Coupon Binder: A Video Tutorial

July 23, 2008 · 94 comments

Here is a self-made video tour of my coupon binder. I do hope you enjoy it! (Be nice, this is my very first attempt at this kinda thing).

*For further details about my coupon binder, read my follow up post!*

By the way, why has no one ever told me how annoying my voice sounds?

So, I need feedback, y’all.

Do you want to see more video tutorials on my blog? If so, what would you like to see?

Parse error: syntax error, unexpected T_ENCAPSED_AND_WHITESPACE, expecting T_STRING in /home/amy/domains/kingdomfirstmom.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thesis-openhook/functions-actions.php(99) : eval()'d code on line 1

{ 1 trackback }

Tomorrow’s Coupon Preview: June 28th — Kingdom First Mom
June 27, 2009 at 12:30 pm

{ 93 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Jenn @ Frugal Upstate July 24, 2008 at 4:32 am

That was good! I don’t get a newspaper, so I don’t really have access to coupons, but it was nice to see how you arranged it all.

And your voice isn’t scary! I always think my voice sounds funny when I hear it on tape-I think it’s because it echos differently inside your head, so you are used to it sounding deeper or something.

[Reply]

2 April July 24, 2008 at 5:28 am

Your voice is not at all scary lol! I hate listening to my voice on recording I always think there is no way I sound that anoying and have that much of a southern draw ha ha ha….

Thanks I have been waiting for this post it really helps alot:)I struggle with organizing my coupons I will definatly use your methad!

[Reply]

3 Mrs. Bargain Hunting Wife July 24, 2008 at 6:02 am

Oh, I love the video! I’ve tried 3 different methods in the past few months and I haven’t found anything that I LOVE yet. Currently I have an envelope for each category (I get pretty specific) and stuck all the envelopes in a cheapie photo album but the album is too thick to close and hard to carry. I like the envelopes but need a better way to carry them around.

[Reply]

4 Miranda Durda July 24, 2008 at 6:17 am

I loved your vlogging. :) Nothing wrong with your voice at all. A friend of mine told me to start you tubing but I don’t want to be seen. LOL But I do love what you did. Keep on vlogging.

About your coupons, you seem to have organized your coupons very well. I too use envelopes. I have thought about the binder just haven’t actually done it.

[Reply]

5 Erin @ Coupon Cravings July 24, 2008 at 6:21 am

What a great video! I actually fall into the camp of those who save the full inserts for each week in separate file folders. Then when I hear that a coupon is in the 6/15 SmartSource insert or such I just head to that folder. Then in my purse I have separate business-size envelopes for each store and put the coupons in each one that I know I’ll be using on my trip. I do like your organizer though — I may look for one on my next trip to Wal-Mart. :)

[Reply]

6 Andrea July 24, 2008 at 6:42 am

Alyssa, I think you did make up a new word!! Cool video, you should defniitely include more where you can! You know I’m a file by insert girl but that’s exactly how I organized my binder when I used one!

[Reply]

7 Kim July 24, 2008 at 6:56 am

Great Video! I am thinking of switching to this system. Right now I am doing the envelope system. I just started couponing about 1 month ago. First I was an one index box, then two and now I am in a shoebox! Soooo embarrassing to carry a shoebox around in the store! Thanks for sharing your system!

[Reply]

8 Kelsey July 24, 2008 at 7:07 am

That was awesome thanks!

[Reply]

9 Heather July 24, 2008 at 7:14 am

Love the video!! I currently use a binder, but not at all as organized as you. I only have one page per category. I am going to Wal-Mart this weekend!! My weekly ads are just suck in the back and always fall out. Not to mention, I don’t have a zipper. Thanks for sharing. And by the way, you sound fine!:)

[Reply]

10 Angela July 24, 2008 at 7:18 am

I love seeing your coupon binder in action. I’m just using a typical coupon filer/folder and I am CONSTANTLY digging through EVERY coupon.

