanks,
Organize: presently in envelopes in big plastic bin w/lid.
Likes: I can sort of see, organized according to category - works well IF you don't have lots of coupons.
Dislikes: I can't see everything easily, having to sort, resort, resort... overwhelming. I'm planning on going to a binder system, but waiting until school supplies go on sale!
# of coupons: Sometimes just the ones on my list sandwiched between the 'wasted' paper of Internet printables. Mostly, my entire box.
Clip all or File Whole: Used to file whole, but like the clip method better. Get my kids to help. Sometimes just clip what we know we use, file the rest until needed.
Organizer: so that's your secret! I guess no more than $25. But do you have a coupon for it? :)
I am a 66 year old woman who has always used coupons but you have made it fun, I check several times a day and have gotten some real good deals and just want to thank you. I save the entire mailer. Looking for new ideas. Thank you, thank you.
cpetersonp@gmail.com I live in Utah
I use a zippered 3-ring binder w/4x6 clear insert pages ($3ish for 10pgs/60 inserts, Walmart). I clip most coupons but file remaining insert in case a deal comes up with a random item i didn't clip.
When I shop: I take my list w/ coupons pulled and placed into a small accordion style coupon organizer that fits in my purse, each tab is by store and contains only the coups i'm using on that trip + ECBs/RRs/catalinas/rainchecks. Easy to pull em at the register when i'm ready, and i also take the binder in a tote bag for all those unexpected goodies (i.e. Wags clearance endcaps!)
The main thing i don't like is how easily coupons can fall out the top of the sleeve if the binder tips. Hasn't happened yet, but i'd freak if all those spilled on aisle 4 one of these days...
Cant wait to see what you're up to!
I have tried many methods of coupon organization. I used a plastic box at one time with dividers that I labled myself. It was bulky and hard to carry. Then I tried the zipped binder method. It was ok, but I found that a lot of the coupons did not fit in the baseball card slots. So, now I have an organizer that looks like a purse and is SUPER CUTE! It only has 12 dividers though. I have 2 of them, one for groceries and one for HBA items. I could use more dividers, but am otherwise very happy with it.
I have white #10 envelopes separated into about 20 different categories, and i cut the tops off tissue boxes and store them the envelopes in there, they fit perfectly. So, I clip all the coupons from the weekly inserts and then organize into the categories. Once in the envelopes, they are in chronological order with the oldest insert coupons in the back and newest in front. I go thru them 2x a month to discard the expired ones. Works best because if you need to compare coupons from different brands for the same item, they are all in one envelope. I would pay 20 bucks for a really nice organizer.
* How do you organize your coupons? In a clear storage box from Staples with manila file folders.
* What do you like about your coupon organization method?
I can use the coupon database to quickly see if I have a coupon for any particular item.
* What don't you like? I don't have coupons with me at all times - however this is keeps me on track and tied to my list when I'm in the store.
* Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
25 or so. Just what I need for that store.
* Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
File the whole insert.
* How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer? $10-20
I have a soft plastic file folder binder. It has five large (8x11)plastic divided areas. The first two are for food items,one's for rebates and such, one is for cleaning products, one is for toiletries and one is for all others. Then within those sections I paperclip bunches of coupons together in groups that are the same type of thing. I clip all my coupons. I like that I know which pocket my coupons are in that I'm looking for. I don't like the size of it or the plastic. I usually take out the coupons I will need before going to store, unless it's like double coupons at Kmart and then I take my whole binder. I would be willing to spend around $15 for a coupon organizer.
I have a square shaped plastic container with all my coupons organized into labeled envelopes. I love that my box fits in the child seat of a shopping card even when I have a child sitting there! I don't like that I can't close the top very easily when I have a child with me. (My boy is always pulling coupons/envelopes out.) I cut and organize every coupon I get and take my box with me to the store. I would be willing to pay $5-10 for something new if it met my needs better.
I organize my cupons by type. i.e. grocery, healthcare products, paper products, cleaning products, toys, resturants, etc...
I'm OK with the way I organize them, it makes it easy to find what I need, but takes a bit of time to set up. I currently use a Dollor store photo album so I can sub catagorize each major heading. My little album has approx. 300 coupons in it right now and that's not full. I clip each cupon so they fit easier in my album. I'd be willing to spend no more than $5 for an organizer. p.s. if I could use my photo album idea but have slightly larger pockets, I'd consider it perfect.
I use a photo book (8x8 in size) opens toward the inside so coupons don't come out when you are carrying it around. I used stick on folder tabs to make categories for my coupons. I usually only clip coupons I know I will need and then just label the insert with the date for later. Only thing I don't like about my method is that some times I'm at a store and see a deal for a coupon I know I have at home! I would spend maybe $10?
* How do you organize your coupons? in a pile on the floor of the office and stacked on top of the printer
* What do you like about your coupon organization method? well, actually, I don't like it
* What don't you like? it is messy and disorganized
* Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store? only the ones I need
* Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts? I would prefer to clip them all, but was advised that since most sites tell you the date and insert, that I should keep them in the packs, so I do even though I do not like it
* How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer? under $10, I think, esp if it was small enough for a purse and simple to use
At this moment I use envelopes and I hate it. It was ok when I was just starting out but I have too many coupons and I am always scrambling to find them all. I thought about doing a binder. It sounds amazing but I heard from a fellow coupon queen that it was too much work. She didnt want to spend two hours organizing it.
She suggested not cutting the coupons and just saving the inserts by date in a file folder. Making a list before you go and having the coupons you want to use in a small envelope.
I am looking for the right system that works for me. Easy and organized!
Hope this helps!
Katie
How do you organize your coupons?
I use a trapper keeper with baseball card inserts
What do you like about your coupon organization method?
I can see every coupon
What don't you like?
It taks forever to put my coupons away into the correct location and I have to cut the coupons precisely so they fit.
Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
around 1000
Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
I clip each coupon and put it away in its place
How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer
I think in the end of it, it cost around $50
Oh my, I have a HUGE accordian file where I file all of my coupon inserts by date. That stays home. I have a small file folder that I carry in my purse, init it is broken down into catagories with envelopes. I also have an envelope for each store - walmart, target, etc.
Typically what I do is to clip my coupons by store sale before I go, that way I have all the coupons in one place.
I have been thinking long and hard about a better way to do this, the accordian folder is starting to BUST!!
How much would I pay? It would depend on the method and how efficient I think it would be.
* How do you organize your coupons?
I organize my coupons by sections such as: Toilet paper, Paper Towels, Medicines, Canned Foods, Bottled Foods, Frozen Foods, Refrigerated Foods, Snacks, etc.
* What do you like about your coupon organization method?
I can easily flip to whatever section of coupons I need to see at the time.
* What don't you like?
It's kinda big to carry a 3 ring binder to the store, but I don't see another way to do it.
* Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
At least 100+ I'm sure.
* Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
I clip my coupons and file the left over inserts, but I don't file the leftover inserts in my coupon binder, I just sit them to the side.
* How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
$10-$15 at most, maybe slightly more if it is a really good one.
I'm new and have started all over again and again. First, I started by cutting the coupons and putting them in envelopes by category. That didn't last long... Then I stopped cutting and filed the inserts by w/e dates. I would take the necessary coupons to the stores. However, I soon realised I missed out on a lot of sales. Now, I have cut all my coupons (from the past inserts) and I have filed them in a box, labeled and categorized. (I thought this would be good for easy access not only for me, but my hubby too ... he likes to grocery shop) HOWEVER, I'm still missing out on random sales because I don't have my coupons with me .... ugh! very frustrating at the moment. I've only been doing this for 5 weeks! Yes, I need help...thanks for asking :)
I have a hard plastic gift card organizer. It is not ideal but everyone oohs and aahs over it at the store. I have regular envelopes in it with labels that I bought attached to the flap that I stick up so I can see the title. I organize by category like; oral care, feminine hygeine, frozen, frozen meals, frozen veggies... there are so many in some categories that they will not fit in the envelope. I am a full time working mother of an infant and I do not have time to do the baseball insert thing which looks very organized. I get it done. I do cut out every coupon because really you never know. The ones I don't think I will use go in a gallon baggie for later in case I need it which I did with the WG's glucose monitor deal. If you were selling a coupon organizer I am buying!! I haul this one with me to each store I go to because if I don't low and behold I see something else and kick myself. If I were to buy one I don't know how much I would spend like $20.
I just use a cheap-o accordian coupon organizer. I actually dont' like it very much because it's hard to sort through and I end up forgetting about coupons before they expire. I'd definitely LOVE to find out about better ideas, especially something that doesn't take up LOTS of space (like a binder). I do cut the coupons out that I know will be useful then throw the rest of the flyer away. Some weeks I just take out the coupons that I need, other weeks I clip the coupons I know I'll use to my grocery list, but then throw my organizer in my purse anyway in case I find something else I might have a coupon for.
I clip my coupons and carry the insrert for my three grocery stores as well as Target, Kmart & Walgreens with me. That way they are all right at my finger tips. I use a zipper binder with the sheet protectors for each store and baseball cards for my coupons. Works great for me that way if I am in a hurry at the store or my kids are driving me carzy I can just zipp it all up inside and it is safe and will be able to reorgainzie later at home.
