I really don’t like spending a lot of time messing with my coupons. There are too many other things to do!
If you’ve read my Beginner’s Guide to Coupons or watched this video on quick & easy coupon organization, you know that I have always been a proponent of using a filing method for organizing your coupons. Instead of clipping and sorting all your coupons each week, you simply file the entire insert by date and only clip the ones you need after you make your shopping list. It is straightforward and easy to maintain, and it works great.
But it’s not perfect.
I often miss out on unadvertised deals because I don’t take my coupons with me to the store. Also, I can never just “pop in” or quick run to the store without first planning my trip. That’s not always feasible.
If you’ve been using coupons for a while, you probably already know that your system of coupon organization tends to evolve over time. Everyone’s brains work a little differently, and it can take months or years to fine-tune a process that works best just for you.
A couple of months ago, Jennifer Tope, the mastermind behind the Qubie Coupon Organization System, contacted me to see if I would be interested in trying out her coupon binder system. I was very honest and told her that I was quite fond of my filing method for organizing coupons and honestly didn’t think I would like using a binder, but that I wouldn’t be a very good coupon “expert” if I wasn’t at least willing to try something new.
And so I did. On Superbowl Sunday I spent the entire day clipping and sorting 4 months worth of inserts and filling my binder. I am not going to lie. The intial set up took a long time. But it wasn’t difficult. The Qubie Pro binder comes already divided into categories, making it pretty much foolproof to set up. All you need to do is clip and sort, and voila, you’re done! And I have to admit, for a girl who has a hard time sitting still, even for the biggest football game of the year, it was kind-of nice to have a project to keep me occupied.
I have now had a full month to try out the Qubie and I am more than a little surprised to admit that there are a lot of things I like about using the binder system. I really thought I’d hate it, and I don’t.
It definitely makes preparing for a shopping trip and gathering my coupons much faster. Instead of spending 2 hours preparing for a major trip, I can grab everything I need in 45 minutes to an hour. Even better, I have been able to catch several great deals at the store that I would’ve otherwise missed out on. I have also been able to get a better variety of sale items because I am more aware of what coupons I have–before I wouldn’t spend any time looking through the inserts. It saved time but I missed out on a lot.
The smaller Qubie Plus binder is a great place for all those random specialty store coupons that I never knew what to do with, and I love that the little Qubie Pal has freed up a lot of room in my wallet, which I can now close for the first time in a long time.
The cons of the binder system are the up-front time involved. Even aside from the initial setup, it takes at least 1-2 hours a week to maintain. Between church and family activities and drugstore shopping, my Sundays are usually jam-packed. It is difficult for me to find the time to clip and sort the new inserts, and then I find that I get behind. I don’t like having things hanging over my head, so my solution to that problem has been to use my file box to file my insert by date until I have time to clip it (usually while I’m watching House on Monday nights, my one can’t-miss show!)
Ultimately if you are going to get serious about coupons, you have to figure out what works for you. Do you like the idea of having all your coupons with you, already pre-clipped and sorted, or is it easier to just keep them filed away in a box? Be honest, if they are filed away in the box will you be diligent about making your list each week, or do you need a visible reminder and incentive to use those coupons?
To set up a binder system, you need a binder, lots of pages, & dividers, or you can save time and order a pre-organized binder system like the Qubie. If you have multiple inserts, the easiest way to sort your coupons each week is to separate each page and stack the like pages together, then cut out each like coupon together at one time. I found that it takes me about 5-10 minutes per insert to separate and lay out all the pages, then another 10 minutes to clip and 15 minutes to sort. (For a total of about a 1/2 hour per insert.)
Once you have all your existing coupons organized, it is fairly easy to maintain the system–just clip and sort again each week when you get your new inserts, and clip and sort printables as you go. Once every few weeks you should also go through and pull out any expired coupons. I usually keep them in for 30 days past the expiration date, since my CVS store accepts up to 30 days expired coupons.
This giveaway is now closed. Click here to visit Qubie
Affiliate links may be used in this post. Printing a coupon or ordering a product through this link may result in a commission, which helps pay for the cost of running this site and keeps the content free. Read my full disclosure policy here.