This is inspiring! I have a question…why don’t you put your internet coupons with the newspaper coupons? Just curious. Trying to understand it all :)

I think your voice is great! You know, it only sounds weird to you :)

[Reply]

11 Marli July 24, 2008 at 7:44 am

I use a binder too but just a plast 3ring, I love yours!! Much more organized, thanks for sharing!

[Reply]

12 Carrie July 24, 2008 at 8:44 am

I have that same binder for my coupons! I love it since it’s so big and zips. I use kinda the same system you do. I got mine from http://www.smartspendingresources.com and love it.

I like how you keep the ads in the front pockets so you always have them with you. I love the binder method even tho I feel so silly sometimes lugging mine into the store with me. :)

[Reply]

13 Jenny July 24, 2008 at 9:08 am

I think the video is great! My speakers are broken so I couldn’t hear, but I was able to get the idea and it was helpful. maybe you could create a video on how to fix speakers! lol!

[Reply]

14 Fuschia July 24, 2008 at 9:20 am

The binder is great, and I have the perfect one to use, so no OOP ;) Thanks for the tips (I especially liked the wraping paper cutter…you can tell I’m a newbie).
Do you take the entire binder to the store? I’ve been just taking the coupons I am going to use. I hate to hold up a line looking for my coupons :(

[Reply]

15 Living For Today! July 24, 2008 at 9:22 am

Finally, you posted your coupon binder, yea!!!!!!

[Reply]

16 Justine July 24, 2008 at 9:22 am

Love the binder… I might have to see if I can find a similar one at Wally World… my current system isn’t working as well as I’d like, and is actually falling apart… so perfect time for an upgrade! Thanks so much!
(and no the voice isn’t scary) ;)

[Reply]

17 nessatxmom July 24, 2008 at 9:53 am

Great video! Our binders are very similar. I do not use the back side of the pages and I use 4×6 photo pages for catalinas and awkward sized coupons. I think I am way to catagory specific, as I spend a lot of time filing. Thanks for sharing yours with us.

BTW, I am so jealous of the Farmland ham, bacon, and sausage qs you had in one of your overflow areas! I cannot find where I put mine when we moved, lol.

[Reply]

18 Melissa July 24, 2008 at 10:44 am

Your voice is nice! It is weird to hear yourself though, I am always like “wow, that is how I sound to everyone…poor them.” hehe.

I have the same binder as you! I LOVE it! It is stuffed full right now and I can barely even keep it shut. Yours is a bit more organized but I keep all of my ads in the front and I keep extra store coupons in the back too! In the front where your calculator is I keep my Extra Care card and all of my ECB’s then I keep all of the extra CVS coupons I get in the little folder behind the clear spot, if you know what I mean, hehe)

Love your vlogging! You go girl! :)

[Reply]

19 Steffy July 24, 2008 at 12:07 pm

I loved the video tutorial! More please!

[Reply]

20 Betsy July 24, 2008 at 12:24 pm

Alyssa! That was great! My coupon binder looks a lot like yours because, well, you trained me. Your system has truthfully changed so much about our finances, and for that we can’t thank you enough. I am so glad I came to MOPS that day! I love the baseball card holder system. It helps me to see everything easily.

[Reply]

21 Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst July 24, 2008 at 12:39 pm

WOW, thanks for all the feedback!

I still think I sound about 12 years old in the video.

Just a note to add: my coupon binder is a constant work in progress. I constantly change things to fit my needs.

Use whatever system works best for you! I personally like this because I can see everything nicely. Yes, I do take my binder into stores.

I used to be horribly embarrassed to be seen lugging this thing around, but I am no longer ashamed!

Saving money with coupons is smart, and I pay way less than the average shopper.

I usually pull the coupons ahead of time before I check out, that way I am never holding up lines.

Keep those questions coming!

[Reply]

22 Loni July 24, 2008 at 12:54 pm

I am so impressed with all of your technological know how. You have learned so much! For more, I’ll tell you something that I just recently learned myself.