I have done both a box and a binder. I hated the binder. It couldn’t be opened all the way while in the cart at the store. I had picture page protectors that allowed me to set the binder on its spine and I could pull out coupons from there (I had labeled each tab) but I hated that. Worse were the baseball card protectors that most people seem to use. I could only use those when the binder was standing upright, so that was awful and didn’t last long at all. I also tried filing the inserts and just taking the coupons I needed to each store, but that never allowed me to take advantage of a good clearance deal, or whatever. My favorite method by far is a box. I use envelopes in a box designed for picture storage. Pros: Ease of finding exactly what I need when I need it. I have scissors, a calculator and a pen easily accessible at all times in the back of the box. I can bring all my coupons with me. I have envelopes for each store at the front of the box. Cons: Can't use lid, so anything could fall out if I drop it. Label dividers get bent. Way too big and bulky. Can’t have the box in the front of the cart when I shop with the baby.
I’d probably be willing to spend up to $15-20 for an organizer system if it were similar to what I am already using.
I always clip the coupons for the items that our household uses frequently. Even if those items don't match up with a fabulous sale, I'll be needing to buy those items anyway. I sort those items in a binder with baseball card inserts.
I keep the rest of the inserts in file folders sorted by date. I then use those to match up to sale items in the store.
Before I head to the store, I put the items I will use in an envelope with the store name on the outside. It minimizes the time in the store.
I would love a coupon organizer that really met my needs. I'd like it to be under $25.
Oh, I forgot to answer how many I take to the store with me. Well I get 6 sunday papers and print off a lot. Oh, I'd say about 1000+.
I use the zipper binder and baseball card method. I just started my binder so i dont have much experience with it yet, It seems great amd I wont miss out on sales because I will have my binder with me. I clip most of the insert coupons, but i so also file away what I dont clip just in case of a money making senerio. Since I got my binder on clearance for $2.50 and paid $8 for everthing else, I most likely wont pay more than $20 for a customized binder.
I have a box with envelopes that have all the needed categories. I cut up the whole insert the day I get it. I carry the whole box with all of my coupons when I go to the store. I would not pay to buy any coupon organizer as my method works just fine.
I have a really cute 3 ring binder I found at Target. And I use the baseball card inserts. I also have a really cute bag that my coupon binder fits into that matches. I always carry all my coupons.
I use a 3 ring binder with baseball card protector sheets and I have dividers in for different categories of coupons...i would def spend money on a coupon organizer, not just for me, but for family/friends that are major coupon cutters!!!
I use the zippered binder with baseball card inserts. I love it. Easy to find what I need. I need more inserts though because I have a stack of unsorted coupons wating to be filed.
First let me say I love your site!
I am fairly new at couponing and have a binder with baseball cards, it does let me see what I have and I clip all the coupons. What I don't like it the time it takes to file them and I hate the baseball card sleeves, really wish there was something better. I try to buy 4 pappers a week but find it takes too much time. I always carry my coupons with me. I would spend $30-40 for a better system.
*How do you organize your coupons? I use the method provided by MoneySavingMom found here http://moneysavingmom.typepad.com/money_saving_mom/2008/03/organizational.html
*What do you like about your coupon organization method? I like that it's portable, but not so small that I can't fit everything. It fits in the child seat of a cart, is labeled specifically how I want it.
*What don't you like? The index cards get a little dirty after long use, but it's easy to replace. I can't think of anything else I don't like.
*Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store? I take my entire box in with me, but I put the q's that I intend to use in an envelope for that store.
*Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts? I clip what I think I will use and then file the rest of the whole insert by date/type (RP, PG, SS).
*How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer? Not much. Mine works so well for me and the ones I have seen out there would never work for me (like the Couponizer- it's WAY too small). Probably would pay up to $10 for a good, sturdy system that can be customized.
I have seen a lot about the binders and the baseball card pages, but that's just not for me. Way too big and wouldn't allow me to subdivide easily the way I do now. I have never used it, but from what I see, I don't think I'd like it.
Envelope separated into two types, Food and other. I'm switching to the photo album idea! I just bought a 200 photo album with slots opening inside at Goodwill for $1.99! I agree baseball size slots would be too small for some coupons. I only clip and carry coupons I would buy the products for, I don't carry coupons for items I don't normally buy, good deals or not, I don't want to buy things I wont use. I carry my envelope with me always. Hate searching thru it, but oh well. I'm very cheap and would never pay more than $5 for a new good organizer, since I haven't even bought one yet!
My coupons are alphabetized by brand. I have a cute tickle file (accordian) with 13 slots. And I put 2 envelopes per slot. Each has a letter written on it (A, B, C, etc). It works very well for me, especially when there are unadvertized in-store sales.
I like that it looks like a clutch purse and it's worked great for years... before internet coupons. But with all these new Kraft coupons, I think I have to move-up to a shoebox. My little file is busting at the seams
I just file away the whole insert with the dates on it, then look up the coupons online on various websites.
Hi! I collect several copies of Sunday inserts and write the date in the top left-hand corner of each one.
I then file them in hanging folders in a file box that sits on my desk for easy access. I file them in chronological order by week. I prefer to leave the inserts intact so when I need them, I know where to find them.
I have a small recipe type box where I file miscellaneous coupons which were cut or come from other sources...
I LOVE my hanging files! It definitely speeds up my coupon clipping, if I could change anything, it would be to have an assistant to clip coupons for me since it always seems to take more time than you think.
I plan my shopping in a small notebook that is divided into several sections. Once my list is compiled, I clip the coupons and put them in mesh zippered envelopes (the ones that you can snap inside a 3-ring folder). They are color coordinated, one for each store. The zipper keeps the coupons from falling out on the floor while I'm shopping since I seem to fumble around a lot.
I keep the fabric envelops in a small tote in my car w/ the week's coupons in each one.
This works for me, though I only started couponing eight months ago.
i'm not a Stealthy Shopper; i have the Take-No-Prisoners style and i cut and file them all, and use a binder with baseball card holders. Q's are sorted by category and by exp. date (earliest soonest), so that as i pull them out, a page is cleared to be moved to the back. This is for coupons of products i could easily imagine myself using.
But i've learned to save the coupons i think i won't use too -- Hip2Save inevitably posts a deal where i can get something awesome free where i'm picking up stuff i was needing anyway, and of course, there's always *someone* who could use it, or it's worth trying when free. Those coupons are stuck in a full-length envelope, alphabetically, so i can find them quickly (once a month i go through them and purge the expired ones). They ride around with the rest of my coupons in the back pocket of my binder.
i do keep the ones i want to use on a specific shopping trip to a specific store in an envelope, but the whole collection of hundreds goes to the store with me in a tote bag. But after reading the posts here, i'm going to switch from the tattered envelopes to zippered pencil cases that will last longer and be more reliable (and harder to lose!).
i like that i can find any coupon in 15 seconds or less (i've been timed :) ). i don't like how heavy it gets when Kraft puts out all these great coupons! i spent around $15 putting it all together, but i got higher quality stuff so it would last a long time.
I file all my inserts by date and don't clip coupons until I see them matched up with a sale. Sometimes I clip some and then can't use them so I put those along with coupons I get from the store and internet into a small plastic accordian file that is labeled by item (beverages, snacks, etc.) I usually take only the coupons I'm going to use along with me to the store. The problem with that is if I run across some clearance deals I don't have coupons with me so I write down what I find and return to the store later. I also find that I lose track of exactly what I have in the accordian file and need to constantly look back throuh it. I would probably pay $15-25 for good organizer.
I also keep mine in a zippered bindered in baseball card sheets w/ dividers. but i also keep an envelope in front of each section for coupons that don't fit and/or i may not use. and i carry a pendiflex in my purse sectioned by stores w/ the coupons i'm to use there. I like being able to see my coupons & not going thru each one to find one. i DO NOT like the time i have to spend clipping and storing. i tend to get behind sometimes which causes me to miss out on some deals. i carry all my coupons (when organized)if coupons not clipped, i keep inserts in order. i would be willing to spend $20-30. thank you for all you do.
1. How do you organize your coupons? Right now they are not at all organized. They are on a folding table in my living room. It's a mess. I started out using the baseball cards with the binder. Well it takes too long to trim each and every Q so I got tired of that real quick. I have about 12 newspapers each week so that's a ton of q's to clip and put in the binder. I need a new idea something similar to the baseball cards but with bigger slots.
2.What do you like about your coupon organization method? I don't.
3.What don't you like? Everything!
4. Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store? 50-200 depends on the store and the kind of deals they have that week.
5. Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts? I began clipping each one but now I'm running behind and need about one week to revamp my system. Right now I have 3 weeks of inserts half clipped, piled on a table in my living room.
6.How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer? As much as it costs to get me organized. I figure it will save me A LOT of time and money in the long run so I'd pay up to $50.
I have three different "holders".
1)When I get the Sunday papers I file the entire flyers by type and month in standard file folders. I use to have a pretty basket that held all of these but it collapsed from the weight. I am now using a cardboard box.
2) After making my list for the week I clip what I need and put it in an accordian style keeper by store. It's about 5 inches by 10 inches. This is all I take to the store. It forces me to stick to the list.
3) The last thing I have is a binder with baseball card holders, where I put clipped coupons I did not use, coupons I get in the mail, or at swaps etc. I also keep my rebates in here. This does end up in the car in case I find something on a clearance rack and stray from my list.