Amy Osborn March 9, 2011 at 10:25 pm
I currently use an old accordion check file and would like to try the Qubie as I too am often caught without coupons at the store, I think I would save much more with one.
Amy Osborn March 9, 2011 at 10:26 pm
I like lwsl on Facebook
Amy Osborn March 9, 2011 at 10:27 pm
I like Qubiebook on FAcebook
Danielle March 9, 2011 at 10:28 pm
My coupons… on my desk at work, stuck together with a binder clip. I grab what I think I’ll need and head out to the store after work. As you can imagine, things get left behind. I think the Qubiebook would be an easy way to keep everything with me when I go shopping!
Danielle March 9, 2011 at 10:29 pm
I have liked you on FB for a long time!
Amy Osborn March 9, 2011 at 10:29 pm
I am following you on Twitter
Danielle March 9, 2011 at 10:29 pm
I am now “liking” Qubiebook on FB too!
Danielle March 9, 2011 at 10:29 pm
I’m following you on Twitter
MANDY March 9, 2011 at 10:29 pm
I currently clip sunday coupons and print internet coupons and file them in a small accordian type folder with labels. I then make my shopping list and gather all the coupons needed for that trip and put those lucky coupons up front. I believe Qubiebook would help me be more organized and provide a simplier way to store and access my little money savers :0)
Danielle March 9, 2011 at 10:29 pm
I’m following Qubiebooks on Twitter now too!
Amy Osborn March 9, 2011 at 10:30 pm
I am following Qubiebook on Twitter
Danielle March 9, 2011 at 10:31 pm
I am now registered on Qubiebook.com
Amy Osborn March 9, 2011 at 10:31 pm
I follow LWSL on google friend connect
MANDY March 9, 2011 at 10:32 pm
I am now “liking” Qubiebook on FB :0)
Amy Osborn March 9, 2011 at 10:35 pm
I visited Qubiebooks website and registered to recieve coupon tips, etc.
Crystal Miller March 9, 2011 at 10:49 pm
I currently have a coupon binder, but I just can’t seem to get it to where it “works” for me. I’ve changed it a time or two, but haven’t found the perfect binder! I would love to try out the Qubie Books! I have gotten so many of my friends started, and we have all started with the binder. I have 4 young children, so couponing is a must! Let alone, easily an addiction once you start saving money!
Crystal Miller March 9, 2011 at 10:50 pm
Like LWSL on Facebook
Crystal Miller March 9, 2011 at 10:52 pm
Registered at Qubiebook.com
Crystal Miller March 9, 2011 at 10:53 pm
Following LWSL on Twitter
Crystal Miller March 9, 2011 at 10:53 pm
Following Qubiebook on Twitter
Crystal Miller March 9, 2011 at 10:55 pm
Like Qubiebook on Facebook
Ashlee B March 9, 2011 at 11:04 pm
Registered at Qubiebook.com
Ashlee B March 9, 2011 at 11:04 pm
I Like Qubiebook on Facebook
Ashlee B March 9, 2011 at 11:05 pm
I Like LWSL on Facebook.
Ashlee B March 9, 2011 at 11:05 pm
I Follow you on Twitter
Ashlee B March 9, 2011 at 11:06 pm
I Follow Qubiebook on Twitter.
Ashlee B March 9, 2011 at 11:10 pm
The way I organize is by cutting out my coupons and organizing them in categories of the products but I don’t have a binder or anything to put them in so they sit on my counter till I go to the grocery store. I could really use a binder system!!!
Erin R. March 9, 2011 at 11:25 pm
My coupons are currently in a pile on my desk. I need some serious help!
Erin R. March 9, 2011 at 11:26 pm
My coupons are currently in a pile on my desk. I need some serious help! The Quibie would let me organize them and find what I needed quicker.
Whitney Crane March 9, 2011 at 11:26 pm
I use an accordian file to file my coupons and use a coupon site to match up sales. Then I clip. I would love to use a binder so I can carry all of my coupons to the store.
Whitney Crane March 9, 2011 at 11:31 pm
I like Qubie on Facebook.
