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Post by bobbysgirl on May 15, 2011 17:11:19 GMT -5
It's too bad that many of you don't use coupons.This is the "my way is the right way and I feel sorry for those of you who are too stupid to do it my way" attitude that irritages the bejezus outta me. Rite Aid this week has an Oral B crossaction toothbrush (we all use them) No, we don't ALL use them. We use a Sonicare toothbrush. We buy replacement brushes when Costco sends us coupons. They come to our mailbox. No time wasted hunting them down. I'm retired so this is my way of keeping my mind active. Beats the cash return on reading books and watching TV shows. (I'm also retired and I have better uses of my time than chasing coupon "specials". I don't read books for the "cash value". I read books because I enjoy them) GG: Why would you want to launch a personal attack? If my posts reflect a superior attitude, I sincerely apologize. It is not my intention. It really doesn't mean anything to me if anyone uses coupons. It's a personal choice. I am not the person you paint me to be. But, as the saying goes, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 15, 2011 17:14:17 GMT -5
We shop at Trader Joes, a lot. So we use our coupons for unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze at Trader Joes, and we use our coupon for Alvarado Street sprouted, organic flax seed breat at Trader Joes, too. I've also used coupons for Hansen's sodas there, and some of their vegetarian frozen items, too ~ this way, I'm combining their already-low prices with coupons, saving more money. Confession: I don't use coupons as much as I could, but I do make an effort to use them when I can. I especially keep an eye open for coupons for products that we really use a lot, and then I endeavor to combine coupons and sale prices when I can! So ... if anyone sees coupons for Scoop Away, Kitten Chow, Almond Breeze -- please clip 'em and send them my way! molly: I just checked the coupon database on Hot Coupon World and they are no insert coupons available right now for Scoop Away, but they are reporting that there are $2/1 peelie coupons on containers of Scoop Away at the stores so keep your eyes "peeled" (ha ha ha) for that. There was a coupon that came out in the 3/13 Smart Source coupon insert for the Almond Breeze, but it must have been a regional coupon because I did not get it. I believe that I HAVE gotten them in the past, so if you DO see them in your inserts in the future, you can PM me and see if I got them too. If I did, I'll be happy to send you any extras that I have. I DO HAVE some $1/1 Purina Kitten Coupons that are good on any size except the 16-18 oz bags. I would be more than happy to send you a half a dozen if you think you'd use that many. Just PM me your name and addie and I can put an "envie" (envelope with coupons inside) in the mail to you tomorrow. If you think of any other coupons that you might use, just include them in your PM and I'll see if I have them and send them off too. Might as well send a chubby envie as a skinny one!! ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png)
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constanz22
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Post by constanz22 on May 15, 2011 17:17:23 GMT -5
It's too bad that many of you don't use coupons.This is the "my way is the right way and I feel sorry for those of you who are too stupid to do it my way" attitude that irritages the bejezus outta me. Rite Aid this week has an Oral B crossaction toothbrush (we all use them) No, we don't ALL use them. We use a Sonicare toothbrush. We buy replacement brushes when Costco sends us coupons. They come to our mailbox. No time wasted hunting them down. I'm retired so this is my way of keeping my mind active. Beats the cash return on reading books and watching TV shows. (I'm also retired and I have better uses of my time than chasing coupon "specials". I don't read books for the "cash value". I read books because I enjoy them) GG: Why would you want to launch a personal attack? If my posts reflect a superior attitude, I sincerely apologize. It is not my intention. It really doesn't mean anything to me if anyone uses coupons. It's a personal choice. I am not the person you paint me to be. But, as the saying goes, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. frugal It's not you...all of her responses to anyone on this thread that has tried to state a different view than she holds, she has launched a personal attack against. That's why I've stopped responding to this thread. Actually, as it went on, I remember GG from the old MSN boards and this has turned into an almost identical "discussion" there. Totally not worth my time. The great thing about us all being individuals, living in America, is that I can do what works for me and she can do what works for her, AND THAT'S OK, but I don't get the need for the rudeness, snarkiness and personal attacks. Just someone who needs to make themselves feel superior to others...
