Here’s my favorite way to organize my inserts, the filing method. Each week I gather my Sunday coupon inserts and create a file for them, by using a regular manila file folder. I have a small filing cabinet that have 25 hanging folders marked by month. I just slip those in and BAM, filed and easy to find.
Materials needed:
24 x Hanging Folders if using filing cabinet or container
Tabbed Manila File Folders or Expanding Accordion File
How you file and organize is entirely up to you. I have mine filed by Smart Source:Month, Red Plum: Month. I’ll separate each week with in the month using manila folders as seen here.
I usually keep that past month readily available along with P&G and General Mills Inserts. If you’ve seen the simple basket file I put together, that’s where I usually keep those.
Pros:
Time effective: When I put together my shopping list I check the coupon database to see if there are any applicable coupons. In the description it explains which insert and publication date that coupon is located. I check the file, cut and put in my mini accordion file to bring with me to the store. This process takes me approximately 30 minutes tops, as opposed to cutting all the coupons then sorting into a binder.
Keeps me on budget: I carry my list and coupons into the store, knowing exactly how much I’m going to spend. I already have a budgeted amount for groceries and toiletries so I do my best to stay vigilant about it.
Cons:
Unadvertised clearance and specials happen often. Since I only bring my set list, I don’t usually have the rest of my coupons with me. For some this may be a big con. For myself, I just write down the item info and end date of the sale. When I get home, and check my on hand supplies I’ll determine if it’s worth another trip the next day.
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