|
Post by bobbysgirl on May 21, 2011 16:26:30 GMT -5
Gowron, There's nothing wrong with using a Point of Sale coupon to save on something that you were going to buy anyway, of course use the coupon. But, that's really not "Couponing". To REALLY save using coupons, you collect coupons, then wait for a sale in order to "double dip". Aberdeen bacon is the worst. THe only way I'd use it is if I needed to make a large amount of bacon bits. I have found the Kroger "Value" bacon is pretty good. We grow different varieties of tomatos, so in the summer, we make BLT sandwiches. I know bacon is bad for you, but the sandwiches are so yummy! We cook our bacon in the microwave, using one of those "As Seen on TV" gismos (that we bought at the thrift store for $1) that holds the bacon slices up on their sides, and you run a squewer thru them to keep them from shrinking. The oil drains off. It works really well. Just for GOWEN to think about doing this is a good thing. Besides, bacon should be fatty. I like that brand. Good thing I only eat bacon 2x a year! We don't want to sound like coupon Natzis, now do we?
|
|
midjd
Administrator
Your Money Admin
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:09:23 GMT -5
Posts: 17,719
|
Post by midjd on May 21, 2011 16:56:27 GMT -5
I wouldn't call myself a "couponer", but a coupon-user... ;D When we were a 2-income HH, we routinely spent $600-$800 a month on food (including stuff like paper towels/shampoo/deodorant and eating out) for 2 people. Now that we're a 1-income HH, I've cut it down to $450-$550, mostly by couponing. My last trip to Kroger, I got $116 worth of groceries for $89.
Still, I am a long way away from being paid to shop - and honestly, I don't see myself ever spending more than my usual amount of time (30 minutes a week) searching for deals. I'd rather grab the "low-hanging fruit" than spend 2+ hours a week couponing or having to make multiple trips... I hate to shop. So I'm somewhere in the middle on this thread.
|
|
8 Bit WWBG
Administrator
Your Money admin
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 8:57:29 GMT -5
Posts: 9,322
Today's Mood: Mega
|
Post by 8 Bit WWBG on May 21, 2011 19:43:07 GMT -5
...:::"But, that's really not "Couponing". To REALLY save using coupons, you collect coupons, then wait for a sale in order to "double dip".":::...
Good lord... Look, I've had my victories. I got two freschetta pizzas for 3c OOP (the tax) thanks to combining a sale, a coupon, and a store special. I made $0.75/piece on cat treats through a similar combination. I figured out (but did not execute as I never got to the store) a combination that would have gotten me 6 free bottles of scope. I got 4 free bottles of Herbal Essences thanks to a coupon and BOGO. I CAN coupon.
Cripes, I was just saying that I found $2 I didn't know I was going to get.
...:::"We don't want to sound like coupon Natzis, now do we?":::...
Exactly. Its hard work, so people do get discouraged. But when the response to "I did this" is "I did it better, you don't know squat", I'm not sure what image is projected.
|
|
dancinmama
Senior Associate
LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 20:49:45 GMT -5
Posts: 10,659
|
Post by dancinmama on May 21, 2011 23:02:57 GMT -5
|
|
whoisjohngalt
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:12:07 GMT -5
Posts: 9,140
|
Post by whoisjohngalt on May 22, 2011 14:13:32 GMT -5
So, I finally watched the show. Actually, I watched about 6 episodes. And you know what?? I was just a bit jealous. Yes, I think it's insane to be buying cat food if you don't have cats and diapers if you don't have kids and remodel your house so you have a room to store your coupons. And you couldn't pay me enough to spend 30-60 hours A WEEK to do this, BUT!!!!
I would LOVE to have some of the things for free. The things that we actually use.
I was also impressed by the guy who made 1000 care packages for the troops and another guy who donated like $50K worth of stuff to the local food bank/ministry. At least they were doing it for a good cause.
Lena
|
|
|
Post by bobbysgirl on May 23, 2011 12:42:07 GMT -5
Lena said:
Exactly. Its hard work, so people do get discouraged. But when the response to "I did this" is "I did it better, you don't know squat", I'm not sure what image is projected.
