[leapinglizards]

I'm new to AFC; love the site & all you wonderful people!! I read the posts for a few weeks; learned alot; am still learning more; & then have purchased Sunday papers for the past 2 wks.

I understand about being organized with all the q's & what works for me is keeping them alphabetically. I currently have them in an accordian type of file; but also have a binder with the plastic sleeves & may change to that; but this seems okay.

My question is this: over the yrs, when I would come across a q for something I would use, I would either put it on my frig or kitchen table, or in my wallet; and we're only talking about less than a handful here. Same with the catalinas I would get at the stores.

But inevitably, by the time I would look at it again, it would have expired.
This happened 99.999999999% of the time; & I mean even with me making a concentrated effort to try to remember I had it.

I have managed and ran businesses before, with a lot more responsibility than this , so I feel I really should be able to do that!

And again, that was with only a couple of q's; what am I going to do with hundreds??! LOL!

I've been okay with the past 2 weeks, because coincidentally, the q's that were in those papers were either things I needed to get then anyway; or they were for items that were currently on special sales at the stores, so I had to use them right then & there to take advantage of the current sale at the store.

Anyway, sorry for the long explanation.........

I just know that if anyone can tell me how someone keeps track (and doesn't let them all expire!) I would be very grateful!!

I know if anyone can give me expert advice, it's you all here!!

Thanks again to everyone for being so fantastic!!

You all are THE BEST!!!

TIA!

[courtne21]

I have my coupons in a 3-ring binder in baseball card organizer clear sheets, so they're easy to see and use. At the beginning of each month, I put small Post-it "flags" on the coupons expiring that month, so I can keep an eye out for deals to use them. HTH.

[leapinglizards]

EXCELLENT suggestion! Thank you! I will try that! (I may have to switch to the binder, instead of my plastic accordian type of file.)

Thank you!!

(I have to run out in a few minutes, but will thank everyone for their help when I get back.)

Thanks again!!

[isavealot5]

Firstly, let me welcome you to AFC.
I've been here more than a year now (same year I started to use coupons) and yes.. I still do let "good" coupons expire, incl. catalinas, unknowingly.
We're just but humans. (Though I do like to kick myself for letting them expire).
I use the accordion type file binder and its hard sometimes to know which ones will expire soon. For the past couple of months.. around the 20th day or so, I put the nearly expiring ones in an envie (labelled.. "nearly expiring") to remind my dear old forgetful self to take note of those coupons. Sometimes, I act as coupon fairy at the stores I shop at and leave the coupons I don't need on the shelves.

[Loading...]

I use a binder with baseball card inserts. As I add in new coupons each week (or whenever I receive more from a train or trade, etc) I'll just do a scan to see if anything is expired. I've also heard of people marking on the baseball card inserts with a dry erase marker and writing the expiration date on the pockets.

And welcome to AFC!

[leapinglizards]

Thanks, Pam, for sharing with me your experiences, as well as your sugggestion! I knew I could get expert advice from all of you here!

Many thanks again for taking the time to share with me!
PS~ Lived in NY my whole life; have been out in Jersey for the past 18+ yrs. with my Hubby. But still consider myself a New Yorker ;o)

[leapinglizards]

Thanks, "Loading", for taking the time to share some great ideas with me! This is a tremendous help!!

I knew where to go to get expert advice! ;o) You all are terrific!

Thanks again!

[DebB831]

I have used coupons for years, but only in the last year have I done it to true AFC standards!

With that said, I keep my coupons in the regular accordian style holders, but what I have done is those that are going to expire in July (for this month) I take them out and put them in their own area in the holder. That way, if I see something I want to buy, I go there first to make sure I don't have one expiring right away. With some items, I have coupons that expire in July, August, September, etc. and I would hate to grab the September one if I have a July expiring one.

My grocery store takes expireds up to 3 months, so I have a separate binder for expireds that I use when I go to the grocery store.

[leapinglizards]

Thanks so much for taking the time to share with me what you do! Those were excellent ideas, & I am definitely going to do them!

Your reply also reminded me that I have to check with my grocery stores to see if any of them take expired q's.

Many sincere thanks again; it is greatly appreciated! PS~ ADORABLE boys!!

[fmbooklady]

I go to the coupon database and click on expires. It will then show the coupons by expiration date. I print out maybe a weeks worth and use it to pull my coupons. You can also use the search for expired coupons to use for cleaning out expired coupons.

