Comments on: Coffee with Collin: Coupon Organization Part 2

By: payday loans

payday loans — Thu, 02 May 2013 00:14:23 +0000

Loans Dallas Tx become cheaper as a result while president yesterday with the
student loan debt, I think it even plays into some of the protests, before querying Corbett on the reason for high tuition rates.

By: tyler

tyler — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:07:42 +0000

Hello, would it be possible for you to send me a copy of your spreadsheet? I have such a low budget I should have been doing this years ago.

my email is tyler5268@yahoo.com

thank you so much

By: April

April — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:36:08 +0000

There are a lot of people who have good success with coupons and saving big bucks, I think if you work at it, it is very attainable to save a good bit of cash. However, the TV show is fake. There are a growing number of retailers who are refusing to participate in the show because of the counterfeit coupons used and counterfeit couponing is a huge issue the FBI is having to deal with more and more.

By: Alec

Alec — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 15:49:16 +0000

misst2302, could I get a copy of your spreadsheet too, sounds great.
sandyandaj@gmail.com.
Many Thanks.

By: glenncof

glenncof — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:07:48 +0000

I don’t use coupon binders…tried but too much work. I won’t clip anything I don’t really expect to use. I usually have 25-40+ inserts a week.

I use ad hoc evelope system, a visual just-in-time method driven buy weekly matchups. Yea, gotta’ remeber where you put things once clipped but unused. I write out deal sheet for store pre-week and gather q’s before week starts.

Once week is over the folded deal sheet with q’s inside moves to another envelop holding past several weeks, deal re-occure often.

By: Brittany

Brittany — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 16:24:40 +0000

I just set up my very first coupon binder yesterday, and was super excited to try it out in the store. I realized pretty quickly that my categories are going to have to be rearranged, but overall, it wasn’t bad. Until I got to the checkout. Walmart has changed their coupon policy (at least the one here has) and they can’t type in coupons anymore. If it doesn’t scan, they won’t take it! Unfortunately for me, none of the IP coupons that I had folded to fit into the baseball card slots would scan…

By: freebies

freebies — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 02:54:07 +0000

I’m not positive where you’re getting your information, but great topic.

I needs to spend a while finding out more or figuring out more.
Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this info for my
mission.

By: Pam McConnell

Pam McConnell — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 02:57:21 +0000

Chris, that sounds like the problem I have with my coupons. Would you be able to take a picture of your velcro solution as I can’t quite visualize the fix. Thanks in advance!

By: Mary

Mary — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:28:03 +0000

I have been keeping my coupons by date and source, for example RP 2/12 or SS 6/12. My problem now is that I need to clean out some of the older inserts but I am afraid of throwing away non-expired coupons. Any suggestions?

By: Jo Thompson

Jo Thompson — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:59:52 +0000

Hey! Just wanted to toss out a heads up. If there is a Dollar Tree near you, you can get a 10 pack of baseball card holders for a buck! Just thought I’d share. I can’t say what the quality is, but…. yeah

By: Whitney

Whitney — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:08:15 +0000

Hi Collin … I’ve been a Hip2Save reader for while and have recently realized that I need to graduate from my little accordian coupon holder to a binder. My question, after reading this entry and watching your great video, is this: Is it an obstacle at all for you that the baseball card sheets extend out past the Avery Style Edge divider tabs (that I actually had already chosen for my binder as well since I liked their size, shape, and colors)? I think it might hinder the ease of flipping through the categories but would love your input. Thank you!!!

By: jimayra.garcia@yahoo.com

jimayra.garcia@yahoo.com — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:22:10 +0000

Hello,

Would it be possible for you to send me the spreadsheet??? I am struggling with knowing how much I am supposed to pay out of pocket. My grocery budget is limited so when I spend $20.00 out of pocket every time I go to the store with coupons……I get worried. I have been going several times per week.

my email is jimayra.garcia@yahoo.com

Thanks!

By: jimayra.garcia@yahoo.com

jimayra.garcia@yahoo.com — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:17:52 +0000

tHANKS FOR THIS!!! I am a total newbie and am so proud of my binder. I went to Dollar Tree and got these so THANKS!!

By: Kayla

Kayla — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:36:47 +0000

Hip2Save on Youtube – Collin has updated a Coupon Newbie Video. They’re 3 parts to the video, and I found this very helpful Good luck!!

By: SUe

SUe — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:06:07 +0000

Collin, I finally switched to a binder and was surprised as to how much easier it was to use. I used to use a file box and searching for coupons in the store was time consuming. Thanks for the great idea!

By: mommy2faith

mommy2faith — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:41:58 +0000

Oh my goodness Miss2302, I would love to see your spreadsheet. Could you email me a copy? Email is EdNShelleyRamsey@aol.com. Thanks so, so much

By: Tracy Johnson

Tracy Johnson — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:16:21 +0000

I’m putting my binder together today… I feel like a child with a new toy! Silly but true.

By: Tracy Johnson

Tracy Johnson — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:41:27 +0000

Since my plastic accordion folder is about to burst at the seams I guess it’s time for me to graduate to a binder. I printed your tab templates and ordered from Amazon as you suggested. Those really were the best prices. I can’t wait for my “tools” to get here!
Thank you Collin you really made this very easy.

By: Adael

Adael — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 06:32:38 +0000

If you have to pay sales tax on your food items in your state (SC), you may have to pay the tax on the value of the coupon. I was visiting in SC, and tried to use a coupon with my NY card, which was fine, the problem was I had NO money (my husband had it with him, he was fishing, lol). It was only like 8 cents, but I was so embarrassed! The person in line behind me was very nice and paid it for me.

By: katee

katee — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 03:02:17 +0000

no way thats awesome! very helpful thanks so much!

By: Collin (Mrs. Hip)

Collin (Mrs. Hip) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:36:56 +0000

Check out this post for lots of helpful info on where to get coupons…

http://hip2save.com/couponnewbie/

By: Abigail

Abigail — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:29:56 +0000

Where can you get all of your coupons from?

By: Plumaria

Plumaria — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 07:49:51 +0000

Another question. if i wanted to asked questions on random things, where do I post them? Ex: I just owned a new Epson Artisan 837 & my ink is running out. I used to buy refill inks at this place & they don’t have it for this new printer of mine. Does anyone know a pretty cheap place for ink or direct me somehow via link/store? I live in National City CA

By: Plumaria

Plumaria — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 07:37:33 +0000

Im new to this site also. But for alot of my organizational needs I go to http://www.gtmstores.com if you live in San Diego County, there are two locations in Lemon Grove & Santee. Great prices especially when they have 25% (u can use on two high priced item) & 30% on item once a month.

A note to Collin: Thank you for updating & taking your time to show, I’ve saved a lot since I’ve been on your site.

By: denise

denise — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:37:44 +0000

Dollar Tree has baseball card holders really nice & it does the job perfectly…its a 10 pack for $1 holds 90 coupons. so STOCK UP!!!! its a way better deal than 25 pack for $5.99…for $5.99 at dollar tree you get a 60 pack which will hold 540 coupons

By: Emily T

Emily T — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:31:28 +0000

If you post and ad on craigslist for sunday papers. I’ve gotten alot of free coupons from people who dont need them or care about them.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 03:50:33 +0000

I’m having a hard time viewing the organizing list of categories…when I click the link I just get a dark green page with no pictures or text?

By: Elisha NaturallySasse Martin

Elisha NaturallySasse Martin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:09:22 +0000

Was needing 2 upgrade my binder and had no idea where i’d need to start!!! This site is the Bee’s Knee’s o coupons organizing!!!

By: Rosa R.

Rosa R. — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:34:18 +0000

Do you have a list of the categories you use? I can’t seem to get the links to work.

By: dakarimom

dakarimom — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:53:07 +0000

Yes, you can…i have been doing it for a few months now..

By: lnewsome

lnewsome — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 01:05:13 +0000

I am also looking for a way to organize please email me a copy
Thanks in advance

By: lnewsome

lnewsome — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:35:58 +0000

Can you use your food stamp card and coupons togather????

By: Ella

Ella — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 01:00:43 +0000

I also am looking for for a very organized way of doing this. I would appreciate it also if you would e-mail me a copy also so I can do this faster.

By: Ella

Ella — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:50:19 +0000

Nikki, My husband and I have started to save coupons a while back and would use them here and there. The other night we were out of town and it so happened that the grocery store had a big sale going on. To make a long story short, we went big for the first time. Scary, yes! We divided a few things from our regular groceries in order to get some things free. Otherwise we took the evening and just walked through the store and checked everything on sale. We also used their flyers and in store coupons, such as milk was $2.39 with coupon instead of almost $4.00. Any how we checked everything out and used our coupons. Some coupons were doubled. We had a little over $200 in groceries and by the time we finished it cost us $139. Our niece does this all the time and she usually saves $20 and is happy. We used our saver card and then the coupons. We also want to be extreme couponers. Take your time, check your papers for coupons and go on websites for coupons. They are really worth it. I wish you the best of luck with your adventure. Just keep trying, it does get easier.

By: Karen

Karen — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 14:45:03 +0000

any suggestions about time management welcome!

By: Karen

Karen — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 14:31:41 +0000

I need help with time management in order to maintain order to my coupon binder any suggestions please reply

By: noelle

noelle — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:57:58 +0000

LOL…I have mine in envelopes too! It makes using them frustrating and difficult. We are going to try putting together a binder this weekend. Thanks for all you do!

By: Lovingcoupons

Lovingcoupons — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 09:04:59 +0000

Im sorry to ask people I know people prob here this a lot but My husband just resently lost his job a 2 mths before he lost it he got really sick and was admitted into the hospital. We have 5 kids I am able not to work for other medical reasons.. Sp if anyone is willing to help me how to do this and is willing to donate there coupons they are not going to use would be really appreciated. Thank you and god-bless AND iM REALLY SORRY TO ASK THANK U COUPON PALS

By: Griselda

Griselda — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 06:44:14 +0000

I had found a great deal on some post it flags, and for every section I have, like lets say produce, I have a tab on each baseball card sheet and the number of the month on it. so for October I have 10 on it, November I have 11 on it, and for December I have 12 on it. So depending on the month that the coupon expires that’s what baseball sheet it goes in. And then when you get a coupon that expires say next year or a later date then those months I use a different color tab and put it right on that coupon in the last month of my section, currently is December so i just stick it right on there with the month and year it expires. This has made it so much easier keeping up with my coupons and making sure coupon’s never expire.

By: Smarty1128

Smarty1128 — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 03:18:33 +0000

The baseball holder things and photo holders are SO expensive!! Please let me know if there is a coupon for them.

By: Smarty1128

Smarty1128 — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 03:11:44 +0000

Collin sometime before black Friday do you go to the stores and ask if they have a list of the deals they will have on that day

By: Kim

Kim — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:48:20 +0000

I agree…i started with having them alphabatized in a cloth case and that would work but my gosh did that take a LOT of time. I have also graduated to the binder and now kick myself for not doing it sooner. When you’re unsure if you have a coupon for the product it is so easy to flip to the section and check. It did take me a lot of time to get the binder together but has been smooth sailing since then.

By: Nicole R

Nicole R — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 05:47:26 +0000

I am looking for a coupon binder that zips up and has four inch rings. I know case-it use to have one, but amazon is completely out and it won’t seem to order on their website. I have tried looking for a 1-800 number to call and talk to them about it and have not had any luck. If anyone knows of another binder that is this size and zips or has a phone number for case it I would greatly appreciate it!

By: gmandpp

gmandpp — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 03:11:46 +0000

I take a wide tipped marker (usually use red or blue) and write the expiration in big numbers on the coupon. This way I can spot the expiration date at just a glance.

By: jess

jess — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:37:36 +0000

coupon binder cover shee will not print! Thanks

By: Lavendahlia

Lavendahlia — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 13:04:04 +0000

The Rite-Aid link doesn’t work.

By: edy

edy — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:07:31 +0000

I had a plastic box years ago from rubbermaid made for cpns can’t find another one but I have the baseball cards and the folder with all my cpns and love to shop with cpns done it for 17 years great website here love to see what. Everybody its getting!!!

By: Bethany

Bethany — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:49:46 +0000

For those of you who don’t get a Sunday for whatever reason, you might want to check with friends or neighbors to see if they do. I have a neighbor who does get the Sunday paper but doesn’t care about the coupons. She is kind enough to put them in my mailbox every single week. I also subscribe to All You magazine and do a lot of online printables and have a good amount of coupons as a result. Hope this helps someone.

By: garifrog

garifrog — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:50:50 +0000

I was wondering what you do with the coupons that are too wide or very long? folding them sometimes does not work very well .

By: shanna_saves

shanna_saves — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:47:10 +0000

Sorry meant to say “have”

By: shanna_saves

shanna_saves — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:46:25 +0000

Thanks for the tips! I ahve mine in envelopes and its a hassle to find the ones I am looking for when I need them.

By: TARRIBEAR

TARRIBEAR — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:49:17 +0000

I am new to the binder thing, just started because I am like you always fumbling around looking through the inserts and hoping this is better. In answer to your last question- I usually take all my coupons into every store I can use them at because I never know if I will find a good deal and wished I had my coupons with me.

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:03:23 +0000

Target… and I am pretty sure they still sell this same style bag!

By: handdancer

handdancer — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:41:13 +0000

In your video you showed your purse that your binder fits in. Can you tell me where you got it. Thanks!

By: OKKiddo

OKKiddo — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:32:53 +0000

Do you use one of the baseball card inserts to store all of your store cards/rewards cards? My wallet just doesn’t have the room to hold all of those different cards.

By: Don

Don — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 15:23:09 +0000

Hi Collin,
I clicked on your direct link to Target’s coupon policy. What I got was the forrest, but couldn’t find the tree. What’s up?
Don

By: Heather

Heather — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:37:01 +0000

I am a newbie and have just finished (finally!) my binder and I have figured out that the baseball card holders are great to write on with a dry erase marker if you need to underline exp. dates or just to mark different categories under a divider tab. We are military and some of my coupons are only able to be used on the base so I mark on the baseball card slot that they are “base only”. The markings can easily be erased as needed and it has really come in handy at the store! Instead of having 60 different sections in my binder, I can combine some and just write on the sleeves. Hope this helps someone!

By: Desire

Desire — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:20:10 +0000

I used several small photo albums organized by category in a small storage box with lid for my first coupon “system”. It worked well for me until I outgrew and graduated to the binder;). Pros: coupons are easy to see, lots of space for large coupons, easy to take just one category with you if that’s all you need (just BABY items if you are only buying diapers, etc.) Cons: awkward to take whole box into store if you need multiple categories, have to add more albums as your stash grows. HTH!

By: Jessica

Jessica — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 02:24:10 +0000

I have so been stressing myself out about organizing my coupons! I watched your video and I feel so much better. A few questions to be answered please. I would assume you make a list of what you are shopping for, where do you take your coupons out of the sleeve and place somewhere else once you know you are buying the product? Also, your tab of store coupons, is that all store coupons? (i.e.- Wags RR, CVS-ecbs, and in ad coupons). Do you cut out all the coupons in your coupon inserts and file them in your binder? I always feel like I fumble around in the insert and it takes me forever. I always feel like I am in a rush when i am shopping whether it be on a lunch break or when I am out running errands. I think if I am organized, I’ll feel better about it. This sounds crazy, but even if you have a few things to pick up at say CVS, do you bring your binder in with you or do you bring just your coupons in? Thanks Collin for all that you do for all of us! You save me plenty of moolah!

