Being an organized shopper is a necessity if you want to save big bucks at the supermarket. Having the best coupon available is only good if you can find it while you are at the store. Losing coupons, tearing barcodes and expired dates can allow your savings to float away. You need a system, and you need a good one.
You can either buy a grocery coupon organizer or you can easily make one. I have used 3 different types of organizational systems. All three have saved me money, yet I find each one has to own fit into my lifestyle. The first is the three ring binder with baseball card holder sheets will keep your coupons. This is a good system because you can see each coupon through the clear protective liners. You can also easily see the expiration dates. Organize each section according to the grocery store aisles for easy retrieval. However, it does require you to file the coupons weekly, and purge unused coupons monthly. If the filing does not fit your needs, you may need a different organizational strategy.
My second option is to use a simple pencil holder system. The zipper pencil cases also fit inside any three ring binders. With this system, you separate the coupons according to category, and put all coupons inside that case. You will still use the grocery store aisles as your categories. Produce, Meats, Cereal, etc. This is quick for filing. To pull coupons for use, you will need to thumb through the pouch before you can redeem the coupon. I usually check my store sales, and then pull coupons I want to use. I find it beats filing every coupon as in the binder system. This is a good system for a busy person without a lot of filing time.
The coupon wallet is another organizational system. Buy an easy to use index card sized expandable file. Mark stores where you plan to shop. If you shop at grocery store A, B and C, then each should have a section. Drugstores would have a section as well. When you clip, put the coupons in the section where you plan to use the coupon. For example, if you have bacon coupons, and you want to use them at store b, file the coupon there. It will be ready when you go to the store.
One other aspect of staying organized is how you cut your coupons. You will need to be sure that each coupon is cut so that you can read the barcode and the expiration date. Although the barcode will not work after the expiration, the cashier will need to confirm manually with the expiration date. Use sharp scissors, and do not tear coupons out of newspapers. You may miss a vital piece.
If you want to save serious money with coupons, you will need to get serious about your organization. You can make these organizers at home, or buy ready made ones at discount stores. The most important factor is that you start organizing right now. You will never see huge savings on your grocery bills until you get it all sorted out.
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