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The following is a guest post by Outside the Box Mom:
Is the Coupon File Method for Me?
The advantages of using a coupon file are that you have most of your coupons at your disposal, can take advantage of unadvertised deals, and you can carry more than one (or purchase a larger one) for more storage. The disadvantages of using a coupon file are the time required to clip and file all coupons, and the time required to remove all expired coupons.
The first way I used to organize my coupons was with a coupon file. For my current season of life, I prefer the whole insert method as the pro’s outweigh the con’s. As I said in the last tutorial, I have only used a coupon file and the insert method. Here is how you would setup a coupon file for the first time.
Supplies Needed to Make a Coupon File
- Coupon file (13-pocket file at Staples for $3.99; smaller file at Dollar Tree for $1)
- Pencil pouch
- Calculator
- Scissors
- Pen
I would estimate that all supplies would cost approximately $5.
How to Set Up a Coupon File
- The most important step is to include your name and contact information on the inside of your file, in case you leave it somewhere.
- Create a label for each of your categories (dairy, toiletries, baking supplies, etc.).
- If your coupon file is long enough, place scissors, a calculator and a pen, at front.
- Once all of your coupons are clipped, file them in the appropriate category in your file.
- Keep your shopping list, store coupons, etc. in the front divider, also.
Coupon Filing Categories:
Foods
- Beverages
- Snacks
- Breakfast/Cereal
- Dairy/Refrigerated
- Frozen
- Canned
- Sauces/Toppings/Condiments
- Rice/Pasta/Bread (starches)
- Meat
- Baking
- Produce
- Misc
Non-Foods
- Cleaning
- Paper/Plastic
- Personal/Razor/Deodorant
- Baby
- Makeup/Medicine
- Hair
- Body/Lotions/Soaps
TIPS & TRICKS:
Start small and build as you have time.
Customize in a way that works for you.
Go through your file at the beginning of each month to pull the expired coupons.
Maintenance: Each week you cut all coupons out of the inserts. Then, organize the coupons by category.
Photos Sources: DavidReber, JacindaClark
Submit your questions and challenges in the comments and they will be addressed in future posts.
–Sign up to receive my new FREE e-book on Saving Money with Coupons. Find quick, easy, time-saving tips and solutions for working moms at Outside The Box Mom.
If you missed any posts in this series:
- Goals when using coupons
- Common reasons why people don’t use coupons
- #1 obstacle in using coupons
- Types of coupons available and where you can get them
- Ways you can organize your coupon stash
- How to make a grocery list
- Shop at different stores to stretch your buck
- Know the sales cycle
- Start small
- I have no luck in couponing
- No coupons on products I buy
- Remembering to use your coupons
- Am I a casual couponer?
- Pro’s and Con’s of once-a-month shopping
- How to Setup a Coupon Binder
- How to Setup a Whole Insert Coupon File
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