There is a GREAT DEBATE in the coupon world about which way is better. No one way is better than the other it is just a matter of taste and you should use what suits you and your lifestyle.
BINDER vs INSERT FILING (& ENVELOPE)
Binder Method
Pro: You always have all of your coupons with you and never miss an unadvertised deal. Con: This takes time and lots of work to organize up front.
Insert Filing Method
Pro: Doesn’t take a lot of time, but you have to REALLY prepare your coupons and match ups before you hit the store. Cons: You don’t always have your coupons with you and may miss a deal.
The Expanding Envelope or Coupon Box
Good for those who lead an extremely busy lifestyle and just like couponing as an idea, not a lifestyle.
For Coupon Organization Supplies, see the Supplies Page.
When I first started couponing, I used the expanding envelope. I soon realized that I had to sort thru coupons constantly. I have now gone to the binder with baseball card holders and regular page protectors. I have placed indexing tabs to the groups I like. I have the option to add an index tab when needed. I place my store adds, p&g inserts, and All You magazine in their own page protector. I only clip the coupons that I will I know use. The others I keep with the insert filing method. Sometimes I will find a money making deal that I can go to the coupon and use to get other things I normally would not have a coupon for. I always scan the clearance slelfs and see if I also have a coupon for the item. The binder makes this possible. My Winn Dixie often times places stuff on clearance since the manufacturer changed the packaging or something. I love couponing and I just try to adjust to my needs.