It's All About: Coupon Organization

There are many coupon organizational systems and you might try several until you find the right one. I changed/edited my coupon system several times until I settled on one. It may take you an hour or so to organize your coupons and set up a system, but once you have a system in place you will save so much time and reap the rewards in savings.

Because of the coupon system that is personally good for me, I do not cut out my coupons but keep them in expandable files. I use one expandable file for each source. I date the flyers as they come in every Sunday. Be careful where you put the date on the front cover or else you may just cut off the date when cutting out a coupon– but not to worry -- if this happens, grab your reading glasses and look for the date in very, very small print on the spine of each flyer.

Even if you use the system above, there will always be extra loose coupons from the internet or coupons that you did not use at the store that day because the store may have been out of the product or maybe you decided to wait for a better deal. I tried labeling separate envelopes but this was too cumbersome. Dell, a friend of mine gave me a cute clutch expandable file system. It looks like a purse. Staples has some really colorful ones also. I keep a small pair of scissors, store reward cards, pen and a small calculator in the front pocket. I keep another small expandable file for drug stores, reward cards, store coupons, discount cards and gift certificates -- i.e. Bath & Body, Victoria Secrets, Belks, Bed, Bath & Beyond, etc. Now they are all together instead of all over the house. Some labels you may want to use are below. I even use a label “First Isle Harris Teeter” because I know every item on that isle and it is easier for me.

· Beverages
· Canned Goods
· Cereal/Breakfast Items
· Cleaning Supplies
· Coffee/Tea
· Condiments
· Dairy Items
· Diapers/Wipes
· Food Storage and Trash Bags
· Frozen Foods
· Health & Beauty
· International Foods
· Laundry Supplies
· Meat
· Miscellaneous Baby/Kids
· Miscellaneous Household (ex: batteries, light bulbs)
· Paper Products (ex: toilet paper, paper towels)
· Prepared Dinners (non-frozen)
· Staples (ex: sugar, rice, etc.)Snacks/Sweets

I am always looking for new ideas and suggestions. If you have any, please share them.