Just wanting to get back to couponing after something like ten years. Watched the old coupon binder video to refresh my brain and thought ugh. Soooo glad you two figured out a better way. THANK YOU!
I'm so happy that i just now saw this. I've been using my binder for about 2 years and it takes me so much time to clip and file everything. I like how organized everything is but it is a major time suck.This idea makes me feel so much better. I will be glad when I have gone thru all the ones that I have already clipped and just do this solely. You guys truly make this easy and attainable. Thank you for all of your help. Rachel
Excellent advice. I dreaded every week when I had to clip and cut and most of the time I didnt use a lot of these coupons. I met a lady who showed me your method and I've been LOVING IT.
Ive been using this system for years, so much eaiser especially for busy moms of big families! I don't bring my file box with me to the store, but I will be now!!
Glad you shared this system. I have been using one like this for over a year now and its so much better than the binder method. I tried it and only used it for a few months before giving up. Just do not have time to cut each and every coupon. I am trying to keep a small organizer with coupons I know I"ll use. But I'll look on your site and other groups for the best sales in my area and just take those coupons with me. Make more sense and its less stressful.
Also, I don't carry the whole box into the store. I use a small accordion file to hold my list and coupons. When I first started couponing I did the binder method, but that got old fast and was way too time consuming.
I started couponing in January and shortly after clipping every single one every time I switched to this method and it's a life saver!! Glad you're finally on the band wagon too! :D
thank you thank you!! I am loving this new way of couponing. I have been a devoted binder couponer for years and the last few months I found myself dreading and cutting the Qs, just to have to spend 30 mins cleaning out my binder of exp Qs I never used. I am doing hydrid of the box and binder right now until my binder is empty and its been sooo much easier. I make my lists before so this is perfect. I did find a deal on huggies last minute while I was out, looked at my index sheet of what inserts have what, pulled it out of my box, clipped it and saved. You have saved me hours, thank you, glad u guys made the switch too
YESSS! finally a sufficient way to organize coupons! I did the binder however after a while, I got lazy. And as a result i would have piles of inserts on the floor! And now, I can bring this with me! Since technology is booming, I can just bring a phone. And if I see a deal, go to a coupon database!
Awesome tip! I had stopped couponing a while ago because I was too busy working full time and taking college classes... I will have to try this method and see if it works better for me!
Love this system I have been using it since I started the binder method is just so daunting...I was constantly burnt out all the time...and I never waste coupons becuase of the online database tells me which coupons I have so I can find that hidden sugar coupon I need that wasnt listed on the match ups :) Glad others can see how easy it can be!
You ladies had me on a scare think God you're okay I've been watching your videos now for the past eight months and have been looking forward to your Videos weekly well it's good to know you're okay and you're moving forward with your crazy couponing
Awesome filing system gonna love it ! So funny I saw a filing system two days ago at the store with a handle and already decide to do this same thing weird timing thanks for all your wonderful ideas !
I might start using this method too ....my binder is just getting way too hard to maintain. I think I will start using a separate small accordion binder for coupons that are loose or ones that I know I will use in combination with this. The smaller wallet is what I started couponing with ten years ago and overtime I got more ambitious and graduated to a binder. I still love the binder but this will really be a timesaver. Thanks ladies!
I sort my accordion folder according to the months of the year. I drop a coupon into the pocket of the month that the coupon expires. Simple and time saving.
Another thing i do is i print a list of all coupons for that week and add that in front of all inserts. It come handy when i am in a store and i see something i want i just look thou my list if have any coupons for that item.
I never did the huge binder, I use a small 1/2 binder. I clip what I know we use and really high value ones. I keep the inserts (up to 4 weeks) in an old mead binder w/out rings in my coupon bag, so if I'm out and about and run into a great deal or something we need, I can look it up using a coupon db and clip it right there.
This is a great system if you ONLY rely on online sites to coupons but for those who plan on their own as well, this would be bad because you wouldn't know what coupons you had. Say you needed some brown sugar, how would you know if you had a brown sugar coupon if they aren't organized in the binder or some sort of system like that. Getting rid of expired coupons would also prove tricky as well because all of the coupons don't expire at the same time in the inserts. Great system, just not for everyone. :)
I actually print their whole list as a double sided booklet every couple weeks to take with me in the store. The only problem is that now they have it all "flash player'ed" up and so when I print my list it doesn't show the expiration dates any more and its harder to just copy and print the list. I want them to make the list available in a .pdf format with the expiration dates so I can just link to it and print it off as a double sided booklet. I still use my mini binders, they get fuller if I have more time to cut. I also bought a "Coupon Cubby" for the miscellaneous coupons and to have something smaller to carry with me in the store....and ok let's face it they are way cute like having a designer coupon wallet.
