Guilt over couponing...??? Am I the only one...

[tinkmom2]

My store doesn't have a shopping card but has really low prices. I use about $10-$20 in coupons everytime. My bill is about $100 a week. I don't feel guilty at alll about using coupons. I feel smart about it. Especially when I see the person in front of me spending double of what I have. To me it's dumb not to take advantage of coupons.
I make the most out of my coupons by not being brand loyal. My store doesn't have a flyer either. If people want to make a stink about me using coupons they can always go to another register.
The thing that bugs me is no stores in my area will take internet coupons.
I hate when cashiers scrutinize your coupons. It's not their money it's money given to the store by manufactures.

 

[beansmom]

ok here is my take on it. I use coupons but I only buy the things that I need and use regularly. I'm not one to just buy something because its cheap or new. It has to be something I use regularly. .

And I DO use coupons to try new things...or buy things I normally would not buy. Not that I would not USE but would not buy. That's why I never calculate the 'store savings'...coz, frankly, if it ain't on sale, most of the time I ain't buyin it so that really saves me nothing.

I used $5 coupons and a sale price to purchase the new Lysol No-Touch soap dispensers. Could I have lived without it? Yes...surely. Am I now a convert? OH, YES! They are sooo great for the kitchen...no more greasy soap dispensers.

So, I do try new things as well as my tried and true...but only at a discount!

 

[poohbear158]

I never feel guilty using coupons. I love using coupons and I don't care who knows it. I've never really had anyone moan or roll eyes at me while I was using coupons, but if they did... too darn bad. Maybe if they watched instead of rolling their eyes.. they would actually see how much money they could be saving by using coupons too. I buy things with coupons that we use all the time and new things that I've been wanting to try. Heck, even if I don't use an item... if I can get for free I still usually get it then donate it.

You will get over the eye rolling and moaning real quick once you see the savings on your receipt or maybe when your enjoying your Disney vacation with the money you saved by using coupons on everyday items.

 

[shalom]

I don't know what it is...maybe it's the rolling eyes, the long sighs, the calling over a manager or what, but I just stared to really get into couponing, and I feel guilty for using them? I feel like they seem bothered, or they think I'm obtaining something illegally. Has anyone else felt this way? More importantly how do I get over it! I love saving for my family for Disney...but...?

I used to use coupons all the time and never got any grief, but I do think some stores are cooler about it than others. At this point I think I do better cooking more from scratch and using other methods than coupons, but it just depends on your lifestyle. We still use coupons for a few things if we run across one but I don't spend much time on it anymore.

My MIL used coupons, but she also regularly tried to pass expired coupons and otherwise cheat the system. It may be that some stores have more people like that than others, and I know I'd get a little ticked having to deal with coupons if a fair percentage of people were using them the way she sometimes did.

 

[S&K]

THANK YOU!!! (She types as she clips her newly printed coupons while matching bargains for next weeks shop!)

 

[jrnunzio3]

I have been couponing for years (my dad taught me when I was young). I love it. I keep track of my savings and when I show my husband that my couponing has paid for our yearly Disney trip and then some, he is so happy. I sometimes have the grumpy people behind me, but that is their problem. I love saving the money. Just finished cutting my coupons from Dad's house and putting them together with the sales this week.

OP keep up the good work and don't let anyone make you feel bad about it. They could be doing the same thing and saving a ton on their shopping, they just choose not to. Congratulations on choosing to save money for your family.
Jenny

 

[PatsMom]

I never feel guilty for using coupons. I know I hold up the line sometimes but that is the way life is. I like to save money. I was raised by my mother to shop the sales, clip my coupons and be thrifty. I also shop re-sale stores and yard sales.

The money I save enables us to vacation, help out our adult children and grandson with a few things, and still add to retirement savings. We are ahead of where we planned to be since my husband retired 7 years ago and we've been able to live on my income, his pension and now social security, and even add to my retirement fund. We thought we would be spending his retirement savings by now! But thrifty habits and a few coupons have helped us not to do that.

So don't feel bad if you hold up the line. If you get a snippy cashier, avoid his or her line if you can. Watch for the coupon friendly stores. My CVS used to have an awful cashier who acted like you were stealing if you had a coupon. He is no longer there and the usual Sunday afternoon cashier is always happy when you get a good deal!

 

[mhsjax]

I used to use coupons all the time and never got any grief, but I do think some stores are cooler about it than others. At this point I think I do better cooking more from scratch and using other methods than coupons, but it just depends on your lifestyle. We still use coupons for a few things if we run across one but I don't spend much time on it anymore.