The reason why we don’t sound like ourselves on the phone or video is because the signal is not capable of transmitting the highest and lowest pitches. Your voice is NOT annoying. On video or in real life! :)

[Reply]

23 Amy July 24, 2008 at 2:18 pm

You did a great job! I love your breakdown of your coupon organizing habits. Way to branch out from the blog!

[Reply]

24 Tams* July 24, 2008 at 5:14 pm

WOW!! thats so great!!!
your voice is far from annoying…but i think we all think our own voices are annoying;-)
Only thing i could think of that you didn’t mention was putting them in some sort of order by expiration date.
I get so mad when i see a sale and i whip my coupon out just to find out ohh yea that expired 2 weeks ago!
I will def. be doing something like this…ive wanted to for so long now! Rite now i have 3 evelopes Baby, Grocery, and USE NOW which is the envelope i take w/me to the store. A binder would be sooo much better for me=)

Also keep up the video blogs!!

[Reply]

25 bluebonnetstopeaches July 24, 2008 at 7:25 pm

That was great! Thanks for sharing! I love your overflow area in each section, I will have to add that to my binder. I use to organize my binder by category too, but then I read an idea to organize it alphabetically and after much hestitation I made the switch! I find it sooooo much faster to locate my coupons now, just an idea for you to chew on :)

[Reply]

26 Jessica July 24, 2008 at 9:01 pm

I am new to couponing, and this was VERY helpful. Thanks so much for taking the time to post your video!

[Reply]

27 Sarah @ Fiddledeedee July 25, 2008 at 6:22 am

Ha – that is funny! I love the overflow idea and will definitely add that to my binder. Great minds think alike ;)

[Reply]

28 brightleigh July 25, 2008 at 9:53 am

Alyssa–your system is great! I am just getting started good with couponing and I will definitely have to remember you as a resource. Great job!

[Reply]

29 Anonymous July 25, 2008 at 12:53 pm

I love your voice. Thanks for the video! Just an idea, how about CD album? For those who don’t have this binder yet, like me. I just started couponing 3 weeks ago. Lena.

[Reply]

30 Anonymous July 25, 2008 at 12:57 pm

Thank you for sharing this!! I need a new system & this looks like a great place to start. I'm in SC so you sound just like me & everyone else I know :)

[Reply]

31 Swampgirl July 25, 2008 at 12:58 pm

I, too, have that exact binder- except mine is hot pink! My family loves to make fun of “Big Pink” but they love to eat the free snacks I bring home! I have done so much better at keeping up with coupons since I started using it!

[Reply]

32 Tasha Via July 25, 2008 at 1:08 pm

That is incredible. I love it!

[Reply]

33 Mom2fur July 25, 2008 at 1:09 pm

Your voice didn’t scare me off, LOL! You sound very friendly.
I love your binder. I’m a GG-er, too. I keep my circulars intact and put them in sheet protectors. That works for me. But I’m due for a new binder (mine is falling apart), so I’m going to look for one like you have. Keeping circulars in a pocket in front, and keeping special coupon scissors in a pocket, are two brilliant ideas!
BTW, if vlogging isn’t a word, it should be.

[Reply]

34 Evie July 25, 2008 at 1:11 pm

Thanks for sharing what you do with your coupons. I have been looking for a system to start with (have only started really doing coupons in the last couple of months). I do have a question though. When you make out your grocery list each week, do you pull the coupons out ahead of time and take the binder with you in case something is on sale that wasn’t in the flyers, or do you pull the coupons out as you go through the store?

Thanks!!

Evie

[Reply]

35 Iva July 25, 2008 at 1:57 pm

I ventured on over from MSM. I loved your video and believe me, your voice was fine. Try sounding like a five year old – I do! LOL

Thanks for the video. It’s always nice to actually, physically ‘see’ something in action that we’ve all undoubtedly read about.

