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
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Terms and Abbreviations

Here are the basic acronyms you will need to know:

BOGO – Buy One Get One Free

BOGO 1/2 off - Buy One Get One half off

OYNO -On Your Next Order (a catalina coupon that prints when you check out, that is used like cash off your next order)

WYB – When You Buy (sometimes you get a discount for buying a certain number. example: Save $1 wyb 2)
RP – Red Plum is a coupon insert you find in the Sunday Paper, or in our area it usually comes in the mail on Tuesdays with the Giant Eagle ad or online.

SS - Smart Source is also a coupon insert in the Sunday Paper or online

CAT - Catalina is the coupon that prints at the cash register. You can get catalinas buy purchasing certain items.

DND – Does Not Double.  Many coupons have this, however, if your store normally doubles then it should still double as long as the bar-code number starts with a 5.  If it starts with a 9 then it will NOT double.

IP – Internet Printable Coupon

SCR – Single Check Rebate from Rite Aid

CPN - Coupon

EXP – when the coupon expires

MFR – Manufacturer Coupon

$2/1SS 3-21 or $2/1RP 3-21 -when matching up coupons, this tells you the amount of the coupon($2/1, two dollars off one item), where the coupon was found (Smartsource or RedPlum), and which paper it was in (3-21).  If a coupon is printable, it will be highlighted in blue so you can click to print.