Make sure to check all of the Couponing 101 Series here. You will find all kinds of great information! 🙂
The binder method of coupon organization is a great one if you buy multiple inserts each week and you like to be able to see all of your coupons at once. The disadvantages of the binder methods are that it takes more time to organize, the start up cost is higher and they are bulky to carry around.
Case-it 2-in-1 Adjustable Zipper 3-Ring Dual Binder, 1 Set of 3-Inch Rings and 1 Set of 1.5-Inch Rings, Black, Dual-500-BLK
I used to use the binder method when I was building up my stock pile. I liked it! But now, that my stock pile is built up I don’t shop as much so I was able to downsize. If you are going with the binder method I really recommend using a binder that zip closes. It didn’t take me very long to figure this one out! Nothing is worse than spending time organizing your coupons to have them slide out! I’ve got quite a few couponer friends who swear by the Case it 2 in 1 Binder. (Check out the different colors! Sometimes different colors are cheaper!)
Want some proof it’s the best binder out there?
– Tiffany from My Litter uses it (you may recognize her from Extreme Couponing)
– A Thrifty Mom loves hers
– Making Life Sweet has hers filled up
– And as you can tell from the photo above, Deep South Dixie Couponers is a big fan!
It’s big – 4 inches! And it has a small accordion folder attached which is good for storing your store ads and your coupon inserts (until you can clip them!). This is an extreme couponer’s binder! If you want to start out with a smaller binder you can just note you will have to transfer everything once you outgrow your smaller binder (and it will happen faster than you think! Trust me!!) Our Walmart has the Case It Binder and it’s on clearance right now! I think it was on clearance for $7.50. You might want to check out your store!
You will also need dividers, baseball card sleeves, and page protectors.
Want a good deal on coupon holders? Split this 3/page and 9/page pack with a friend! Having the two sizes will definitely come in handy!
Setting up your binder:
The first thing you need to do is to set up your dividers. Then add your baseball dividers inside and slide your coupons in the card sleeves under the appropriate category. I like to print off a copy of each store’s coupon policy and put it into the page protectors to have handy in case of any problems in the store. I can’t recommend this enough – it sounds silly but I have used my store policies on numerous occasions. You also may want to keep pens, a small notebook and a calculator in your binder.
Make sure your name and phone number is on your binder!! You don’t want to lose it!
I know that it may seem like a big investment but it will last you! Plus, it will save you tons of time (and money!). Use the accordion method for a few weeks, and put $10-$20 of your coupon savings towards the cost of your binder. You will have it saved up in no time!
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Great post. Thank you for the information