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I'm am sooooooo hesitant to share this, however I couldn't think of an easier way to share my new coupon organizer other than to do a video. So, here goes! You can also check out the other methods of coupon organization that I've tried here and here (that second organizer didn't survive very long . . . hopefully this new one does better!) If you can't see the video, go HERE.
Disclaimer: I am not a videographer. Watching this video (especially in the middle!) may make you a little dizzy. (It did me, anyways.) 🙂
I checked my receipts this morning and the cost of the binder was $11.79 at Walmart, the file folders in the middle were $2.99 for five (that included ten pockets), and I paid $3.79 for 50 transparent covers (in the back of the book.) I'd love to hear any suggestions on organizing your coupons, or what other methods you use!
New to couponing? Start HERE, and come join the Passionate Penny Pincher Facebook page to keep up with all the deals!
I love my binder.. I would be lost without it . I also use the baseball card holders for my coupons. I organize alphabetically. I found the baseball sheets at wal-mart (on sparkman drive if you live in north alabama area) but not where you would think they are…. I found them up front by the collectors cards. I looked in toys, stationary, school supplies, ect. and one of my kiddies said what about here… bingo! There they were a little hidden, in a box on the shelf. I can’t remember how many in a pack (I wanna say 5 or 6) and they were 4.99.
Thank you Laurie for all you do ! Love your site.. it helps our family so much!
Thanks Brooks! I looked in that area at my store and no luck (they had something if you bought the binder with it, but the sheets were pretty flimsy, and I didn’t need the binder!) I’ve heard several people say they found them, so I need to go look again. Thanks for the tip!
Thanks for posting this! My binder looks almost exactly like yours except I bought 2 packs of those dividers and I use them to divide “sections of coupons”. Like one category is “snacks and beverages”. So, that tab is labeled. Then, after that come a couple sheets of baseball card holders (I actually managed to find some that I stole from my husbands 25 yr old baseball card collection lol where each pocket held 2 cards. So, it is a 5 pocket page. I love it cause I HATE folding coupons. And I group mine in each pocket. Like all chips go in one, all crackers go in one, etc.Then, I use the little pocket in the front of the divider for if I have multiples of a coupon. I just paperclip them together and stick them in there. (Wow, this would be a lot easier to show with a video. LOL) I also use the full sheet sleeves too for various things including the few sheets of coupons that I have where I don’t need the things, but sometimes they have a massive sale and I could donate them, but I am not gonna bother cutting them out unless I absolutely have to. (I just shove them all into a couple sleeves, and put them in the back.) I love the idea of the couple pencil holders in the front! Thanks!
Thanks Jennifer! I love the idea of now having to fold the coupons – I need to look for those in a vintage store it sounds like! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing!
Can you list your coupon categories? I’m trying to get organized, but not sure if more or less categories are better. Just wondering how you have your coupons divided up in your binder. Thanks!
Hi Brandi! I really don’t have categories (I should!) I just have it listed by the aisle of the store – so the first section is fruit, peanut butter, jelly and bread; next is cereals & breakfast foods; next is baking products and sauces . . . and then I just in my head go through the store. I think it would probably do a little better if I did have more categories, but right now this is working for me!
When I tried the filing system I did have more categories – you can check that out over here https://passionatepennypincher.com/?p=3726
Here are the categories I used then – Bakery, Bread, Deli, Produce, Orange Juice
Cereal, Breakfast Snacks, Granola Bars, Syrup
Baking Supplies
Canned Fruits and Juices
Pasta, Spaghetti Sauce, Tomatoes, Vegetables
Snacks (i.e. cookies, snack packs, cheezits, goldfish)
Diapers, wipes
Meats (i.e. hot dogs, bacon, lunch meat)
Paper Products
Cleaning Products, Laundry and Dishwasher Detergents
Stationary Items (i.e. pens and pencils, back to school, cards, wrapping paper)
Dairy (Milk, Cheese, Eggs, Yogurt, Butter, Margarine)
Nuts, Popcorn, Chips, Soda
Frozen Foods
Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Floss
Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Spray, Deodorant, Feminine Products
Medicine
Household Items (batteries, lightbulbs, etc.)
