THE Binder

**My Beloved Binder, complete with zipper and pouches**

I have ideas of how to organize your coupons HERE but I thought I would show THE Binder. I recently upgraded to this binder with a zipper and I love it! It was about $8 at Wal-Mart and worth every penny.

Here are some inside shots:

(Love the see-thru pouches so I remember that I have rain checks!)

Another pouch for my catalinas and register rewards (and my $2 coupon for completing a survey)

My dividers (also from Wal-Mart). They are plastic so they are extra sturdy.

You can just write your categories on the top.

My Refrigerated Items Section.

These are baseball card pockets and work great. Sometimes I have to fold the coupon but I still can see what I have and they don't fall out. Available at Wal-Mart in the front by baseball cards.

The accordion file on the side. This is where I keep my copy of the store ad, Walgreens monthly coupon book, a small pair of scissors, and misc. items.

Note to self: Do not get distracted with your 4 year old (on top of pregnancy brain) and leave your binder in the cart in Walgreens parking lot. (Oh yes I did. Luckily I realized it before I got home and it was still there. Seriously though, I would have cried if I lost it.)

For a list of the categories I have visit HERE.

Ink Refill Deal

You may have thought about the cost of printing all these printable coupons. When you consider the savings versus the cost it is definitely worth it. But there are still ways to save on ink and paper. Most ink cartridges can be refilled at Coscto ($7.99-$9.99) and Walgreens ($12.99 for color or black). It is done at the photo counter and can usually be done in an hour. Not all Walgreens locations refill in one hour, if they don't do it in store it will take 24 hours. Most likely there is a location near you that can do it in one hour.
Paying $8-13 bucks is a lot better than $20-30+.

For a list of specific printer models that can be refilled at Walgreens click HERE.
For Costcos list click HERE.

Save on Paper Tip: When printing a coupon you can print two on the same piece of paper. Print the coupon once. Then put the same paper back through the printer. Make sure you know which side the coupon will print on so you don't print both in the same spot. When you select multiple coupons (like on Coupons.com) usually 3 coupons print on a page so you don't have to worry about it.

Tips for Getting Started

I know many of you are seasoned coupon shoppers, but for those who are new to the wonderful world of couponing, I wanted to give some tips that might help you.

In no particular order:
1. Don't expect to be able to get every deal every week. It will take too much time and gas driving all over town for one item. It will burn you out and isn't worth it. Just pick the ones that are best for you and let the rest go (after all, there will always be more deals!)

2. Your first few months of couponing you should be stocking up on items that are 4 and 5 star deals. Everyone needs toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, toothpaste, cereal, etc. If your budget only allows for a certain amount, pick one item that is a killer deal and stock up for 4-6 months (if possible). Little by little, your pantry (or garage) shelves will be full of items that you got dirt cheap. I can be very picky about what cereal I buy because I have tons!

I have enough Tide (among other things) to last me probably a year (at least). I haven't bought dishwasher soap for about a year. I am low on toilet paper so that is one deal I am stocking up on this week. When you use this system when coupon shopping, you will see your efforts pay off for a long time (rather than just buying one and running out quickly. When you have to pay full price for that item you will be kicking yourself for not buying more). Eventually your regular grocery shopping bill will shrink down to milk (although there are sometimes deals on milk too), eggs, bread, and fresh produce. Keep that as your ultimate goal.

3. Get multiple newspapers! Even though there are great printables, you can only print 2. This week I was able to get 6 4-packs of kid's yogurt for 0.19 each. The sale price was $2.19 each. I saved $12 with these 6 coupons alone (I get 6 Sunday papers). 1 paper is not enough! When you consider that the entire month is only $13.50, I practically made my money back with one item. If you already get the paper you know what I mean. It saves you lots! See the Idaho Press Tribune Deal here. If you are a Statesman reader, be patient with me, I am working on a getting a great deal for you too! And you Eastern Idahoans, a deal may be coming your way too. My sis is over that way too and I am going to look into a great deal for you too.

4. Don't get discouraged. I have to admit when I get to the store on the first day of the sale and items are already out, I am a bummed. The nice thing is you can get a raincheck for any quantity on most items. There are a few that say "while supplies last" and these items are not eligible for rainchecks. I went to Albies the other morning to get my 8 boxes of pasta and the ones I wanted were out already. First thing you can do is ask the grocery manager if they have some in back (many times they do!). Secondly, ask when they will get more in. Lastly, ask for a raincheck. They are good for 30 days. They will most likely have doublers again within the next 30 days so you can get your deals later.

Ok, I am rambling on.....Let me know if you have any questions or tips you think I should share. I love sharing these deals with you and appreciate your positive feedback.

:0)
Kerstin

PS-For more tips read my "How to Become a Deal Diva" at the top right of the page.