Blessings,
Iva

[Reply]

36 Rachel July 25, 2008 at 1:57 pm

WOW! I thought your voice was super cute by the way! I am inspired by this!

[Reply]

37 Jackie July 25, 2008 at 2:12 pm

Wow! That is so neat. Thank you so much for the great idea!

[Reply]

38 Shannon July 25, 2008 at 2:34 pm

Thank you for your video! I may progress on to your method, if you don’t mind me copying yours!

You have a great voice.

[Reply]

39 Kara S. July 25, 2008 at 3:00 pm

I use the exact same system!!! I blogged about it awhile back (http://ramblings-n-writings.blogspot.com/2008/03/frugal-friday-organized-coupons.html). Having the coupons separated by category and in the holders saves soooo much time when planning trips. And in the store when I find an unadvertised deal, I know with a glance whether I have a coupon or not. No shuffling through envelopes (tried that), expanded file (tried that), or past inserts (haven’t tried it since it doesn’t make sense to me to leave the coupons in the inserts by date – seems like I’d miss using coupons before they expire). Again great system!!!!

[Reply]

40 Wild Squirrel July 25, 2008 at 3:03 pm

I have a binder set up very similar to yours (pockets for scissors, a sleeve for restaurant coupons, etc). But, I hadn’t thought of adding a regular page protector for extras in each category. Thanks for the tip!

[Reply]

41 Brandy July 25, 2008 at 3:05 pm

Wow!! Thanks so much for sharing. I love your method, it is so organized. This gives me lots of ideas to get everything together and get organized myself. Thanks so much.

[Reply]

42 Becky@FamilyandFinances July 25, 2008 at 3:08 pm

Love the video! So much better than pictures and printed explanations.

I currently use a plastic coupon file and file by expiration date. How do you handle the expiration date aspect???

[Reply]

43 Mari July 25, 2008 at 3:39 pm

Thanks for giving me the tour. I have pretty much the exact same binder but I use 5×7 photo album inserts to sort the coupons. I love your over flow idea with just a regular page protector to hold ones that need to be sorted. Thanks for the great idea.

[Reply]

44 Michele July 25, 2008 at 3:51 pm

I have my binder set up almost exactly the same! I have the same binder from Walmart too! Great video and your voice is not scrary!
Michele

[Reply]

45 ~*~Megan~*~ July 25, 2008 at 4:36 pm

I ran across your website from moneysavingmom.com!!! I loved the video!! Very helpful!!

[Reply]

46 Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings July 25, 2008 at 5:07 pm

Great video!

Laura

(aka LWMSAVON from various frugal boards and couponing boards — user of a coupon binder since 1999)

http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/2007/07/lauras-couponing-and-refunding-hints.html

[Reply]

47 Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings July 25, 2008 at 5:07 pm

Great video!

Laura

(aka LWMSAVON from various frugal boards and couponing boards — user of a coupon binder since 1999)

http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/2007/07/lauras-couponing-and-refunding-hints.html

[Reply]

48 Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings July 25, 2008 at 5:07 pm

Great video!

Laura

(aka LWMSAVON from various frugal boards and couponing boards — user of a coupon binder since 1999)

http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/2007/07/lauras-couponing-and-refunding-hints.html

[Reply]

49 Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings July 25, 2008 at 5:07 pm

Great video!

Laura

(aka LWMSAVON from various frugal boards and couponing boards — user of a coupon binder since 1999)

http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/2007/07/lauras-couponing-and-refunding-hints.html

[Reply]

50 Anonymous July 25, 2008 at 5:24 pm

I have been a big coupon user for many years, but I have recently started to get even more serious about it. I use a 1 inch notebook binder with trading card holders too (my husbands brilliant idea). It is so much easier than the little coupon accordian files. Being organized saves so much time, not to mention money. I may have missed it on your video, but do you take the entire organizer with you in the stores?

[Reply]

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv badge

Previous post:

Next post: