[coffeencoupons]

I really pray that I am posting this in the correct area, if not, please feel free to transfer to proper section. My apologies if this is the case.

I recently became addicted to the whole "couponing" world. With the new addiction, I looked at all the ways the pros organize and keep their coupons. I began with a file folder plus a small picture album. After using it, I thought it was going to be too small for sure. I couldn't organize the coupons in depth as I wanted, etc. I moved along to a binder system.

Now, I had a black three-ring binder laying around. I went out, and bought fancy (expensive) baseball card holder sheets and the 4"x6" ones. I bought two (maybe three >.<) packs of the baseball card ones, and 1 set of the 4"x6" ones. I also decided to buy the A-Z divider tabs, full 81/2"x11 protectors, and the regular folder tabs. (Okay. Okay! I know I spent WAY TOO much on this whole binder system... I'm a bit of a perfectionist and over-achiever when it comes to organization, and gosh darnit I wanted the best for my coupons! I have learned my lesson thanks to my frugal friends. No worries, this girlie will never do it again, no matter how picky I am... I will be patient and find them elsewhere! - My pledge)

Anyways, back on topic... I started to use the binder system and I ended up spending HOURS on it to set it up. I cut a bunch of cardstock to put in every single slot so I could put coupons back to back and have them on both the front/back sides. (This could be my mistake...) I then spent hours sorting my first set of Sunday coupons. I didn't know exactly how I wanted to sort it. I ended up with the following 5 categories: Heath & Beauty, Household Products, Pantry/Dry Goods, Freezer,Refrigerated Products, MISC. I then sorted those into sub-categories (Health & Beauty would be broken down into: Baby & Feminine Products, Deodorant & Razors, Hair Products, Body/Soap, Medicine, etc)

I learned (for me) the binder system took so much longer. I had received nine, yes 9 sets of Sunday's coupons this week from various places. I started to go through and organize them and got extremely irritated because I couldn't fit the coupons in the baseball card sheets! I mean, I did have the cardstock divider in the slot; but I just grew irritated. I didn't like folding them because they were double high (nine coupons, folded in half is really thick!) Then when it came to actually get the coupons out, I had a hard time getting my fingers in the slots to pull them out.

All in all, the binder system is not for me (for everything). Now, I don't get TONS of food coupons... so I think I'm going to stick with the binder system for my food coupons, ads, easy saver books, etc. But since health, beauty, medicine, and household is the main things I get, I'll stick with the photo album.

I am now a firm believer that ALL couponers are different and need to find a system that works specifically for them.

I really didn't post this to bash on the binder system or anything like that. Just thought I'd share my experiences to maybe give someone insight on their ideas on it.

Now for the photos!

[trawes]

I'm new to couponing as well and have quickly found a new addiction. I agree that everyone needs to find what works best for them. What works best for me...right now...is a binder with page protectors. I put all the weekly coupon flyers in the same page protector and write the publish date on the front. Then I print a list of coupons (the list that shows which q's will be included in the flyer) from one of the online databases and put it in with the ads. This way I can quickly scan what is in each flyer and cut the q when needed. Once the q is cut, I cross it out of the printed list so I know it has already been used. If you end up with nine q flyers one week, just print off nine lists of q's. Hopes this helps. As I said, I too am a beginner so this may be too small scale for the pros.

[couponmama62]

You need to use what ever works best for you!! I have two binders one for food and one for non food. Then i also have a pocket folder, q's I don't use (dog food no dog) and extra's i get thur the mail.

[reed76]

I also use a binder,but what I do I organize them by month instead of by aisle. I got my inserts from my local bank (since they give me a binder w/monthly inserts) and I put them in order of expiring for that month. Hope that helps

[Ralaka06]

I really like the photos of that photo album you have. How do you organize that, I think I'd like to try that, very easy to carry and handle I would think??

[dmyersquin]

You are so right that everyone has to find what works for them. I do really like my binder. I have played around with it to get it the way I like it, but what I have now is a zippered binder with some categories in the front: pharmacy, hair care, feminine, soap, deodorant, candy, etc. Then the rest of the pages are alphabetical by brand name of food. I don't put card stock to have front and back. I only have coupons in the front. I really like the 8 pockets on a page, not the 9 pockets on a page. That way you are putting your fingers in on the wide part, not the skinny part. I also use a small, cheap coupon organizer from Dollar Tree (cardboard with the stretchy thing) with each store having a slot. As I look at the flyers for the week, I pull the coupons from my binder and put them in that store slot. That way, I can just run in to a store and not have to carry the big binder. I do try to leave it in the van in case I see an unadvertised special or closeout that I might have a coupon for.
I have been seriously couponing for 2 yrs now and find that I am able to get so many things free or cheap, able to give away so much and feed my family well for less. I am now putting myself on a budget so I have to be more careful about what I buy. I also bought an upright freezer for my garage to store my freezer deals - I love my new freezer.
Find the system that works for you and don't try to use someone else's system.

