Does anyone else coupon? I feed a family of 4 for less than $50 per week.

[CoffeeCat]

I was wondering if there are any other couponers on DU?

I know many of us are frugal, or survivalists or just looking to give up Walmart. Couponing is how I finally gave up Walmart.

Our entire monthly grocery bill is less than $200 for a family of 4. That's for all food, personal hygiene items, household cleaners and paper products. Everything at the grocery store!

I do it by obtaining multiple copies of the coupon inserts that are in the Sunday papers. I usually get 80-100 of them every week.

I match up weekly grocery sale items with the coupons--and I get many, many items for free or for pennies--every week. I usually save 50-90 percent.

During the past three years, I haven't paid ANYTHING for the following items---all free: Shampoo, deodorant, laundry detergent, shaving cream, razors, body soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair conditioner, body lotion, bug spray, sunblock lotion, etc.

I have a pantry that looks like a mini Quick Trip, I send tons of stuff to Iraq and I donate a ton to our local food shelter.

I firmly believe that couponing is totally essential. I can't imagine going into the grocery store with out my coupon box.

I'm sure there are others on DU who are much better couponers than I am. I am an amateur compared to many couponers out there; many of whom have access to grocery stores that double coupons, which I don't.

If you want more info--or if you want to learn how to do this--so you can stockpile, save tons of money, help others--or just totally give up Walmart--I'd love to share info--and swap ideas with other couponers.

[lildreamer316]

1. Demgurl has her own site.

She set me up GREAT the other day. Let me find it.....

http://home.triad.rr.com/coupon/

I have just started so any other good sites or tips you could give would be greatly appreciated.

Maybe we should start a group or a yahoo group if not enough interested members............

[xmas74]

68. Thanks for the link!

[CoffeeCat]

125. Ohmygosh!!! Demgurl!!!!! You helped me a long time ago!!!

Wow, this is so amazing!!

When I first began couponing, I emailed you and asked you for advice. I'm sure you get many people corresponding with you and asking you for tips and tricks, so you probably don't remember me.

You were SO SWEET to me! You wrote me a very long email and you were so encouraging and helpful. I remember wondering if I really could save money and you urged me to keep at it, and to keep adding to my stockpile--and the savings would happen.

You were my inspiration!

I initially found your site after Googling the words "stockpiling and couponing." I remembered seeing the pictures of your stockpile and being mesmerized. I also remember that you got a ton of White House apple juice. You must be STILL drinking that juice!

This is too funny!

I am helping out a new acquaintance with her couponing. I'm giving her loads of extra coupons so she can get in on the deals, until she's able to get extra inserts from her paper boy. She mentioned to me that she feels bad that she's taking my coupons. I told her that when I started out, someone was very kind to me and took so much time to explain things and get me started--and that she would help out a new couponer someday too. I explained that everyone helps everyone--especially when we get started--and that if it wasn't for this nice person with the Web site, I wouldn't have made it either.

Demgurl--that person was you!

Wow! Small world!!!!

You are the coupon queen, and you helped to turn me into one!

:)

[lildreamer316]

128. I met her in person

at her barbeque and she has launched me too!! She's the best.......

[CoffeeCat]

137. That's really cool...

...here's to all of us saving bucket loads of cash, and using it to throw Junior out of office.

I KNEW my couponing would help to save the world someday. haha. :)

[eleny]

2. Some of us are hoping to start a forum here

A forum where we could share ideas on conserving to keep heating costs down and learn savings of all kinds. Your experience would be great to share.

We thought to wait a week or so before proposing it again since threads are sinking like rocks these days. Interested?

[Joebert]

6. I would vote for a conservation tips forum.

I've learned quite a bit, but other things I don't conserve like I should.

That would be a valuable resource.

[lildreamer316]

11. That sounds like a great idea!

There are tons of resources (Including Martha Stewart believe it or not!) online and I've done alot myself but there is so much to learn..........Count me in!!!

[Nite Owl]

9. I would be interested

things get tighter and tighter every month it seems. I don't know what I could contribute but I sure would like to learn.

[CoffeeCat]

12. I'm very interested...

A savings forum is a great idea, eleny.

Saving money, being less wasteful, surviving on more with less money and helping out others--all intersect with many DU ideals.

Count me in!

I'll be happy to share all that I've learned, and I look forward to learning from others as well!

Those heating bills are going to be horrendous this year. I'm concerned about that--for myself and for others as well.

[Joebert]

14. I will tell you something about staying warm.

overstock.com

I never thought to look there, especially with the silly "It's all about the O" commercials.

But then I went looking for cheap down comforters, fleece blankets, etc.

I was getting stuff for stupid cheap. It's outrageous some of the inexpensive stuff they have there, and it's nice.

I am going to keep my thermostat at 60-65 this winter, and just stay warm with layers.

[CoffeeCat]

25. Thanks for the tip...

I'll check out overstock.com

Like you, I think our heat will be down a great deal this winter.

A politician (can't remember which one) said that winter heating bills will be up as much as 70 percent, from last year. Crikey!

I'm a total air-conditioning snob. However, I don't mind being chilly, because I can bundle up. Looks like we'll be doing that a lot this winter.

I'll check out the blankets on overstock.com

Thanks!

[Joebert]

28. I've read the same thing about the heating oil / NG prices being so high.

I like the cold. I hate the heat.

My metabolism keeps me pretty warm already. I like to freak people out by walking outside in 20-30 degree weather wearing shorts and barefoot.

But I am MISERABLE over 90 degrees.

[Genki]

29. gas is supposed to go up 70%

scary

[WolverineDG]

23. There's already a similar forum

Economic Activism & Progressive Living Group

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=255


enjoy!

:)

dg

[Joebert]

26. Cool deal.

A new site to spend too many hours reading. :-)

[roguevalley]

166. I would vote for such a forum. its going to be very bad, very fast

now with this debacle. I would love and be interested in this combined with conservation.

[mike_c]

179. I'll support that forum idea....

I think it's a great idea!

[Nikia]

3. We usually end up buying more than we need that way

Sure, it is great for stuff that we normally buy, but it usually causes us to buy a lot of extra stuff, some of which we end up not using.

[lildreamer316]

5. Send it to Iraq or give it to local shelters. n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

49. I think you can also spend more on gas

than you save.

[Pirate Smile]

4. My God, I need some lessons. You need to do a DU workshop to

teach us how to do that. My grocery bills are astronomical. We are a family of 5.

[skylarmae]

13. me too! Can hardly wait to hear more about this

I can't imagine how in the world this is possible?????

[lildreamer316]

18. Start with above link. Here's more:

http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/kenyon92.html

http://www.cutouthunger.org/couponmom/index.php?cid=10

http://www.thefrugalshopper.com/

http://couponing.about.com/

GO Here first:
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/970915a.cfm

[SoCalDem]

15. Years ago, I was in the newspaper.. Got $538 worth of groceries for $8.00

that was deposits on soda pop :)

ow that my kids are grown,. I just buy what I want and rarely even use coupons anymore:)

I used to have that receipt.. It wasin 1979 I think:)

Included everything..even meat :)

[Pirate Smile]

61. That's amazing.

:toast:

[KoKo]

67. Yep...that was coupon heaven time...Garage Sales/Swap Meets...

it was loads of fun. Then China started dumping and other things changed like that wasn't cool to do anymore with everything so cheap, (compared to what prices used to be) and it all seemed like too much effort..and other things came along like WalMart....CostCo...SUV's..Cheap Credit...:D...


I remember it well. Thanks for the reminder. That's incredible what you did!