Whitney Crane March 9, 2011 at 11:32 pm
I like LWSL on Facebook.
Jaclynn March 9, 2011 at 11:37 pm
I currently use a binder of sorts but it isn’t cute like the Qubie
and not as well organized either
Jaclynn March 9, 2011 at 11:38 pm
I like you on facebook!
Jaclynn March 9, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Liked Qubiebook on FB!
Jaclynn March 9, 2011 at 11:39 pm
registered at quibiebook.com!
Amanda P March 9, 2011 at 11:45 pm
I am using the binder method but would love to have this system to make it even better!
Amanda P March 9, 2011 at 11:45 pm
I like lwsl on FB!!
Amanda P March 9, 2011 at 11:48 pm
I like Qubiebook on FB!!
Jessica @ These Are The Days March 10, 2011 at 12:03 am
Hello My Love! Hope you are doing good. I used to do the binder, but I like my accordian folding envelope best.
Jenna March 10, 2011 at 2:19 am
I use an accordian file, the binder system seems really cool!
Jenna March 10, 2011 at 2:21 am
I’m a follower of networked blogs
Monica March 10, 2011 at 2:34 am
I use a coupon binder. I would like to try the Qubie because it looks like an upgrade:-)
Jenna March 10, 2011 at 2:43 am
I like you on facebook
Jenna March 10, 2011 at 2:45 am
I like qubiebook on facebook
Tricia March 10, 2011 at 2:45 am
I use a binder for loose coupons and an accordion file for the insert booklets. I find myself frustrated when I get to the store, there’s a sale, and I know I saw the coupon somewhere at home and wished I had it with me. Qubie looks like a complete system and would be easily accessible at home and at the store.
Tricia March 10, 2011 at 2:46 am
I already like LWSL on facebook.
Tricia March 10, 2011 at 2:48 am
I liked Qubiebook on facebook.
Jenna March 10, 2011 at 2:48 am
Just registered on qubiebook.com
Tricia March 10, 2011 at 2:55 am
I am following Qubiebook on Twitter.
Rangle October 29, 2011 at 9:06 am
Fell out of bed feeling down. This has birhegtned my day!
axkbtkd November 4, 2011 at 11:40 am
PTsNWN luikptjitanl
Tricia March 10, 2011 at 2:58 am
I just completed my registration at http://www.qubiebook.com
Tricia March 10, 2011 at 3:05 am
I am following Ruth Soukup on Twitter now.
melissa March 10, 2011 at 3:20 am
The Qubie system sounds interesting…. And is much prettier than my falling apart black binder!
melissa March 10, 2011 at 3:21 am
I have liked you on facebook for some time, and still do!
melissa March 10, 2011 at 3:21 am
I have been following Ruth Soukup on twitter… you need to do more tweets!
melissa March 10, 2011 at 3:22 am
I now like Qubiebook on facebook!
melissa March 10, 2011 at 3:23 am
I have registered on Qubiebook’s website.
melissa March 10, 2011 at 3:23 am
I am following Qubiebook on Twitter!
Alisha March 10, 2011 at 3:26 am
Seriously…this couldn’t have come at a better time!! I was (until last week) keeping my coupons in a small accordion file. I just purchased a small photo album with lots of pages so I could separate them more…I’m not happy with that system either. This binder is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for. I clip my coupons (and print tons), but my file and album are too small and most days my dining room table is covered in coupons! I need a better system! In fact, I’m not going to be able to wait for the giveaway. I’m pretty sure I’m going to be ordering one very soon!!
Alisha March 10, 2011 at 3:26 am
I follow you (google).
Alisha March 10, 2011 at 3:27 am
I like you on facebook.
Alisha March 10, 2011 at 3:27 am
I like qubiebook on facebook.
Alisha March 10, 2011 at 3:30 am
I registered at qubiebook.com
PAULA March 10, 2011 at 5:07 am
I AM TRIING TO ENTER THIS BUT IM NOT SURE IF I AM DOING IT RIGHT HELP
Stephanie L March 10, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Hello Ruth! I have just recently started reading your blog a few weeks ago. You inspired me to start couponing and I must admit it’s an addiction…a saving addict at heart for a long time, but just recently getting pretty good at it! I currently use your filing system (…just not that great at it yet!) and so most coupons are in a folder, but often times are left in my purse, the counter, my car, on the floor, etc.!! As a new stay at home mom of two I think the Qubie would be a great addition to my new world of couponing! Such a great giveaway, thanks for the opportunity!