[brook6]

I keep my coupons in a file box with dividers by category; my first 2 dividers are THIS WEEK and THIS MONTH

at the start of a new month, I pull all the previous month and put the current month Qs in the THIS MONTH tab
this doesn't take long and also helps refresh me on what deals I need to watch for this month

THIS WEEK holds Qs I have pulled to match with deals for the week, so I can move faster in the store; if needed, I could just grab those Qs and know that I had the right ones for the trip

[leapinglizards]

Excellent ideas; thank you so much!! I never would have thought of that! How great are those features?

Thank you again!!

[leapinglizards]

Thank you, Brook6! Great ideas!! I am going to try both of those; they sound like I will really be on top of things that way!

Thanks again! BTW~ I was trying to click on the "thanks" button to thank you; but it isn't there. :o( I was typing a reply to the above post from fmbooklady when yours came in; so I don't know if it thinks I was replying to you or what; but the "thanks" button isn't showing for some reason; otherwise I would thank you. Sorry! That's the first time that's happened in my thanking over 50 people.

[DebB831]

Originally Posted by fondmemoriesantiques

Thank you, Brook6! Great ideas!! BTW~ I was trying to click on the "thanks" button to thank you; but it isn't there.

No problem, I thanked her for you! Got to keep on thanking those that help out - I know we all need as much help as we can get to make the most of our coupons!

[PirateQueen]

I don't worry about expiring coupons only RR's (from Walgreens), cats and ECBs (CVS). I file my inserts by date and only clip what I know is going to be a deal that week. If there is something I know I need to get that is not on sale, I'll use the coupon database (and on other coupon boards) to see if there is a coupon available and then clip it. This saves tons of time and if I miss a clearance deal, oh well.
There is a lady who I took a coupon class from who uses the same method with one difference. She cuts out all the q's in one set of inserts and carries those in her binder. That way she always has at least one q with her to take advantage of clearance deals.

[leapinglizards]

Thanks for the great tips, PirateQueen! Greatly appreciated!!

[illinisaver]

I have two large show boxes!! One large box labeled and categorized with makeup, hair, cold medicine, meats, dairy, condiments, store coupons, dog food etc. When I buy newspapers usually more in quantity on the first week of the month I keep one insert whole(with a coupon list stapled on top of insert) and the rest I clip and place them by category.

I also created a second box for expired coupons!!!
I found out my local Food 4 less store accepts expireds up to 6 months!!! Before I would throw them away, but now I am able to use these expireds when I see a good deal at Food 4 Less!!

[kategriffin18]

I use a binder with baseball card sleeves as well (LOVE it!) but pull out Q's I want to use and put them in a coupon accordian file (wallet size) with store names on each section---ex. CVS week 1, CVS week 2, Walgreens week 1, Walgreens week 2, etc. so I am organized for 2 weeks in advanced. I also pull out expiring Q's and put them in a separate section so I know what I want to use in the next few weeks.

[leapinglizards]

Originally Posted by illinisaver

I have two large show boxes!! One large box labeled and categorized with makeup, hair, cold medicine, meats, dairy, condiments, store coupons, dog food etc. When I buy newspapers usually more in quantity on the first week of the month I keep one insert whole(with a coupon list stapled on top of insert) and the rest I clip and place them by category.

I also created a second box for expired coupons!!!
I found out my local Food 4 less store accepts expireds up to 6 months!!! Before I would throw them away, but now I am able to use these expireds when I see a good deal at Food 4 Less!!

Thanks for the great suggestions! I especially like the idea of stapling a list of coupons to the top of the insert; you sound very organized!

I had one question; you wrote you usually buy newspapers in quantity the 1st wk of the month. Do there tend to be more inserts then? Just curious.
Thanks in advance!

[leapinglizards]

Originally Posted by kategriffin18

I use a binder with baseball card sleeves as well (LOVE it!) but pull out Q's I want to use and put them in a coupon accordian file (wallet size) with store names on each section---ex. CVS week 1, CVS week 2, Walgreens week 1, Walgreens week 2, etc. so I am organized for 2 weeks in advanced. I also pull out expiring Q's and put them in a separate section so I know what I want to use in the next few weeks.

Thanks for the ideas! I especially like the part with the store names & separating them by weeks! Two weeks in advance; you are very organized!

Thanks again!

