Couponing #2- Coupon Organization

Clipping and Organizing coupons takes time (about an hour a week) but it saves a lot of time in the long run. I have about 500 different coupons at one time, so I have to be able to access the coupons easily when I am in the store. Here are a few suggestions to help you save time and stay organized.

• Clip ands save most of the coupons even if you haven't ever tried the product or usually use a different brand. A deal might come up where you can get something really cheap, so keep as many coupons as possible. Only get rid of the coupons that you would absolutely never use.  (Some people don't clip all their coupons when they get them.  They file them away by insert date and only cut them when they are about to use them.  That is why I list which inserts the coupons came from in my posts.)
• Cut out multiple copies of the same coupon all at once. I like to separate the Sunday coupon insert pages and put all copies of the same page together and cut them out at the same time. This saves a lot of time versus clipping each page individually. I also like to use a paper trimmer instead of scissors.
• Pick a method of organization that best fits your needs. I keep my coupons organized in alphabetical order in a binder using page protectors and baseball card holders. You can buy special binders made for couponing (about $30) or you can use a three-ring binder that you already have around the house. Some couponers use plastic accordion folders or separate their coupons by categories (i.e. crackers, dairy, household items).