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 15, 2011 17:25:35 GMT -5
It's too bad that many of you don't use coupons.This is the "my way is the right way and I feel sorry for those of you who are too stupid to do it my way" attitude that irritages the bejezus outta me. Rite Aid this week has an Oral B crossaction toothbrush (we all use them) No, we don't ALL use them. We use a Sonicare toothbrush. We buy replacement brushes when Costco sends us coupons. They come to our mailbox. No time wasted hunting them down. I'm retired so this is my way of keeping my mind active. Beats the cash return on reading books and watching TV shows. (I'm also retired and I have better uses of my time than chasing coupon "specials". I don't read books for the "cash value". I read books because I enjoy them) GG: Why would you want to launch a personal attack? If my posts reflect a superior attitude, I sincerely apologize. It is not my intention. It really doesn't mean anything to me if anyone uses coupons. It's a personal choice. I am not the person you paint me to be. But, as the saying goes, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Actually, I think SHE is the one with the attitude problem - not you. If it doesn't work for her that's fine, but she keep arguing as to why it shouldn't work for anyone else either. I can think of tens of thousands of reasons why it has worked for me and each one of them has a picture of Washington on it. ;D
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Post by ty on May 15, 2011 17:27:12 GMT -5
I broke down and watched the program on Extreme Couponing. All I learned is that these people have mental issues and are going to the extreme imo. They will eventually end on on the other show called Hoards to pay for their habits if endless and unnecessary spending on things they don't need. Really, does one family of 4 need 56 bottles of mustard all because they have coupons that brings the price down to .69 cents a bottle. ![](http://forum.blu-ray.com/images/smilies/imported/crazy.gif) Just buy what you need and go back when you need a refill.
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Post by bobbysgirl on May 15, 2011 17:30:46 GMT -5
Thank you CONSTANCE, You've been karmaed!
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on May 15, 2011 17:32:42 GMT -5
I broke down and watched the program on Extreme Couponing. All I learned is that these people have mental issues and are going to the extreme imo. They will eventually end on on the other show called Hoards to pay for their habits if endless and unnecessary spending on things they don't need. Really, does one family of 4 need 56 bottles of mustard all because they have coupons that brings the price down to .69 cents a bottle. ![](http://forum.blu-ray.com/images/smilies/imported/crazy.gif) Just buy what you need and go back when you need a refill. <karma> If it doesn't work for her that's fine, but she keep arguing as to why it shouldn't work for anyone else either.No I don't. I've repeatedly said that I use coupons in moderation. Somehow that gets twisted into an attack on all coupon divas who get eveything FREE! I DO point out, that often people don't factor in the TIME involved and that TIME IS MONEY! "Free" isn't really free when you spend TIME obtaining a free widget.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on May 15, 2011 17:42:12 GMT -5
Actually, as it went on, I remember GG from the old MSN boards and this has turned into an almost identical "discussion" there
I remember the thread. Someone went to the WIR board and asked folks there to come post on the YM thread. I was attacked so viciously that the moderator had to step in and ask folks to cool it.
