Coupon Conundrum... solved!

Remember my embarrassing mess-O-coupons I called my wallet... and my resolution to get those things organized and under control?? Well, thanks to a little weekend shopping excursion (I told you it was a good one!), I've found a solution!

After reading everyone's suggestions, scouring Google for ideas, and analyzing my coupon keeping habits, I decided the accordion method would be the best one for me!

I know, why didn't I try this idea before? Well, you see... I did try it with this little neon green Dollar Spot (Target) purchase a few years back. The problem was that the "try" really only consisted of me taking the thing home and letting it collect dust.

I needed something better... something prettier... something with a little added motivation...

That's why I snatched this baby up at Marshalls as soon as I laid my eyes upon it. Although the price tag was significantly higher ($5) than my $1 neon accordion, I knew that the mini-splurge would be worth the added motivation to take action on my resolution. It's like buying a new outfit to go workout in or springing for the sweet smelling soap to do the dishes with.

I used my label maker to create a spot for each type of coupon I collect:

There's...
*use ASAP!... for the deals that are about to expire
*weekly grocery... the coupons that I know I'll need at the store that week
*grocery etc... the coupons for things like toothpaste that I might want in the future
*retail... for the fun stuff :)
*restaurants & services... for the BOGO dinner deals or $10 off oil change
*receipts... safekeeping for the receipts on things I might return

The little attached notepad was what really sold me. I knew it would be a perfect place to keep my lists...

The "No Buy" list always keeps me in check. It's where I write down all of the "even if it's on sale for 90% off, YOU DON'T NEED IT" things that aren't going home with me. (and yes, it rhymes with "No Fly" for a reason)

The "Looking For" list reminds me to check the sale section for the things that I do need. These are usually the things that I could use, but don't go on specific shopping trips to get. Keeping the "Looking For" list in mind helps me find great deals on things before buying them becomes a necessity.

I'm really excited about finally coming up with a (fun) solution! Anyone else have any ways to make boring tasks seem a little more fun?

I'm linking this post up with two of my favorite parties...
The Penny Pinching Party at The Thrifty Home

and Victory of the Week over at Design-aholic (on Friday).

You should really think about joining in! I really enjoy these two because I feel like the attendance isn't too overwhelming and you actually get a chance to read what everyone else shares.