(BTW: Mods are heavy handed tonight. I replied to you and found the thread was locked...had to hunt all over to find the damned post again.
Don't know why this is in the Lounge...another post was moved here, that seemed reasonable for GD Forum. Sheesh)

[CoffeeCat]

19. Some good Web sites to get you started on couponing

--A good general info site with trading boards:
http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/CouponIntro.php

--General info site
http://www.epinions.com/content_2582618244

--Good general info. Has a link to "Best Grocery Deals by State"...this site combines local sale ads with coupons--and figures out the great deals in your area
http://www.cutouthunger.com/

---Great general information
http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/kenyon92.html

--Good general info
http://www.thegrocerygame.com/index.cfm?function=teriscorner&method=tt&TCU=D1F0863C-BDB9-260B-F839C0B785F94869

[Pirate Smile]

56. Thanks. I've bookmarked it. Now I just have to take the time to do it.

[cbear70]

Me too , I would love lessons

We are struggling but get a crappy paper that doesn't have great coupons.. please oh wise one.... teach us.

[Rabrrrrrr]

27. Stay away from boxed and canned foods!

That's your first step to saving money. Buy everything fresh, get your meat from a local butcher (if you have one). Don't buy pre-cut vegetables, they're fucking ASTRONOMICAL!

Stay only in the outside of the supermarket - fresh produce, meat counter, and fresh dairy. Everything in the middle is expensive, unhealthy crap (except for a few things, like the cooking oils, jars of pickles and olives etc., spices, etc.).

But stay away from any food that is "just add water" or "just open box" or "just open can".

That will save you an entire SHITLOAD of money.

[susanna]

80. Great point!

I always "patrol the perimeter" (my silly phrase I guess) in the market. Yes, I spend some time cooking, but I also control salt/sugars/transfats, etc., in our food. Even though I sometimes buy more expensive organic options for certain things, for a family of 3 I pay about $50 a week.

I opened my husband's eyes to this before we were married. We lived apart, but both of us needed to grocery shop one day. I knew the kind of cr4p (sorry honey) that he ate, so I challenged him. "I'll buy fresh food, lots of it, and still pay less than you do for a few boxes and cans." He took the challenge and was converted. Now, he's a wonderful cook and a veteran "fresh" shopper...he picks the best produce with an eye that astounds even me, LOL.

I didn't gravitate to serious couponing myself because a lot of coupons (at least in our local papers) are for processed foods, which we generally do not eat. (I do use the BOGO option for things like cosmetics, which are outrageously overpriced and at least shelf-stable.)

One other thing that I have become really good at is utilization of the food that I do buy. Meaning, if I buy an item at the market, and the purchased size is too large for one dish, I plan a successive meal that uses the rest. I have say that since I have been planning menus and using these techniques, waste has dropped to almost nothing. Where once I threw away fresh food (and felt guilty as heck), I now use utilization techniques and throw away very, very little.

For the things we do need to throw away, we bought a composter. In the summer, ALL of our veggie scraps, egg shells, etc., go in it. By the end of the summer we have amazing compost that goes into the garden beds to nourish the soil for next year's herb and vegetable gardens. (Yeah, I grow herbs. Like crazy. Pesto anyone?)

[Dem Agog]

7. We've just started...

We eat out once a week at local restaurants and have found all sorts of BOGO, half off, and up to $10 off coupons we use now exclusively on that one day.

We are also couponing at the store.

My downfall has always been forgetting about them. I'll cut them all right, but then they just disappear. I'm working on it though...

[qanda]

8. Can we start a coupon group?

I was just saying tonight that I need to cut some money from my food budget because my rent is going up next month. I certainly need help getting started.

[SoCalDem]

65. Keep them in your car

:)

[eleny]

10. P.S.

There's a Cooking and Baking forum right now. Why not do some posting there! http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=236

[Catherine Vincent]

16. I could use some tips.

Although I only shop for a family of one.:)

[Emit]

17. We checked into the

'Tightwad Gazette Journal' when we went from a 2 person income to 1, and after our third child was born. (I think that was the name of the book) Ever hear of it?

We do follow some of the suggestions in the book, and in others we looked into, and we do use coupons. The couponing is difficult for some reason (busy schedules, lack of planning, etc.), and makes me feel guilty now knowing that others can live so frugally.

Maybe we should get back to it more seriously and be more disciplined about it. We sure could use some tips on managing the grocery bill!

I was shocked to learn recently that we almost qualified (off by less than $100) for the county lunch program for my 1st grader based on our one income ratio to # of dependents in our family! Yikes, I always considered us of average income, even when we went to a single-earner income, but I feel that is changing rapidly.

Is it the planning ahead with lists for food and dinners that is the key? Please do give us more info and thanks for bringing this up. With the cost of prices on groceries and everything going up, it won't be long until we are seriously deep in the hole.

[lildreamer316]

20. Got a GREAT resource for you!

Check the freezer cooking section.
I have a household notebook and I love it.
http://organizedhome.com/

[demgurl]

21. demgurl checking in.....

I would love a section of this site just for that. Let me know if we get one started. I have a family of four and have yet to spend more than $500/year, on groceries, for the last four or five years. (That also includes mystery shopping.)

I just threw a bar-b-que for area democrats and I spent less than $20 for the whole works including hamburgers, hot dogs, etc.....I would have spent half of that but hubby left the plates and buns at home so we ran down to a store close by to buy them at full price - that just killed me!

demgurl

[CoffeeCat]

31. Your reputation precedes you, demgurl!

Hi Demgurl,

I've heard, through other posters, that you coupon.

I work very hard at couponing, and $50 per week is as low as I go. You, on the other hand, have achieved "Coupon Zen", my friend.

I love reading about people like you who spend soooo little for everything. I look forward to hearing how you do it.

Do you shop at grocery stores that double?

I get my inserts by going to Quick Trips at midnight on Sunday. They allow me to remove the inserts from the unsold papers. I usually get around 80 or so. Sometimes more. I combine sales with coupons, and I always shop the clearance section at the grocery stores.

Also, I have a few local friends and we call each other with the hot deals. No one can be at the grocery store all of the time--and find every great deal. We really help each other out.

I also sell some of my unused coupons on Ebay. I sell them in lots of 20 and I usually make $50 per week doing this. I use some of the money to purchase wine tags and other coupons for free items. So--I get lots of $1, $2 coupons for chicken, beef, produce--and coupons for free laundry detergent and household cleaners.

Congrats on the awesome bbq! You're amazing!

[demgurl]

55. Your words are very kind.

I achieve the 'coupon zen' partially because I mystery shop. I am also lucky enough to own my own state couponing yahoo group. These folks are so great and I can NOT say enough about them. They share their coupons and all of their finds. They are a great group of ladies and we have all been friends for five years and even have had coupon swaps and sleep overs.

dreamer posted my site so you can actually start there to see how I do it. I also, of course, do tags. I take advantage of BOGO deals and others.

There was a great deal that went on for two weeks. A catalina would print up for $2.50 off a future meat purchase when you bought 5 Hamburger Helpers. A local store had them BOGO and there were $.50 off coupons that would double. ALL of the HH ended up free and I ended up with a slew of $2.50 off meat coupons. I ordered the coupons and ended up being able to get over 200 coupons!

That may sound like a lot but we make it stretch. You have to understand that you do not need the meat to eat Hamburger Helper. I buy lots of hashbrown, macaroni and potato HH and we use that to round out meals.

Yes, I am lucky enough to have coupons that double AND triple!

I would not be amazing if it were not for all the people around me. They are so terrific to share things that we may not know about otherwise. It is great that we all work together and share. And I never would have gone this far if it were not for a wonderful coupon queen taking me under her wing and teaching me exactly how to do it. Without her I may never have gotten this involved with couponing.

demgurl

[kath]

164. what do you mean by "mystery shop"?

[demgurl]

174. That is where you go in a store and critique certain items

as assigned to you by a company hired by the store's corporate office. They are not supposed to know you are there and you act like a regular shopper, thus the name 'mystery shopping'.