I think people are excited and want to help you. The zealous approach can feel like they are acting superior, but they only want to help. You learn these things when you're a senior LOL!!!
|
|
thyme4change
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 13:54:08 GMT -5
Posts: 40,508
|
Post by thyme4change on May 23, 2011 13:11:22 GMT -5
ROFL! Darn - I was just mentally rearranging my house to find room for 1000 boxes of hemroid cream. My space is so limited, and I can't stand clutter and stock piles - so I think I have aways to go. Even that second box of laundry detergent is annoying me because I don't have any place to put it, so it is on top of my washer and really in my way! I'm a "Just in Time" inventory gal.
|
|
dancinmama
Senior Associate
LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 20:49:45 GMT -5
Posts: 10,659
|
Post by dancinmama on May 23, 2011 13:14:41 GMT -5
I would LOVE to have some of the things for free. The things that we actually use. Lena That is what we were trying to explain to you, obviously not well if I might ad. The person that has that stockpile of toilet paper (or whatever) will now not buy that toilet paper (or whatever) again until they can get it for free or for pennies on the dollar. If you can't save on food, there are a ton of other non-food items that people consume every single day and they can save on those instead. If you can stockpile those for F R E E (and many on the Grocery Challenge have), that is one more item that is not on their grocery list this week or next week or the week after that - multiply that by 15 or 20 items (two or three of which you might have to replace every week) and that is a lot of savings each and every week. I think you were so stuck on reducing your FOOD, FOOD, FOOD budget that you couldn't see the forest through the trees. ![???](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/huh.png)
|
|
thyme4change
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 13:54:08 GMT -5
Posts: 40,508
|
Post by thyme4change on May 23, 2011 13:21:07 GMT -5
I watched an episode or two over the weekend and I have some observations (and if this is a repeat - sorry)
First off, every one of these people say something like "This is my biggest haul yet." So, I don't think people are doing this every day or week. I think they do these $500+ orders for $20 just for the cameras. I believe they go out of their way to make everything even more dramatic than usual. (Shocking! Reality TV would never manipulate reality!)
Second, they all seem to have some "special" reason they are doing this big trip, and it rarely makes any sense. One couple was doing a huge haul so they could book a vacation, but they already had a 5 month supply, so I don't see how they needed to do this one "big haul" to make the vacation viable. The twins that were going out for their birthday - okay, whatever.
And of course, my favorite non-story line, the couple that needed to buy $800 worth of groceries so they could throw a party for 20 people. First off, they already had 100 bags of chips and 400 cans of soda. Yes, the couple was totally fat, but I've thrown a lot of parties for 20 people and have never bought each guest 5 bags of chips and 20 cans of soda, nor spent anywhere close to $800 - even catered! Second off, their "haul" for this party included boxes of cereal, deodorant, hand cream, top ramen and bacon. That is the weirdest ass party menu I have ever heard of. I don't know what their friends are into - but - I am getting increasingly more grossed out to think about this supposed party.
The savings are real - but the fake plot lines are stupid.
|
|
dancinmama
Senior Associate
LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 20:49:45 GMT -5
Posts: 10,659
|
Post by dancinmama on May 23, 2011 13:21:31 GMT -5
Lena said: Exactly. Its hard work, so people do get discouraged. But when the response to "I did this" is "I did it better, you don't know squat", I'm not sure what image is projected. I think people are excited and want to help you. The zealous approach can feel like they are acting superior, but they only want to help. You learn these things when you're a senior LOL!!! Funny you should mention that. When we were in our mid to late 20s we had the OPPORTUNITY to socialize with a lot of successful people in their 50s and 60s on a semi-regular basis. They love to talk and we encouraged them to share with us their stories about how they raised their families, how the managed their money, and how they tried to find a balance in life. We were just smart enough to know that we knew nothing about the years ahead of us, so we listened and learned from their wisdom and it has served us well.
|
|
thyme4change
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 13:54:08 GMT -5
Posts: 40,508
|
Post by thyme4change on May 23, 2011 17:21:59 GMT -5
dancinmama - I just can't help but feel that you just took 102 words to call Lena stupid the nicest way you could think of.
I totally disagree.
|
|
leanna
Well-Known Member
Joined: Feb 28, 2011 16:33:40 GMT -5
Posts: 1,800
|
Post by leanna on May 23, 2011 18:44:05 GMT -5
dancinmama - I just can't help but feel that you just took 102 words to call Lena stupid the nicest way you could think of. I totally disagree. You actually counted the number of words she wrote? Man, and I thought I had too much time on my hands -lol! ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png)
|
|
leanna
Well-Known Member
Joined: Feb 28, 2011 16:33:40 GMT -5
Posts: 1,800
|
Post by leanna on May 23, 2011 18:45:23 GMT -5
I watched an episode or two over the weekend and I have some observations (and if this is a repeat - sorry) First off, every one of these people say something like "This is my biggest haul yet." So, I don't think people are doing this every day or week. I think they do these $500+ orders for $20 just for the cameras. I believe they go out of their way to make everything even more dramatic than usual. (Shocking! Reality TV would never manipulate reality!) Second, they all seem to have some "special" reason they are doing this big trip, and it rarely makes any sense. One couple was doing a huge haul so they could book a vacation, but they already had a 5 month supply, so I don't see how they needed to do this one "big haul" to make the vacation viable. The twins that were going out for their birthday - okay, whatever. And of course, my favorite non-story line, the couple that needed to buy $800 worth of groceries so they could throw a party for 20 people. First off, they already had 100 bags of chips and 400 cans of soda. Yes, the couple was totally fat, but I've thrown a lot of parties for 20 people and have never bought each guest 5 bags of chips and 20 cans of soda, nor spent anywhere close to $800 - even catered! Second off, their "haul" for this party included boxes of cereal, deodorant, hand cream, top ramen and bacon. That is the weirdest ass party menu I have ever heard of. I don't know what their friends are into - but - I am getting increasingly more grossed out to think about this supposed party. The savings are real - but the fake plot lines are stupid. The whole fake story line is annoying. But, I get why they're attempting it. I coupon, and I can tell, couponing is not all that exciting - lol!
