Coupon Organization–Everyone has a method what is yours?

 

I had a comment from Jennifer asking for help with organizing her coupons.  Here is her question if any of you want to chime in:

I have been using the insert method of organizing my coupons but I am finding it more and more difficult to use that method when out shopping. Do you have any special tips for someone starting off with the binder method? I have seen people write what date and what insert the coupon came from. Is there any benefit to do this and if so, what is it? Just seems like a lot of work to me.

To answer Jennifer’s question – I don’t know why people would write the date and source of a coupon the printed unless they were using their own coupons to write a blog and needed the source or so that they could match-up their coupons with those posted in a blog or coupon forum.  I agree with you – it sounds like more work. 

I have tried several different methods of coupon organization over the years and I really think that the key is having and finding the system or pieces of each system that works best for you.  I have highlighted what I feel are the pros and cons for the three most common systems. 

Insert Method:

Pros:

• You can always check your inserts to see if you got the coupon that you read about on a blog or coupon forum.
• You don’t have to clip, sort, and file coupons every week for products that you may or may not use.
• You only clip the coupons you are going to use and some that you will probably use (for me that is something like diapers).

Cons:

• It is not very convenient to take into a store.
• You may miss a deal because you don’t have other coupons with you when you shop.
• It can be time consuming to check for expiration dates.
• You still need a way to organize printable coupons.
• You still need a system to keep the coupons you are going to use together.

Binder Method:

Pros:

• You always have all of your coupons with you so that you can get great unadvertised specials.
• You can organize your coupons within your binder to correspond with the lay out of your favorite store or by categories like meat, dairy, frozen foods, etc.
• You can easily flip through and check expiration dates.

Cons:

• You have to clip, sort, and file lots of coupons.
• You may have to fold your coupons to fit in the holders (most people like baseball card sheets).
• Although it looks pretty – the organization can be overwhelming and time consuming.  Depending on how organized you want it you could be working on it daily.
• The binder can get heavy and awkward to carry around.

Coupon Wallets:

Pros:

• These are great if you want to clip and file only a few coupons (it works great with the insert method).
• It is easy to carry around with you or leave in your purse (or man-bag).
• You can sort your shopping lists by store and divide them in the different sections.
• Can be great if you want a system that you can keep things like CVS Extra Bucks, Catalinas, or Walgreens Register Rewards in one place.
• Can be a great method for keeping all of your internet printables and coupons you find in the store from blinkies, tearpads, or winetags together.

Cons:

• Not large enough if you want to keep all of your coupons together.
• You have to sit down and sort and purge expired coupons on a somewhat regular basis.
• You can’t organize into subcategories like you can with the binder method.

 

I was a hard core binder person. I loved my binder, it went everywhere with me. Then I had a few weeks in a row where I didn’t have time to sit down and organize my binder. It became too overwhelming for me to clip, sort, and organize all of my coupons. I also like to have things organized and then sub-organized and then sub-sub-organized. I wasn’t happy with having a mustard coupon in just the non-perishable grocery section, it had to be in the condiment section on a separate page for just mustard. I know I am a little OCD.

I transitioned myself to the insert system and although there are deals I may miss because I haven’t clipped every coupon, it is easier for me to manage right now. I also can contain it so that I don’t have to worry about any of my little ones getting into my coupons and pulling them out.

Here are some pictures of how I organize my coupons:

I start off with a file folder and write the date of the insert on the tab.  You can see from all of the scribbles to the left of the visible date that I recycle and reuse the folders.

I keep all of my file folders together in a tote bag (I actually got this bag for free a few years ago from L.L. Bean.  I had redeemed my Pampers Gifts to Grow Points for a gift card to L.L. Bean and this is what I found at the outlet in Williamsburg.)  I like the tote bag versus a filing cabinet because it does make it portable.  I have taken this bag with me on lots of trips.  It is a little heavy, and I don’t usually carry it with me into a store. 

I file all of my folders in chronological order.  I generally go through my inserts about once a month and pull the inserts that are older than three months.  I still flip through all of those before I let them go to see if there is anything that hasn’t expired that I want to clip and hold onto.

