{"id":44577,"date":"2011-09-02T02:26:26","date_gmt":"2011-09-02T09:26:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bargainbeliever.com\/blog\/?page_id=44577"},"modified":"2019-04-04T20:23:44","modified_gmt":"2019-04-05T03:23:44","slug":"method-1-cutting-filing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bargainbeliever.com\/blog\/begin\/method-1-cutting-filing\/","title":{"rendered":"Organizing Coupons"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you don’t have a good way to organize your coupons, you’ll probably give up on using them to save money.\u00a0 A good system is critical to success!<\/p>\n

There isn’t only one way to set up a good coupon organization system.\u00a0 The bottom line is that you need a system that works for you.\u00a0 After trial and error over a couple decades, I am going to share what I’ve settled on, with some options along the way, to tailor it to your needs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

File Whole Coupon Inserts<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Eventually, you will have to cut the coupons you want, but you won’t cut them until you need them, if you use only this method.\u00a0 You’ll save time filing a bunch of extra coupons and cleaning out each expired coupon later.<\/p>\n

If you are able to leave your home with an organized plan, this method might be for you.\u00a0 The biggest drawback is that you won’t have your extra coupons with you for those surprise deals you stumble on or the item you forgot to add to your list.\u00a0 You might prefer the cutting method or a little of both if that bothers you.\u00a0 (There’s more on how I do it below.)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The method is simple.\u00a0 You write the date on the outside of each Sunday coupon insert, file the whole insert, and cut the coupons you want when you need them.<\/p>\n

The lists we provide tell you which date and insert to get each coupon from.\u00a0 (SS = Smart Source, RMN = Retail Me Not, P&G = Proctor & Gamble)\u00a0 The shopping list feature (click a green plus sign to start list) even allows you to organize your coupons by insert so you can cut everything you need out of it, at one time.<\/p>\n

If you want something that’s not on our lists, you can find your coupon by using our coupon database<\/a>.\u00a0 (It’s listed under “Coupons” on the menu bar, too.)<\/p>\n

If you get more than one set of coupons, I suggest creating a collated insert.\u00a0 I do that by preserving one outer cover and (front & back page still attached) to hold the other sheets inside.\u00a0 I rip apart each page and stick identical sheets of coupons on top of each other.\u00a0 When you need a coupon, you can cut more than one at at time.<\/p>\n

\"\"You may get lucky and find these in the dollar section or at a dollar store.
\nThey are large enough to fit whole inserts.
\nOr, an office supply store should have them.<\/em><\/p>\n

There is also a wide selection on Amazon here<\/a>.
\nMake sure you get one with enough dividers.
\nThis cheap one, above, only has 6, but you could use two.
\nI like 12 dividers.
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

You can use a file box, plastic tote-type box, file drawer, larger divided envelope style holder, or really any method of keeping your coupons organized.\u00a0 The exact way you do that is up to you.\u00a0 I prefer to have a rotating system and not waste a file folder for each date, though that is an option.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I have a file box that I’ve labeled with “Week 1” through “Week 12.”\u00a0 I have a sticky note on the inside of the box that tells me which date goes with which letter.\u00a0 Something like:
\nWeek 1 = 8\/14
\nWeek 2 = 8\/21
\nWeek 3 = 8\/29\u00a0 etc.<\/p>\n

* If you get behind or get confused, the date is printed very small on the binding of each coupon insert.<\/p>\n

Twelve slots have worked well for me.\u00a0 When I’m running out of slots, I flip through the oldest inserts and toss the expired ones, occasionally cutting one or two that haven’t expired.\u00a0 Clearing out the old ones frees up the slots for the next sets that are coming.\u00a0 I either cross off, the previous date (when I’m feeling lazy) or make a new sticky note for my key.<\/p>\n

Note:\u00a0 I still suggest you have an envelope or some other way to transport the coupons you end up taking to the store.\u00a0 You will also find that you will cut coupons you don’t end up using (out of stock, change mind, etc.).\u00a0 You might want to put them in the same envelope you carry to the store.\u00a0 Or, just be diligent about putting them back with the proper insert, so you can locate them the next time you want them.<\/p>\n

If you find you’re cutting a lot and need a separate coupon organization system (beyond just one envelope), see below.\u00a0 I cut a lot, but also keep the inserts filed, so I can go back and get anything I didn’t think I’d use, but end up discovering I want.<\/p>\n

Cut & File Coupons<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Before I file my whole Sunday coupon inserts, (as described above)\u00a0 I cut out these coupons:<\/p>\n