All I did was say that, for me, coupons were not a major source of savings. And I explained why. Clearly I was committing heresy.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 15, 2011 17:45:06 GMT -5
I broke down and watched the program on Extreme Couponing. All I learned is that these people have mental issues and are going to the extreme imo. They will eventually end on on the other show called Hoards to pay for their habits if endless and unnecessary spending on things they don't need. Really, does one family of 4 need 56 bottles of mustard all because they have coupons that brings the price down to .69 cents a bottle. ![](http://forum.blu-ray.com/images/smilies/imported/crazy.gif) Just buy what you need and go back when you need a refill. Kreepy Krawler: They call this reality TV, but I can tell you that there is nothing realistic about it. No one that I know that uses coupons, shops the way that is depicted on the show. Do they buy things when they are free in advance of actually needing them? Yes, because it is the most cost effective method that they have found to buy the items that their families use regularly. They might buy (5) or (10) of something that is non-perishable that they will eventually use IF it is free after coupon (toilet paper, laundry detergent, dish washing liquid), but that is about the extent of it. In addition, l suspect that this reality show is no different than all the others. They tend not to depict people in the best light for the sake of drama on the show. I can't say for sure because I do not personally know anyone who has been featured on the show (no one that I know is that exreme), but most people would know that they cannot take what is depicted at face value. Everyone involved is doing it for money: Extreme Couponing, the retailers for free advertising, and the people doing the shopping most of whom want to promote their blogs. I was HOPING that the show would provide information that would actually help people learn how to use coupons effectively in their everyday life. I guess I should have known better based on its name.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on May 15, 2011 17:56:23 GMT -5
I posted this on page 1. I have not seen any responses to the points made here Extreme Couponing: 5 Reasons to Steer Clear1. Most food-related coupons are unhealthy. Couponers saved more than $3.7 billion in 2010 thanks to 50 cents off here and $1 off there. But most of those coupons went towards unhealthy products. We rarely see clip-and-save options for fruit, meat or organic foods. Instead, most coupons in the food category are for processed foods and snacks - otherwise known as “junk” food. 2. Some coupons promote spending, not saving. Last year, more than a quarter of all coupons for consumer packaged goods - items like cleaning supplies, toiletries and pet food - required us to buy two or more items to get the discount, according to marketing services firm Valassis. These deals entice us to spend more than we should. 3. Coupons encourage us to buy products we normally wouldn’t. Many manufacturers and retailers create coupons for new products that they want to introduce to the market. There’s nothing wrong with trying new products, but buying something just because we have a coupon can be a frivolous way to spend. 4. To some, coupons offer a false sense of security. A popular - though, debatable - claim among some coupon advocates is that money saved with coupons is potentially equal to or greater than money they could earn working. A Wall Street Journal reporter did some math last year and figured couponing is equal to making $86.40 an hour - a conclusion that sparked many a high-five in the couponing community. Others disagreed with the Journal’s calculations, however. And if couponers are opting out of the workforce because they think coupon-cutting is a more productive use of their time - well, that’s a pretty narrow-minded way of looking at life, says Dr. Ted Klontz, financial behavioral consultant and author of Mind Over Money: Overcoming the Money Disorders That Threaten Our Financial Health. He’s found that people who are obsessed with couponing trust that as long as they have a stack of coupons - or are in pursuit of more - their financial life is safe. But they are misled, says Dr. Klontz: “If they actually spent that time and energy on their jobs or getting a job, it would be a significantly better overall outcome for them … they would probably be better financially.” 5. Couponing can become an addiction. At best, coupons can help us save money on healthy foods and household products we would buy normally. At worst, the pursuit can affect our mental health. “There’s a line between being prudent and having the activity take control of you, instead of you controlling it – whether its couponing, exercising, eating, whatever,” says Dr. Klontz. He says the obsession with saving money can take over people’s lives, destroying marriages and other relationships. “There’s a point to which couponing makes sense, and then there are people who step over the line. They fall into the category of what we would call financial hoarding disorder,” he says. If coupon hunting is beginning to occupy more and more of your time - to where you’re neglecting other, more important things, like our well-being, family and job - or if your loved ones are complaining that you’re spending too much time on the web or circulars surfing for coupons, you may have a problem. moneywatch.bnet.com/saving-money/....g=content;c ol1
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 15, 2011 17:57:10 GMT -5
