Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tackle It Tuesday: The Couponizer GIVEAWAY

Time's up!! And the winner is...@ashhan123 from "Confessions of a First Time Mom!" Congratulations Ashley! You have three days to contact me at cheapo [dot] mcfrugalpants [at] gmail [dot] com to claim your prize.

As you are clipping your weekly coupons, do you ever wonder how...or if...you will ever get them all organized? Do they sit in a pile, waiting to expire? Are they found floating around your purse, wrapped around used bubble gum or wadded up with yesterday's Kleenex?

Yeah, I hear that a lot.

"I don't know why I even cut out coupons because I never get around to using them." Maybe...just maybe...it is because you just aren't organized enough.

Remember a couple of weeks ago, when I was feeling overrun with coupons? And then, Amy Bergin sent me "The Couponizer" to try out. I was so excited when it arrived! I thought, "Here is my answer! I'm going to be SOOO efficient now!"

First of all, I'm sure you are wondering what this "system" consists of. It includes: spiral bound book-separated into categories, scissors, a sorting mat, a zip up carry bag, grocery list pad, savings list pad, instructions.

So, I started the process. First, you must "sort" your coupons according to the categories on the mat. Surprisingly, this was new to me since my little coupon box always consisted of 4 files: food, personal, household, pets. I know...but it's just the way I do it.


The categories on the mat coordinate with the pockets in the book. That way, it is very easy to get all of your coupons filed away quickly. Let's elaborate a bit on the spiral book "pockets." They consist of your normal subjects: bread, frozen, meat, cleaners, etc. Also included are areas for your shopping list, store specials, receipts and rewards. The two pockets that I found most exciting were "Coupons for this shopping trip" and the facing page, "Checkout." Normally, I can be found holding my store coupons, clinched in my fist (what a mess.) As I put each item in my cart, I'm always dropping the coupons, trying to lay them on my purse or find a place to set them without leaving a paper trail through the store aisle. So, as you can imagine, these two pockets were going to be very useful for me. Now I can just move them from one side to the other.

With current coupons in place, I put "The Couponizer" in it's zippered carrying case - along with a pen AND my store flyer (how HANDY) and off I went.

**Before I go any further, please understand that I am a mega coupon collector - I land somewhere in between above normal and super duper clipper (I don't go buying them on eBay or anything.) Just to give you an idea, on a weekly basis I receive 3 or 4 sets of Sunday coupons (people now save theirs for me), mailers and many, many internet printables. I also receive coupons with product samples, blinkies and All You magazine. So, as you can see below, I was starting to worry when my Couponizer was already bulging and I wasn't even halfway through my coupons yet. **

Having my coupon collection with me during my shopping trip was a real bonus. As a norm, I only carry the ones that match items on my pre-planned shopping list. When you have other coupons on hand, it allows more savings for "clearanced" items or unforeseen sales. I can't count the number of times when I had wished for my other coupons - the ones still at home in my little-green-card-file-box-thingy.

Also, I did like the two pockets I mentioned above and it was useful having the book laying open for easy access. Though, for me, I just had WAY too many coupons. There are days when I may have $40 to $50 worth in one check out. To be honest, they ended up flopping out of the pockets and I was [sort of] back to square one.

Would "The Couponizer" be awesome for a beginner? Absolutely!
Definitely, it would take away that initial overwhelming feeling one can get when first starting.


Would this system be perfect for someone who gets one (or two) weekly coupon inserts and occasional coupons here and there?
You betcha!


For those of you who are at ANY level of frugal shopping, would you like to give "The Couponizer" a whirl and see for yourself?

Here is your chance!
You have a total of three ways to enter this giveaway.
(be sure to come back and leave a comment for EACH entry):

  • Leave a comment telling me what system you are using for coupon organization
  • Follow this blog (on the left)
  • Twitter this: I want to get organized with "The Couponizer" @ItsToni is giving one away sponsored by @couponizer http://bit.ly/1J0E53
A winner will be drawn on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 9:00 pm CST and contacted by email or twitter. Not responsible for invalid information. Prize will be sent directly from sponsor.

Good luck and happy couponing!

Honest Blogger found here: This is a sponsored post - though 100% honest opinion

114 comments:

Jennifer said...

I'm a follower!

Jennifer said...

Okay, don't laugh but I use a little coupon holder I found in the $1 bin @ target. It is falling apart and by no means is it helping me with organization. I have $40 worth of coupons but over 1/2 of them are expired. I need some HELP!!! LOL!

Unknown said...

1) I use a handled plastic mini accordion file that currently has no labels because I haven't decided what categories would actually work. I've attempted coupon clipping many many times. Each time I get a whole slew of coupons, spend hours trimming and categorizing them, labeling the tabs of my new holder, and then sticking the coupon keeper somewhere that I don't remember to take shopping and don't find until every last coupon has expired...