[TreenOfLane]

thanks for even asking this questions, all the great responses you got were very helpful to me

[leapinglizards]

Originally Posted by TreenOfLane

thanks for even asking this questions, all the great responses you got were very helpful to me

Glad you found it helpful as well! They were all great responses with really great ideas!

Take good care!

[kobbermannfarms]

I have found the easiest, (as i have limited time) is the binder with baseball pages. I have mine labeled by categories: meat, dairy, shampoo, can goods.......etc..(you get the idea). I also have a store that i shop regularily that takes expired up to 3 months. I keep everything in one binder so it is always in one spot and together and i can take it all in a store with me. I like having similar product coupons together (example: rague and prego pasta sauce) so its easier to see what is a better deal when i comparison shop. I didn't like this before when i used the alpha method.....to much thinking & page turning.

Every coupon that is different by type/date/value, ect. has its own spot. If i have 5 that are exactly the same, i put them all in the same spot. If they are different by exp date, value, size...etc. I give them their own spot. I also put all like items next to each other in a row, or on its own page etc. (easy to see at a glance) Example: I try to keep all my brats, hot dogs, sausages, and similar products next to each other or on the same page. I

If i have to fold a coupon i always fold it so i can see the picture and the exp date from a glance. I also always pull expired coupons or near exp. q's that I know i won't use that week and replace them on my exp q. page. I do this when i put in that weeks inserts or trades. I have found that if i do it while i am putting in the others it is easier and not so overwhelming. Since i make an honest effort to do this every sunday night i have also found that i have a better idea of what i have in my binder. If i look at an add i can easily circle the items i am interested in (knowing i have a coupon) and pull it right away and put it in an envie for that store that week. (even though i pull all the q's i know i will use from my list or ad, i almost always bring my binder in as my stores have lots of instore specials...etc.

In each section, such as meat, I use the last page or 2 for expireds. I have each of these pages marked with a red sharpie (i followed the divider lines so it looks like a tic tac toe board in red) so that at a glance i know that those are expired.

It is easy when i am looking at my weekly ads to just go to the correct section. If i am planning a trip to cub,(who takes 3 months exp) I always check my exp pages first.

In each category i have between 2-8 pages. When i find that a section is getting too large i look at it as see if it can be simplified. At first i just started out with a hygiene category....now i have a deoderant, shampoo, razor....etc. sections as my coupon supply for these has grown.

The best thing to do is experiment and see what works for you. I have definately learned that if you can easily SEE your q's and the dates i have done a better job managing them and using them before expiration.

When i get q's from inserts or from trains that i know i will not use i throw them in 1 of 3 small baskets (right away!!!) on my computer desk that are next to each other (picked them up at the dollar store) I have the front of them marked with a piece of masking tape that i can change monthly. They are currently labeled: 7-31-09 Train RAOK; FOOD (those exp later than august); and Health (those exp later than august). I put all of the q's i know i don't need in one of these three baskets. If it (any including food, health, pet, baby etc) before 7-31-09 (or near that date) i threw it in there, if it exp after 8-15 i put it in one of the other 2 baskets based on its type. I do hav e2 envies in the health basket for pet and baby. This way it is easy to keep these seperate for trades. (These baskets don't take up much room and are pretty much hidden behind my screen.) When i need fillers for trains or a RAOK I pull out of my 7-31-09 basket first. I hate to waste a good coupon and this has ensured that I don't.

Since switching to this method i have been very successful building my stockpile with minimal effort and time. (I have lots of FREE and really cheap stuff stocked up!!!!)

Good luck and have fun couponing or it will seem like a chore and you will be less likely to stick with a method consistantly. Don't get behind, or it will be hard to catch up. I spend about 30-45 minutes "bonding" with my binder every sunday night while i watch TV or a movie. I clip out the coupons (3-5 inserts) during a show and put them in during commercials (and move expireds). I am excellent at multi tasking.

I hope this all makes sense (as i majorly rambled). please pm me if you have q's.

[leapinglizards]

Originally Posted by kobbermannfarms

I have found the easiest, (as i have limited time) is the binder with baseball pages. I have mine labeled by categories: meat, dairy, shampoo, can goods.......etc..(you get the idea). I also have a store that i shop regularily that takes expired up to 3 months. I keep everything in one binder so it is always in one spot and together and i can take it all in a store with me. I like having similar product coupons together (example: rague and prego pasta sauce) so its easier to see what is a better deal when i comparison shop. I didn't like this before when i used the alpha method.....to much thinking & page turning.