Every Sat night, I copy and paste the sundaycouponpreview.com list into an Excel spreadsheet. A column for quantity, Insert (SS 8/17, etc), Product description, coupon value, and expiration date, and checkmark column (In that order, so i can just copy and paste the text with no changes, so much quicker! It formats it into separate cells for you) It usually takes less than 10 minutes. I also highlight these most recent entries in yellow. Sun morning, I go through the list and insert, and double check values, if I even received that coupon, and add coupons not included on the list, marking each corrected/correct coupon with an x in the checkmark column, and un-highlight them all at the end, and delete coupons not received. I print out the list (I make font small, and get it on about 10 sheets of paper.) When I scan the internet or whatnot for deals, I make a note with pen by the coupon of the deal and store (maybe color coordinated by store) and then before shopping, cut out all coupons on the list. Basically a more streamlined binder, I keep my accordion folder in my car, and in the case I find a clearance shelf or a good deal, I thumb through my list, make a note by the coupon of store and price and then get them for another day, or go get them from my car for a second transaction. With Internet printables, I'm in the process of adding what I have to the spreadsheet as well. In the case I hadn't gotten to it yet, I've had to relearn that I won't die if I don't get EVERY deal.
I've been doing this for awhile. Please KCL!! Start adding the inserts to your listings on your website instead of just calling out the printable coupons! Many times there is the same coupon in the weekly inserts! I also found a website that lists what coupons are in each insert and I print that out as well so I don't have to search too much.
***** Actually they started adding it recently - I'm sure it's not because of my comment though. Why do you have to be so ignorant by calling them names? They work really hard to find the deals so I don't have to spend the extra time to do it - so what if they are making money off my clicks. I don't think that's a reason to call them names.
I remember watching extreme couponing and one lady said she spent 7+ hours preparing her coupons. I thought she was crazy, even if I was a housewife there would be other things I'd rather be doing.
I purchased a bag on Etsyfrom glow girl - she includes mini manila (or colored) folders to put your coupons in. Same concept BUT she has all kinds of patterns, colors, and sizes. That way when you walk in the store it looks like your carrying a purse!! ^_^
This is how I did it back when I got inserts. Honestly, with the increase in printables, I don't even get the inserts anymore. I'd do them month by month, Jan/Jul, Feb/Aug, etc and purge every 6 months.
I've been using a binder since I started, which has actually only been about a month ago lol... But, I love my binder. I may, however, clip out the coupons from one paper, and store away the other into a file box for future reference. I actually need to get a bigger binder than I have now. The small one I got, which is just a 1" 3 ring binder just isn't working for me anymore. I also need to get more baseball card holders that I keep the coupons in. Too bad there aren't coupons for all the things we need to help stay organized with our coupons! LOL!
I am trying to get better at using coupons. I like the file box method. Have you thought about filing acording to expiration month? It seems like it would be a good method. At least in my head when I think about it??? Then you are only having to go thought at the end of the month and toss that months out. What do you think?
This is the method I've been using for awhile. The problem is finding the coupon you're looking for. I basically have to go through allll my coupons because it's not like I remember when a specific coupon was set to expire. It is reallllly nice to be able to get rid of coupons a batch at a time though instead of having to go through every single coupon (or wait 3+ months like the video suggests). I'm looking into coupon databases to see if I could print a list of coupons by expiration date or switch to a new method and use a coupon list to find a coupon in my organizer.
This system is great for the flyers and printed coupons, but what do you do with the loose, individual coupons? Like the ones printed out at the registers, or on the shelves, or from product packaging.
I file mine in egg crates in a hanging folder with the date also, but I separate them out by source (SS, RP, PG, etc.) due to some weeks have either 2 RP or 2 SS. I print a weekly breakdown of the coupons listed alphabetically from another website (www.couponmom.com) and checkoff what is acutually in them to make sure that the amount or date is not different than the printout. I then put the weekly printouts into a binder and go thru it if I am looking for a particular coupon. On that website you can arrange your list in various ways. This is also how I clean out my expired ones, by sorting the columns by exp date, then about every 4 to 8 weeks, I throw out those inserts. I love seeing all the different ideas that people use and by combining different methods together, you can create whatever works best for you.
