How do you organize your coupons? I used to use a cheapo accordion envelope system from the dollar store but they quickly broke. Then I moved on to better made check filing accordion style envelopes. But i needed 3-4 to hold all my coupons, and i would spend forever in store aisles flipping through all the coupons in each category. DH would be bored and I would be frustrated, I was forever forgetting the one envelope i needed. I felt rushed, and stressed out in stores.
I cant remember exactly where but i started seeing coupon binders on the Internet. Hmm interesting idea. But it would be expensive to purchase, and time consuming to keep up. My old way I just clipped the coupons and jammed them in the slots, no filing needed. But after being continuously frustrated by my 'quick' method, I decided to give it a shot.
I bought a zippered 3 ring binder, and two packs of baseball card protectors from Target. I've been using this system for a month, and let me tell you its amazing. It does take time to file the coupon but you can see at a glance what coupons are available for each category. Its quick to flip through, and easy to manage. In most shopping carts the binder props nicely in the child's basket. This allows for easy flippage, and last minute deals. Not to mention its quite a conversation starter, a clerk at Walgreen's was so excited about the idea that she kept talking to me the whole time i was there. She even asked to ring me up personally. :) I let her of course!
The front pocket of the binder is a great place to save my receipts, easy saver books, and in store coupons. Now all my Walgreen's receipts, and register rewards are in one place. I also keep the current ad of rite aid ad and walgreens ad if I have it (doesn't come to us in the mail, we pick it up from the store) in the front for quick deal comparisons. Need bug spray? Lets see what store is cheaper.
Coupons that have not yet been filed go in a zippered pouch. I thought it was a hole punched pouch when i bought it, but I was wrong. Very wrong. :) It works for now but I would still like one with holes. I LOVE having a place to store the coupons, I generally clip on Sunday/Monday and file another day. Often I file while watching TV. I used to use the plastic bag from the paper, I always had to tell DH not to throw out the little bits of paper gold. Now they are kept safe and sound.
It may sound like I love this system a little too much, but let me tell you something that keeps me organized, on track, and saves me money? Now that awesome!
Oh humble binder how I adore thee. :) Hmm little over the crazy hedge? I think so!
