The hardest thing I have come across when couponing is having an organized system that allows me to keep track of expired coupons, different coupons from different stores, etc. I have read different blogging forums ways to stay organized and have come up with a way that fits my needs the best! I can't stress enough the importance of staying organized. Being organized helps prevent losing valuable coupons, being embarrassed at checkout and spending extra time in the store when you come across a item or sale that you left the coupon at home for :) I don't know about you but with having boys with special needs I need to get in and get out!
The way I keep organized is mainly through binders. I bought a thick binder that has a canvas cover that zips up (this is amazing so things do not slip out) and has lots of storage pockets! My favorite one I found is even sold at AAFES (local military store) but you can find them just about anywhere! The pockets are great for scissors, pens and even has a small file system in the front for inserts, store ads, coupon policies (I will talk about this later) and even recipe cards picked up in the stores. I included dividers in my binders that have pockets attached to them. I place my coupon policies in them for easy access.
I want to back up a little and let you know I organize with 2 binders. I have one that is divided up into each store I go to for sales (Target, Walmart, Dillons, Commissary, etc). I do this because alot of stores have their own coupons that can only be used at that specific store. I also do it for easy match ups for stacking (I will explain this later too). In my area (middle of no where Kansas) the only stores that stack are Target, Walgreens and Dollar General. I will explain stacking later though...promise! The other binder I use for regular manufacturer coupons or Internet coupons. This way when I go to go shopping and see a deal I just pull it out of my main binder and add them to the each individual store. This helps me remember what store has what deal and organizes it so I don't forget what coupon goes where! The dividers in this binder are labeled by aisle or type of item. Some people like to organize their binders by date of coupons. I really like it by aisle or separating them by items such as meat, dairy, snacks, cereal, etc. This helps me stay organized and makes it easier for me to find the coupon. Now another great tip is I love to use the baseball card inserts to keep my coupons in. It really helps me find the coupons fast! I really love this method and if I need more space for coupons, I just add a new sheet of baseball card inserts. They are clear so it is easy to read your coupon and pull them in and out. I usually put "like" coupons in the same pocket, again saving time. If your family is as busy as mine this is definitely a time saving way to organize your coupons!
Ok...so binders are great right? YES! Except when you have to carry them through the stores. If you are like me and don't like people staring at you with all your huge binders or have to keep track of the kiddos and don't have enough arms...there is a short cut I take:
Every week I write a list of what I want to purchase, from what store and before I leave home I write each stores list on separate envelopes and put the coupons in them. This is great for 2 reasons! One, it helps with impulsive buying, you basically buy what's in your envelope. Two, you don't have to lug around 2 huge, thick binders and have to waste time flipping through them all to find your coupons! Again, I really have to stress that everyone has to find their own comfort zones :) So, the question is if you do the envelope technique what if you come across something that you might need a coupon for? Funny thing is I usually ask the hubby to run out to the car to the binder and grab it...he loves this! Now if hubby is deployed, etc. or you went shopping with little ones so this might be hard to do! This is just my way that I am most comfortable doing :) My boys are older so I can always just send someone out to the car. Do what is best for yourself, my techniques are just suggestions!
My last organizing technique is a lengthy one and not for everyone. Some people have great memories and just memorize everything! I have had to make my own personal spreadsheet of all the stores I go to with each of the items I buy and the prices that are there (I will attach a link as soon as I get it all together, it is always a work in progress). I use excel spreadsheet but again everyone has to find what system works best for them. These spreadsheets have been amazingly helpful, it lets me see very quickly what stores have the best prices and see if it is worth the trip to each different store. The reason this is so helpful is I live 30-45 minutes from most of these stores and I don't want to spend in gas what I can save in buying groceries!
I know this has been loads of information but saving money takes time and trust me the time is well worth it! On the average I save $75-100 dollars on groceries every 2 weeks. I do grocery shopping every 2 weeks because I live so far away from all the stores. Most stores have new ads every week so there are shoppers that go weekly...it really just depends on the individual :)
WOW! That was alot of information to digest! Just remember to take your time and organize it really helps! More to come...Our next blog will be on Coupon policies...Happy Organizing!
Andrea
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