This is a guide about organizing coupons. Clipping coupons can be worth the time, if you can find them when you need them. Here are some tips about keeping track of coupons.
Occasionally I have forgotten to use my coupons at the checkout only to remember them when I get home. I've started highlighting the items that I have coupons for with bright neon highlighters, that way they constantly jog my memory as I read my grocery list.
By mother of 5 from Canada
We only eat out as a family if we have a coupon to do so. But keeping track of all those dining out coupons can be difficult. I created a coupon file just for this purpose. Using a small check organizer file, I labeled sections with titles such as: fast food, ice cream, pizza, buffet, diners, etc. There is even a section for entertainment (bowling, mini golf, movies). We keep this file in our car along with my grocery coupon file so we remember to use them before their expiration dates.
By Deb from Manchester, PA
I purchased a small photo album that holds 3x5 inch photos. I use the clear double sided photo holders to place and organize my coupons so it's easy to thumb through at the store and goes easily in my purse.
By mom63 from Rochester, MI
On the rare occasions we eat out, I usually only remember to look for restaurant coupons when we are leaving. Since the coupons were not readily accessible, we failed to take advantage of them and let the coupons expire.
To organize them and jog my memory, I cut 2 strips from a clear plastic sheet protector. The bottom already has three sides enclosed, so I hung it with thumb tacks to the inside of a cabinet door and placed the coupons inside. The other strip needed the bottom taped, and then it was ready to hang. As a bonus, my family can also find coupons and save money as well.
By Dee from TX
I have a vinyl coupon sorter that is divided into categories (Grocery, Target, etc. and family members names and receipts awaiting reimbursement or rebates) Each time I purchase an item, I place the receipt in the corresponding file. Be sure to get into the regular habit of doing this or your file will cause you more aggravation than it is worth!
When I need to make a return or request a price adjustment the
receipt is available. About once a month, I empty the receipts in an envelope and save for about a month before shredding. Occasionally, I'll get to the grocery store without my coupons. When I get home, I match up my coupons with the receipt and have them redeemed the next time I am at the store.
I recently had a $20 price adjustment made on an I-POD Shuffle I had purchased for my daughters birthday. I took the receipt to the customer service area and asked for the adjustment. It netted me $20. YEA!
At Christmas I sort gift receipts by families and keep the file with me as we celebrate in the event someone needs to make an exchange or return. I also tape receipts to the lid of the gift box when shipping items to friends and family out of state.
Organization is the key to saving money!
By Diana from Prospect, KY
I use a small tackle box for my coupons. It has a sturdy latch and handle.
Deb
This tip is for organizing store rainchecks and coupons. I try to get rainchecks each time I visit the grocery store, so I may purchase these out of stock products at my convenience, and maybe I have also found coupons by then.
Sometimes the items on sale for this week are not what I purchase. So I get out my rainchecks, and I purchase what used to be on sale. If you get good at it sometimes you can purchase all your groceries with rainchecks and some coupons to save even more.
I always pick up instore coupons off the shelf, a couple each visit even if I'm not going to buy them that day. I choose the coupons for products I consistently buy or might buy when they are on sale for a good price. Especially if they don't expire for 6-12 months or more.
Doing this I have accumulated a large supply of coupons and rainchecks, and have had to come up with a different system to organize them. I had a photo album I wasn't using, the one that has plastic inserts that hold four pictures per side (eight pictures per insert).
I put my rainchecks in the front couple of pages, and the coupons in
alphabetically after that. But you can put them in the album by aisle or any way that is convenient for you. These photo albums are too big to bring with you so one has to plan ahead of time before they shop, which means making a grocery list and referring to the flyers for the sales. Hope this system will help someone else.
By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX
I am trying to save money on groceries by using coupons. I know to save coupons from the Sunday paper, but does anyone have any suggestions for other places to look or of any websites that have some?
I'd also like to find more information on the web about knowing when to use coupons and the best ways to keep them organized.
Thanks,
Amy in Texas
By poncanative
12/11/2009
You can get an abundant supple of coupons that are better than the ones in the newspaper and most web sites send me a message if interested.
I'm starting to become an avid coupon clipper. I've joined a coupon train and just purchased 150+ coupons on eBay for less than 6.00. Now, I'd love to learn a good, effective way to store/sort them in like a binder or something. Anyone have any ideas/suggestions? I'm just trying to save some money and get the most out of my coupons! Thanks.
By Jaci from Missouri
By jeantdd
01/19/2012
I like all the ideas especially the one using the CD holder. Thus far my "system" consists of two recycled envelopes, the size you get a large greeting card in, preferably coloured. I use two envelopes, one for grocery coupons and one for restaurant coupons. I keep them in the door storage slot in my car.
Before I go into the grocery store I check the envelope. That's the time to edit the outdated ones. I may take coupons out and put them in my wallet or I may take the envelope in. I am a shift worker and like to grab a breakfast sandwich on the way home. I always have my coupons with me.
Here are some common household items you can use to help keep your coupons organized.
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