When grocery shopping these days, it is fairly easy to spot a true couponer. Couponing in the past used to mean a simple white envelope with a few coupons to pick from. With shorter expiration dates, more products, and varied store policies couponing in the 21st century looks very different. I have a multitude of friends who are couponers and we all use our own version of organization. The way I organize my coupons has been the same for about three years. My husband got me a new flashier coupon box for Christmas. My last one literally fell apart after two years.
I like filing my coupons and organize them in a way that works best with the way I think. I keep my first pocket open for coupons I will use for that shopping trip, the rest of the file pockets are sorted by order of grocery store aisle. I find that Health and Beauty gets loaded with coupons, so I have this now in two categories with make up and medicines sorted out. It can be embarrassing fumbling through a pile of coupons in an aisle so try not to have a huge stack to sort through. I also have added a file pocket just for my CVS stuff, which includes ECB and also any coupons that magic coupon machine prints out for me.
One more change I have made in the past year is to include a file pocket just for my Proctor and Gamble inserts. I tired of cutting the same coupons from them each month and so now I keep those inserts whole and use my scissors in the store when I need to clip something from them.
If I have additional inserts from a family member, I usually sort through them and clip the coupons I know that I will absolutely use. I then keep the rest of the inserts whole with dates so I can pull from that stack before a big shopping trip. Sounds like too much work, once it is set up then your maintenance is between 10-30 minutes a week. If I am doing a big shopping trip with coupons for groceries then that takes me an additional half an hour a week to get my list and coupons organized. The savings are worth the time. If you are new to couponing or want to learn more, please ask!
I store mine similar to how you do, only my file folder is smaller, fits in my purse. I usually put the coupons that I have already earmarked for that shopping trip in my wallet with my debit card so even if the kids (and Hubby) are driving my crazy I have the coupons ready to go.
ReplyDeleteThe first time Hubby saw me looking for a coupon in my file folder while shopping he told me I had an addiction. At least it is an addict to coupons and saving money instead of spending. ;-)
My husband says I am no fun to shop with any more, but does not complain about saved money! Thanks for the comment!
DeleteGreat organizing tips for my coupons!! Thanks for linking up to Strut Your Stuff Saturday! We would love to have you back next Saturday to share more great ideas! -The Sisters
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