How I Organize My Coupons - Option 2

Sister K here -

Since Sister C shared her organization method with me when I started and again below, I thought I'd share what works for me since it's a bit different.  I'm a little over-organized sometimes, so this method may or may not work for you.  :)

I have three organization tools:  a file box, a coupon binder and a small expandable file:

After I cut my coupons for the week, I file the rest of the coupon inserts by date in the file box. ( I always buy 3 papers and I also get inserts from my mom and a co-worker.)  The only reason I do this is that I have found that sometimes I miss coupons that I later find referenced in coupon match ups and this way I can check back and not miss out on a great deal.

The coupons I cut out each week go in my binder.  I sort the coupons by category and have letter dividers to help me find the category I'm looking for.  Each category has a page where I sort the coupons.  I use baseball card dividers for the pages.

I do take the binder with me on all my planned shopping trips - "just in case" I find a great deal I didn't know about before I got to the store.  I'm still looking for a cute bag or tote, but right now I'm just using a black tote bag even though it's not super cute.  However, like Sister C, I also make a detailed planning list and put all the coupons I KNOW I will use in my small expandable file, sorted by the stores I shop at weekly.  I also keep my ECB card, ECBs, RRs and Cub gas discount codes here. 

So, there you have it.  Option 2.  As a fairly new couponer myself, I'd say to try out a few options small scale until you know what works best for you.  In other words, don't run out and spend $20 on binder making supplies until you know that's what works for you.  The binder I use was $10 (I think) at Walmart and I bought $10 worth of plastic sheets.  I think I mentioned before that I over-organize, right?  Anyway, it was a little much to spend, but it works for me and I've saved enough to cover the expense so I'm okay with it.  Plus, the envelope system stressed me out and I could never find what I was looking for.  My little expandable file and the file box were things I found in my house and re-purposed so I saved there instead. Again, try out a few different ways and do what works best for you.  You'll love your coupons more that way.  :)