Comments on: To Coupon or Not To Coupon: Tales From the Other Side http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/ Sat, 26 May 2012 18:09:19 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 By: Jenn Fowler @ Frugal Upstate http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32944 Jenn Fowler @ Frugal Upstate Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:38:43 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32944 I'm glad you all enjoyed my post and that it sparked such an interesting conversation! Couponing is such a wonderful thing, just not one that works for me in my particular situation. I really enjoy reading about everyone's different methods and techniques for saving money, wether it be coupons, sales, DIY, gardening etc. That is the great thing about all this-there is no one RIGHT way to do it, just lots of different possible ways for us all to share and evaluate for our own situation. Good luck to you all on your continued journey in frugality, feel free to stop by any day. <abbr><em>Jenn Fowler @ Frugal Upstate´s last blog post..<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FrugalUpstate/~3/yXyFrl0vQxo/quick-tip-calcium-fortified-chicken.html" rel="nofollow">Quick Tip: Calcium Fortified Chicken Broth</a></abbr></em> I'm glad you all enjoyed my post and that it sparked such an interesting conversation! Couponing is such a wonderful thing, just not one that works for me in my particular situation. I really enjoy reading about everyone's different methods and techniques for saving money, wether it be coupons, sales, DIY, gardening etc. That is the great thing about all this-there is no one RIGHT way to do it, just lots of different possible ways for us all to share and evaluate for our own situation.

Good luck to you all on your continued journey in frugality, feel free to stop by any day.

Jenn Fowler @ Frugal Upstate´s last blog post..Quick Tip: Calcium Fortified Chicken Broth

]]> By: Pleasant http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32666 Pleasant Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:18:36 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32666 I started to print my coupons 4 weeks ago. This Thursday will be my 5th trip with coupons. I understood going into this that it will take 1-3 months to get "stocked" up on things that I use (or would like to use, but was unable to due to price). Going over my rcpts., I have saved right at what I have spent. Now, I am a SAHM with a 6 and 1 year old + baby due in 4 weeks. I also go to college (online). I am doing this for a reason. LOTS of free things - toothpaste, medicine, pet food, etc. Food for pennies on the dollar. I am still trying to figure out a quicker way to do it (my weekly trip takes about 3 hours, 1 of which is driving time because I live in a forest away from the stores.) I signed up for free sample sites, and they are rolling in. I signed up for E-Bates sites and so far have saved a pretty penny online shopping + I won $100.00 the other day. Rebates due to me now total about $30.00, and I love the register rewards at my Kroger and Walgreens. I send my hubby to the store about once a week with them to get anything we run out of, and if he goes with a coupon, the item(s) cost Zero$. I also shop at Aldi. Love that store, but it is an hour away from me so it is not often that I get to go. But my last trip I price compared and noticed that the price I paid for somethings were for less volume, but for staples - it's a good way to go unless you have that great coupon that can save $1 or $2 which adds up! Is it worth it? For my family, yes. I love being stocked up on food, and essentials. Any extra that I may purchase and not use for some reason, I plan to give to the women's crisis center (personal items, meds and food). So if I have a coupon that makes something Free when matched up to a sale - if I can donate that item, I will get it. Oh, and I also donate unused coupons to family / friends. No newspaper here either. I started to print my coupons 4 weeks ago. This Thursday will be my 5th trip with coupons. I understood going into this that it will take 1-3 months to get "stocked" up on things that I use (or would like to use, but was unable to due to price). Going over my rcpts., I have saved right at what I have spent. Now, I am a SAHM with a 6 and 1 year old + baby due in 4 weeks. I also go to college (online). I am doing this for a reason. LOTS of free things - toothpaste, medicine, pet food, etc. Food for pennies on the dollar. I am still trying to figure out a quicker way to do it (my weekly trip takes about 3 hours, 1 of which is driving time because I live in a forest away from the stores.) I signed up for free sample sites, and they are rolling in. I signed up for E-Bates sites and so far have saved a pretty penny online shopping + I won $100.00 the other day. Rebates due to me now total about $30.00, and I love the register rewards at my Kroger and Walgreens. I send my hubby to the store about once a week with them to get anything we run out of, and if he goes with a coupon, the item(s) cost Zero$. I also shop at Aldi. Love that store, but it is an hour away from me so it is not often that I get to go. But my last trip I price compared and noticed that the price I paid for somethings were for less volume, but for staples - it's a good way to go unless you have that great coupon that can save $1 or $2 which adds up! Is it worth it? For my family, yes. I love being stocked up on food, and essentials. Any extra that I may purchase and not use for some reason, I plan to give to the women's crisis center (personal items, meds and food). So if I have a coupon that makes something Free when matched up to a sale - if I can donate that item, I will get it. Oh, and I also donate unused coupons to family / friends. No newspaper here either.

