From My blog post: Laura Williams' Musings: Laura's Couponing and Refunding Hints &Tips




All of the following was at one time posted on an old website of mine. Some may recognize my coupon binder method and then realize that I used to post on some of the frugal and couponing forums as LWMSAVON where I created this method and shared it with others. The method just took off like a wildfire.

The following has been revised to include updated photos of my binder and its contents.

I have been featured in Woman's Day magazine, October 2, 2001 in their article "Save Like a Super Shopper" as well as have been featured in a refunding magazine as well as various websites.

I apologize in advance for any links that may not be working as I have not had a chance to check all the links prior to this posting of information on my blog (where I have the old article posted). You can visit this blog post here for pictures of my old coupon binder as well as scans of the Woman's Day article featuring me. )

This compilation was first written in 1999 or 2000 and was used on several message boards, etc. and is still accessible on the Internet Wayback Machine.

I hope you will find the following information useful. Don't hesitate to comment or have a question.



How to Make a Coupon Binder

I started the binder method in the late '90's (around 1999 I believe). I used to use an empty diaper wipe box with dividers. Well after spilling that box in the middle of a grocery store, I had to brainstorm for another system. I don't have to worry about spilling my coupons now. I actually have dropped the binder a few times and the coupons have stayed put. After I posted this method on several message (couponing/refunding) boards, others have changed over and say that they love it too.

Since the article was first written, my trusty green Mead Notebook finally bit the dust. I am now using a 4" D Ring Case-It Binder that I absolutely LOVE!!

Here is a photo of my binder.



It is a Case-It D185 4" D-Ring binder that has a built in handle and a detachable shoulder strap. I bought it from Amazon for around $24 before s&h applied. There is a small zipper section on the front of the binder there as you may be able to see in the photo. It's not a deep pocket so I don't put many things in this.

The inside of the binder has an expandable file section in which I put my store ads in and there is a zippered mesh pocket built onto the file section in which I put a pen, calculator, and a pair of scissors.



and here is what the binder looks like when opened up:



That is basically the binder itself.

Now getting into the good stuff of how to set a binder up for coupon useage.


First Step and Most importantly after you have aquired your binder: Put your name, address, and phone number or cell number on the inside cover of your binder in case it gets lost. Some people are forgetting their binders in the shopping carts when they load their groceries into their vehicle.

If you don't want to shell out the money for a binder such as this until you see if the method is going to work for you, pick up an old 3 ring notebook at a thrift store if you don't have one laying around (a zippered one is highly recommended).

If it doesn't have a shoulder strap on it, use an old purse strap and run it through the spine of the binder lengthwise, and so you can sling in on your shoulder with your purse if need be and carry them both into the store as such.

Second

You will need some sort of medium to put the coupons into your binder. I recommend the thicker quality of 9 pocket baseball card pages but I know that many people are now using 6 pocket pages, 4x6 photo pages that have 4 slots to a page, etc.

Find which type page works best for you as all of us are different and prefer different organizational methods.

You will need to remember that when using baseball card pages to organize your coupons, you will need to trim them very closely but do not cut off any wording, bar code or set of numbers, or the expiration date.

The longer coupons I keep in the bottom row of pockets so the zipper won't catch on them and for the wide coupons, you can fold them lengthwise or crosswise to fit into the pocket.

I use one or two pages per category, just depends on how many coupons I have. I try to keep like coupons together in the pockets (hence why you will see "labels" on the pockets in the photo below.

This is what a typical page in a binder may look like when the 9 pocket baseball card pages are used:

NOTE: My binder varies between 70-80 of the baseball card pages as I take some in and out of my binder as needed or don't need.




I have tweaked this a little since my original set-up but it's not too much far off from the original list.

My sections now are:

• Store cards
• Baby
• Baking
• Beverages
• Canned
• Cereals & Breakfast Items (cereals sorted by brand)
• Cleaning Supplies (sub-sections)
• Condiments
• Dairy & Refrigerated
• Frozen Foods (with subsections)
• Health & Beauty (with sub-sections)
• Laundry Care
• Meats & Deli
• Miscellaneous (this is for clothing, non-grocery stores, , etc.)
• Paper & Plastic (with sub-sections)
• Pasta & Rice
• Produce
• Snacks & Candy
• Restaurants -- easier for me to flip to the back of the binder is the only reason it's not in ABC order

Within the categories there are subcategories, for example: Paper/ Plastic is broken down and label on the pockets for toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, napkins, foil, plastic bags, etc.

I did make some 4 pocket pages using a 8.5x11 page protector, cardboard from a cereal box and my sewing machine to make big pockets for the store pages in my area:



This is the side view of what the tabs look like on my binder pages:



Also in the very front of the binder, I have a document envelope that I used a 3-hole punch to make it be able to fit into my binder. I like this because I can put "business cards" in the little pocket to hand out to others to check out WeUseCoupons.com as well as I can put any coupons, rebate forms, etc. that I may come across while shopping or just coupons I've not had a chance to file yet as you can see in the photo.




