My Sinful Savings: PART 4: ORGANIZING COUPONS

If you haven't read PART 3: FINDING COUPONS yet, you may want to...it runs right into this part here about organizing. Organizing is a task especially if you aren't an organized person. I am blessed with being overly organized, so if you need help, email me and I would be happy to help and even give a class or so.

Storage Methods: There are so many ways to keep or organize your coupons. First, find out what works for you and the amount of coupons you have.

Insert Method: Rather than clipping coupons when you get them, you can organize them by item and expiration and label them with leaflet notes so you know what is available. This can work well, but I found that I would forget about coupons too often and miss out on savings that I should and could have otherwise been using.

Check Folder: At most office supply stores (and in Target's $.99 section) you can pick up check folders. The only major limitation to these is that they only have 13 pockets and I needed more than that…so I used 2 and somehow attached them. I had them organized first by aisle (see below) and then alphabetically. I also kept additional sections for specific stores and dining (Target, Ralphs, etc). Both had their perks and problems so eventually I moved on to my current method (the Binder Method).

I do however still use a check folder to keep already organized shopping trips together so I don't carry 10 envelopes or plastic baggies (more methods!). This folder is labeled by tabs for stores specifically, ie Target, PetSmart, Ralphs, etc.

Additionally, a recipe or index card box can be used to achieve the exact same organizational method if you prefer to take that route.

Binder Method: This method can be a bit time consuming as I use 9 pocket baseball card pages to display all of my coupons in a 3" binder. I suggest with these pockets not adding more than one specific type and date to each pocket so you can avoid carrying around expired coupons like I have! If you prefer 3 pocket pages or 6 pocket pages, they also work, this method in general works for people who stockpile coupons. With this I have clear colored dividers that have pockets made by Avery that you can get here at Amazon. You can also use these Avery dividers here that have pockets on either side for more "unorganized coupons" space. Whatever dividers you use, be sure they are wide enough to come out farther than your 3, 6, 9 pocket pages, of course I made this mistake otherwise I wouldn't be trying to help you prevent it lol! I have 4 sets of 8 dividers, for my organizing, it is necessary, it may not be for you. I also have 100 pages and need more...I don't think I have an excessive amount of coupons, I just keep things very simple so I can always access the coupons I need or want. With such a large binder, I carry it in its own bag and it sits comfortable in the top of my cart on top of my purse.

There are many companies that make products for organizing coupons, I would recommend experimenting with the least expensive methods available to you first so you can decide what works for you and your organization habits.

Notes: ALWAYS have your stores coupon policies in your binder so you can easily reference them and hand them to store clerks when necessary. It is entirely too sad that most associates don't know their own stores policies (managers included) but if you have the policy on hand, it will save you time at an already lengthy check out.

Aisle Options: This is simply a list of how I have my coupons organized "by aisle" or "product category" that is thorough and works well for me. I added in a few addition for categories I do not use but know are commonly used by others.