This won't work for me, unfortunately. You don't cover grocery stores in my area and there are times when I'm out and see a deal and think...do I have a coupon for that I can't stand in an aisle and go through six weeks of coupons to see if I have a coupon for Loreal.
Do not throw coupons away!!!!! Send them to a USO office for our troops abroad. They are entitled to use coupons that have expired in the last 6 months.
It's NOT 'common sense' if you don't rely on the sites solely. If you shop and find deals, do you stand in the middle of the aisle and clip multiple inserts? It doesn't make sense for those of us that shop outside of the 'realm' of sites.
You dont send your expired coupons overseas for the military families? The base alows expired coupons overseas! That way if they are expired you still get to send them for someone else to ise who is stattion overseas!
Yea I been saving the exp one and onebi dont want to sort them out to send them over. You can do a google search on it and there are instructions on how to send your q's!!
I also figured this out about 6 months after starting and having dropped those huge binders at the stores a few times. I switched to the mini binders which I still use if I have time to cut and sort and for misc cpns, etc. I also bought a Coupon Cubby just for fun. I just really didn't have time to cut and sort so I bought an expanding file and sorted by date. I also like to print off their list of "Newspaper coupons" every couple weeks so I can cross reference on-the-go. I would really like to see them add a link to .pdf file of the list that included the expiration dates so I don't have to mess with copying it to excel, formatting it and then trying to print it as a double-sided booklet. At least they have it in a list format though. Most other sites have it as a searchable database which does not work if you want to print the list.
so they arn't clipped? what if you find an item in the store and you have to stand there and clip the coupon. i wouldn't like that. i guess i could use the box at home but i like my clutch thing.
I love this. I would also use a smaller one (purse size) for all those loose coupons. Is there an app out there were you can find a specific coupon and it will tell you which insert to find it? I would hate to miss out on all the clearance items.
I use a sharpie to write the date on the front of my flyers, then put all the Red Plums in one place and Smart Source in another. When I need a coupon, I just pull the correct folder, find the date and cut the coupon.
I've always cut only the ones I use. I dump my extra inserts in a filing cabinet separated by an orange folder, in back is the cut ones I don't need; and front is uncut that I don't need for trade. Does people really think the ads are the coupons? I never thought that when I look for them. I still use the binder system cause I has the tendency to dump things wherever it lands is wherever it lands. If I did that, I'd be too lazy to date them and just dump them inside.
I sorta do both...I always clip the coupons I KNOW 100% that I'll use...and then I save the rest of the insert....so if a family member is looking for something or there's a super hot deal that I can donate, I'll still have the coupons if I need them.
Hi, I love your videos, admire you guys so much. One thing I want to share and that works for me if I am at the store and want to clip (for example 4 inserts) 4 of the same coupons, before I file the inserts in a folder or in a box on Sunday I stuck the 4 like pages together through all the inserts but still leave the outside cover complete as a book so I don't have to separate from the 4 like inserts at the store.
I always write on the front page.. of course the date of the newspaper, but I'll flip thru real quick and also write down the date of the coupon the expires last... easier to throw away later
I have a question? With this new system what do you do with say Target coupons...reserve a spot in the back of the file folder just like the printables? Also. I mainly shop at Krogers , Target , and Meijers and on occasion maybe CVS or Walgreens. My question on this one is again were do you file the "store" coupons" as some are sent to me by mail?
I started with a binder and it was too much for me to clip every coupon and sort them out. Especially if I didn't use them it was a waste of time. Now I clip coupons I know I will use and put them in a small accordion. I have 2 accordions one for all the coupons and the other for the deals I know I'm about to do in the front. Then the back for target , walgreens and cvs coupons. All the inserts are in a big plastic container I got from target at home.
I love what you 2 do normally!! I appreciate all the hard work you and your staff do. Have you 2 lost your minds?? Is this a late April fools Joke?? I disagree with this one. It is disorganized and not a good way to handle shopping. Nope , Nope, Nope!
Nadia Cattan There is a website that tells you all the coupons that are in each insert in a list format each week. If you have a smart phone you can refer to it or just print them out and keep the list with each of the inserts in the file box. As you use them you can mark them out so you know it is no longer available (if you print them or save them to PDF).