You can put an index cart (cut to fit) in the pockets so you can use both sides if you prefer. You can put expireds in it or make an entirely separate binder for you expireds (I know of someone who uses expireds and she does this.)


Most importantly.....use what works for you.

Since the pages are clear, you can easily see what coupons you have that are
for what products and the expiration dates, makes it easier to get them out.

Makes shopping easier and quicker.

The following are ideas that people have submitted either directly to me, or by posting them on a message board somewhere:

1. Use a small phone/address book as a price book and keep it in the binder.

2. Use colored paper to color code your pages.

3. Put dark paper in the pockets to enable the use of both sides of the pages or a blank piece of paper between each page.


and just for kicks, here's what the thickness of my binder looks like...



now you see why I like this 4" binder!


And here is a handy Binder Supply List that you can highlight and copy to take to the store with you to obtain your items to set up your binder:

• a 3" 3-ring notebook (binder) that zips, or a notebook/holder of your choice be sure to check after school sales & clearance bins for the best deals or even look for them at a thrift store and yard sale
• Strap for your notebook: (if you prefer one) you can buy and old purse from a thrift store and use the strap from it, a diaper bag, etc. be creative. This is not a necessary item but many prefer to have a strap on their binder because like me, they have small children they must hold hands with in the parking lot, etc.
• 9 Pocket Baseball Card Pages: These can be found at Walmart, Target, Fred's, etc. I DO NOT recommend the pages from Dollar Tree as they are very flimsy and will rip on your quickly. Look for the thicker pages as they will last longer. Over the 10 years I have been using a binder, I have probably only had to replace my pages about 3 times. (mine has between 70-80 pages at various times due to not having a lot of q's in a category or having more that I need another page)
• A Pencil Pouch (if your binder does not have a built in pouch/pocket): These you can acquire at the dollar stores (stores in which everything in the store is $1), Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc. or you can find them on clearance after the school year starts.
• A pencil, scissors, and calculator and maybe even a notepad.

This list should give you a start of what you might need. Just add to it anything else you would want to have in your binder.




Couponing Tips

1. Get yourself organized.

You can't save if you can't find the coupon or rebate form, etc. People organize their coupons differently, so use what works best for you. There are different methods. Whether it be an old diaper wipe box with dividers, a shoe box with dividers, a coupon wallet, or a coupon binder.

2. Get multiple coupons.

There are several ways to accumulate multiples of coupons. Some ways are:

** ask friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc. to save them for you.

** go to recycling centers and get them (be sure to ask the attendant if this is allowed before you start "dumpster diving")

** get to know the newspaper carriers, they may be willing to give you inserts from papers that they don't sell, also ask the convenience store clerks and other store clerks too....the store only has to turn in the top portion of the first page of the paper for credit

** watch for those blinky machines (the little red machines that "spit" coupons out) in the stores.....usually that product will go on sale within 2-3 weeks after you first see the machine and the store will pull it out right before the sales

**extra coupons at online swap boards such as here at WeUseCoupons.com

** order the ones you need from online coupon sources

3. Combine store sales with coupons, rebates, store card holder discounts, etc.


4. Get to know your area stores and their policies.

Call the stores and ask if they double or triple coupons, or price match competitor's ads. Also inquire as to whether they accept expired coupons....some stores will accept expired coupons up to six (6) months past the expiration date. Also some stores, such as CVS, Walgreens, and RiteAid, will accept a manufacturer coupon in conjunction with their store coupons.

** Also, don't overlook other stores in your area. Here in the south, there are Dollar General Stores and Fred's Dollar Stores. Both of these stores accept coupons and carry name brand items AT A FRACTION of the cost of other stores. You can normally get free shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, cleaners, and lots more just by using your coupons here.

** Also if you have a Fred's Dollar Store near you, they offer Double Coupon Saturdays. All coupons up to and including .70 are doubled. Be sure to ask the customer service desk if there are any restrictions on this. Some of the stores will limit you to 1 like item, others have no limits. Find the nearest Fred's store to you at Welcome to Fred's sales flyers are online as well.


5. Stockpile.

Whenever you find a great deal on a product, buy as many as you can (and that you have coupons for), especially if you are getting the item for free. This will help you in the long run.

6. Go online and save too.

There are plenty of online sites where members post their wonderful finds whether they be online or in brick and mortar stores, as you find here at WeUseCoupons.com

7. Don't use a coupon just because you have it.

In other words, don't buy something you normally wouldn't buy just because you have a coupon for it (unless it's free of course and you intend to donate it or have someone in mind who can use it)

8. Take advantage of online point earning sites.

Usually these sites will let you earn points that can be redeemed for gift certificates for restaurant, movie rentals, etc. Here is a few to get you started:
** startsampling.com
** mypoints.com

9. If the coupon says "off any size" then buy the smallest size. This is a better price per ounce deal usually and many times the coupon will make the smaller size free or very close to it, especially if the store doubles the face value of that coupon.

10. Keep track of your savings so you can see how good you're doing.

This will keep you motivated to get it even lower.