I broke down and watched the program on Extreme Couponing. All I learned is that these people have mental issues and are going to the extreme imo. They will eventually end on on the other show called Hoards to pay for their habits if endless and unnecessary spending on things they don't need. Really, does one family of 4 need 56 bottles of mustard all because they have coupons that brings the price down to .69 cents a bottle. ![](http://forum.blu-ray.com/images/smilies/imported/crazy.gif) Just buy what you need and go back when you need a refill. <karma> If it doesn't work for her that's fine, but she keep arguing as to why it shouldn't work for anyone else either.No I don't. I've repeatedly said that I use coupons in moderation. Somehow that gets twisted into an attack on all coupon divas who get eveything FREE! I DO point out, that often people don't factor in the TIME involved and that TIME IS MONEY! "Free" isn't really free when you spend TIME obtaining a free widget. The problem is that you've been talking out of both sides of your mouth. One the one hand you DO use them; on the other hand the savings isn't worth the time spent. Apparently you're the only one who has figured out how to strike just the right balance between time spent and money saved. We are not trying to convert people to our way of thinking. We just do not want others to be discouraged by negative comments before they explore for themselves THROUGH EXPERIENCE how huge the savings can be and how big a difference it can make in their finances. Someone who has never used coupons on more than an occasional basis just has no clue.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 15, 2011 18:00:07 GMT -5
I posted this on page 1. I have not seen any responses to the points made here Extreme Couponing: 5 Reasons to Steer Clear1. Most food-related coupons are unhealthy. Couponers saved more than $3.7 billion in 2010 thanks to 50 cents off here and $1 off there. But most of those coupons went towards unhealthy products. We rarely see clip-and-save options for fruit, meat or organic foods. Instead, most coupons in the food category are for processed foods and snacks - otherwise known as “junk” food. 2. Some coupons promote spending, not saving. Last year, more than a quarter of all coupons for consumer packaged goods - items like cleaning supplies, toiletries and pet food - required us to buy two or more items to get the discount, according to marketing services firm Valassis. These deals entice us to spend more than we should. 3. Coupons encourage us to buy products we normally wouldn’t. Many manufacturers and retailers create coupons for new products that they want to introduce to the market. There’s nothing wrong with trying new products, but buying something just because we have a coupon can be a frivolous way to spend. 4. To some, coupons offer a false sense of security. A popular - though, debatable - claim among some coupon advocates is that money saved with coupons is potentially equal to or greater than money they could earn working. A Wall Street Journal reporter did some math last year and figured couponing is equal to making $86.40 an hour - a conclusion that sparked many a high-five in the couponing community. Others disagreed with the Journal’s calculations, however. And if couponers are opting out of the workforce because they think coupon-cutting is a more productive use of their time - well, that’s a pretty narrow-minded way of looking at life, says Dr. Ted Klontz, financial behavioral consultant and author of Mind Over Money: Overcoming the Money Disorders That Threaten Our Financial Health. He’s found that people who are obsessed with couponing trust that as long as they have a stack of coupons - or are in pursuit of more - their financial life is safe. But they are misled, says Dr. Klontz: “If they actually spent that time and energy on their jobs or getting a job, it would be a significantly better overall outcome for them … they would probably be better financially.” 5. Couponing can become an addiction. At best, coupons can help us save money on healthy foods and household products we would buy normally. At worst, the pursuit can affect our mental health. “There’s a line between being prudent and having the activity take control of you, instead of you controlling it – whether its couponing, exercising, eating, whatever,” says Dr. Klontz. He says the obsession with saving money can take over people’s lives, destroying marriages and other relationships. “There’s a point to which couponing makes sense, and then there are people who step over the line. They fall into the category of what we would call financial hoarding disorder,” he says. If coupon hunting is beginning to occupy more and more of your time - to where you’re neglecting other, more important things, like our well-being, family and job - or if your loved ones are complaining that you’re spending too much time on the web or circulars surfing for coupons, you may have a problem. moneywatch.bnet.com/saving-money/....g=content;c ol1 This was your original Post #19. I responded in Post #21.
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MN-Investor
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Post by MN-Investor on May 15, 2011 18:00:14 GMT -5
Karma for you, gardeninggrandma! I remember the thread. Someone went to the WIR board and asked folks there to come post on the YM thread. I was attacked so viciously that the moderator had to step in and ask folks to cool it.
All I did was say that, for me, coupons were not a major source of savings. And I explained why. Clearly I was committing heresy.
I have found that it's best to just read and not post in the Smart Spending forum for the pretty much the same reason.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on May 15, 2011 18:06:12 GMT -5
The problem is that you've been talking out of both sides of your mouth. One the one hand you DO use them; on the other hand the savings isn't worth the time spent.
I've REPEATEDLY said that I use them IN MODERATION! I've also repeatedly said that I will not spend a lot of time and effort chasing them. I see nothing inconsistent in that position
Apparently you're the only one who has figured out how to strike just the right balance between time spent and money saved.
I think I've found the right balance FOR ME.
We are not trying to convert people to our way of thinking.
Could have fooled me ("I feel sorry for people who don't coupon".)