However...TODAY I remembered to check my already prepared grocery list against the stack of coupons I'd stuck in a drawer and managed to save over $40!!!! I think I'm hooked. How awesome that this post would show up today!

2) I follow your blog using Google Reader (does that count?)

3) DONE! (I'm @LundieP)

Toni said...

Lundie - here's your 2nd entry for following :)

Toni said...

Lundie - here is your 3rd entry for tweeting! :)

Emily said...

tweet:
http://twitter.com/sweephappy/status/5609777060

Emily said...

I just bought a cheap plastic acordion file thingy. I looked up some categories online to use but the Couponizer looks way more fun!

mary said...

i am new to couponing and i went to walmart and got a small file folder that i am trying to figure out how to make it work....i am still trying to get it organized in a manner that will help me out. mary_58_84@yahoo.com

April Williams said...

i normally have coupons in my wallet. i could really use some organization with them. thanks

Kim said...

I don't have a system that's why I'd like this. My system is my purse. Thanks for a chance.

pamcallahan said...

I don't think you would call this a system, but I have a small little pocket on my purse and I fold my coupons in half and keep them in there. I need help!

pamela.callahan@sbcglobal.net

sweepmom said...

I recently lost my coupon holder and am currently using an envelope with my coupons in it. Not a good system I know.

mindy said...

just a regular every day old coupon holder thanks minsthins at optonline dot net

Bacallsmom said...

Right now I just keep my coupons in an envelope. Seems like I can never find the one I am looking for when I go to the store. This organizer system would be mucho helpful! Thanks for the chance to win!!

Sky said...

Right now, my method is clipping coupons, piling them on the baker's rack and remembering that I left them on the bakers rack when I get to the store.

It's not working out so well...

seeryusfam@msn.com

Sky said...

I'm a blog follower!

seeryusfam@msn.com

Sky said...

Tweet!

http://twitter.com/SeeryusMama/status/5619457195

seeryusfam@msn.com

Katrina said...

right now I am only using a small plastic container with all coupons in it. I definitely need it organized better and this looks perfect.

ykatrina at hotmail dot com

Julie said...

well, to be honest, I am not very well organized.Presently I use envelopes

aunteegem@yahoo.com

Sharon Harmon said...

My coupon organizer is really old and dog-eared and torn. I'm amazed the coupons don't fall out! lol!
Have a great day!
txgigggles@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I was given a coupon organizer but it's listed by alphabetical order which don't work for me. I would rather have one that goes by categories.

samsakara@twcny.rr.com

Anonymous said...

I follow your blog

samsakara@twcny.rr.com

Anonymous said...

My tweet

http://twitter.com/samsakara/status/5625065515

samsakara@twcny.rr.com

mogrill said...

I need a way to organize my pile of coupons. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net

Elissa Pugh said...

I'm following you!

Elissa Pugh said...

Currently, I don't use much of a system at all! :-)

Elissa Pugh said...

I sent a tweet!

Priya said...

I started couponing 2 months back..I first used an envelope to store all my coupons.Then i got myself an accordion folder for $6 at office depot.Ofcourse the $6 was also a saving using coupons...:-)...I would love to have the couponizer to get more organized with coupons cos the accordion folder is kinda difficult to use to keep track of coupons ...my is is priaraj5@gmail.com

MamaOtwins+1 said...

Currently my system consists of 4 small envelopes to hold
Cereal
Baby stuff
Personal care
Everything else

Sunnyvale said...

I've had a coupon organizer for years and it's falling apart, I can certainly use a new one.

Sbot said...

I use a coupon organizer I got at the container store--but this looks a lot better!

rosannepm said...

This is sad, I have them in a paper lunch bag on the passenger seat of my car.
rosans4@comcast.net

rosannepm said...

Follow your blog-rosannepm
rosans4@comcast.net

rosannepm said...

Tweeted: rosannepm

I want to get organized with "The Couponizer" @ItsToni is giving one away sponsored by @couponizer http://bit.ly/1J0E53
rosans4@comcast.net

Donna said...

I have two of the envelope style coupon organizers and keep both of them in a larger plastic file folder to keep them together. Not organized enough because I find myself having to thumb through each section while in the store and it takes too much time.

Unknown said...

I'm following you on Twitter and I tweeted ... MA_Sweeper

Leah said...

I use the binder method, which works fairly well, but like you I have bunches and bunches of coupons and have really outgrown 1 binder. I would like this system for my daughter though, she is just getting into using coupons and this would work really well for her, since her method right now is a ziplock bag.
lorenz_l at comcast dot net.

