Since I am trying to be more conscious of my spending habits and put any and all savings toward
my debt , I have started to use coupons again. Most of the time I like using coupons when I go shopping. I enjoy checking online to see what bargains are available and I coordinate my weekly menu with the grocery ads and my coupons.
At the start, I will just use the ads I get with my Sunday paper. Just pick up one or two things using coupons and make due with what is available. That goes on about a month or two, then I start reading the blogs of individuals that are "stockpiling" assorted items like crazy. They will buy bunches of Sunday newspapers, or buy coupons from Ebay and post about their great scores! In the past, I have got caught up in the frenzy "stockpiling" and at one point had over
20 bottles of shampoo and conditioner! I had notebooks with dividers filled with multiple coupons! It was a rush to see how much money I could save, not realizing that I was probably buying things that I would never use in the process. Eventually, I became bored with it, or overwhelmed is probably more like it. I just could not keep up the pace. So, the coupons I had all expired, my kids have an abundance of toothpaste, toothbrushes, and dishwasher detergent.
Now I am back to using coupons again, I am challenging myself NOT to get obsessive/compulsive about Stockpiling again. Only one Sunday Newspaper, and NO buying coupons online. Hmmmm...... I will keep you posted on my progress.
~~~Update~~~
I have been cleaning out a medicine cabinet in a seldom used bathroom. Low and behold, there was a small "stockpile" of pain relievers..... that had expired TWO years ago!!!
13 comments:
I know the feeling, I once upon a time had 20ish herbal essences bottles too and felt like such an idiot. No stockpiling for me, stuff goes on sale all the time, and I don't even like herbal essences like at all. :)
Oh my gosh, I did the same thing! I wish I still had some of those bottles of shampoo. I utilize some coupons now, but it takes up too much time to do what I used to do...
Coupons can be a slippery slope. I used to buy things that we didn't need too just because I had a coupon. I am pretty good about using coupons for things I actually need now.
I am not a big couponer, but I will use coupons if I can get something that I USE for free or cheap. For instance, this weekend I will be stocking up on a lot of Special K, chocolate, and light bulbs for (basically) free. But, those are all products I would normally buy so I don't feel so much like a crazy hoarder by stocking up while I have a good deal.
Incidentally, i do not get the Sunday paper coupons. I print my coupons online or, if there is a really good deal in the Sunday coupons, I ask a friend for the coupon.
I went crazy like that and soon was burnt out. But I have a years worth of laundry soap to show for it. I only use a few coupons now. I'm more careful where I shop and how much I spend.
I NEVER use coupons - just don't have the time and really there just don't seem to be very many in Canada. Once in a while I come across one and tuck it in my purse, then find it after its expired. But I do plan around sales and check the weekly flyers religiously.
Its the key to saving money/stockpiling... you have to do what is right for your needs and your family. If you are going to use the items (or donate them) then great... stock up and get those deals. If they are going to go to waste, it doesn't help you at all... Good luck!
I so know the feeling about the stockpile envy/guilt.
I would go to HotCouponWorld, and see all the bloggers who were feeding the whole family on $10 a week, and dived in.
What changed for me is joining a wharehouse club (which in theory takes coupons but the cashiers get confused) and trying to eat more whole foods.
I know it's a common lament, but why can't there be mass coupons for oranges, cherries, cucumbers?
I have envied the American Grocery shoppers ability to use coupons for many years now, as we have very very few here in Oz. but after reading your comments maybe I,m glad !!!!
I am with you! I am trying to just use coupons for things that I need for the coming month... I go a little overboard as well :)
Its the key to saving money/stockpiling... you have to do what is right for your needs and your family. If you are going to use the items (or donate them) then great... stock up and get those deals. If they are going to go to waste, it doesn't help you at all... Good luck!
I am with you! I am trying to just use coupons for things that I need for the coming month... I go a little overboard as well :)
I am not a big couponer, but I will use coupons if I can get something that I USE for free or cheap. For instance, this weekend I will be stocking up on a lot of Special K, chocolate, and light bulbs for (basically) free. But, those are all products I would normally buy so I don't feel so much like a crazy hoarder by stocking up while I have a good deal.
Incidentally, i do not get the Sunday paper coupons. I print my coupons online or, if there is a really good deal in the Sunday coupons, I ask a friend for the coupon.
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