I live in long island NY and I've been trying this system and it isn't working .....the dates you put down are not the same that my coupons are found so I find myself going thru a month a SS and RP inserts...so i guess I'm going back to my old system
This is a great idea, but when you're like me and don't have someone to tell me what week a coupon came from, it works better to clip the coupons and put them in my according organizer by department. I use a rubber maid style shoe box with a self made accordion divider. I save all coupons for things we use, no matter what brand. Then I can look through the ad and see if there's a coupon for the items in that department. This would never work for me. I'd be looking through full ads all the time to see if this coupon or that is in it. We only have Hy-Vee, Walmart, Shopko & a skimpy Dollar Tree to choose shopping at.
+Starshima Placide It's just a standard accordion file box. You can find them in any office supply store, the Dollar Store, Family Dollar, etc...They are not specific to couponing.
The only thing that I don't like about this is what about when you find an unadvertised sale or clearance items? How hard is that going to be to see if I have a coupon for that? How much extra time am I going to spend searching?
+Chelsea Torres I agree and there's all the grocery and non food items that we always need that we happen to have coupons for to consider..they may not be on sale but a coupon helps us save money on what we're already buying..we'll be losing money if we can't find the coupons or don't even know we have them because we can't see them
That's going to work for some. But I don't think it's going to work for me. I use a couple of wallets with labeled dividers. Clipping doesn't take that long and you never know what kind of clearance deals you may come across. Nothing worse than seeing a deal and realizing you don't have what you need.
Oh my I can't think about getting rid of my binder.... I know off hand if I have a coupon for an item. I feel if I use this method I won't remember what coupons I have..... :(
This is NOT for me. I use the binder method because I cannot walk into a store with this, see a surprise deal and stand there with three kids and clip 4 separate inserts...and do this 4 or 5 times?? Nah...I'll stick to my binder method! It may take 2 hours on a Sunday but its well worth it in the end.
Neither the binder, nor this system would work for me. I'm single, no kids and don't use a lot of the products in these inserts. I take the time to clip only the coupons for products that I use-everything else goes in the trash. Then I place the coupons in a pocket-sized photo album which I've set up with repositionable tabs and stick on pockets (to hold my store cards). A rubber band holds the book together and the entire thing fits neatly into my purse. I save money by planning what I am going to purchase, and not buying items I never use anyway.
I have never liked the binder way!! I never ever did it. My Best friend did and the left it to me to clean it. I Nope No More just put the date on it and I will take it from there.
I take an extra 5 min and put all page 1 together, page 2, etc, with the single sheets in the center so it's like a single book with repeating pages. No hunting through 4 inserts for 4 coupons. And to find expiration dates easier, print out the coupon list summary of each insert, highlight the latest exp date, and when you hit that date, you're free to toss it. I'm still self conscious about hauling a binder or file box (I know), and usually use an envelope size accordion folder that fits in my purse (it's FAT tho) but you can bring the lists with you even when you see a deal to highlight or mark what to come back for and keep the box in your car.
bad thing about this system is that sometimes you find clearance and unadvertised items and you will not know what week the coupon is in. good try though
These ladies are terrific. Been watching for years
This is the way I have ways filed
my coupons. I love the insert method. I'm glad you guys came over to the other side 😉
Such a simple idea! I wish I would've thought about this years ago. Thank you!
Thank you guys 😊
Just wanting to get back to couponing after something like ten years. Watched the old coupon binder video to refresh my brain and thought ugh. Soooo glad you two figured out a better way. THANK YOU!
I started this couponing method and it's great.
I recently started using jenn's coupon box organizer and so far I like it!
I'm so happy that i just now saw this. I've been using my binder for about 2 years and it takes me so much time to clip and file everything. I like how organized everything is but it is a major time suck.This idea makes me feel so much better. I will be glad when I have gone thru all the ones that I have already clipped and just do this solely. You guys truly make this easy and attainable. Thank you for all of your help.
Rachel
Excellent advice. I dreaded every week when I had to clip and cut and most of the time I didnt use a lot of these coupons. I met a lady who showed me your method and I've been LOVING IT.
Ive been using this system for years, so much eaiser especially for busy moms of big families! I don't bring my file box with me to the store, but I will be now!!
Glad you shared this system. I have been using one like this for over a year now and its so much better than the binder method. I tried it and only used it for a few months before giving up. Just do not have time to cut each and every coupon. I am trying to keep a small organizer with coupons I know I"ll use. But I'll look on your site and other groups for the best sales in my area and just take those coupons with me. Make more sense and its less stressful.
This looks so much easier then the binder, and i am really excited to try this way. Thanks for sharing.
I've been using the whole insert method for 2 years and it works for me! I love how quick and easy it is. :)
Also, I don't carry the whole box into the store. I use a small accordion file to hold my list and coupons. When I first started couponing I did the binder method, but that got old fast and was way too time consuming.
