Young single woman couponing

[pbmom]

I am 28 years old and single and just recently started really couponing. I'm loving the saving but I rethink couponing when someone says do you really need that many of something. My rationalization is if I can get it for free or almost free then yes I do. I want to be able to have a stockpile and be able to save money in the long run.

I guess my question is is it abnormal for a single person to have a huge stockpile even though I'm only feeding me and two dogs?

[Deleted]

You don't have to be married and/or have children to make saving money worthwhile. The money you save by couponing is money you can put in your EF, retirement savings, regular savings, or savings for vet bills for your furry buddies. Not a thing in the world wrong with saving any which way you can! But a stockpile like those we've seen on TV? Naaaa. There's not likely a need to prepare for Armageddon ;D

[pbmom]

Oh no definitely not like that!

[gooddecisions]

Different strokes for different folks. I used to stockpile but found a lot of items had expired by the time I was able to use them. I now find I save more money by getting by with less and reducing my carbon footprint, which is much better for my health and the environment.

[mizbear]

pbmom- I am also single and coupon. I stockpile certain items but not others. FOr instance I will stockpile items I use everyday or that have long expiration dates- the few canned goods I use, pasta, personal care items. Other than that, I try to see how inexpensively I can get things tat I know I will use.
Don't be ashamed to use coupons or to stockpile. When we have had extended bad weather or when family and friends have been in a bad way my stockpile has been a boon for all of us. My stockpile kept me going during the snowstorms and when my ex-SIL lost her job earlier this year, I was able to supply her with some basics from my stockpile like deodorants for her and my nieces, toothbrushes, toothpaste and such.

[pbmom]

Mizbear-I'm sure my sister and her husband and two kids wouldnt mind asking during a hard time. However they eat out all the time so I'm not sure they would know what to do with the food I could give. I feel better now since your post

[chicg]

I'm single and coupon, although I'm the ONLY one of my friends that do. Some seek out sales and might use occasional coupons, but some wouldn't be caught dead with a coupon. I don't really stockpile though except for a few toiletries and my couponing seems to come and go in waves a little. I'm moving soon and get a lot of food from my garden so summer was lean with coupons. I'll seek out some deals stocking up the new place though. I have a small stash of deodorant, shower wash, razors, toothpaste and haven't paid for tampons in ages. I live in a small apartment so I only stockpile what makes sense for me to do so. Although my friends might turn their nose at coupons, I had to laugh to myself when one commented on how expensive her recent CVS trip was b/c her and her husband both needed razors and how expensive they were. Ha, not if you can wait just a few weeks for a sale+coupon! Good luck.

[reeneejune]

pbmom - I'm a 27 year old single woman, and I coupon and stockpile! Now, my stockpile looks different from what a family might stockpile, but that's because before I even started, I sat down and made a list of the things I use around the apartment that can be purchased well in advance and stored. So when I find something from that list that I can get free or nearly so, I stock up on it. Some things, like paper products, I designated a space for, so when it's full I stop stocking up and when it runs low I look for deals again. Others, like toothpaste, I only keep 3-4 tubes on hand at a time, because I know that I don't go through it all that quickly.

Couponing for one allows me to be more brand picky. For me that's a good thing because I have severe allergies and can't use just any soap or shampoo or whatever. So overall I focus on getting the products that work for me as inexpensively as possible, rather than getting as much as possible. I also find that it's more workable for me to focus in on the non-food items. Because for me it doesn't make sense to devote a cupboard to cereal. Though I do have a shelf devoted to granola bars ;D

[Deleted]

I started couponing before I got married and even now, it is just my DH and I. I figure out how long it takes between the rock bottom prices (normally 12 weeks) and buy that and anything that makes me money or is free (I've gotten bathroom stuff for free and two food items, Popsicles and relish).

[dancinmama]

pbmom: I have been using coupons and stockpiling for over 24 years. It is mostly for just DH and myself at this point, but I do share with other family members and have donated a lot to our local food pantry. Having used coupons yourself, you can imagine the savings that I have realized over the years.

