Tip Tuesday: My Beautiful Binder

Until recently I used the file system for keeping all my coupons organized. Then, I attended a Savvy Shopper class and Amy convinced me to try out the "binder method." (Mostly because the day before I'd gone shopping without my coupons, doh!)

Basically, you clip all the coupons you think you might use whenever an insert comes out and store them in baseball card sheets in a binder. The binder goes with you while shopping so you always have access to your Q's. Improving the chance that if you find something marked down or on clearance you'll be able to match a coupon for a great deal.

Here's my binder:

Isn't it pretty! Purple is my favorite color. My binder is a CaseIt 4" with strap and velcro closure. Ideally I wanted a 3" zipper binder, but I found this beauty on clearance at Office Max for $6 (reg. $19.99). So, that's what I'm using.

There's an accordion section in the front where I keep all the current store circulars. You never know when you need to check a price or a size or find out what's included in a Mix & Match sale.

This is the store section (Albertson's is pictured). Where I keep my list for that store, any coupons I'm using that day, plus any catalinas or store coupons. While I'm shopping I'm turned to this page. My binder lies open on the basket part of the cart (see pictures of other people's set up here and here).

And, finally, I have my coupons organized in Categories and Sub-Categories. The Categories are labeled on tabbed dividers and the Sub-Categories are labeled with a sticker on the bottom right hand side of the baseball card holders.

Since I have had several requests for how I label, here are my Categories:

• Baby
Diapers
Wipes
Soaps/Shampoos


• Bread & Cereal
Cereal (2)
Breakfast Foods
Bars
Breads
Rice/Pasta
Chips/Crackers
Popcorn


• Canned Goods
Fruits
Vegetables
Soups
Other


• Cleaners
Dish Cleaners
Fabric Cleaners (2)
Standard Cleaners (2)
Bathroom Cleaners
Air Fresheners


• Dairy
Cheese
Butter/Oil
Yogurt
Other


• Dessert
Cookies
Frozen Desserts
Cake/Brownie Mixes
Fruit Snacks/Jello/Pudding
Drinks (2)
Candy
Baking Goods


• Meat
Poultry
Lunchmeat
Breakfast Meat
Seasonings/Sauces
Other


• Medicine
Pain Relievers
First Aid
Stomach Aids
Vitamins
Other


• Paper Goods
Tissues/Paper Towels/Napkins
Bags
Foils/Wraps/Containers
Plates/Cups/Utensils
Toilet Paper


• Personal Hygiene
Facial Cleansers
Bodywash/Soaps (2)
Lotion
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Other Tooth Stuff
Deodorant (2)
Shaving Needs
Makeup
Shampoo/Stylers (2)
Feminine Hygiene
Personal Items
Eye Stuff
Other


• Misc.
Nuts/Peanut Butter
Sauces/Salsa/Ketchup
Frozen Goods (2)
Salads/Dressing
Fresh Produce
Other Food
Other Household Items


• Retail


• Restaurant

Categories are very personal and will change. For example we do not have a pet, so I have no pet section. We also use very little medicine so that is reflected in my sub-categories for that section. You should customize your Categories and Sub-Categories to match your families situation as well as likes and dislikes.

I really like my binder. I'm able to snatch up deals I wouldn't have been otherwise. And, I will no longer forget my coupon envelope as it's really hard to forget the beast of a binder I have.