I started couponing in January and shortly after clipping every single one every time I switched to this method and it's a life saver!! Glad you're finally on the band wagon too! :D
Just started couponing Jan 1st and this is how I've been keeping them, it's so super easy!
thank you thank you!! I am loving this new way of couponing. I have been a devoted binder couponer for years and the last few months I found myself dreading and cutting the Qs, just to have to spend 30 mins cleaning out my binder of exp Qs I never used. I am doing hydrid of the box and binder right now until my binder is empty and its been sooo much easier. I make my lists before so this is perfect. I did find a deal on huggies last minute while I was out, looked at my index sheet of what inserts have what, pulled it out of my box, clipped it and saved. You have saved me hours, thank you, glad u guys made the switch too
YESSS! finally a sufficient way to organize coupons! I did the binder however after a while, I got lazy. And as a result i would have piles of inserts on the floor! And now, I can bring this with me! Since technology is booming, I can just bring a phone. And if I see a deal, go to a coupon database!
Awesome tip! I had stopped couponing a while ago because I was too busy working full time and taking college classes... I will have to try this method and see if it works better for me!
Love this system I have been using it since I started the binder method is just so daunting...I was constantly burnt out all the time...and I never waste coupons becuase of the online database tells me which coupons I have so I can find that hidden sugar coupon I need that wasnt listed on the match ups :)
Glad others can see how easy it can be!
You ladies had me on a scare think God you're okay I've been watching your videos now for the past eight months and have been looking forward to your Videos weekly well it's good to know you're okay and you're moving forward with your crazy couponing
Been doing mine this way for years. The binders were a pain in the butt!
I've been doing this since I started couponing three years ago. Thank you for all the helpful tips ladies!
Wonderful
I ordered the savvycents wallet. It has a coupon accordion inside the wallet. I love it!
Awesome filing system gonna love it ! So funny I saw a filing system two days ago at the store with a handle and already decide to do this same thing weird timing thanks for all your wonderful ideas !
I might start using this method too ....my binder is just getting way too hard to maintain. I think I will start using a separate small accordion binder for coupons that are loose or ones that I know I will use in combination with this. The smaller wallet is what I started couponing with ten years ago and overtime I got more ambitious and graduated to a binder. I still love the binder but this will really be a timesaver. Thanks ladies!
Must have more KCL videos!!!!!! :-)
I sort my accordion folder according to the months of the year. I drop a coupon into the pocket of the month that the coupon expires. Simple and time saving.
You can also find some coupon inserts in the saturday paper, they are usually better than sunday
Another thing i do is i print a list of all coupons for that week and add that in front of all inserts. It come handy when i am in a store and i see something i want i just look thou my list if have any coupons for that item.
I've always used the file box method it is much easier. I never did like the binder.
Ohh I have a file with handles sitting right behind me. I'm so excited I could pee. Clipping for the binder takes forever! Yay!!
I never did the huge binder, I use a small 1/2 binder. I clip what I know we use and really high value ones. I keep the inserts (up to 4 weeks) in an old mead binder w/out rings in my coupon bag, so if I'm out and about and run into a great deal or something we need, I can look it up using a coupon db and clip it right there.
The binder did not work for me, I was anti coupon for 3 yrs! But I'm liking this idea.
This is a great system if you ONLY rely on online sites to coupons but for those who plan on their own as well, this would be bad because you wouldn't know what coupons you had. Say you needed some brown sugar, how would you know if you had a brown sugar coupon if they aren't organized in the binder or some sort of system like that. Getting rid of expired coupons would also prove tricky as well because all of the coupons don't expire at the same time in the inserts. Great system, just not for everyone. :)
I actually print their whole list as a double sided booklet every couple weeks to take with me in the store. The only problem is that now they have it all "flash player'ed" up and so when I print my list it doesn't show the expiration dates any more and its harder to just copy and print the list. I want them to make the list available in a .pdf format with the expiration dates so I can just link to it and print it off as a double sided booklet. I still use my mini binders, they get fuller if I have more time to cut. I also bought a "Coupon Cubby" for the miscellaneous coupons and to have something smaller to carry with me in the store....and ok let's face it they are way cute like having a designer coupon wallet.
Sweet, I will have to check that out!