Stephanie L March 10, 2011 at 2:25 pm
I liked you on Facebook.
Stephanie L March 10, 2011 at 2:26 pm
I liked Qubie on Facebook.
Stephanie L March 10, 2011 at 2:27 pm
I am now registered on Quibiebook.com !
Stephanie L March 10, 2011 at 2:29 pm
I am officially a follower:) Thanks for giving me an incentive to do that…bc i have been meaning to get around to it!
Karen Hall March 10, 2011 at 2:38 pm
I currently organize my coupons in hanging folders and using a coupon organizer that I purchased on Etsy. I would like to try the Quibie pro binder because often my coupons slide under the dividers in the system that I currently use and end up in the wrong category – thus me missing them.
The Quibie looks like it would organize my coupons better on the go.
Karen Hall March 10, 2011 at 2:40 pm
I follow your blog via Google Friend Connect
Karen Hall March 10, 2011 at 2:40 pm
I like LWSL on Facebook
Karen Hall March 10, 2011 at 2:41 pm
I like Qubiebook on Facebook
Karen Hall March 10, 2011 at 2:44 pm
I registered on Quibiebook.com (username = KareBear5276)
Karen Hall March 10, 2011 at 2:45 pm
I follow you on Twitter (username = KareBear5276)
Karen Hall March 10, 2011 at 2:46 pm
I follow Qubiebook on Twitter (username = KareBear5276)
Dixie March 10, 2011 at 3:03 pm
I am new to couponing so i still use an accordion style organizer and it get hard to find a specific coupon in that mess. I need to find a new way fast.
Dixie March 10, 2011 at 3:04 pm
I have registered on quibiebook.com
Dixie March 10, 2011 at 3:05 pm
i liked lwsl on facebook
Dixie March 10, 2011 at 3:06 pm
i liked quibiebook on facebook
Dixie March 10, 2011 at 3:13 pm
I follow you on networked blogs ; )
karin jones March 10, 2011 at 3:26 pm
I currently us the file whole insert method. I’ve been really thinking of going to a binder…This sounds perfect!!
Kim March 10, 2011 at 11:50 pm
I currently use the filing method but like you feel like I am missing out on the unadvertised sales once I get to the store.
janine prevatt March 11, 2011 at 3:03 am
I use the filing system, but I do miss out on a lot of deals.
Tricia March 11, 2011 at 4:08 am
I am currently using a coupon binder. I would check out out Qubie for a new way to organize my store coupon and restaurant coupons. I never have my restaurant coupons when I need them.
Caroline March 11, 2011 at 2:21 pm
I have a box with the inserts in it. I carry a small bag filled with clipped coupons, printables and the ones I plan to use at the store, but I often see a sale and think I have a coupon, but have to dig through the bag to find it. Then, I remember it is at home. The qubie system is very comprehensive. I like the three different binders for different things.
Corinne March 11, 2011 at 6:19 pm
I use the filing system right now. I have a binder that I used but never had time to cut the inserts so they were all over the place. I decided to switch to the file so I could find my inserts faster.
Corinne March 11, 2011 at 6:19 pm
I like LWSL on Facebook.
Liz March 11, 2011 at 6:24 pm
I am new to couponing and currently use an accordian file but am finding that I need a more efficient way to organize my coupons!
Liz March 11, 2011 at 6:26 pm
I “like” you on Facebook!!
Liz March 11, 2011 at 6:28 pm
I also registered at Qubiebook.com.
Megan March 11, 2011 at 8:17 pm
I just saw a couple of videos from you on youtube. I just started “extreme couponing” this week. Thank you for making this look “normal” I don’t need 3 carts of Gatorade, but I do need to pay less then $10.00 when I check out at the grocery store
Keep up the great work!
