With the current recession, frugality has become a lifestyle and coupons make it possible. A record 367 billion coupons has been redeemed in this weakened economy—the largest ever in 30 years. Pinching pennies with these little discounts and deals can add up to big savings. Some families can save almost 100 dollars a week on coupons, a feat now manageable by nearly anyone, thanks to the accessibility the Internet and other current media provide.
Like so many, you may be one of those people who have to deal with a stack of papers cluttered or stashed away in a drawer. There might have been times when you’ve regretted losing that coupon for laundry detergent, or a great deal on an Italian dinner. Don’t keep cutting coupons only to build a pile or lose them. Organizing your coupons in a binder can be an efficient way for you to save them up for a rainy day. Here’s how you can make your own organizer and avoid missing out on fantastic bargains:
- Start with a binder, preferably a three-ring type where you can place plastic inserts, normally used to hold business cards and baseball cards. These inserts are wonderfully convenient spaces where you can store your coupons. A binder with a zipper would work best so that nothing falls out of the binder in case you drop it. There are inserts that have less and bigger pockets than most; you can use these for slightly bigger coupons.
- If you’re the visually creative type, decorate the cover with images to inspire and motivate you on this endeavor. These may personally remind you why you’re doing this or the rewards of frugality.
- Systematize you collection of coupons by organizing it according to categories—by expiration date, store, or alphabetically. Figure out what works best for you. This is a quick way to access the ones you need, especially if you come across an unexpected deal on a shopping trip. Some homemakers organize their coupon binders according to a slew of categories, including baby goods, beauty, breakfast, cleaner, dairy, frozen, fruit, and hygiene, among many others. Divide the binder’s insert pages with folders or tabs labeled with your categories. You can include a folder for weekly sales, and another for rebates.
- You can also keep coupon policies of different stores at the back of your binder just so you don’t mistakenly coupon yourself out of a good deal.
- Your binder doesn’t have to only keep coupons. It can act as one of your personal savings and budget planners in conjunction with using coupons to make savings. A meal planner and price book can be downloaded and printed to keep track of prices and expenditures.
Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of organization to keep us on track or get us on track. Get in step with a more frugal way of life and maximize every bang for every buck you spend.
Author’s Bio:
Kristen works as a freelance writer for Backyard Ocean, an online store for above ground swimming pools, inflatable pool toys, and accessories. A self-confessed neat freak, she finds it therapeutic whenever she cleans and organizes things around the house.