By: Veronica

Veronica — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 01:45:17 +0000

Thank you sooo much, it makes sense now. I will change my binder. I just started a month ago, so I don’t have a lot of coupons, but enough to keep me busy.

Thanks again

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:46:31 +0000

Hi Veronica,

Sorry for the confusion. Since my coupons are listed by category, I do NOT go by the dates at all. Instead, let’s say I am looking for a Kashi cereal coupon, I will look in the breakfast category part of my binder and flip through to see if I have that coupon. Or let’s say I am looking for a Glade product coupon, I will flip to the air freshener category to locate the coupon. Hope that makes sense!

By: Veronica

Veronica — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:18:40 +0000

Sooo, I don’t need to keep my coupons by date and source, ie. RP 7/31. If yours are by category, how can you tell which source they came from? I’m new at this and being following you for a month. Thanks.

By: debwaid61

debwaid61 — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:26:27 +0000

Hi! I’m new to couponing like this! Where do I download the list of categories that Collin talks about in the video.

By: Collin

Collin — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:30:58 +0000

Here are the links for you:

* Hip2Save Coupon Binder Cover Sheet
http://h2savecom.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/h2s-coupon-binder-cover-sheet.pdf
* Avery Style Edge Plastic Dividers (item #11201): Page 1 (http://h2savecom.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/8-tab-style-edge-dividers-page-1.pdf) and Page 2 (http://h2savecom.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/8-tab-style-edge-dividers-page-2.pdf)
* Avery Big Tab Insertable Plastic Dividers (item #11901 & 16282): Page 1 (http://h2savecom.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/self-adhesive-index-tab-16282-page-1.pdf) and Page 2 (http://h2savecom.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/self-adhesive-index-tab-16282-page-2.pdf)

By: ileizman

ileizman — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:39:20 +0000

This sounds like a very organized way to do it (which is right up my alley!)! Would you be able to email me copy so that I can put something like this together, too? I would REALLY appreciate it!

Thank!,
Ili

By: Jen

Jen — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 07:17:40 +0000

Hi Nata!
I’m unsure if Collin has a place to send expired coupons but I’ve set them to this address:
K.C.L Overseas Coupon Program
Amanda Brumbaugh
10960 W. Bridgetower Dr.
Boise ID 83709

You need to separate them by food and non food in baggies (they explain it all on the Krazy Coupon Lady site). Military families can use coupons in commmisaries up to 6 months expired.
Good Luck!

By: Nata

Nata — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:19:08 +0000

If coupons get expired, where I should send them? Please give me an address.

By: Jan Mullen

Jan Mullen — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 12:04:18 +0000

I purchase my baseball card sheets and the plastic divider pages from the dollar tree for 1.00 per 10 pages. I built my binder about 3 months ago and the pages are holding up just fine so far. Bought my 3 in Case-It binder at walmart for about 14.97. Love it!!! Has a handle and a long strap for carrying over your shoulder. Also has side zippered pocket for extras such as your ads or other inserts. I put in a small zippered type pouch that has the rings to place in the binder to hold my scissors, pens, a few paper clips and any small things that I may need. I really loved the binder method. Hope this helps!!!!

By: misst2302

misst2302 — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 22:04:32 +0000

Ok so I started “really” couponing about three months ago. I was told about this site from a friend, and now I am a “Hip2Save Junkie”! I can’t start my day without checking to see all the new post. I have my own binder with baseball card sleeves just like you Collin. But being a neat freak and needing everything organized, I created a spreadsheet in Excel to list my coupons on. I still have my catergories (food, hba, pets, etc.) that I have color coded, but I have my coupons listed in ABC order for each catergory (for easy referrence) and for each coupon I have a column for amount, size restrictions (if any), exp. date, the number of each coupon I have (in case I have more than one of a certain coupon), and the pocket number it is in (as my pockets are numbered in the specific color of that category). Then I just print it out, three hole punch it and put in front of my binder. After I go shopping or get new coupons, I just open it on my computer, update it, print it out again and away I go. This works for me cause when I go shopping or am checking your site, I just pull out my list and look to see if I have a coupon for that. Took time to create, but now couponing is as easy as 123!

By: owls_for_olivia

owls_for_olivia — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 05:36:45 +0000

Thank you so much for your site! I am newbie couponer, and though I don’t want to be an “extreme” couponer, I do want to save as much as I can! I was thinking about getting a small photo album from the Dollar Store. Do you, or any of you lovely readers, think this would work well? Also, any tips you guys may have are much appreciated. Thanks!

By: Robyn

Robyn — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:02:05 +0000

Thank you so much. I organize by paper now and if you are looking for a specific product it’s hard flipping through your entire binder to find a coupon. I was wondering if the categories works better.

By: onebruinfan

onebruinfan — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:08:53 +0000

I just absolutely love your site! Thank you for all the research you do, Collin. I would like to share my organizational skills. I have let some valuable coupons expire due to their odd expiration dates so now I file by week, then by the aisles of my favorite supermarket. Now my coupons do not expire before I’ve had a chance to use them.

By: Nikki

Nikki — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 05:41:59 +0000

I love this site! I am a college student and I’m trying to coupon with a lot of success. I am having 2 issues: 1) I feel as though I am spending a lot of time on this, how can I reduce my time, but also get everything that I need? 2) I have this idea stuck in my head, I want to extreme coupon like the show that I saw on tv. Give it to me straight, is that a possibility or are these rare cases???

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 00:56:29 +0000

Love, love, love your site!! I just completed my own binder and found that once that was done, the rest of the work comes easily. One problem I had with my binder was things I had inserted into the front inside covers tried to slip out in all of my transporting. I found a great solution: I used velcro strips…one near the top and one near the bottom and pulled strips from the front to the back as tightly as needed. The tightness would change depending on the volume. It works great!!

By: Cyndella

Cyndella — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:15:02 +0000

Is there a video explaining what the coupon policies mean in more detail? If not do you have plans to make one?

By: Lulu

Lulu — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 23:30:50 +0000

Hi Collin! Thanks for the video, I’m starting to make my coupon binder but I had one question. Do you put one coupon type per pocket or alphabetize them per pocket?

By: Joy

Joy — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 01:40:18 +0000

If you sort them by category you don’t necessarily need to know the date of the paper. you can just go directly to the category and pull that coupon out. Since the pockets are clear you don’t really need to keep track of which booklet they came out of.

By: chriscasey1969

chriscasey1969 — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:47:35 +0000

Hi Collin, Im just begining again. I use to do this years ago. I found the plastic dividers at Staples for 3.99 8-pak on sale. I got my baseball sleeves for 8 cents each. How do you keep track of the expireation dates you have so many? Safeway doesnt double coupons in Wa.

By: tara tolley

tara tolley — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 05:47:10 +0000

Hi, i was just wondering, with all the coupons you have….how do you keep track of when they expire? Since you have SO many, and they are all organized it seems like it would be hard to keep track of that?

By: Lana

Lana — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 01:52:00 +0000

If I use a binder for coupons, how do I know or keep track from which paper & date they came from?

By: Mandi Y.

Mandi Y. — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 18:58:07 +0000

I wanted to followup and just say that when I purchased the items listed in the post my total cost was NOTHING near $35, it was closer to $55! After purchasing the plastic dividers for $5/ea set…and you said grab 4 sets…then I nabbed 4 packages of 35pages of baseball card pockets…those cost $5/ea set…just in those items alone my total was already $40 then add in the cost of the binder that was the Avery one you have in the vid was around $13. I’m still glad that I went the binder route because I can ALREADY see how it’s going to save me SO much time….I also noticed that ALOT of the printable coupons when folded will either show you the value of savings and for what item…or folded the other way to show the expiration date…I’d not see the value of the coupon and for what item..so I am glad I can just flipthe page to see on the back for the expiration date.

Thanks so much again for the informative video! I was shocked at the overall ending cost of the binder setup but it was well worth it!

By: Mandi Y.

Mandi Y. — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:46:23 +0000

After much debate I really am making the switch to a binder. I’ve tried 3 different types of coupon organization and the binder is just where I’m gonna have to leap to.

Now I’m deciding whether to use the baseball holders or the photo card holders or a combo of both.

I have an Avery 3″ binder here already that I can use and I’ll just purchase the dividers and holders this weekend. Hoping to have my coupons fully organized and switched by mid next week to show to my sister that is visiting out of town

By: Jim Carlson

Jim Carlson — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:58:42 +0000

Newbie coupon guy here… Pretty basic right now.
I clip those coupons that I know my family will use and put into a hand held plastic accordion folder with ~20 dividers. I only get two Sunday paper inserts. I use the cardboard bottom for a case of soda to keep my inserts and keep them in date order. I plan all my shopping, so I know what I will be purchasing with or without coupons. I use black clips to attach the coupons I plan to use to the weekly flyer with my shopping list. I try not to purchase anything that is not on my shopping list.. I might miss some unexpected bargains, but decided that a more targeted approach to coupons would work best for me and my family.
Thanks for both the information and the inspiration this site provides.

By: Sakura

Sakura — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 04:00:10 +0000

Check office depot’s clearance section, I picked up 6 Heavy Duty 3″ binders for $2.56 each! Also, make sure you buy good quality baseball card holders. The heavier plastic doesn’t rip at all.

By: Lisa B

Lisa B — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:49:55 +0000

At the beginning of my bedrest (pregancy) I made a huge to-do list to keep myself from going crazy… For some reason I saved my “make a coupon binder” for last. Well Today I finished it (thanks to your inspiring video based on your binder). I have been using a large receipt acordian binder for years (grew out of it years ago)! I am also a scrapbooker and I used a 12×12 size scrapbook binder (zipper) with assorted 12×12 organizing pages (like your baseball pages but bigger). My binder is actually for a scrapbooking crop so it has a messenger style strap and it’s awesome quality (very strong). I had this binder laying around as well as the pages and even plastic 12×12 dividers so my OPP was nothing. I am so excited. I now give this baby permission to come… he’s done cooking and my to-do list is officially completed. Thank you Collin.

By: sck7290

sck7290 — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:54:46 +0000

I recently made my own coupon binder after using a small coupon mini organizer for about 2 years. Today was my first test run out in the stores… It was GREAT! So easy to flip to and compare deals and coupons. I even encountered another couponer who complimented me on my binder! She asked where I got it and I explained that I made it myself. She was using the photo album method and said it just wasn’t working for her. I was proud to show off my beautiful new binder! Not to mention, I saved $32.51 at Target and $12.50 at Walgreens. Twas a good day of saving! Scored big at Walgreens. I went in to buy Claritin. I bought Claritin Non-Drowsy ([30] tablets) for 23.99. Here’s how I ended up making bank:
MFG for $5.00 off (I believe it was 20 count tablets or more)
WAG coupon for $4.00 (in our weekly ad, 20 tablets or more I believe).
I pulled the first box off then saw the box behind it was for the same price but had 33% more free! I ended up getting Claritin 40 tablets for $14.99 (before tax)!!!

Happy saving!

By: sck7290

sck7290 — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:54:46 +0000

Happy saving!

By: Pam

Pam — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:30:44 +0000

I also do both file & binder. I take the time to clip the coupons and put in my binder the coupons for item I know my family uses. I also clip any obvious high value coupons, BOGO or coupons that are less then $1.00 for one product, as my store will double those.
Then I file the rest of the insert into a plastic file, divided into months. Each week I visit Hip2Save for good match-ups, mostly fort drug stores matchups so I can roll my ECB or RR ect,. Therefore, I can still get to the coupons involved in a good match-up but I don’t waste my time clipping every coupon, most that, without a good matchup, will never get used.
I find this is working well for me. I hope this helps

By: Kim

Kim — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:02:20 +0000

Yolanda, Im at Fort Knox and they were in the actual PX, in a weird spot, in the back by customer service in between the shoes and electronics, if you cant find them maybe ask a worker! HTH

By: lisae6328

lisae6328 — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 23:54:00 +0000

I like your idea. Is your box the one from Sterilite and the one for CD’s/DVD’s?

By: Yolanda

Yolanda — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 03:42:19 +0000

Is that in the toy store or the actual px, because here they have them separated and I’m wondering since I need more! Thanks

By: Kim

Kim — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 14:42:57 +0000

To all those military couponers, I found the baseball card inserts at the PX yesterday by baseball and game cards. They have a 30 pack for $4.75 I was super excited to find them! I can’t wait to start organizing them I love the blog Collin keep up the good work!

By: SAHMinCambridge

SAHMinCambridge — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 23:44:47 +0000

This is what I currently do, and am not happy with it, the tabs lose their stick pretty quickly, and I find I have to be gentle when grabbing one to flip the page, Im going to bite the bullet and get the one’s Collin has those oval tabs are so cute!

By: Shevin Ramsey

Shevin Ramsey — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:48:23 +0000

I sorta do the same thing. I have a binder that I have in different categories (I have the tabs set up in the order that I go in when I’m shopping in my Publix). However I found the plastic divider pages with a pocket on the front and back of it. So, I have the front of the pockets for different categories as well. (ex. clear page divider pocket – FREE item coupons, yellow page divider pocket = Target coupons, pink divider pocket page = kids store, blue divider pocket = women clothing stores) I used to cut out all the coupons every week, but life around here gets kinda crazy around here with three boys (5, 4 & 2) a hubby that works full time on his business plus goes to school, well it leaves me alone a lot taking care of the fellas & clipping coupons is usually last on my list. Sooooo….while looking in the office supply section at my local Target I found small plastic accordion style folders that actually velcro shut & they go into a three ring binder. I got three of them in green – for Publix coupon booklets, red – Red Plum coupons ads/books, and finally a purple one – for Smart Source coupon ads/books. I put those in the very back after all of my category sections. Now what I do is when I get the paper I open it up & get out the Red Plum/Smart Source & write the date on the front page/cover then place them in the correct accordion folder & place it on top since it’s the most recent. Then when I have time I start from the back & cut them out as I can (I check dates of course so I’m not wasting time) they actually can hold quite a few of them too! I’m luck since I don’t have to buy multiple papers I usually buy 1 then I get my parents when my dad is done with them & I also get my grandma’s & then of course internet coupons are super! I shop once a week & a day or two before I make a list & use a website that lets me make a list of the items I want at the stores I need to go to. Just like here she tells you where to find the coupon. I usually will look in the specific category first but then if it’s not there I go to my accordion folder for SS/RD and find the one with the date I’m looking for & viola there’s the coupon! I cut it out from there & any multiples I have/need & go on to the next item on my list.
I also just have a generic little accordion coupon organizer (the kind most peeps have) that I put the coupons & list in for the day. I don’t categorize them b/c I have them in order of my shopping trip and as I use them I put them in the very front pocket of it. The other thing I have in my traveling coupon organizer are some restaurants, Target coupons in it’s own section, and any other stores (like Toys R Us/Hallmark/Build A Bear). Since most days I go out with a 4 & 2 year old the big binder was just too much & if I was able to go by myself to Target I was spending way too much time in there looking through the binder. So I put in makeup, some cleaning & laundry & toy coupons in my Target section b/c I know those go on clearance a lot there so I’m sorta ready, and I have found that if I don’t get a deal it’s ok. The little purse organizer works best for me when I’m out & about w/ my boys in tow.
Back to my big three ring binder: This is what I do with the other pockets & ads….In the very back pocket of the binder I have the P&G ads (and any lose coupon sheets I get randomly form people if I don’t get time to cut them out) in a manila file folder, also all of my coupon policies are back there. In the front pocket of the actual binder is where I have my rebate offers. Both active (as in waiting for the check & deals that I could get if I wanted them.
So, I use a mix of methods & that’s what I encourage others to do: Find what works for you & go with it! If it’s saving you money & is not stressful & you get it then who cares what it looks like or how crazy you might look. It’s crazier to not hang on to your hard earned money!!

