This coupon tip comes from a reader named Isabella, who reads my column in the Friday Star-Ledger.
I have been clipping coupons for year’s and save an average of $35 a trip. I once saved $100 (free turkey included of course) and the cashier couldn’t believe how well I shopped. I only buy what I need, look through the weekly circulars, and compare the items that are on sale to the coupons I currently have. I LOVE saving money!
One of my favorite coupon organizing tools that you or your audience may like:
http://www.thecouponizer.com
The Couponizer saves me a lot of time and people always compliment me when I’m in the supermarket on how easy my coupons seem organized.
I’m thinking about starting my own organizing company, as I love to do this. I’ve pretty much taken care of my mom most of my life, which I love. I think I want to specialize in helping elderly folks choose the right medicare & secondary plan for their needs. I have learned a lot by helping my folks and saved a lot of money for them. Thankfully. I also really love organizing kitchens, closets, etc.
Sorry to talk your ear off, I just really enjoyed your site and wanted to share!
What system do you use to organize coupons?
I bought a simple booklet with six folders from Rite Aid years ago but have taken to filing my coupons my week and then only clipping them when I’m heading to the store. If you have used the Couponizer, please let everyone know if it is worth the $15.
Related:
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
I love, love, LOVE my couponizer. I had read about it on a website and bought it. I love the pockets where you put the coupons that you’ll use during that trip and the pocket where you put the coupons you will actually use. There’s pockets for everything. Did I mention I love my couponizer? 🙂
I just ordered one. I’m always on the lookout for good coupon organizers. Before I bought it, I googled to see if there was a coupon code to use to reduce the price and there was. STARTNOW knocked off $2 from the price.
I use one made of fabric I bought off esty.com! I love it! It is the best, it can attach to the shopping cart while shopping and you make the sections that fit into your life. It’s ulta roomy and it fits my little notebook where I write my shopping list and a little pair of scissors. Here’s the link to GlowGirl16 on esty http://www.etsy.com/shop/glowgirl16
$15 for the Couponizer? At the site Isabella provided, it says the cost is $19.95!
I found what works for me at Walmart for about $3. It is a plastic organizer, 4.5″ x 7″, and fits in a compartment of my purse, so I have it with me at all times. The organizer has an elastic loop that fits around a plastic button for closure. It comes in several colors; mine is a light lilac. Inside are 12 plastic dividers with tabs on each for letters of the alphabet, 1-3 letters (provided) for each tab, e.g., A, B, CD, EF, GHI, etc. I group my coupons alphabetically by what they’re for such as “T” for toothpaste and tea. Then I place them in expiration-date order (earliest on top) within their group and secure each group with a paper clip. At the end of a month, I toss any coupons I haven’t used for that month, then quickly go through my alphabetized and chronological groups and take out all coupons that expire during the next month. Still in groups, I place these at the very front of the organizer for easy access that month. Depending on the number of coupons, I may stack them in one group, in expiration date order, or I may leave them in their mini-groups, still in expiration-date order. Obviously, this system can be adapted to others’ needs or imagination.
P.S. Restaurant and other non-grocery items can also be organized in this manner.