Leah said...

I have been following you for a few weeks now, does that count?

Leah from La Vida Cheapo :)

Literary Winner said...

I currently use a check file from Walmart. I made different categories and it works okay, but I too hate having to stash the coupons somewhere for checkout.
weird chick online at gmail dot com

Lianne Nichols said...

My coupon system involves stacks and post its and envelopes. It's not pretty.

lianne-nichols at hotmail dot com

Haylee said...

tweeted!
http://twitter.com/happy_haylee_3

Haylee said...

current coupon organizer system? Hah as if I had one.. my coupons are ALL OVER THE PLACE, no joke. All the more reason to enter this giveaway:)

marthajane said...

Calling it a "system" would be kind. I have a (used) white envelope with homemade dividers (that are shorter than the envelope). I carry this in my purse. When the envelope gets worn out, I dig another out of the recycling bin and use it...

Linda said...

I really need this right now I'm using a plain white envelope!
lgrieser(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

mscoffee77 said...

Ugh! I use a photo album(which is falling apart) with a rubber band around it. I could soooo use this prize!

mscoffee77(AT)juno(DOT)com

Ken said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ken said...

I carry a few coupons in my wallet but I usually forget to check them at the supermarket. This prize should help. Please accept my entry. Thank you.

Karen said...

11/14/ entry kygonyea@gmail.com

LittleEagle said...

I currently carry them in #10 envelopes which need to be replaced on a regular basis. This sounds perfect. sharonaquilino at hotmail dot com

Jeremy said...

Wow. Anything that can help me get organized has to be a good thing, right? Great giveaway. Thanks

~michelle pendergrass said...

System? Ha. You're funny.

Amy said...

My coupon organization system includes me finding a coupon and putting it on a clip on my fridge....it looks like my refrigerator has a disease!!!

amy.schrodt[at]gmail.com

Jen V said...

My system, if you want to call it that, is labeled envelopes. Not very handy or efficient. Would love to win this.
ssovrnej (at) gmail.com

Jen V said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/Greatgiveaways/status/5825261113
ssovrnej (at) gmail.com

idahomom said...

I have an accordion file organizer but it is falling apart.

Colleen said...

right now I am using a small accordion file organizer that is held together with duct tape.
cthompson1477@gmail.com

Happi Shopr said...

i use envelopes to keep up with my coupons when i remember them, that is. trinitygsd at yahoo dot com

Katrina said...

I just use a little accordion file. Very not organized! =)

Anonymous said...

I use the "look through every coupon...they are all rubber banded together and I'll find it eventually" method. It's crazy and takes forever to find anything!
Great giveaway!
whitng10@yahoo.com

chazvgo said...

I use baseball card sleeves in a 3 ring binder :)

Emmy Coffee said...

Right now I use a small photo album and I organize them into categories (which never really works that well, plus the photo album is ripping)

Anonymous said...

I am using an expandable small file folder, it only had enought room for five different catagories, but it works ok.

blueiceraptor@hotmail.com

Kristi said...

he he, I use my kitchen counter!!! Not very productive when the coupons don't make it to the store!! I seriously need help.

Kristi said...

I also subscribe via google reader.

Nick Brender said...

Currently using shoebox on the top of the fridge method. It's ingenious - unless you actually want to use your coupons.
nick.brender@yahoo.com

denyse said...

I have an organizer from the dollar store. How many times has it ripped???- Too many to count!
d
denyse_g@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I have an organizer from the dollar store that has little slots to put the coupons in and I always get papercuts because it's made out of cardboard or something like that.

shawnac68@hotmail.com

Sahm Lee said...

My current coupon organizer is a pencil pouch that my kids don't use any more. Thanks for the contest!
airalynn@gmail.com

dreamcleavers said...

dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
i organize by week--i used to organize by category but with all the helpful sites online they tell you what week the coupon you need is in.

Kimberly said...

I currently use a tattered envelope. It's been easier than transfering everything into a fresh one. :)

Kimberly said...

I follow your blog.

Ellie Wright said...

Right now I'm using a small photo album that I carry in my purse. It works pretty well but it's falling apart. Thanks for the giveaway.
eswright18 at gmail dot com

Ellie Wright said...

Tweeted.
http://twitter.com/eswright18/status/5877516327
eswright18 at gmail dot com

Ellie Wright said...

I'm following.
eswright19 at gmail dot com

Egare1 said...

Our coupons are currently in the pocket of hubby's clipboard, because he always carries it in his backpack!

Egare1 said...

I'm a blog follower :)

Unknown said...

I have a small accordion style coupon folder. It's not easy to find things in.

hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com

Unknown said...

