I've just delved into the world of coupons. Clipping coupons was something I had always heard about, but never seen first hand. My mom was never into bargains, sales, or coupons. When she took us school shopping, she didn't search out the cheapest clothes, but rather the store with the comfiest couch. Luckily, for my sister and I, Abercrombie and Fitch had the plush, leather sofa.
So when I met some friends that were avid {couponers}, I was intrigued. But man, it seemed like a lot of work. And it is. But when loans don't cover the summers, and the tax return just isn't what it was last year, it's time to strap down and cut corners. And coupons.
Lucky for me, I had a friend that was ready to save some moo la too. We've spent the past couple of weeks trying to figure out a good {system}. We even went dumpster diving. Yes. Dumpster diving. Not in the yucky, black ones, but the paper recycling ones. I've swallowed my pride many times these past couple weeks whilst calling around trying to figure out how to locate these coupon havens. We went at night, donning grubby clothes and flashlights. Don't forget the mace. These bins aren't always in the rosiest of places. Half the time I fought urges of paranoia (what if there's a hobo hiding behind there!) and the other half, I had to suppress giggles (am I seriously digging through mounds of newspaper and paper trash looking for silly coupons?). Sadly, the dumpster didn't work out in our favor.
Now we're on to a new system and things are finally working out. I spent a couple hours Sunday night, going through all the coupon books, layering the pages, cutting away, organizing them in my binder, then searching this week's ads for correlations. Found some! We're out of batteries and Walgreens had Energizer 4 pack AA batteries on sale for $2.99. Plus, I had 6 coupons for $1 off a pack. I walked out with 6 packs, spending $13, instead of $36! I felt like I was stealing. Seriously, I had to suppress the urge to look over my shoulder as I walked to my car, wondering if the clerk was going to run after me because they made a mistake. And I'll bet some coupon wizards are reading this, thinking, that's not even the best deal..... Well, so far, for me it's amazing!
I just finished up with my shopping for this week and totaled up the savings.... $55, buying everything from diapers, makeup, tampons, and printer ink. I'm pretty excited. I think this might be addicting.
So when I met some friends that were avid {couponers}, I was intrigued. But man, it seemed like a lot of work. And it is. But when loans don't cover the summers, and the tax return just isn't what it was last year, it's time to strap down and cut corners. And coupons.
Lucky for me, I had a friend that was ready to save some moo la too. We've spent the past couple of weeks trying to figure out a good {system}. We even went dumpster diving. Yes. Dumpster diving. Not in the yucky, black ones, but the paper recycling ones. I've swallowed my pride many times these past couple weeks whilst calling around trying to figure out how to locate these coupon havens. We went at night, donning grubby clothes and flashlights. Don't forget the mace. These bins aren't always in the rosiest of places. Half the time I fought urges of paranoia (what if there's a hobo hiding behind there!) and the other half, I had to suppress giggles (am I seriously digging through mounds of newspaper and paper trash looking for silly coupons?). Sadly, the dumpster didn't work out in our favor.
Now we're on to a new system and things are finally working out. I spent a couple hours Sunday night, going through all the coupon books, layering the pages, cutting away, organizing them in my binder, then searching this week's ads for correlations. Found some! We're out of batteries and Walgreens had Energizer 4 pack AA batteries on sale for $2.99. Plus, I had 6 coupons for $1 off a pack. I walked out with 6 packs, spending $13, instead of $36! I felt like I was stealing. Seriously, I had to suppress the urge to look over my shoulder as I walked to my car, wondering if the clerk was going to run after me because they made a mistake. And I'll bet some coupon wizards are reading this, thinking, that's not even the best deal..... Well, so far, for me it's amazing!
I just finished up with my shopping for this week and totaled up the savings.... $55, buying everything from diapers, makeup, tampons, and printer ink. I'm pretty excited. I think this might be addicting.
12 comments:
Way to go on the savings! :) Can't beat saving that precious moo-la!
Hey Steph!
I do thegrocerygame.com and save at least 50% every week. All you do is save the ads and they match them with the sales. You don't cut coupons until you are headed to the store. My store is Fry's and I know they have different stores all over the country. You should check it out. I've been doing it for over a year and it's well worth it! Let me know if you want more info.
Soooo fun to hear about your adventures. Loved the dumpster stories and it almost made me wish that I could have gone along. I tried getting into coupons but then I realized that I just didn't have the time for it. What awesome savings though! Seriously...I think it's smart to do if you've got the time.
love it :)
oh the memories!
Way to go!
I am so proud!
Isn't that seriously the best feeling?! It really is addicting, so glad you've been able to experience the rush :)
I have to warn you, coupon clipping is seriously addicting!!! I love it! One time I came home with 78% in savings just in one trip! It's so funny I get all giddy like a kid before christmas every time I leave the store. I have been able to cut our grocery bill in more than half. It's so much work, but so worth the trouble. They even have online sites that make it easier for you. So go you!!!
try moneysavingmom.com Its a pretty good one. And I totally agree, saving money is like a high. Good luck!
I like afullcup.com it's tricky at first but once you figure it out its not bad. Lots of the coupons you can print offline. Plus if you get good at a store like walgreens you can make money couponing.
It is addicting, I have been into coupons for a few years now and I think I have found a system that works good, but doesn't take much time (let me know if you are interested). Good luck
Welcome fellow coupon-mongler (my made up name for myself)! I love cutting coupons. Yes it's time consumming but soo worth it in the long run. Try Tops Ads they sometimes throw "coupon doublers" which is when they double your $1 off coupon to make it $2. I stock up on their coupon doublers when they hold them and get like three or four ads (separate orders at a time though because they only allow 4 of these coupon doublers at a time. Last week I saved a ton because I only bought what they had on sale..matched it with my $1 off coupon and then doubled it with theirs..lets just say nothing was over $3 after I was done HA! Enough sharing of my tricks let me know if you need more info..Newbie :-D.
Hooray for coupon clipping! Isn't it the best feeling in the world to save so much money? It's a lot of work but so worth it. ANd now I can't imagine ever having to pay full price for certain things that I get so cheap couponing. Keep it up:)
I have always wanted to do coupons, but have never been hardcore enough.
{ps. dumpster diving in the hood is hardcore}
You go lady.
Keep us updated on your savings...so I can be jealous.
;)
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