Most of the time you have to buy items. A good example is a grocery store I am assigned to do tomorrow. I am required to buy $5 worth of groceries. The company reimburses me the $5 plus a $5 fee for doing the shop.

demgurl

[mzmolly]

42. Ok, I have to learn more. Do you eat "healthy" because I buy lots of

fresh produce (organic) at that. I would love to learn more!

:toast: to all you coupon clippers!

[demgurl]

59. We are on a low fat diet right now.

If you stick to a lot of coupons that come out, you can gain weight.

We try to eat fresh veggies and that is where my mystery shopping comes in. On a light month I might do as few as ten grocery stores but on a heavy one I have done about 45!

Just to let you know, there are organic coupons out there. I have used them and recieve an email, bi-weekly, from someone who sells them.

demgurl

[charlie]

22. If you have military friends or family overseas

mail them your expired coupons instead of throwing them out. Deca overseas will accept coupons 6 months past their expiration date. With the erosion of the dollar, the commissary is the only affordable grocery for many families.

[lildreamer316]

30. I did not know that! AWESOME tip!!

Thanks so much!!
On edit: In fact; we could start a coupon train for that very thing (one person puts their exp. coupons in a folder and mails it to the next person on the list; etc. etc.).

[charlie]

48. That's a really good idea

Whatever you can send will be a great help. Coupon availability is limited over there -- Stars and Stripes, magazine inserts, and commissary flyers are the prime sources.

[demgurl]

66. Even if you do not have friends overseas....

There are addresses you can find to send your expireds to. They will distribute your expireds around to people who will use them.

demgurl

[Rabrrrrrr]

24. No. I try not buy anything that would ever get a coupon.

Very little processed food for me - fresh veggies, fresh fruits, fresh dairy, fresh pasta, and meat from the butcher. Every now and again, a package of mac and cheese, or a non-butcher bratwurst or kielbasa (or Chorizo, same thing :7).

But, basically, I save even MORE money buy not buying the shit that would ever get a coupon to begin with. AND I protect my health.

And think of this - manufacturers wouldn't offer coupons if their prices weren't already inflated.

Nope, fresh, unprocessed stuff for me.

[freeplessinseattle]

41. what about TP and toothpaste, etc?

it can really add up.

I am guilty of overspending on food way too often. lately I've been going to the fruit stand instead of Whole Foods and saving a bundle.

[Rabrrrrrr]

54. TP I only buy recycled earth-friendly, and that never gets coupons

Toothpaste I wait til it goes on sale, and buy a shitload. I think I'm still using toothpaste from early in the year. :-)

Deodarant - I bought a crystal three years ago for $6. Works like a mother fucker. That was my second crystal, the first one bought in 1998 for $5. So, $11 for seven years worth of deodorant, and it's totally environmentally friendly, since it's just a chunk of stuff found naturally.

House cleaning supplies - nothing earth-killing. Only all natural stuff, fruit based cleaners, vinegars, eco-friendly stuff. My bottle of household cleaner is perhaps 3 years old (and not because I don't clean, but because I don't OVER-clean, and don't OVER USE the chemicals). Laundry detgergent, I had been using seventh generation stuff, but the supply I bought in 2002 ran out a couple months ago, and I bought an Arm & Hammer one at Shopko. Of course, some of my household cleaning expenses are a bit higher because of the vinegar and baking soda costs, but that's okay. I figure this year, I'll spend $15 on cleaning supplies, tops.

I have used one roll of paper towel in the last year, and not a single paper napkin - cloth only for everything. For nasty spills, I have rags. About the only thing I use paper towels for is when I have to kill one of those centipede like things, or some other equally gross bug.

p.s. - for toilet paper, I spend maybe $20 a year (~$1.50 for four rolls, which last about a month, depending on the number of guests, esp. females). Granted, I'm a guy, and I live alone, so my TP needs are slim.

[lildreamer316]

84. mmm..See LeftyMom's post below; I think you might

be able to get a few........

[Rabrrrrrr]

93. Aye, that could be

But let me also add, the beauty of the greenmarket - almost everything is $1 a pound. Tomatoes, potatoes, leeks, green beans, eggplant, etc., $1 a pound. Onions, radishes, and some other stuff is $1 for a BUNCH.

Way hella cheaper than the supermarket, and since it's greenmarket, it's all organic, too. And locally grown, so no outrageous bullshit about flying it 15000 miles and wasting tens of thousands of gallons of fuel.

In my town, though, there is no organic food place - a couple grocery stores have (very small) organic sections, but we have no organic stores. So, very little chance of a coupon ever showing up here for anything I eat.

BUT - we have SHITLOADS of farmers who sell on the streets, and at the greenmarket.

[lildreamer316]

110. MMM. Straight from the farm.

Brings back memories of childhood. My uncle stopped growing his own about 2 years ago so I am SOL except for my local Farmer's Market. It seems like the local big "fresh" stores are pricey also; there is only one co-op store and it is struggling so I try to help out.
Sorry to ramble. Always love your posts.

[IndyOp]

148. Um - How do you use a crystal as deodorant?

:shrug:

[Rabrrrrrr]

152. I don't want kind of stuff it is, but it's just a block of natural mineral

that are in crystalline form.

You get them from http://www.gaiam.com, or at least, you used to. They might still, but I'm not checking, so I can't commit to whether they do or not.

Or here:

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=41032&catid=48870&trx=PLST-0-SRCH&trxp1=48870&trxp2=41032&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SRCH
http://www.crystaldeodorantprotection.com/
http://www.arbour.on.ca/arbrp36c.php?shelf=/sky.php

[susanna]

177. Crystal deodorant? Wow!

I had never heard of that...where would one find something like that to try?

I use a Tea Tree Oil one from a local health store (no coupons, way too expensive, but actually works amazingly well and lasts a long time).

Crystals? Really? I swear I learn something new every day.

[Rabrrrrrr]

178. See my post that is immediately above you right now

I have some links there.

[susanna]

180. thanks, Rabrrrrrr...

I'll check it out.

[politicat]

170. TP: found a 100% recycled co that we buy a year at a time....

The name's horrid, but TP made from recycled paper is hard to find, and this stuff is easy on the sewage system (which most "luxury" tp is not...) www.shitbegone.com

We don't use paper towels; flour sacking towels are reusable. Other stuff... well, if it comes in a package, it's probably not good for me, so we don't use it if possible.

[susanna]

173. I do the toothpaste thing...

...and the cosmetics thing with coupons (hair color especially, not that I am old or that there is anything wrong with that). The BOGO on those items are fabulous, and they show up at most local pharmacies about once every couple of months, i.e., just in time! :-)

A few months back, my tootpaste went on sale BOGO. My husband and I own a two-family flat, so we get two circulars for this particular pharmacy, even though there is only one "family" living here. I used both and ended up saving $6.00, PLUS I have toothpaste until mid next-year. (It was the biggest tube on sale) :-)

[CountAllVotes]

72. same here

I had to knock out the junk food for health reasons - switched to all organic food. Blood work went from borderline diabetic to normal now. I was very sick and I was going for the 2 for 1 offers and the coupons to buy this food. It tends to be loaded with all sorts of chemicals and preservatives, etc.

Organic food is very expensive. However, what you save in medical bills and medical problems may well be worth the price I have found. I do buy things on sale when I can find them. I also never buy very overpriced foods (like some of the fruits and vegetables).

I will not eat red meat nor fish. I only rarely eat organic chicken. Reason is mainly fear of mad cow and the enormous levels of toxins in the fish.

Can anyone win with organic foods? Seems not. The govt doesn't want people eating truly healthy IMO.

I occasionally use coupons but I don't find many for organic foods.

As for products, I buy many things like vitamins, etc. from vitaglo.com. You save a lot from them - the soap I buy is about 1/2 the price of what the local store sells it for, no tax and free shipping for order $50 and over.

I try the best I can but I could never feed an family of 4 on $50 a week.