By: Carolyn A.

Carolyn A. — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 23:08:23 +0000

Love my coupon binder! I actually got my plastic dividers from Target in the $1.00 bin!! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I found them back when they had the school supplies and they have worked wonders for me, they have held up great! Just a tip if you can’t afford the $30 cost now wait a few months when the school supplies go on sale and see if they have the dividers back in the Target bins for just a dollar! You can also check out garage sales or thrift stores for school supplies. I promise they will be very inexpensive. For a bag I use a reusable bag to haul my binder around. The hospital gave me a cute one after I had my baby and that is what I use so FREE!!

By: Shelly

Shelly — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:42:55 +0000

Hi Collin love the video’s!! Just a quick question when you separate your coupons into the baseball sleeves do you put all the same product in one. or do you put a variety of similar products into one sleeve? Keep the video’s coming I enjoy my coffee watching you and your helpful successful ideas!!

By: Teresa Stratton

Teresa Stratton — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 03:43:19 +0000

K-Mart sells the baseball sheets. They are thicker the ones I can purchase at Wal-Mart.

By: cathy

cathy — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 02:34:47 +0000

You may want to buy the sheets first, and see how many you use. A 1 1/2″ binder holds 35 sheets nicely. I’m thinking about using to binders. A small binder for just drugstore items and a large one for the supermarket. I have three times the food coupons as I do drugstore.

Many people have said it, there is no right or wrong way to org your coupons. It’s what way works best for you.

By: cathy

cathy — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 02:22:25 +0000

My sons’ collected cards for years. We found that the Progard by Enor Corporation hold up the best. They still have a couple dozen 3″ binders of cards. Some of the sheets are 15 years old, and they are still in great shape. Nice thick sheets. Toy-r-us sells them for 65 sheets for $12.99.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:11:01 +0000

I really depends on how many inserts you get each week and how many coupons you need to file. I first began with a 2 inch last year and am now using a 3 inch. I know it seems big but I actually have access to 20 inserts a week and have a ton of coupons in my binder. I found that I was outgrowing my 2 inch and the pages didn’t want to turn easily. If you’re just starting out you could start with a smaller binder and see how it works for you, and maybe move up to a bigger one if you need to…but a 2 inch may work great for you.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:06:26 +0000

At my WalMart they are up towards the front of the store (kind of by the book/magazine section) and there’s an aisle of “hobbyish” and “As Seen on TV” items..very random things. I had called ahead and asked my WalMart if they had the baseball card sleeves and was told no and then I went in that night (after watching one of Collin’s earlier videos where she shows you were they are at) and they did have them! I recognized the aisle in her video-Follow Me Monday Week 2 Part 2 and went right to the store and there they were–so much for Walmart telling me that they didnt carry them. HTH!

By: ARio

ARio — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 19:42:48 +0000

Is there anyway to edit the printables?

By: Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:51:49 +0000

I am new to a binder method and want to begin. What size binder should I use? I looked at 3 inch binders and they looked so big! Would something smaller work?

By: denisestines

denisestines — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:08:00 +0000

Thanks! I just called my Target and they don’t have any. I also checked Walmart with no luck. Maybe Michael’s or another craft store??

By: muser

muser — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:58:30 +0000

I love that. If I saw someone clipping coupons w/ a giant binder while in a dr’s office waiting room, I’d totally high-five ‘em!

By: muser

muser — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:56:52 +0000

Thanks for the helpful tips, Mel!

By: Nicole

Nicole — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:30:08 +0000

Where have I been? I never knew the date was on the binding on the coupon inserts. You made my day!!! WOW – that makes couponing soooo much easier.

By: magellan_02

magellan_02 — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:09:25 +0000

I found the baseball card sleeves at target in the toy section. They have a pack of 65 sheets for only $9.99. This may be a cheaper way to go if you don’t have Amazon Prime to get the free shipping.
I messed up and bought 25 sheets on Amazon for 3.99 but had to pay 3.99 for shipping. Wish I would have shopped around before purchasing online.

By: magellan_02

magellan_02 — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:05:36 +0000

I love the binder method. This video did give me some good ideas. I was using business card sleeves before and that made it tough to fold the coupons so small and still be able to tell what they were for. I just purchased some basball card sleeves and currently in the process of switching. GREAT IDEA! Now I am on the look out for a cute bag that I can carry it in. If anyone knows where I can get one cheap I would appreciate it.

By: denisestines

denisestines — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:08:03 +0000

Does anyone know where you can purchase the baseball card holders in a store?? I am so excited I want to get mine today and Amazon does not have them available till the end of the week.

By: melissa

melissa — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 03:29:11 +0000

I clip the ones out that I know I will most probably use and file them. The rest of the booklet gets tossed in my plastic container where I keep my inserts stacked. Now, for the P&G Everyday Savings booklet, I only pulled the most recent coupons out, so all the ones expiring 4/30 are filed. If I need another coupon for a sale, then I can get the booklet and pull out what I need.

By: AS

AS — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 02:36:56 +0000

I have a question for anyone out there who uses a mac to print off coupons. When I go to print off coupons from coupons.com, smartsource.com or redplum.com it will print but it will print a page with nothing on it. However, I can print Target coupons just fine. Does anyone know why this is and how I can fix it? At first I thought it was my printer but like I said, I can print from Target.com just fine. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

By: billie

billie — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:52:18 +0000

I found mine at Kmart in my area. They carry two brands. I bought the Ultra Pro brand which is the #1 choice of collectors. They seemed durable. it was $4.99 for a package of 30. Our Office Max has a set of 10 for $3.50….yes 10! Kmart was a much better deal and higher quality.

By: micaela

micaela — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:50:49 +0000

i’m still a little confused, but would love to here more on this method.

By: micaela

micaela — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:50:08 +0000

what does everyone do with booklets? (i.e. the HUGE p&g booklets, home made easy, etc.)

By: Jenny

Jenny — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:12:50 +0000

Hey ladies! I was wondering if anyone knew if Target accepts coupons on free items. Such as a BOGO free sale with 2 coupons for money off?

By: Tanya

Tanya — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 20:46:16 +0000

A ready-to-use orginal Collin Coupon Binder would be an AMAZING give away…lol just an idea.

By: Julie

Julie — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 20:37:34 +0000

Collin
Thank you so much for what you do! I love your site! I just wanted to say thanks for the tip on the “freebie” coupon section of your binder. I’ve always just filed mine according to their category but think that section is a GREAT idea. I’ll be adding it very soon!

By: tjackso5

tjackso5 — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 20:37:34 +0000

Hi Collin-
I use the binder method and it works like a charm. I have a couple of ideas to add which are super helpful to me-
Place your most used catagories right up front. (Free, restaurant, rewards(register/CVS), groupons, and such. Also make sure that you print out a one page calendar and back that with the upcoming inserts calendar.
I also have a pending transactions tab with a heavy duty plastic envelope (looks like a manila interoffice envelope just plastic.) As soon as I am done with that particular store trip, my receipt goes back into the pending tab and I empty this when I am done w/ my errands.
At the back of my binder, I have 4 regular sheet protectors that I fold the current store flyers into so that I always have them @ all times. One for grocery stores, drugstores, mass retailers and specialty stores.
The last thing in the very back of my binder is an empty file pocket that I can put inserts or printables that need to be clipped. I purposely keep all my current unclipped inserts in my binder because that makes me be organized and current. It simply doesn’t allow me to go more than 2 weeks w/o clipping. (I get 3 papers weekly). Being the type A person I am, my binder is the one lifeline that I need to be able to grab and go @ anytime. Plus, if I have to kill some time( dr appts and such) I utilize that as binder time.
Anyone (including my husband & teenage sons) can go into my binder & find anything @ their fingertips! My family’s mantra is “do you have a coupon or did you check the binder?”

Thanks for all you do – Teena

By: Holly

Holly — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 19:56:56 +0000

Thanks so much!!! Your wonderful =)

By: Danielle

Danielle — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 19:45:02 +0000

i usually get 6 – 10 inserts and with this amount, my binder is big but the dividers can handle the bulk of the coupons and being on both sides

By: Heidi

Heidi — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:51:00 +0000

I just got back from Staples and I actually printed the coupon off the Staples Website (which provided a Ringcode the cashier was easily able to put into register.) i got the heavy duty 3″ binder for $5.49.

By: Jo-Ann

Jo-Ann — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:47:33 +0000

Yes, I agree that getting bargains has to be weighed against the time it takes away from doing other important things–I don’t go to the store just for one deal. I have a good stockpile now, so I don’t have to chase every bargain. I now have to include the cost of gas into my couponing trips, gas will soon reach $4/gallon where I am–maybe even as high as $5. Where are the coupons for gas?!

By: Shannon

Shannon — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:39:17 +0000

Hey Collin!
Thanks for the great video! Looks like we are on the same page. I’ve been heavy into coupons since the beginning of February and I just upgraded my 1″ to a 3″ and bought 2 more packs of baseball card sleeves! I find they are under $5 at both Target and WalMart – although mu WalMarts are out of stock.

When I shop at the pharmacies or Target, I try to get the manufacture and store match ups ahead of time and clip them together. Saves me time on trying to find them in the store.

I also keep a few of the black clips with me. When I am using a coupon I just begin clipping them together, and the other clip is for coupons I decide not to use. Really helps for organization. Last time I was at Target I had 76 coupons and needed two clips!

I printed off your table of contents and decided to adjust to your list. I had most of them, but others seem to make more sense your way. And I am upgrading to plastic sleeves asap!

THANKS again for all you do!!!!

By: LeeAnn

LeeAnn — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:38:32 +0000

Do you find that it adds more bulk and weight to your binder though adding another layer? I’ve wanted to do this just so it’s easy on the eyes when you see the back of the page, but I just put them in there anyways. So I am using both sides. I guess I just assumed that everyone would do it this way to maximize the use of the baseball holders. Lol!!

By: Jo-Ann

Jo-Ann — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:33:29 +0000

Yes, I was wondering if you had any shoulder or back pain because individual coupons aren’t heavy, but put a lot of them together and you end up with a heavy load. Hmmm, maybe caffeine helps that, too? Love your new video series–always look forward to your next installment!

By: love2savemoney

love2savemoney — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:20:52 +0000

Collin, love the binder video. You got me started on the binder, ( still a working progress ) a few months ago. I went to a coupon class and they mentioned your site

I was just wondering…could you do a video on how you do your grocery list with the match up of coupons? I’m having a hard time with this. I try to plan a menu for the week, and trying to get the good sales as well. I’ve even try to work my menu around the sale ads.

Also, would love to see your stockpile : )

Have a wonderful day!!

By: mel

mel — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:06:41 +0000

Muser, my coupons are not filed alphabetically within my sub categories. But I do try to put like brands together. So for laundry, I try to put all Tide coupons together. For Cereal though, I have 1 page for GM, 1 for Kelloggs and 1 for other brands just b/c sometimes I have alot of different coupons and they never fit on just one page.

As far as folding coupons through the bar code, yes they scan just fine. Thats one reason I don’t really care for base ball card holders, b/c the slots are too small. I do use them for a few of my categories, but a majority of my binder is made of photo page refills. There are only 5 slots per page vs 9 with the bball sleeves, but the 2 that are vertical, I can put 2 small coupons in those slots. The plus with the photo pages are I don’t normally have to fold over coupons. For IPs, I can fold right between the 2 bar codes , so I have all the important information facing the front – product/amt off & exp date. Another thing I do with large coupons is I fold them longways first, right above the bar code, then fold in half to file. Sometimes I get the meat of the coupon (product, value & exp date) facing up that way.
Hope that makes sense!

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:21:16 +0000

I keep our restaurant coupons in my car, so we always have them with us. We go out with friends every Sunday after church, so that worked best for us

By: muser

muser — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:07:01 +0000

Ahh, this couldn’t have come at a more convenient time! I switched from the accordian wallet to the binder method over the weekend. I did the accordian thing for an entire year. It was somewhat difficult to flip through in the store, BUT I could always find everything so easily because it was very organized. Within each category, I had subcategories, and then everything was alphabetical by brand within subcategories. This way, if I was looking for a Colgate coupon on the fly, I’d go to “Hygeine,” find the toothpastes, and flip through to C. This also made it really easy to file away new coupons while pulling out expired ones. The thing that makes me nervous about the binder is I cannot do everything alphabetical by brand within subcategories, because I’d have to constantly migrate coupons around each week. I’m hoping that having all the coupons exposed will make this not as big of an issue, but doing it one way for a year and then changing to this new method has me very nervous! Sounds so silly, I know!

I have a question about folding. I’ve only ever folded a few of the giant coupons when using my accordian wallet. With the binder method, I had to fold almost half of them, and all the internet printables. My question is, has anyone had any trouble at the register after folding a coupon over the barcode? I was trying to take care to make the crease between barcodes, but that’s just too time consuming. I just want to make sure they scan with ease. Any tips, ideas, based on folks who have experience with this?

Thanks!

By: Christine

Christine — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:02:40 +0000

I’m not Ashley, but thought I might be able to help since I do the same thing. As far as where to get a list, I’ve heard a lot of people use taylortownpreview.com to print their list from, or they just refer to a database like Collin’s. I personally prefer to use my own spreadsheet because I have a lot of the regional differences and often don’t have the coupons mentioned.

As for storing the ads, I’ve tried both methods you mentioned. I started by keeping them in the regular page protector, but they can be hard to fit if you have more than one copy, plus you can’t flip through them as quickly at the store, you have to fumble with pulling them out and putting them back in. As for hole punching, I also tried that, very briefly before I got to where I am now. The only problem with that was as you started using coupons, it would get kind of messy. For example, you clip a q that the bottom hole punches through, now that page kind of dangles out past the others…after cutting enough coupons, you end up with one hole and is just doesn’t lay as neatly. Hope that made sense? Of course I’m also borderline OCD I think, so that kind of thing drives me nuts, lol. I did a post just above yours with my current method, maybe that would help?

By: mel

mel — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:28:54 +0000

My binder is made up mostly of photo page refills (4×6), they are 5 slots – 3 horizontal, 2 vertical. The ones that are vertical I can actually fit 2 small coupons in the slot, so max I can fit per page is 7, though sometimes I can overlap coupons in the horizontal slot too. Anyway, if I run out of space (which is rare), I stick a colored sheet of paper (or you can use white printer paper), that I cut to size to slip in and I can use the back and front of the photo page. I found that I would overlook coupons if I had them back to back in the slot.
.
Some of my categories do have baseball card holders, for those the only time I use front & back is for the same type coupon. Like P&G will have the same value for Dawn, but different exp date. The oldest one I will file on the front of the page, while I will file the older exp date facing the back page. I can fit comfortably 8-10 like coupons per pocket. I do use thicker baseball card sleeves, the flimsy ones you get from like the Dollar Tree just don’t hold up as well. Over the summer, I found a 25-pack for only .25 at a local thrift store.

By: Tara Blanchard

Tara Blanchard — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:18:28 +0000

Collin,

Thanks so much. I have been using a binder system since you first inspired me to coupon (about a year ago). I was starting to freak out about the lack of organiztion in my binder, and my mom told me about your Coffee with Collin segment. Can I just say you are my HERO!?!?!?! I have learned soooo much from you over the past year. (After losing my job in May, this has really been the only way my family has stayed afloat financially – THANKS!!!)