]]> By: Lori M http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32602 Lori M Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:21:12 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32602 I seldom coupon either for the same reasons (except the distance). Since I am a work from home mom with limited time it just isn't worth it to drive myself crazy with the coupons. Also there is so little price difference between our Wal-Mart and Sav-a-Lot that I'd rather save the time and energy and shop for staples in one place. Aldis is a non-starter with me since our local one has no customer service and seems to attract every rude person in three counties. They seem to run out of specials advertised too conveniently and usually limit the quantities on specials they do have to such small numbers that I end up paying the same as another store by the time I pay 99 cents for the special but overpay for the second. My sanity and time have to count for something as well! lol I seldom coupon either for the same reasons (except the distance). Since I am a work from home mom with limited time it just isn't worth it to drive myself crazy with the coupons. Also there is so little price difference between our Wal-Mart and Sav-a-Lot that I'd rather save the time and energy and shop for staples in one place. Aldis is a non-starter with me since our local one has no customer service and seems to attract every rude person in three counties. They seem to run out of specials advertised too conveniently and usually limit the quantities on specials they do have to such small numbers that I end up paying the same as another store by the time I pay 99 cents for the special but overpay for the second. My sanity and time have to count for something as well! lol

]]> By: Sasha http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32477 Sasha Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:44:27 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32477 I totally get this and feel the same way. I buy everything grocery-wise at a store called 'Food 4 Less" the store-brand stuff (which is Kroger) is generally cheaper then other store's products with a coupon. And it is just as good. Little things that can be bought at the dollar store (brand name as well) are a lot cheaper then even Wall-mart or drugstores. I do go to CVS only when I can stretch my Extra Care Bucks to get several items for absolutely free or a dollar! <abbr><em>Sasha´s last blog post..<a href="http://sturgesfamily.blogspot.com/2007/09/blog-post.html" rel="nofollow"></a></abbr></em> I totally get this and feel the same way. I buy everything grocery-wise at a store called 'Food 4 Less" the store-brand stuff (which is Kroger) is generally cheaper then other store's products with a coupon. And it is just as good. Little things that can be bought at the dollar store (brand name as well) are a lot cheaper then even Wall-mart or drugstores. I do go to CVS only when I can stretch my Extra Care Bucks to get several items for absolutely free or a dollar!

Sasha´s last blog post..

]]> By: LaTanya http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32476 LaTanya Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:43:12 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32476 I started couponing a few months ago. While I made it for years just by shopping the grocery sales, I have saved SO much more money by using coupons. I do buy our Sunday paper for $.99 (if I know there are not good coupons, I don't buy it), but I mainly get my "good" coupons from online. This has allowed me to pay only $.19 a bag (or less) for my dry cat food!! (and get free toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, and so many other items!) I also only use coupons on items I know I will use or I know someone else can use. I also share a lot of the coupons I know I won't use to friends and co-workers. <abbr><em>LaTanya´s last blog post..<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFrugalLife/~3/ujhx8OdDfFM/cvs-run-31509.html" rel="nofollow">CVS Run 3/15/09</a></abbr></em> I started couponing a few months ago. While I made it for years just by shopping the grocery sales, I have saved SO much more money by using coupons. I do buy our Sunday paper for $.99 (if I know there are not good coupons, I don't buy it), but I mainly get my "good" coupons from online. This has allowed me to pay only $.19 a bag (or less) for my dry cat food!! (and get free toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, and so many other items!) I also only use coupons on items I know I will use or I know someone else can use. I also share a lot of the coupons I know I won't use to friends and co-workers.

LaTanya´s last blog post..CVS Run 3/15/09

]]> By: Condo Blues http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32472 Condo Blues Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:28:54 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32472 I save money without coupons too! I don't buy or eat prepared foods and found that most of the coupons were for those items. Or the coupons I get are for health and beauty or cleaning products that I can find cheaper if I use a store/other brand. But mostly I shop at stores (Aldi, Trader Joes, and in summer a farm market) that sell good staples for less money and don't take coupons! No more tempting me to buy stuff I don't need just to get a "Deal". <abbr><em>Condo Blues´s last blog post..<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CondoBlues/~3/bd8-aOPN5Gk/10-ways-i-greened-my-home-for-st.html" rel="nofollow">10 Ways I Greened my Home for St. Patrick’s Day</a></abbr></em> I save money without coupons too! I don't buy or eat prepared foods and found that most of the coupons were for those items. Or the coupons I get are for health and beauty or cleaning products that I can find cheaper if I use a store/other brand.