[foggy]

Thanks for sharing how you do you coupons!

You're right, the binder system doesn't work for everyone. That's true with any one system as all of us are different (thank goodness or the world would be so boring).

Glad you are finding a system that works for you.

Hapy $hopping!

[MommySusan1]

I personally have a small pouch-type organizer that they sell every week in the coupons section (used to be Hannah Hansen, now a different brand). It works for me because I only get four sets of inserts max and I don't keep every single coupon I get- the extras I send to military stationed overseas. I have had the same system for 15 years.

I don't know if you want to try a shoe box. My DS had a plastic one with a lid that she cut cardboard dividers for. It fits easily in the front section of the cart while you shop- she doesn't have kiddos to stick up there.

Keep trying them out. If you decide to totally give up on the binder, maybe you can sell it to someone else on here because you have already done most of the set-up.

[SLance68]

I have tried the binder and it was just too much work for me. I use a 4 x 6 index card box. I bought a pack of 100 index divider cards and add sections as I need them. I am also very anal about stuff and like it broken down a lot. If I just had "frozen food" in one section I would be there half the day trying to find what coupons I could use. So mine is broken down like frozen meals, frozen veggies, frozen dinners, frozen pizza, frozen ice cream, frozen meat. It works for me but would probably drive anyone else insane. You do have to find what works for you since we are all different we have to find what works for us.

[djcullen]

I like the binder myself but I also use the envie system too.

I have the main stores I shop in envie in the front pocket of my binder that way I can just grab the envie for a quick trip and not the complete binder ) especially if I have the kids with me)

I do not use the BB card sleeves for that very reason, too small. I only use the photo sleeves, I have to see me coupons to know I have them.

I also used index cards in each sleeve so I could use the back/front of them.

it is true all couponers are different~ You have to find what works for you!

[gypsywoman35]

I say make it your own and you did. I will say that I need an accordian style binder with at least 12 pockets for me to be happy.

I was in Walmart today and there is a nice size holder that I am ready to move up to. I can't handle the larger 8x11 size binder. I like the smaller ones. But this new one at Walmart is really nice, color coded and all that jazz.

[coffeencoupons]

Originally Posted by trawes

I'm new to couponing as well and have quickly found a new addiction. I agree that everyone needs to find what works best for them. What works best for me...right now...is a binder with page protectors. I put all the weekly coupon flyers in the same page protector and write the publish date on the front. Then I print a list of coupons (the list that shows which q's will be included in the flyer) from one of the online databases and put it in with the ads. This way I can quickly scan what is in each flyer and cut the q when needed. Once the q is cut, I cross it out of the printed list so I know it has already been used. If you end up with nine q flyers one week, just print off nine lists of q's. Hopes this helps. As I said, I too am a beginner so this may be too small scale for the pros.

I LOVE the idea of printing out the list of coupons for that specific week... I never even knew this existed could you possibly message me or link me to where I can find this?

Originally Posted by Ralaka06

I really like the photos of that photo album you have. How do you organize that, I think I'd like to try that, very easy to carry and handle I would think??

I organize it pretty much exactly how it looks... The tabs indicate sections. This is all Non-Food Products:
Baby - Sub categorized as: Soaps, LUVs, Huggies, Pampers, Wipes, PullUps, MISC, and an empty slot incase I need to add more later..
Feminine Products - Pads, Panty Liners, Tampons, (2)Empty
Make Up & Chapstick - Rimmel, Covergirl, Mabeline, Chapstick, empty,
(You can see, some of the subcategories are also broken down in brand...)
Deodorant - Dove, Secret, Degree, Men's, Misc, Empty
Razors and Shavers - BIC, Schick, Venus, Mens, Shaving Cream, Empty
Body Wash, Soap, Lotions - Olay, Suave, Dove, Dial, Lotions, Lever, Gillette, Facial Cleaning Products, (3)Empty
Hair Products - Pantene, Dove, Herbal Essences, Misc, Gillette, Suave, Hair Dye, (3)Empty
Medicine, Cold+Cough, Eye Care, Vitamins - Excedrin, Tylenol, Vicks, Cold (Cough Drops, Meds), Anti-acids, Vitamins, First Aid, Eye Care, Sanitizer, Diet Products, (2)Empty
Oral Products Toothpaste, Mouthwash, Toothbrushes, Whitening, (2)Empty -- Might end up converting this one to Brand...

