The most important tip I can give you to succeed in coupon shopping, is to find a system of organization that works for you. I started out with a small coupon file, the size of an envelope, that I got for under $1 at Walmart. This was years ago and it obviously did not work, because I soon gave up. My sister in law uses The Couponizer and loves it. Here are some of the reasons she loves it:
- It comes with a sorting mat with categories pre-populated for you. All you need to do it lay it out, clip your coupons and sort them by category. Then filing them is easy.
- It is a vertical folder where pages flip and it’s easier to quickly skim coupons.
- The best part is that it’s small and can fit in her purse or diaper bag, so she always has it with her.
She has already made her money back from buying it, because she is organized and utilizing her coupons to maximize her savings.
This is what The Couponizer comes with:
* The Couponizer® – 8″ x 5 ¼” booklet with 18 grocery coupon pockets, 4 Non-grocery coupon pockets, 3 gift card/shopper loyalty sleeves, shopping pockets
* Shopping List – 20 page tear off list pad with cardboard backing
* CoupStacker – pre-sorting mat color coded to match the system pockets
* CoupTracker – 15 page spiral bound list pad with cardboard backing
* Your Guide to Smart Savings – instruction booklet with spending strategy and coupon tips
* Scissors – blunt tip
* Carrying Bag – clear vinyl zippered bag.
For only $19.95 you can start getting organized today.
I checked out other coupon blogs and looked at what other people use and made of list of the things I liked about them. I am a visual person so seeing everything laid out is how I like it.
I purchased my 3 ring binder at Target. It zips closed so nothing falls out. The outside has a vertical file pocket. This is where I place store inserts, printable coupons I haven’t cut out yet and store coupon policies.
I highly recommend printing store coupon policies, so that if there is ever a question, you have it with you to show the cashier. There is an outside zippered mesh pocket that I place my receipts in when done shopping.
The inside has several pockets for pens, calculator, scissors, and my reward cards. Make sure to check out my post on why reward cards are good for you.
I purchased this zippered pencil pouch separately, for under $2. It has 2 pockets. I use one to place my coupons in that I plan on using for that particular shopping trip. While I’m shopping, and I pick up an item, I move that corresponding coupon into the other pocket. Even though I planned to use all the coupons I set aside, sometimes I get to the store, and they are out of a product or it’s not as good of a deal as I was expecting. By moving the coupons over as I shop, then I can hand them directly over to the cashier, knowing I have an item to match each coupon.
Behind that I have a notepad. This is where I make my list and plan my coupons. I would have taken a picture, with my list on it, so you can see, but my handwriting is scary.
Column 1 is the item and quantity. Column 2 is where I list the coupons I have for that item. Column 3 is the price before coupons and then column 4 is the final price. I like to write down the price before coupons in case, for example, I’m using a $5 off $30 purchase. This way I know if I’m going to met that minimum and if I cross something off while I’m shopping, it’s easy to add my total. I like knowing the final price, so while I’m at the register, I can recognize quickly if the total is over what I planned, and if there is a problem.
I have my categories separated with see through pocket dividers. This is where I throw coupons, that I pick up while shopping, which makes it easier to file later.
Behind the pockets are baseball card holders. I got this idea while researching other coupon blogs. They are the perfect size, see through and easy to organize. This makes it easy to find a coupon, if I’m in a store and see something on clearance or sale, that I hadn’t planned on.
I have a filing cabinet where I place coupon inserts, in case I need to refer back to them for additional coupons. These are filed by the Sunday date they came out.
What system are you using to organize your coupons? I’d love to hear any ideas you may have as well as answer and questions you have.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Ok, I just made a comment about this very thing and here is my answer. Cool.
where did you find the baseball card sleeves?
I found mine at Target but I hear Walmart has them too.
hmm ok i’ll have to search a little harder Thanks!
In my Target they were in the toy section by the baseball cards.
I love the binder and baseball card method. I tried to cut when I needed it but I found I confused myself that way. But I also use the dollar bill sleeve sheets with the 3 ring holes in my binder to hold the ip and larger coupons that just won’t fit right in the baseball sleeves. Each sheet holds three. I found it for a great price on amazon!