Getting started with coupons

For those of you who aren't familiar with the couponing game or those of you who need a better system, this is for you. A step-by-step "How to get your binder started" lesson.

You will need:
***3 ring zippered binder (splurge on this. It's so worth it.)
***Avery photo pages for your binder
** Scissors
** Index cards (for labeling)
** 3 dividers
** Any coupons you already have

Here are some pictures of mine so that you can have a visual...

This is my binder

These are the pockets inside the front cover

First page

Store section

Here's how I have it organized...

In the front pockets I have, receipts (keep them all for a while,) scissors, tear pads (more on those in a minute,) "other" coupons ie. out to eat, recreation, etc., calculator, pens

Here's a list of my sections and each tab in the section:

First page-

1. This week (all the coupons I have pulled out to use this week)
2. Refile (this is for when I am in the store and decide not to use a coupon)
3. Checkout (when I physically pick the item up and cross it off my list, I move the coupon from "this week" to "checkout" to make the process easier. And because I am OCD about this. :)

1st divider:Store Section (for coupons that are specific to a store)

1. page 1: Target, Kroger, Publix
2. page 2: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid

2nd divider: Grocery (you will want to change some categories to what you need but you'll at least get an idea)

1. cheese/butter, yogurt/pudding, milk/eggs
2. lunchmeat/packaged meat, refrigerated breads and desserts, frozen meals
3. frozen fruit, Frozen pizza/appetizers/sides, ice cream/frozen desserts
4. Frozen breakfast, Protein/Weight watchers products, Dips/salsa
5. soup, bread, cereal
6. canned veggies, canned fruit, bars/snacks
7. boxed meals, rice/sides, pasta/sauce
8. boxed desserts, crackers/chips, peanut butter/jelly/syrup
9. salad dressings/marinades, condiments, baking/spices
10. organic boxed, organic dairy/meat, organic frozen
11. juice/drinks, candy/gum, produce

3rd divider: HBA (health and beauty aids)

1. Diapers, Wipes, Baby wash/shampoo
2. shampoo/body wash, razors/shaving cream, deodorant
3. lotion/soap, facial cleansers/moisturizers, makeup
4. toothbrushes, toothpaste/mouthwash, feminine products
5. pain relievers, first aid, pain & itch cream/drops
6. cough/cold/allergy, tummy stuff, vitamins

4th divider: Household

1. paper goods, laundry, dishwashing
2. cleaning, dusting, bathroom
3. floors, sanitizers, bug stuff
4. office/school supplies, batteries, storage
5. rebates, several extra pages