Struggling with couponing...

[saverinab]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to couponing but I really like the idea of putting the time in to save money. The thing is sometimes i feel like i'm spending more money than i used to. I know i am building a reserve (small stock pile) and it will likely save me money in the long run to buy things while they are cheap so i don't get stuck paying full price later. But i also find myself buying products/brands that i wouldn't normally buy, just cause it's a good deal. Like i bought a bunch of shaving cream because i got a good deal on it but i usually just shave with body wash in the shower lol. How can i control myself and resist a good deal???

ps. I have some baby stuff coupons from the latest P&G insert (about 3 sets) if anyone wants them i won't be using them (no little ones yet)

[baybey_doll]

I found this to and unless its a smoker of a deal to entice me to try something new i resist (generally if i normally wouldnt use it but get it for under $1 good deal

You might find that u like shaving with shaving cream!

I give my self a weekly budget on what im aloud to spend on "stockpiles" it helps me to not grab something cause its an ok deal and rather wait for good ones

if i do not spend all of my "stockpile" money i put it in a jar for next week

haope that helps

[lynzriches]

I have had the temptation to buy things we wouldn't normally use also, just because I have a "good" coupon for it. So far, I've been able to say to myself "no, we really don't need this" and put the items back. I guess you just need to look at the things you are about to buy and decide if you really WILL use it, or if you really DO need it.

For example...Zellers had a Glade Auto Room Spray unit on clearance for $6. I almost bought it because I have the B1G1 Refill coupons, but then realized I have a ton of other "smelly" things at home already, and don't really need one more to buy refills for so I put it back.

[snow00774]

I've seen some really good posts (can't find them so if someone knows where they are handily and could post the links!) about how much not to spend more than on particular products - that has helped.

Also - when I get coupons I really think twice about the brand of it or product and don't put it in my book if I really can't justify using or switching it.

I've decided that unless it's free, almost free or under $1 then I'm limiting myself to 3 products a week for stock piling. It's hard not to get caught up, but I too can't afford to spend more than I would have normally, so I just have to be really careful.

[CouponLadybird]

I found this when I first started too. I did a line item list of all our weekly and monthly purchases, and set a price I would be willing to pay (pre couponing) for those items. For my first couple months after starting to coupon I allowed myself to spend up to that max $ value, adding to my stockpile (ex: I would spend $6 on laundry soap prior to couponing -for that same $6 last month I got 6 bottles of purex- I didn't spend any more than I normally would, but got a lot more for it). Now a few months in, I have a good stockpile and I haven't spent any more than I would have normally. I have also reduced the $ value I am willing to spend on items I have stockpiled, so I only purchase them if I find a great deal, and now am saving a lot of money - while still building and using my stockpile

[sacha007h]

it is hard to miss on the big deals especially when you see everyone else buying the deal and you feel you have to keep up with the "jones's" of the coupon word I agree you have to set yourself some limits. The only things I really stockpile is laundry soap and personal hygiene products (the items I already use). Anything else I ask myself if I really need it. If it is a great deal and something I would like to try anyhow then I'll pick up one or two.

[janwaree]

i make sure that i only spend $10 when i go coupon shopping!

[Christeena]

I am interested in your baby coupons if you don't want them. I only use pampers for my DS so they always come in handy.

[shennig]

I set aside a portion of my weekly budget for "stockpile" items. I'm pretty new to this as well, and the key thing is to remember to stick to your regular shopping habits and focus on buying only the things you will use and need and consider switching brands on certain items if there is a good deal (like my husband is now open to trying Old Spice deodorant and not stuck on Axe). Contact the companies that you would consider yourself "loyal" to and ask for coupons. If nothing else it provides you a small savings on a product you were buying anyway. For example, I did this with a small Canadian company that produces natural, non-toxic cleaning products and laundry soap that I swear by; they were more than happy to send me few coupons in the mail. If there is a stupidly good deal (like this past week I got shaving cream for 0.88 a can and Green Works cleaner for 0.49) then go for it and try something new. At the end of the day, both those items cost me less than a cup of coffee from the cafeteria at work (and you get a rush walking out of the store feeling like you "almost" stole it).

To give you and example, my grocery purchases from the past week looked something like this... I'm a vegetarian so I stocked up on PC brand no salt added beans (they weren't on sale, but I try to stock up on non perishable basics and keep a good supply on hand so that when there is an item on sale that I use and that I have coupons for I can take full advantage) as these are one of my main protein sources, bought most of my produce from an organic home delivery service I use called spud.ca and then went off to Safeway and took advantage of their specials on razor blades (Fusion were on for $12.88 a package and I used my $5 WUB 3 coupon), toothpaste (Colgate - 4 for $5 and I had a $1 off Colgate total coupon) and Listerine ($5 and I had a $3 off coupon).

Buy what you need and stockpile when you can, but don't stock pile just because you have a coupon. It's really only a good deal if you have the money and will use the product. I set out to cut $50 a week off of my grocery bill through stockpiling, sale shopping and using coupons. So far we're about 3 weeks in and I've been able to accomplish this without any problems. On top of that, I've saved a total of $173 dollars through using coupons and waiting for things to go on sale. I think my best advice would be to set a goal for yourself (a certain percentage or dollar amount) that you want to save each week and work with that number. Decide what you want to do with the money you save (I'm putting mine towards the mortgage) and work towards your goal!! Good luck!

[YOU AND ME]

Me too i have $10 for stockpiling each week ,no babies no pets and i am by myself but i still manage to stock lots of items.My DD and her hubby and 3 grandkids live with me,My DD does not buy much on sale so if i see items like 2 weeks ago they had Purex with Zout on sale for$3.99,i had 10 coupons for $3.00 so it cost me $10 plus taxes she gave me back the money.I am retired so i have more time to shop for sales

I rarely buy anything that i do not need.I get alot of 30%-50% off on items

[saverinab]

thanks for all the tips! setting a dollar amount and not exceeding it is a great idea. I think it will take me a while to get the hang of it