My MIL used coupons, but she also regularly tried to pass expired coupons and otherwise cheat the system. It may be that some stores have more people like that than others, and I know I'd get a little ticked having to deal with coupons if a fair percentage of people were using them the way she sometimes did.

That is me, I like to cook from scratch. The only thing I ever see coupons for is junk food and I won't do it, even to save money. I wish I could find coupons for meat and fresh fruit and veggies. I hate frozen pizzas, I won't buy cookies, (make only home made stuff). I don't use frozen meals either. I guess I am out of luck. Oh well, guess I just have to scrimp in other areas.

 

[Dizneydaz]

I do love to coupon but don't use them as much as I probably should. Sometimes I will send my DM to the store with the coupons and a list and she'll come back with only getting about 1/2 the items. She says it's not worth the aggravation! There aren't any markets here that double, that would be great! I tend to use the larger coupons. Used the $16 coupon for Twilight last week-got it for $1-great deal!

I use coupons more at restaurants than any where else. I've gotten to the point that I hate to go to a restaurant without a coupon, or at least a deal!

No, I don't feel guilty.

 

[waynesgirl]

That is me, I like to cook from scratch. The only thing I ever see coupons for is junk food and I won't do it, even to save money. I wish I could find coupons for meat and fresh fruit and veggies. I hate frozen pizzas, I won't buy cookies, (make only home made stuff). I don't use frozen meals either. I guess I am out of luck. Oh well, guess I just have to scrimp in other areas.

I'm lucky-the Publix here almost has a cheering section for coupon users, and they run a lot of special coupons for $ off veggies and meat. They do double coupons and such...

I too try to cook fresh and healthy-but both myself and my DH work (he's overnight; I am day shift) so the frozen pizzas and such make their way in the door. I cook a homemade meal at least 3 days per week and though I might use some processed frozen things, I try my best to mix it with fresh salads, a few fresh veggies cut up and tossed in for extra vitamins, and always make sure that they go outside to play some of those calories off when it is warm (or with the Wii when it is cold).

Coupons help save money on the sliced meats, low-fat snacks and chips, and the powdered drink mixes my kids use for school everyday (school lunch is expensive!!) as well as the Breyer's ice cream that my DH adores. They also save money on the INSANE amount of detergent I go through with 2 DD's at home and a DS who can't go outside without getting filthy.

It doesn't fit everyone's lifestyle, but for me it has helped lower my grocery bills by over $150.00 every month, and when I go to Target and JCPenny, and can save over 50% on clothes and such, it really helps me with growing kids.

So long as you aren't the grouchy one behind me, it's all good if you don't use coupons. And I salute everyone on this board that can make a fresh meal every night-I'm jealous! Especially if you can get your spouse to clean up afterwards!!!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I only feel bad when they don't have another register open and I am holding up the only one open. But really, that's not my fault but I still feel bad.

I will say that couponing doesn't work well with our lifestyle but I do use them on occasion. 99% of coupons in my area are for processed foods which I don't buy. I DO use coupons for restaurants a LOT. Occasionally I'll find coupons for cheese or pasta that I'll use but it's rare for me to have a stack of coupons. Just not the stuff we eat.

(I have starting CVSing and it's rare for them to have more than one register open so I do hold up the line a little... I try to go when it's dead in there so I don't)

 

[poohbear158]

What does cooking from scratch have to do with using coupons? There are coupons for everything... heath & beauty, pet supplies, household products etc. For example, I don't think I have paid for toothpaste or deodorant (just to name a few items) in over 3 years thanks to coupons. To each there own on how people choose to spend or not spend money. I choose to not spend money on products that I can get for free or close to free by using coupons.

That is me, I like to cook from scratch. The only thing I ever see coupons for is junk food and I won't do it, even to save money. I wish I could find coupons for meat and fresh fruit and veggies. I hate frozen pizzas, I won't buy cookies, (make only home made stuff). I don't use frozen meals either. I guess I am out of luck. Oh well, guess I just have to scrimp in other areas.

 

[MagiKitty]

Poohbear, I have to agree with you. I think that there are some misconceptions about couponing and what you can get for it. You can get perfectly healthy foods with coupons! There are organic items, frozen veggies, breads, and the items you need to cook with from scratch, like spices, condiments and cooking oil. My grocery has its own coupons for milk, fruits and veggies, and rarely meats/seafood.