We just do not want others to be discouraged by negative comments before they explore for themselves THROUGH EXPERIENCE how huge the savings can be and how big a difference it can make in their finances. Someone who has never used coupons on more than an occasional basis just has no clue.
And I'd hate for someone to be taken in by people who are not entirely honest about the amount of TIME and effort involved. A number of people have posted that they've tried it and concluded, that they have saved something, FOR THEM, the results were not worth the effort.
Promoting coupons is a big business. coupon mom has a thriving website (subscription). I've even tried it. Several times, she'd post a sale/coupon combo and I'd go to the store to find out that the date was past (even while she was still posting it). Lots of blogs have coupons, but they don't tell you that they get paid for people clicking onto their site. The whole issue is focused on BUYING rather than focusing on a simpler, lower key approach (the one that Amy Dacyczn wrote about)
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on May 15, 2011 18:07:41 GMT -5
I have found that it's best to just read and not post in the Smart Spending forum for the pretty much the same reason
thanks MN..... (disclosure - I read Smart Spending for the same reason I watch Dave Ramsey. Entertainment and disbelief)
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 15, 2011 18:15:01 GMT -5
I posted this on page 1. I have not seen any responses to the points made here Extreme Couponing: 5 Reasons to Steer Clear1. Most food-related coupons are unhealthy. Couponers saved more than $3.7 billion in 2010 thanks to 50 cents off here and $1 off there. But most of those coupons went towards unhealthy products. We rarely see clip-and-save options for fruit, meat or organic foods. Instead, most coupons in the food category are for processed foods and snacks - otherwise known as “junk” food. 2. Some coupons promote spending, not saving. Last year, more than a quarter of all coupons for consumer packaged goods - items like cleaning supplies, toiletries and pet food - required us to buy two or more items to get the discount, according to marketing services firm Valassis. These deals entice us to spend more than we should. 3. Coupons encourage us to buy products we normally wouldn’t. Many manufacturers and retailers create coupons for new products that they want to introduce to the market. There’s nothing wrong with trying new products, but buying something just because we have a coupon can be a frivolous way to spend. 4. To some, coupons offer a false sense of security. A popular - though, debatable - claim among some coupon advocates is that money saved with coupons is potentially equal to or greater than money they could earn working. A Wall Street Journal reporter did some math last year and figured couponing is equal to making $86.40 an hour - a conclusion that sparked many a high-five in the couponing community. Others disagreed with the Journal’s calculations, however. And if couponers are opting out of the workforce because they think coupon-cutting is a more productive use of their time - well, that’s a pretty narrow-minded way of looking at life, says Dr. Ted Klontz, financial behavioral consultant and author of Mind Over Money: Overcoming the Money Disorders That Threaten Our Financial Health. He’s found that people who are obsessed with couponing trust that as long as they have a stack of coupons - or are in pursuit of more - their financial life is safe. But they are misled, says Dr. Klontz: “If they actually spent that time and energy on their jobs or getting a job, it would be a significantly better overall outcome for them … they would probably be better financially.” 5. Couponing can become an addiction. At best, coupons can help us save money on healthy foods and household products we would buy normally. At worst, the pursuit can affect our mental health. “There’s a line between being prudent and having the activity take control of you, instead of you controlling it – whether its couponing, exercising, eating, whatever,” says Dr. Klontz. He says the obsession with saving money can take over people’s lives, destroying marriages and other relationships. “There’s a point to which couponing makes sense, and then there are people who step over the line. They fall into the category of what we would call financial hoarding disorder,” he says. If coupon hunting is beginning to occupy more and more of your time - to where you’re neglecting other, more important things, like our well-being, family and job - or if your loved ones are complaining that you’re spending too much time on the web or circulars surfing for coupons, you may have a problem. moneywatch.bnet.com/saving-money/....g=content;c ol1 #1. Do not use the coupons for unhealthy foods. #2. Do not be suckered into using a coupon just because you have it. You will learn the difference between a good coupon and a great coupon. Wait until you can combine a great coupon with a great sale; throw the rest of 'em in the recycling bin. #3. Usually when a new product is introduced on the market is when the coupon will have its highest value and you most likely will find the best sale. The manufacturer wants to get you hooked on the product and they are enticing you to try it. IF the combination of using the coupon and a sale allows you to try the product for free and it is something that you WANT to try, go for it. Otherwise, throw the coupon in the recycling bin. #4. Anyone who opts out of a good-paying job to use coupons is not too bright to begin with. I do not know ANYONE, or have read about anyone, or have heard of anyone who has done this. Many turn to couponing AFTER they have already suffered a job loss in the family TO MAKE UP FOR the loss in income. I cannot comment on anything else from your cut and paste because I have not actually read the book. For someone who wants to stay home to raise their children, it is a great way to supplement a single income. #5. The point made is that people can be obsessive about anything - diet, exercise, their jobs, etc. Some people do get OCD about coupons, but it isn't a problem with the coupons; it is a problem with the person using them. If they didn't obsess about coupons, they'd be obsessing about something else. There ya have it.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on May 15, 2011 18:16:49 GMT -5
Well stated, dancinmama
I am honestly amazed that you have not read The Tightwad Gazette. I highly recommend it.
