An organized coupon binder can pay off -- literally -- at the grocery store.
Savvy shoppers are clipping coupons to slash prices on everything from groceries to cleaning products to restaurant bills. The price-chopping practice requires patience and most of all organization. The binder is the center of the saver's universe. Keeping coupons in check requires a little bit of planning and few simple supplies, but the reward is money in your pocket.
Binder
Any three-ring binder will work to organize your coupons. Some people prefer binders with handles that zip closed, others use photo albums or basic plastic binders; but it's largely a matter of personal preference. Size matters, so be sure to leave room for everything. To keep the coupons in order, tabbed binder separators ensure categories stay clear.
Coupon Sleeves
Whether they are sold for baseball cards, family photos or school reports, clear plastic sleeves are the way to go. A variety of nine-card sleeves and photo album inserts will ensure there's a slot big enough for everything. Trimming a bit of thin cardboard for each space is helpful, making the coupons stand out against the background and giving the thin pages some strength. Cereal boxes work well for this.
Organization
Giving each coupon its own pocket will make it easier for you to search, although multiples can share a slot. As for categories, that depends on what you shop for, how you shop and how your local store is set up.
The website Grocery Saving Tips suggests the following ideas for categories: baking supplies; bread; cakes and desserts; candy and cookies; cereal; chips and crackers; cleaners and household; coffee and tea; dairy; deli; frozen foods; fruit; ice cream; jelly and peanut butter; juice; makeup; meat; medicine; pancakes, waffles and syrup; pasta and rice; pet foods; popcorn; pudding and Jello; salad and dressing; sauces and seasonings; soup; toiletries and vegetables.
More general categories -- such as cans, breakfast, health and beauty -- might suit you better. No matter the which way you go, put the pages in the order you shop. If the freezer aisle is the last thing you hit in the store, frozen food coupons should be in the last page of your binder.
Supplies
A complete coupon binder houses more than just the money saving slips of paper. Scissors, a calculator, pen and pad are helpful to have on your saving spree. Check the school supply aisle for a three-ring pencil case to store your tools.
Ready for Next Time
In-store coupon dispensers, rebate forms and register receipts need a home in the binder as well. Organizational options abound at the office supply store, including three-ring envelopes, page protector sleeves or dividers with pockets and tabs; for these supplies, material matters. The paper options don't allow you to see your coupons like the clear, plastic ones do. Being able to spot them is a quick reminder to organize them before your next trip to the store.
Tags: clear plastic, coupon binder, your coupons