Couponing can be confusing at first but don’t let the deter you. Here are some basic tips to get you started.
Here are the steps I took when I started uses coupons:
Get Organized
It doesn’t matter what you use to organize your coupons but it a must. If you don’t you will be overwhelmed before you start. You can use filers, binders, purses, etc.
Envelopes:If you are just starting out, envelopes can help you organize. You can have a separate one for each store you shop at or for types of items. As your coupon stash grows you may want to upgrade to one of the option below.
Filers: They come with seperate compartments so you can easily organize by type, store, date, etc. You can find these for as little as $1.00 in the Target Dollar bins on occasion.
Binders: For those of you that watched episodes of TLC’s Couponing Extreme you are familiar with the binder. This can house LOTS of coupons and makes them more visible. This comes in handy for those that buy lots of papers and clip several of the same coupon.
I use 3 filers so it might be time for me to have moved up to a binder! I love it and it is much easier for me to use then 3 filers. 
Here are some important tips to remember to keep your coupons organized:
- Out with the old and in with the new. Pick a certain day to clip coupons and when you put those new ones in your filer/binder take out the expired ones.
- If there are high value, free or hot coupons that you want to make sure you use, keep them up front.
- Find a system that works for you. Whether you organize by type of item, store, date, etc. Make sure it is a system that works for the way you shop.
How do you keep your coupons organized and do you have any tips you would like to share?
Lingo
There are lots of abbreviations and nicknames when it comes to talking about coupons. Here is a list of some of the most popular coupons lingo:
- Blinkies:The machines you see at stores attached to a shelf. They have a blinking light and spit out coupons for a specific product.
- B&M: Brick & Mortar- Meaning in-store only, not available online
- BOGO/B1G1: Buy One, Get One
- Catalina: Coupons that print from the register at checkout.
- ECB: Extra Care Bucks that are earned at CVS Stores for certain purchases.
- MFG: Manufacturers Coupon
- MIR: Mail in Rebate
- OOP: Out of Pocket- Generally used when explaining what a deal will cost you.
- Peelies: These are coupons that you find on a package at the store.
- RP: Red Plum Newspaper Coupon Insert
- RR: Register Reward- These are reward vouchers that print out at Walgreens for certain purchases.
- SS: Smart Source Newspaper Coupon Insert
- Stack/Stack-able: Using a store coupon and a manufacturers coupon together for one item.
- WYB: When you buy- Referring to a deal you get that requires the purchase of a specific product.
- YMMV: Your Market May Vary – deals that vary by region will have this label.