Tweet- http://twitter.com/ksh123/status/5879154753

Anonymous said...

i have tried every coupon organizer that i can get my hands on ..from envelopes,to binder
im back to a small plastic organizer that will fit in my purse so i always have my coupons on hand


cpsnsamples@aol.com

lini said...

I stick them all in an envelope and sometimes remember to use them and once in a while sort through them and throw the old ones out.

Angela G said...

I use a small plastic accordion file but it is disorganized and falling apart. I would love this!
ag1414@hotmail.com

Angela G said...

I tweeted: http://twitter.com/ag1414/status/5882530424

JosiahsMommy said...

Right now I use a cheapo dollar store organizer that's falling apart. I need a new one!!

JosiahsMommy said...

I follow your blog.

JosiahsMommy said...

Tweeted. http://twitter.com/ashhan123/status/5882622723

Rhonda said...

My system right now is to clip the coupons and leave them on the counter. I have good intentions but end up making clutter. I really need an organizer.

rhondastruthers at yahoo dot ca

doodlegirl said...

I have three plastic coupon organizers - 2 for grocery/toiletries and 1 for restaurants and services

lisa said...

At the moment i am using a very thin coupon holder that is about ready to fall apart. msmith572@yahoo.com

lisa said...

Tweet: http://twitter.com/samasam/status/5894068633
msmith572@yahoo.com

Homemaker said...

I have been a hard core coupon shopper for only about 2 years now, but love it!! I guess my organizing system I have it to put the coupons in zip lock baggies and label them...such as "haircare", "pets" , "candy" , "food" , "baby", ect. and when I need certain coupons I know where to look and I put them in my little coupon holder before I head to the store...no real system, so this would be a great, great win!!

sallylynnsara@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

My system was stuff in a drawer and forget them most of the time, now I have a small holder but it's... not working as well as I thought.

Unknown said...

I am a follower (and I love your name).

Unknown said...

I tweeted the giveaway http://twitter.com/dddiva/status/5894575598

Terri L said...

I use this vinyl pouch that no longer has any organization to it to store my coupons. I then page through them all prior to my shopping trip to find the ones that correspond to the items on my grocery list and then carry them in an envelope to the grocery store.

tlannan30[at]yahoo[dot]com

Claire said...

I use the patented "shove them in my wallet and hope for the best" system.

thefatesarevicious at yahoo dot com

demmi said...

I put them in envelopes mark the envelope with the type of coupons they are
con5459(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I have a little plastic coupon wallet, organized by aisle.
I saved $30 in coupons at Ralph's yesterday.

Kristin said...

I use a crappy coupon holder from the dollar store. It's basically useless.

wowknk@gmail.com

Kristin said...

I'm a follower.

wowknk@gmail.com

Betty C said...

I'm ashamed to say I have to system. My coupons are stacked in piles, sometimes I don't even get around to cutting them out before they expire. Every time I shop I think about a coupon I saw but of course it's still at home in one of the piles. I could really use some help.

Betty C said...

I'm a follower.

Betty C said...

I follow on Twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/willitara/status/5901813036

Re said...

i'm using an envelope. i cut them all and put them in a shoebox, then I try to get my list and coupons together before i go out the store. its not very good because i always see something at the store that i know i have a coupon for in my shoebox

Jennifer said...

I need this :) Please and thank you! My coupon envelope is ripped!

bcmomtoo said...

I have a cheapie falling apart coupon organizer I carry in my purse - with coupons for toiletries, household goods, pet supplies, candy, and restaurants. So I almost always have those with me, if I have my purse, that is. All my grocery coupons are in a plastic 3x5 card box, separated by recipe box dividers. So the categories aren't exactly right for grocery shopping, but it's better than nothing. This couponizer sounds like a good system to replace both - then if I could just remember to store it in the van (between coupon clipping and organizing sessions) I'd always have it any time I ended up at the store. Yeah, I hate getting to the store and knowing I have coupons at home that would make a good deal even better.

bcmomtoo said...

tweeted - http://twitter.com/bcmom/status/5906839606

Donna said...

I use a coupon box/file.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/donnak4/status/5907918882
donna444444@yahoo.com

cman said...

Envelopes falling apart in my purse currently LOL.

Anonymous said...

I have a coupon envelope that's only barely organized. There are coupons all over my desk and on the passenger seat of my car. I so need this!!

Charlene Kuser said...

I am using envelopes to put my coupons in,then I stack them in a shoebox
CharlieGurl57@aol.com

Charlene Kuser said...

Following your blog

CharlieGurl57@aol.com

Charlene Kuser said...

Tweet:Swtlilchick
http://twitter.com/Swtlilchick/status/5908733146

CharlieGurl57@aol.com

baludec4 said...

Thanks for share good post. I like your blog.