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Now that you are starting to compile coupons, you need to organize them. There are some really simple ways to organize them and some more complicated ways. Obviously the more complicated, the more time it will take.

You can try different methods to see what works best for you.

File Folder

This is the simplest method. With this method, you will write the date the coupon insert came out on the front of the insert. You will then store it in an accordion file folder. You do not clip the coupons until you need them.

You will also need a canceled check file folder to organize loose coupons.

Watch the video below for a complete tutorial:

Some Additional Tips:

–Print the Coupon Variation list for your paper to quickly know what coupons you do and do not have.

-You will keep inserts for about 12 weeks. After that, you can clip the one or two coupons that haven’t expired and throw away the rest (or send them overseas to troops).  See a quick tip to see when things are expired and ready to be cleaned out.

Coupon Box Method

Some folks can’t handle not having all the coupons with them, but they don’t want to spend all the time required in keeping a coupon binder.  The middle ground between the two systems is to use a box that has many categories.  Cut all the coupons in the insert and then organize them into categories around the store.  We want to break it down into small categories, or else you will have a hundred coupons in the middle of “dry goods” and go insane trying to look through that.

This system will take around 45 minutes to cut all the coupons in the Sunday insert and then sort them into categories.  I would reccomend that you still pull what coupons you plan to use before shopping or else you will in the store for ages.  You can however, take the box with you to the store in case you find other deals.

Realize one thing, in your 45 minutes of cutting coupons the person in the accordion file system is now ready for the store.  You haven’t gotten there yet.  So this is a little more time intensive.

Binder Method

With this method you clip all the coupons and then organize them in a binder. You can use dividers to separate coupons into categories.

This method is much more time consuming, but if you want to be super organized it may work for you.

Complete tutorial on using a binder:

Check back later today for complete details on how to make your own coupon organizer!