Store coupons (i.e. $5/$50 competitor coupons, smaller pamphlets that I don’t want to clip, etc.)
Hope that helps!
That gives me something to start with. Thanks so much for sharing!
I think I am going to try your way I can’t seem to keep organized with the system I am using.Thanks for the video!!
It definitely helps Amanda, but still a lot to keep up with! Let me know if it works for you 🙂
Hi Laurie! Thanks for the video on how you organize your coupons! I have been looking for a new bigger way to organize mine, as I have outgrown my current system. I like your idea of having everything with you so that all you need to do is grab it and go! I like the use of currency pages instead of baseball inserts. You can get either on Amazon for a decent price. Or if you have Swagbucks to use, you can get FREE.
Here is how I how I currently organize my coupons, I think it is a good system for a beginner or someone who doesn’t plan on clipping a large amount of coupons. http://wp.me/P1vrlT-5k I currently use a scrapbook album where you can add more pages. It is nice in that it is portable and you can see whats in side. Hope this helps some people!!
What a great way to organize them Katie – thanks so much for sharing! I really do like having all of mine with me – it takes forever to keep up but seems to really be working! 🙂
Laurie do you keep your binder with you at all times then? Right now mine is small enough I can keep it in my purse. I worry if I do a binder I won’t keep it with me all the time, then might not have it with me when I run into a store.
Now that most stores are putting summer gear on clearance, schools supplies will be coming out soon. Then I can get a deal on the binder and inserts, yea!
I usually keep my binder in the car – so it’s pretty easy to grab if I know I need it to take to he store. I definitely like having everything with me, but it is a LOT to take! 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing. You did a great job on the video by the way. 🙂 I am new to couponing and have been using small envelopes with the categories written on each one. I have them organized in order of the layout of my favorite Kroger, although I do use them at other places. I typed a list, which was extremely long, then deleted and added every time I needed to. Then I would print the list out to compare to the ads. That was using a lot of paper and ink. I am not a good organizer. I am looking forward to using your method. I love the idea of the baseball cards sheets as well as the sheet protectors. Also, the pencil cases are great too. Thanks for all you do. Your work is greatly appreciated. Kellye
Thanks Kellye! I’d love to find larger plastic protectors that would hold coupons a little bigger than the baseball card holders, but right now this is working for me. And, like you I’m no organizer (in fact I need to spend a little time with my coupon organizer this weekend tidying it up!) Hopefully this will work for you!
Thanks for the helpful tips! I can’t wait to set up my binder now 🙂
Thanks so much for the great video, I have been struggling to keep my binder organized and to develop a system that works for me. I will definitely use some of your tips.
So glad it was helpful Tia!
Great job, as always Laurie!! This is very similar to the method I use – binder and baseball card holders. I like the sections you have for restaurant and retail store coupons – will give that a try! Thanks for inspiring us and helping our family save money!
Great job on the video!!! Thank you for sharing in such detail. I have a binder and dividers, but have been strugling recently with it and some of the ideas you shared seem to be just what I needed to solve some of my problems!
Thank you so much for sharing this video! This was my first visit to your site, followed a link from CouponingtoDisney, and now I’m off to get stuff for my own couponing binder. I have been researching and researching ideas, but your video showed exactly what I was looking for!
I’m so glad it helped Renee! Thanks so much for stopping by (I love Kristin’s site!) . . . good luck with your new binder!
I just purchased a cheap three-ring PHOTO ALBUM for my coupons. It came with 300 spaces for my coupons and I organized them by catagories. I can purchase more inserts, which I will need. The larger (photo) compartments make it easy to file and remove all those coupons. Only seems logical to me, but I’ve not seen anyone mention it yet? Wonder if there is down side to using an album? :-/ Cost me $14.99.
Hi Danielle! I think that’s a great idea – in fact I tried to find those kind of sleeves at Hobby Lobby in the scrapbook area and couldn’t. But I would think it would work really well!