I have a small plastic box that I put things like coupons for restaurants, coupons I receive in the mail, coupons that I cut out of product boxes, coupons for stores, and rebate forms.  These generally end up in the coupon wallet, but this is the holding area.

I keep my internet printable coupons in a separate folder.  That folder is in the front of my tote bag.

My coupon wallets.  I am not using the red one at the top right now.  I was using that more when I was really hitting multiple stores in one trip.  I would write out my list clip and sort the coupons that went with the list and then separate them by store in each of the accordion files inside. 

I am only using the clear envelope right now.  I like it that it is longer and most of my coupons fit in there without having to fold them.  It is just the right size for me to take the coupons I want to use into a store with me (especially if I have all three kids with me) and I can keep things like my catalinas, CVS Extra Bucks, and other things together.  I usually have any blinkies or tearpads in there because I have this with me when I find them in a store.  I will sometimes keep receipts in here as well, especially if I need to obtain a certain dollar amount for something like a rebate.

I hope I have helped Jennifer out and given any of you struggling with the same issue some ideas of how to organize all of your coupons.  I really feel that the more unorganized your coupons are the harder it is to find the great deals.  I would love to hear back from all of you about how you keep your coupons straight.  Remember what you think is obvious to you may be a new concept to someone else.

Happy Couponing!

~Ann

Edit 8/22/11 - I met Anjie (The Frugal Freelancer) about a month ago at a luncheon for frugal bloggers.  She has been couponing since I was in elementary school (maybe longer).  She has just created a new system for filing coupons.  Remember the key to having your coupons organized is finding the system that works for you.  Thanks for the tip Anjie!

I used a Walgreens Register Rewards at MARTIN’S!

I had two $5 Walgreens gift certificates that I earned through the Walgreens Rewards program they are (or were?) test marketing in Richmond.  The certificates were about to expire and of course being a crazy couponer I wanted not only to stretch them - I wanted to roll them into Register Rewards (RR).

I saw that there was a promo for Gillette Proglide that combined with a coupon made them about $1 after your RR. I clipped my coupons and took the kids to Walgreens.  I picked up two razors and purchased them in two separate transactions (you can only get one reward per transaction) and used each of my $5 certificates with the $4 coupon to pay ~$1.  I walked out of the store with two razors and $10 in RR. 

I used to play the drugstore couponing game, but I find Walgreens hard to play on a regular basis because of their sales and the 14 day expiration on their RR.  My coupons expire today (the 22nd) and I noticed Monday evening when I was making a trip to MARTIN’s that the RR said “Manufacturer Coupon” at the top next to the expiration date.  (I don’t think all of the RR are manufacturer coupons.  I believe most of them say store coupon.  This particular RR was compliments of Proctor & Gamble  I went to the service center desk at MARTIN’S and verified with the associate that yes I could use it at MARTIN’S.

I ended up purchasing 10 Powerades (two of them were gone before I got a picture) and using two of the $1/5 coupons I shared in my Top Deals Post along with a box of Ronzoni Garden Delight Pasta and I paid only $0.19 (which was really just tax) thanks to my coupons and the $5 Register Rewards!

Two newspapers for $0.20

I wanted to share a way that I use some of the extra care bucks (ECBs)  and register rewards (RR) that I earn at CVS or at Walgreens.  I use them to buy my extra Sunday papers.  I know some people will say that there are better ways to use my ECBs or RR.  I am sure that there can be, but this is how I see the positive and negative side of the issue. 

Positive –

• I am going to buy extra newspapers already and this limits the necessary amount I have to pay out of pocket in order to purchase the newspapers. 
• I don’t get stuck with a high dollar amount of RR that I need to spend.  Sometimes when that happens I end up buying things that I really didn’t want or need (like candy).  At least this way I am buying something that I was going to buy regardless. 
• If I use my ECBs at CVS the amount I spend accumulates every quarter into additional ECBs.  This amount is a percentage based on your total spending for that quarter.  The $4 or $6 I spend (if I don’t have ECBs) every week adds up and at least I earn something.  I earn more than just using my debit card or cash at the gas station up the street that won’t accept my American Express.