But mostly I shop at stores (Aldi, Trader Joes, and in summer a farm market) that sell good staples for less money and don't take coupons! No more tempting me to buy stuff I don't need just to get a "Deal".

Condo Blues´s last blog post..10 Ways I Greened my Home for St. Patrick’s Day

]]> By: Marin http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32469 Marin Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:20:34 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32469 I use coupons but try not to be a slave to them (admittedly, this works better some times than others)... I use coupons in conjunction with store sales to get things for free or much cheaper than the store brand. I still do price compare my items against the store brand to make sure using the coupon is worth it! I live VERY close to my local Publix, CVS and Walgreens though. I only go out of my way to shop at the military commissary for all my staples that don't have coupons. Couponing takes time but I enjoy it much more than cooking from scratch, so it works for us! I use coupons but try not to be a slave to them (admittedly, this works better some times than others)... I use coupons in conjunction with store sales to get things for free or much cheaper than the store brand. I still do price compare my items against the store brand to make sure using the coupon is worth it! I live VERY close to my local Publix, CVS and Walgreens though. I only go out of my way to shop at the military commissary for all my staples that don't have coupons. Couponing takes time but I enjoy it much more than cooking from scratch, so it works for us!

]]> By: AJ http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32455 AJ Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:32:24 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32455 I don't coupon either, you can usually get a better deal buying the store brand. I used to coupon, but I found that I would end up throwing out 80% of the coupons because I didn't need them - therefore, I was wasting my time cutting them out and sorting them! I don't coupon either, you can usually get a better deal buying the store brand. I used to coupon, but I found that I would end up throwing out 80% of the coupons because I didn't need them - therefore, I was wasting my time cutting them out and sorting them!

]]> By: Nancy J. http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32397 Nancy J. Mon, 16 Mar 2009 03:31:32 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32397 I do couponing, but don't drive 15 or 30 minutes up the highway to save a few cents. That is like someone driving that distance to save a few cents on gas. I like picking up the buy one get one free from glade or Air Wick, great gifts. Where can you get two gifts for $10.00? We don't have double coupons here, but can still find good buys without buying products I would not normally buy. Got to stick with that. Just don't get sucked in to those specials you wouldn't normally buy. Definitely live on a budget, that is very important. I do couponing, but don't drive 15 or 30 minutes up the highway to save a few cents. That is like someone driving that distance to save a few cents on gas. I like picking up the buy one get one free from glade or Air Wick, great gifts. Where can you get two gifts for $10.00? We don't have double coupons here, but can still find good buys without buying products I would not normally buy. Got to stick with that. Just don't get sucked in to those specials you wouldn't normally buy. Definitely live on a budget, that is very important.

]]> By: Sarah http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32370 Sarah Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:39:12 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32370 If you bought everything you had a coupon for, you'd be falling into the marketing trap. If you cut coupons because it's therapeutic (like for me lol), have most of your inserts given to you or printed as you go and only buy what you get for free or will use, then couponing can be worth it. I really admire the people who are frugal without couponing, but I still feel a bit sad that they miss out on the "fun" I find it. I shop Aldi's too for staples and when the deals/coupons stink, but if I didn't coupon I would never be eating chuck steak for .09 a lb tonight ;) As my husband says "She used to cross stitch and now she coupons..." If you bought everything you had a coupon for, you'd be falling into the marketing trap. If you cut coupons because it's therapeutic (like for me lol), have most of your inserts given to you or printed as you go and only buy what you get for free or will use, then couponing can be worth it. I really admire the people who are frugal without couponing, but I still feel a bit sad that they miss out on the "fun" I find it. I shop Aldi's too for staples and when the deals/coupons stink, but if I didn't coupon I would never be eating chuck steak for .09 a lb tonight ;) As my husband says "She used to cross stitch and now she coupons..."

]]> By: Nikki http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32359 Nikki Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:23:50 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32359 I applaud all of you on your frugality. We are all very frugal in our own ways. I think it is great for someone who doesn't coupon to still be able to be so frugal! I am a coupon user, but I don't buy things I don't use, nor do I spend extra money. Although, some people fall into that marketing trap. Coupons have really helped me and my family be able to get out of debt and begin living a great life! I applaud all of you on your frugality. We are all very frugal in our own ways. I think it is great for someone who doesn't coupon to still be able to be so frugal!
I am a coupon user, but I don't buy things I don't use, nor do I spend extra money. Although, some people fall into that marketing trap. Coupons have really helped me and my family be able to get out of debt and begin living a great life!