By: Tara Blanchard

Tara Blanchard — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:15:17 +0000

Go online to Staples.com and view their weekly ad in the top right corner. They should also have a copy of the weekly ad at the register.

By: Janell

Janell — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:55:56 +0000

After going thru a ton of comments, I’ve yet to find one that mentions the 50% off Q for the Staples Avery Binder. I went there this morning and they had no clue about a Q for that. Where did you get the Q Collin. The binder without it is too expensive…Please Help!

By: Mary

Mary — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:59:57 +0000

Quick question Collin. Do you put your coupons on both sides of the baseball card holder or just one per slot? Wondering what works best for you? thanks!!!!!

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:44:47 +0000

Oh sorry…I guess I thought you were really wanting to know how we know which insert they come out of. Collin has a coupon database with all the coupons and their dates/inserts…I suppose she can go to that when she is posting the deals for us.

By: LeeAnn

LeeAnn — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:38:07 +0000

Or to even find them at garage sales this summer!

By: Jennifer C.

Jennifer C. — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:37:16 +0000

Got another tip for you. I divide my binder by store. I have a Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens and Target sections. Saves time flpping back and forth looking in difference sections. I get the deal list each week, put them all in the store category tab and when I am shopping it sort of serves as my shopping list too. A don’t miss a deal. Hope this helps someone.

By: LeeAnn

LeeAnn — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:37:01 +0000

For restaurants, I actually keep a small 4×6 accordian file in my purse with all the restaurant coupons. That way if I’m already out and want to pick up something on my way home I already have them with me.

By: Linda Dempsey

Linda Dempsey — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:29:33 +0000

If you use Kroger or other stores don’t forget about digital coupons added to your store saver card. You can go to Kroger.com, cellfire.com, shortcuts.com and add these to your actual card that is scanned when checking out. My kroger applies both the digital coupon and paper coupon to an item that way!

By: LeeAnn

LeeAnn — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:22:47 +0000

Ellen, I pretty much do the same thing! I actually have a small notebook so I can keep an ongoing list for each store. And pull my coupons when I’m making my list with the matchups. I do take my binder in the store with me, because I often see things on sale that I have coupons for, that were not in the ad. I just keep my binder in the cart in a simple canvas bag. I usually have my 18 month old son with me, so running back out to the car is not as easy for me. And then it’s just easier to flip to it right then.

By: Joy

Joy — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:02:08 +0000

Collin (luv your name-my son is named Colin) I had a few more ideas on reader input…
You could seek posts on these topics and read a few of the best:
* most memorable deal
* what gave you coupon “confidence”
Also, you could put up a post with various “Coffee with Collin” potential topics and readers could vote based on the info they need most. You’re great! keep up the good work!

By: ♥☺ ♥

♥☺ ♥ — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:34:15 +0000

By: Maegen

Maegen — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:09:22 +0000

I guess my question was more just out of curiosity. I know you don’t need to know what insert it comes from if it’s organized in your binder, but if Collin clips and organizes like this, I was always curious how she knows what insert it’s from when she’s making her awesome lists for us each week.

By: sabers

sabers — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 06:49:25 +0000

I have been through about 4 different methods for organizing my coupons and think I finally have something I am happy with now. I used to only clip things that I thought my husband and I would use, but found that I was missing great deals for things that I dont usually buy, but wouldnt mind trying since it was .14 cents. Then I was clipping everything, because I didnt want to miss a deal, but it became a huge time commitment. Not to mention I have several people who give me their coupon inserts but that I only see every few weeks, so I would have to match those to the like coupons already filed which was even more tedious. Now I have two of the plastic wallet sized organizers that I sit open side by side in a small tote I got free with coupons. I clip and file printables, all you coupons, direct mailers, and other random bits I get from other sources. I also have a slot for each store so that catalinas, register rewards, and store coupons are all together and easy to find. I have a hanging file box that I stick the inserts in by weeks and I clip those as I go. I look at the store matchups and decide which stores I want to go to and make a list of what I want to get when Im there. I clip what I need for each store and paper clip those to the list and toss those in my bag. It makes it so much easier to only clip what I use, and I can get deals for myself, friends, family and donation with very little time commitment. I think the key is to find out what works for you, and dont be afraid to try something new or a mixture of methods.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 06:26:21 +0000

In your last coffee with collin someone named Ashley commented that she uses a combination of the binder method, and the one where you keep the ads, without cutting all of the coupons. I would love more info on this method. Like, what does her list look like that tells her where all the coupons are? Where does she get it? And how does she store the ads? Are they in plastic sleeves or does she just hole punch them? It sounds like the perfect method for me. Thanks!

By: Christine

Christine — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 06:23:50 +0000

I actually left a really long, detailed comment about my method a couple videos back. I’ve since made a couple tweaks, and thought I’d share again, though I’ll try and keep it short and sweet

I now have a coupon purse…super cute, has tinkerbell on the front, and fits file folders and baseball pages perfectly I only buy 2 papers a week, so this might not work as well for people with more. The first thing in my purse is baseball card holders, clipped together with book binder rings, so basically a binder without the case. I also have a neat pouch I just bought at Office Max (with the 15% off bag in last weeks paper). It is one main compartment, but within it there are 3 smaller pockets. I have scissors, paper clips, a calculator, and post-its in it. I try to only clip coupons I know I’ll use, but still have 20 or so baseball pages, divided alphabetically. Behind that I have plain file folders. The first one has my coupon database (I keep my own because my qs don’t always match the sites-regional, etc.) Then I have a folder for qs that need filed, and the newest inserts until I have a chance to enter them into my database. I also keep a few extra bb card pages in case I need them. Then I just have several more folders, labeled by date, and keep my inserts filed. I also have a few regular prong folders for certain stores. I keep bb inserts in the prongs for VV & Meijer Mealbox qs, and I can also keep that store ad, policy, and list in there. If I only have a quick minute to run in, or if I need to send my hubby (he’s not to fond of carrying the tink purse ), I can just grab that store folder. Hope this helps someone out. Oh, and I’m not sure if anyone mentioned it on this board, but I remember reading awhile back about putting the qs in the baseball slots so the tops are all towards the long right edge, that way when the binder is sitting on it’s side, you can more easily read them.

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 05:35:07 +0000

I actually put my Target coupons in with my manufacturer’s coupons so I know immediately when I have a stack. I don’t get multiple inserts, so I don’t usually have a problem with coupons fitting in the baseball sleeves. I do fold them width-wise, but length wise, I usually don’t unless they’re on the top row. I can still see what is above them, especially if it’s another long internet printable. The binder method is very time consuming, but I like having my coupons with me all the time. Well actually, I have the binder in a separate bag, because I always know when I’ll be shopping when I go out, so I grab it and the diaper bag if I’m with my kids, or just move my wallet into it if they’re staying at home with my husband. For my restaurant and store (with no grocery) coupons, I use the coupon holder I outgrew a long time ago and keep it in my diaper bag/purse.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 05:16:35 +0000

Yes!! I would LOVE to see your stockpile, Collin!! For some reason, I really enjoy looking at other’s stockpiles…is that weird???

By: lisa

lisa — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 04:44:09 +0000

Collin I’m so jealous of your binder, I want one!! I’m going to create one as you said, from the comfort of my own home and get one started from Amazon. I can’t tell you enough how excited I am, I LOVED your video!! Thanks for all you amazing ideas, I’ve been using envelopes for my coupons and they aways get destroyed or milk from my baby’s bottle that always leaks on them in my diaper bag, or I can never find a coupon when I’m at the store but as soon as I get home I look in my envelope and there it is arrrggg. Ahh I can’t believe it’s taken me sooo long to make the plunge, but you made it seem fun and easy. oh and btw, I love your vinyl tree on your wall, your home looks so cozy and beautiful. Thanks for all your great ideas and for all you do!!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 04:26:31 +0000

I love this, I’m going to buy one because I’m tired of using envelopes! Thanks, love your video!!!

By: debbie

debbie — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 04:12:28 +0000

1) I use the binder method (love it). Keep my binder in a soft bag (got on clearance at Target) that I can actually pull down in the cart so it’s exposing the top of my binder and I can open it further. (Hope you can visualize this).
2) I’m very specific on my categories: Laundry, medicine, toothpaste, body wash, razors, deodorant, shampoo, makeup, lotions, good smelling stuff, cleaning products, personal (tampons, ky, etc.), dishwasher/dishsoap, baby stuff, cat/dog, nuts/snacks/chips, juice, produce/breads, canned goods, boxed goods,condiments, cereal, granola bars, dairy, meat, frozen food, general (bottled water, ziploc, etc…), paper goods (toilet, papertowel). You can put in whatever order you like. No reason for my madness.I just happen to know exactly where they are now and don’t want to change my order.
3) I stick my sticker right to the baseball insert (don’t use dividers).
4) A tip for timing- I buy 6 papers and find I can clip 6 at one time by putting all the “like” pages together and clipping all at once (Collins method). No staples, no nothing. Just clip. It’s really pretty easy once you get the hang of it. I usually do this on my bed while watching TV. If I’m in a hurry and don’t have time to put them all in the dividers, I will just drop them in the section they belong in and when I’m watching TV next I will go through each section and actually put them in the baseball inserts. Just makes it less overwhelming but I feel like I at least have done one step and I can do the other step later that day or the next day. I am not afraid to fold coupons. You really need to get used to this if you are going to use the binder method.
5) I am a fan of the thicker baseball card holders. It’s much easier to get your coupons into these especially when you have multiples.
6) I have pocketed dividers ONLY for my stores. Riteaid and Target also have baseball card holders behind the divider to put my video value coupons and my Target coupons. The pocketed dividers allow me to put my grocery catalinas or store coupons, ie: Kroger mailers.
7) Everyone has their own organization method. But one of my habits is to have big black clips attached to the front of my 3′ binder (picture the binder Collin uses). As soon as I checkout, I clip my receipt to the front of my binder. I always know at the end of the day where my receipts are. I actually have a couple of these clips. You never know when a clip is going to come in handy. Sometimes I grocery shop with a friend and I’ll clip her coupons to one and mine to another.
8) I have 110 baseball card inserts in my 3″ binder. If for some reason I run out of room in a certain section, I will double up coupons and put some back to back. I don’t have to do this often but some months you have double P&G’s for a week.
9) I can’t even imagine not having all my coupons with me all the time.
10) THANK YOU COLLIN! I learned to coupon from your site and have been a HIP saver for almost a year now.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 04:01:33 +0000

Same here! SmartSource comes in the paper and Red Plum and P&G come in the mail.

By: Megan A

Megan A — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:57:34 +0000

Hi Collin, thanks for the video today. SO helpful! I was just wondering where you got your cute shirt? I love it! Thanks!

By: robin

robin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:44:04 +0000

Hi Collin! Thanks for everything you do. Couldn’t do it w/out you!!!!

I have had a binder together for a while but decided to get it organized like yours. I printed the label page for the avery plastic dividers that you posted. I bought these at walmart and never could figure out how to print w/ a template so I wrote on them and they don’t look so nice. On the second page you have some categories repeated and some categories not listed. I have been trying to figure out how to edit them but I can’t

By: Renee

Renee — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:37:53 +0000

It depends- I live in SW OH and the closest to me can’t make up their minds about internet printed coupons. They have signs up at the registers saying not to accept internet coupons but before Christmas in the TRU sales ad, it stated that you could use printed coupons( Disney dvds). When I showed them this and they wouldn’t budge, I complained to corporate and received a $10 giftcard.

By: Collin

Collin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:36:40 +0000

Hi Devin,

You could have a section in your binder for these. I, however, just have them in a desk drawer. When we want to go out to dinner (lunch, breakfast, fast food), we just open the drawer, look through the coupons and pick the restaurant we want to go to.

By: Devin

Devin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:25:58 +0000

Hi Collin,

I just looked at your coupon list and was wondering what category do you put your restaurant coupons in? Or what do you do with them?

Thanks for all your hard work.

By: robin

robin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:18:14 +0000

Hi Collin! Thanks for everything you do. Couldn’t do it w/out you!!!!

By: Lizzel

Lizzel — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:07:00 +0000

I love it. I’m sitting here giggling to myself! I love everyone sharing their methods and what works best for them. After all, it is what is going to work the best to save the most for each of us. LOVE the shoe box story!

By: Collin

Collin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:01:24 +0000

Great idea!

By: Collin

Collin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:01:01 +0000

I actually haven’t even organized those yet… kinda slacking! Right now I just have this booklet in my coupon purse. However, I pretty much know what coupons are in there, so when I’m out shopping it’s pretty easy to remember to flip through those coupons when I’m looking at specific P&G products.

By: Collin

Collin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:58:33 +0000

Love these ideas, Joy! Thanks for passing them along!

By: Collin

Collin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:57:46 +0000

Yes, I can fit 10 “like” coupons in each insert… just make sure to get the higher quality baseball card inserts that are a little thicker. They will last a lot longer… especially if you are trying to fit in quite a few coupons.

By: Collin

Collin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:55:51 +0000

I was sent that coupon for doing a giveaway a little while ago.

By: Joy

Joy — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:55:17 +0000

Love the video! Collin, what do you do when you get the P&G big coupon books? File the books in the binder? Tear out each one & file in the baseball card holders???

By: Collin

Collin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:55:11 +0000

Yep… I sure do! I just can’t go anywhere without my trusty coupon binder! And I won’t lie, it is kinda heavy!

By: Lizzel

Lizzel — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:54:36 +0000

I use the binder method / combined with the filing inserts method. I also have a super OCD coupon binder. I file my coupons by expiration month and within each month have categories. On the first day of a new month, I go through and take out the expired coupons (like most recently I just cleaned out my February “section”), and clean out the expired ones that way. It is super easy, I don’t have to look for expiration dates, I just know that all the coupons in that section are expired. I have found this to be the easiest way (and a HUGE time saver) for me. It is super quick too, to just flip to the different sections in each month for certain coupons and I know that any coupon found will not be expired one that I could have possibly missed cleaning out. It may sound confusing for some, but it makes complete sense in my head! ;o)

By: Collin

Collin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:54:04 +0000

If the coupons are really good one week, I will get upwards of 10 inserts. I also have been ordering my inserts from Capri’s coupons ( http://hip2save.com/2011/03/giveaway-10-readers-each-win-5-high-value-purex-and-5-high-value-gain-coupons.html ) since the local newspaper in my area never has all the coupons that are available in most inserts.

By: Collin

Collin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:51:21 +0000

Hi cayman,

That’s a great question. You could have a section in your binder for these. I, however, just have them in a desk drawer. When we want to go out to dinner, we just open the drawer, look through the coupons and pick the restaurant we want to go too. I also try to toss out the expired coupons on a regular basis.

By: dwagnfly

dwagnfly — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:49:14 +0000

I used to use a binder. I found that the dividers were adding unneccessary bulk. So, I used sticky tabs that I could apply directly to the baseball card pages. Worked like a charm.

By: Collin

Collin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:48:42 +0000

Hi Mary,

You can see all my videos on my YouTube channel here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/hip2save?feature=mhum

Enjoy!

By: Collin

Collin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:46:58 +0000

Check out my comment above.

By: Collin

Collin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:46:04 +0000

I put all the “like” coupons in the same sleeve… so if I have 5 $1/1 Tide coupons, they all go in the same sleeve. I also put them in order by expiration… so if I have 5 Tide coupons from one insert and 5 Tide coupons from another insert. I’ll put the ones that expire sooner up front.

I hope that makes sense!

Oh and if you like snagging clearance bargains and other unadvertised deals, the binder is definitely the way to go!

