Thursday, September 4, 2008

My New Coupon System

Well, after reading tons of blogs, searching the web and scouring the shelves of Target, I've finally created my new coupon system. And I already love it. And what's funny is this is probably the most common form of coupon organization today. I know I've seen a lot of grocery gamers use this system.

I decided to go with the 3-ring binder, dividers and trading card sleeve style. My main problem with my previous organizer was that I couldn't see all my coupons. I was digging through a pocket trying to find something that I know I slipped in there. It was frustrating for me. I like everything to have a place..that's how I am in all aspects of my home, not just my coupons. So it only made sense for me to find a system that allowed each coupon to have its own space or at least share a space with a common coupon.

So here are some photos and details of my system. I hope this helps those of you looking for your own system. If you need more inspiration, watch this video from Keeping the Kingdom First. I love this lady! She has a true desire to honor the Lord in her spending and is not ashamed of it on her blog. Her video explains her coupon system in detail. I got my ideas from her.

I use a 1.5 in binder. This was what was on sale at Target.

It has pockets on the front and back flaps where I put sales flyers or mail outs I haven't clipped.


I have pocket dividers for each section. That way I can put excess coupons that won't fit or that I need to file there.

Each category has its own section. I like them broken down this way. Quick and easy to find.


I use trading card sleeves in my sections. Each sleeve has 9 slots and I have a couple of sleeves in each section.


I have about 20 categories in my book. Other people don't break them down this detailed and just cover the basics - Food, Beverage, Household, Baby, Health & Beauty, etc. It's up to you how detailed you make it.

Do I take my coupon system with me to the store? Not usually. I always have a menu and a shopping list planned before I go to the store so I am able to bring the coupons I know I will be using. If I know I have a little wiggle room with my budget, I might bring the book in order to have the coupons available if I find a great deal that wasn't on my list. So far I'm really pleased with my system.

I might invite a couple of guest bloggers to detail their system for us.

2 comments:

Judy said...

Ok Larra...question for you. Do you find it cheaper to buy the name brand things WITH coupons or the off brand things (that don't have coupons)? For example, I always find ziploc bag coupons, but I usually just buy HEB ziplocs thinking it's cheaper.

Also, I always pass up using coupons on diapers b/c I buy the big 92 count Huggies instead of the smaller packs that usually have coupons. What do you think?

I love your blog by the way!
Judy

creativelyhomemaking said...

Hey Judy! This is always a tough one. I just really have to comparison shop. I make a note on my shopping list if I have a coupon for something and how much it's worth. So then when I'm on the aisle, I can see if where I will get the better deal. A lot of the time, the coupon DOES make it cheaper than the store brand. It mainly depends on the product.

I might not be much help on the diapers. We still have diapers left from gifts..8 months later! But from what I've seen is that the big box is a better value. But does Huggies not let you use coupons on the big boxes? Pampers coupons apply to all sizes usually.