Coupons an Embarassment?

[JonJor]

my aunt always cut out all the coupons she could find and separate them into piles for those that she throught would use them. she would even go to the corner store on mondays and see what papers they had left. i would receive the baby food, diapers, cleaning products......etc pile. she passed away a couple years ago.....i miss her and her couponing skills. she was a coupon genius.

here's to aunt maresie....we love you

 

[tngramma]

And, unfortunately, the only was to be sure that we will be able to continue to use coupons in the future is if the manufacturers keep putting them out there for us. And they won't do that if we abuse coupon use.

Buying coupons is illegal.

If you want to get more coupons, get a few extra newspapers on Sundays or join a coupon train/swap with other people who use coupons. You'll have plenty of coupons, and won't need to try and "buy" them from somewhere else.

I have never, ever "bought" coupons and I have enough FREE toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, laundry soap and body wash stocked in my basement to last until Jesus comes back!

I am sure your are educated on this topic but for the life of me cannot see how I am breaking the law by buying coupons that someone else has clipped. The person bought the newspapers and took the time to clip and sort them.

I buy multiple papers but there are times when I want 10 or 20 of a certain coupon. Paying someone else to purchase a paper and clip coupons for me is the easy and economical way.

Not tying to start a heated discussion but wanted to add my 2 cents worth.

 

[Whistle]

How absolutely rude! I would be proud of how much you saved- not embarrassed.

I would want to turn around, look her in the face, and say something to the fact of "I would be embarrassed to be so rude" . . . I probably would chicken out though and say nothing.

You did a great job though!

 

[disneyfav4ever]

On last night's episode of Wife Swap, one of the moms was an AVID coupon clipper/user. She had a binder full of coupons and after every shopping trip, she would post the receipt on the fridge.

I truly admire people who coupon religiously. I am inspired by all of you and will try to plan meals and shop accordingly. Summer is here and the kids will be around more. The grocery bill is getting ready to skyrocket and I need to be prepared!!

I'm going to have to find that episode on YouTube or something. I used to watch WifeSwap, but don't so much anymore, but I'd like to see what happened with that.

 

[Juliet25]

I also do never get embarrased. Alot of times the cashier does not know how to ring up the B/O get one free coupons or the Free coupons and the people behind me look at me like i am holding up the line. I just smile and wait for the cashier to figure it out or call someone that can. I usually will only use coupons if it is BO get one free or over $.50.

When I have the free coupons, I try to put those items at the very end of my order so the cashier can look up the price quickly. The cashiers seem to really appreciate this. It took me awhile to figure that trick out.

 

[Juliet25]

j

 

[Juliet25]

I just finished leading a class at our church on saving money on household expenses. One week was dedicated to couponing. I was very suprised by the low attendance considering the economy and also the fact that my classes were free(there are some local classes on using coupons that cost around $45)

What I discovered is that people wanted the information, they just didn't want anyone to see them in the class. They don't want their friends to know that they are trying to save money????? I gave the information sheets to them, but I wonder if they will even try. What if someone saw them shopping with coupons?

Wow, seriously? How can couponing be embarrassing? I guess I hang around in weird circles. Everyone I know is cool with saving money. I'm 33, not 15. I'm kinda past that phase where I think all eyes are on me.

 

[leahjade]

I believe the only people who say things like that are people who have more than enough money to feel comfortable

I disagree - two of my friends never coupon (say they can't be bothered) yet they make much less money than my family and are in debt up to their eyeballs! It can work both ways - I know wealthy people who are very frugal and still use coupons!

 

[Kycha]

I was checking out at the store yesterday with my weekly big order, so of course I had a bunch of coupons. The lady behind me said, (very loudly, I'm sure so I could hear,) to her husband or whoever it was she was with, that if she used that many coupons she'd be embarassed to show her face in public.

How is saving money embarassing? I saved about 75% of my bill, I don't see anything embrassing about that! She was just a rude lady, and made me so mad.

Don't be too upset about it. She's just ignorant. And think about it this way...someone has to pay full price otherwise stores wouldn't be able to offer sale prices, discounts and coupons. It might as well be that lady.



A couple of tips I would like to offer for anyone that is starting out on couponing...