It's great to see that so many single women are interested in stockpiling. Savings, no matter where they come from, are more important now more than ever.

I think you've posted over on the Grocery Challenge. I hope to see you post often. ;D

[marvholly]

pbmom
I am 65, been couponing FOREVER, stockpileing mostly the same items as mizbear. Right now I am going to be stocking up on pasta, rice and frozen berries (not cheap enough to freeze my own this year).

Sun I got:

Dawn (for my Dad)
2 peanut butter (I use about 1/month)
lip balm (stocking stuffer)
mini paper cutter (filler but GREAT item)

Started w/ $3 in RR, paid $0.59 in cash and still have $1.50 RR.

[sarcasticgirl]

sing or not, i say, who cares! if you're saving money and getting what you need, then do it! if you find yourself with a bit too much in your stockpile, consider making a few donations. can't beat saving money and getting a little good karma from the universe!

[dancinmama]

Aug 29, 2011 13:46:51 GMT -5 sarcasticgirl said:

sing or not, i say, who cares! if you're saving money and getting what you need, then do it! if you find yourself with a bit too much in your stockpile, consider making a few donations. can't beat saving money and getting a little good karma from the universe!

sarcasticgirl: Great point. That is why my stockpiles are a mish-mash of brands. Every time I can get something for free or close to it, I pick up a few. I figure as long as my stockpiles don't puke over into my living area and especially if the item is non-perishable, it won't hurt to add a few more to my stockpiles or to my donation stash. ;D

[pbmom]

that was my intentions. If I see I'm getting too much I'm going to donate it to the food banks. Every little bit helps especially when I'm reading that the food banks are on a major shortage in my area.

[startsmart]

hey pbmom, I wasn't going to respond because I'm a single young woman and I no longer use coupons. But what I know is that the 6-9 months that I really used the most coupons and got most of my household things very cheaply allow me to spend close to $0 now on daily items.

At first I focused on one thing at a time. Shampoo. Razors. Mouth wash and floss. Then as I built up enough stock I would only buy if something was such a great deal it was free or nearly free.

After several months I was able to stop entirely because I have so much that I can live off my stock for years. And what I use up I don't necessarily replace. Of course I'll need another toothbrush eventually but instead of buying cleaning products I'm making my own.

So it's not a waste of time, just be aware of how much you use so you don't end up with a lifetime supply of toilet paper. Coupons will be around for awhile, you can always pick it up again when you need to.

[dancinmama]

Aug 29, 2011 20:16:13 GMT -5 startsmart said:

So it's not a waste of time, just be aware of how much you use so you don't end up with a lifetime supply of toilet paper. Coupons will be around for awhile, you can always pick it up again when you need to.

startsmart: I don't know when you built your stockpile, but I have to say that 2011 has not been nearly as good a year for stockpiling as was 2007-2010. I really don't think that we can "take for granted" that the good deals will always be so plentiful. The pullback that we have seen in terms of in-store promotions this year has been pretty drastic.

I am extremely thankful that I followed my gut and stockpiled "while the gettin' was good". There are sooo many non-perishable items that we use on a daily/regular basis that I will not even have to THINK about buying for quite some time.

It could be that the days of getting many items for free on a regular basis are behind us. I hope that is not the case.

[startsmart]

dancinmama- I know that those who have been using coupons for 5 or more years can see the difference in these trends so I trust your judgement on this.

For me, it wasn't worth the time and cash outflow NOW to save money so far down the road.

I took into account that my cabinets were full so I'd have to start cramming stuff in and that I'd rather reclaim my time.

It's definitely a personal choice, my focus since I stopped in 2009 has been to increase my income so that if I run out of toothpaste in 2013 it doesn't bother me to pay full price.

I also took into account the likelihood that I'll move and have to pay to move large quantities of stocked up stuff which even if I move myself is a huge hassle.

