If you haven’t already, be sure to read Part 1 {where I explained WHY you must get organized to succeed in couponing! I also shared a link to a fab spreadsheet to track your savings} and Part 2 {where I showed you how I organized my coupons the first 9 months of couponing!}.

#2 – Binder/Baseball Card Holder Method

This is probably the most common method of organization.

• See how Monica set up her coupon binder using the Baseball Card Holder system.
• See her list of categories she has her coupons divided into.

Keep this in mind if you decide to do a binder…

• I would suggest getting something that zips or snaps or velcros shut! You can pretty much guarantee you’ll drop your binder at least one time. It really stinks to have everything fall out!
  • (Last summer we each purchased a fabulous binder at Costco for $10 {they had a coupon of course!}. Although they are no longer carrying it, you can see what a great binder it is and look for something similar).
  • You can also find zipper binders on Amazon.

I tried this system for a few months (I was tired of feeling like I was missing out on deals because I didn’t know what every coupon was that I had… it’s hard to see when they are filed away).  After a bit, I realized it just wasn’t working for me. I had a difficult time finding the time to clip and tuck the coupons in the slots (good heavens – I’ve got 7 kidlets you know! YIKES!).

PROS:

• You will always (OK, well, some of us don’t always remember EVERYTHING), know what coupons you’ve clipped, since you spent so much time handling them!
• If you have your categories organized according to your stores layout (surely you have one store you shop more than anything else!), it will be easy to find coupons while browsing through the isles. If you see that deodorant on clearance, you’ll be able to easily find that fab coupon to match it to!
• More user friendly during the shopping trip.

CONS:

• The most time consuming method of organization.
• Can become overwhelming if you don’t stay on top of it.
• A bigger investment for the system (good binder and baseball card holders)

STAY TUNED!! In part 4 of the series, I’ll show you a super fab and super quick way to cut your coupons – especially if you’re getting multiple copies of the Sunday paper like we are!

SO – are you currently using the binder/baseball card method? What do you like about it? What do you hate about it?

You can view this binder in action and learn all about organization and more in our NEW 90 Minute DVD – Seven Secrets to Successful Couponing!

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