Picking a Coupon Storage Method

Couponing is a helpful way to save money. It can help you build and maintain your stock pile and if done right can keep your grocery bill down. But, and this is a big BUT, don't think it's going to be anything like the show Extreme Couponing. That show is about people who spend hours a day finding their coupons, planning their sales, buying coupons online and some of the time even doing things that are barred by the store's coupon policy. When you see them go through the line with 20+ coupons for the same item that all get doubled, that's not real. Most stores will only double a small number of the same coupon. The stores in my area will only double 4 of the same coupon and will only accept 10 of the same coupon.

The first step to couponing is come up with a storage system that works for you. There are many different options and methods. You'll want to pick one that works for you because picking the system that right for you will help you stick with it. Three of the most widely used methods are the index card holder, 3-ring binder, file folders, or you can purchase a small expandable file folder specifically designed for coupons. You can find one pretty inexpensively on Amazon. 

The index card holder is pretty simple, you can buy everything you need pretty inexpensively. You'll need a plastic index card holder or other small box and dividers that can be labeled. The dividers can be index cards, specially bought dividers, or even pieces of cardboard sitting in your recycling. With this method the coupons are usually lose or clipped together with a paper clip. In order to find them you'll have to thumb through the coupons in that section. This system is basically the homemade version of a store bought coupon organizer or coupon expandable file folder.

The file folder system use manila file folders that can then be separated even further with the hanging file folders. Those that use this method usually store all of their folders in something like a file tote. Usually with this system you do not cut the coupons out and you organize them by the date that the insert came out. You can read more about this system and how it works by going to Frugal Living NW. This system always seemed like a waste to me, you can't see the coupons and you have to rely on someone else telling you about the deals. Also, you can't bring the coupons to the store with you, which can cost you deals, because some of my best buys  were from using coupons on the clearance rack items or items that are reduced to clear.

The system I use is the 3-ring binder. Like the other two it's pretty easy to set up. Get a 3-ring binder, dividers and some inserts. For inserts I use baseball card holders and recently found some inserts specifically made for coupons. These have multiple size pockets that perfectly fit most coupons that are available in the paper. You can easily carry this into the store, it sits nicely in the front basket and all of the coupons you have are at your finger tips.

The next step to getting started with couponing is finding coupons. If you don't already subscribe to the Sunday newspaper you don't have to sign up. Couponing is not for everyone and the goal of it is to save money. So, start off with internet coupons you can find them at Smartsource.com, coupons.com, redplumb.com, the Betty Crocker website and so many more. There are times I even type a product name followed by the word coupon into Google to see if there is one available. You can find some great blogs that way.

One piece of advice, only clip the coupons you will use. Clipping every coupon in the paper or from a website, is a waste of time and if you're printing them out, a waste of your ink and paper.  There are always items that you won't use, like cat litter, if you don't have a cat what good is a cat litter coupon.

I hope this helped give you ideas and inspire you. Tomorrow I'll do a post of some basic do's and don'ts of couponing.