By: Kay

Kay — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:45:31 +0000

I don’t know if anyone else mentioned it but I also use the dollar bill holder you can get on. These work really well with any coupon you print or Target coupons. I find I don’t have to fold them to get them to fit into the baseball card sleeves.

By: Collin

Collin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:40:55 +0000

Yes, I go through and pull out my expired coupons on Sunday or Monday. Also, like I said in the video, I try to make sure all the expiration dates are shown through the sleeves. That way it’s very easy to go through and quickly pull out the expired coupons.

By: Charli

Charli — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:31:48 +0000

Is anyone familiar with the coupon policy for Toys R Us?

By: Collin

Collin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:25:35 +0000

Hi Susan,

I get most of my coupons from the Sunday paper, All You magazine and by printing them online. You can also check out these posts to see even more ways for acquiring coupons…

http://www.hip2save.com/couponnewbie#1

http://hip2save.com/2010/08/need-coupons-check-out-readers-tips-picks.html

Hope this helps!

By: Carli

Carli — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:23:04 +0000

The binder method is WAY too confusing for me. I use an old recipe box that latches on the front. Inside I have small file folders for each main category (i.e. dairy) and then dividers inside of those (i.e. cheeses, milk and eggs, sour cream/yogurt). I cut the little file folders out of regular sized ones and its a super easy and cheap method!

By: Carlie

Carlie — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:20:33 +0000

For those of you who may be new to “couponing” then try this method. Go to any office store or supercenter and buy a business card case. They are usually made of synthetic leather and they fit coupons great when folded in half. I have one for food items and one for non-food items. It may be less intimidating then a big binder (and less expensive) to begin with. Here is a link to give you an idea of what it looks like. http://www.staples.com/Rolodex-96-Card-Black-Vinyl-Business-Card-Book/product_415596?cmArea=sku_pd_box2

By: susan70schlaht

susan70schlaht — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:17:00 +0000

Hi Collin,
I am pretty new to this..I have a couple of questions? How are you getting your coupons? Do you mostly get it from the newpaper? And How many are you getting at one time? Any info would be great. I print mine usually and only get 2 for each items.
Thank you,
Susan

By: Joy

Joy — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 01:59:59 +0000

Collin, I had some ideas for easily incorporating some “reader” input into Coffee with Collin…
1. in a post you could ask people to write how couponing has helped them (besides the obvious “saving money”) and read an occasional good one now and then.
2. you could do a post which asked people to vote on how they do a certain aspect of couponing (organization method for example: binder, etc) and then announce the results
3. readers could post their funniest coupon story for the humor factor!

By: Charlotte Stacie

Charlotte Stacie — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 01:56:30 +0000

Look how thick that binder is. I have much to learn!

By: mel

mel — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 01:41:18 +0000

What I do with multiple inserts (I get anywhere from 5-10/wk) is this – Take all SS and staple all the like pages together, so now I have 1 entire SS booklet, rather than 5-10 separate inserts. Do the same with RP & PG. Then I cut all the coupons from them that I think I might use. This way all the coupons are together and I don’t have a bunch of coupons I need to separate. All the cut coupons are then filed by their respective category, so if I have 6 coupons, they all get filed in one slot.
Then I take a post it flag and write the date of the insert and stick it to insert (so if I have SS, RP & PG, those are all filed together under 3/6) Next, I put the insert in a plastic storage container. Its deeper than shoe box size, but not to big, and fits my extras nicely. And I can shove it out the way as it fits underneath my dining room service buffet.
I always file the newest set of inserts on top. If a deal is mentioned and I didn’t clip, then I can pull the insert from my storage box. Having the post it flags help me locate the insert quicker, so I don;t have to pull each set out and look at the tiny date on the spine of the insert.

By: krupa

krupa — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 01:18:36 +0000

I just started couponing in January and I found myself going to the store everyday for a deal. I have been keeping track of how much I spend and save and I realized that I did spend a little more. So last month I limited myself to one trip unless I was going back because they were out of stock. And even then I stopped making a special trip to go get a deal. If I happened to pass the store on my way somewhere I would stop. I don’t know if it was this method or the fact that my stockpile is well started so I could pass on a lot of deals but I winded up spending a third of what I spent in January in February.

By: Jen

Jen — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 01:17:50 +0000

I have 2 boys (4.5 & 1.5) and a 3 year old daughter. I always make up my list at night our before I leave the house and put it with my coupons. I can easily do 2 stores with all 3 kids. Of course I don’t get a ton of things, just what’s on sale if I have coupons for it:)

By: denisestines

denisestines — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 01:14:34 +0000

I am debating on starting the binder method but not quite sure if it will be right for me. I currently purchase 10 papers per week, clip all coupons from one and file in a large accordion file and then I bind the remaining inserts with the date for any deals that I want to purchase more of. Thanks to your great website, I am able to refer to the date of the coupon when there is an awesome deal and then I just clip from there. My question is, how many coupons will fit into each baseball card holder slot? I will have atleast 10 of each one.

By: Heather W

Heather W — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:42:30 +0000

I love this idea too! I am going to start doing this also. Thanks for the great tip!

By: Heather W

Heather W — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:41:22 +0000

Great video Collin! I have the same purse to carry my binders in. I didn’t get it on clearance, but in 2009 when I started couponing I asked for coupon things for Christmas and got that along with binders and a new printer. I read through all of the comments to see if anyone was as crazy as me…lol, but I didn’t see anyone. I use two binders. One for food and one for non-food. I just couldn’t fit it all in one binder. I used the post-it flags to make my categories and just put scotch tape over them to reinforce them. Works great for me as I don’t even have to pull a binder out at the store. For those of you worried if the purse Collin uses will have enough room, believe me it does. I carry around two binders in it and still don’t have to pull out my binders to see what I have. I also have one of those little bitty coupon organizers in my purse that I put free coupons in or coupons I want to be sure I use. I cut most of the coupons out, but I have a file for ones that I know I won’t use I just keep for MM scenarios with rr’s or whatever. I work from home and I work overnights so I do most of my coupon stuff while I am sitting there waiting for phone calls to come in. Thanks again for all you do Collin!

By: jrodriguez77

jrodriguez77 — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:34:22 +0000

I love this idea, I have trouble with the baseball card holders being too small, i was wondering though how many of them you have to use, with only three slots to a page do you have trouble with that? Or what’s your method?

By: Nicole

Nicole — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:28:10 +0000

Thank you–I have baseball card holders, but I think I’ll like these so much better!

By: Riva

Riva — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:24:15 +0000

Did any one get their FREE Flip Flops With Orbit Gum Purchase that Collin posted in Nov 2010?

By: Jessica Y

Jessica Y — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:18:06 +0000

The big lots in my area had these binders for 5.00 I got a bright green one lol

By: Julie

Julie — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:18:01 +0000

I have left my binder in the shopping cart 3 times!! Once at CVS, once at Rite Aid and once at BJ’s Wholesale (like Costco or Sam’s Club.) Amazingly, all three times, when I returned, it was behind the desk- I did not, and still don’t, have my name/ phone number/ address inside… (I should get on that!), but honest people found my binder and turned it in each time. (At BJ’s it was under the cart, outside, hundreds of people entering and exiting the store, and still, someone dug it out from under the cart and brought it in to the greater!!) The thing is, that I didn’t panic (and it was always HOURS later when I discovered that it was missing… in one case it was about 2 days.) My theory was that anyone who used coupons wouldn’t steal… And anyone who would steal wouldn’t bother to use coupons (why steal coupons when you could steal products??) Each time, I said a prayer to St. Anthony (I’m Catholic ) returned to the store when I was able, and found my binder at the cashier’s desk.

I desperately need a purse like Colin’s so that I’m not leaving the binder in the cart!!

By: Pam Green

Pam Green — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:14:40 +0000

Now that Kroger has ecoupons, if I have a manufacturer coupon that matches up to it I put a small sticky note on the coupon that tells me the amount and when the ecoupon expires. That way I can watch for a sale on that product and take advantage of both coupons before they expire.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:13:00 +0000

Where did you get a coupon for free Pam cooking spray??

By: Eve

Eve — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:07:50 +0000

Hi Collin! I LOVE your videos! You have no idea how helpful they are. I was wondering if you actually carry your coupon binder with you every time you go shopping. There are times when I go into a store, find an item on clearance, and then realize that I have a coupon for it at home. Do you carry the binder with you in case you come across a clearance/great sale? How heavy is your purse? Thanks for all the awesome tips!

By: Christina Joyce-Wallace

Christina Joyce-Wallace — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:56:09 +0000

Your welcome.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:23:08 +0000

Can I just tell you how wonderful you are. Honestly, I had to start saving money and coupons are great, but starting is SO overwhelming. You have made this so much easier! I do have one question though – how do you end up with so many copies of your coupons? Do you “dumpster dive?”

By: Amanda H.

Amanda H. — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:13:53 +0000

I do the same thing!! I have all my rebates forms, rebate receipts, UPC codes (basically, everything I send in the mail) photocopied and in the plastic page protectors. Then, I mark on them when I sent them in (the date) so I know when to roughly expect them in the mail (8-10 weeks from that date). If they haven’t arrived by then, I know to contact the company.

By: Emily

Emily — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:11:07 +0000

My friend Michelle told me that you can get used baseball card sleeves at a hobby store for around .10 a piece. or a stack of them for 2.00! I have not tried this, but would worth a phone call!

By: Cayman

Cayman — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:10:50 +0000

I use the binder system as well, but I do all of mine in page protectors by date, and then break them down into categories such as Smart Source, Red Plum, P&G. I’m going to add the FREE tab…thanks for that tip! Also I subscribe to ALL YOU Magazine, and tear out all the coupons from each month and label them in a separate section.

I have a question…where and how do you organize food coupons? Such as I have a FREE appetizer at Applebee’s, or free dessert at Dairy Queen? Any tips would be much appreciated! Thanks for all you do!!

By: Anna

Anna — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:05:04 +0000

I try to limit my self to only 1 trip per week. I have a nice stock pile. I only buy what we need and then I might buy for whatever is coming up, Easter, Birthday, summer clothes. I was going to the store too much and not really doing the things I needed to do. I have 4 kids and need to keep my priorities but that is me! A person may need to go to the store frequently to stock up on things like I occassionally will make extra trips to get items, i.e. diaper, at a good price.

By: Mary

Mary — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:02:54 +0000

Friends have been asking how to start couponing so I’m glad your reviewing the basics. Besides scrolling back to catch your earlier videos do you have a list somewhere on the site with titles? If not is it possible to put one up? Not only does you site encourage me to coupon, but my 23 & 25 year old daughters are fans. Also, my mom, sister, brother, and a co-worker! You have a fan club in Appleton, Wisconsin!

By: Anne

Anne — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:00:59 +0000

When I made my binder, I didn’t want to buy the sheet protectors so I used some sheet protectors that I already had used packaging tape to attach cut up index cards. The index card pieces are only about half an inch long and I write/type the name for that section. It saved me some money, but NOT time.

By: Nycra

Nycra — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:56:13 +0000

Yay! I thought I was the only one! My parents and husband think I am totally nuts too! My husband brags about my great deals but I wonder with gas prices soaring if going to all of these stores (Mine are: Meijer, Aldi, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart & Staples) if I am actually being counter-productive to the whole saving thing… lol

By: Brooke

Brooke — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:55:03 +0000

I have a 13 month old and a five year old that go couponing with me sometimes. I put my binder in a reusable grocery bag that I got at Toys R Us. It is big enough to hold the binder and anything I need for the kids.

By: tmrose2001

tmrose2001 — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:44:42 +0000

Collin!!
I want want to tell you how much i appreciate all your hard work with helping us with our Great Deals!! I have a question about the binder ?? Do you only put 1 coupon in a sleeve? and if so.. What do you do with the other liike coupons you have cut out ? Or should i maybe only cut one set out and keep the others as whole papers so i can tell the dates . Please help me out if you can.Just wondered what you do?.
Thanks so much
Tina G

By: Tina G

Tina G — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:36:59 +0000

Collin!!! First off I want to thank you so much for all the hard work you do so we all can snag such Great Deals!! I got all the supplies to make my binder!! Put it all together and kinda fumbled after that.. I was wondering if you only put one coupon in a sleeve? What do you do with the others that you have clipped if you get 5 or 6 papers?? I have a friend that doesn’t clip her coupons out of the coupon papers..she just files them by date.. but.. I feel like i’m missing out on things on clearence when i go to different stores. Please help me out if you can..
Thanks so much!!
Tina

By: Tatyana

Tatyana — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:32:35 +0000

Tip: Dollar Tree carries the plastic dividers. They cost less than the paper ones at Walmart =)

By: mel

mel — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:27:21 +0000

I go through about once a month as well, takes no more than 10 minutes or so to flip through and pull.

By: mel

mel — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:24:28 +0000

yep! Since I use photo pages, index dividers don’t work. the tabs don’t stick out far enough to see my categories, so I bought the post it tabs and boy do they work wonders!

By: megan

megan — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:21:56 +0000

i love that the first three reviews on those page protectors are from couponers and not collectors

By: flattsfan96

flattsfan96 — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:21:36 +0000

I have this cutter, I got it at Big Lots and seen them at Harbor Frieght recently. I needed help cutting the inserts out, I haven’t used it much yet…as I needed something under it. Now I will have to check the dollar store for a cheap cutting board. Thanks!

By: Kari

Kari — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:18:53 +0000

I get mine at Staples…had mine over 2 years and still haven’t had to replace them!

By: mel

mel — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:08:28 +0000

I think my brain is trained on where everything is LOL! I’ve been using the same system for over 5 years now that I know exactly if I have a coupon and where its located (like my mom might ask me for something, w/out even looking I can tell her yes or no) . I think alphabetically would drive me crazy, flip to D for Dove, O for Olay, S for Softfoap when I can just flip to Health/Beauty, and all body wash coupons are right there.

By: stephanie

stephanie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:05:10 +0000

For me, I don’t see the point in clipping a coupon you may not use. I keep all of my coupons but I file my inserts. I also have one of each insert in a small file folder in my car for the “just in case” deals, but other than that I think it would be a waste of my time. I actually started out by doing it the clipping and binder way, but changed to the filing sytem and I think it works much better. Not saying your way is the wrong way. No way is wrong or right. I’m just suggesting this to people who maybe don’t have time to clip all their coupons. My kids are 5 and 1. I won’t let people help me with my coupons. They do not get it. lol It would cause wayyyy too much confusion so I just do it. Also, if I’m at a store and see clearance I will use a coupon data base to see if there is one so I don’t need a binder and I rarely buy anything not on my list.

By: megan

megan — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:59:01 +0000

i feel the same way. luckily i have target, walgreens, kroger and walmart all within 1/4 mile of my house but still i have gotten to wear i hate gong to the store.

By: Tanya

Tanya — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:48:07 +0000

I do the same exact thing. I get my family involved. We all make a game out of couponing. As I pull out the expired coupons my kids (4 and 1) like to pretend with them and then they throw them away when we are done. My husband helps me sort the coupons by catagory, then by brand, paper clip the same brand together with any Target coupons for that brand, and then file them in my small accordian file. I put any freebie item coupons in the front pocket of the file along with specialty coupons (ie..amazon.com diaper coupons, or toysrus coupons). I find the paper clipping the brand together with target coupons is very very helpful.
Thank you so much for all the work you do. I’m very tempted to try the binder.

