So here's my disclaimer:
This is just my way of organizing my coupons. It is not perfect. It will not work for everyone. It works darn well for me, though.
When I first started saving coupons, I had this folder:
I got it at the Container Store. It has 13 pockets and was perfect for when I was starting out. I divided my coupons into basic categories and took it with me everywhere I went. This organizer and I were BFFs for about 6 months. Then suddenly, abruptly, I hated it.The pockets were stuffed. It took me forever to get through my "Health and Beauty" section to find a Colgate coupon I knew I had. It was time to move on.
The system I moved into is so incredibly low tech, but it works for me. Here's a little introduction to my coupon basket...
It's very literally, an old basket (it has one handle- the other one broke) with envelopes and homemade dividers in it. Sometimes I want to upgrade to a slick box with fancy dividers and cute designs, but let's be honest- that takes time and effort. So, not now.
It's divided into basic categories (the pink dividers) with subcategories (little white envelopes). You'll notice that they ARE NOT in alpha order or any order, honestly. That's too much pressure for me:
Groceries:Baking/Ingredients
Soup
Cereal
Dressings/Oil
Meat/Meatless
Mexican/Asian
Seasonings
Beverages
Fruits/Veggies
Condiments
Pasta/Sauce
Convenience Food
Side Dishes
Bread
Snacks:
Gum/ Candy
Cookies/Fruit snacks
Nuts/Raisins/Dried Fruit
Chips
Snack Bars
Dairy:
Milk
Cheese
Cottage Cheese/Sour Cream
Yogurt
OJ
Pudding
Ice Cream/Whipped Cream
Beauty:
(Dude- this term is used LOOSELY these days... I'm an at home Mom w/ LITTLE kids)
Soup
Cereal
Dressings/Oil
Meat/Meatless
Mexican/Asian
Seasonings
Beverages
Fruits/Veggies
Condiments
Pasta/Sauce
Convenience Food
Side Dishes
Bread
Snacks:
Gum/ Candy
Cookies/Fruit snacks
Nuts/Raisins/Dried Fruit
Chips
Snack Bars
Dairy:
Milk
Cheese
Cottage Cheese/Sour Cream
Yogurt
OJ
Pudding
Ice Cream/Whipped Cream
Beauty:
(Dude- this term is used LOOSELY these days... I'm an at home Mom w/ LITTLE kids)
Lotion
Makeup
Hair
Nails
Shaving
Skincare
Misc
Health:
Teeth
Soap
Allergy
Cold/Cough
Pain Relief
Stomach
Deodorant
Sunblock/Bug spray
Vitamins
First Aid
Feminine
Baby:
Food
Diapers
Wipes
Baby Meds
Cleaning/Lotion/Etc
Household:
Cleaners
Batteries
Dish/Sponges
Laundry
Paper Stuff
Plastic Stuff
Misc.
Makeup
Hair
Nails
Shaving
Skincare
Misc
Health:
Teeth
Soap
Allergy
Cold/Cough
Pain Relief
Stomach
Deodorant
Sunblock/Bug spray
Vitamins
First Aid
Feminine
Baby:
Food
Diapers
Wipes
Baby Meds
Cleaning/Lotion/Etc
Household:
Cleaners
Batteries
Dish/Sponges
Laundry
Paper Stuff
Plastic Stuff
Misc.
I stick restaurant, clothing, and other random coupons in the back.
On the weekend, I go through the circulars, pull out whatever coupons I need, and put them in these very fancy monogrammed bags:
I bring the bags when I go shopping. Between the bags and my list I stick inside, I am able to get in and out very fast, and with very little temptation to buy junk I don't need (except last Thursday when Ty was freaking out- somehow, a bag of chips hopped in m cart. I HATE when that happens!)
Once a month, I clean out expired coupons from my basket.
Gotta be honest, setting this system up and maintaining it does take me some time- BUT, I think I save a lot of time and HELLO- MONEY- in the long run by staying on top of it.
So- thoughts? Questions?
Once a month, I clean out expired coupons from my basket.
Gotta be honest, setting this system up and maintaining it does take me some time- BUT, I think I save a lot of time and HELLO- MONEY- in the long run by staying on top of it.
So- thoughts? Questions?
Posts
9 comments:
I like it. But what if you're out and you see diapers on sale and you don't have your diaper coupons because you weren't expecting to buy them? Do you go back with coupons or not get them at all? I like to carry my coupons with me but often forget them at home and am in that same situation.
I know what you're saying and I'd be a big fat liar if I said this has NEVER happened to me-
but-
the thing is, my trips to the store are so planned. If diapers are on sale, I know.
The only real time I've had this happen is when I happen upon one of those rad clearace endcaps at Target or CVS and think, "DANG! That could have been free..." and I walk on by.
For me, I think the planning shopping trips saves me more money than the "Carry and Maybe" method.
That looks super organized compared to my system (if you can even call it that!). I gave up my accordian too because it was just too much of a hassle!
Sorry to hear about your little one! We were in the ER this weekend too with my little one! Injury not illness though!!!! Hope she's doing better!!!
Too bad we weren't there at the same time, Becky- we could have hung out. Is your buddy OK?
Thanks for the idea... I'm starting to hit critical mass and my coupons are hiding from me. I'll try this out.
Side note: I'm trying thegrocerygame.com - 2 week trial for $1. It might be worth it. It might not. :)
umm...I wanted the chips:) along w/ that too big bottle of soda that is hogging your refrig. space. You can stick that out in the additional snow you got today!!
When I lived on the East Coast I was looking on craigslist and there was a guy in the services (not sure which one) that said where he was stationed (I can't remember where) that the stores there took expired coupons. I have sent him 3 batches. I am not sure if he is getting them or needs them because I haven't heard anything back but you might want to ask if you know someone in the military before you chuck them!
Thanks for sharing Katy.
Yeah.. I think when you have sooo many coupons it takes too much time to organize by alphabetizing or putting them in expiration order.
I like the way you have your organized though. :)
The basket is a great idea, I want to try it. My accordian file just isn't getting the job done anymore.
(I also got free shampoo and MADE fifty cents on colgate at walgreen's this week. WOO!)
Post a Comment