:dem:

[2bfree]

142. Me too.

We use coupons for stuff we use but not much of what we buy has coupons. We just don't eat anything with HFCs or partially hydrogenated oils. No sodas or boxed processed foods. Also our area has no double coupon stores.

[alfredo]

32. I used to, but I started seeing that most coupons were for

things I don't use. There's no coupons for carrots or brown rice.

I found that you can save money by sticking to the outer walls of the grocery. When you wander into the center aisles you start spending the big money. Of course sometimes you have to go there, but if you have no reason to go down an aisle, don't go.

[lildreamer316]

44. Good point; but there are starting

to be coupons for some of those things as they become more popular (I have a brown rice coupon right now!) Keep tabs on the group and put out what you need; maybe some of us can keep our eyes peeled for ones pertaining to your needs. That's what coupon trading and selling does anyway. Check ebay too.....

[alfredo]

51. I think it became an obsession

with my wife. At one point she realized it and stopped cold.

[demgurl]

62. You can find coupons for Uncle Bens....

and UB does carry brown rice. Just thought I would let you know. You combine coupons with a sale and you can get food free or I have even made money on it.

I have gotten tons of food just because the store gave me overage on the coupons and I have donated all my stuff to the food bank. With the overage I bought stuff I needed. You help a cause and get what you need.

demgurl

[Rabrrrrrr]

70. Uncle Bens? That's not even rice.

Ick.

All the nutrition has been removed so that it will cook "non stickily".

[CountAllVotes]

79. gawd ick is right

I can't even swallow that stuff whatever it is - ?

[Rabrrrrrr]

74. Right ON!! Stay on the outside of the store!

Eschew the middle!

(except, as I said above, for the cooking oils, spices, flour and sugar if you like to bake, jars of pickles and olives, vinegar, etc.)

[Kali]

100. Dollar stores

cheaper than a coupon at regular store for pickles.

[Rabrrrrrr]

103. Yes! Also a good idea!

Especially when one feels the need to be an unethical lazy earth-killing prick and use paper napkins and plastic plates and other disposable, earth-killing shit.

A good place to also buy bulk spices (though they obviously aren't fresh, in fact not even as fresh as a good brand dried spice/herb, they're at least, you know, edible).

And other things - dollar stores can be great! So long as we don't let the cheap prices lure us into buying shit that we will be enamored of for a month or so, then throw away. The dollar stores I've been into have been fucking FULL of cheap-ass knickknacks and other shit that one might think "WOw, that's cool" but only until the next month when you see something else, and then, in standard American earth-killing consumerist tacky-decorating frenzy, you throw away the previous thing and buy something new, thus helping our landfills fill up as quickly as possible so we can desstroy some other virginal forest to dig a deep goddamned hole in which to hide our shameful inability to control our consumerist habits.

[Kali]

129. Nah - pickles and laundry baskets

are about all I buy there. Oh - cheap handlotion for the teenagers.


(don't tell anybody, but those totally artificial chocolate-wax covered marshmallow cookies are really bad for you)

[demgurl]

181. I have never paid more than $.50 a bottle for pickles.

I find I can never find ANYTHING as cheap without a coupon as I can with one and with doubles or triples combined with a sale. $.50 is my very upper limit for pickles but I will buy it at that price if I have to because this is one of my children's favorite snacks. I usually can hit on a sale and purchase either Vlassic or Mt. Olive pickles for about $.16-.20/bottle.

demgurl

[thethinker]

33. I have question

How do you get 80-100 copies of the coupons?

[lildreamer316]

38. Reread her second post I think...

she goes to the her local 24 hour store and collects the coupon inserts from the Sunday papers at midnight when they stop selling them. Make friends with your local store (even the corner store) and see if they will let you take the extras the day after. I sometimes am able to buy my Sunday paper on Mon or even tues. also....

[CoffeeCat]

138. Yes, I get them from Quick Trips...

...local Quick Trip stores allow me to come in Sunday at around midnight. I remove the inserts from the unsold papers and keep the newspaper intact. The store can return the paper to the newspaper company for credit.

I was a bit anxious about asking the stores if I could do this. However, not one turned me down. I asked to speak to a manager and I said, "Ok, this is probably the strangest question you're going to hear all week, but I belong to a coupon club, and I'm wondering if I can come in after midnight on Sunday and take some of the coupons from the unsold papers." I promise to leave some papers with coupons still in them, and I promise to keep the papers neat and intact, so the store can get their money back for them.

They were all happy to let me do this.

Some recycling centers allow people to go through newspapers and remove the inserts. That's how many people get multiple coupon inserts. Others get to know their paper boys, and make arrangements to take the extra coupons from the unsold papers--when they are finished with their route. I know many couponers who meet their paper boys on the corner, and get their inserts directly. When I began couponing, I used to go to McDonald's stores and get coupon inserts. Most McDonald's stores provide many copies of the Sunday paper for customers. I asked the managers if I could come in and take the coupons--early in the morning, right when the store opened on Sunday. They all said it was ok.

Also, you can trade coupons with others through coupon-trading message boards. Many of the "Couponing 101" sites that are listed in this thread, have message boards on them. Even if you only get a few coupon inserts each Sunday, you can still trade with people--and amass your desired coupons that way. You provide a list of the coupons you have, as well as your "wish list" and interested couponers respond to your message and you work out a trade. Trades are traded through the mail. It's kind of fun!

You can also join coupon trains through these message boards. Trains are usually 4-6 people. You each write a wish list and everyone in the train gets a copy of all wish lists. When the train gets to you, you fill it with coupons that are on others' wish lists. Then, you take the coupons that you had on your "wish list". It's a wonderful way to trade and get the coupons you need. If you can get yourself on several coupon trains, you'll have a steady supply of your "wish list" coupons coming in to you.

Others may have additional suggestions for getting multiple inserts.

[Lorien]

34. Try this DU group:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=255

Most DU groups are fading fast. This is just the type of discussion we need at the above link.

[eleny]

37. That sounds great!

I was hunting for a group to learn and post but that seemed more political than a place for tips.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

50. Most DU groups are fading fast.

Can you elaborate?

[eleny]

35. Can we get a frugal DU group, then???

Maybe we're ready to propose something. Just need a name to cover shopping, home heating cost savings, all aspects of how to save $ which means conserving and basic frugality techniques.

[Joebert]

36. Conservation and Frugality Forum.

I started reading the economic activism forum, but it's not a perfect match for this one.

What's it take to propose a forum?

[eleny]

39. Here's the instructions

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=206x10

[lildreamer316]

40. We are pretty much already there.

Go to the groups section and there is a sticky at the top about it. We need 10 star members on a thread to notify admins.

[Joebert]

43. Well,

You, me, TwoSparkle and Eleny make 4. And that's without checking the other interested Star folks in this thread.

[lildreamer316]

45. Definately demgurl. n/t

[eleny]

47. Can someone post the url where we need to go to notify?

My hubby just came in and needs to talk.

[Joebert]

52. The instructions listed out... (and annotated)

1. Start one discussion thread in the forum of your choice to tell people about your idea for a DU Group.

**** Does this thread count?

2. In that thread, you must get responses from at least ten DU members who agree to be active participants in the suggested DU Group. All ten members to respond must have donor stars.

**** No problem.

3. In that thread, members must agree on a proposed mission statement for the DU Group.

**** We should start on that now. Who wants to lead on this one?

4. When enough members have signed on to join the group and have agreed on a proposed mission statement, one member must officially suggest the DU Group to a DU Administrator (Skinner, EarlG, or Elad), by sending an email. Please be sure to include a link to the thread where members have discussed the proposed Group.

**** Who wants to take the lead on gathering the 10 and emailing?

5. The Administrators will consider the request and make a decision. The Administrators will either 1) Accept the Group as it is proposed, 2) Deny the Group outright, or 3) Ask for changes to the Group or its mission statement which would be necessary for its approval.