Every Sat night, I copy and paste the sundaycouponpreview.com list into an Excel spreadsheet. A column for quantity, Insert (SS 8/17, etc), Product description, coupon value, and expiration date, and checkmark column (In that order, so i can just copy and paste the text with no changes, so much quicker! It formats it into separate cells for you) It usually takes less than 10 minutes. I also highlight these most recent entries in yellow. Sun morning, I go through the list and insert, and double check values, if I even received that coupon, and add coupons not included on the list, marking each corrected/correct coupon with an x in the checkmark column, and un-highlight them all at the end, and delete coupons not received. I print out the list (I make font small, and get it on about 10 sheets of paper.)
When I scan the internet or whatnot for deals, I make a note with pen by the coupon of the deal and store (maybe color coordinated by store) and then before shopping, cut out all coupons on the list.
Basically a more streamlined binder, I keep my accordion folder in my car, and in the case I find a clearance shelf or a good deal, I thumb through my list, make a note by the coupon of store and price and then get them for another day, or go get them from my car for a second transaction.
With Internet printables, I'm in the process of adding what I have to the spreadsheet as well. In the case I hadn't gotten to it yet, I've had to relearn that I won't die if I don't get EVERY deal.
I use two system. if I need to find some sort of coupons I goto coupontom.
u can also print the printable by category too
Target accepts expired coupons... If anyone wasn't sure.. So you can always keep expired coupons. :)
Yay! The viber had become too much for me to keep up with. I kinda missed a lot of stuff because I couldn't bother
I've been doing this for awhile. Please KCL!! Start adding the inserts to your listings on your website instead of just calling out the printable coupons! Many times there is the same coupon in the weekly inserts! I also found a website that lists what coupons are in each insert and I print that out as well so I don't have to search too much.
***** Actually they started adding it recently - I'm sure it's not because of my comment though. Why do you have to be so ignorant by calling them names? They work really hard to find the deals so I don't have to spend the extra time to do it - so what if they are making money off my clicks. I don't think that's a reason to call them names.
I remember watching extreme couponing and one lady said she spent 7+ hours preparing her coupons. I thought she was crazy, even if I was a housewife there would be other things I'd rather be doing.
I purchased a bag on Etsyfrom glow girl - she includes mini manila (or colored) folders to put your coupons in. Same concept BUT she has all kinds of patterns, colors, and sizes. That way when you walk in the store it looks like your carrying a purse!! ^_^
If you print the list of coupons from the Sunday coupon preview to keep with each week it makes it easier to find coupons in the flyer.
This is how I did it back when I got inserts. Honestly, with the increase in printables, I don't even get the inserts anymore. I'd do them month by month, Jan/Jul, Feb/Aug, etc and purge every 6 months.
I've been using a binder since I started, which has actually only been about a month ago lol... But, I love my binder. I may, however, clip out the coupons from one paper, and store away the other into a file box for future reference. I actually need to get a bigger binder than I have now. The small one I got, which is just a 1" 3 ring binder just isn't working for me anymore. I also need to get more baseball card holders that I keep the coupons in. Too bad there aren't coupons for all the things we need to help stay organized with our coupons! LOL!
Where do you keep your blinkies, tear pads, hang tags, Catalina's, and CRT s????
I am trying to get better at using coupons. I like the file box method. Have you thought about filing acording to expiration month? It seems like it would be a good method. At least in my head when I think about it??? Then you are only having to go thought at the end of the month and toss that months out. What do you think?
This is the method I've been using for awhile. The problem is finding the coupon you're looking for. I basically have to go through allll my coupons because it's not like I remember when a specific coupon was set to expire. It is reallllly nice to be able to get rid of coupons a batch at a time though instead of having to go through every single coupon (or wait 3+ months like the video suggests). I'm looking into coupon databases to see if I could print a list of coupons by expiration date or switch to a new method and use a coupon list to find a coupon in my organizer.
This system is great for the flyers and printed coupons, but what do you do with the loose, individual coupons? Like the ones printed out at the registers, or on the shelves, or from product packaging.
I file mine in egg crates in a hanging folder with the date also, but I separate them out by source (SS, RP, PG, etc.) due to some weeks have either 2 RP or 2 SS. I print a weekly breakdown of the coupons listed alphabetically from another website (www.couponmom.com) and checkoff what is acutually in them to make sure that the amount or date is not different than the printout. I then put the weekly printouts into a binder and go thru it if I am looking for a particular coupon. On that website you can arrange your list in various ways. This is also how I clean out my expired ones, by sorting the columns by exp date, then about every 4 to 8 weeks, I throw out those inserts.
I love seeing all the different ideas that people use and by combining different methods together, you can create whatever works best for you.