]]> By: Bill McCollam http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32354 Bill McCollam Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:37:19 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32354 Funny... we don't coupon ourselves - but thanks to a random act of kindness from a stranger I did coupon this weekend. I just did a post at my blog about it. (In short, I think there could be interesting economic consequences of sharing coupons - or other utilities). I enjoyed your post and look forward to reading the rest of the blog. <abbr><em>Bill McCollam´s last blog post..<a href="http://www.mccollam.com/jakeblog/?p=92" rel="nofollow">The cost of kindness</a></abbr></em> Funny... we don't coupon ourselves - but thanks to a random act of kindness from a stranger I did coupon this weekend. I just did a post at my blog about it. (In short, I think there could be interesting economic consequences of sharing coupons - or other utilities). I enjoyed your post and look forward to reading the rest of the blog.

Bill McCollam´s last blog post..The cost of kindness

]]> By: melanie http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32324 melanie Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:21:20 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32324 I only use coupons on things that end up being free or at a huge savings like the $5 huggies coupon.Otherwise I'm right along with you on going to Aldi's. I can get two carts full for the price I'd pay for one at a Walmart. I only use coupons on things that end up being free or at a huge savings like the $5 huggies coupon.Otherwise I'm right along with you on going to Aldi's. I can get two carts full for the price I'd pay for one at a Walmart.

]]> By: Mandi http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32316 Mandi Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:57:44 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32316 Great post, Jenn! We actually live 30-40 minutes away from town too, and also don't get a newspaper, so I find couponing stressful. Of course, the idea of cooking everything from scratch is a little bit stressful to me too. LOL! But I have been meaning to try a once-a-month stock-up trip to Aldi's (which is a little further away) to see how that might fit into my money-saving plans, and I'm glad to hear that it really is cheaper for basics – now to just get myself out there! <abbr><em>Mandi´s last blog post..<a href="http://www.organizingyourway.net/weekly-hot-spot/all-about-to-do-lists-finding-a-system-that-works-for-you" rel="nofollow">All About To-Do Lists: Finding a System That Works for You</a></abbr></em> Great post, Jenn! We actually live 30-40 minutes away from town too, and also don't get a newspaper, so I find couponing stressful. Of course, the idea of cooking everything from scratch is a little bit stressful to me too. LOL! But I have been meaning to try a once-a-month stock-up trip to Aldi's (which is a little further away) to see how that might fit into my money-saving plans, and I'm glad to hear that it really is cheaper for basics – now to just get myself out there!

Mandi´s last blog post..All About To-Do Lists: Finding a System That Works for You

]]> By: Julie http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32314 Julie Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:19:24 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32314 I nominated you for an award, please drop by my blog to pick it up! http://acheapchicksray.blogspot.com/ I nominated you for an award, please drop by my blog to pick it up!

http://acheapchicksray.blogspot.com/

]]> By: $ Money Savin' Momma $ http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32307 $ Money Savin' Momma $ Sun, 15 Mar 2009 15:23:31 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32307 We don't coupon either! To read what we do, click the "last blog post" linky with this comment. It will take you to a series we're running right now, explaining how to save money when you can't/don't coupon! <abbr><em>$ Money Savin' Momma $´s last blog post..<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EngineerADebtFreeLife/~3/vDiNA7URqRg/25-ways-to-save-money-and-bargain-shop_13.html" rel="nofollow">25 ways to save money and bargain shop in small towns and rural areas: part 3</a></abbr></em> We don't coupon either! To read what we do, click the "last blog post" linky with this comment. It will take you to a series we're running right now, explaining how to save money when you can't/don't coupon!

$ Money Savin' Momma $´s last blog post..25 ways to save money and bargain shop in small towns and rural areas: part 3

]]> By: staci http://dealseekingmom.com/to-coupon-or-not-to-coupon-tales-from-the-other-side/comment-page-1/#comment-32301 staci Sun, 15 Mar 2009 15:07:38 +0000 http://www.dealseekingmom.com/?p=4780#comment-32301 Excatly. Coupons are offered to get you to spend money. Usually on stuff you wouldn't normally buy. It's the marketing people that put out the coupons. <abbr><em>staci´s last blog post..<a href="http://noiwasntsleeping.blogspot.com/2009/03/graduating-debt-free-part-ii-choosing.html" rel="nofollow">Graduating Debt Free Part II: Choosing a School</a></abbr></em> Excatly. Coupons are offered to get you to spend money. Usually on stuff you wouldn't normally buy. It's the marketing people that put out the coupons.

staci´s last blog post..Graduating Debt Free Part II: Choosing a School

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