**** This we have to wait for. But if we put the ducks in a row first, it should make this process easy.

6. Once the suggested Group has been accepted by the Administrators, the Administrators will create a new DU Group in the "DU Groups" Category forum, and pin the mission statement of that Group to the top of that Group's forum.

**** That's their job, we get to watch this one.

If you are considering a DU Group on a controversial topic, the Administrators would appreciate if you contacted us before collecting your ten members, so we may discuss any sensitive issues. This courtesy will increase the chance that your Group is approved. Also, please be aware that proposed Groups that are redundant with existing DU Forums are unlikely to be approved.

**** Not controversial.


Now, if in the mission statement, we're very clear on how this is for frugal living, conservation of resources, money, learning not to waste, it shouldn't bump against the progressive living/eco activism forum.

[Joebert]

60. #2

#1 Demgurl

2 eleny
3 joebert
4 lildreamer316
5 Twosparkles
6 Nite Owl
7 Nikia?
8 Pirate Smile
9 skylarmae
10 cbear70
11 rabrrrrrr?
12 Dem Agog?
13 qanda
14 cat_girl25
15 Emit?
16 mzmolly?
17 charlie?
18 freeplessinseattle?
19 alfredo?

The ? = somebody who posted, but didn't say specifically that they wanted a new forum.

Edited to include Demgurl, who is really loved, even if she doesn't think so. :-)

[eleny]

63. Great - almost 20!

[demgurl]

96. I don't see my name on that list.

Nobody wants me, everybody hates me..........

demgurl

[Joebert]

102. Are you sure?

Check the list again. :-)

[demgurl]

116. OK, I see it. Thank you! eom

[philosophie_en_rose]

133. Please add me.

I could really use the group, although I know nothing helpful about coupons.

[Joebert]

136. We've applied for a forum,

Since you have a star, you'll help us out that way.

If we get the forum, I'll PM everybody in this thread to let them know we're up and running.

Thanks for your interest.

I don't know anything whatsoever about coupons. But I do know a bit on fuel and electricity efficiency. We'll all help each other out.

And if the forum is approved, we can have a bookmarked reference site.

[Pepper32]

139. My name isn't on the list. I guess you didn't see me at the bottom?

I would like the forum also.



Edited to add the links where I showed interest in having this forum.
HTH :)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=3986936&mesg_id=3987110

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=3986936&mesg_id=3987241

[CelticWinter]

160. Add me to the list please n/t

[politicat]

172. I am interested in the group, though coupons are not for me.

Little grocery competition and no doubling coupons or the like.

However, the other sides of frugal living interest me, especially the 4 Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, and how to apply those in the real world.

Count me in.

[lildreamer316]

71. Purpose statement.

The purpose of the DU Conservation and Frugal Living group is to promote discussion of ways to save money and resources on daily living through couponing and other __________

Help

[eleny]

77. How's this - Not too specific and short

The purpose of the DU Conservation and Frugal Living group is to promote discussion of ways to save money and resources on daily living by sharing personal experiences.

[lildreamer316]

86. Delete

[Joebert]

82. Here is a little more to consider, since it may need to be longer...

Mission Statement:

A forum dedicated to conservation, frugality, efficiency and the sharing of those ideas.


With ever rising fuel prices, we will see price increases in our food, our clothing, everything we purchase.

It is therefore in our best interest to learn best practices from each other.

What is the #1 generator of stress? Money problems? If we can do our part to help each other stretch that dollar a little further through strategic or timely buying, we can reduce that stress.

Some issues that will likely have their own threads within this forum will be:
- Couponing
- Energy Efficiency (Electricity in the house)
- Heating / Cooling Efficiency
- Water Efficiency
- Fuel Efficiency (gasoline/oil)
- Sites that help save
- And many more...

This group is intended to be apolitical, based solely on financial and energy efficiency.


(Just throwing some more ideas out there) :-)

[Joebert]

85. Oh, definitely have to list examples such as couponing, good idea!

[eleny]

87. I like it

Good to have included the part about it being non political.

[Joebert]

92. I added a small table including couponing, etc.

[lildreamer316]

95. Looks good.

Just try not to have TOO much in the intial statement.....

[Joebert]

97. I want to ensure we're specific enough not to get lumped

in with the group dedicated to shopping only at blue stores, or voting with your dollar.

But I think we should get at least you, Eleny, TwoSparkle and a few other people to finalize what we submit.

[eleny]

101. If it's too long, maybe Skinner can help trim it to their specs

Looks like we're almost ready to go. Just need a final version of the mission statement and send it to Skinner with the url for this thread.

[Joebert]

105. I PM'd TwoSparkles to see what she thinks.

If you're ok with it, I'm ok with it, lildreamer looks ok with it, once TwoSparkles gives an ok, or some ideas, we should send it up.

Will you do that, or should I?

[eleny]

118. Sorry, I had to step away - helping hubby with something

Did you send it?

[Joebert]

121. check PM. :-)

[Joebert]

120. She said go!

Just waiting for the other editors to ok the message, and we're good.

[lildreamer316]

119. I agree with this. One vote for forum...n/t

[Joebert]

122. demgurl is ok with it too...

Just Eleny has to check in, then I will compose the message to the mods!

[eleny]

123. I'm in - this looks complete

In the email to admin, how about listing the people already interested along with how there's over 100+ postings to this thread. a cut and paste from your earlier posting. And that's that.

[Joebert]

124. I will post my email to the admins here.

I am listing that there are 20 star readers of the thread.

I'll definitely include the fact about 100+ responses. (even though half are us prepping the proposal) :-)

[eleny]

126. It all illustrates interest and dedication

[Joebert]

130. The email has been sent to the admins.

Here is the text:

Hi there,

I'm Joebert from the forums. We have a proposal for a new forum. It is specifically for frugality and conservation.

The thread (which has grown to 126 posts within 2 hours) begins at

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=3986936&mesg_id=3986936

Our recommended "Mission Statement" is at

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=3986936&mesg_id=3987120

There are over 20 "star" users that have posted in the main thread.

Eleny, and Lildreamer316 were both valuable contributors to the mission statement. We kind of hijacked TwoSparkle's thread idea and ran with it. There are already many good ideas in this thread that we can use to generate whole threads of their own in a new forum.


We do not believe that it collides with any current forums. The closest forum there is to this is the Financial Activism forum. We are forming this forum to be apolitical, with a pretty different agenda. Our forum is designed to help pass along and document good ideas for living more efficiently. Please see the mission statement for more detail.

Feel free to modify the mission statement as necessary.

Thank you for your consideration, as well as having a place where people can meet to discuss so many different topics.

Have a great night,

JoeBert

[eleny]

131. Now we await the news

Bookmarking the thread!

We may even make it to the Greatest Page! One vote shy right now.

[Joebert]

134. If we get approved, I have this bookmarked as well.

I plan to PM every single person who expressed interest.

[Joebert]

89. Is there a "nice" way to PM 15 people to get them to post?

I don't know what the mods are looking for, would we just ask the list above to all come to this thread and say "I vote yes?"

[demgurl]

69. Yep, I am in! eom

[niyad]

46. I am known to my friends and acquaintences as the coupon queen-- the local

supermarkets have my pic up with a big X through it.

one of our chains does double coupons (although not quite the way they do in southern CA), still, I do manage some pretty good savings.

several years ago, at xmas time, went in with my stack of coupons, shopping, shopping--til my cart was overflowing. each and every item had a coupon. a woman got in line behind me, and I suggested that, in view of how long it would take, she might want to try another line. we started talking, and she decided she wanted to see just how much I saved. the poor clerk just shuddered when she saw me, and began ringing up the items. the tape just kept rolling, and I kept rolling it up. total-- $270. Then I handed her the stack of coupons, and the tape kept rolling, and rolling. by this time, there were people gathered around. after she ran the last coupon, she paused for dramatic effect, and then, with people holding their breaths, she hit the total key-- $9.10--ALL of which was tax on the non-food items. people were actually clapping and cheering.

each of my friends got a food basket for xmas.

