I am so tired of people who say all coupons are for junk!

[fortwildernessishome]

I just have to toss this out there (dons flame suit)... What is wrong with people? Why spend all this energy and time beating each other up over junk/not junk? Its like the mommy wars all over again. "I'm better because I work. "No, I'm better because I stay home." Same thing, except this thread is, "I'm better because I never touch a store bought item and only eat organic," "No, I'm better because I can save money and get stuff for free."

WHO CARES? So people find a way to save money. So they eat organic. So they feed their family in a way that you don't/can't/won't. So what if your region has "good" coupons or not. Why does it matter? Why can't people just be happy for others. "Hey, you found a way to save $2.00? Good for you." Without all the subtext and judging that goes, "Hey, good for you, but too bad your kids are going to grow up nutritionally deficient." Is any of what these other people do directly affecting your life or your eating habits? Nope. So it does not matter what other people do or don't do.

The thing is, coupons and their use are a matter of personal preference. What works for one may not work for another. What works in one area may not work in another. That doesn't mean that anyone is better or worse than you (or that even if you believe it to be so, you have to comment on it). Coupons are out there for those that want to use them. End of story. You don't find them useful, don't use them. If you do, that's fine too.

Why can't everyone just play nice and offer helpful suggestions instead of beating each other up? We're all just trying to save money in whatever ways make sense for us and our own personal situations. There doesn't have to be a "winner" in every discussion. There's no right or wrong here, except what's right or wrong for each individual. All ways of saving money (heck, even living in general) are subjective. What's great for me may stink for you. It's not my business to judge or even comment on it.

Why can't we simply say, "Hey, I'm happy that you're saving so much money. Great!." Or say, "Hey, it's great that you eat so healthfully. Good for you." Try being happy for others. As long as they are happy with their choices, that's all that really matters. Try supporting someone before you rip them to shreds. I can just about guarantee you'll be happier, more relaxed, and more empathetic toward the ways others choose to/have to live their lives.

Off soapbox now...

This!!!!

 

[fortwildernessishome]

Lol the only one with that much angst about it is you. I can't imagine feeding my Kidd trash. I am absolutely sure that others feel the same about stuff in my life such as homeschooling. Big whup. Dont read it if you dont want to.

Pretty sure that no one can imagine feeding their kids "trash"!!! Thats kinda gross!

 

[GinnyEmma]

Pretty sure that no one can imagine feeding their kids "trash"!!! Thats kinda gross!

Lol, you bet it is gross. Just my opinion, of course.

 

[kstgelais4]

They CLAIM to see them online but I have YET to see anyone be able to post an actual LINK to one of these "$1.00 off any roast, fruit, etc" (that doesn't have the stipulation of either buying something in addition to the item you actually WANT to buy).

I'm VERY happy for people who are able to find these coupons!

Oh - and I don't believe that "all" coupons are for junk.. Granted, I don't find coupons for fresh meat, fresh veggies, and fresh fruits - but I don't consider tuna fish "junk" - I don't consider frozen veggies "junk" - I don't consider frozen fruits (minus the sugary syrup) "junk" - I don't consider oatmeal "junk" - and on and on..

Unfortunately I can't even find any decent coupons for the items I've mentioned, so 9 times out of 10 I buy the less expensive "non-brand" items(which is fine with me) - but there are three "brand"' items that I must have that are killing my budget lately: Folgers Coffee (canned and the only kind I can drink) - Breathe Right Strips and Boost (per my doctors orders).. If anyone happens to stumble across any of these online, I would really appreciate it if you would PM me..

I use coupons all the time and I love it. It is true that there aren't as many coupons for "healthier" items, but they are out there. I don't think I would be able to shop and buy the things that I do without all of those coupons. It would be nice if there were more coupons, but "healthier" items, but at least there are coupons out there for those who need them.

To get back to the OP, in my experience Denise is correct - not all coupons are for junk. You have to do your research and I have said this before, the coupons you want are not going to leap up and bite you on the bum! The time some folks might spend watching mindless reality TV shows is the time I use to surf the internet checking my favorite coupon blogs. The folks on the coupon forums do a lot of the legwork for you. If you only buy "health food" or foods marked "organic", there are coupon forums for that. Some times you have to get your coupons by visiting the manufacturers' sites directly, sometimes you can get a decent coupon on Facebook by "liking" a product. I found it a little annoying to hear people on this thread saying "we don't have Food Lion here, the nearest Kroger is 50 miles away, etc. etc". So, research the stores that ARE in your area! You can search on the various coupon forums for deals by your state or by the stores in your area. I stopped buying the Sunday paper a long time ago because here in the Boston area the coupons tend to suck, plus the paper is over $3.00. I order what coupons I can use from a clipping service.

I buy mostly frozen vegetables and yes, there are coupons for them - birdseye, green giant and Hanover - these are plain vegetables with no salt or sauces added. I stock up when they go on sale, I have coupons that will double and there is a Catalina deal for them. I also stock up on no-salt added canned tomatoes and low-sodium chicken broth...I have obtained those for free by combining a sale with a Catalina deal. For fresh fruit I will use the Cuties tangerine coupons and Driscoll berries. I also accept the fact that there won't be many coupons for fresh poultry and seafood, although store coupons often can be had for the seafood. Even though I'm in a HCOLA, Eggland's Best eggs frequently go on sale for $1.88 a dozen and with a doubled 50cent coupon I can get them for 88cents.

These are just examples - do whatever works for you but you will have to expend some effort. I work full-time so I consider couponing to be a second, part-time job (that can be very gratifying).

This is response to posts above
http://www.organicdeals.com/
There are lot's of good coupons on this website. Sometimes I can even get stuff free at Whole Foods. I have gotten Hummus for like .19. Sometimes they even post deals on fruit/veggies.

