[lt98672]

I see that the "no clip" method is becoming more popular. Basically, filing full inserts and only clipping as needed.
My method has been clip and file in my binder so I flip through pages while Im in the store.
In the "no clip" method, you would only take your list and what coupons you will be using.
My fear in that method is that I will run in to an unadvertised sale and not be able to take advantage of it. I live over an hour from the city. I shop a maximum of once a week due to time and cost of travel.
Anyone else have ideas? Maybe the "no clip" method works better for folks that live in the city near their shopping areas?

 

[khaski]

I am in the same boat as you and don't bother with the 'no clip'. When a run to the store is 20-30+ minutes in the car, it doesn't make sense to NOT have all your coupons on hand. I have 2 of the 'regular' coupon organizers- one for groceries, one for hba. Some people use big binders, I am small scale enough my little accordian organizers are enough for now. Everyone does what works best for them- 'no clip' isn't a good method for you if you're not comfortable with it!

 

[Judi Dial]

These days I use a clipboard. I use unclipped insert pages. I write the expiration date of the coupon I want on the page with a sharpie. I file these in the clipboard with the first to expire on top.

I have used binders, and I prefer them, but I lost my last really good one and haven't had the heart to make another. But again, I sort it by month, the current month on top with my LARGE date written on the page. The date is for a few reasons: 1)I'm of an age where it's easier for me 2)It reminds me that I have to use it by x date 3)It makes it much easier to purge the collection as I go and 4)One of my quirks is that I really HATE little tiny pieces of paper...I tape our receipts onto sheets of notebook paper because of this.

I cut out the coupons I'm using when I put the item in my cart. If there's nothing else I want on that page, I fold it in 1/2 and put it in the cart too and ask the cashier to toss it when I get to the checkstand.

IHTH!

Judi

 

[IntlMom]

I used a coupon box for years and years and years..... but I'm a binder convert now. A little extra work on the front side for great rewards and easy shopping on the backside. I take it with me everywhere!

 

[lt98672]

Thank you, I really appreciate the feed back. I think I would be more comfortable with the no clip if I lived closer to the stores. A few times I've run in just to get one or two things at a store, grabbed only those coupons, only to run back to the car to get my binder when I found a clearance or unadvertised sale.

 

[paelthom]

I am just using the accordion filing system. It works for me. I saw a lady at CVS with a huge binder and it just seemed like it would be a little bit awkward to me but it probably would be great for someone else.

 

[rachelleshops]

Binder Convert

I just converted to a binder. I have a small one, datebook size with clear page protectors. I am in the process of creating my categories based on store layout. Then, one page for each category then a page for each store to hold the store-specific coupons. I like that my binder is small enough to fit in my purse, lays in the basket and is discreet. I don't know how I'd feel carrying around a giant binder!

 

[AmyMCGS]

I find that if I try to hang onto unclipped inserts I never get around to using the coupons. For me, it works best if I clip and file every coupon that I might use each week. Currently my coupons are in a box with tabbed dividers, but I have also used the binder method and a giant box (that filled the whole seat part of the cart) in the past. For me at least, I keep changing methods depending on my season of life.... with two kids to occupy in the stores, the smaller box I use now works best!

 

[Homekeepn]

It may be more work to clip, sort and store them, but I think that I would forget what I had If I just stored them whole. Then what do you do with all the peelies and catalinas.

I use a zippered binder. It has a lot of pockets in and out. In the outside large pocket I place the list and the store flyer so I can get to it easily in the store without opening the binder. In the smaller pocket I keep a pen and the envelope of coupons I plan on using that day.

Inside I keep all flyers for that week in the front. I also store past weeks flyers in the back of the binder for sale price tracking. The past flyers also have the receipts of what I bought at that store that week stapled to them. I take these out before I go shopping. If I don't the binder will weigh a ton.

The inside pocket I keep highlighters, paper clips, scissors and a calculator. Then of course all the pages of coupons according to type in order of most stores.

I use to feel funny about carrying a bulky binder, but then figured business people carry briefcases to work and I mean business.