She promoted a frugal lifestyle in the 1990 when it was not in style. She was a SAHM with six or eight (I forget which) children and her husband earned about $40,000/yr. They saved enough to pay cash for their home and she started a "Tightwad" newsletter. By the time I read an interview of them in Money magazine, they had saved $1M on his earnings while raising their large family. Eventually she stopped publishing the newsletter, but put it into the book. There are three volumes and most libraries carry them.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2011 18:20:20 GMT -5
I think time is relative to different people. For someone to spend 5 hours a week clipping coupons when the only thing they would have been doing instead is watching TV, it's not a waste of time. For someone with a 40 hour a week job, an hour a day commute, and kids, there probable isn't 5 hours a week where they could swap watching TV with clipping coupons.
I look through the inserts from the Sunday paper and cut out the ones I can use - mostly health and beauty, cat food/litter, frozen veggies. It takes 10 minutes. Some weeks I get lots I can use. Other weeks only 1 or 2.
If someone wants to extreme coupon (in the normal way, not the reality show way) it really shouldn't bother me at all.
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swamp
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Post by swamp on May 15, 2011 18:20:54 GMT -5
I see where GG is coming from. I do use coupons, but I can't seem to do it well. I don't have a CVS, my grocery store doesn't double coupons, and when I went to all the coupon websites, it just ended up with my inbox being inundated with spam.
I also don't do multiple trips. I'm a partner in a law firm, I have a 3 yo and a 5 yo, and I commute 45 minutes each way to work. I find I value my time more than chasing deals. If the couponing life works for someone, knock yourself out. I just find it doesn't work for me.
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MN-Investor
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Post by MN-Investor on May 15, 2011 18:21:04 GMT -5
This is turning out to be a very bizarre thread.
Gardeninggrandma, dancinmama, both of you are writing excellent posts and I don't think that either of you are really disagreeing with each other. It's a couple of other posters who seem a little more reactive. Dancinmama, you make great posts re trying couponing. Gardeninggrandma, you make great posts about why couponing isn't something you choose to do and it may not be for everyone. But you are both very rational, nice sounding folks!
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 15, 2011 18:27:47 GMT -5
We just do not want others to be discouraged by negative comments before they explore for themselves THROUGH EXPERIENCE how huge the savings can be and how big a difference it can make in their finances. Someone who has never used coupons on more than an occasional basis just has no clue. And I'd hate for someone to be taken in by people who are not entirely honest about the amount of TIME and effort involved. A number of people have posted that they've tried it and concluded, that they have saved something, FOR THEM, the results were not worth the effort. Promoting coupons is a big business. coupon mom has a thriving website (subscription). I've even tried it. Several times, she'd post a sale/coupon combo and I'd go to the store to find out that the date was past (even while she was still posting it). Lots of blogs have coupons, but they don't tell you that they get paid for people clicking onto their site. The whole issue is focused on BUYING rather than focusing on a simpler, lower key approach (the one that Amy Dacyczn wrote about) Okay, now it's crystal clear. Why did you not say anything about being suckered into PAYING MONEY to learn how to use coupons? That answers A LOT of questions. Several who have come on the Grocery Challenge have asked about subscription couponing sites. We advise against it. We spend our time helping anyone who wants or needs help FOR FREE!! I have personally mentored people through email. I am not in it for money. I am sincerely trying to help people improve their finances.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 15, 2011 18:33:53 GMT -5
I see where GG is coming from. I do use coupons, but I can't seem to do it well. I don't have a CVS, my grocery store doesn't double coupons, and when I went to all the coupon websites, it just ended up with my inbox being inundated with spam. I also don't do multiple trips. I'm a partner in a law firm, I have a 3 yo and a 5 yo, and I commute 45 minutes each way to work. I find I value my time more than chasing deals. If the couponing life works for someone, knock yourself out. I just find it doesn't work for me. First, it's not for everyone. It does require an element of time . If you're a partner in a law firm then I doubt that the time you spend would be equal to or better than what you could earn working. You did fall into some traps that can be avoided, but at this point it really doesn't matter.