This won't work for me, unfortunately. You don't cover grocery stores in my area and there are times when I'm out and see a deal and think...do I have a coupon for that I can't stand in an aisle and go through six weeks of coupons to see if I have a coupon for Loreal.
Do not throw coupons away!!!!! Send them to a USO office for our troops abroad. They are entitled to use coupons that have expired in the last 6 months.
Inanna08 what is the address??
www.uso.org/faq
Haha been doing this. It's kind of common sense
It's NOT 'common sense' if you don't rely on the sites solely. If you shop and find deals, do you stand in the middle of the aisle and clip multiple inserts? It doesn't make sense for those of us that shop outside of the 'realm' of sites.
This IS common sense but then common sense is NOT so common obviously.
katalyst552 Yes...you are right, 'obviously'.
My ex-boss would've say that about me but even I know what is a coupon and what isn't.
You dont send your expired coupons overseas for the military families? The base alows expired coupons overseas! That way if they are expired you still get to send them for someone else to ise who is stattion overseas!
I didn't know about that - thanks!
Yea I been saving the exp one and onebi dont want to sort them out to send them over. You can do a google search on it and there are instructions on how to send your q's!!
Delca Jackson How much do you spend in shipping them out ?
I havent shipped any yet, but my closet drop off site is in Fla so im sure it wont be much. Matt Lucchine
Can you please send the address to send these coupons? I definitely want to send mine over.
Well, I used a file box, but still have separate categories like the pre-made coupon organizer you could buy years ago.
How do u find a coupon if ypu stumble upon a great deal?
I also figured this out about 6 months after starting and having dropped those huge binders at the stores a few times. I switched to the mini binders which I still use if I have time to cut and sort and for misc cpns, etc. I also bought a Coupon Cubby just for fun. I just really didn't have time to cut and sort so I bought an expanding file and sorted by date. I also like to print off their list of "Newspaper coupons" every couple weeks so I can cross reference on-the-go. I would really like to see them add a link to .pdf file of the list that included the expiration dates so I don't have to mess with copying it to excel, formatting it and then trying to print it as a double-sided booklet. At least they have it in a list format though. Most other sites have it as a searchable database which does not work if you want to print the list.
So do you ladies physically clip those coupons from their inserts while in the store?
so they arn't clipped? what if you find an item in the store and you have to stand there and clip the coupon. i wouldn't like that. i guess i could use the box at home but i like my clutch thing.
I love this. I would also use a smaller one (purse size) for all those loose coupons. Is there an app out there were you can find a specific coupon and it will tell you which insert to find it? I would hate to miss out on all the clearance items.
I've been using this system for a while. I don't take my file holder with me to the store though. It's so convenient doing it this way.
I use a sharpie to write the date on the front of my flyers, then put all the Red Plums in one place and Smart Source in another. When I need a coupon, I just pull the correct folder, find the date and cut the coupon.
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I've always cut only the ones I use. I dump my extra inserts in a filing cabinet separated by an orange folder, in back is the cut ones I don't need; and front is uncut that I don't need for trade. Does people really think the ads are the coupons? I never thought that when I look for them.
I still use the binder system cause I has the tendency to dump things wherever it lands is wherever it lands. If I did that, I'd be too lazy to date them and just dump them inside.
I sorta do both...I always clip the coupons I KNOW 100% that I'll use...and then I save the rest of the insert....so if a family member is looking for something or there's a super hot deal that I can donate, I'll still have the coupons if I need them.
I figured this out after 6 months couponing ir so I can't believe you guys just realized this lol glad you guys abandoned that horrible old method tho
Hi, I love your videos, admire you guys so much. One thing I want to share and that works for me if I am at the store and want to clip (for example 4 inserts) 4 of the same coupons, before I file the inserts in a folder or in a box on Sunday I stuck the 4 like pages together through all the inserts but still leave the outside cover complete as a book so I don't have to separate from the 4 like inserts at the store.
I always write on the front page.. of course the date of the newspaper, but I'll flip thru real quick and also write down the date of the coupon the expires last... easier to throw away later
I have a question? With this new system what do you do with say Target coupons...reserve a spot in the back of the file folder just like the printables? Also. I mainly shop at Krogers , Target , and Meijers and on occasion maybe CVS or Walgreens. My question on this one is again were do you file the "store" coupons" as some are sent to me by mail?
You can send your coupons that have expired to military bases and they can use them.
a quickjk question, does this work in the UK as well ?