Every coupon that is different by type/date/value, ect. has its own spot. If i have 5 that are exactly the same, i put them all in the same spot. If they are different by exp date, value, size...etc. I give them their own spot. I also put all like items next to each other in a row, or on its own page etc. (easy to see at a glance) Example: I try to keep all my brats, hot dogs, sausages, and similar products next to each other or on the same page. I

If i have to fold a coupon i always fold it so i can see the picture and the exp date from a glance. I also always pull expired coupons or near exp. q's that I know i won't use that week and replace them on my exp q. page. I do this when i put in that weeks inserts or trades. I have found that if i do it while i am putting in the others it is easier and not so overwhelming. Since i make an honest effort to do this every sunday night i have also found that i have a better idea of what i have in my binder. If i look at an add i can easily circle the items i am interested in (knowing i have a coupon) and pull it right away and put it in an envie for that store that week. (even though i pull all the q's i know i will use from my list or ad, i almost always bring my binder in as my stores have lots of instore specials...etc.

In each section, such as meat, I use the last page or 2 for expireds. I have each of these pages marked with a red sharpie (i followed the divider lines so it looks like a tic tac toe board in red) so that at a glance i know that those are expired.

It is easy when i am looking at my weekly ads to just go to the correct section. If i am planning a trip to cub,(who takes 3 months exp) I always check my exp pages first.

In each category i have between 2-8 pages. When i find that a section is getting too large i look at it as see if it can be simplified. At first i just started out with a hygiene category....now i have a deoderant, shampoo, razor....etc. sections as my coupon supply for these has grown.

The best thing to do is experiment and see what works for you. I have definately learned that if you can easily SEE your q's and the dates i have done a better job managing them and using them before expiration.

When i get q's from inserts or from trains that i know i will not use i throw them in 1 of 3 small baskets (right away!!!) on my computer desk that are next to each other (picked them up at the dollar store) I have the front of them marked with a piece of masking tape that i can change monthly. They are currently labeled: 7-31-09 Train RAOK; FOOD (those exp later than august); and Health (those exp later than august). I put all of the q's i know i don't need in one of these three baskets. If it (any including food, health, pet, baby etc) before 7-31-09 (or near that date) i threw it in there, if it exp after 8-15 i put it in one of the other 2 baskets based on its type. I do hav e2 envies in the health basket for pet and baby. This way it is easy to keep these seperate for trades. (These baskets don't take up much room and are pretty much hidden behind my screen.) When i need fillers for trains or a RAOK I pull out of my 7-31-09 basket first. I hate to waste a good coupon and this has ensured that I don't.

Since switching to this method i have been very successful building my stockpile with minimal effort and time. (I have lots of FREE and really cheap stuff stocked up!!!!)

Good luck and have fun couponing or it will seem like a chore and you will be less likely to stick with a method consistantly. Don't get behind, or it will be hard to catch up. I spend about 30-45 minutes "bonding" with my binder every sunday night while i watch TV or a movie. I clip out the coupons (3-5 inserts) during a show and put them in during commercials (and move expireds). I am excellent at multi tasking.

I hope this all makes sense (as i majorly rambled). please pm me if you have q's.

Thank you sooooo much for your reply! You have to be the ultimate Queen of couponing!! Seriously, you could write a book with your excellent ideas or give a course! Each of your ideas was better than the one before! It sounds so professional & organized! And you absolutely did not ramble, as you wrote. It was most informative! In fact, I am going to print it out & hope to emulate what you do! I feel like I'm "cheating", rather than doing the trial & error thing or method; but I thought it could get out of hand if I didn't reign it in from the start; & your ideas are the best!!

Thank you again for taking the time to share!! And best of luck; I read you are due soon!!

[cscott31626]

I use a binder-style photo album from Walmart ($5). I put tabs on the photo pages to keep me organized (dairy, frozen foods, laundry, cleaning, paper products, etc). Extra pages can be moved as needed. I put like q's in the same sleeve with the first to expire on top. I clipped a pencil case to the inside front to hold small scissors, extra tabs, etc. The album sits in the child seat of the shopping cart and I can flip thru as I shop. Q's that I know I will use on this shopping trip are placed in the pencil case ahead of time. Of course, my children are grown so I don't need the child seat for its intended purpose.