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Frugal Nurse
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Post by Frugal Nurse on May 15, 2011 18:34:44 GMT -5
Gardening Grandma: I'll respond to your post.
1. While most of the coupons you'll see in the fliers are for unhealthy foods, I am still able to save big money on the healthy foods we eat (many of these coupons are found online). I get a lot of coupons for organic granola bars (my go-to power snack when I can't get lunch at work and I feel my blood sugar dropping), yogurt, earthbound farm organic produce, orange juice, milk, eggs, whole grain bread, canned tomatoes (for chili and pasta sauce), Kroger sends me $5/$15 produce coupons, and Kroger-brand fresh produce coupons, like money off apples, lettuce, etc; I do also save a ton of money on cleaning supplies and paper goods, computer ink and printer paper (I like to donate my free paper to MIL's school- she's a teacher), healthy choice dinners for DH to eat on the nights when I'm too tired after a 12 hour shift to cook, bagels, whole wheat pasta, etc. I am also able to get free stuff to give to teh food pantry, which makes me feel good, because I'm helping out society. So yes, even though the percentage of coupons for healthy products is smaller than half, there is still big money to be saved on healthy foods.
2. If used blindly, some coupons do promote spending, not saving. If you just look at a coupon, say "oh, look, a coupon! I'll buy that product" without comparing prices then yes, you might spend more money. But if you say "oh look, I need that product and it is on sale for $1 and I have a $1 off coupon" you will save money. It does, however, require one to use their brain.
3. Again, if you won't ever use the product, but you are stupid and buy it just because you have a coupon, it will be a waste. However, if I need laundry soap, and brand x is on sale for $2.00, and i have a coupon for $2.00 off brand X, I'm going to buy brand X instead of brand Z. I'm not too specific about cleaning products.
4. Again, this requires one to use their brain. It is unlikely you are going to make enough money to quit your job, especially if that job is full time and pays more than minimum wage. It is more like a way to stretch the money you have. I make good money, but I also work very hard for it, so I want it to work hard for me. I don't chase every deal, but I do usually save at least $100/week by combining sales with coupons. I only spend an hour a week making my grocery lists/clipping coupons (and I use to spend about 30 minutes making that list anyway), and an hour making the grocery store rounds, which is what I use to spend at just one store. Since I have a very detailed list now, and my shopping is more focused, I am in and out. (I live in an area with many stores close together). I usually do this early morning on my first week day off, and the stores are less crowded. And there isn't much arguing with cashiers. If they refuse a coupon or purchase, I forgo that deal and get over it. So yes, $100/week for an hour of work is worth it.
5. I suppose it can become an addiction, just as drinking, gambling, exercising, reading, watching TV, working, cleaning, or anything else can become an addiction. I don't even see how this is a point
So, to sum it all up, if you want to save money by using coupons, you have to have a working brain, and you have to use it. I think this is what trips most people up, as many Americans simply want to mindlessly shop and not worry about it. Whatever works for them, i don't care. For me, I hate to waste my cash on toilet paper that I'll flush down the toilet or laundry soap that will go down the drain. I'd rather spend it on a weekend hiking trip or a beach vacation.