By: mel

mel — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:44:29 +0000

This is how I have mine set up. For my Health/Beauty Category, I have a page for:
*Body Wash (which I decided the other night to make one page Women’s and another for Mens)
*Deodorant (you can do a page for women, and one for men if you want. my dh is a degree only man, so I don’t bother clipping coupons for any other type of mens deo, so everything fits on one page for me)
*Face Care (I have everything on one page, but you can separate face wash coupons on one page, lotions on another)
*Feminine Care (here, I have a page each for pads/liners, tampons & misc items)
*Hair Care
*Lotion
*MakeUp
*Oral Care (here, I have it separated by page again, one for toothbrushes/toothpaste and another for floss/mouthwash)
*Shaving

It really depends on how intricite you want your binder. Over the years, mine has expanded and continues to be tweaked as I see fit.

By: Summer

Summer — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:43:49 +0000

A bit off topic, but do y’all find yourself going to the store (Target/Publix/CVS/Walgreens/etc) a bunch of times/week…..perhaps just to grab a few bargains……more than you would have previously (pre-coupon days)? I go to a store almost every day, and while I am getting a ton of bargains, wonder if I am actually spending more (getting more of course) than I would have pre-coupon days. Perhaps I just need to be a bit more organized.

By: Katie

Katie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:41:10 +0000

Thank you for putting this together-I have become a big couponer the past couple of years, and have used the traditional 50 envelopes in a large shoe box-which CAN drive me crazy at times-I have gone through so many shoeboxes. What’s kind of funny, to my surprise, my husband COMPLETELY ducktaped my falling apart shoebox-the multi purpose uses of ducktape!! It’s a little smelly, but boy o boy it can withstand rain, sleet and snow with this crazy Wisconsin weather!! My hubby was so proud of his creation, I may have to wait to create a coupon binder until my coupon box falls apart -if it ever does:)

By: Mama Bear

Mama Bear — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:41:02 +0000

Thanks so much for the replies! I think I’m going to try the binder and leave the diaper bag in my car.

By: Vivian

Vivian — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:38:40 +0000

Thank you so much for your link….I loveee these. The baseball cards just seem harder for me to stick them in….thanks!

By: Janice

Janice — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:30:53 +0000

I clip all the coupons, but only put the ones I would most likely use in my binder. The rest go in an envelope (I always use return envelopes from junk mail) marked with the insert and date, for instance: SS 3/6. Then those envelopes are just stuck in a shoe box in order of date. That way they’re ready to quickly grab whenever that odd deal comes along, or if I hear someone needs a pet food or hair color coupon. And it’s easy just to toss the entire envelope once everything inside is expired.

By: Ellen H

Ellen H — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:30:46 +0000

I wanted to share how I coupon, as I think I finally found a way that works for me and thought it may help someone else!

I use a binder, but try and get all my coupons together before I leave the house. I make my lists and pull the coupons I need for each store. On my lists make sure to note if I have coupons and what I need to be able to use them (example $1/2 16oz or larger so I know I need to buy 2 of the product 16 oz or larger) Then I don’t have to be flipping through my binder or searching through my coupons at the store to find out what I need to use the coupon. When I go to the store, I put my coupons with lists in a wallet that is large with a zipper, so I don’t have to worry about them falling all over the place.

I also make sure to keep my binder in the car, just in case I see something great on sale, I can run out to the car for my binder. Being a mom of a 2 year old I find I need to be prepared in case of a melt down mid store, and this seems to be working well for me. Plus, having a list keeps me for going crazy and buying things I don’t need at all, just because I have a coupon

By: Nikki

Nikki — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:27:16 +0000

Great job Collin, you always know how to get us saving fast in a smart way. Way to go, your the best.

By: megan

megan — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:26:30 +0000

hmm. i like it. i think i might have to give this a try. i just hate when i see things on clearance and i have no idea if i have a coupon for it or not. the system i currently use is putting the insert in a page protector and then clipping what is on my list. it’s easy but i miss out on deals.

By: SaraJC

SaraJC — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:25:43 +0000

Since I started following your site like 2 yrs ago, I’ve saved so much. I love the coupon binder method. I usually keep my binder home because I usually look through the weekly coupon scenerios for the various stores I go to and I just print and clip the coupons I’ll be using and store them in my small accordian file holder which I categorize by store name. I just bought a big black purse from Target $29.99 and used my 20% Merona coupon and was able to get it for $23.99 but Im using that bag for other reasons. I am waiting for those bags to go on clearence at Target so that I could use it specially for my binder, I dont think they’ve been on clearence at my store yet.

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:24:37 +0000

Great idea, Ginny! I am going to start doing that!

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:23:39 +0000

Yes, the purse is made by Merona. You can see a picture of what it looks like here:

http://hip2save.com/2010/12/my-target-clearance-finds-and-share-yours.html

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:22:32 +0000

Hi Janet,

I currently have around 60 baseball card inserts inside my binder.

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:20:15 +0000

Hi Holly,

I got my bag at Target a while back on clearance. I Love it! It’s big and fits my binder really well and it also has other compartments where I stick scissors, pens, calculator etc. You can check out what it looks like on this post:

http://hip2save.com/2010/12/my-target-clearance-finds-and-share-yours.html

I hope it helps!

By: Annie

Annie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:17:53 +0000

I do exactly the same! I have my deals planned out, printed out and my envelopes ready for each store. It’s quick, cheap and easy and I like the fact I don’t have a huge binder to haul. I also carry a small wallet -sized coupon holder in my purse of coupons I will most certainly use. Also, if I happen to see a deal and I don’t have the coupon with me, many stores around here will refund the coupon amount if I return within a week with the receipt and the coupon.
I’m not knocking those who choose the binder way, but just to reassure new couponers that it is not necessary to spend a lot of time to save a ton of money with coupons. As Collin said, each person can choose what works best for them.

By: Ginny

Ginny — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:17:44 +0000

I love the binder method! I also use a full sheet protector in my binder for rebate items. I have 1 sheet per rebate. That way the rebate form, and my receipts are all in one place until I meet the rebate requirements

By: Jamie

Jamie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:16:32 +0000

YOU ROCK!!!! BUYING IT NOW!!!!

By: Ana Maria S.

Ana Maria S. — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:14:24 +0000

it’s Merona brand…I posted the link below a few comments down

By: Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:13:47 +0000

I am just starting on putting all my coupons into a binder. I have had them in 2 sepearate huge accordian style folders- 1 with a category for each food, snack, personal care, etc and then the other one was store specific. I had a spot for all the coupons I was going to use at Target, Walmart, Hyvee, coupons to use now, etc. I am starting to change to binder, one of my tips for the printable coupons is to use the currency sleeves instead of baseball card sleeves! They are about the same size as a bill when cut, sometimes you have to fold them over a little, but this way they are all cut out and if I have a store coupon that matches up with a mgf coupon then I put that coupon in the sleeve as well. This way I have the match up coupons together in the same spot!

By: Ana Maria S.

Ana Maria S. — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:13:31 +0000

For all of you who were looking for the cool purse Collin got at Target for her coupon binder..this is it:
http://www.target.com/Merona-Exotic-Work-Tote-Red/dp/B001D7LBB6/ref=br_1_2?ie=UTF8&id=Merona%20Exotic%20Work%20Tote%20Red&node=51504011&searchSize=30&searchView=grid3&searchPage=2&sr=1-2&qid=1299532328&rh=&searchBinNameList=subjectbin,price,target_com_primary_color-bin,target_com_size-bin,target_com_brand-bin&searchRank=salesrank&frombrowse=1

By: Katie

Katie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:12:54 +0000

I have a million different categories (each category only has 2-4 pages, and I don’t alphabetize them). I just put a new coupon in where there is an available spot. Often, with the coupons that we get on a regular basis (ex. pillsbury) they usually have their own little spot and I take out the expired and replace the expired coupons with the same current ones.

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:11:28 +0000

Love it!

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:10:44 +0000

I spend about 2 hours on Sunday and/or Monday evenings getting my coupons clipped and organized… and going through my expired coupons. I also make it a family activity and let my kiddos pick out a coupon or two for any products they want to try. My almost 10 year old son helps me clip the coupons too which helps streamline the process.

By: brenda

brenda — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:08:45 +0000

Collin,
I have been following your site for a long time and DYING to see your binder. I have been couponing for about 2 years and always put the entire insert in an accordion file based on the date and then pulled the coupons when you match up deals…which leads to my question. How do you know the date and magazine (SS, RP, PG) when they are all clipped? I ask b/c I sometimes use coupons that I wouldn’t normally use if it’s a money maker. So do you only clip coupons you are SURE you will use or do you clip them all????? do you use coupontom.com to find the matchups???

By: Leslie

Leslie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:08:29 +0000

It is a good idea to put your address IN your binder, so that if you lost it and someone HONEST finds it… that it might be returned )

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:08:04 +0000

Hi Carie,

I LOVE it!! My binder fits perfectly in my purse… in fact, there is quite a bit of room left for my wallet and other items. I can also easily open my binder when it’s in my purse and get coupons out that way.

By: chrysalis101

chrysalis101 — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:07:54 +0000

I have a 9 month old and use the binder. I have to be so quick to get in and out with her or she’ll get antsy. Anyway, I bought a back pack when they went on sale. The kind that has two big pouches. That way i can put all of her stuff in one and my binder, ads, wallet, etc in the other pouch. It works great. Just make sure that you put the back pack in the cart when you get in the door. I’ve just worn it when I was places like CVS, with the world’s smallest carts. You wouldn’t believe how helpful people are when they think you’re putting stuff in a backpack. I just got to know the employees at the places that I go to a lot and now they don’t care that I’ve got a backpack on, they know I’d never steal anything….just get it for dirt cheap.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:07:40 +0000

Yes, I have those too… no need for extra bulk in my binder

By: Leslie

Leslie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:06:54 +0000

I go thru my binder every week, putting in new coupons and taking out expired ones… I’ve been couponing for about a year and still trying to figure out how it all works best for me.

By: Christina Joyce-Wallace

Christina Joyce-Wallace — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:06:31 +0000

I just moved to a binder method and instead of using the baseball card pages I use currency protectors that I bought on Amazon. To me they are easier to get into.

100 BCW 3-Pocket Currency And Coupon Size Binder Pages

By: Jamie

Jamie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:06:29 +0000

ok…I am on target…sorry to be such a worry whart….do you know what brand? I see a Bueno brand that is red and looks vry similar……

By: cathy

cathy — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:04:35 +0000

I don’t know about the amazon ones. But I know from the years of my boys collecting trading cards, that you need to look at the mil of the plastic each sheet is made out of.
The higher the mil the thicker the plastic and the longer it will last without tearing. If the product doesn’t have a mil count it is likely very weak and thin.

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:02:22 +0000

I got my bag at Target a while back. I actually snatched it up when it was on clearance which was great! I’ve also seen it recently at Target, so I know it’s still available… it just may not be on clearance anymore.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:00:57 +0000

I have a four month old, I put the binder in the diaper bag. Sometimes I put her in a sling to carry and put the binder in the kids seat to flip through.

By: Allison

Allison — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:58:47 +0000

Well my son is almost two, so the need to carry the diaper bag into the store isn’t there so much for me anymore. I just make sure there is a small snack and a sippy in my purse. I use the binder, and what I do is just lay it down in the large part of the cart, since my son sits at the top. It is a little tough when you start filling the cart up with groceries, but you figure it out! Anything to save some $$! I think what I am going to get is a nice bag to put my coupon book in with enough room for my wallet and snacks if my son is with me, so that way there is only one bag Im carrying into the store. Hope this helps!!

By: Leslie

Leslie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:58:45 +0000

I have a CaseIt – double binder, I keep food and non-foods separate I don’t even bother with dividers, but attached tabs to my baseball card sleeves

Thanks Collin – always interesting to see how you do things! Love your blog!

By: Katie

Katie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:57:51 +0000

I cut the printables inside the lines–as close to the important numbers and info as possible, without cutting through any important info (so I can fold them in half and slide them in the baseball slots so they’re facing sideways.). If it just won’t fit, then I fold the printables up like a trifolding (sp?) lawn chair and then put them in facing upright (Not sure if ‘upright’ is the right word, but I don’t put them in sideways). I always try to have a picture of the product and hopefully the expiration date visible. Hope this is making sense!!?! Especially with the smartsource coupons I have to cut inside the border.

By: janet

janet — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:57:28 +0000

collin, i was just wondering about how many bassball card holder inserts do you have in your binder on a normall bassicks.

By: Beth

Beth — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:56:28 +0000

Collin got her purse at Target on clearance. They have them again but they are full price like $25- $35 I don’t remember how much. Next time you are there go look in the purse isle. I got a black laptop bag on clearance about a year and a half ago for $4.77 and it works wonderful for my big binder.

By: jeff

jeff — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:56:25 +0000

We WANT TO SEE YOUR STOCKPILE COLLIN, PLEASE PLEASE. SHOW US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Amanda

Amanda — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:52:28 +0000

Collin, I love the tips, I also put in the front of the binders the ad inserts. I live on a military post so AAFES is a lot closer then some store that they price match. Also now AAFES has their coupons that they will stack with manufacture coupons. So, I have priced matched used AAFES and manufactures coupons all at once and saved lots of money.

By: cathy

cathy — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:52:05 +0000

I use two methods. I clip every coupon too. Because somethings do turn into moneymakers. I place the coupons for the items I normally use in a binder that I take inside the stores with me. The other coupons that I clip, incase they become moneymakers, I place in a small filing box. I don’t take the filing box inside the store with me.

By: Danielle Rasmussen Walker

Danielle Rasmussen Walker — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:51:28 +0000

This is EXACTLY what I needed – a step by step guide to making a coupon binder! Thank you sooooo much. I am known for being very unorganized.

One question for anyone out there – do you have a system of going through and getting rid of expired coupons?

By: Jamie

Jamie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:50:15 +0000

Colleen-
Tell me where you got your awesome bag! I LOVE it!!! I HATE lugging around my big old bulky binder and that bag would be perfect! And knowing how much you love to save…I am sure it was a good deal ))

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:49:36 +0000

Have you ever lost your coupon binder? If the answer is yes, what did you do about it?

By: Rachel K.

Rachel K. — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:45:20 +0000

Ah I love it! In my second month of coupon’s. We went straight to the binder method 4 Im an organized freak. lol But love the target tips! & the taps. I did happen to stumble apon some adhesive tab dividers that just stick to the baseball card holders. Working wonders & hopefully saving space. (really want to be able to keep my awesome zipper binder) Only downfall is its not printed so not as pretty. purchased @ Kmart.

By: Holly

Holly — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:43:41 +0000

I so want your purse Collin! Where did you get it. I would love to disguise the good old coupon binder….althought I LOVE IT!

By: Fab4

Fab4 — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:43:06 +0000

I’m in a coupon transition – a coupsition. I have a small accordian coupon holder from the dollar store which has given birth to an additional envelope with drug store coupons only, both carried in my purse. My problem was that I was clipping so many coupons that my pile of expired coupons was at least a third of the total and I kept out-growing my storage. A few weeks ago I changed to clipping only what I’m sure I’ll use and leaving the remainder in-tact in the insert, filed by date – which doesn’t leave the house. I include a cover sheet of what’s in the insert and cross off any used. Basically, I’ve changed from “just in case” clipping to “just in time”. I’ve also started ordering coupons from a clipping service which has worked really well for me because I don’t want whole other inserts (when I use at most 20%) but need high volume of certain coupons. For example, my teens can drink a 4 pack of Starbucks drinks in a white hot second. Combining the sale at Rite-Aid this week and my coupon clipper service, that’s a home run! Thx.

By: Polly

Polly — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:40:25 +0000

You have provided so much good information. The binder system is something I will try. I am currently using an envelope systems and don’t have as many categories. I like the way you broke down the categories and gave use the list to print and use. THANKS!