|
|
thyme4change
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 13:54:08 GMT -5
Posts: 40,508
|
Post by thyme4change on May 23, 2011 18:45:36 GMT -5
Well - no one laughed at my criticism of the party menu, so, I wanted to make sure I was precise while stirring the shit.
|
|
swamp
Community Leader
Don't be a fool. Call me!
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 16:03:22 GMT -5
Posts: 45,436
|
Post by swamp on May 23, 2011 18:47:38 GMT -5
Well - no one laughed at my criticism of the party menu, so, I wanted to make sure I was precise while stirring the shit. I did.
|
|
thyme4change
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 13:54:08 GMT -5
Posts: 40,508
|
Post by thyme4change on May 23, 2011 18:48:29 GMT -5
LOL - Swamp, want to come over for a hand-cream, bacon and cheerios party?
|
|
dancinmama
Senior Associate
LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 20:49:45 GMT -5
Posts: 10,659
|
Post by dancinmama on May 23, 2011 19:03:40 GMT -5
dancinmama - I just can't help but feel that you just took 102 words to call Lena stupid the nicest way you could think of. I totally disagree. I don't think Lena is stupid at all. I know the contrary from her posts that I've read on other topics. Quite frankly, I think she just had a mental block when it comes to coupons and how it all works.
|
|
swamp
Community Leader
Don't be a fool. Call me!
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 16:03:22 GMT -5
Posts: 45,436
|
Post by swamp on May 23, 2011 19:05:11 GMT -5
LOL - Swamp, want to come over for a hand-cream, bacon and cheerios party? Toss in the Preparation H and Cheesy Poofs and I'm there.
|
|
whoisjohngalt
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:12:07 GMT -5
Posts: 9,140
|
Post by whoisjohngalt on May 23, 2011 19:06:37 GMT -5
Thyme, You forgot hundreds and hundreds of bottles of sodas and other "drinks". Gotta have something to wash it down all that toothpaste with ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) Lena
|
|
thyme4change
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 13:54:08 GMT -5
Posts: 40,508
|
Post by thyme4change on May 23, 2011 19:07:22 GMT -5
That was the WORST part of the party shopping - I didn't see a single bottle of beer, wine or tequila. WTF?
|
|
swamp
Community Leader
Don't be a fool. Call me!
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 16:03:22 GMT -5
Posts: 45,436
|
Post by swamp on May 23, 2011 19:09:54 GMT -5
That was the WORST part of the party shopping - I didn't see a single bottle of beer, wine or tequila. WTF? I have never seen a coupon for beer, wine or tequila. I do, however, stock up when they go on sale.
|
|
daisylu
Junior Associate
Enter your message here...
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 6:04:42 GMT -5
Posts: 7,098
|
Post by daisylu on May 23, 2011 19:18:45 GMT -5
That was the WORST part of the party shopping - I didn't see a single bottle of beer, wine or tequila. WTF? I have never seen a coupon for beer, wine or tequila. I do, however, stock up when they go on sale. I have seen rebates though. ;D
|
|
saveinla
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 2:00:29 GMT -5
Posts: 5,260
|
Post by saveinla on May 23, 2011 19:35:21 GMT -5
That was the WORST part of the party shopping - I didn't see a single bottle of beer, wine or tequila. WTF? I have never seen a coupon for beer, wine or tequila. I do, however, stock up when they go on sale. I am seeing quite a few coupons recently for wine and once in a while for the Jose Cuervo tequila/margarita ;D
|
|
Elizabeth
Familiar Member
"The inner mechanations of my mind are an enigma."