I would love to have a new holder for my flyers that had wheels. Maybe something like those big scrapbook bags. I'd also like to have a new accordian holder with a couple more pockets and one that would stand up in the shopping cart seat, mines slips through the bars...Of course being a crazy coupon lady means I want all this cheap or free after coupon and rebate!!!!
Im switching from a large accordion file folder to a binder with baseball card holders. Thot the first way would save the most time but now Im not so sure. Would be very interested to know the tabs others are using for organization. When Ive used the clip-binder-baseball card older method previous, I couldn't remember what I had. I will need many more tabs dividing things up. I want to save time!!! I would spend 20ish. I hate big and bulky but there's no way around it. Is there? You are awesome.
I have a 3 ring notebook with baseball card pages inside of it. I organize my coupons by category. The only thing I really dislike about it, is that it is SO BIG AND BULKY. I take all of my coupons with me to the store, because I never know if I will run into clearance items. I personally wouldn't pay more than $10 for an organizer. A good one might be worth more, but I don't have much extra cash.
I clip all coupons then file mine in a binder filled with sheet protectors labeled A-Z. Then I just do it in ABC order.
I grab all my coupons that I'll need before going to the store and stick them in an envelope in my purse.
I do wish I had something a little easier to take with me because I'll often be at the store and see a good deal and know I have a coupon to go with it, but since I can't lug my whole binder around with me - oh well.
I'd pay $10-20 tops for one if it really met all my needs and was an improvement over my current system.
I use an 36 cassette tape carrying case. I have a spread sheet on the inside of the case. It has main categories (which are hard tabbed plastic dividers) and then subcategories (which are tabbed note card).
It has a handle and has a Sucre latch(if you remember to latch it, you will only ever forget once)This case fits in the basket of the carts great.
I cut the coupons that I know I will most likely use or have on hand because of clearance items. Almost all food coupons. I then file the inserts with what is left in baggies and in a draw. This way I can go back for what I did cut.
I carry it were ever I go.
It is hard to put a price on some thing that works really well for you.
Brenda
How do you organize your coupons?
-I have a large zippered binder with 4x6 photo holder pages separated into large categories (food, household, etc) and then individually labeled from there.
What do you like about your coupon organization method?
- It is VERY organized, I love the way it works for me!
What don't you like?
- It took a long time to organize originally, and it is very bulk to carry around.
Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
-All of them!
Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
-I clip all of he coupons are file them accordingly.
How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
- I got mine on amazon for $18, and probably put $10 worth of photo pages in.
I have my coupons suitcase that has them all clipped and sorted. Then each month I pull from the mother load suitcase, which is actually a box sorter from Staples and a ton of large card envelopes. I pull for a month and a half. So at the beginning of May, I pulled by date to the middle of June. That way I use up the latest versions first and can always pull from the "suitcase" for anything else. I sort the monthly "pulls" in a regular file sorter thing.
I do look like a mad women sorting through them on a monthly basis, but I usually do it around the end of the month and it takes about 2 hours to throw out the old and bring in the new. I enjoy a margarita and watch a movie. I usually do it on my bed and my poor husband will come in the room and just shake his head.
I always pull to the middle of the next month because I don't know if I will have the time to dedicate to the "switch over" right at the end of month.
I sometimes carry my little suitcase with me to the store, but I usually pull from the monthly file folder.
Hope that helps.
I use the binder method. I cut out all coupons and file according to location in the store. I also have a small coupon organizer that I have labeled with each store, reciepts and rebates that I keep in my purse for individual shopping trips. I keep my coupons in the car so I always have them all at the store, you never know what will be on clearance and a MM. Not sure how much I would spend.
I have a great way to carry my coupons with me to the stores. I've tried the binder and it's too bulky. I have a special box with dividers that I label as I wish.
It fits right in the carriage and is easy to walk around with. I have, at least, 1000 coupons in there. I'm selling the box with dividers for $15.00. Email me at sawirish@yahoo.com.
I keep my coupons in a large, zip-up binder with compartments. Coupons are divided into categories by tabs, and kept in baseball card holders. I clip everything from SS and Red Plum, but keep whole inserts for P&G because they expire more quickly. I also have particular store tabs where I keep coupons which I will use at those stores based on deals I see. I think we spent $15 on the binder, and I have 100's of coupons, but its not hard to manage.
Right now, I'm using envelopes. While it's 'organized', it's not very convenient, having to sort through each envelope. I only take coupons for what's on my shopping list, so naturally I miss some deals at the store because I don't have all my coupons with me.
I started out clipping ALL the coupons, but finally came to the conclusion it's easier to just file the inserts and only clip what I use.
I think $5-10 is a fair price, depending on the details.
I keep all of my inserts in an expandable file and write the date on top of them. I don't clip my coupons until it's time to go to the store. Then I have a smaller expandable file (a little larger than an envelope) that I write the names of all the stores I shop at frequently. I put any loose coupons I get in the smaller file as well. I don't think it is that great of a system and I am always trying to figure out where my coupons are..especially the printables. My expandable file is now so large it won't close all the way. I would love a better solution so I can't wait to see what you have in store for us!! I am willing to pay $10.00 for anything better!
I file my coupons by date-uncut in an accordion file. I have 3: 1 for PG, 1 for SS and 1 for RP. I have 3 pocket zipper pouches that I use for each store, I have 4 of those. I usually take about 20 coups to the store with me. I like how simple my system is to find coupons mentioned in blogs by helpful people such as yourself! I also like not cutting them til I need them. I'd be willing to spend around $20 for a system.
How do you organize your coupons?
I keep my cut out coupons in a binder inside clear baseball card pages. I have 31 different tabs with all the categories. (I only cut out the ones I know I use frequently or know go on clearance and file those. If I cut them all out it takes WAY too long to organize them all. I keep the whole inserts in an acordian style file organizer by date and insert type. (All the same month of ss, rp, etc. together.) I think I need to move to a small file cabinet.
What do you like about your coupon organization method?
I love that I can easily flip through my coupons in the store using the binder. I usually plan my trip and carry in a small wallet size coupon organizer with the coupons I plan to use behind a tab for each store. I only bring my coupon binder in to stores that have a great clearance section like Kroger so I can match up coupons with clearance.
What don't you like?
I don't like that the binder is just shorter than the width of the basket opening. I try to lay the binder on the cart where the child sits and it usually falls forward.
Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store? I carry about 30 coupons to the store in my wallet size organizer organized by store.
Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts? I only clip coupons for things that I know are usually on clearance or that I buy all the time such as cereal, diapers, feminine pads, baby food. The rest of the inserts I just file and then clip as I am making my grocery list.
How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer? I spent about $20 for my binder, dividers, and baseball card holders, (with a coupon). If it was awesome I would spend up to $25.
i love the zip closed folder with the baseball card sleves but my problem with that is that the pockets are often to small and i have to fold the coupons in a way that shows both experation date, name of product and how much of that can often be challing and time consuming since i get 8 copies of the paper
I have found the baseball card protector too tedious and time consuming. I clip my coupons and immediately toss them into broad categories. Ie cereal/dairy etc. (otherwise I am likely to end up with just a huge pile of coupons)Later, I file them into specific categories in an expandable large envelope sized pouch. ie gereral mills/kellogs or milk/cheese/yogurt etc. I take this pouch with me to every store because there seems to be so many unadvertised specials. Before shopping I separate each store and the coupons I will be using in that particular store in a color coded envelope with that particular shopping list and ads for that store-all these envelopes fit into the expandable pouch.
I use a binder with plastic photo sheets in it. Some are 2 5x7, some are 3 4x6, some are 5 something smaller... It used to organize some scrapbook stuff and I bought it all so long ago that I don't even remember how much it was. But since it was repurposed, I consider it free. =)
I clip them all and categorize, but I also have little baggies I use for different stores if I KNOW I'm about to use a certain coupon at a certain store. I keep those baggies in the front pocket.
I have a plastic accordian-type folder that I put coupons in. I file the whole insert and then hunt for the coupons I need later. Then I put them in the folder and go.
I like that the folder is fairly small. I like that you tell us where the coupons are in the inserts (RR, SC, PG). I don't like that there are hundreds of coupons in my inserts that I never use because I don't take the whole things with me when I shop.
I probably have a hundred or so coupons in the folder that I take to the store.
I guess I'd pay $20 for a good organizer!
I file my inserts each week. I have a white binder for SS and a red binder for RP. I bought those cheap $1 photo books at Walmart and labeled them CVS, Walgreens and Lowes. When I make my plan I put my coupons in those so I can easily see them and only carry a small book into the store. Good luck with whatever you are up to!
Dani
* How do you organize your coupons? The couponizer
* What do you like about your coupon organization method? It's all sorted for me
* What don't you like? it's a bit bulky
* Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store? my entire couponizer book
* Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts? i clip and sort all coupons, and what i dont use, i sort them by month in ziplock baggies
* How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer? $20, that's how much the couponizer costs
My coupons are in the coupon organizer from Wal-mart, basically a bunch of wirebound tiny folders.
I like that they all have a place, sort of.
The organizer is too small for this bargain hunter! And I wish I could make my own categories.
I carry all of my coupons that I currently have clipped, so probably around 200.