Great job on the video Laurie. My binder is almost the same. I have been looking for the zip up binders on sale for some time now. Usually when school starts, they have tons on sale. The only thing I have different from your binder is I have each caterory seperated with a tab sheet. That helps when I am in the store, looking for say toothpaste. But is still takes time, to cut, seperate, and insert the coupons into the baseball card slots. But I know I save money every week. Love your website!! Keep up the great job!
I may have to add the dividers as I go Lisa – right now it’s not so bad but I know I’ll have lots more coupons to add! I just started thinking – I may try to sort mine by when the expire on each page, to make it easier to get rid of some . . . I’m still figuring this binder thing out! 🙂
I have been VERY blessed to have lots of inserts every week. (neighbors, family, coworkers, etc) Some weeks I only have my one personal paper’s inserts and some weeks I have as many as 20! They can get so out of hand and I cannot clip that much! What I have ended up doing is kind of odd- but it works for me! I had a large-ish basket (it does fit in the front of the buggy) and I clip together same type inserts. I mean, I have one clip for 3/6/11 SS and another for 3/6/11 RP. I type up a brief list of what is in the insert and that is on the front. That way, since I get different regional inserts, I will know what is in mine! I usually try not to shop off-list. If I had a binder i would be saving myself into the poor house! lol 🙂 This works for me 🙂
Great idea! I am going to look for a binder like that. I just file the whole inserts by date like you did before. I found I was cutting coupons and not using them with the binder method. But, you are right..it takes a chunk of time when you want to make your shopping list. I have to research first, then cut, then organize by store. I find that I don’t really have a place for all the loose coupons I get or the ones I print, so I have ended up using the binder in conjunction with the insert method. My kiddos are so little still and all nap from 1-3 everyday. I know I will probably have to find another method like you have once they start participating in lots of activities. Also, when you have the binder with coupons filed by product type you can take advantage of unadvertised deals or deals not posted on the internet. Such as clearance items that are particular to that store. I know I am missing out on some great deals by not having a binder with all my coupons with me every time I shop. Oh well…I am doing what I can at the moment having 3 children 3 and under! I figure even if I can save a few extra dollars, then I am doing good. Thank you for sharing all your wisdom! It really does help.
Laurie,
As a new reader, I want to say THANK YOU!! Many couponing websites are VERY overwhelming but yours is not….that is very much appreciated!
The video was great! I do not have a binder as I use a filing system that has become a little fustrating to deal with, so I’m switching over to your great ideas!
I did my first CVS trip this weekend because of YOU! The break down of the transactions makes the whole process run very smoothly.
So, again…THANK YOU!!
Yayyyyyyy Shanele – I’m so glad CVS worked for you! 🙂 (The drug stores can be so fun but are a little nuts to figure out!) Thanks so much for reading!
I use this method as well (have the exact same binder, even). I combine it with a shallow reusale shopping bag that I got for free when my Publix first opened. It fits perfectly and keeps everything together. (I like to think the cashers appreciate my loyalty too, since it has the year the store opened printed on it, but might be just wishful thinking 🙂 )
Anyway thanks for the video! You did a fantastic jo!
Becca – I’m pretty sure I have the exact same bag (with a little pocket on the front?) When out store opened I was there at 7:00 AM to get the bag and the $20 worth of free food that came with it! I keep my binder inside of it too 🙂
Thanks Laurie! I am just starting out couponing and i was already feeling overwhelmed with organization.
This has really helped. THANKS A TON 😀 !!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THIS SITE!
Thanks so much Amanda!!! 🙂
Laurie,
Thank you for posting this. Ever since I asked you a couple weeks ago about how you recommend organizing coupons and if you had a specific organizing system I’ve been looking around too. I ended up with the CouponPro and it’s similar to what you put together. I am tailoring it a bit and what you do is exactly what I was thinking! I love the single sheets for the larger things! Thanks for posting the initial discussion and for this video. It’s helping me tons!