• I use a website called taylortownpreview.com. It has a coupon schedule that lists which of the 3(Smartsource, Redplum or Proctor & Gamble) coupon inserts to expect each week. For example, all 3 will be included in your 6/7 Sunday paper. They also have a coupon preview page. Basically a listing of what coupons will be in each insert. Unfortunately, coupons are different region to region. So, what they have listed doesn't always match up with what I end up getting. But if I see a valuable coupon on their list, I know to get to the store early to get my papers before they sell out.
• Buy your Sunday papers from your local Dollar store. My local Sunday papers newstand price is $1.75. I save .75 per paper when I buy them from Dollar Tree.
• I don't do this, but know a bunch of people that do. Ask your neighbors, friends, anyone for their coupons. Or go to your local library, coffee shop, bookstore, recycling center to pick up leftover coupons.
• Register on hotcouponworld.com or afullcup.com. They are a grocery and coupon forums. Both sites have forums for individual grocery stores. So, the 2 local stores that I use each have their own forum that anybody can post their great deals. Plus, someone usually does a coupon matchup with the weekly sales flyer. Very helpful. Both sites also have a coupon database that is an extremely useful resource. Any item that you are interested in buying, just type it into the database and see what coupons are available. For example, I had to run to the store last night and DH asked me to pick up some athlete's foot spray. I was sure I didn't have any in my coupon stash. So, I typed in what I was looking for and sure enough they had a link for a printable coupon. I saved $2.

 

[Missy1961]

I am sure your are educated on this topic but for the life of me cannot see how I am breaking the law by buying coupons that someone else has clipped. The person bought the newspapers and took the time to clip and sort them.

I buy multiple papers but there are times when I want 10 or 20 of a certain coupon. Paying someone else to purchase a paper and clip coupons for me is the easy and economical way.

Not tying to start a heated discussion but wanted to add my 2 cents worth.

Read the coupon--they are not for sale. The person is getting around that by saying you are paying for them to cut the coupon. It may not be a major crime, but it isn't what the manufacturers intended. And it is an abuse of the system, and that may mean less coupons being offered.

 

[Missy1961]

And I've got to say I've never experienced anyone complaining about my couupon use. I've been grocery shopping with coupons for about 25 years, and before that I'd go shopping with my mom when she'd use coupons too. I've never had a customer or a cashier complain. In fact, I once had a cashier say to me--"wow, everything you bought was on sale." And I live in NY, which is supposed to be such a rude place. Go figure.

 

[PHXscuba]

Several pages back in the discussions (forgot who/where), someone said "I'm a SAHM, my contribution is saving the money." I couldn't agree more!

DH's income may provide for our needs, but squeezing every last benefit out of that money is my part-time job. And when you coupon, call around, price-compare for big items, dispute bills, wait for sales, shop online, etc., you can make pretty good money for the time you spend!

They say to increase the amount of money you have available, you can work harder/longer and let the government take its 30% tax cut or whatever, or you can spend less and keep every penny. I know which camp I'm in!

PHXscuba

 

[Mrs.Reese]

MRS. REESE:

I thought I was the only person on earth who knows the tooty ta! My kids request Dr. Jean on a daily basis.

Did you know that you can even get Tooty-Ta shirts? A tooty-ta, a tooty-ta, a tooty-ta-ta....

 

[pilesoflaundry]

Buying coupons is illegal.

If you want to get more coupons, get a few extra newspapers on Sundays or join a coupon train/swap with other people who use coupons. You'll have plenty of coupons, and won't need to try and "buy" them from somewhere else.

Read your coupons again. Most of them also say void if transferred, exchanged or traded, not just sold. You could be just as wrong. Transfer or exchanged is a swap.

I don't care if someone trades or buys coupons and I've done it. I've also bought a few papers when that week I wanted multiples of more than just one.

To the nasty rude lady I would have said "I'll try and remember to be embarrassed when I'm in disney next week" It really does pay for our trips, fun stuff for the kids everything.

It is a full time job though. I can understand why some people can't be bothered because they work. I stay at home and this is my job. I make more money staying home and cutting coupons then I would working full time and not having time to buy on sale or use them. I save thousands a year between cvs, coupons and buying strictly on sale or clearance.

The best deal ever was hitting the manager special at sears and I got sketchers for $2! They were missing boxes or the last ones of a particular style they don't sell anymore. I got skate shoes for ds for $2 and $3 too.

Rebates are another great money saver. Keep using your coupons who cares what people say.