I clip all of the coupons that I want and throw away the rest.
I wouldn't spend more than $5 on a coupon organizer.
I started out on a simple accordion-file one but quickly grew into a big binder. I have a big (pink!) binder that also has an accordion section built into the front. I use baseball card holders and currency sheets, which are the absolute best for internet Qs, and label by category. I have probably invested $30 in it and it is almost at capacity. That is as much as I'd be willing to pay. I always take the whole thing with me on shopping trips so I LOVE that it is a cute color. I clip almost all my coupons, except for the ones from store flyers. I leave those intact and keep the entire flyer in the accordion section of the binder for reference. There's also a small set of scissors in it for quick clipping!
i have a mini expandable file thing that i separate into sections for ea store and then misc coupon sections for baby, frozen food, cleaning, bath, etc....its hard to find things sometimes digging in from the top-the way its set up. i usually carry all my coupons with me to each store - so 100s of them. i do clip all my coupons and do not use the entire ad - too messy! very excited to hear what you have in mind, im always up for a change especially if it means ease of use!! also something in a cute color/pattern would be fun!
Here is a link to my organization. http://savingmomma.blogspot.com/2009/05/lets-get-organized.html
I love it. The only downfall is if you are looking for a certain coupon you have to use a coupon database to help locate what insert it was in. Therefore these never leave the house. I only carry the coupons I am using each time I venture to the store. I still like my way because I always use the post from Southern Savers to make my list. I simply cut and paste the post into Excel and all the work is done for me. I delete the items I am not buying and pull/print the coupons for the items I am buying.
I use a little accordian folder to organize, and it doesn't work for me very well. I divide according to type of coupon(food, baby, etc). I'm new to couponing.
I didn't say what I don't like about my system.
I would carry all of my coupons in one container to the store without it being overwhelming, but that is asking for the moon.
I paid about 20$ for all of my supplies to make the system I have, that would be a great price...even a little more if it did exactly what I wanted.
I use a zippered binder also with the baseball card dividers. I have each category divided out and labeled. I have whole page protector sheets in the front so I can print the deals out for each store that I go to. I would NEVER go back to the old way of doing coupons (the expandable book that you have to search with your fingers and fumble thru) I just go to the section that I need, and view the coupon that I want. It's so easy to find in seconds. Sometimes I take 2 zippered books with me (especially when Kmart has their doubles!) My daughter & I go together and swap coupons. I made her a binder also and she LOVES it! You should make some and sell some. I think it would sell well (under 30.00) By the way... You have the BEST coupon blog and I appreciate it!
I have a zip binder like you recommended. The baseball card inserts work great since I can see a sheet of coupons at a time. I spent about $20 for the binder and inserts. For the most part, I only put IPs in the binder. I save whole newspaper inserts in a file folder at home.
You have such great insight, it is the least I could do in answering these questions. (1) I organize them by the alphabet A - Z (2) I love the simplicity of it and keeping them in their booklets until I am ready to go shopping (3) That I don't end up using them all. ha! (4) I only carry the coupons that are on my shopping list to get on that trip (5) I file the whole inserts (6) It depends on what it is - $5 or less.
How do you organize your coupons? I use the binder, filing by insert date and small accordion file with store name tabs.
What do you like about your coupon organization method? I can clip, file and organize in stages... if i don't have time to do everything at once I have a place to go to store everything until I have the time to work on it again.
What don't you like? nothing really
Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store? my small accordion file usually has over 100 coupons that I plan to use that week and then my zipper binder gosh stores a million lol
Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts? I clip what I know I will use or trade and file the rest in my filing crates.
How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer? is this a trick question?! my motto is if I can't get it for under a $1 after coupon then it's not worth getting! LOL
I just changed over to a new system yesterday, so we'll see how it works (I got the idea here on Hip2Save).
How do you organize your coupons? A large cloth binder with plastic football card inserts.
What do you like about your coupon organization method? Being able to see everything at a quick glace while in the store. Shuffling through a stack of coupons was getting annoying for me.
What don't you like? It's large and bulky, but a small price to pay for being able to locate a great coupon more easily!
Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store? Everyone I own -- too many to count!
Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts? Clip them before I file them.
How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer? Not sure, it would depend on if I felt like it was better than my current system and would save me money in the long run.
How do you organize your coupons?
By category
What do you like about your coupon organization method?
I can carry all my coupons to the store
What don't you like?
I have to carry 2 folders - the small accordion for my coupons & a bigger accordion for my ads & excel list
Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
all- 100's
Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
Clip only the things I would buy
How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
I'm about to pick up a new coupon system since my last accordion file's string is about to snap. I see a cropper hopper file system,reg $22, but with my 50% coupon, it will be about $11...a few more $ than my current,but hopefully, it will pay off by making me more efficient in the stores.
I actually use two binders with baseball card sleeves. One binder is for edibles and the other for, well, non-edibles. Each coupon is filed alphabetically by manufacturer within its appropriate binder. My Kraft page is rather large right now.
I'm not picky about folding my coupons, so the small size of the pockets don't bother me.
I like that I can add more pages when I need more space.
I do have help with my coupon organization. My 13yo son helps clip and sort by category. Sometimes I let him alphabetize but he gets mixed up with details like General Mills versus Cheerios (so do I sometimes but lets not tell him). My 16yo son will purge the expired coupons for me if I ask nicely...and make brownies.
What I don't like: Wow, these suckers are heavy. I carry them around in a Kroger bag along with my reuseable bags. Also, they are a bit cumbersome in the cart...no more eggs and bread in the child seat for me.
I carry all my coupons with me except when I go to Walgreens. Then I just select the coupons I intend on using and dash out the car for others if I need them.
Well, since I've already spent $30+ on a coupon system I guess it is reasonable to think I'd do it again if my cons above were resolved.
I organize mine in a plastic case. It's about 7.5-in x 14-in and about 4.5-in. deep. It's perfect.
I love my filing method! I have divided my organizer into sections (i.e. canned goods, cereal, skincare, toothpaste...etc...) that are in alphabetical order. Each coupon goes in the appropriate place by date order.
I bring all of mine to the store when I go in case there are items on clearance or on sale...etc...that I could use a coupon for. I'm a serious coupon clipper, I have hundreds of coupons in my organizer.
I clip all of the coupons that have potential to me, even the ones for brands I wouldn't normally purchase.
As far as price goes, being frugal, this method has cost me very little and I don't believe I would spend very much on one.
The box cost a few dollars and the index cards I use as dividers, a couple more. I'd be willing to spend no more than $10.00 on a similar organizing system.
I use a 3 ring binder with baseball card protector pages in it. Each different category is tabbed for easy access.
* I like that I can see everything when I flip to a certain section - it is especially helpful for when I run into an unadvertised sale or clearance items - I can check my coupons to see if anything matches up.
*I do not like the fact that I simply have a hard time keeping up with filing all my coupons. Between internet coupons and the paper there are just a TON!!! I think that I need to only file coupons that I think that I'll use and then find a few pocket pages that I can label according to date that will hold all the extras so that if there is a free item or MM on something that was a non-essential for my family then I can go to the correct pocket and search for the coupon . . .
My binder holds several hundred coupons and I'd pay $10-20 for a really super special coupon holder
I have a binder that zips closed. I used transparency sleeves that I stuck shirt cardboard into, then cut slits and taped the bottoms of the slits closed to make rows for my coupons. They are divided into sections, the first is expiring coupons, then organic, grocery, dairy/freezer, paper/cleaners/pet food, health & beauty. I love being able to see a lot at a glance, I hate the weight of it, I carry all of my coupons right now and I have tons!! but am very open to another system! I spent $5.00 on the binder and used recycled materials for the rest, but would spend $20-25 on a better system, maybe more for the perfect one!
I used to file inserts in ziplocs & file them in an old briefcase in the garage. I would go to couponmom to see what was on sale and clip and list & paperclip & go to the store.I have had many coupon holders. Because the plastic and the envelopes cut my little tender hands I always had a soft one. Right now my red cloth one has been zigzagged stiched many times. Well all that has changed since I found msm and then h2s. Now everything is on steroids. The file is next to the computer and just Mon. I had to do something. The coupons were in the drawer, on the tables down the hall, in my nice earthenware heart bowls. My rr's, and ecb's (fairly new to me) also were on my glass table (I'm afraid I will forget them). Now, I detailed this because there has always been a rule in this house. No one can drop ANYTHING in the entry way hall, not your keys or cell phone,change, etc. for even a minute because there should be one place that doesn't look like a tornado hit it. You know, looks nice, I have some pride.
So, h2s purchased a bag for her binder. I remembered someone had given me a ralph lauren bag, in a closet was a free binder from riteaid 2 yrs. ago, dividers from the same deal and I had plastic sheets filled with old floppy discs, the discs are still on the bed upstairs (maybe I should just throw them huh? Hours later, at least they are all in the same place and I just tried it out at Target. My husband said this was much better then the redhead tearing out her hair, (Where is that coupon, I know I had it, like he would know)H2s Save us with a great new system. I had a coup-o-dex once. It had a calculator and a rolodex and fit right over the cart handle but it was too much trouble folding the cpns to fit. Am I going to have the same prob with the baseball pages.