Laurie,
I love it that you shared with us! I think your organizer *ROCKS*! I have a similar system, but it’s 2 separate pieces- a small accordian file (my second- the paper one got beat up during month 1 of my couponing and this new one is plasticy) and an old photo album with sticky note tabs denoting the part of the store in a similar order to yours. I just have to say that the binder system is the way to go. My photo book was free, which is ideal, but the binder is so much easier to keep organized.
I think I want a 5 Star like yours, but I will have to coupon for it 🙂 Right now both my coupon/flier items and my slicer/cutter tool are in one of those fun basket-totes I just got for ~$20. (!)
Love the video!!!!
Great job, Laurie! Your binder system is similar to the way I’ve been doing it from the start. I splurged on my binder and bought one with a long strap that I can carry like a purse which is great when I’m toting my purse and all those reusable bags in and out of the store. I agree with the person who wrote that the divider tabs are very helpful–I’d be lost without mine!
Oh and the baseball card sheets in Walmart are generally located wherever they keep the baseball cards but, IMHO, the Walmart ones aren’t very good quality and don’t hold up as well. I ordered some from ebay that are MUCH sturdier and easier to use so you might want to check into that after awhile.
Thanks so much for sharing and for all that you do to help you fellow thrifty sisters! And btw, your little girl is an absolute DOLL! 🙂
Great video! Great ideas and very economically! I love my binder and use it for each shopping trip. I also have dividers labled with, regfrigerated food, frozen food, meats, pasta, personal, etc so that I can locate my coupons faster. Helpful we you find something on clearance etc.
You did an excellent job!!!!
I tried the binder method, but it didn’t work for me, though yours looks cooler than mine was). I found it took too much trouble getting the coupons into the pockets (so Laurie, if you want more free just holler I’m in Madison). What I just did was make a plastic canvas file box. It fits in the shopping cart seat, has apx 48 tab/slots, and I put the coupons in categories in them. I like physically touching them so it meets my needs. I made a cover that helps keep them from falling out in the car, and it goes underneath it in the buggy. It also fits perfectly in the Jo-Anne’s reusable bag for easy transport. So far it’s working for me. This is about the sixth method I’ve tried. I’m having fun. Good luck with your binder!
Great idea Judy!
Great video! Very helpful!! I may change to the binder method. Thanks!
Good Job& THANK YOU SOOO much for this video. I was spending an hour every week before heading out to the grocery store. I bought the binder and the baseball card holders but the larger pockets are a must!!! I will get those today!!!
Thanks again.
Laurie,
My system is pretty close to yours just tweaked for individual purposes. I’ve not had any trouble finding the baseball car inserts. At Wal-mart they are in an aisle just near the books by all the baseball cards and at target they are right by Aisle 1 near the produce or back in the back by the toys on an endcap.
I started couponing right in September so I was able to get my binder and supplies on clearance. I understand your hesitation to pay $11+.
I like those large slip folders. I’ll have to look for those and see if they would be useful to me.
Great video!
I looked EVERYwhere at Walmart (even in that aisle!) I thought surely Hobby Lobby would have them but they were out too. One of the ladies who came to our coupon class had a binder like this and I loved it, but she got it during the back-to-school sales for maybe $5-$8.
Oh my! I was going to do this myself!! You (again) have inspired me!!!
I think this is a great tool for those who are looking for organization tips. I completely agree no one organization system will work for everyone, so trial and error is the best way to find what works for you.
Great job!!! This is basically how I have been organizing my coupons to and have been working on a post for the past week and a half…trying to make sure it is as clear and understandable as possible! Don’t think I will be brave enough to do the video quite yet 🙂
The video was so stressful – my hubby got a kick out of looking at the other few I tried to do where I completely stumbled all over myself (it’s hard not to say ummmmmmm all the time!!!) The ONLY reason I did it was because it would be so hard to explain that with just typed words and photos! 🙂
Laurie! I loved your video! I especially loved how sweet little Reagan walked in on the last part of it! She is adorable! Great job!
She’s a mess – she was so good to be quiet, but then at the end surprised me by walking in – I’m just glad she let me get through it! 🙂
Thanks so much for this Laurie! I’m trying to figure out how to organize my coupons, because they’re making me a little nuts too! 🙂