My Coupon Conundrum
These days, I know that many people are trying to do everything that they can to save money (myself included). Clipping coupons from the Sunday paper is one popular method of pinching pennies, but I am beginning to wonder if it is the best for me.
When I go to the grocery store, I usually pick up veggies and fruits, grains (rice, pasta, bread) and dairy. I allocate $5 for junk food (cookies, chips, ice cream), and $25 for stocking up on items that are on sale (oatmeal, canned goods, etc). I’ve stocked up on a lot of the bathroom essentials via CVS with little or no out-of-pocket cost.
After looking over the grocery totals for the past couple of months, I’ve found that I actually spend more when I clip coupons. We tend to have more processed food in the house when coupons are clipped, and not as many fresh fruits and vegetables. The items I buy when coupons aren’t clipped tend to be items that almost never have coupons (ie. organic foods).
Honestly, when flipping through last week’s Sunday circular, I had trouble finding coupons of anything I would normally buy. Is anyone else in a similar situation? What do you do?
I’ve just recently started clipping coupons, but most of them don’t benefit me at the grocery store. I get most of my savings when I combine the coupons with the rebate programs at Rite Aid and Walgreen’s. I only clip coupons for things that I would buy or possibly buy if they were at a good enough sale price. If I’m at the store and don’t use the coupon, I’ll stick it on the shelf for someone else who is going to buy that product anyway…might as well pass it on to someone who IS going to use it.
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Here’s the thing, only clip coupons for things you normally buy or new products you want to try. Obviously still buy fresh fruits and veggies. As said in the other comment, don’t let coupons dictate what you buy! You’re still in control right? So only clip them for things you use. I’m a coupon clipper as well, but I can honestly say I haven’t bought any prepackaged meals, or any type of junk food, for over a year. My family gets only the best.
Mommie
http://www.mommieshome.net
Both of you are so right – I did make the mistake at first of buying items that I normally would pass on (ie. junk food!). Now I just can’t seem to find much in terms of coupons that interest me. I think that I might resume coupon clipping when I need to start stocking up at CVS again!
Thanks for the comments
I only clip coupons for items that I use. I have one in diapers – so I clip the diaper coupons. I’m in Canada and coupons can be hard to come by at times though (at least in my area)
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Sylvia,
I recently adopted the same strategy in terms of clipping coupons for items that I regularly use. I was trying new products, but I’ve realized that there’s just no substitute for regular old cooking!
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment
My friend has just started doing this, she has five kids. Using a grocery store card saved her about $30, coupons another $40! She doesn’t wait for what she likes to go on sale, they eat what’s on sale and what she has coupons for – that’s the only way to afford feeding everyone!
So far I haven’t had luck with it, but that needs to change!
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I know exactly how you feel! I pass on most of the coupons I find because we rarely buy processed foods or junk foods. Most of our grocery bill comes from produce and fresh meats.
It’s a real bummer, because I’d love to save the extra money with coupons! As you can see from my blog, we’ve been battling our addiction to high-priced foods at the grocery store … but I just don’t want to sacrifice quality food for low prices, you know?
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I understand as well. One thing you might consider trying is joining a coupon train. I am currently riding one. I get a wide variety of coupons that I wouldn’t normally see. I also love getting to pass on all the baby coupons ( and others) to someone that really needs them.
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