Negative –

• I could save the $4RR and instead “roll” it into another deal and generate additional RR.  Although this is a great way to keep “growing” my money, the sales don’t always pop up one after another and allow me to find deals back to back. 
• The RR program has some restrictions.  One if that you won’t generate additional RR if you buy a product from the same manufacturer with a RR from that manufacturer.  (ex. I usually won’t get the RR for Dove Conditioner if I use the RR I earned from buying Dove Shampoo.)  The RR are usually only good for 14 days from the day generated. ECB’s are usually good for 30 days. 

So, this is how I see it -

1. The best way is to actually “roll” your ECBs or RR with items that you can use.
2. If you can’t “roll” the ECBs or RR it is best to buy something that you need or were planning to buy.
3. Nothing is worse than realizing that the great deal you got from earning ECBs or RR isn’t that great because you allowed them to expire.

How about you do you buy extra newspapers on Sundays?  Do you have unique ways that you spend your ECBs or RR?

More Rebate Checks!!!!

I recently received three more rebate checks in the mail.  I wanted to give you an update on the ones I had received and how easy they have been to submit and even easier to cash!

I received a $10 rebate check from Coors.  My friend Judi had given me a rebate form that she found at Kroger for a $10 rebate for purchasing $100 or more in gift cards.  I had several receipts that were easy to find and submit from where I had purchased gift cards as Christmas presents.  I had already purchased the gift cards so getting a rebate was a little present for me.  Thanks Judi!!!!!

I received a $15 check from Olay for purchasing 3 body washes.  I actually came out ahead with this deal.  When I made the purchase there was a Register Rewards (RR) promo at Walgreens. I bought a Gillete Embrace Razor (which generated a $4 RR) for $8.99.  I had a coupon for $2 off the razor and another coupon for a free Olay body wash when you buy a Gillette Embrace Razor.  I ended up with 3 razors and 3 body washes for $20.97, I earned $12 in RR, and I got a $15 rebate check from Olay.  The way I see it I actually earned $6.03!

I also got a rebate check from Schick for purchasing a Schick Quattro Razor for Steve.  The rebate was good for the full purchase price up to $11.99.  I found the razor at Walgreens for $9.99 and it was generating a $4 RR.  I submitted my receipt showing the purchase price of $9.99.  I received a check for $9.99 in addition to the $4 RR I got when I purchased the razor.  I earned $13.99 just for buying Steve a razor!

I have really changed my attitude about rebates being too difficult and time consuming.  I have 3 checks totaling $34.99 to take to the bank.  I don’t think that is too bad for buying a few toiletry items and filling out a few forms.

How about you - have you been successful with submitting rebates?  Do you find them easy to submit and even more exciting when you get a check in the mail?

Rebate Checks

I had several rebate checks arrive in the mail last week.  I will be the first to agree that rebates are frustrating, you have to read the fine print, make sure you get the necessary info together, make copies of everything, find an envelope, a stamp, and remember to drop it in the mail before it expires.  I sometimes run into the frustration of having items for different rebates on the same receipt.  Some rebates are easier to submit than others – you just have to send your receipt and write down your UPC code on a form.  I have had some rebates that want the actual UPC code from the box, the receipt, and the form.  When it is all said and done, it really isn’t that much work, it is just finding the time to get organized and make sure you have all of your materials together.  So, how did I do?

• I received a $20 check from Kraft foods.  To qualify I had to purchase 10 packages of Nabisco cookies or crackers, 5 Capri-Sun boxes (or Kool-Aid Jammers), and 5 cups of Kraft Easy Mac.  I looked over my receipts that I submitted and I figured I spent about $26 for the 20 items that I purchased.  So – I ended up getting all of that for only $6 after I got my rebate.  (I think there is a similar rebate offer through June 2010 – but I can’t locate it right now.  When I find it I will pass it on.)
• I got two $5 rebates from SC Johnson.  I submitted a total of three so I don’t know if the third one is lost somewhere.  This rebate is available for a while so if I don’t get my third check in a few weeks I have more items I can submit for the rebate.  I talked about buying several Glade candles with a Target deal this past fall in this post.  I only had to submit 3 UPC codes and a receipt from all of the candles that I purchased. (I had purchased them in separate transactions so I would have receipts for each rebate request.) I bought ten candles and candle holders for $5 and I actually got two $5 gift cards (for buying 5 in each transaction).  I already had made $5 on the transaction so the additional $10 in rebates means I got $15 for buying candles! 
• I also got a $15 check from Olay.  I purchased two Olay Regenerist Cleansers at Walgreens for $4.29 each (after coupons).  I submitted the rebate and and got a check for $15.  I ended up making $6.42 for buying cleanser!