Joined: Jan 31, 2011 23:46:40 GMT -5
Posts: 711
|
Post by Elizabeth on May 24, 2011 23:58:45 GMT -5
I do coupon a bit. I would love to get into the groove as Dancinmama and others, but I also have a 5 and 3yo plus working full time. I enjoy looking through the ads and finding what I need, plus a coupon to go with it. I don't get things for pennies, but this past Sunday I got many things that are normally $2.00 or so for $.50 or less. I know I would spend the money anyway for the things I need, but I play a little game with myself with the savings. After I get my receipt and looked at what the store tells me I saved, I transfer that exact amount over to my savings account. Let me tell you, it has added up quickly, $30-60 at a time. ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png)
|
|
dancinmama
Senior Associate
LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 20:49:45 GMT -5
Posts: 10,659
|
Post by dancinmama on May 25, 2011 0:18:57 GMT -5
I do coupon a bit. I would love to get into the groove as Dancinmama and others, but I also have a 5 and 3yo plus working full time. I enjoy looking through the ads and finding what I need, plus a coupon to go with it. I don't get things for pennies, but this past Sunday I got many things that are normally $2.00 or so for $.50 or less. I know I would spend the money anyway for the things I need, but I play a little game with myself with the savings. After I get my receipt and looked at what the store tells me I saved, I transfer that exact amount over to my savings account. Let me tell you, it has added up quickly, $30-60 at a time. ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png) dizzielizzie: Every little bit helps. Keep up the good work. Actually, the couponing game just recently isn't as "groovy" as it has been in the past. The retailers are really pulling back on the deals. And since I only do the very best deals, I have been pulling back too. ![:o](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/shocked.png)
|
|
ohmomto2boys
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 9:25:38 GMT -5
Posts: 1,008
|
Post by ohmomto2boys on May 25, 2011 8:30:21 GMT -5
This is so flippin' true. I was just telling DH this.
|
|
2kids10horses
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 20:15:09 GMT -5
Posts: 2,759
|
Post by 2kids10horses on May 25, 2011 8:38:11 GMT -5
dancinmama,
The same is true for foreclosures, at least around here. The deals just aren't as good as they used to be.
I think the fall will be better.
We DID just get some postcard "checks" from RiteAid, so that's good!
That's a good idea to put that kind of stuff in savings, dizzie!
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Jul 4, 2024 1:29:06 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 25, 2011 8:39:12 GMT -5
Well - no one laughed at my criticism of the party menu, I was too busy gagging. ![:o](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/shocked.png) I went to Babies R'Us yesterday and handed over my little stack of coupons. The clerk went through each coupon, checked the dates, and matched them to the items. She said it was a new policy and mentioned Extreme Couponing!
|
|
2kids10horses
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 20:15:09 GMT -5
Posts: 2,759
|
Post by 2kids10horses on May 25, 2011 8:57:37 GMT -5
Ok,
I know this isn't a coupon, per se, but buy a lot of stuff from Lowe's and home depot. We buy gift cards on line at a discout. Recently, we bought Lowe's cards at a 12% discount. Combine that with one of their 10% off coupons, and you can save serious money.
Recently, I had to re-roof one of my rentals. The shingles would have been $2,000. But, then because I was buying a large quantity, it brought the price down to about $1800. Then, I used a 10% coupon. THe guy said he didn't think I could use the quantity discount along with the 10% coupon, but I told him to just enter it into the computer, it would take it. It did. So, that was another $160 off. Then, I pulled out my stack of gift cards. I had about $2000 worth, most in amounts worth about $200 or so. Of course, they only cost me $176 for a $200 gift card, so I saved about $170 using the gift cards.
So, using my gift cards and coupons, I saved $330. I think they always run the quantity discount, so I can't really say that was a part of my savings. If, I had needed just one or two more bundles to get over the minumum, I would have bought them, then stockpiled them. I always need shingles for little repairs, or something. I know my handyman has bought some from me when he has to repair someone else's roof, and only needs a few shingles, and doesn't want to have to buy a whole bundle.
While I'm kinda on the subject, every time I go into a Lowe's or HD, I swing past the clearance sections. You never know when they're going to have something I might need. Now or in the future. I have bought dishwashers and microwaves at huge discounts. I'll store them (I have an extra 3 car garage at one of my rentals) until I need them at a fixer upper. Same with faucets, lighting fixtures, etc. While I can't use the 10% coupon on the clearance stuff, I can use the 12% off gift cards.
|
|
whoisjohngalt
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:12:07 GMT -5
Posts: 9,140
|
Post by whoisjohngalt on May 25, 2011 9:18:32 GMT -5
Where do you buy gift cards at a discount? I know a few websites sell them, but don't know which one to trust
thanks Lena
|
|