I rarely pay for personal care items, and have been known to pay as little as 5 cents per can of pumpkin.

[charlie]

73. Wow, that's humbling

I enjoy a little glow when I've saved over $10 on $125 in groceries, but that... is shopping in a league I never even knew existed.

[kath]

163. Shoot, here I'd have to pay $21 just for tax -- I live in red-state hell

where sales tax is 7.75-8% on *everything*.
To me it seems absolutely sinful to tax people on the food they eat.

[Schema Thing]

167. Pumpkin=facial mask?

[LeftyMom]

53. I use them

but not a lot, because I'm vegan and have food allergies, so I have to stick with coupons for things I can eat. For natural food stuff I get the coupon books at whole foods, coupons out of the free magazine at the food coop (delicious living), the coupon book the food coop mails out every couple months (and extras from the coupon basket at the coop) and sometimes coupons from the manufacturer's websites or in the package of the last item I bought from them. Sometimes I find a coupon in the local paper, too, but not often beause those coupons are generally for things I can't or won't use and I give them to a neighbor who is less picky than I am.

[bertha katzenengel]

57. Hi, TwoSparkles. I don't use coupons, but my sister does.

And please, please don't take this personally (and I'm not asking you NOT to use any words however you see fit) but I'm going to 'jack your thread just for a moment to talk about words that aren't verbs. Coupon is one of them. Others are office, scrapbook, partner, internet . . . .

/rant

:hi:

[lildreamer316]

78. LOL

I know in theory you are right; but it has become such a trend/movement that it probably will eventually be turned into a verb "officially". Crazy how that happens.......

[bertha katzenengel]

109. NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

:bounce:

[lildreamer316]

111. ROTFLMAO n/t

[CoffeeCat]

115. I understand...

that "coupon" isn't a verb. However, in the world of "couponing", the word is often used as a verb. It's colloquial. I'm pretty sure everyone understands that using the word 'coupon' as a verb, or using the word "couponing" isn't proper English.

It's all just a fun part of the couponing.

We've actually made up new meanings for words, and in some cases--even new words. The word "overage" has special meaning for couponers!

[CoffeeCat]

117. DRAT...and double drat. I just wrote out a huge post...

...and I received the page telling the post had been moved. I couldn't get back to my post and I lost the entire thing.

It was incredibly long.

I will post more information very soon! I'll try tomorrow.

I'm just so tired now--and ticked that I lost my darn post!

It was a "Couponing 101"-type post--describing how I save money, as well as many tips and tricks.

I'll be ok.... :) Sorry guys!

[xmas74]

58. I do.

I formed a coupon circle for awhile. You get a group of people together and everyone cuts out every single coupon they come across-whether they need it or not. Every few weeks, you get together for coffee and exchange the coupons that you do not need.

[ISUGRADIA]

64. Walgreens monthly free items after rebate

I take advantage of them to get deoderant, toothpaste, tooth brushes, shampoo, whatever they nhave during the month. 37 cent stampt to get $7-$15 retail worth of items. Only stuff I buy there because of their corporate policies.

[eleny]

81. How do you find out about them?

Their web site or a weekly flyer in the mail? We don't take any newspapers. And do these items stay in good supply at the store?

[charlie]

94. I get inserts in the paper

Sometimes I see them in free local special interest newspapers, you might want to check some of yours. The coupons are quite good, virtually all are deeply discounted loss leaders, about 15-20 each flyer, good for a week.

On edit:

No, supplies aren't especially good, just the day to day shelf space. It's luck of the draw whether or not you'll be able to get a popular sale item.

[Pepper32]

99. Go to there site, it's all there.

Most of the time they have the little booklet in the store. Just ask a clerk.

Here is the website...
http://www.walgreens.com/store/rebateclub.jsp?cf=ln

On edit: Far's (Free After Rebate) go pretty quickly, depending on where you live. So, try to get your items the first day or two of the sale, if possible.

[eleny]

127. I can do it once a month

Time it with picking up my med.

I went with Walgreen's because you can get your meds anywhere in the country. It worked out well last year during an emergency trip back east. Too bad Walgreen's isn't a cool company.

[lildreamer316]

132. Yes; let's make sure we post

the site that has the blue vs. red companies on it; even though we probably won't be able to stick to that (hence the non-political part of mission statement!) It will be interesting just to see how it stacks up after a few months.That way ppl can choose very easily exactly where their money is going. Besides; I like taking discounts from red companies to spend on blue products!!

[CoffeeCat]

135. About Walgreens...

This is just my opinion about Walgreens.

Many great couponers do the Walgreens FARs.

I don't do them, for the following reasons. First, their prices are totally sky high. Walgreens may offer you a $3.99 rebate on a $3.99 shampoo. However, the rebate comes in a store credit. I don't feel it's worth my dollars to use store credit to buy things for REALLY high prices--that I can get for almost half at other stores.

However----if you can use your rebate money to get things that are great deals--then it makes more sense. I think you have to really watch what you use your FAR store credits on.

Also--Walgreen's is notorious for not carrying enough of their sale products. They tend to run out quickly. They don't carry a lot of stock, like a regular grocery store. But--you can always get a rain check. These are wonderful. If they run out of something, ask the clerk for a rain check. The clerk will fill out a rain check, or just write the sale price on the sales flyer and initial it. Then, later--you can bring the rain check in and they'll give you the sale price.

I've obtained a few rain checks for the same item. That way, when a coupon finally comes out for the item, I can go in multiple times and combine the rain check with the coupon.

I do get lots of very-cheap and free stuff at Walgreen's (not the FAR promotions). I get Eclipse Mints free (using the $1/1 coupon combined with their 99 cent sale). I once got 100 individual pkgs of microwave popcorn for free. Last week, I got GREAT deals on General Mills cereals.

I find that their Sunday sales flyer is great for finding superb deals. Check out their sale prices and combine with coupons from the Sunday inserts. I can usually get 1-3 items free every week. A couple of weeks ago, I got 25 rolls of Scotch Tape, free! I gave some to my kindergartner's teacher and she appreciated it!

Again, just my 2 cents on Walgreen's. Others may have other strategies and opinions.

[Rabrrrrrr]

153. Yet another reason I hated working there - something they knew would

be going on sale, and yet they don't buy or stock extras, thus forcing me, the *&#@(&$ cashier, to write out a shitload of &#*^$% rain checks.

Walgrees says a big "Fuck you" to the customers, because they know that of the rain checks they write, only 10% will ever be returned, because people will lose 'em, forget about 'em, or just say "to hell with it, I'll go somewhere else".

[ISUGRADIA]

140. The items depend on the store, some seem better than others

at keeping thing in stock. I usually have to check back (which works for me as I am a few blocks from one) to get an item they may be out of. And some months better than others. Monthly rebate form booklet usually in rack with the weekly ad.

[Rabrrrrrr]

88. Gods, what an evil company. I used to work for them!

Their pharmacists tend to be top notch spot on excellent - I'll give them that - but if you aren't a pharmacist or the store manager, you are fucking pond scum, a thief just waiting for the opportunity to steal something, and a piece of shit that doesn't deserve a living wage because, what the fuck, you're probably stealing $10K worth of shit every year anyway.

It was very interesting working for a company that has such little respect and trust in its employees.

I also remember, after our "Store Christmas Party Dinner", at a local restaurant, being told how much I owed for my dinner.

I try not to shop there, because they are so evil, but sadly, their phramacy and their Walgreens brand medicines are SO FUCKING GOOD, I find myself going there occasionally. Plus - and this is the real evil part of me - I own a lot of stock in them.