 

[HappyPeach]

How do we determine from the OP's post that:

1) the lady was a snob

2) they are in debt/spend over their means/can't save a dime

3) that she is a credit card lovin tush

I would guess that the woman was put out because she had to wait. Someone previously said something about "3 seconds" to scan a coupon. Well, when you're behind someone who is a serious coupon-user (and often they're also price-matchers and check-writers) it takes substantially more than 3 seconds. I don't think it was right or nice for her to make the comment she did. But I'll bet anything that the OP's transaction took 2 - 3 times as long as someone w/o coupons would have. I think ignoring the cranky person was the right move... why would you ever lower yourself by making an ugly comment back to them?

 

[hereforthesun]

I shop Walgreens, CVS and Publix. I just found out that register rewards are actually manufacturer coupons and they scan. This week the Bayer Contour meters were on sale for $10 and get $10 register rewards I had coupons for up to $30 off so the meter was free and I am able to shop at Publix with my free money.

Kudos to us coupon shoppers don't leave home without you never know what you can get for free. I may not need now but I could need in the near future. I donate the meters to the shelters around here. You never know who could use them. I also make up baskets from my stockpile for others if they are having a rough time or just moved into a home. All in all it is good for everyone. My 17 year old daughter is learning never buy full price. My oldest daughter is an avid coupon shopper also.

I was able to save enough for a trip to disney and hope to save enough again for another trip soon.

 

[Microcell]

When I first started couponing I would apologize for taking up everyone's time etc.. until I saw Hillary Swank on a talk show and she brought it home for me..

She lived in a car with her mom for a few of her teenage years and her mom couponed, and even now, wealthy beyond any expectations, Hillary Swank says the feeling of using a coupon can't be beat! She was saying she cannot pay full price for something she knows she has a coupon for!

Coupons are how the rich stay rich!

Frank Morgan was a very wealthy man here in KC (built virtually all the malls around here) and he went to my parent's synagogue and he drove a 1985 Buick untl he died in 1995 or so. He woulda driven around in it until now if it still worked! He used to come into the Hardee's I worked at and ALWAYS had his coupon for whatever he was getting! He was easily the most wealthy person in the metro and was legendary for his coupon usage! You are in very good company!

 

[LuvMy3Monkeys]

The person bought the newspapers and took the time to clip and sort them.
Paying someone else to purchase a paper and clip coupons for me is the easy and economical way.

I totally understand your logic... really I do!!

The reason it's illegal is because people who clip and sell coupons online don't buy a newspaper and get the coupons out of the paper. Most of them work either A.) where the coupons are printed or B.) where they are distributed.. i.e. the local newspaper office or C.) for the delivery service that gets them from the printing press to the local newspaper.

Most of these coupons are obtained illegally, which is why it's illegal to sell them. Grab a coupon and read the fine print. Do you see where it says cash value is 1/20th of a cent? That means you can sell 20 coupons for one penny. And that's it.

I'm sure if you coupon you are familiar with the coupon mom (couponmom.com)? She's been on Oprah and Good Morning America... she puts out "the list" every week for coupon strategies for that particular week with every stores sales and yadda yadda yadda....

ANYWAY... she has a whole article on why it's illegal and how people get those coupons you are buying. What I gave you is just a summary.

Not saying that I agree or don't agreee... just letting you know that whether or not you or I see it as breaking the law, it IS indeed illegal whether we like it or not.

Now... Don't shoot the messenger!!

 

[LuvMy3Monkeys]

Did you know that you can even get Tooty-Ta shirts? A tooty-ta, a tooty-ta, a tooty-ta-ta....

WHAAAT?? Where?? I LOOOOOVE Dr. Jean!

I went to one of her conventions once for school and it was strange how comfortable you feel closing your eyes, sticking your tongue out and spinning in circles in front of strangers!

 

[LuvMy3Monkeys]

Wow, seriously? How can couponing be embarrassing? I guess I hang around in weird circles. Everyone I know is cool with saving money. I'm 33, not 15. I'm kinda past that phase where I think all eyes are on me.

HAHA I know! My friends call me saying how much they saved and I always feel this urge to go out and shop so I can call back and compete with her savings!!

I must be hanging out with the strange crowd too, because all of my friends think it's cool how much money I save... and now they do it too!!

Hey... whoever said coupons can't buy happiness ain't shoppin' in the right place!