I used to take wll my Q's with me till they stopped doubling here. I used to take the whole briefcase when we would get double and triples. Didn't have couponmom then, just had to sort of remember where I had seen them. Q's didn't used to expire so fast.
I use a 9 X 7 black photo album. It's small enough that I can drop it in my bag (I carry Large bags) or walk into the store carrying it like I'm going to a business meeting! ha I clip all coupons and slip them into the sleeves. I usually overlap target coupons on top of the same maunfact. coupons to save space. I group everything together, cereal, dairy, meat etc. When I make my BIG Publix trips I usually pull the ones that I using and slide them in an envelope to save time but I NEVER leave home without my little black book!
I keep the entire inserts with date written on the outside in baskets so I can clip what I need. I place these into coupon organizers purchased at Target's $1 section. I have one for each store in different colors. Then for coupons I print, pick up, or cut, I have a sterilite/rubbermaid shoebox that has a lid with a handle on the top organized with a combination of categories and alphabetically.
Can wait to see what you are working on:-)
I have this awesome 5x11 fabric/canvas type file with inside dividers---like 13. It also has two outside pockets. I pull all coupons I'm planning to use before I go shopping and keep them in the front pocket and move them to the rear one as I get that item. I also mark each item on my list that has a Q with a Q and the number of Qs so I don't miss anything. I also go through all of my coupons once a week to pull expired ones and review what I have so if I find a great deal along the way, I'll remember the Q--like those planters bars at Walmart for $2 yesterday and I had 4 coupons!!!
I don't like how it is difficult to sort through each catagory to find what I want. I had to pull all of the snack food ones yesterday and then sort through them to see what I had and how many. Luckily I didn't have any kids with me!
I have a binder. I got it for $4 at a store that was going out of business. It has a zipper and pouches in the front and back for storage along with a place to keep pens.
I clip my coupons every week (internet coupons as needed) and file them by category (health and beauty has a sleeve for each type of item, cereal section has a sleeve for each brand, etc), using the baseball card sleeves. I have 65 sleeves but they're nearly all full and I'll need to purchase another pack. All in all I'd say it will cost me $20 for my coupon binder and that includes the new scissors I bought for it and the baseball card sleeves I'll need to buy.
I'd love to be able to find a strap for it somewhere though... I try to take it into the store with my but with a toddler and a preschooler sometimes my hands are just too full. Before I go out shopping I do tend to fill an envelope with coupons I know I will be using and with coupons for deals I'm looking out for (clearance, etc).
-D
1. I've made my own organizer using 2 coated, colorful, file folders I picked up at Staples (on clearance of course), cutting, folding, & gluing/stapling my organizer together. It measures 12" long & 16" wide & I've got 8 compartments, categorizing each compartment for my use. I use the large paper clips for each section to hold coupons in place, and my coupons are cataloged by expiration date in each compartment. I use the squeeze clips to keep the folder closed (it's folded into quarters), and have additional large paper clips on the outside of pockets for my SPECIAL deals (usually weekly ones). When it's folded up, I use 2 squeeze clips to keep it closed,and it fits in my purse and/or in my car door compartment.
2. It keeps me organized for any shopping trip, and when it's opened up, it sits just right in the seat of the cart.
3. It's not as durable as I would like it to be, but, I hope it will last for up to a year.
4. I carry them all! When I have the time, I will sort through them to pull what I need for my shopping trip and clip them with my list on the front of the organizer.
5. I've always clipped my coupons. I'm not sure about the insert filing. I'm in the process of reading CouponMom!'s process of insert filing.
6. I would spend up to $20 IF it was similar to my set up now, but much more durable.
7. (MY TIPS) Until I can come up with a better way (or someone else can teach me something new), when I'm putting my shopping list together, I 'stack' my coupon deals, using a glue stick & dab a little glue on the manufacturer's coupon, sticking the store coupon on top of it. Once I'm at the register, I can easily pull them apart before handing them to the cashier. I'm careful not to mess with any bar codes though. And all that paper we use for our print-ables...I save the bottom 3rd of the paper to use for my shopping lists.
Love this Blog...thanks for all the work you put into it!
* How do you organize your coupons? I have a photo album that holds 200 photos or so. I use plastic tabs to make the labels for all the different categories of coupons.
* What do you like about your coupon organization method? I like that it's large enough to contain my coupons, yet small enough to carry into the store. I set my purse in the front of the cart and open up my coupon book on top of it. Everything is right there, easy to access.
* What don't you like? I'm actually pretty happy with my method right now.
* Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store? I carry all of mine with me when I go to the store. Too numerous to count. Probably getting towards the thousand mark.
* Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts? I clip them. Seems keeping the whole insert would take up too much space. Since I'd have to eventually clip them to use them at the store, I just go ahead and do it all at once.
* How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer? I would probably be willing to spend somewhere in the $10-$15 range.
I currently am using an old baby wipe container. I have index cards as dividers and I have sections for hair dye, frozen food, cleaning products, etc. I keep the grocery store coupons (food) in a smaller coupon organizer in my purse for grocery shopping trips. I also have store coupons (retail) in my purse. (In case I find a great unadvertised deal).
Since I preplan all of my shopping trips I sort through coupons before hand. This saves a lot of time and energy at the grocery store/drug store.
I use the Couponizer. I like that it is compact and has the dividers. I don't like that it doesn't hold all of my coupons. I probably carry 100-300 coupons. Not more than $30.
Sorry I didn't read all of the directions:
1. How do you organize your coupons? (answered in my previous post).
2. What do you like about your coupon organization method? I is extremely ogranized. It makes finding a coupon quick and easy.
3. What don't you like? The baby wipe container is bulky and a pain to carry to the store. That is why I have the smaller organizer for food products that I would get at the grocery store.
4. Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
I would have to say I carry at least 200 to the store.
5. Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
I clip coupons only for products I know I will use or buy.
6. How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
I would have to say $20 would be my maximum limit.
1. How do you organize your coupons?
I have an expandable file for newspaper inserts (I write the dates on the front.) Then two alphabetized files for IPs and coupons I have clipped but not used. These are alphabetized by manufacturer and separated into food and non-food. I also have laminated envelopes for all the major stores I frequent and I store my rewards card, any OYNO coupons, and any store-specific coupons in the appropriate envelope. All of this is stored in a bag with list-paper, a pen, and scissors.
2. What do you like about your coupon organization method?
I have never had a Register Reward/Extra Buck/OYNO catalina that I have let expire. It is very easy to keep track of which stores I need to get to each week.
3. What don't you like?
My bag is heavy!
4. Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store? Only that store's envelope with the coupons I expect to use on that visit. Maybe 60 coupons? All the rest are in my bag in the car.
5. Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts? I only clip the IPs and the coupons I intend to use for a particular shopping trip.
6. How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
$20
I organize my coupons in a 3 ring binder with dividers and baseball card holders inside. I probably have 16 different categories. I like it because I have it all in one organized place. I don't like it because some of the coupons don't fit in the slots and can't be seen clearly once I make them fit. I clip my coupons rather than keep the inserts whole. Depending on the organizer I'd probably spend 10-15 for it.
I am not an organized person- I try to be! I have tried using coupons in the past but I usually forget them and then give up. Now I have them in a plastic coupon holder sorted by household, dog, personal care, baby, food, restaurants and expiring soon- although I would like a better system. I'd pay up to $10 for a better system....
I just switched from an 8x8 scrapbook to a Trapper-Keeper style zipped binder. I'm using baseball card inserts, but they're a bit small for my taste. I heard that currency holders are better.
I like this method, but my biggest pet peeve is that the binders are HUGE! I wish that they made baseball card inserts or coupon holders for something smaller. I would seriously pay $25 for something that was like a Trapper but more the size of a large calendar/planner book.
I clip all of my coupons from the inserts. I keep the ones I think I might use and send the rest to a military family that I support. It takes too long to find the coupons for a good deal spotted in the store if I keep them in the inserts.
I always take my coupon orgnizer with me, meaning that I have ALL of my coupons with me at all times. Hope the info helps!
I have a nice 12 section coupon organizer for my clipped coupons (IP, blinkies, peelies, and stuff I know I will buy regardless of a sale) Then I have 8 1/2 x 11 expandable file folder (from Walmart) with each section being a store (Publix, Walgreens, Retail, Restaurants, CVS, etc. In each of those is a plastic zipper file with the store name on it and any EBS, RR, store coupons, and my shopping list for the week. I go through my list and pull all of the coupons and take this in the store for my shopping along w/ my regular organizer in case I see something on clearance that I didn't plan for. I keep all of that in a leather laptop bag I got at Bealls. Love it! Got the idea from Frugal Coupon Living but changed it up a bit.
Well I have 2 organizers from walmart. The first one has mostly grocery items and cleaning in it..The other one has baby, body, hair, misc and by store. I always have them with me in my purse no matter where I am. I like my method because when I go isle by isle my coupons usually go accordingly. We have a Kroger here that doubles $1 coupons everyday so when I grocery shop I go there first, match up what I can, then head to meijer. My system is alright but could definitely use work.
Rachael~Michigan
I just have a small coupon organizer with about 7 sections.
It isn't my favorite but as of yet, I haven't decided to do the binder method.