It's working for me and I don't regret the experience, I certainly learned a lot and recommend coupons for those who have tight budgets and use way more than I do.

In the past year since starting my own business I increased my income by $30,000. I simply can't make up that kind of money with coupons. And I'm not saying any of this to discourage pbmom or others, just reflect and realize when it may no longer be the best use of your time to help you reach your financial goals.

[ambellamy]

I use a few sites to generate points that I redeem for giftcards and I use those for hygene items and house hold cleaners (if I don't make my own cleaner first).

It seems like when i'm getting really low on some essentials I can just redeem points and get a giftcard and save some money that way.

[chicg]

One thing I learned when I did coupon more was that just a little bit of planning ahead can lead to big savings. I have a very small apartment and I get squeamish when too much stuff is in my space, and I don't eat much non-perishable foods, so stocking up on food for me just led to expired food. BUT I know now that if I need to get some frozen dinners for lunch at work or if I need some cleaning supplies or if I want to bake a bunch of chicken for dinner to last the week, I can just hop online and seek out some coupons or sales flyers for those items before I hit the store. If you can do this 2 weeks ahead of time, you'll usually always find a coupon or at least a sale. I check the CVS ads weekly because I do still grab health and beauty products there when the sales are good. I'd say I rarely buy anything grocery-related unless it's on sale or at Aldi (which is still usually much cheaper then the chain grocery stores here in downtown Chicago). Whether you choose to do big stockpiling or just coupon for your regular shopping, the savings really add up if you just pay a little attention.

[bring in the new year]

PBmom,

Welcome.

I'm single, I coupon and I baby stockpile (I don't need to worry if there's a snowstorm or a hurricane but I'm not ready for nuclear winter)

I think coupons especially in combo with store sales can be wonderful for your budget but you have to look at your usage.

Frex - It takes me six months to nine months to go through mustard - so I don't buy mustard even with a wonderful deal. I have two mustards - I'm set. It takes me six months to go through a bottle of Advil - but that has a longer expiration period so I may buy that. What I'm saying is if you know what your usage is you can better gauge how much of a stockpile you need. There's no point in storing stuff you're going to have to throw out (although giving it away is a good idea - I just don't think I'm disciplined enough to remember to donate in time.

My biggest issue with coupons? I spent more money on stuff I wouldn't have bought because I had a great coupon. To some extent, that's because I like trying new things and the coupon is a great excuse and I like some stuff that I think is too expensive and the coupon gives me a pass. But if you're trying to save money, overuse of coupons can also waste money.

But as for being single and stockpiling - go for it. Nothing feels better than looking at the news the night before a snowstorm and knowing you don't have to go to the store with every other lunatic in town.

[mizbear]

I have one question-

[glow=red,2,300]WHAT'S WRONG WITH A LIFETIME SUPPLY OF TP?[/glow]

(especially of you got it free or freap??)

[bring in the new year]

Sept 2, 2011 21:16:19 GMT -5 mizbear said:

I have one question-

[glow=red,2,300]WHAT'S WRONG WITH A LIFETIME SUPPLY OF TP?[/glow]

(especially of you got it free or freap??)

Sometimes things like to nest in it. Some of those things go eek & have tails.

[mizbear]

It was supposed to be a joke- hence emoticon...

However- in my place, the ruckus of falling TP (it's on the top shelf and can stack 6 rolls high, 5 deep and 9 across and I'm not quite 5'4") would probably discourage anything from taking up residence in that closet. If my name were Minnie- I would hide in the walk-in- I never get to wear what's in there, nest in the fancy red gown instead.

[dancinmama]

Sept 2, 2011 10:15:04 GMT -5 bring in the new year said:

My biggest issue with coupons? I spent more money on stuff I wouldn't have bought because I had a great coupon. To some extent, that's because I like trying new things and the coupon is a great excuse and I like some stuff that I think is too expensive and the coupon gives me a pass. But if you're trying to save money, overuse of coupons can also waste money.

bridgetc: I love your post because it is a great lesson to learn. The best use of a coupon is when it is paired with a rock bottom sale; otherwise just let them go. Eventually there will be another great coupon.

