Couponing 101

How to make a coupon binder

Here is a picture of my binder.. I suggest using one like this with a zipper, incase you drop it your coupons wont spill all over the place...

I got this binder for 9.99 plus tax at Office Depot.
there is a section already in it sectioned off so i can put the store ads in there..  I also purchased for 2.00 a clear pencil case to put in the notebook for my calculator, pen, scissors and anything else i might need.








Here is what the binder looks like when it is opened up. 

First Step and Most importantly after you have acquired your binder: Put your name, address, and phone number or cell number on the inside cover of your binder in case it gets lost. Some people are forgetting their binders in the shopping carts when they load their groceries into their vehicle.

Second

You will need some sort of medium to put the coupons into your binder. I recommend the thicker quality of 9 pocket baseball card pages but I know that many people are now using 6 pocket pages, 4x6 photo pages that have 4 slots to a page, etc.

Find which type page works best for you as all of us are different and prefer different organizational methods.

You will need to remember that when using baseball card pages to organize your coupons, you will need to trim them very closely but do not cut off any wording, bar code or set of numbers, or the expiration date.

The longer coupons I keep in the bottom row of pockets so the zipper won't catch on them and for the wide coupons, you can fold them lengthwise or crosswise to fit into the pocket.

My sections now are:

• Store cards
• Baby
• Baking
• Beverages
• Canned
• Cereals & Breakfast Items (cereals sorted by brand)
• Cleaning Supplies (sub-sections)
• Condiments
• Dairy & Refrigerated
• Frozen Foods (with subsections)
• Health & Beauty (with sub-sections)
• Laundry Care
• Meats & Deli
• Miscellaneous (this is for clothing, non-grocery stores, , etc.)
• Paper & Plastic (with sub-sections)
• Pasta & Rice
• Produce
• Snacks & Candy
• Restaurants

Couponing Tips

Couponing Tips

1. Get yourself organized.

You can't save if you can't find the coupon or rebate form, etc. People organize their coupons differently, so use what works best for you. There are different methods. Whether it be an old diaper wipe box with dividers, a shoe box with dividers, a coupon wallet, or a coupon binder.

2. Get multiple coupons.

There are several ways to accumulate multiples of coupons. Some ways are:

** ask friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc. to save them for you.

** go to recycling centers and get them (be sure to ask the attendant if this is allowed before you start "dumpster diving")

** get to know the newspaper carriers, they may be willing to give you inserts from papers that they don't sell, also ask the convenience store clerks and other store clerks too....the store only has to turn in the top portion of the first page of the paper for credit

** watch for those blinky machines (the little red machines that "spit" coupons out) in the stores.....usually that product will go on sale within 2-3 weeks after you first see the machine and the store will pull it out right before the sales

**extra coupons at online swap boards such as here at WeUseCoupons.com

** order the ones you need from online coupon sources such as

3. Combine store sales with coupons, rebates, store card holder discounts, etc.


4. Get to know your area stores and their policies.

Call the stores and ask if they double or triple coupons, or price match competitor's ads. Also inquire as to whether they accept expired coupons....some stores will accept expired coupons up to six (6) months past the expiration date. Also some stores, such as CVS, Walgreens, and RiteAid, will accept a manufacturer coupon in conjunction with their store coupons.
5. Stockpile.

Whenever you find a great deal on a product, buy as many as you can (and that you have coupons for), especially if you are getting the item for free. This will help you in the long run.

6. Go online and save too.

There are plenty of online sites where members post their wonderful finds whether they be online or in brick and mortar stores, as you find here at WeUseCoupons.com

7. Don't use a coupon just because you have it.

In other words, don't buy something you normally wouldn't buy just because you have a coupon for it (unless it's free of course and you intend to donate it or have someone in mind who can use it)

8. Take advantage of online point earning sites.

Usually these sites will let you earn points that can be redeemed for gift certificates for restaurant, movie rentals, etc. Here is a few to get you started:
** startsampling.com
** mypoints.com

9. If the coupon says "off any size" then buy the smallest size. This is a better price per ounce deal usually and many times the coupon will make the smaller size free or very close to it, especially if the store doubles the face value of that coupon.

10. Keep track of your savings so you can see how good you're doing.

This will keep you motivated to get it even lower.

11. Make a Grocery Check List so you know what you are going into the store for. Keep a list of what you have in your stockpile too so you don't "over buy" on things that you don't use up quick enough and thus it spoils.

12. If an item on sale at the store is out of stock, get a raincheck.

This alone will not only save you money a little later but will also give you time to gather more coupons for the items.

13. If you have a raincheck, order coupons to go with it from one of the online coupon services or ebay.

14. Call, write or email the companies with either a negative or positive thought about their particular product(s), they may send you cents off coupons or maybe a coupon for a free product. They wish to hear compliments just as well as complaints from consumers.

15. Most importantly have fun. It's the thrill of the hunt aspect.

Price Books.. 
I have just recently found out about this so I am gonna try to figure out how to make one of these then I will post how to do it :)