I will switch to that once the savings start rolling in.
i use a three ring binder and trading card sheets to hold coupons ( i clip them all ). they are organized into 6 catergories and i carry a word document that i update monthly that lists my coupons by product, q amt. and exp. date (and how many of that particular coupon). I cross off coupons as i use them. I carry an envelope with new coupons that i haven't had time to file yet. I carry my whole binder in the store with me everytime i go. I would be willing to spend a little bit on an "official" coupon organizer as long as it actually would make my couponing easier.(maybe around 15 bucks or so seems reasonable)
Right now I file my inserts by date and cut just the coupons I know I'll use. It's not working so well though because I miss out on deals when I'm at the store and don't have the coupon with me.
I am so unorganized! My coupon binder needs dividers and definitely something to make finding coupons easier. I clip coupons and store them in baseball card holders, but like I said....not organized at all :( I would definitely be interested in a coupon organizer of sorts if that's what you have in the works.
* How do you organize your coupons?- Wallet size coupon book
* What do you like about your coupon organization method? quick and easy
* What don't you like? time consuming
* Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store? 100
* Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts? clip all
* How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer? $9.99...but a free one would be cool!
I have a zippered binder that I just LOVE. I have baseball card holders for my coupons and dividers between my different categories (Baby, HBA, Cleaners, Gum/Candy, frozen, ect). In the front I have a 3 pocket page (I think for 4x6 pictures?) for each store. I clip all the coupons each week that I may possibly ever use if the item were free/really cheap. It is an AMAZING system! I put mine all together for $10 to$12 and would not pay more than that for it. It just gets me when people charge "retail" for things like that. I will do it myself for a "clearance" price.
How do you organize your coupons?- Loose coupons get a small expandable organizer. The dofferemt flyers each have separate expandable file.
* What do you like about your coupon organization method? quick and easy and I stick to my plan
* What don't you like? Keeping up with the loose coupons, that is why I like the flyer method but you can't help but have loose with all the mail offers and internet coupons.
* Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store? 30
* Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts? File
* How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer? If it is an awesome, keep me organized organizer -- $30 -- I am all about being productive and staying organized. It is the key to successful couponing.
I cut out my favorite product coupons and put them into a 3 ring binder. I put the coupon ads into zip lock baggies - labeled and stored into a basket. Then I go thru the adds and put the copuons for each of fav stores in a coupon holder - small
* How do you organize your coupons?
I use a zippered binder with baseball card pages. I have a pocket in the front where I put the coupons I will use at the register and a pouch with a calculator and scissors on the inside of the binder. It also has some accordion fplders inside that I use for storing my retail coupons like B&N, Old Navy, etc.
* What do you like about your coupon organization method?
It's very portable and it eliminates having to flip through all of the pockets I had in my old one. I can see all of my coupons at one time.
* What don't you like?
It's kind of bulky and a lot to carry with a kid, a diaper bag, and the reusable grocery bags.
* Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
All of the ones I clip for myself. The trading ones stay home.
* Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
I file the inserts in a separate accordion folder.
* How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
It depends on the organizer, but probably not more than $20.
I use a plastic bifold envelope thing from Target. I make my own catagories. I only clip the coupons that I will use. we do not have stores that double so I only cut what I think that I might use. I print only what I will use too. Store coupons go into an envelope in my purse. I would probably spend no more than 15.00 -
Your ears must have been burning last night!!! My husband and I are new to all this. We were going to e-mail YOU last night to ask YOU how YOU do everthing! How funny! So,how do YOU do everything? How do you know what Q's you have and where they are? Who sends you your inserts and can we get them? How many papers do you get? PLEASE GIVE US YOUR WISDOM!!!!Thank you so much for ALL that you do!!!!
I keep everything in a zippered binder-coupons, rebate forms, receipts. I use baseball pockets for the coupons, and the accordian part holds my rebates. I go ahead and fill out all info on a rebate once I'm certain I'll use it, then add the receipts or UPC's as I collect them. I also keep rebate forms that I have printed out but not used yet in the accordian part, along with a list of all rebates I'm waiting to hear from, and information about any "trial offers" that I'm particapating in, like LiveWEll, Pizza Hut etc.
I have a zippered black office binder with pockets on the inside to hold my calculator, scissors, slots for store or credit cards, and 2 pen holders. I have my clipped coupons stored in 4x6 photo protectors as the baseball card sheets were to small. I usually take my binder in every store with me, it kind of looks like a small briefcase. LOVE IT!
How do you organize your coupons? I organize mine in a binder with baseball card holders.
What do you like about your coupon organization method? It is really easy to find a coupon if I am at the store I can just zoom through my binder and find the coupon super FAST!
What don't you like? It takes forevever to organize them!
Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store? Usually i just bring my whole binder that way if I see a good deal then I can have all my coupons with me.
Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts? I clip all of my coupons
How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer? Hmmm...$5-$10
1. Stole this from a friend (who I think stole it from money saving mom?). I pulled the top off of an empty diaper wipe container. Then I have small envelopes with an index card stapled onto each one with the category written at the top. I am also able to keep my scissors, calculator, post-it notes, and pen in the container.
2. I like that I have plenty of room for my coupons and other items. It was super cheap to make.
3. I don't like that it's awkward to find a place to put it in the cart when I have the kids with me (and I almost always do). I also don't like that there's no lid of any kind on it. If I were to drop the thing, I'd be in big trouble!
4. Probably several hundred coupons. Not sure.
5. I clip most of the coupons. I leave the ones that have really long expiration dates or that I don't anticipate seeing on sale anytime soon.
6. I would spend up to $10 on an organizer that I loved.
I have a huge folder with clear plastic pages that you could put pictures in, but I put my coupons in. I try to carry all my coupons in there. It also carries scissors and a calculator. The folder works, I just wished the picture pockets were better sized for coupons.
How do you organize your coupons?
I have a zippered binder (need a bigger one) that I file ALL my coupons in. I file food items alphabetically by manufacturer in one section. Then I have a few different sections for non-food items and file those alphabetically by manufacturer as well. Each section has baseball card pages. For easier alphabetizing, I have an alphabetical sorter me and my husband made.
What do you like about your coupon organization method?
I love that I always have ALL of my coupons with me! I have been able to take advantage of several deals that I happened to come across. If my coupons had been at home or just filed by insert - I never would have known which coupons I have.
What don't you like?
I have found that I am a huge procrastinator and let the coupon inserts build up before I actually clip them. (Something I REALLY need to work on!) The only other thing I don't like is that my binder is not big enough. I bought it at Wal-Mart for a good price and cannot bring myself to pay $20 for a bigger binder.
Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
Um, ALL of them! I have no idea how many there are, but it is A LOT!
Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
I clip all of them. :-)
How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
Not much, considering I didn't spend very much on what I use now. Maybe around $20 - $30 total. That's including the binder, dividers, baseball card pages and any other accessories like scissors, etc.
I first saw a binder with coupons and thought "there is NO WAY I'm clipping all those coupons!" I started by filing the inserts by date, but soon realized how much time it took to gather my coupons before a shopping trip, what a pain! I would tell my husband I was going to the store, and he would find me one hour later still sitting at the desk searching! I finally clipped all my coupons and organized them in a zipper binder with baseball card holders, filed alphabetically by manufacturer. Took two weeks to finish, but well worth it!! My desk is clutter free now and finding my coupons is much, much easier. I carry ALL my coupons with me... at all times. I spent about $50 setting mine up... I had no idea how many baseball card sleeves I would need! (about 100) I don't like how bulky the binder is, but I think it's a small price to pay.
I have a three ring binder with plastic baseball sheet protectors. It depends on what store I am going to for how many coupons I carry. It could be 1-1000! I try to stay ontop of my coupon clipping, but sometimes it gets piled up and I still have them in the mailers. Depending on the quality of functionality of the coupon book I would pay in the twenty dollar range. Anything higher and it just defeats the purpose (unless I have a coupon to buy it with LOL). I also carry the binder in a reusable store bag as I get disorganized sometimes and have things everywhere!
I use a small 4x6 photo album that i have divided into sections i.e. groceries, beauty,household products. Then I label different photo slots with particular areas such as pasta,juices, oral hygiene, etc. I clip all of my coupons and take them all to the store with me in my reusable grocery bag. I don't like the fact that this is so small. It is beginning to split at the seams. It has been working for now, but I am new to using coupons and am trying to figure out a system that doesn't take me so much time at the store. I think I would spend about $10 on a system. I would not want to spend a lot, then find out after using it that it didn't meet my needs. I would probably spend more if it was great and I felt it would really work for me. Good luck on whatever project you have in mind. Thanks for sharing all of your great ideas with us.
How do you organize your coupons?
-Sadly I don't! I have a folder in my car for all of my printouts, and an envelope with all my cut-outs and just have to look through them before I go =(
What do you like about your coupon organization method?
-I have a lot of coupons? I really need help with learning to plan a great coupon deal! (hint hint)
What don't you like?
-mostly everything. disorganization, no seperation of stores or items. My parents have one that has seperate sections but I still have no idea whats in it so it doesnt help.
Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
5-8
Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
For the printouts, its a whole page. But I cut out the magazine, newspaper ones.
How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
I'm not sure. $10?
