If you binder coupon......

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

I too use a binder that zips shut and sort it by sections in the grocery store (Dairy, Cleaning, Paper Products, etc.). I started out using baseball card inserts, but they were too small to hold larger coupons. I switched to using photo inserts. I also color coded each store section in the binder. Makes it easier to find that section in the binder. It really works great for me.

Barb, where did you get the photo inserts from. I went to Office Depot and they were $4.29 for 10 sheets (photo inserts). Where did you get them from? Roughly how many did you get?

The color pages in you inserts. Are those card stock? How hard was it to get the paper in there?

Also, do you color code categories?


I bought full sheet sleeves that I was going to sew into four sections, but I think I like your way better.

 

[Mouseless2Long]

I got the zippered binder and the photo pages at Walmart,and I had the colored card stock already at home. Don't remember how many sheets I bought originally, but I use about 40 sheets right now. I just cut the card stock down to fit the inserts on the photo pages. I do color code the major store categories and then have separate section within those categories. For example, I have 3 photo sheets for "Cleaning" and each section on each page has it's own coupons. One for Bathroom Cleaners, one Window Cleaner/Furniture Polish, one for Surface Cleaners/Wipes, one for Dish Soap, and one for Misc. I've added a few categories since I started (such as Cleaning-Misc) and haven't gotten around to making labels yet, so I've handwritten it in. These categories work for me but you may find different categories work for you. I do only use one side of the sheet so that I don't have to keep twisting it around to see the back of the sheets while the binder is in the cart.

I match coupons up with my list before I go to the store, but always take the binder in with me in case I need a coupon while I'm in there. It fits sideways perfectly in the cart, and if I need a coupon, I can easily unzip the binder and fan quickly through the categories to find the coupon I need.

I have to admit, I have had people stop and ask about it. One more tip--put your name and address inside somewhere. One time, I set the binder on top of the car before I left my house, drove away and forgot it was there. A few days later, someone from another street over knocked on my door with my binder. Apparently it had fallen off the top of my car. I didn't have my name in it then, but I had a coupon in there with my name on it so they used it to look me up on the internet. I was flabbergasted that someone would actually take the time and effort to find me and return it. After that, I put my name and address inside in case I ever did that again--and I'm betting I will!

 

[LaDonna]

I've been thinking about doing the binder, I've never tried it, just not sure if I'd like it, usually my 3 yr old has to sit in the sit where you would put the binder he doesn't do good roaming around the store and I take my coupons in every store I go to and is just always seemed easier throwing the coupon "purses" in my large purse, BUT I'ven now have grown to 4 of those "purses" and it isn't as easy as it use to be

 

[mtblujeans]

I thought about the binder, but I honestly have more fear of drawing attention carrying that into a store. I know, I shouldn't care.

I've got 2 coupon accordian envelopes for mine. They are plastic (got them at WalMart) so they won't tear. I think each has 12-14 slots, so I have one for toiletry items and paper products ( it is with me for every CVS trip!) and one for grocery items. But I do have it all categorized.

I find them to be easy, not bulky and VERY organized. and they don't take up a ton of space.

This works for me, too.

 

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

O.K. went to two WM's and no photo inserts. I also checked Office Depot and Michaels. Any idea where else to try?

 

[momof2intx]

I got my inserts from Target over by the collecter card section...like pokemion cards and baseball cards. They were $9.99 per pack.

My binders are huge and busting open, I'm thinking of doing the filing method by date.

 

[rumrunnergirl]

.

 

[ELLE-TN]

I use the binder system for my coupons. I organize by Aisle. I lay my purse in the front of the buggy where a child would sit and lay my binder on that. I have an envelope taped to the inside front of the binder and as I walk up and down the aisle I pull Q's that I need to use and stick in the envelope so they are ready when I get to the checkout.

I have tried several different ways to organize and the Aisle system works best for me. I simply walk up and down the aisles and flip the pages as I shop. It actually cut down the time I spent in the store when I switched to this method.

 

[java]

I have to say today was the first day that my binder was annoying. I had to explain it to 4 different shoppers all resulting in one of them asking me to host a class!

But I saved $124 today in coupons and sales (spent $140- higher than usual but I had to stock up on a few items- like olive oil, reynolds wrap.....

 

[DawnM]

I don't have my binder together yet, but I did file the inserts and do the grocery shopping this weekend. I saved 75%. Now, I also did get some things without coupons in that total, so overall a pretty good haul.

Dawn

 

[NYCDiane]

I have to admit, I have had people stop and ask about it. One more tip--put your name and address inside somewhere. One time, I set the binder on top of the car before I left my house, drove away and forgot it was there. A few days later, someone from another street over knocked on my door with my binder. Apparently it had fallen off the top of my car. I didn't have my name in it then, but I had a coupon in there with my name on it so they used it to look me up on the internet. I was flabbergasted that someone would actually take the time and effort to find me and return it. After that, I put my name and address inside in case I ever did that again--and I'm betting I will!

Yes, yes, yes!!! I have my name, address, and phone number in mine: On the bottom front, inside cover, inside back cover. I couldn't imagine what I would do if I lost my coupon binder!! Yesterday, when my DD and I got back home from grocery shopping, I picked up my purse and my binder wasn't there. I FREAKED!!!!! I didn't remember taking it out of the cart and putting it in the car. I started almost yelling "where's my coupon binder?? Did you see where I put it?? OMG!! Did I leave it at the checkout?? WE HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE STOOOOOORRRRREEEEE!!!". Turns out, I had put it in the backseat behind a box so it wouldn't fall over. My daughter couldn't believe they way I was acting over a "silly coupon book". LOL!! I had to explain that, without that "silly coupon book" we wouldn't be able to do any of the extra stuff we get to do!