Frugal Friday - Coupon Binder Tutorial

I used to sell my coupon binders on Etsy, but I know a lot of people would rather just make their own. I'm the same way. I see something and think, "I can just make that instead of buying it." So for the sake of frugality, here is a tutorial on how I make my coupon binders.


Materials needed:

ONE 1.5-inch 3-ring binder - not too flimsy, but not too rigid. You can get a zippered one, but I wouldn't suggest one too thick because the pages will fall when you lay it up on its spine. I have one that has an elastic band attached to keep it closed. It also has a pocket inside the back cover where I can put larger things like store ads.

FOUR packages Avery 3.5x5" photo pages (found mine at Staples)

ONE set of 5 colored dividers (different colors)

ONE 3-hole pencil pouch that has zippered pockets.

paper - 5 different colors to match the colored dividers plus plain white

lined notebook paper


Method:

Before you start printing, get your colored paper ready. You will need to get the following amounts of paper in this order:

2 - white
5 - next divider color
2 - next divider color
2 - next divider color
2 - next divider color
1 - next divider color

This just makes it easy to print the labels with the colors already separated for the designated categories (That made no sense, did it?).

Put the paper into your printer with the white paper printing first. Then print this file. It is already formatted to fit into the outside pockets of the pages when you cut on the lines.

Cut out your categories and keep them in order (or you can switch them around if you want). They are in the order of the way most of the stores I shop at are arranged, so feel free to change things up. You will notice that there are lots of blank labels. You don't have to use those, but they are for you in case you want to add something of your own. The only blank ones I would make sure you keep are the 3 white labels after "checkout." That is where I have my own grocery stores listed (for store coupons) - one for each label.

Then start inserting the labels in the photo pages on the outside pocket so that the bottom of the label is closest to the rings of the binder. Put the pages with white labels before your dividers start, then add your colored dividers and put the corresponding colored labels after each one.

Add your pencil pouch in front for scissors, a small calculator, paper clips, a pen and anything else you think you may need while in the store. Then some notebook paper for lists or notes.

Now just add your coupons and you're set! Put your binder with the spine side down in the child seat of the cart. That makes it easy to flip through the pages because the labels are facing you the right way.

Here are a few pictures.








Let me know if you have ANY questions at all the I'll answer them as quickly as humanly possible.

Happy couponing!!