[lildreamer316]

91. LOL

Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. If I wanted to be "liberal perfect" I would have to sell all the stock my mother left me; and I'm not about to since whatever she had invested last year gained me 20k. I try not to look to hard at the portfolio 'cause I'm afraid of what I'm going to see. My only comfort is that 1)she left if for me so I can't very well just sell it outright (Edward Jones manages) and 2)my son will benefit so..........

[Rabrrrrrr]

98. And even worse, I own a lot of walmart stock, too

but, fuck, when it comes to investment, gotta go with the companies that care about shareholder value.

Even though I DO refuse to step into a WalMart. Walgreens I will do in a pinch, but WalMart I absolutely refuse to ever step into again, and I am very active in trying to turn people away from it.

But, what the fuck, they're still making me money even though I'm losing them customers.

[charlie]

107. You've gotta forgive me

Seeing you excoriate and warn off customers for two stores you part own is funny as hell :rofl:

:hi:

[kath]

165. What's the deal about Walgreen's corp. policies?

When I've looked in the past, I wasn't able to find out much about them on BuyBlue.org, etc.

[ISUGRADIA]

168. Walgreens lets pharmacists hassle women over birth control

if a woman goes to one and has a script for birth control corporate national policy "is to transfer a prescription to a nearby store if the only available pharmacist refuses to fill a prescription"

Apparently the customer is not always right at Walgreens so I won't shop there other than to get free after rebate items.

http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_repro_recent_reports.cfm?dr_DateTime=08-22-05&show=yes

[Kali]

75. I'm curious

WHAT exactly are you eating? I'm with Rabrrrr, most food coupons are for middle-aisle highly processed "convenience" foods - I compromise - don't buy much of that kindof stuff but if do a coupon is mandatory...still that's a pretty admirable sized bill - I spend way more than that and am pretty frugal (I thought)

[Pepper32]

76. Of course! I consider it smart shopping...

I never grocery shop without my coupons, sometimes I drive my DH crazy with all the 'coupon talk' lol

I especially love seeing the faces of the checkout clerks when I save more than half on my grocery order.

Now what I don't like about couponing is running into coupon Nazi's, you know the clerks that insist on scrutinizing each and every coupon. They really need to lighten up.

Anyway, I could go on for hours about this topic but I will stop here and include a few links I visit on daily or weekly basis. I have a website but it needs updating.

http://www.couponmom.com/
http://www.refundsweepers.com/forums/coupons/
http://www.refundsweepers.com/forums/stockpiles/
http://www.refundingmakescents.com
http://www.sundaysaver.com/
(you can browse grocery ads here)

[xmas74]

83. I'd join.

It just makes sense that DU'ers would be interested in something like this.

[Joebert]

90. Thank you.

We're almost ready to propose it to management. Just polishing the "mission statement" please take a look and comment if you wouldn't mind.

[xmas74]

108. No prob.

Getting ready to go to bed. I'll bookmark and check it out in the morning.

[Pepper32]

106. I agree and I am more than willing to join also. (nt)

[niyad]

104. more and more organic items are being couponed, at least at the shops I

use. check around the produce aisles, ask around. even a couple of my favourite stores, like wild oats and whole "paycheck" (as one of my friends calls whole foods) have coupons for various organic items. just keep looking.

I am blessed, also, with a farmers' market each saturday just a few blocks from where I live--I have been matronizing the same people for the last 5 years--and can always count on them for the best produce and goodies around.

[lildreamer316]

112. Matronizing. Love it.

Sometimes I forget how "patriarchal" our language is. Thanks for the reminder.

[SheilaT]

113. Some time back,

probably about 15 years ago, I started doing coupons because I kept on reading about people who got hundreds of dollars of groceries and sundries for practically nothing thanks to coupons.

Oddly enough, I found I was spending more money, in part because the coupons were for name brand stuff that was still more expensive than the bargain brand stuff. Or they were store-specific coupons for the most expensive stores. So I gave it up and never went back.

I do most of my grocery shopping on the outer aisles, just a little in the middle. I don't do much of the "convenience" foods.

Plus, I keep on living in places that don't double, let alone triple the coupon value.

[lildreamer316]

114. You are right, but

do hang around once we get it up and running; I'm sure there are a few ways we can still help :-)

[NMMNG]

141. If you have a Weis market in your area

They occasionally send out "Coupon Triplers" in their flyers. These will triple any coupon up to 50 cents.

[Clintmax]

143. OK, Two...

How do you DO that? I take my coupons to the store every time also, but I typically still have to pay between $100 to $110 every week! And that's just for two people! I wish I could do that! Publix doesn't really put out a ad every week...so it THAT the key?

[CoffeeCat]

146. Hi there...

The key to saving money using coupons, is amassing multiple copies of the coupons from the Sunday newspapers--and then combining coupons with a low sale price.

Then you stockpile the items that you get for free or very cheap. As you build your stockpile, you'll find that you need less at the store--because you've got a nice stockpile in your own house.

For example, last week I found a great cereal sale. Walgreens had boxes of General Mills cereals for $1. I used my 50/1 coupons and I bought 20 boxes. So now, I have enough cereal for a while. Pretty soon, I find great deals on ketchup, granola bars, toothpaste, rice, cheese, etc. Eventually, your stockpile is so big that you need very few items. You can live off of your stockpile and buy only when you can get products at rock-bottom prices.

It takes a while to build a stockpile. But eventually you get there, and the savings is amazing!

There are many ways to get coupons. I developed my own ways.

In many areas, recycling centers allow you to go though discarded newspapers and get the coupon inserts. I know people who obtain hundreds of inserts this way.

Many people ask their paper boy if they can arrange to meet him after he's through delivering Sunday papers--and take the extra coupons--from the extra papers that he did not sell.

I get my coupons by going into the Quick Trips at midnight on Sunday and removing the inserts from the unsold papers. I prearranged this with the store managers. I told them I was in a coupon club, and asked if I could remove some of the coupons from the papers that were still left on the shelf.

I also discovered that some McDonald's restaurants provide multiple copies of the Sunday newspaper for customers. I asked the manager of several stores, if I could take the coupons early in the morning, right after the store opened. I did this at two stores and I would get up to 10 inserts. It was a great way to start.

Also--ask friends, family, neighbors if you can have their Sunday coupon inserts. If people don't use them, they may be willing to give them up.

With just a few inserts, you can trade coupons with other couponers. There are many online message boards for coupon trading. You post your own message, listing the coupons you have, with your "wish list" of coupons. Or you can read others' lists, then email them with your "wish list" and a list of the coupons you have for them. Then you arrange a trade through the mail.

Those are just a few ideas. There are books on all of the tips/tricks to couponing. Others may have additional suggestions as well.

[nicknameless]

144. Kicking and recommending.

I'm in awe!
Thank you for this information :)

[BlueIris]

145. Sadly, my local organic food sellers don't have "coupons."

It would be nice to spend less than I do on food.

[CoffeeCat]

147. But you can save money on lots of other things, too...

I haven't spent a dime, in three years, on the following things: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, air freshener, dish washing detergent, laundry soap, razors, shaving gel, lotion, many household cleaners, facial cleanser, insect repellent, sunblock.

I combine coupons for these items with rock-bottom sale prices.

Also, if a coupon does not specify a certain size--you can use coupons to buy trial sizes of products. Many coupons will read, "Save $1 on any one size". A trial size deodorant or shave gel goes a long way.

I use the $1/2 any size Crest coupons on the trial sizes. I have 100 trial sizes in my stockpile.

Also, many of these personal hygiene items go on clearance at Target. I often get full size products for free at Target, by watching the clearance section in the health and beauty dept. Find the clearance section in your area store and save a ton of money.

A while back, there was a coupon for a free Mach 3 razor. Since I get multiple copies of the newspaper--I obtained 75 free razors. A nice savings.

I also buy insect repellent and sunblock at the end of the season--when the stores are getting rid of these items. I wait to use my coupons until these great sales and get the items for free.