For anyone who uses this method, can you please share how you know whether you have a coupon to pair with something that you find on clearance? Thanks
I started with a binder and it was too much for me to clip every coupon and sort them out. Especially if I didn't use them it was a waste of time. Now I clip coupons I know I will use and put them in a small accordion. I have 2 accordions one for all the coupons and the other for the deals I know I'm about to do in the front. Then the back for target , walgreens and cvs coupons. All the inserts are in a big plastic container I got from target at home.
I love what you 2 do normally!! I appreciate all the hard work you and your staff do. Have you 2 lost your minds?? Is this a late April fools Joke?? I disagree with this one. It is disorganized and not a good way to handle shopping. Nope , Nope, Nope!
What do u do if u find a product on clearence. i am always checking for clearence at all the stores and i buy alot of clearece products
Nadia Cattan There is a website that tells you all the coupons that are in each insert in a list format each week. If you have a smart phone you can refer to it or just print them out and keep the list with each of the inserts in the file box. As you use them you can mark them out so you know it is no longer available (if you print them or save them to PDF).
BURNOUT! I have it too...........
I live in long island NY and I've been trying this system and it isn't working .....the dates you put down are not the same that my coupons are found so I find myself going thru a month a SS and RP inserts...so i guess I'm going back to my old system
This is a great idea, but when you're like me and don't have someone to tell me what week a coupon came from, it works better to clip the coupons and put them in my according organizer by department. I use a rubber maid style shoe box with a self made accordion divider. I save all coupons for things we use, no matter what brand. Then I can look through the ad and see if there's a coupon for the items in that department. This would never work for me. I'd be looking through full ads all the time to see if this coupon or that is in it. We only have Hy-Vee, Walmart, Shopko & a skimpy Dollar Tree to choose shopping at.
where do I get the coupon file box from?
+Starshima Placide It's just a standard accordion file box. You can find them in any office supply store, the Dollar Store, Family Dollar, etc...They are not specific to couponing.
The only thing that I don't like about this is what about when you find an unadvertised sale or clearance items? How hard is that going to be to see if I have a coupon for that? How much extra time am I going to spend searching?
+Chelsea Torres I agree and there's all the grocery and non food items that we always need that we happen to have coupons for to consider..they may not be on sale but a coupon helps us save money on what we're already buying..we'll be losing money if we can't find the coupons or don't even know we have them because we can't see them
That's going to work for some. But I don't think it's going to work for me. I use a couple of wallets with labeled dividers. Clipping doesn't take that long and you never know what kind of clearance deals you may come across. Nothing worse than seeing a deal and realizing you don't have what you need.
Oh my I can't think about getting rid of my binder.... I know off hand if I have a coupon for an item. I feel if I use this method I won't remember what coupons I have..... :(
Why don't you do your favorite weekly deals on TH-cam anymore? I loved those videos!
Kind of new to couponing and I have been keeping them like this while I trying to decide what to do. For once I was doing the right thing. lol
Some people will throw them in the recycling bin or else the dumpster
This is NOT for me. I use the binder method because I cannot walk into a store with this, see a surprise deal and stand there with three kids and clip 4 separate inserts...and do this 4 or 5 times?? Nah...I'll stick to my binder method! It may take 2 hours on a Sunday but its well worth it in the end.
LOVE IT! I'm converted lol
Neither the binder, nor this system would work for me. I'm single, no kids and don't use a lot of the products in these inserts. I take the time to clip only the coupons for products that I use-everything else goes in the trash. Then I place the coupons in a pocket-sized photo album which I've set up with repositionable tabs and stick on pockets (to hold my store cards). A rubber band holds the book together and the entire thing fits neatly into my purse. I save money by planning what I am going to purchase, and not buying items I never use anyway.
Did heather have her Baby?!
I have never liked the binder way!! I never ever did it. My Best friend did and the left it to me to clean it. I Nope No More just put the date on it and I will take it from there.
I take an extra 5 min and put all page 1 together, page 2, etc, with the single sheets in the center so it's like a single book with repeating pages. No hunting through 4 inserts for 4 coupons. And to find expiration dates easier, print out the coupon list summary of each insert, highlight the latest exp date, and when you hit that date, you're free to toss it. I'm still self conscious about hauling a binder or file box (I know), and usually use an envelope size accordion folder that fits in my purse (it's FAT tho) but you can bring the lists with you even when you see a deal to highlight or mark what to come back for and keep the box in your car.
bad thing about this system is that sometimes you find clearance and unadvertised items and you will not know what week the coupon is in. good try though
Internet coupon databases are a thing