Couponing- organize your coupon stash

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The following is a guest post by Outside the Box Mom:

In the first week of this series, we discussed goals when using coupons. During the second week, we covered some common reasons why people don’t use coupons. In the third week, I told you how to overcome your #1 obstacle in using coupons. Last week, I overviewed the types of coupons available and where you can get them. Today’s post covers the ways you can organize your coupon stash.

The Binder Method

Supplies: baseball card sleeves, sturdy 3 ring notebook, tabbed divider sheets
Method: Each week you cut all coupons out of the inserts. Then, organize the coupons by item, grocery store aisle, expiration date or by product type.
Pros: have all coupons at your disposal, take advantage of unadvertised deals, can be expanded for more storage
Cons: heavy, time consuming to clip and file all coupons, time to remove all expired coupons, expensive supplies

The Insert Method

Supplies: hanging files, pen/marker, labels, container
Method: Sort by insert date into piles; within the hanging file, I try to group by SS/PG/RP/GM/etc.; write the date on the front in dark pen/marker so it’s easy to see
Pros: quickest, no clipping until you’re ready to use, use a coupon database to find coupons, easy to toss when they expire
Cons: won’t have an individual coupon clipped if you happen upon an unadvertised sale, hard to transport, have to familiarize yourself with the contents

The Coupon File Method

Supplies: cancelled check file (can find at Dollar Tree, etc.)
Method: clip all coupons and file by category
Pros: have all coupons at your disposal, take advantage of unadvertised deals, inexpensive to start
Cons: limited storage space, time to clip and file all coupons, time to remove all expired coupons

The Coupon Box Method

Supplies: clear shoe box, index cards, pen
Method: clip all coupons and file by category
Pros: have all coupons at your disposal, take advantage of unadvertised deals, inexpensive to start
Cons: time to clip and file all coupons, time to remove all expired coupons, bulky/heavy

How do you decide which method is best for you? What’s most important to you?
*ability to take advantage of every deal
*quick to start and maintain
*filed by category, date, etc.
*how many inserts do you get
Review the methods above and customize it for your needs.

How do you organize your coupons? This is an interactive series, which will feature answers to your questions. So, ask away!

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– Outside The Box Mom features quick, easy, time-saving tips and solutions to help busy, working moms find balance, easy meals, deals, and time for moms. Follow her on Twitter.