I am working on submitting two rebates right now –

• Receive a check (up to $11.99) for a Schick Quattro Titanium Razor or Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmer – you will get reimbursed your purchase price.  The form for the rebate is in the 2/7 Smart Source insert.  The rebate must be postmarked by March 7, 2010 for purchases from February 7 – March 7, 2010.
• The other rebate is another $15 rebate from Olay.  This rebate must be submitted by March 12, 2010 for purchases from February 12 – March 12, 2010.  I was able to make this a really good deal by combining sales and coupons.  Walgreens has a $4 Register Reward (RR) when you purchase a Venus Embrace Razor for the month of February.  The razor is $8.99.  You can combine a $2 off coupon form the 2/7 Proctor & Gamble insert.  There is also a coupon in the 2/7 P&G insert for a free Olay body wash when you buy a Venus Embrace System.  The bottom line is I paid out of pocket ~$7 for a razor (with 2 cartridges) and a 10oz bottle of Olay body wash.  I left with a $4 RR (to use on another transaction) and a receipt showing the purchase price of the body wash that I can submit.  I repeated this transaction two more times.  I ended up spending ~$21, earned $12RR, and can submit for a $15 rebate.  That makes it ~ a $6 profit for purchasing razors and body wash. 

Do you like rebates?  Do you have success with rebates?  Do you have tips of current rebates you want to share?

"Rolling" my Register Rewards

Register Rewards are great, as long as you can use all of them before they expire. They are only good for 2 weeks after they are issued. I used some of them Sunday night by purchasing my additional newspapers, a birthday card, and the spaghetti sauce. Tuesday I realized I still had a decent amount I needed to roll before they expired - on Wednesday. So I sat down with the ad in hand, and read some post on-line at Hot Coupon World, and came up with a game plan.

Here is the breakdown on my purchases:

(8) Jars of Ragu Spaghetti Sauce -$1.295 each (earned $8 RR)

Hallmark Card - $0.99 (not pictured)

(2) Sunday Newspapers - $2 each (not pictured)

(3) Vaseline Lotions - $6.99 each (earned $7 RR on each)

(2) Nivea for Men Aftershave Balm - $3.50 each (earned $4 RR)

(3) Chapstick - $2.99 each (earned $3 RR on each)

(2) Dentek Floss - $1 each (earned $2 RR on each = Money Maker)

(1) Halls Refresh Drops - $0.50 (earned $1 RR = Money Maker)

(4) small bags of M&Ms - $0.49 each (filler item) (one got eaten already)

(24) plastic dessert cups - $0.19 each (filler item - I am going to use them for a program at church)

(3) Sippy Cups - $0.74 each (on clearance - we always seem to be missing cups these days)

Shelf Price (before sales, coupons, and tax): $85.57

Final Price (after sales, coupons, before tax): $9.04

Total Savings: $76.53 (89%)

FYI - there are several tips you need to understand in order to maximize your RR with Walgreens.

• You cannot have more coupons (RR count as a coupon) than you have items in your transaction. That is why I always end up with "filler items". I also found out that if you have a coupon for $$/2 that coupon ties to both items for your coupon to item count.
• You cannot get multiple RR for the same item in the same transaction. You need to buy them in separate transactions.
• You cannot get a new RR by paying for the second item with the RR from the first transaction - ex. You can't buy a second Vaseline lotion with the RR from the first Vaseline lotion.
• You generally cannot get a new RR if you are buying a product from the same company as your first RR - ex. I can't use a RR from a previous purchase of a Proctor & Gamble product on a new P&G product and get a new RR.

I know it sounds confusing, but once you start to figure it out you just learn how to work around it.

Feel free to ask me if you have any RR questions - if I can't answer it I can try to point you in the right direction. :)