Paper Products Charmin, Cottonelle, Tissue, Wipes/Misc, Paper Plates, Paper Towel, Napkins, (2) Empty
Cleaning Dish soap, Swiffer Cleaners, ALL other cleaners (I'm going to have to break this one down into more categories), Tools (scrubbing brushes, sponges, erasers)
Storage Containers, Misc(oven bag, steam bags, cupcake holders, etc), Bags, Wraps, Tin Foil
Laundry Detergent, Fabric Softener, Misc (lint roller, Tide Pen, etc)
"Smelly Stuffs" Glade Air Fresheners, Glade Candles, Febreeze Air Fresheners, Febreeze Candles (3)Empty
--- Then on the "flip" side I have my favorite stores.

I figure I can just throw the photo album into my purse and go... (I usually have larger purses) So far, this system seems to be the one that will work. I'm going to give the binder system more test runs w/ all my food products and go from there.

Thank you all for the wonderful tips you've given me with your binder system; I'm going to test them all out!

[Ralaka06]

Nikkole ... Okay so each photo sleeve is one of the catagories ... Like one sleeve would be Degree deo. the next sleeve would be secret deo? then you have like 5 photo sleeves in a section right?

[coffeencoupons]

Originally Posted by Ralaka06

Nikkole ... Okay so each photo sleeve is one of the catagories ... Like one sleeve would be Degree deo. the next sleeve would be secret deo? then you have like 5 photo sleeves in a section right?

Yea, basically for the deodorant example... Dove, Secret, Degree, Men's, Misc, Empty would be 3 of the pages. Dove would be on the front, secret on the back. Degree (Front) and Men's (Back), etc. There will be three total pages that would be for deodorant... because I only had five specific categories and didn't want to start a new category on a left side (the tabs were always on the right side) I left one empty.

Prime example of this: Baby. Which is the first section in my book.
Obviously the book starts on the right...

So it goes:
(1) Left - None // Right - Bath Products
(2, next page) Left - Luvs // Right - Huggies
(3) Left - Pampers // Right - Wipes
(4) Left - Training Pants // Right - Ointment/Misc
(5) Left - Empty // Right - NEW CATEGORY - Feminine Products.

So you see I left an empty category on the left due to the fact I wanted to start the next category on the right side... SOME categories (the ones that i have 2-3 empty slots) I knew I had more stuff I wanted to put in them... just didn't have the item yet... so I left a few extra slots.

[Ralaka06]

Awesome, thanks!

[joyskisaver]

thanks for sharing. i'm attempting to work on my binder system soon but also have a little photo album that I may use since it will be easier to stick in my purse.

[cpht]

Yep, everybody's has to find their own style. I personally love the binder system, but I file my q's alphabetically. I just found it too confusing to decide sometimes what to file something under in categories. This way I now exactly where it is. I started to use card stock also, but like you, it was just to hard to get q's in and out, so I just put them back to back. Now I just need to find a great deal on a Case It binder with a shoulder strap. My binder is great, but now that it's so heavy, it's hard to pick up without a handle.

[saving_sense]

I think any system you use needs tweeking to make it work for you. I started out with the binder and had some of the same frustrations as you--Too many coupons to fit and it got HEAVY and took too much time to organize. I still use it but in a different way. I use a combo of the binder and the file box method. 1. Each week I clip only the coupons I think will be good deals or that I would most likely use anyway and only put those in my binder.
2. I don't put any more than three like coupons in my binder (that's the limit at most of my stores anyway). So even if I have ten of the same insert I only have to clip three when I first get them.
3. I keep my extra coupon inserts unclipped and put them in a file box organized by week.
4. Then if I need a coupon for something that I wouldn't normally buy (but it's a great deal with a coupon) I can just look up which insert the coupon came in by using the database, go to that week's file folder and clip before going to the store. Also if I'm in the store and notice an unadvertised sale, I can use my three coupons and then go clip more from the file box.

This system works for me because I live close to the stores and can always go back if I don't have all my coupons in hand (I just make a note of what's on sale), but I can see how this wouldn't work for someone who lives far from the stores and doesn't want to waste gas or time (Although I have taken my little file box with me and left it in the car when I had time to browse clearance ).