Also--there are usually great coupons on toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex. You can get great deals on these items as well.

HTH!

[Joanne98]

149. This may seem like a dumb question but,.....

Can you use more than one coupon on each item and don't they have limits on how many you can buy?

[CoffeeCat]

150. Not a dumb question at all...

You can only use one coupon per product. Most coupons state, "One coupon per purchase", which means that you can only use one coupon per item purchased.

For example, if you buy 1 box of General Mills cereal, you can use 1 coupon. If you buy 10 General Mills cereals, you can use 10 coupons--one coupon per item.

Generally, there are no limits. However, some stores will impose limits, and that is their right. Limits are rare though.

Walgreens coupons will often state limits right on the coupon, "Limit of 4", "Limit of 10" etc. Some Walgreens in our area are sticklers about limits. However, other stores don't care and they ignore the limits written on the coupon.

Hope that helps!

[demgurl]

151. It truly depends on the store.

You can not use two manufacturer coupons, but in most stores you can use a store coupon with the manufacturer coupon. To be sure about this, call the 1-800 customer service number and write down the contact info, with the associate's name, so you have it on hand in the store. You will find a lot of instore associates are uninformed and that unclude the store manager in some cases.

Some people will try and stop you from using more than one coupon at a time and it does not even matter if you only have onme per each item. They will point to the wording that usually says "one per purchase" They will say that means you can only use one per each transaction. They are WRONG. Each item you are buying is a purchase. You are allowed to use a coupon on each one.

I find it helps to carry around letters to help demonstrate that you are correct. For instance :

From: [e-mail]
Date: 06/16/04 11:53:14
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Thanks for contacting P&G.


Question Summaries
---------------------------------------------------------------
Some stores seem to have a problem with coupon wording. They say 'one per pur...


Discussion Thread
---------------------------------------------------------------
Response (Karen) - 06/16/2004 11:51 AM
Hi Christina,

I'm happy to explain the wording on our coupons. We define one purchase as buying the amount specified on the coupon. If the coupon says "one any" and you have three coupons, you can redeem all three coupons at the same time if you purchase three products.

Hope this information is helpful. Thanks for stopping by.

Karen
P&G Team


I have found this tends to put them immediately in their place. Hope this helps you and please ask more questions if you need answers.

demgurl

[Deja Q]

154. So how much do you spend on newspaper suscriptions? More importantly,

if companies just gave us the proper prices to begin with instead of these coy games (coupons were initially desined to get you to buy stuff you normally don't care for OR buy more stuff, whose price differential doesn't bother them at all.)

[Rabrrrrrr]

155. And i wonder about all the time expended collecting, snipping,

and finding coupons. One poster above says she goes to Quick Trips and gets the inserts from all the old newspapers, then goes through them and gets many coupons.

Others spend apaprently hours online in coupon chat and trading groups, mailing coupons back and forth. How much does it cost to do all that mailing? What's the cost in time in doing all this? Is it worth it to me to spend 3 hours and a couple bucks in mailing to save a couple dollars on food? Not for it isn't. For some, I'm sure it is. Personally, I'd rather spend that time doing billable work.

But, I see in people who love using coupons a real love of using them, collecting, and trading, and, in reality, it's no worse than spending time with baseball cards or other hobbies. And if they're online, too, they're building relationships.

But for me, for the three items a year that I buy that might have coupons for them, it isn't worth my time at all to look at flyers in the newspapers or elsewhere for coupons.

[CoffeeCat]

156. I spend 10-15 hours per week on my couponing "hobby"...

...however, it is worth it to me. I'm saving so much money for our family, giving donations to our local food pantry, providing materials/snacks to my child's classroom, and sending regular pkgs to Iraq. Plus, our pantry looks like a mini Quick Trip. We have enough food to survive at least six months.

As far as saving money...Our grocery bill (family of 4, plus one cat) used to be $600 for food, toiletries, make-up, paper products and other health and beauty products. Now, we never go over $200. Plus, I sell the coupons I don't use on Ebay and make $50-$100 per week. The net effect is a savings of $600-800 per month.

It's certainly not brain surgery. However, it is fun. I'm involved in a local coupon club and I've met some great people. I also love getting free stuff and giving it away to charities. Spending less money is nice ,but even better--is spending only $200 per month to have a fully stocked pantry and overflow that helps others and area schools.

I will admit that couponing like this is a bit off the wall. However, while I'm a stay-at-home mom and in charge of the finances--I'll keep doing this and using the extra $600 per month on other things.

[Rabrrrrrr]

157. And that's pretty cool!

Especially as a stay at home mom. You are earning minimum $10 an hour (60 hours per month with save of $600), to $20 an hour (40 hours a month with save of $800). Not bad!

A lot of people don't make anywhere near that much at actual jobs.

AND you get to give a lot of stuff to food pantries and our guys in Iraq (since our president seems not to think they need anything).

That's worth something, indeed!

How many coupons do you have to sell on ebay to earn $50?

[CoffeeCat]

158. I had 20 auctions that ended this weekend...

...and I made $50.

Posting the auctions takes less than 15 minutes, because I use a template. Everything is pre-written. I just fill in the coupon name, the amount of the coupon and the expiration date. A piece of cake.

I've never ran the numbers before, but it's nice to know I'm making $10-$20 an hour. It's nice to be able to make the money at home too.

:)

[Rabrrrrrr]

159. So that's an average of $2.50 an auction

I assume you must have a boatload of coupons in each auction?

So people are buying like a bag of coupons at a time?

I find this fascinating, so the more detail you can offer, the better. I'm very curious about people who buy coupons via auction.

[CoffeeCat]

162. I sell the coupons in lots of 20...

Ebay has rules governing coupon selling.

You can only sell up to 20 of the same coupon.

Not all, but most people, but a particular coupon because they can use the coupon to get something for free, or else they're amassing them for a sale.

I sold 20 GUM Toothbrush coupons for aprox $2.50. These coupons can be used to buy FREE toothbrushes at Walmart. Walmart sells these for 97 cents.

I only sell the coupons that will go for more than $2 per 20. Otherwise, it's not worth it. I have to pay a 25 cent insertion fee and 37 cents for postage. I charge 50 cents for postage, which defrays some of that.

I correspond with some of my customers, and they're people like me who coupon as a hobby.

If you're interested in the subject of buying coupons, you MUST check out www.thecouponclippers.com This site is run by a very nice woman who must make six figure annually selling coupons. She gets thousands of inserts from the Sunday newspapers and she sells these coupons to customer online. Check out the site. It's pretty cool.

:)

[demgurl]

175. Nobody buys coupons and nobody sells coupons.

It is illegal to sell coupons so you will find all listings ANYWHERE state that you are buying or bidding on someone's time to collect the coupons. You will never actually be purchasing the coupons themselves.

This is a very important point to know in case you decide you want to get into the selling business. The wording of your advertisement is very important and most, of not all, sites will pull your advertisement if you state you are selling the coupons.

demgurl

[Rabrrrrrr]

176. No, I have no interest at all in selling coupons

or in buying them on ebay or anywhere else.

But that was a very interesting post - illegal to sell coupons, eh? How odd. I did not know that, but now I do! Thanks for posting it.

I never would have thought they would be illegal to sell.

But, the government has surprised me before with laws that make no sense...

[Quetzal]

161. So YOU'RE the people that drive me crazy

when you check out your groceries at the cashier! (said in a joking tone)

I'm a checker/stocker at Safeway and I don't know how you could spend only that much on food a month with your family of 4!!!

then again, it all depends on where you live. I live in a high cost of living area so maybe that is why I spend between 35 to 40 dollars a week on food.

[danniB]

169. I want to learn more about this please!!!

[Graf Orlok]

171. As a professional college student, I do.

Just last week I got ten loaves of bread for ten cents a piece. I was thrilled with that deal!