Organizing Your Coupons!! NO Clip Method!

A lot of you have asked me how I go about organizing all of these coupons. So I thought I would post a little about it. I hope this doesn't confuse you more then it helps. Let me know if you have any questions.

There are a lot of different methods out there and I think I have tried them all at this point. On our Couponing 101 DVD we go into detail about 3 different methods, what supplies you will need, and the pros and cons of each. The binder method, the old coupon box, and the "No Clip" method.

I started off with the coupon box, then I tried the binder. All of the different methods have pros and cons. But for me (at this time) I love the no clip. You do not clip the coupon until you actually need it. Our coupon database and our weekly store coupon match-ups tell you where to find the coupons you will need using this format "$1/1 Kelloggs Cereal SS 1/30 (exp. 3/31)" If you utilize the no clip method you can easily find the coupons you need by following this system. In the example of the Kelloggs coupon above you would just go to your Smart Source folder, locate the tab labeled SS 1/30 and look through it to find that specific Kelloggs coupon!

RedPlum and SmartSource Inserts 
All you need is some filing system. This could be a small filing book, file cabinet or even the new organizer I am currently using. (see photo below) Each week when you get your coupon inserts you write the date on the front cover (each insert has the date in tiny print on the seam of the insert) then you label your tabs accordingly. For instance, if it was the Smart Source from Jan. 30th you would label your tab SS 1/30. If you buy multiple inserts each week then you would file all of the SS 1/30 away in that specific section. I have one of these file folders for Redplum and one for Smart Source. I found them at Target for $7.

P&G-Proctor and Gamble and GM- General Mill Inserts

The cool thing about the P&G (that was in this Sunday's paper) is that the coupons all expire at the same time (usually 30 days after the insert comes out) So when the new P&G come out for the month you can toss out any left over inserts from the previous month and replace those with the new month. So I suggest keeping a small separate folder just for the P&G. Having 4-6 copies of this insert is very helpful. I actually have a 3 ring binder that I use for P&G and GM. So I take the insert, 3 hole punch them and put them in my P&G binder. (see photo below) Since GM is usually only a few pages and seems to be very sporadic I keep those inserts with the P&G.(see pic below)

I suggest having a separate place to file away Store specific coupons, rebates, catalina coupons, etc. As well as pizza and restaurant coupons. I use an expandable filing folder (see pic below) inside I have it labeled by store (Rite Aid, CVS, etc.) This way I have a specific place to keep specific in-store coupons and know to check that folder before I head out!

 This is the way I currenly organize my coupons. There is no right way or wrong way. Every person is different and has their own preference. 

Tell us how you organize your coupons!!