I like trying new stuff too, but only when I can get it for next to nothing (just in case it's not too good ).

[marvholly]

I am a single and I coupon & stockpile. Just did a MAJOR run on Fri. Got:

2 trial pk Cascade
2 lb pasta
1 lb baby carrots
2 single serve juices
1 lb cottage cheese
pkg of 6 onion rolls

TOTAL spending was $2.68 INCLUDING tax (we do tax food & drugs in IL)

this was NOT a normal trip but I generally can save quite a bit couponing & watching for decent sales.

[weltschmerz]

Aug 28, 2011 14:50:10 GMT -5 gooddecisions said:

Different strokes for different folks. I used to stockpile but found a lot of items had expired by the time I was able to use them. I now find I save more money by getting by with less and reducing my carbon footprint, which is much better for my health and the environment.

You go, Girl!

[Becks]

Sept 3, 2011 16:00:06 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

Aug 28, 2011 14:50:10 GMT -5 gooddecisions said:

Different strokes for different folks. I used to stockpile but found a lot of items had expired by the time I was able to use them. I now find I save more money by getting by with less and reducing my carbon footprint, which is much better for my health and the environment.

You go, Girl!

Ditto! I am single and also use coupons occasionally. I think getting a great deal on something that I will use in at least 3 months, or based on expiration, is my main guideline.

Otherwise I am not really swayed into buying an out of the norm item, just because there is a great coupon, and I do not get a thrill from seeing items accumulated in storage for eons. I do donate to food pantry's and such, but I am also diligent on keeping spending moderate and maintaining my finances accordingly.

I'd prefer to save those extra dollars for a bigger ticket item I want/need or perhaps a vacation. I don't want to be in my twilight years surrounded by a bunch of stuff that is outdated; wishing I would have taken that one trip which this stuff could have afforded me.

[dancinmama]

Aug 29, 2011 22:40:50 GMT -5 startsmart said:

dancinmama- I know that those who have been using coupons for 5 or more years can see the difference in these trends so I trust your judgement on this.

For me, it wasn't worth the time and cash outflow NOW to save money so far down the road.

I took into account that my cabinets were full so I'd have to start cramming stuff in and that I'd rather reclaim my time.

It's definitely a personal choice, my focus since I stopped in 2009 has been to increase my income so that if I run out of toothpaste in 2013 it doesn't bother me to pay full price.

I also took into account the likelihood that I'll move and have to pay to move large quantities of stocked up stuff which even if I move myself is a huge hassle.

It's working for me and I don't regret the experience, I certainly learned a lot and recommend coupons for those who have tight budgets and use way more than I do.

In the past year since starting my own business I increased my income by $30,000. I simply can't make up that kind of money with coupons. And I'm not saying any of this to discourage pbmom or others, just reflect and realize when it may no longer be the best use of your time to help you reach your financial goals.

startsmart: The trick with stockpiling for me, is to wait very patiently until the item is free or almost free after sale, coupon, and in-store promotion (rewards) before I buy it. That way the outflow NOW is minimal. But like I said, what we did in years past has not been possible this year. There are still items that can be had for free, but they just are not nearly as plentiful as they once were.

If you can increase your income so as not to be concerned about prices, that is great.

[dancinmama]

Sept 18, 2011 14:34:00 GMT -5 @toughtimes said:

Just make sure you actually use what you buy and that it does not go bad.

toughtimes: Actually, that is key; otherwise you're just throwing money away. The trick is to know your usage and buy according to that and the expiration date on the product.

[formerroomate99]

For me, just buying the generic brand beat any coupon deal 99% of the time. So, unless the item was on a very short list of things I get the name brand for, I never bothered with coupons.