By: Mama Bear

Mama Bear — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:40:25 +0000

Do those of you that use binders find it difficult with little ones in tow? I ask because I can’t imagine carrying that, a diaper bag and a little one at the same time. Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks in advance!

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:39:57 +0000

Collin–I love your coffee with Collin episodes. You have totally changed my life (and the lives of several family members & friends!) with all of your tips, tricks, and coupon deals. Just to give you a little peek…I’m watching your episode today after just brewing a cup of Green Mountain coffee (full size free sample you posted about!) in my Gevalia coffee maker (needed a replacement coffee maker right when you posted that deal!) and drinking it out of my free Buxr coffee mug that I won on your site. Keep up the awesome job! You are SO APPRECIATED!

By: nicole

nicole — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:36:59 +0000

I dont organize mine either for the most part. I did just reorganize a little bit that im going to try out. Like under oral care a started putting crest on one page, colgate on another. Medications had about 4 pages of coupons so I have started organizing them buy type of meds. I dont label it with a tab, I only do this for big catagories that have lots of coupons.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:35:59 +0000

If you’re using the binder method, then we’re not keeping track of the insert they came out of…there’s no need to. If Collin lists an item on, say the Walgreens weekly ad, for the Hydro Razor, I don’t need to know which insert it came out of. I simply go to my category, which I have labeled Shaving/Deoderant, and find my coupon for the Hydro Razor there.

By: Heather

Heather — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:35:03 +0000

are the baseball card holders – cheaply made from amazon, i have brought some from walmart and had to replace them because they tore.

i find that target has the most durable ones.

anyone help on the amazon ones?

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:34:05 +0000

I actually have my binder organized by Publix grocery stores, since I shop there the most. I am able to fly through the grocery store and be out before my husband is calling me asking me where I have been for four hours….lol

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:33:52 +0000

How much time do you spend per week cutting and sorting coupons? Fun to see someone else’s coupon binder and so many great tips in the comments section!

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:32:45 +0000

I usually go through my binder only once a month or so. If I feel like I’m seeing more and more expired coupons in my binder, then I will do it then during a television show. It only takes 10-15 minutes to go through my binder and weed them out. My 9 year old daughter has made up a pretend coupon binder and puts all my expired coupons in her binder. Then they play grocery store and go through my stockpile and match coupons to the items. And then they “ring” up their items on their Leapfrog register. I’m starting them early on the couponing and stockpiling!! And it’s a great learning tool as well…my daughter will ask me how much an item is in my stockpile and then she will figure out what the “purchase” price is with the matching coupon!!

By: Aimee

Aimee — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:31:11 +0000

Love watching all of your videos Collin! You are so bubbly, you make me smile Off to organize those coupons now, thanks for sharing any and all of your tips to us!

By: Nel

Nel — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:30:54 +0000

I do use an expand-a-file and don’t really organize with in various categories, other than keeping ones I know I will want to use (like coffeemate) at the front of the category. I have a pretty good memory so I usually know if I have a coupon for something and even the amount.

By: Erin

Erin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:29:01 +0000

I keep all my free coupons in a separate coupon file, arranged in order of expiration date (in case I lose my coupons, I’ll still have all my freebies!). Once a month, I pull all the freebies that will expire that month and put them in my wallet to use as “fillers” (for an $X/XX purchase, for example) or for special deals (free Excederin and free Kashi coupons toward ECB deals last week at CVS).

I don’t use binders, so I’m wondering how long it takes to go through all those little baseball card inserts looking for expired coupons. That’s one task I absolutely abhor, and it seems to take forever just going through the (somewhat bloated) accordion-style coupon holder I use.

By: Carie

Carie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:28:39 +0000

Collin, how do like that type of binder with your purse? Does it still open ok like the regular binders? I almost bought one a month ago, but thought it wouldn’t work well in my purse.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:27:35 +0000

Great idea!!

By: megan

megan — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:27:04 +0000

i tend to cut all the coupons except hair dye and pet products because quite often something i don’t normally use turns into a money maker to pay for things i do use. this leads to a ton of coupons! i’m bot sure they would all fit in a 3″ binder. ideas?

By: S

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:25:33 +0000

I do mine alphabetically and it works really well for me. I can jsut flip to the category and find the product quickly.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:22:55 +0000

Jenifer~
I also have a binder and love it!! Yes, it does take more time, but I enjoy it and take pride in my binder. I work on my binder when I’m watching Real Housewives on Bravo or Desperate Housewives…I’m watching the shows any so I might as well work on something at the same time. It has also enabled me to get some great, unadvertised deals at the store. For example, 2 weeks ago my Dillons store had Playtex Proglide Tampons ( I know, not real exciting ) on closeout for 2.50 a box, regularly priced at 4.99 and 5.99. I had 10 coupons for 2.00 off so I got tampons for only .50 a box!! If I wouldn’t have had my binder, I wouldn’t have gotten the deal. And things like this have happened numerous times…bodywashes, cereal, packaged foods, etc!! I don’t purchase things just because I have my coupons with me. I save my coupons and wait for sales, but having them with me does help with the clearance, closeout, unadvertised deals. I will always use the binder method!!

By: Nicole

Nicole — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:22:42 +0000

I put a piece of paper in my baseball card holder so that I could put a coupon on both sides of the basdeball holder. It also help with the cost of the baseball holder because I didnt have to buy so many. I also made my own tabs, I printed off the catagories on cardstock then taped them right on the baseball holders. I do have to retape them sometimes, but If you dont have the money to buy the page dividers right now they work great. I do like collins idea and i think I might switch to that when I can. I also have a few different page dividers that have pockets on both sides so I can put extra things in it. It also works great when im shopping I can move the coupons into the pocket. Thanks for all your tips and deals collin I love your site. Anyone that ask me about couping I send them to your site to check out.

By: Katie

Katie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:17:44 +0000

I just wanted to pass along my very frugal way of avoiding buying the plastic tab dividers that Collin recommends. I use the heavy duty post-it tabs (there have been several free samples of these) and stick them right on my baseball card sheets, then I don’t need dividers which saves space in my binder for more coupons, and the heavy duty tabs last a long time.

By: Jenna M.

Jenna M. — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:12:11 +0000

I don’t do categories for that reason. I would forget what category I put some coupons in and I would get frustrated trying to look for it. It was a waste of time. I do all my coupons alphabetically. That way when I’m in the store and I need Gain, I look under G, if I need Trident, I look under T. No trying to figure out if gum is under snacks or food or neither, lol… hth!

By: Maegen

Maegen — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:11:37 +0000

This might be a stupid question, but once you clip the coupons, how do you keep track of which insert they’re from?

By: Carie

Carie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:11:13 +0000

I think doing that would be too time consuming. Like Collin, I try to put similar products near each other, but that doesn’t always happen. Just do what works for you. Try one way and if it doesn’t work, then try another.

By: Miriam

Miriam — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:11:03 +0000

Like you, I’m not cutting out coupons unless I’m using them. I am going to start taking my uncut inserts with me though. I have a 1.5 in binder with double sided pockets since I receive two papers. You can go to 2 in if you receive lots of other coupons like from All You. If you have a Smartphone use LadySavings app that another hip2saver mentioned this week and it’ll tell you which insert to get your coupon from. If you don’t, print the coupons listed on the coupon preview that Collin links us too. Take a couple minutes to cross out those that didn’t come for your region and pencil in those that did.

By: Hillary

Hillary — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:08:47 +0000

I don’t use the baseball holders, I use CD holders. The microfiber backing keeps the coupon for falling out, and i label them the same.

By: mona

mona — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:08:26 +0000

I usually just watch the video without reading the comments, but I’m glad I read them today. I had a coupon binder and it frustrated me to no end because of the baseball card sleeves. All the folding and trying to shove the coupons in the sleeves was beyond annoying. I see that there are a lot of people on here who have used photo sleeves so I’m going to give that a try and see how it works. I love the binder, love being able to see my coupons with the flip of a page..but I hate putting them in. I’m currently using a 5×7 card box with index dividers, and I can’t tell you how many times my box has either fell or one of my kids knocked it over and ALL of my coupons fell out. I don’t cry often, but that brings me to tears every time.

By: Kylie

Kylie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:06:59 +0000

I have a question…how often and how do you go through and take at all your expired coupons (and how long does it take)? Thanks!!

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:04:37 +0000

This is my downfall too as I’m not to organized in the categories themselves. After categorizing all the items, I don’t really have any sort of method for organizing them even further. I will try and put similar product coupons close together, though. For example, in the cleaning category, I will try and put all the laundry detergents together, all the dish soap coupons together, etc…

By: Diane

Diane — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:04:01 +0000

I got it. Thank you Beth!!!!

Hip2Save is the only site where the comment section is as awesome as the rest of the site!

By: Michelle G

Michelle G — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:03:11 +0000

Hi Collin, I actually have a time saver for the coupon cutters! Instead of using scissors to cut all of my coupons, I use a gadget that I bought from pampered chef, but you can find them anywhere. Amazon has one called iSlice http://www.amazon.com/HIC-Harold-Import-iSlice-Opener/dp/B00106JH5M. I use one of the plastic cutting boards that you can buy from the dollar store under my coupons and cut them this way – it makes the process so much faster! I actually have one on my fridge, one in my binder, and another in a drawer – they’re great too because it’s virtually impossible to cut yourself with them so you don’t have to worry about an open blade. Hope this helps someone!

By: Danielle

Danielle — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:01:45 +0000

Just a tip: Inside my coupon binder, I cut squares of construction paper to put into the baseball card slots. By doing this, I have a divider to put coupons on both sides of the construction paper and can fit twice as many coupons into the baseball card sheets.

By: Miriam

Miriam — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:00:39 +0000

Collin, I love the videos too! Thanks for choosing to dropthe readers. It sounded like a wonderful idea but it just doesn’t work well so it actually detracts from your message.

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:00:38 +0000

Yes, like Holly said, check the dollar store. I’ve also seen these pouches in the Dollar section of Target. You can also get them from any Office Supply store.

By: Courtney

Courtney — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:00:20 +0000

I had a binder, but now I’m into the BIG index card holder. It’s smaller and fits into the grocery basket seat easier (my binder continually fell off). Plus, I’ve got paperclips, post it notes, and scissors in there as well. On the back of the dividers I list specific items that my family prefers (like my husband deodorant). Why after 11 years I can’t remember is beyond me. So far it’s worked pretty well, even with little people in tow.

By: kim

kim — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:58:25 +0000

They make currency protector pages… that fit bill size currency. These work really well for the larger printables sizes. You can find some good deals on Amazon for them usually.

By: shan

shan — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:57:37 +0000

Hey Collin, I love it!! Not sure if it will help you or any of the others, but my sister does the binder method, and while she uses the baseball card sleeves for some things, she has had GREAT luck with currency sleeves!! They are the same sort of plastic sleeves but in a long rectangle shape, made for dollar bill/currency collecters and they are the perfect size for the printable & long coupons etc. so she doesnt have to fold them!

By: Crystal

Crystal — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:57:27 +0000

Thank you. I switched to Internet Explorer and it worked just fine.

By: Beth

Beth — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:56:48 +0000

Its yours! I’m emailing you right now.

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:56:44 +0000

I also put oyno CATS in this section. That way I don’t forget about them

By: Carie

Carie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:54:59 +0000

My paper usually only has 1 insert and then I get other inserts in the mail later in the week, so I can’t even buy more papers to get the extras! Guess I’ll have to start ordering through a clipping service so I can get them.

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:54:32 +0000

Hi Heather,

I don’t organize my coupons that way. I actually clip all the coupons I think I may use right away and then organize them by category in my binder.

By: Deanna

Deanna — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:54:29 +0000

I have the same issue…I file by insert and only want the binder for coupons I’ve clipped but haven’t used, ones I’ve gotten in the mail (which are sometimes way oversized), and my printables. I found some interesting ones (google Mrs. A’s coupon organizer and check out her products link) but the price is pretty high ($6.99 per 6-pack), so I’m on the fence about actually making the purchase. I don’t want to purchase the whole binder Mrs. A has available, just her coupon sleeve/inserts…Anyone out there have these? They look pretty nifty, but are they actually worth it?

By: Diane

Diane — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:54:25 +0000

I’d love the diaper code if it’s still available. Thanks! dudzz (at) sbcglobal (dot) net

By: Joyce

Joyce — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:53:14 +0000

WOW!! I really enjoyed “seeing” all this. And, thanks so much for sharing exactly what all you used to put your binder together. It was a great tutorial!

By: Anna Barron

Anna Barron — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:51:45 +0000

I sometimes run into that problem and have no idea why. I’ve found over and over than 1 of 2 things always work for me. Either I turn off my printer and unplug it for a few seconds (it seems to reset the printer) OR I try printing from Internet Explorer (instead of my regular Firefox). Hopefully one of those tips help you

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:51:39 +0000

Hi Lindsay,

Since I organize my coupons by category, I can easily locate them without having to reference what date and insert they’re from. For example, If I was trying to locate a Colgate coupon for a specific store deal, I would just flip to my oral care category and find the coupon that way. I hope that makes sense.

By: Leighann

Leighann — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:51:27 +0000

I use a plastic file folder with different files in it (it’s probably 10X12? Not too big). It’s small enough to be portable and large enough to hold everything I need. I put my inserts in there by date, but I first take a few minutes each Sunday to type up a list (and print it out) of all the coupons in that insert. So, I can just look through the list and see what’s in there and which insert it’s in. I don’t have time to clip coupons or do a binder (I did have an impressive binder at one point, but I simply did not have the time to devote to it). I also use envelopes.

By: holly

holly — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:50:22 +0000

You should be able to find them an any school section. The dollar store has them also!

By: Beth

Beth — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:49:49 +0000

I have a 20 % diapers code for the first person to respond. Doesn’t expire until March 31st.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:49:35 +0000

How do you organize within each tab? Alphabetical.. By similar product.. By company.. This is my downfall. Thank you

By: Tera

Tera — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:49:27 +0000

Great Job Collin, but I am dying to see your artwork hanging on the wall and some decals that are on the actual wall behind you. It looks beautiful!

By: Karen

Karen — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:48:26 +0000

I wanted to mention I found 35 sheets for $5.77 at Walmart, this was the best price, most of the office stores had 15 for $5+. Also, I found the Plastic dividers at the dollar store in 8pks.

By: Tara

Tara — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:47:41 +0000

thats what i do too, since i had the hanging files already onhand thats what i went with, the binder was just too much time for me.

By: jenifer

jenifer — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:46:25 +0000

I have used the file whole inserts method for a year now and have done great with my savings as long as I was doing matchups. When I’m in the stores though I only have the coupons with me that I had pulled for that sale. I really want to step my couponing up a notch. Do you (Collin and hip2save readers) think the binder is the best overall for someone like me? Do any of you find you buy items just because you have the coupon and not necessarily because it is a great deal?

By: Crystal

Crystal — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:45:51 +0000

Someone please help. I have been trying to print coupons from coupons.com and it just says sending coupons to your printer. Anyone have any ideas on what I can do to fix the issue? It is not my printer, it’s the website.

By: Tara

Tara — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:45:42 +0000

You could put coupons that will make items free after coupon/sale, however her category looked like it had coupons for a free item. example, the kraft first taste coupons for free items such as the cooking cream. make sense?

By: Tera

Tera — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:45:32 +0000

I have the same problem. I researched page protectors and they have several different sizes. I found some currency protectors that should hold the printables. I actually have not bought them, unfortunately I found them in bulk awhile ago for a pretty good price but I didnt save the site. GRRRR.. So I am sure if you google you will be able to find a good price on some.