11. Make a Grocery Check List so you know what you are going into the store for. Keep a list of what you have in your stockpile too so you don't "over buy" on things that you don't use up quick enough and thus it spoils.

12. If an item on sale at the store is out of stock, get a raincheck.

This alone will not only save you money a little later but will also give you time to gather more coupons for the items.

13. If you have a raincheck, order coupons to go with it from one of the online coupon services or ebay.

14. Call, write or email the companies with either a negative or positive thought about their particular product(s), they may send you cents off coupons or maybe a coupon for a free product. They wish to hear compliments just as well as complaints from consumers.

15. Most importantly have fun. It's the thrill of the hunt aspect.


As you refund and coupon, be sure to keep it legal and honest. Greedy refunders have been caught, taken to trial, and sent to jail for having many post office boxes in lots of different names and for counterfeiting free item coupons. This website does not trade or sell coupons or refund forms. Don't make homemade cash register receipts. Read the fine print on refund forms. Most require that you personally buy the item you are requesting a refund on. Keep it legal and fun. Refunding and couponing is a great way to reduce your grocery bill


Basically a book of items with their prices listed for the different stores in your area.

The advantages of a Price Book: Knowing if the price of an item is the best price available to you in your area


Setting up a Price Book:


The way I started mine, I just use notebook paper and put it in a notebook.

I put the name of the product on the top of the page such at Sugar, etc.

Next, either write the name of the stores or makeup a code for each store in your area, I just use the names, that way my DH can use the book too.

Then write the price of the item at that particular store, the size, price per unit (lb, oz, etc.) Do this for each store and then each product.

File your papers alphabetically in the notebook.

Yes, you may have to do this by going to each of the stores, or use your old receipts.


Whenever you find an item that you think is a good price, compare that your price book and see if it "REALLY IS" a good price. If the price of the item is lower than what is in your book, then stock up until you can find that price again. Be sure to make a note of the price and the sale date, so you can track possible reoccurrences in sales on those particular items.


Is your store's policy listed here?
Did you know that you can combine a manufacturer's coupons with a store coupon?


Here's a list of stores that you can do this at:


Albertson's
Bi-Lo
CVS
Eckerd
Fred Meyer
Harris Teeter
Lowe's Foods
Publix
Rite Aid
Safeway
Vons
Walgreens
Winn Dixie


**********************************



WHERE TO FIND FORMS:

You can find them over on the swap boards here at WeUseCoupons.com as well as from ebay and the coupon services.

Look for them in the Sunday Coupon Inserts, inside product packaging, magazines, and even the company websites for that product or brand.

HOW TO DO THEM:

Most forms require an original receipt and the upc from the product in order to get money or the promotional item they are offering. Be sure to use coupons on the products you are buying for the rebates to make even more savings.


HOW TO KEEP TRACK OF REBATES:

I use the Rebate Rebate Software. It allows me to keep track of the rebates I have sent for, will send for, and received as well as track coupons that I used on those items. It keeps a running total. You can download the software free at this link.
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,8341-order,1/description.html


Keep any and all upcs and receipts. You never know what you may run across a rebate form for.



HOW TO FILE YOUR RECEIPTS AND UPCS:

I have my receipts in an empty diaper wipe box filed alphabetically by store name then by date.

I have my upcs in another wipe box. I file them alphabetically by product name in ziplock baggies.



I also will pick up at least two (2) of any form that I find so that I can keep one for the records in case there is any problems.

I find alot of my forms at my local CVS store near their sales flyer display, but I also find them on tear pads at Walgreens, Eckerds, and my local grocery stores (Winn Dixie, Bi-Lo, and Food Lion)

Laura thanks so much for posting that!!!! I love your blog, and you always have such great detailed information for those just getting into this! I wish I had discovered this when I first began couponing. I bet I went through 4 different ways of organizing coupons before I stumbled onto getting my Case-It binder. It honestly is the best I've found (for my needs anyway) of keeping them organized with no worries of coupons falling out if it's dropped. The information you've compiled is invaluable for anyone that shops with coupons

you are a "wealth" of knowledge , thanks soooo much for sharing with all of us!

Laura thank you so much for taking the time to type this all up and post it for everyone.

WOW!! Thanks so much for taking time to post all those useful info!!!

Mama to 3 wonderful kids: kara , jakob and joaquin Married to my best friend, Jay

You are my binder heroine!
Thanks so much for sharing this.

I'm not worthy!

uh oh.. she's sucking up y'all

Whatcha want girlie? lol

Awww I knew I wasn't gonna get away with it! lol
I'm trying to get the light and heats back on in the stockroom!

Seriously though I'm not worthy, you should see my mess of Qs and half hearted organization efforts.

light and heat .... what's that? lol

Jenner, you are just gonna have to come visit me. You know that?!

You're the meanie that turned off the lights and heat in your stockroom because I was bad! You tell me what that is. I say it's Jenner abuse! lol


Oh we'd have a blast. Poor Kmart would never recover.