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Post by Frugal Nurse on May 15, 2011 18:37:27 GMT -5
I see where GG is coming from. I do use coupons, but I can't seem to do it well. I don't have a CVS, my grocery store doesn't double coupons, and when I went to all the coupon websites, it just ended up with my inbox being inundated with spam. I also don't do multiple trips. I'm a partner in a law firm, I have a 3 yo and a 5 yo, and I commute 45 minutes each way to work. I find I value my time more than chasing deals. If the couponing life works for someone, knock yourself out. I just find it doesn't work for me. Eek- partner in a law firm? I bet you're working 60 hour weeks as it is, you probably don't have any time to chase the deals. I use to work as a paralegal at a law firm, it was so hellish! I now only work 3 days per week, and don't have kids yet, so it is easier for me to find time, especially when a lot of my days off are week days when my DH and most of my friends are working.
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Post by Frugal Nurse on May 15, 2011 18:39:53 GMT -5
Well stated, dancinmama I am honestly amazed that you have not read The Tightwad Gazette. I highly recommend it. She promoted a frugal lifestyle in the 1990 when it was not in style. She was a SAHM with six or eight (I forget which) children and her husband earned about $40,000/yr. They saved enough to pay cash for their home and she started a "Tightwad" newsletter. By the time I read an interview of them in Money magazine, they had saved $1M on his earnings while raising their large family. Eventually she stopped publishing the newsletter, but put it into the book. There are three volumes and most libraries carry them. I would love to read the tightwad gazette! Every time I go to the library it is out! It sounds like she was one smart lady, though I don't know if I'd be OK with only buying 2nd hand clothes and furniture!
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Frugal Nurse
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Post by Frugal Nurse on May 15, 2011 18:41:42 GMT -5
Couponmom? She is one big scam. I have never (and would never) pay for a coupon matching site. I have 2 free ones that I frequently use, and they are great!
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Post by bobbysgirl on May 15, 2011 18:47:01 GMT -5
I can think of tens of thousands of reasons why it has worked for me and each one of them has a picture of Washington on it. lol ![:P](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/tongue.png)
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 15, 2011 18:51:29 GMT -5
Well stated, dancinmama I am honestly amazed that you have not read The Tightwad Gazette. I highly recommend it. She promoted a frugal lifestyle in the 1990 when it was not in style. She was a SAHM with six or eight (I forget which) children and her husband earned about $40,000/yr. They saved enough to pay cash for their home and she started a "Tightwad" newsletter. By the time I read an interview of them in Money magazine, they had saved $1M on his earnings while raising their large family. Eventually she stopped publishing the newsletter, but put it into the book. There are three volumes and most libraries carry them. There was a time when I was homeschooling DS, running our household like a business, day-trading stock in DH's 401k, and managing our other investments all at the same time. I had heard of the Tightwad Gazette, but just never read it. I got the impression that she was more of a homemaker - making jam from scratch and sewing stuff - that kind of thing. Unfortunately, I did not get the suzie homemaker DNA in my family. In 1990 DH also earned less that $40K/yr. I saved enough money to pay off one mortgage and then another. We have never had a car payment or credit card debt. We have never had to worry about money since the time that we both started our careers. When DS was born, I gave up my career to stay home with him.
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Post by bobbysgirl on May 15, 2011 18:55:04 GMT -5
("I feel sorry for people who don't coupon".) This is not what I said, nor how I meant what I said. Leave me out of your discussion from this point on.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 15, 2011 19:01:45 GMT -5
I think time is relative to different people. For someone to spend 5 hours a week clipping coupons when the only thing they would have been doing instead is watching TV, it's not a waste of time. For someone with a 40 hour a week job, an hour a day commute, and kids, there probable isn't 5 hours a week where they could swap watching TV with clipping coupons. I look through the inserts from the Sunday paper and cut out the ones I can use - mostly health and beauty, cat food/litter, frozen veggies. It takes 10 minutes. Some weeks I get lots I can use. Other weeks only 1 or 2. If someone wants to extreme coupon (in the normal way, not the reality show way) it really shouldn't bother me at all. BINGO. With a couple of exceptions and that is people who have gotten themselves into debt and are looking for a way to pay it off. Some of them are single moms like you, but what they earn doesn't quite cut it so they turn to using coupons A LOT to help make ends meet.
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