I don't think I've ever paid full price for toiletries. There are too many good coupons out there. And if there's a practically free item that I won't be using, I always donate it to someone who can use it.

Ultimately, its about choice. I've heard people claim they can't be bothered, its too time consuming, its embarrassing, its for unhealthy processed foods....you can find coupons for what you use, or want to try, if you want to. If it doesn't fit your lifestyle, maybe there are other ways you can budget. But for me, coupons is part of my lifestyle and budget and is a source of pride for my effort and savings.

 

[S&K]

You all have made me feel sooo much better! Yeah! I'm not alone!

I do A LOT of cooking from scratch...we rarely eat out because our kiddos can't sit still and not pester one another for long enough so needless to say, I am REALLY looking to dining out in DW where there are kids everywhere and I don't have to cook for one whole week!

I do feel like this couponing is going to be addictive though...now that you all are helping me get over my guilt! I have a competitive edge from back in school sports, and I sort of feel like I can make a game out of finding good deals, planning my weekly menu according to sales, etc. Does anyone else do this?

Also, I felt a bit of urgency as I would pull into the parking lot of the stores...as if EVERYONE was there to get the same deals as I was and that they could actually be GONE when I got there! SO SILLY!!!

 

[MagiKitty]

S&K...if it ever does happen that the deal is sold out..don't forget to go to customer service and get a raincheck!

Couponing feels like a game to me too...but competing with myself! I too look at what's on sale and how can I cook that up? What's my new recipe going to be using this stuff? I've found some great new food combos this way...

 

[cheerforchelsea]

I have discovered that after you turn 50 - you don't care what anybody thinks!!

 

[S&K]

You know, I asked Walmart about that the other day regarding the $17.00 copy of Twilight New Moon, and the electronics department personnel said they don't give rainchecks!!! ??? Anyway...I just drove to a different Walmart that had one in stock, but I thought everyone had to do that? Thanks for the tip though, because I do forget to think about asking!

Good point about not caring when you turn 50...only 12 1/2 years to try to not care what anyone thinks! My husband says he's alread there with that theory, and he's 41!

 

[simonsmom]

I encounter cashiers that act like I am a thief. it is very annoying but my coupons are all valid,in date,and I am buying the stuff. The store does get reimbursed + gets a fee on top of the price. I just try to avoid those cashiers in the future. I would rather wait in line a few extra minutes then have a nasty cashier.

 

[mhsjax]

What does cooking from scratch have to do with using coupons? There are coupons for everything... heath & beauty, pet supplies, household products etc. For example, I don't think I have paid for toothpaste or deodorant (just to name a few items) in over 3 years thanks to coupons. To each there own on how people choose to spend or not spend money. I choose to not spend money on products that I can get for free or close to free by using coupons.

I wasn't insulting you, I don't care how people cook, I am just saying that I don't find any food coupons that I can use. Also it seems that I very rarely can find coupons for what I use. Sorry if that offends you. Also the dog food I use never has coupons, I get it from a pet store. However I do get a free one after I buy 10 bags. But at the same time I won't use a coupon for a product that I don't use, been there and done that, I have wasted more money than I have saved probably because I am so brand specific.

Now if you can tell me where I can get coupons for meat and fruit and veggies. I will use them.

 

[mhsjax]

Poohbear, I have to agree with you. I think that there are some misconceptions about couponing and what you can get for it. You can get perfectly healthy foods with coupons! There are organic items, frozen veggies, breads, and the items you need to cook with from scratch, like spices, condiments and cooking oil. My grocery has its own coupons for milk, fruits and veggies, and rarely meats/seafood.

I don't think I've ever paid full price for toiletries. There are too many good coupons out there. And if there's a practically free item that I won't be using, I always donate it to someone who can use it.

Ultimately, its about choice. I've heard people claim they can't be bothered, its too time consuming, its embarrassing, its for unhealthy processed foods....you can find coupons for what you use, or want to try, if you want to. If it doesn't fit your lifestyle, maybe there are other ways you can budget. But for me, coupons is part of my lifestyle and budget and is a source of pride for my effort and savings.

Glad you get coupons for all of those thing. True I do get cooking oil, but how often do you have to buy that, and yes I do use those. But I have never seen a coupon in my area for meat of seafood, mil or fruit. On sale, sure, but not real coupons. I would love to use them and I have no problem with people that do use them, I just personally can't that many that apply to me and what I use.