How to Organize Coupons

There are many ways to organize all the coupons that you are clipping. Today, we'll talk about the most popular.

1. One of the most popular ways to organize your coupons is by using an accordian file. An accordian file is generally wallet-sized and you can usually purchase them at stores such as Walmart or Target. Sometimes, you can even find one at a Dollar Store, and since we're couponing to save money, that's the best place to find what you need at a very cheap price! These work best when you aren't carrying more coupons than you think you will use.
2. Coupon File Boxes are another popular method of organizing your coupons. When using these file boxes, you are normally filing your coupons by insert and date. If you were to look in a coupon file box, you would see numerous file folders with SS (SmartSource), RP (RedPlum), PG (Proctor & Gamble), GM (General Mills), etc and a date. Many people feel this is the best way to organize when you are getting multiple insert copies because then, when you look at coupon mathups, you only need to find that file, with that insert, and clip the coupon that you need.
3. The Coupon Binder is probably right now the most popular method of organizing your coupons. It is also the method I use. For me, using the binder is the easiest because I can carry it with me whenever I go to a store and if I happen to see something on clearance, or an unadvertised sale, I can check to see if I have coupons for it. With a coupon binder, you are going to need at least a 2-inch binder; preferably one that zips up so your coupons don't fall out! I made the mistake of not getting a zip binder when I first started couponing, and I spent more time picking up coupons and putting them back in their spot than I did taking them out at the store. The second thing you will need is baseball card holders. These are clear sheets with 9 pouches on each sheet. They fit most coupons perfectly, and the ones that don't fit can usually be folded to fit inside. The last thing that is a necessity is a way to differentiate between types of coupons. When I first started couponing, I used category sheets that I printed online, but that isn't really necessary. all you need is tabbed dividers, and you can organize them the way that is easiest for you. This method does take a lot of time to organize and go through each week, but it is the easiest to find the coupon you need.
4. Couponizer is a system you can purchase online to organize your coupon and shopping trips. The couponizer looks like a great system, but for me personally, I can't see spending money to purchase something I can make my self, and probably much cheaper. To each his own though.

Which coupon organizing "system" would you use? That question is probably the most important one you'll answer when starting your couponing journey. Because if you can't organize the coupons, it's going to be impossible to save any money with them.

I do want to share a little story with you though. Here's how NOT to coupon!

I went to the store with my mom, and I had been using my binder for awhile. My binder had become pretty torn up, and I decided that I was going to start using the file method instead. But, I didn't actually start my files. I just put all the coupon inserts in my new binder, and took them with me to the store. What would have normally been a one hour shopping trip with my binder, turned into a 3 hour trip because I had to keep stopping to find and clip coupons. I won't make that mistake again! Now, my binder is all caught up, with everything where it is supposed to be!