Frugal Coupon Living

Couponing doesn’t always have to be extreme- at least not “Hey I am gonna make it on TV” extreme. Every penny you save is one in your pocket, so even small changes can make a big difference. Being organized and knowing how to sort your coupons is the first step in making your savings really stretch. I have created a set of printables to help make the process a little easier- for making lists and noting coupons.

I recommend  buying 2 inserts per person in your home, more if you are just starting out and you want to build up your pantry. But then you have piles of inserts, what do you do with them?

Some people find it convenient to file them by date in manilla folders in a file box (whole insert method), most recent to the front.  Then you just clip out coupons as you need them by checking the match ups each week. Doing it this way is pretty simple, as there is very little work up front, you will just need to invest time when pulling inserts and cutting out coupons for each weeks shopping trip.

Others use the binder method- this entails cutting all your coupons out and filing them by category.  Page dividers are marked; Frozen, Snacks, Lunch meats, Canned, Beauty, First Aid, Cleaning Supplies, Baby, Etc.  Then insert baseball card organizers behind each divider. If you buy multiple inserts pull them apart, stack like coupons and cut them all out at the same time. Slide each set of coupons facing outward so you can see the expiration date and item into a slot on baseball card organizer. This method takes a lot of time up front but is then much quicker when pulling together coupons for shopping.

Use these free coupon binder printables to help determine what you need, and what’s on a sale at a stock up worthy price.  There are sections for listing items you are planning to buy and also the coupons you have that match the item. This will help you in figuring out your totals at the end of your transaction.  Print it out, make copies and keep them  on your fridge then gather them with your coupons, and a pair or scissors for quick, easy reference.

Coupon Binder Cover Printable
Baby Needs Insert Binder Printable
Toiletries Insert Binder Printable
Grcoery Insert Binder Printable
Medical Needs Insert Binder Printable
Cleaning Supplies Insert Binder Printable
Stockpile Inventory Binder Printable

When you are preparing for your shopping trip I recommend pulling out your shopping list and an envelope for each transaction you are planning to do (and each store) as you cut your coupons place them in the envelope so none get left behind.  If you further separate your coupons by- $ off your total purchase (give these first so you are sure to meet the requirements), Store coupons, Competitor coupons, and manufacturers with a paper clip you will find your clerk will appreciate your efforts. This really makes your transaction go much smoother.

Happy Couponing!

Don’t forget to find printable coupons in My Coupon Database, on Coupons.com, Red Plum, and Smart Source. You also can get electronic coupons from SavingStar, Ibotta, and uPromise.

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