I already hit the loss-leader sales, stock up, compare prices. So, I decided to try couponing. I started collecting coupons and I joined a couple of coupon swaps online. Now I am trying to match up the coupons with the sales (which is what the expert couponers recommend). I am getting so tired of looking at/handling coupons! I have to wonder if it is really worth the time and extra effort. I have been spending hours on this, and I don't enjoy it. Does anyone here coupon?
2006-08-30 16:36:30 · 6 answers · asked by marelda 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
It depends entirely on what you're buying! most coupons are targeted to get you to buy what you wouldn't have otherwise, or as a 'loss leader' (as you know, where they are trying to lure you in with inexpensive items so you'll buy other at-or-over retail items too). Most things that are couponed are already overpriced or overpackaged to begin with, and the time it involves something you should not bother with unless you actually like it (which you don't)
If cooking from scratch, I think you'll do better to buy basics in bulk & have a way to store. There are little things like seal a meal or freezer tupperware (or many other such concepts) where you can buy in bulk and divide up into single servings/cooking portions, in which case it's handy to have a chest freezer to keep it all in.
For me, the savings of the coupons are not worth it--except to scan what will be at the store you're going to anyway for what you were going to buy anyway. I think you're better off to invest in the chest freezer next time they go on sale (which are scheduled in advance & you can generally nose the dates out of someone--now, that's worth it!) and get some sealer or packaging equipment.
There's a great book on how to keep & preserve nearly everything perishable (exerpted from the list ing at amazon:
Stocking Up: The Third Edition of America's Classic Preserving Guide (Paperback)
Book Description
The most comprehensive, up-to-date guide to harvesting, storing, preparing, and preserving foods of all kinds.
For the self-sufficient farmer or the urban weekend gardener, the third edition of Stocking Up is an invaluable addition to any kitchen. With detailed illustrations and easy-to-follow directions, this encyclopedic resource makes "stocking up" easy.
Follow step-by-step instructions for:
* Freezing, canning, drying, and preserving fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and poultry
* Harvesting nuts, seeds, sprouts, fruits, and vegetables
* Preparing pickles, relishes, jams, jellies, butters, cheeses, and breads.
2006-08-30 17:08:13 · answer #1 · answered by knewknickname 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't "coupon" but I do use coupons.. Use only on items I would normally buy and combine them with store coupons or for items that I would normally use which are on sale. I'm buying for a one person Houseehold and save about $200 a year.
2006-08-31 06:12:34 · answer #2 · answered by Leslie S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Coupons are o.k. sometimes, but I find myself buying things that I don't usually buy just because I have a coupon for it. So for me coupons cost me more money, for that reason alone. But like anything else there is the good and the bad.
2006-08-31 00:13:12 · answer #3 · answered by dianesaunders2003 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buy combining sales and coupons I save about 25%. Think of it as making money or a scavenger hunt.
2006-08-30 23:43:18 · answer #4 · answered by DaLady 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I never use them, because we don't eat at home very much. But if you have the time and you get the newspaper it sure does add up!
2006-08-30 23:39:53 · answer #5 · answered by Dorothy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
your finding out its time consuming but it can add up.
there have been times i saved quite a bit.
2006-08-30 23:42:57 · answer #6 · answered by rcsanandreas 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