Megan March 11, 2011 at 8:19 pm
Right now I use a binder, but I am forever trying to reorganize it. I would like to see if this system works better than the one I have and am exited about seeing the Plus and Pal components.
Jennifer Camp March 12, 2011 at 3:36 am
I use an accordian file. I have wanted to try a binder system, but haven’t gotten to buying one yet (I’m too cheap). Thanks for the chance to win a free one!
Jennifer Camp March 12, 2011 at 3:37 am
I love following you on facebook!
Jennifer Camp March 12, 2011 at 3:41 am
I just registered at qubiebook.com
lauren March 12, 2011 at 3:46 am
Currently I use an accordion folder. I would love to use the Qubie because I think it would be easier in the long run to see what coupons I have!
Jennifer Camp March 12, 2011 at 3:46 am
I like qubie on facebook. I should really look into the whole “Twitter” thing, but until then, this will be my last entry:( I hope I win. Please Please Please!
lauren March 12, 2011 at 3:52 am
I registered at Qubie! Thank you.
Celyneet Jusino March 12, 2011 at 4:11 pm
I currently use an accordian style organizer and while it works im not to happy with it. it takes forever to find my coupons and doesnt have enough divdiers for my coupons. Id love to win the Qubie bc it seems very straight foward and would allow me to see the coupons easily and never lose them in the pile!
Celyneet Jusino March 12, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Liked LWSL on Facebook!
Celyneet Jusino March 12, 2011 at 4:14 pm
liked Qubiebook on facebook
Celyneet Jusino March 12, 2011 at 4:17 pm
I registered at qubiebook.com
Krista March 13, 2011 at 4:43 am
I use an accordion style file holder for my coupons. I have 2. I’m needing something new because my system is not working well! I’m hoping Qubie will help me.
Krista March 13, 2011 at 4:47 am
Follower of LWSL via Google Friend Connect and or Networked Blogs
Krista March 13, 2011 at 4:48 am
Liked your page on FB (monkeygirl savings)
Krista March 13, 2011 at 4:49 am
Liked Qubie on FB (monkeygirl savings)
Krista March 13, 2011 at 4:49 am
REgistered at Qubie
Krista March 13, 2011 at 4:51 am
follow you on Twitter (@monkeygirlsavin)
Krista March 13, 2011 at 4:51 am
Follow Qubie on Twitter (@monkeygirlsavin)
Amy Eubanks March 13, 2011 at 3:39 pm
I am currently my own binder system for couponing, but I love the different sizes that this system offers.
Amy Eubanks March 13, 2011 at 3:41 pm
I liked LWSL on facebook.
Amy Eubanks March 13, 2011 at 3:42 pm
I liked Qubiebook on facebook
Amy Eubanks March 13, 2011 at 3:42 pm
I registered with Qubiebook for updates.
Danelle March 13, 2011 at 7:18 pm
I am following LWSL via google friend connect.
Danelle March 13, 2011 at 7:19 pm
I “liked” LWSL on facebook.
Danelle March 13, 2011 at 7:22 pm
I “liked” Qubiebook on Facebook.
Danelle March 13, 2011 at 7:24 pm
I registered at Qubiebook.com
Danelle March 13, 2011 at 7:25 pm
I am just getting into couponing and really do not have any system. I have a drawer that has expired coupons that I always seem to forget about.
Danelle March 13, 2011 at 7:26 pm
And . . . I would like to try this system because it’s the only one I am aware of at this point.
Susan Edmonds March 15, 2011 at 10:37 pm
I am currently using a 3″ binder with baseball card sleeves and 36 section. I also have all my restaurant coupons and cards in this. It is getting pretty bulky! I like the idea of the two smaller books.
Susan Edmonds March 15, 2011 at 10:38 pm
I liked LWSL on facebook!
Susan Edmonds March 15, 2011 at 10:39 pm
I liked Qubiebook on Facebook too!
Susan Edmonds March 15, 2011 at 10:41 pm
I just registered at Qubiebook.com
Patricia March 18, 2011 at 1:24 am
I made my own binder and I also use envelopes when I go to each store. I will print out my list and put it in the envelope with all the coupons. Each Sunday I just cut all of my coupons out and put them in my binder.
