The Rules!
1. Only use the coupon for the intended item.
2. Be careful of fakes! Awfully embarrassing to be called out in line at the store! Not to mention it’s illegal! Beware of PDF files, these are usually fake. There are a few exceptions, just check your source and make sure it’s legitimate.
3. Don’t take ALL the coupons on the shelf! The general rule is 2-4 to save for later. However, if there is a coupon sitting there for a product you plan on buying right now take as many as you need! Same applies to peelies and blinkies.
4. You will NOT receive money back on purchases if the total due is negative. If a cashier tries to hand you money, politely tell him/her that is not right. Accepting money back causes the cashier’s drawer to be messed up later.
5. Always hit the “back” button and then “refresh” to print a coupon twice!
6. Do NOT photocopy coupons! This is illegal!
7. If someone posts a coupon on a blog or hands you a coupon and says this phrase “don’t use this at the store it’s from” or anything like it THROW IT AWAY! That is one of two things: a fake or meant for only one person.
8. If you find a deal, share it! Tell me!!! :)
Now on to organization!
There are several methods of coupon organization
- Binder method- When I started this is the method I used. Each week I wrote the date on the top of each insert and filed them in date order in a 3 ring binder with tabs. Then pulled and cut as needed. I still use this to a degree for overflow.
Image from 1st-product.com
- Accordian/Box method- This is the method I currently use. Accordian style file or photo box with labeled tabs in alphabetical order (I use that term loosely!) with envelopes for sub-categories in each section.
- Baby
- Diapers/Wipes
- Food
- Medication
- Bags/Batteries/Office Supplies
- Batteries
- Bags(garbage and storage)
- Office Supplies
- Light bulbs
- Water filter
- Baking
- Oil and Sugar
- Mixes
- Bread/Produce
- Bread
- Produce
- Candy/Chips/Snacks
- Candy
- Chips
- Fruit snacks and bowls
- Popcorn and nuts
- Snack Mix (think Chex)
- Canned
- Soup
- Coffee and creamers (includes refrigerated)
- Tea/Juice/Coke
- Other (peanut butter, jelly, etc.)
- Vegetables
- Cereal
- Pancakes/syrup
- Cereal
- Granola/Cereal bars
- Oatmeal/grits
- Cleaners
- Laundry
- Kitchen/bathroom
- Air freshners
- Dairy
- Cheese/yogurt /cold juice
- Eggs/Milk/Butter
- Frozen
- Frozen Veggies
- Frozen Pizza
- Frozen Bread
- Frozen Entrees
- Frozen Snacks
- Novelties (ice cream, etc.)
- Hygiene
- Shaving/lotion
- Soap/deodorant
- Medicine
- Dental
- Make up/Feminine
- Hair
- Meat
- Deli
- Prepackaged
- Paper Products/Pets
- Toilet paper/paper towels
- Cat
- Dog
- Pasta/Rice/Seasonings
- Pasta/Rice
- Seasonings
- Ethnic
- At the very back I had Stuff (now it's in it's own small coupon organizer):
- Store specific coupons (Target, Walgreens, Publix, etc.)
- Restaurant coupons
- Miscellaneous (usually coupons I find and need to file)
· Baseball card method- I’m not organized enough to do this method. Each coupon is clipped and then divided into sections and placed inside an individual pocket. My sister in law uses this method and loves it! (I need to mention she has no kids! lol Love ya Roxy!)
· Professional services- Expensive and not worth it in my opinion.