I use a large divider case, cloth bound, with my Q's sorted alphabetically A-Z. I like this method except with certain things like cereals, because they are made by a parent company (i.e.General Mills Total cereal - and I confuse myself as to how to organize .. General Mills or Total - lol). I carry ALL my Q's with me to the store; you never know what you'll see on sale to combine with a Q! I carry LOTS ... I also have an Excel spreadsheet I created to log them all and it's right now at 518! Definitely a bit overwhelming. I clip my Q's & I'm not sure how much I'd be willing to spend on something else .. I've put about $15.00 - $20.00 towards what I already have.
I can handle my method, but it does have its moments.
I bought a 3 ring binder ($1.50 on clearance) Get one with good stiff rings that snap shut.
I bought sports card sleeve protector sheets (made for 3 ring binders) It holds something like 400 cards for about $4.95.
I usually shop at Walmart because I'm always stressed for time and usually have 2 kids with me lol. So I organize the sections by department I go to first. Health and Beauty Dept items in the front. I also know the aisles so I separate them by aisles..razors..toothpaste...soap..hair care items...shampoo and conditioner aisle and finally makeup and nail..face care etc.
I also organize by the grocery aisles I go to first like dairy followed by cleaning supply, chips, cereals etc. That way each aisle I go down next is ready for its coupon section.
The problem is that I have so many coupons for each Dept. and aisle that I'm constantly going "Where did I just see that dang coupon?!" while other customers are starring at me funny.
And I always take my binder with me hidden in my big beach type purse so that I don't miss out on say a big savings opportunity. You know the Health and Beauty Dept. usually have the clearance items at"end caps" (end of aisles)that you can pair with coupons for dirt cheap. And you never know what will be on rollback.
1.How do you organize your coupons?
Right now I have a 3" binder with plastic page inserts(was wanting to do one like everyone else is talking about w/the zipper and baseball card sleeves but where do I find these? Anyone?)
2.What do you like about your coupon organization method? Well my coupons are organized catagory so they are pretty easy to find
3.What don't you like?
The fact that even though they are all in categories I can't seem to pinpoint certain coupons into a category
4.Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
Depending on what I am buying on that trip maybe 30+
5.Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
Both
6.How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
Not alot...maybe $5 I mean SAVING money is the whole point right?? LOL But I guess it would all depend on the product..
1. I organize my coupons in a plastic accordian 5" x 7" holder.
2. I like the dividers and the categories. Also, that it has a rubber band clasp and only cost $3.50.
3. I don't like this holder because it won't fit in my purse, and I worry about losing it.
4. I take 200+ coupons to the store.
5. I clip coupons and also save the inserts in a plastic bin container with a lid. I put sheets of yellow paper marked with the date to divide the weeks.
6. I would pay $15 on a new organizer if it had some great features.
I don't have time to clip coupons and keep up with a binder, so I group them according to date and store them in a large bin. I like this method most b/c it saves cutting and organizing time. The down side is (of course) that I still have to spend time hunting and finding when it's time to plan my shopping list AND that I am unable to take advantage of great clearance or in-store deals.
I carry only coupons for what I plan to buy at the store, usually 20-30 in a regular-sized envelope.
I would be willing to invest $20-30 on a well thought-out organizer (and slightly more to get the time to keep up with maintaining it!)
PLEASE CONSIDER THIS: I HAVE LOOKED HIGH AND LOW FOR A DECENT COUPON ORGANIZER AND I AM FRUSTRATED!!! I WOULD LOOOVE ONE THAT IS LIKE THE HALF SIZE OF A BINDER WITH REMOVABLE PAGES TO ADD/REPLACE WHEN I NEED TO. I WANT PAGES THAT HAVE A CLEAR POCKET THAT CAN BE SECURELY CLOSED ENVELOPE STYLE TO HOLD MY COUPONS. I WANT INDEX TABS STICKING OUT THE SIDE. DESIGN IT AND MAKE FOR ME! HONESTLY, I'D PAY UP TO $20 FOR IT!
1. I have a pile by the computer that I cut out after I print them.
2. The computer is the only area of the house that is MINE so nothing gets messed with and it's right where i left it.
3. The fact that I dont know how to organize them. (do i got by sections, expiration date, or what?
4. Only the ones that I need. I don't dwaddle in the store so I have a game plan before I go in and anly take the coupons that coincide with whats on my list.
5. I dont get the paper b/c ours stinks when it comes to coupons. I only print from the internet, use what i get in the mail, or what comes with products I buy.
6. Not sure...Would have to be pretty convinced it would work for me.
i use a pleather-like(lol) zipped up cd case that actually holds about 120 cd's that i purchased at walmart for about 20 bucks. it works great!! imade side tabs so i can just flip to each catagory, i have like 30 different ones and then on each page i sub-catagorized with washable marker on the front of each cd pocket. these pockets work great cuz they are big and the coupons don't fall out when turning the pages cuz of the material like stuff on the back of each slot. i can re-arrange things real easy by just wiping off the marker and re-marking it when a slot is empty or what-not. i use the back page for all my store coupon policy printouts, very handy and much needed some times when dealing with some cashiers and or managers that don't really know there own policy lol..
i clip and keep all my coupons in here, and with me at all times, i have prob. a thousand or so (about 10-15 inserts each week) and as i use them at the store i am at, i have a plastic pencil holder case attached to the front that i slip them in for checkout.
it lays in the front of the shopping cart just right and makes looking for the coupons very easy.
i am always looking for new ideas, and can't wait to hear what you have going on.
I currently use a binder with trading card sleeves. I organize by category. I like that all the coupons are laid out and I can see each easily, but this has been very hard to keep up with. With 2 kids and a full time job I don't have a lot of time to clip every coupon and put them in the sleeves, so i have gotten really behind. So I still have my binder but I also have 2-3 weeks of coupon ads that haven't been clipped.
I try to take all my coupons to the store.
Since I just bought the sleeves, and binder, I don't want to spend a lot of money on another coupon organizer. Unless of course it really worked for me and exceeded my expectations. Then maybe $20 at most.
I look forward to seeing the other comments and maybe getting some new ideas. Thanks.
I cut all my coupons out of the inserts each week. I clip what I know I use, or the types of products I might use if the price was right. I file it in an accordian style, plastic coupon holder. It fits legal size envelopes, which I include in my coupon holder to help sort my items better. I take this with me anytime I shop. I just never know when I'll need, or wish I had a particular coupon. Each week when my ads come, I browse through them, write down what items featured I'm interested in, go through my coupon holder and pull the coupons that apply. Those coupons then go in legal size envelopes with the store's name on it. So when I go shopping, I bring my envelopes with the store name on it and my coupon book. I have 2 small kids, so being prepared ahead of time with coupons ready makes things easier. I WISH I had some good sturdy store envelopes. Mine are just the regular paper ones, but they probably should be laminated because they are falling apart. I am pretty cheap (thus the coupons!), so I wouldn't pay much for a new system. Probably the max I'd pay would be $10, but that would have to be all supplies included. I've seen people with the notebooks and sheet protectors for their coupons. But honestly, for me, it's too big, and oftentimes I have a kid sitting in the top of the grocery cart and just don't have room for something bulky like that. I like my system that will fit inside my diaper bag.
I usually buy about 6 newspapers a week and clip all coupons. I can usually cut 3-4 pages at a time. I file all coupons in a shoebox I have that has alphabet dividers in it. I then file by brand alphabetically, (ie: Kraft, General Mills). This saves me lots of time when I am preparing to go shopping or while at the store. Before I go to the store I make a list of things I am buying and place in an envelope, usually one I have gotten in the mail with junk mail so I recycle and am thrifty! I bring those coupons and also my whole box in case I see a deal while at the store. It is a lot to carry around but has saved me lots of money. I find this is the best method for me. I would be willing to pay $5-10 for a coupon organizer if it fit my needs and is cute! Thanks for your site!!
I have been using the checkbook sized accordian files and will probably add a small box of similar size. One for me to do the majority of shopping and one for him to do the groceries. Otherwise, every week (and more) I paperclip the coupons to the list, both groceries and mine, and head out the door. It means I tend to miss some clearance deals because I don't have them all with me. I would be very interested in a new organization method, especially easily portable and able to be split up between users.
How do you organize your coupons?
I've been cutting them out of the insert and filing them in baseball cards but I'm new to coupong and I'm about 2 months behind. And I have a lot of insert.
What do you like about your coupon organization method?
It allows me to see the insert and I can go to a specific date for examplbe when you reference 5/3SS. I go right to it
What don't you like?
The time it takes to cut all the coupons. I dont have all the coupons clipped and organize yet so I miss out on clearance deals
Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
Only the ones I'll be using I put them in a envelope
Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
I've started to clip them and group them by Date
How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
$20. That's the cost of a zipped binder and I'm still waiting to buy one
I have 2 binders and would really like some help figuring out how I get back to one. The thing became so big, I had to make into 2. I bought mine at Walmart for $25. It has pockets on the outside and pockets in the inside front with a calculator. I have a place to put my scissors and pens as well. I organize mine in ABC order of catorgories, ie, air freshners,baking,beverages,can foods,cereal/breakfast...so on and so on. I also use the baseball cards because that is the easiest thing that has worked for me. I have 2 binders like I said, so one is food items and the other is non-foods. I have looked everywhere under the sun for 1 binder that is big enough to hold all my coupons :-). When I go into the store, I like so many others always take my binders, both of them.They are both with me all the time. I do find myself getting frustrated with flipping between the 2 now when I have to pull a coupon out. I used to pull out what I thought I was going to use at the store but I stopped doing that because it was taking too long to dig thru a pile to find the one I was looking for. I clip all my coupons. Where I live I am lucky enough to have a local paper that comes out once a week that sells the paper for .50 so I get like 10 a week. I stack them on top of each other and cut and file all of them. I would be willing to pay $20-$30 for another one maybe more...I save $2000.00 a month in coupons so why not!!
