If I have 4 sets of Pcola inserts and 4 sets of Mobile inserts, I clip one set of each(1 Mobile, 1 Pcola). I mark on the back of the clipped coupons the date, source, location(3/7, SS, MOB). Then on the whole inserts, I write the date and source large on the front. I file the remaining whole inserts in a pocket filer in the back of the coupon purse.
I do the same thing with booklets that I get in the mail. Simply write on the back of the coupon the source and if I have extras I file them in the back.
What you need: I recommend a 3 inch binder that closes(zip or velcro). Inside I use a combo of baseball card holders and photo holders(larger coupons). I also purchased A-Z tabs so I could easily find the coupons that I am looking for. You can purchase these things at office supply stores, hobby shops, WalMart, Target.
Clean out expired coupons! Whichever organization method you decide to use you need to make a habit of cleaning it out–weeding out and pulling expired coupons.
Write name/number/email in your coupon organizer!
Do I clip/sort ALL of the coupons in an insert? Yes, in case they turn into moneymakers with a good sale. Like Bayer meters, I had no use for them so when I first started couponing I tossed 5+ of the coupons…Only to find out a week later that I could have used them at the drugstore and made $5 for each meter I bought. What do you do with the meters? Donate. So I started keeping all of the coupons. It’s not a must by any means. Overtime you will learn which ones usually turn out to be moneymakers.
Want to know more about organization? Read more here!
Like my coupon binder? Visit CouponClutch.com to get yours! She also sells the coupon holders and patterns if you sew. BB Exclusive: $5 off any order of $25 or more when you use the code TAKE5 at checkout.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Shannon,
Thanks so much for the video. That really helped me to see what I want to do with my binder. I could not decide how to organize it or what to clip and this really helped me. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. It was very helpful.
Very helpful! My coupon cluch should be in the mail today. I am so exctied!
Thanks Shannon! This is so helpful for me:)
You need to teach Hannah how to work that video camera so we can see your cute face! I was wondering how you were working the binder. I just can’t switch yet. I’m going to try to get my accordian more organized first. When I do switch you better believe I’m getting one of those cute coupon purses!!
I do the binder method as well, but I do it by category. However, I had never thought of putting the date and source on the back of the coupon before. I, too, get multiple copies of inserts but do not clip them all. So, THANK YOU for a great tip!!!!
I also keep a calculator, pencil, and small note pad with me so I can take note of prices of things, or to mark down an unadvertised BOGO so that I can share with my coupon friends and put on the local coupon blog.
I also have two pencil pouches. I put any tearpad or blinkie coupons in that I come across while shopping in one.
As I shop I will pull out the coupon that I am using and put it in the other pencil pouch so that when I get to the register they are all nice and safe and tucked into the pencil pouch and I just pull them out.
Thanks so much for your tips, they really help!!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Video Blog it helped me SOOO much and also the comment from Lisa C. gave me some very helpful hints.
Shannon,
Just a suggestion, I go ahead and cut out all my coupons because it’s a pain to try and cut them in the store. My extra coupons I put in 3 separate small ziploc bags (1- grocery, 1- health and beauty, 1- cleaning and paper products) and put the date of the paper on the outside of the bags, it makes it easier to find the coupon I’m looking for. I have found that a box top cutter is easier to use to cut out the coupons- I cut the rim of a plastic gallon ice cream top and use that to cut the coupons on, I can cut the coupons while sitting in my recliner. I’m going to fix my binder so I can put it on top of the buggy child seat, where it will stay open and not slip down into the seat.
Thank you that helped me so much.. I really appreciate all of your hard work you have helped me save my family alot of money and you have helped me find my hobby.. I have 3 small kids 4 and under and this couponing gives me a break from the everyday mommy thing..don’t get me wrong I Love being a stay at home mom but sometimes I just need a little break…Thanks again so much.:) –Cindy