Coupons 101: How to Start your Coupon Binder

If you've recently decided to start saving through coupons or just simply start staying organized with your coupons, then I hope this post helps you out! You've made it this far, let me help you to go all the way.

Back in July of 2008, I began Coupon Saving Game. I tried TheGroceryGame.com with their $1 trial, but was unimpressed with having to spend money to save money. Then, my sister told me about CouponMom.com, and I signed up right away for a free membership. To this day, I use Stephanie's site on a weekly basis for help in finding the right coupons to match my deals. Finally, after finding out about my friend Sarah's savings through coupons and learning her system, I decided to really give it a try! And I've been saving ever since!!

Hopefully I can share with you a few pointers that really got me on the road to saving within the first week. This is what works for me. I encourage you to take all this information one step at a time.

1. Buy a coupon binder. You can find one HERE at Amazon.com or check your local stores. Things to consider when purchasing a binder: Handle for easy carrying, zipper for keeping everything inside, pockets for calculator, pen/pencil, pocket scissors, raincheck, rebate forms, ECB's and RR's storage. Read my post HERE about what else you need for your coupon binder.
   
2. Each Sunday or Monday, plan a time to Cut your coupons. If you purchased more than one newspaper for that week, stack each page, line them up and cut them out at one time. This saves time and will keep the duplicates all together to place in your binder all together. Just be careful not to cut the barcode!!
   
3. Each week, when you make your shopping list, Choose the coupons you need and place them in an envelope labeled with the Store's name. If you use this method, you shouldn't need to lug that heavy binder with you - although I often do as there are often clearance/sale items you might use your coupons with. You will still be organized as you enter the store with your coupons all set!
4. Check back each week for the "Best Of" Deals each week at your favorite grocery and drug stores! I've done the work for you. All you need to do is grab your coupons, make your list, and head out to get your deals!!
   

So, that's my system. Yes, clipping coupons can be tedious, but I've found that if I can't see the coupons in my binder, I won't catch the deals. My kids have lots of fun clipping coupons, so they're a great help to me as well! If you have children old enough to use scissors, encourage them to help. As a homeschooler, I've used clipping coupons as a source to help my children learn good scissor skills. They love it!

Coupons are about saving, but it doesn't mean you can't have fun saving!!