[stefani1]

I use little photo books because that's what works for me. I have 3 - 1 for food, 1 for health and beauty and one for baby stuff. They are pretty small and all fit in my purse. I tried the binder when I first started, but don't have the time to cut it all the time. I leave my inserts in tact for the most part so it's easy to find the coupons by date when i need to. I don't always have EVERY coupon with me, but I'm fine with it. I also don't need to get in on EVERY deal out there. This way, I get what I need and some other things and can always go back for more later!!!

[janetlr1974]

I too have the same frustration with my binder. I find that I'm clipping, and printing everyday and spending too much time organizing. I thought about listing the Qs from each insert on top of the insert and just keeping the inserts intact until I need the Q. I wanted to also organize them by date so I could just look in the database find the insert date then clip the Q. I wanted an acordian file but LOL people already look at me like I'm nuts when I walk through with my binder, they'd really think I'm crazy with my acordian file. I didn't know there was a site that listed the Qs either could you PM me with the info. I'd appreciate it. Thanks. I'm glad someone posted about this.

[laceynsc]

I agree that everyone has to find what works best for them. I started with just envelopes then went the binder route after lurking around msg boards. Well-that was way too time consuming for me w/ 3 kids & working 10+ hrs a day. I bought a coupon organizer box on ebay (an expensive investment I know) & I'm in love with it. I takes me no time to file my Q's in it & it's not too cumbersome to take shopping. Yea-I get strange looks out shopping but I'm the one walking out of the store w/ a smile on my face after paying & they're the ones looking at their receipt w/ a frown & head shake. I'm just chalking it up as an early christmas gift for myself.:It has more than paid for itself though w/ all I've saved because the Q's actually make it to the store w/ me now, all nice & filed in their proper slot.

[NOAHDEC]

i understand you janetlr1974 i hate it when i had the big binder people just kept staring at me .So now i have 3 small photo albums .1 for food ,1 for beauty products and baby and 1 for cleaning products and air freshners .i feel it easier to manage and i dont have people staring at me .And i also use the list from Home so that once i have used the coupon i scratch it off my list .so far its working better but its still a work in progress

[serianna]

So over the last few years I have created a very unconventional coupon binder. I take the inserts and tear them into single pages. Then I put each different sheet into a page protector.

I sort my binder by weeks. This is easiest for me because I have a photogenic type memory and the first time I see the coupon that is where I remember it.

I use the coupon database to search for some coupons and I find when people list deals they list them by what insert they are from.

This uses the least amount of time for me. When I need the coupon I just pull the page, cut out the q and then put the page back.

I also find it saves time looking for expireds because all the coupons in one section are about the same age old.

I still use baseball sheets and photo sheets for blinkies, tearpads, and the occasional cut q.

I only spend 15 minutes a week organizing my coupons and then the rest of the time matching sales. I used to spend 1-2 hours a week with the baseball method.

It is all about finding what works best for you.

[bjmccandless]

WOW! I am exhausted from just reading all the work that you all do every week! LOL
I have also bee couponing for almost 10 years, and have never been able to organize it in an effective way. Right now I have a couponizer that I use for the MC's I will be using that week. But at home I have 2 totes full of inserts. I have created a binder, and made all the tabs and inserts, but have yet to actually sit down and cut out the coupons and insert them into the bnider pages. I love the idea of a binder, but it is sooo much work, after reading all of the above post I am thinking of redoing my biner before I start clipping...LOL

[mommy7]

Originally Posted by serianna

So over the last few years I have created a very unconventional coupon binder. I take the inserts and tear them into single pages. Then I put each different sheet into a page protector.I sort my binder by weeks. This is easiest for me because I have a photogenic type memory and the first time I see the coupon that is where I remember it.I use the coupon database to search for some coupons and I find when people list deals they list them by what insert they are from. This uses the least amount of time for me. When I need the coupon I just pull the page, cut out the q and then put the page back.I also find it saves time looking for expireds because all the coupons in one section are about the same age old.I still use baseball sheets and photo sheets for blinkies, tearpads, and the occasional cut q.I only spend 15 minutes a week organizing my coupons and then the rest of the time matching sales. I used to spend 1-2 hours a week with the baseball method.It is all about finding what works best for you.

I love this idea ! Thank you !
The coupon binder is good for me at home to use, but not taking it into the stores. I like to find deal/clearance items and go home to find the coupon, this gives me time to decide am I buying the deal or the product. Then I will go back and buy the item(s).