One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to get back into couponing. I never really stopped but I wasn’t doing it hardcore like I have in the past. I feel like after a month and half, I am back in the groove.
First things first, I got my binder organized.
I’ve had this binder since college. After I graduated, it served as my wedding planner. And now, my coupon binder! The binder is divided in a few sections: store coupons, weekly ad inserts, and then categories.
In the front of the binder, I put all my store coupons. Each store has its own plastic envelope. I have an envelope for Target, CVS, Walgreens, Giant, Rite Aid, and Genuardis. These are all stores that I frequent often. I also have a Misc. store envelope for the random coupons.
Next in line are my weekly inserts. When I get the ads every week, I do not sit down and cut coupons. Instead, I take out all unnecessary coupons for us {pets, some medications, etc.}. I usually get at least 2 copies of the ads {my mom saves me hers}. If there is a good coupon insert, I will buy more than one paper. I date the front ad with the week so I know which week it is from.
Why do I do this?
All the sites I frequent {see below} list the coupons by week. This makes it easier to find the coupons for all the match-ups each week.
After the weekly inserts, I have plastic sleeves for each category {healthy & beauty, frozen foods, home goods, pantry items and baby}. This is where I keep all my mailer, internet, and magazine coupons.
Every Sunday, I get the Sunday paper {or two} and go through the binder. I get rid of any expired coupons I haven’t used and file away all the coupons for the week. This is also when I plan my pharmacy and grocery store trips.
The following websites have been very helpful in my couponing. They are each linked to their own “Intro to Couponing” posts. Those posts are what helped me the most in maximizing my couponing.
So is it worth it? You betcha!
Here is what I scored today at CVS.
Not a lot but I only buy what we need or what is worth stocking up on.
Aussie Shampoo~ on sale this week 2/$5.97
- I had two $1 off Aussie Coupons
- You also got $2 in ECB’s when you buy 2
John Freida Shampoo~ on sale for $5
- I had two $1 off John Fredia shampoo coupons
- You also got $3 in ECB’s when you bough $10 worth of products
I also received a $3 CVS coupon via email for my birthday {make sure you sign up!}.
After coupons, my total was $8.98. I handed over $8 ECBs I had from last week and I ended up only having to pay $.97 {dug out from my change purse!}.
I also received another $5 in ECBs and I have a total of $13 in ECBs to use for next week.
Just to give you an idea on what I’ve saved versus what I’ve spent at CVS:
It takes a few weeks to get into the groove but trust me, it is so worth it!
And that is how I set up my coupon binder!
@thestephglover
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This is awesome! I have been so overwhelmed with the entire "coupon" process….love it!
Ohh, awesome! I've been trying to get a little more organized lately and part of that is coupons. Thanks for the links!
hmmm never thought about the binder option!!! I have a friend who is INSANE with coupons, has no kids but scores major deals on kids stuff and donates it all. I wish I had the time she does but I figure even $1 saved is a $1!
yay!!! I just got back to couponing and I tore up Publix last night! spent $95 and saved $61!!! I was rockin' and rollin'!
Never in a million years would I have thought to keep the bundles intact by week. Your reasoning makes such good sense. I learned from you today!
You are my hero. Thanks, I really needed a little guidance with my coupon organization, or lack there of.