Coupons - Organizing

There are three primary ways you can organize your coupons.  I have tried all three ways and have found pros and cons with each. 

File folders - Write the date of the newspaper on the outside cover of the insert. If you have more than one insert from the same source, clip them together with a paper clip. Place into a file folder labeled for the specific source, i.e. RedPlum (RP), SmartSource (SS), P&G (PG), other.

• This method requires the least amount of time to maintain and works well if you use an online service that matches coupons with sales items for you. One site that is very good is Southern Savers. She lists not only several grocery stores, but drug stores as well. (That, however, is another post.) You can print your grocery list from Southern Savers with the coupon match-ups. Each coupon is listed with the source and date. Simply pull the correct insert and cut the coupons you need. BTW, Southern Savers is FREE!
• What I don't like about this method is that you can't take your folders with you. There are always sale items that are unadvertised and you may just miss out on that "gotta have" brownie mix!

Accordion folder (small) - With this system, you label each section of the folder by category. Some examples of categories could be baking, dairy, meat, canned goods, paper, etc. Use those that fit your shopping needs.  Each coupon is then cut and placed behind the proper category.

• This requires more time than the file folder method, but allows you to carry all of your coupons with you.
• If you save a lot of coupons, this system becomes a problem simply because of the quantity of coupons you will have.  It is almost impossible to keep all of the same coupons together, causing you to go through each coupon to insure you have all of them when you head to the store.  Also, if you are trying to find a coupon while at the store, it becomes a juggling act that can become quite the disaster. Ask me how I know :)

Binder with baseball card inserts - This system is also set up by categories with baseball card inserts behind each section. Cut your coupons, group all like coupons together, and place them in one of the slots behind the correct category.

• This is the most time consuming method, but in my opinion, is worth the extra effort.  I spend 2-3 hours per week keeping my binder updated.
• The binder can be carried with you to the store and coupons can be found quickly when needed.

What system do you use?