I use two accodrian coupon files. One for food and one for non- consumables. Then i use an older purse that is just for shopping.It has three sections. one side for the food Q, one side for non-consumeables and store fliers. In the middle section I throw
in my billfold and keys. I do take this with me but i have to sort what I am going to use and put them in my zippered billfold, paperclipped by store. I am a list maker and I never find the deals you all do ie clearance. WOW! I live in a smaller town so I do not have as many opportunities as many of you do---but when we go to visit our grandchildren (which is very often, especially during ball season)in the city i take it with me and share with my daughter. In it i keep little scissors fliers for stores I would never use a notebook of any kind. Too big for me. My purse works best.
As we are traveling in the car I purge the old coupons. The volume drives me crazy and I do not buy extra papers. I am just old and an amateur.
I have been amazed what I have learned for you all this past month. Thank you.
1 How do you organize your coupons?
- I have 2 pouches from Target's club wed registry LOL (just married in Aug 08!)Approx 10"x6"x2". It's a flexible cloth-like plastic pouch with a flap that opens from the 10” side and has a snap to close it in place. The pouch came with about 6 dividers each – pre labeled with wedding slang, but I ignore that. ……………Then I have letter sized envelopes labeled by category in each pouch. One dedicated to food items – categories “pantry, frozen, fridge, snack” …etc. The other pouch is dedicated to non-food items (“lotion”, toothpaste, medicine cabinet, tampax” …etc). At the back of each pouch there is a LITTLE wiggle room for an extra envelope for rebates, and coupons I know I can use virtually anywhere and will use (like the $1.50 Kraft salad dressing or the FREE wrigley’s gum coupons from a while back). I like to have these handy in case I need a quick “filler” at a store (i.e. another $ or so towards a $25.00 order so I can use my $5/25 RA coupon). I also have store envelopes (i.e. Target, CVS, etc) which I put my list for the current week in and pull/add Q to it as I hear about new deals.
2. What do you like?
I created the categories and I usually know what I have. It’s fairly easy to find Q at store for unadvertised specials or something not on my list. If I didn’t have time to pull all my Q when I made my list, I can pull at the store fairly easily. I like that my pouches fit in the front of the grocery cart. And I can flip it open pretty easily there. I didn’t pay anything.
3. What don't you like?
Outgrowing. I need to buy a tote or something, because it’s getting bulky. Maybe I’ll use a “second purse” like someone else said. LOL. I do sometimes feel weird carting around everything. I also now have to cart a grocery bag with me in the car for all of my store envelopes as they no longer fit in my pouches.
4. ALL OF THEM (estimate about 2000+) – except restaurant Q.
5. Clip!
6. $10.00 or less. Maybe more if it’s REALLY GREAT. My husband will prob frown though. How about a rebate plan or a trade deal?
* How do you organize your coupons? Right now in a plastic bin with dividers that I made my self. I pull out the ones I am going to use that week and put in a seperate envelope for each store.
* What do you like about your coupon organization method? Not sure that it is the best one, right now the bin is stuffed full. Am seriously looking for a binder that is big enough, heavy duty enough and cheap enough to change to that style of organizing.
* What don't you like? It's currently too full. It's also time consuming to flip through them in the store aisle looking for a Q for a deal I've found.
* Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store? All of the ones that I currently have clipped.
* Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts? I clip all of them.
* How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer? If it were a binder system that was completely set up and all I had to do was put my Q's in it, I would be willing to spend $20-25 - other types of organizers I'm not sure.
I love Mrs. A's coupon organizer but the pages are not big enough. I have two notebooks filled and still wish I had more room. I wish it was a full sized notebook. I love how easy it is to add and remove coupons to the pages.
-How do you organize your coupons?
I use a few methods. When I started doing hard core couponing I switched to the baseball style dividers in a notebook and cut all my coupons. That proved to be unrealistic so I still use that method for misc. coupons and printables and now I also have a large divider to keep the whole inserts.
-What do you like about your coupon organization method?
It is easy to maintain without putting a lot of time into cutting.
-What don't you like?
It takes up a lot of space in my house. I don't have a place to stash it so I'm always moving it from one table to another.
-Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
I carry a small divider that has a section for each store. I have a category for the main stores I shop at, a section for really good coupons I might want to have on hand and then fast food coupons. The number I carry depends on the week. I usually pull all coupons before going to the store. I have a 2 year old and taking a large notebook is not feasible for me.
-Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
A mixture, but mostly file the whole insert and only clip coupons from other sources.
-How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
Probably wouldn't buy another organizer... guess it would depend on the price. I'm pretty craft/inventive and usually like to "do it myself."
I honestly just put them into an empty baby wipes container, so I can lock that and put it in my bag - even though some of the bigger ones get a little smushed, it seems to work. I put them in alphabetically by brand. Then again, I don't have that many coupons.
I also use a binder with baseball card protectors. It rocks compared to my old envelope system! I have found that the 8-pocket pages are much easier to use than the 9-pocket because the coupons don't need to be trimmed to fit as much. I paid $16 for 100 8-pocket pages from a local card dealer. I don't remove my coupons from my book until I have put the items in my cart, so I avoid filing them a second time. I then put the coupons in a zippered pouch. I spent $10 on binder/carrying case after replacing a basic $4 binder that tore apart after 2 months. I also spent $4 for 32 dividers. I would have been willing to spend $30-$40 on a complete book, depending on the quality of the binder. I clip all of my coupons and carry over 600.
I clip all my coupons (on average two papers worth plus some printables) and keep them in a large index card box. I have an additional tab for each store that I frequent, to use as I organize each shopping trip. I love the categories, but think I need to switch to a binder with sheet protectors with this volume of coupons (mostly because it would be more secure while flipping through in the store). I carry them all with me while shopping or at least have them in the car.
I organize my coupons in the little money envelopes that you get at the bank.
I don't really like/dislike anything about my coupon organization method. It works, for now.
I usually take all my coupons with me to the store, but I separate out the ones that I plan to use on that trip. The others are just-in-case.
I clip all my coupons.
I would be willing to spend between $5-$10 for a coupon organizer depending on size.
Organize? Dairy/Refrigerated,Frozen, Meats,Canned/Bottled,Boxed/Packaged, Snacks,Baking Goods,Beverages,Toiletries,Health, Household,Store specific.
Like, method? The grouping makes sense to me.
Don't like? Coupons have outgrown their holder.
How many Q's? 200 +
Clip vs. inserts? Clip
$ for organizer? $10
* How do you organize your coupons?
I organize inserts by date in a file folder. I also immediately clip any that I know I will use whether or not there is a deal. I put those in a separate, smaller file folder (organized by type) that I keep in my purse.
* What do you like about your coupon organization method?
I don't forget to use coupons on items I buy regularly, and I can easily find them for a deal.
* What don't you like?
Some expire before I use them.
* Approximately how many coupons do you carry with you to the store?
50 (even if I'm not planning on using them)
* Do you clip all your coupons or do you file the whole inserts?
both as explained above, but mostly file the inserts
* How much would you be willing to spend on a coupon organizer?
$12 (I bought my file folders in the dollar sport at target. It's hard to beat that)
I use two coupon boxes - both plastic boxes with lids about the size of baby wipes boxes - a pink one for food coupons and a purple one for nonfood items with all of my clipped coupons )probably thousands!) sorted out alphabetically into categories with labeled cardstock dividers. I carry them both EVERYWHERE perfectly inside a cute hot pink totebag I got for free for placing an order with Victorias Secret online.
I like my system because it is so easy to quickly sort coupons (first by food or nonfood, and then into categories), and then to flip through my stash to find a certain coupon. Plus, I get tons of compliments on my cute tote from people that would never suspect that it is stuffed full of coupons! :)
I use a shoe box, covered in a pretty fabric with a handle attached on the side and an elastic strap to hold the top on. The elastic can be stretched to the front to open the box completely. I use business envelopes with computer printed tabs attached to each one with the item type written on it (customized for what I use most) . I cut out all coupons, and file them so I have them with me whenever I shop. I can carry it by the handle like a purse and fold the lid back to hold it up in the seat of the shoppping cart. It works really great for me. I also have envelopes with Target, Kroger, Wags etc on them, so I can have the appropriate coupons already sorted when I get to the store, but still have the others available if I find a good deal. Probably wouldn't buy an organizer since mine works so well, and I have made several for friends and family. Thanks for all your work I love your site.
What I really wish I had, and this is my tech geek coming out, was a USB handheld scanner (like you can use to scan book barcodes) that would scan the coupons and then document the information from the coupons in a spreadsheet like format. So you scan the coupon's barcode, get product company, product name, size or purchase requirements, expiration date, and coupon amount. That way, I have a quick look at my coupons, which are then organized alphabetically. I could use that spreadsheet to compare store prices, etc.
See, my inner geek comes out.
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