How to Organize a Coupon Binder: Getting Started

Hi Smart Shoppers!

You might have known that couponers are saving a lot of money, but did you know that shoppers have saved more than a billion dollars within a single year in 2017 in savings with coupons? (NCH Marketing Services via Business Wire)

That's a lot of savings!

Let me share a short story about my earliest couponing days.

When I started couponing, there were several times when I was standing in line at the checkout counter - and I felt deflated because I didn't bring a coupon that I ended up needing. Has that ever happened to you?

The key thing that helped me was creating a coupon binder. I actually tried creating the binder a few different ways, and today I'll share with you what I found worked best.

I'd love to hear what kind of coupon binder you are keeping, so let me know!

Ready for some awesome tips for creating (or updating) your coupon binder?

Let's get started!

Keeping It Simple - Coupon Binder Basics

If you are just starting out with couponing, I'd recommend starting with a simple coupon binder first. As you go through the list of tips below - keep in mind that you do not have to have every single section of your binder filled out on day one.

It is a good idea to create the binder sections ahead of time. Then when you need them, they are going to be there and you can put the right coupons and other items in the right place.

Before I get into each section of the coupon binder, there's one more thing. A good coupon binder will have a few things in addition to your coupons.

You'll store all essentials like weekly ads, store coupon policies, notepads, and anything else you may need. Just make sure that you guard it with your life because, trust me, once you experience a proper shopping trip, you won't want to leave home without it.

Soon you'll feel like you're shopping with coupon superpowers.

What Materials Do I Need to Create My Coupon Binder?

A coupon binder is your savings arsenal. What you put into it makes the difference between walking out of the store with your budget intact or spending more than expected.

Most of the materials you will need to create your coupon binder can be purchased at any Walmart, Target, or Dollar Store. You can head over to the craft or school supply section to get most of it. You will need:

• 3 ring binder
• Clear plastic baseball card holders (9 pockets to a page)
• Multicolored tab dividers for your 3 ring binder
• Scissors
• Small calulator
• Store coupon policies

What Types of Coupons Should I Include?

There are varying types of coupons that you can use to get savings. Going through these types of coupons will help to ensure your coupon binder is not missing any important coupons.

1. Manufacturers coupons from Sunday coupon inserts
2. Printable coupons
3. Store coupons
4. Catalinas

Where Can I Find Store Policies on Coupons?

Knowing your store's coupon policy is crucial to maximize your savings and avoid headaches at the register. You can find policies in the following places:

• Online - Visit your store's website to review and print the store policy.
• Customer service desk - ask a store member for a copy of the coupon policy.

How to Organize a Coupon Binder?

Organizing your first coupon binder is easy. There are actually several different methods to choose from depending on where you are in your journey. However, we will be going over the most common method in this article.

So go ahead and grab some scissors, clear some space on your kitchenette, and let's dig in.

The Binder Method

The binder method was created to give you all of the things you would need regardless of the size of your grocery trip while keeping things organized and all in one place.

Divide Your Coupon Binder Into Sections

The first thing you will want to do is to grab some dividers to separate your coupons into different shopping aisle categories:

• Frozen foods
• Dairy
• Household
• Health & beauty
• Pets
• Pantry

Organize and Protect Your Coupons

Now is the fun part! Remember the clear plastic baseball card holders that we mentioned above? These handy sheets allow you to:

1. Organize your coupons
2. Keep your coupons in tip-top shape
3. View your coupons easily

Final Coupon Binder Organization Tips

Now that you have learned about a coupon binder and how to organize one, I want to leave you with a few extra tips to help you on your way.

• Using a binder with a handle or strap gives you more flexibility in carrying it around
• Outside pockets for extra storage are helpful
• Peruse your coupons weekly and purge any that have expired

Conclusion

Coupon organization is one of the best skills you can have when it comes to the world of couponing. It saves you time, money, and hassles. It will also prevent you from pulling out your hair in the grocery aisles! Using the tips you learned today, you will be well on your way to being a coupon extraordinaire.

Have you ever wondered if you could save even more time and money by having coupon inserts delivered to you?

More than 10,000+ shoppers have benefited from a cost effective subscription to Sunday Coupon Inserts. So head on over and get to Sunday Coupon Inserts and get your weekly subscription today. Happy shopping!