Nadia Renoll March 18, 2011 at 3:56 am
I clip the Sunday coupons and file them in a small zip up accordian book. I organize them by type (canned goods, frozen, pets, baby, etc). Then, I make my list and pull any coupons I think I may use and put them up front. This method works somewhat, but I always find myself sorting through a messy stack from the accordian just to see if I have a coupon for something I found on sale. With a 20 month old wrangling the cart and my general clumsiness, I usually give up or drop a handful of coupons. So, not very organized. I wonder if Qubiebook could help me get more organized. As a mom and working 40 hours a week out of the house, I could use all the time saving shortcuts I can get!
Nadia Renoll March 18, 2011 at 4:05 am
I “liked” LWSL on Facebook. Love your videos!
Nadia Renoll March 18, 2011 at 4:06 am
Oh, and I “liked” Quebibook on FB, too!
Melanie April 20, 2011 at 3:53 pm
would love to try Qubie!
Robbin Cooper April 21, 2011 at 7:37 pm
My current system is not very comfortable for my family. I have taken over the kitchen table with the stacks of coupons that I collect. We use to eat dinners at the table however since I have started couponing I get very nervious if anyone even goes near the table. I would like to try this system becaues I have a 2 month old and a nine year old and find it difficult to have time to flip through all the stacks of papers to make my list weekly. Also I will soon be returning to work and need to get organized.
mgood3412 May 27, 2011 at 1:54 pm
Why not do both, I get about 6-8 inserts of each the Red Plum and Smart source any given week. I take 4 of the RP inserts and 4 of the SS and clip them. The reason I only do four is b/c most of the stores in my area limit doubling to 2 of the same coupons, and both my husband and I go (2×2 = 4). To save time, I divide up the inserts and put all the like pages from the insert together. Then I clip all of the like four pages together. As I am clipping I have a pile for food and non food items. I try to keep the piles in alphabetical order.
Hope this helps someone.
My binder is a 2″ mead binder that zips up and has 2 pockets that have zippers on the front and a section that folds(great area for receipts and to put the coupons u need for the shopping trip). When you open it, it has 3 section accordion style area in the front and in the back there are pockets as well. It was $10 at Wal-Mart and it is very sturdy and useful. I got my baseball sleeves at target. Getting back to how I organize, my binder has a section for food and non food items and both sections are in alphabetical order (using folder dividers labeled A, B,C etc.). Since when I clip i keep the piles in alphabetical order all I have to do is turn the pgs starting at A and put the cut coupons in the correct slot. (If I dont have time to put them away at that moment I put them in a sandwich bag and lay it on a flat surface until I have the time to put them up) While doing this I keep an eye out for expired coupons. (I formally go through about once or twice a month to take out the expired coupons but there usually aren’t many b/c when I put new ones in I glance for expired ones.) I also file pintables that I am not using in my binder I just fold them up with the picture facing the front so it will fit in the slot. (put the $ amount and exp on front if u have the time)
The binder is great for preparing for a shopping trip and when I see a deal at a store that I did not prepare for I just take it out of its slot.
For the remainder of the inserts that I dont clip I put them in the File box which is sorted by date. So when I see a hot deal online That is in RP 5-22 all I have to do is get that one and cut it out for that particular trip.
I have a “to sort” section in my binder and in my file. When I get to sorting them I put them in alphabetical order and put in my binder using the binder method above.
I use a small picture book for restaurants and store (jcp, macy’s, khols etc.) coupons, which is also in alphabetical order and section into restaurants and stores.
I think this is the best both of worlds and it really does not take that long. The initial set up is an investment of about $30-50 and it does take a minute to put together. But after that it is not that time consuming at all. I hope I did not make it sound complicated. But trust if I can use it anyone can. I am super lazy about things like this, and I’m not an organization freak by any means. Actually, I am the opposite. The only reason I do this is b/c it saves me a lot of time and it is very effective. If it was bad by any means I would have given up pretty quickly
Celeste July 1, 2011 at 11:30 pm
I use the whole insert method and started couponcleanout.com as a way to help myself and others now WHEN to purge expired coupons. Come check us out!