By: Anna Barron

Anna Barron — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:45:30 +0000

I think it’s awesome that my binder is almost exactly like yours! And here I thought I was some kind of smarty pants because I thought of it on my own…lol. Last year I used a giant photo album which worked great, but when it started falling apart after months of abuse, I upgraded to the baseball card protector/binder system. I started out with a zipper binder and found I did NOT like it because I couldn’t close it and it seemed inconvenient when I was at the store. I have the same tabs, plastic separators, etc.

I also have the same categories as you, but I do have two extras (that might not apply to everyone). My regular grocery store accepts expired coupons (up to 30 days) so I have an expired coupon section, but I only put the expireds in that are high value or ones I know I’ll use. I do this when I go through to clean out my expireds. I used to keep them in their section, but it became confusing with other stores (and also added a sense of urgency to remind me to use the expireds ASAP…lol).

The very last section of my binder includes printed Groupons, Living Social deals, restaurant dining coupons, etc. I have found that I usually stick them in a pile of papers and I forget they even exist. Keeping them in my coupon binder helps me stay organized and it’s all related, so it works for me

The binder DOES take a lot of time, but I have fun doing it since my husband and I work on it together Sunday and Monday nights. He’s my coupon buddy (sometimes he gets a little crazier than me…lol), but it’s awesome that we just have one more hobby we do together and it cuts the binder time in half! Thanks for sharing the video!

By: Becca

Becca — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:45:25 +0000

yeah but I can’t do that with the ones I print off like say coupons.com b/c they are would not be in the same catergory and I just don’t think that would work.

By: flautatime

flautatime — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:44:47 +0000

hi Colin! Wonderful video and after watching it, I have decided this is what I want to do to take charge of my mess! Where did you get the little plastic scissor holder you have pictured at the front of your binder?

By: Ramona

Ramona — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:43:39 +0000

Collin, Hip2Save is the best. It helps my family out so much..(hubby lost job) Huge thanks for the time you put into this!!

By: flautatime

flautatime — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:43:39 +0000

Hey there Molly,
Yup – you can definitely use two coupons for two products! Hope that helps.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:42:26 +0000

I am an avid couponer and put very little effort into my coupons. I don’t even have a binder. I think I have the easiest method. I don’t clip ANY coupons. I simply stack my inserts in chronological order into three separate piles: SS, RB and PG. Then I check Hip2Save on Saturday and Collin tells me – for this coupon use 1/3 SS or whatever. If it’s an item that I want that week then I go to my stack of inserts and simply clip the ONE that I want. I have three small business size envelopes, one for each major drug store. I put the coupons that I will use that week into the envelop. I see those huge binders and I think a lot of people get scared off. They look like so much work and maintenance. I get all the same deals with very little effort. Thanks to Collin!

By: Ashley

Ashley — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:41:57 +0000

LOVE The Target coupon advice mine are out of control. I love to see someone as organized as me

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:41:44 +0000

Hi Molly,

Yes you can! That is two transactions and so two coupons are allowed.
Your questions wasn’t confusing at all.

By: Heather

Heather — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:41:26 +0000

If you are supposed to keep your coupons from the newpaper inserts in a box until deals are announced, then what coupons do you have in your binder?

By: whitney

whitney — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:40:50 +0000

What would you put in your Free category? Do you flip through your binder once a week and look for free items?

By: Beth

Beth — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:40:49 +0000

Thanks Collin,
I didn’t get the A-1 steak sauce coupon in my inserts yesterday. Thanks for letting me know where I can get some. My husband eats it like candy. He even pours it on bread and eats it. I know gross!!!

By: laureen

laureen — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:40:26 +0000

Oh ha ha ha! No judgement here, I have wine and coffee on my couch, luckily its dark brown. I love your blankets thought!

By: Mary

Mary — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:39:52 +0000

I use a dry erase and write the expiration date on my baseball card slots. Stays most of the time and wides off easy.

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:39:37 +0000

Hi Collin! I really love the binder idea and I’m thinking about switching over. I only have ONE thing that is keeping me from switching…. When I follow your site as far as what to buy and how to match up coupons from a specific DATE with the latest sale, it’s so easy because right now I’m keeping my coupons in order by date. If I switch over, I won’t be able to reference by date or even by which insert the coupon came from. Does that make sense? Sorry to be confusing, I just wanted to know how you go about keeping up on that! If you say Colegate coupon from 10/22 SS, will I just have to flick through my binder in the personal section until I find the coupon?? Just wondering! Thanks!

By: Lisa m

Lisa m — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:39:31 +0000

Thanks for the Target coupon tip, I have a binder and use the baseball card slots, I have to stay very organized to keep up with what I have thats the key to getting the best deals when you go shopping to.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:38:18 +0000

I bought some photo holders for my binder, they work great for the bigger coupons

By: Julie

Julie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:38:03 +0000

Thanks! Has CVS never had a coupon policy?

By: DeeTrig

DeeTrig — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:37:43 +0000

Thanks so much for this pleasant distraction in the middle of my cleaning day. I just went to our local grocery store (Giant Eagle) with my husband over the weekend and we saved about $130 between in store specials, coupons and “FoodPerks”. I was really excited about all my savings! Thanks so much for starting me off with coupon bargaining!

By: mel

mel — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:36:52 +0000

well, for me, I have a Hair Care category. So hair dye would be filed there in my binder.

By: NC_Anna

NC_Anna — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:35:58 +0000

I came across a great deal one day at Office Depot. The plastic dividers were a $1/package (like the ones shown). I bought several! I am helping someone put together a coupon binder so I was happy to give her a few packs. Also, in the back of my binder I have a category for each store I frequent. Included are a few baseball sleeves and a protector sheet with the coupon policy. This way I can move coupons to those stores and have them ready. This is also where I keep my catalinas for that store or RR’s, ECB’s.
I liked the idea about the Target coupon sheets. I will try it out!

Thanks Collin for the printouts – exactly what I needed! Anna

By: Sharon

Sharon — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:35:46 +0000

I too use a binder, but I most recently made myself a 5 x 7 binder because I can put it in my purse and carry it with me all the time. (I have a big purse!) They’re on sale this week with a coupon at Staples! Also, I have a section for retail coupons (Gymboree, Old Navy, etc) and one for resteraunt coupons as well. It’s so much easier to keep everything in once place. I don’t have a FREE section, but I’ll be adding that now. Thanks for the idea Collin!

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:35:26 +0000

Well, hmmm…. there may actually be a coffee stain that I’m covering up.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:35:22 +0000

Code has been claimed!

By: Betsy

Betsy — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:35:18 +0000

Thanks Collin! This is super helpful. I don’t get a Sunday paper so I just use printables and a few other coupons that come in the mail. So I just use a small 3X5 photo album. I am considering getting the Sunday paper and stepping up my game, but I don’t know if it’s worth it because my family tries to eat all natural/organic foods, and there aren’t that many coupons out there for those products. Though when I am able to get other things for free, I donate them to the food bank. Any thoughts?

Also, I prefer your video as it was today without the reader phone call. You are such an expert on this topic – I appreciate hearing from you as much as we can!

By: mel

mel — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:34:58 +0000

I’ve been using a zippered binder for years. Your best bet if you want a zippered binder is wait til the stores do their back to school clearance. I snagged mine a few years ago at Target for around $4. Its a zippered Case-it 3inch ring binder with a handle. I originally used a regular binder like collin, but that didn’t work for me. Plus, I use Photo Page refills for a majority of my coupons and those are wider than base ball sleeves. I just find the base ball card sleeves are too small to accommodate large coupons. Tear pads fit perfectly in the 4×6 slots.

Another thing with a binder, is that it is constantly evolving. So as it gets bigger, my categories expand. Right now I have 25 Main Categories, then I have a page for specific coupons within that category. Like Collin lists categories for Cosmetic, Oral, Skin Care. I have those listed under Health & Beauty. Which then I have a page for -
Body Wash, Deodorant, Face Care, Feminine Care (which has a separate page for pads/liners, tampons & misc items), etc. At the bottom of each page, I used plain labels to stick to each page.

Lastly, since the photo pages jut out, I used post it index stickers, but I like the idea of the Avery index tabs! I will have to look into those.

n/m I see those won’t work with my binder, too short since I use photo sleeves.

By: Jaime R

Jaime R — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:34:53 +0000

Great Video! Thanks!
I too, like the Store Coupon file system (i.e target) And i am SO getting that little pouch for my calculator, pen & scissors! thanks again!
Thanks for the links for the coupon policies, i dont have any printed Now i will

By: Beth

Beth — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:34:24 +0000

Did you watch Collins video? She shows in it that she doesn’t clip them instead she puts them in the bin whole.

By: Jenna

Jenna — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:34:11 +0000

I’d love to know from anyone who wants to answer, how do you handle the coupons that are in a category? Do you alphabetize? I attempted to organize my coupons when I first started and it was overwhelming trying to decide even which category a coupon belonged in. (I.E. Does hair color go in beauty products or hair care? Silly example… I’m just saying sometimes it’s difficult for me to decide. It’s my “SHE”-ness for any other flybabies out there)
Since the initial fail, I just keep my inserts organized and clip as needed. But I’d like to start keeping coupons with my while shopping. Any tips out there for the transition?

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:34:05 +0000

I get most of my coupons from the Sunday paper, All You magazine and by printing them online.

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:31:42 +0000

This amount varies depending on how great the coupons are for that week. I will get 5 to 10 newspapers if the coupons are awesome and possibly just 1 to 3 if they are not so great. I also have been ordering my inserts from Capri’s coupons ( http://hip2save.com/2011/03/giveaway-10-readers-each-win-5-high-value-purex-and-5-high-value-gain-coupons.html ) since the local newspaper in my area never has all the coupons that are available in most inserts.

By: Becca

Becca — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:29:07 +0000

ok..so I wanted to do my first coupon binder last nite..had all the supplies all ready( I actually asked for all the stuff for christmas..so I didn’t have to pay for it My brother was actually happy to get it for me b/c it was easy to buy instead of trying to figure out what to get me..anyways) As I was starting to put it together I noticed that my printed coupons could hardly fit b/c they were too wide so I was having to go back and trim every little bit I could to make them fit ( I have more printable ones then those that come in the sunday paper). Any ideas on how to make them fit easier and slide in/out easier?? PLEASE HELP!!!!

By: Beth

Beth — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:28:39 +0000

Collin,
I forgot to mention that about order of expiration date. I didn’t do that early on in my couponing and I let alot of coupons expire.

By: Kristen G.

Kristen G. — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:28:23 +0000

I use a small accordion binder for mine and it works well for me. I divide them into categories and can leaf through it while in the store.

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:25:24 +0000

I also use a coupon binder, but mine is rather simple!
http://lifeasamomma-ksmomma.blogspot.com/2011/01/couponing-part-1.html

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:25:09 +0000

Thanks, Shirleen! I’m really glad to hear you are enjoying the videos!

By: Beth

Beth — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:23:49 +0000

Collin,
How many sunday papers do you get?

By: laureen

laureen — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:23:24 +0000

why are you always sitting on a blanket? Is it so you dont spill coffee on your couch? I gotta know :)

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:23:15 +0000

Yes, like Beth said, I put all the “like” coupons in the same slot… so if I have 5 $1/1 Tide coupons, they all go in the same slot. I also put them in order by expiration… so if I have 5 Tide coupons from one insert and 5 Tide coupons from another insert. I’ll put the ones that expire sooner up front.

By: Collin

Collin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:20:57 +0000

Hi Jess,

Yes, my binder is a 3″. However, when I first began, I went a little crazy and had an even bigger binder… like you said, coupons were taking over my life! I have since gone down to the 3″ which works well for me. I do not clip all the coupons in the inserts and try to be picky when going through them and deciding what coupons I may use.

By: molly

molly — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:20:55 +0000

Does anyone know if you can use two of the same coupon if you are purchasing the same item twice? For instance, if I buy two boxes of huggies diapers, can I use 2 Target Coupons for Huggies? Sorry if this makes no sense! Thanks~

By: Beth

Beth — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:20:39 +0000

You put all of the same coupon in one slot. So say you get 6 sunday papers you have 6 ketchup coupons, you put all six of those coupons in one slot.

By: Shirleen

Shirleen — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:20:09 +0000

Thanks for posting the links to all the store policies! I only had the Wal-Mart one up till now… so nice to get all the rest printed!!
Loved the video! All morning I kept checking Hip2Save waiting for this to show up! I even kept whining to my husband that you hadn’t posted it yet!=) Definitely a highlight to my day!

By: KB

KB — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:18:39 +0000

Collin, I use the same method! It’s the best! But it seems you have soooo many more coupons than I do. Am I missing some. I clip all the Sundays (multiples) and my printed ones. I also have some from the P&G coupon booklets I’ve been receiving in the mail. But…I feel like I just don’t have that many! Where are you getting yours?!?! And thanks for EVERYTHING! Love your site!

By: Diane

Diane — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:17:21 +0000

I was wondering the same thing.

Thanks for the video!

By: Lauren

Lauren — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:16:12 +0000

The Binder method is great! But very time consuming, we call it coupon oragami! If you don’t think you have enough time to dedicate to the binder method check out the Coupon Stash Box – http://www.savingaddiction.com/?p=3343 very easy to make! Thanks Collin for all you do

By: TROMPETAZ

TROMPETAZ — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:16:10 +0000

I totally got the stuff I needed so I would be ready to make my binder as soon as I saw the video! YAY! Now I know what I’ll be doing this after noon. Collin seriously, you ROCK!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:13:48 +0000

I have an Amazon $10 off your purchase in the Baby Store at Amazon.com code that expires 3/31 if anyone would like it. I’d be happy to email the code. First email sent to sibleyelizabeth@hotmail.com can have it.

By: laura

laura — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:13:42 +0000

So do you just put 1 coupon in each of the baseball slots?

By: Rachel A.

Rachel A. — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:12:43 +0000

Thanks you so much for the tips, we (the kids and I ) love watching the videos together.

By: NYCSingleMom

NYCSingleMom — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:12:38 +0000

I honestly dont know if I could do this, your binder is somewhat intimidating for someone who basically just clips the sunday paper coupons and forgets those.

I am going to really look at your video and see if I test this out. I need to really start saving some serious money because I know I am a spendthrift.

http://www.nycsinglemom.com

By: rachael

rachael — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:10:44 +0000

Used to do the coupon binder thing, but with 4 kids under the age of 6 I just could NOT keep up. I keep my inserts in hanging files and pull them out to clip coupons as the deals are mentioned on these kind of sites. I know I miss some deals, but when I see a clearance or local store deal I use http://www.couponmom.com database to look for those specific items. =)

By: Jess

Jess — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:09:42 +0000

Collin is your binder REALLY only a 3″ binder??? I have a 3″ binder and it seems TOO small!? weird I know but my life is now overrun with coupons!

By: celticmommie

celticmommie — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:09:41 +0000

This is wonderful! Thank you so much Collin! I’m more of a “visual” learner so I love the videos!

By: Ailidh

Ailidh — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:03:35 +0000

I could never use that many coupons :S

I also divide my binder by category- way easier to deal with. I may go alphabetically from there but I try not to spend too much time on it each week.

My store specific coupons and rewards are in their own sections as well to prevent misplacing them.

By: Noelle P

Noelle P — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:03:24 +0000

I love the idea of having a “Free” category! I have missed out on some great freebies because they get lost in my other categories. Thank you!