Well I guess I must be lucky I live in a place where we get coupons for milk and meat and veggies some fresh some frozen. We also have 3 grocery stores the double $1 coupons. We have 2 stores the pay 5 cents for bringing your own bags. I match my coupons with the coupon that BJ's send me every month and save even more on the stuff I buy in bulk. So with the $ 75 I saved yesterday in my grocery budget with the coupons I was able to fill the gas tank in my car so yes I think they are worth it.

Add me to the list of people who <3 BJ's. I do a monthly shopping trip there, and use the store coupons (which they always have a TON for fresh fruits/veggies, and chicken etc.) and stack them with manufacturers coupons. So on my $500 order total, I spent about $350. And almost all of it was NOT from major food companies that you all speak of.

I live in New England so the growing season for me runs from June to September. I grow several vegetables in containers, and strawberries. I find cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes to be the best use of containers but have also planted cucumbers, snow peas, eggplant and peppers in containers. I have planted strawberries in containers but you have to put netting over them or else the birds (and skunks and other varmints) will get them. I wouldn't worry about snakes.

I wanted to add that you can plant strawberries in hanging baskets if you are worried about this. They grow very well this way!

 

[DMRick]

This is response to posts above
http://www.organicdeals.com/
There are lot's of good coupons on this website. Sometimes I can even get stuff free at Whole Foods. I have gotten Hummus for like .19. Sometimes they even post deals on fruit/veggies.

I get the title of the page above, and ads on the right, but nothing else.

 

[kstgelais4]

I get the title of the page above, and ads on the right, but nothing else.

Let's try this again...
www.organicdeals.com

 

[estherhead]

I don't understand why the op cares so much about the opinions of others. Who cares if I believe coupons are primarily for junky, overpricessed, over sugared nasty food? It is merely my opinion. It has no pertinence to anyone's life but our own.

Ok. I've pondered this question as I've followed this thread. And I know why it bothers me. Not sure if it's the same as for the op.

An opinion that is just an opinion is not aggressive. My opinion is that using critical words like "nasty" turns an opinion from "just an opinion" into a "critical opinion". And the truth is the huge majority of people will defend themselves in the face of criticism, even on a public forum where you know it doesn't matter.

For example my opinion is that organics are not regulated enough currently for me to believe they have fewer carcinogens and chemicals, especially since sulfer is permitted on organic farms which contains trace lead. This makes feel like paying more for them is not a good value.

That is just an opinion. A critical opinion is that gullible suckers buy organics thereby wasting money that could be used to better their families in more advantageous ways.

See the difference? One is interesting, probably won't influence your choices but might make you verify that organics are as safe as you believe. The other is an attack on your character.

For me, both in my personal life and on forums, I believe (this is my real opinion, the others were simply examples) that the huge majority of people are trying as hard as they can to make good choices for their families. So though I try to impart knowledge, if I have some on the subject, I generally steer clear of verbiage I think might hurt others.

I think this might be the op's issue. She feels that some comments on coupon threads are aggressive and actually meant to hurt. And she wishes they wouldn't.

 

[GinnyEmma]

Well, I agree with the concerns about organic, natural, lowfat, really all labels meant to bring people in without thought. Imagine that.

I figure that people need to give their kids the best they can in life. I'll risk that that the organic produce I purchase is better for my kids than hamburger helper, oreida French fries, the newest red kid sugar drink, and cookies from the cheapest place possible. I guess it is a sucker bet. You of course are free feed your children as terribly as you like. Lol, I guess you would rather believe sugar frosted flakes has whole grains, hehehe.

 

[estherhead]

Well, I agree with the concerns about organic, natural, lowfat, really all labels meant to bring people in without thought. Imagine that.

I figure that people need to give their kids the best they can in life. I'll risk that that the organic produce I purchase is better for my kids than hamburger helper, oreida French fries, the newest red kid sugar drink, and cookies from the cheapest place possible. I guess it is a sucker bet. You of course are free feed your children as terribly as you like. Lol, I guess you would rather believe sugar frosted flakes has whole grains, hehehe.

My point proven. Defense given in the face of a critical opinion.

 

[GinnyEmma]

My point proven. Defense given in the face of a critical opinion.

Lol, merely amusement at the concept. And a good time thinking up the worst possible scenario. As I said earlier I get flack for homeschooling. Heck I even had a babysitter mock me for giving my kid papaya rather fruits when they were little. My exact point was that people disagree. That is the way of the world. Who cares about what some random Internet poster thinks?

 

[Candlelady]

My point proven. Defense given in the face of a critical opinion.

Well done!

 

[JennyKS]

LOVE the idea of hanging baskets for strawberries!

 

[estherhead]

Lol, merely amusement at the concept. And a good time thinking up the worst possible scenario. As I said earlier I get flack for homeschooling. Heck I even had a babysitter mock me for giving my kid papaya rather fruits when they were little. My exact point was that people disagree. That is the way of the world. Who cares about what some random Internet poster thinks?

I'm glad you are enjoying our conversation. Me too. I love a good disagreement.

 

[Juliet25]

Ok. I've pondered this question as I've followed this thread. And I know why it bothers me. Not sure if it's the same as for the op.

An opinion that is just an opinion is not aggressive. My opinion is that using critical words like "nasty" turns an opinion from "just an opinion" into a "critical opinion". And the truth is the huge majority of people will defend themselves in the face of criticism, even on a public forum where you know it doesn't matter.

For example my opinion is that organics are not regulated enough currently for me to believe they have fewer carcinogens and chemicals, especially since sulfer is permitted on organic farms which contains trace lead. This makes feel like paying more for them is not a good value.

That is just an opinion. A critical opinion is that gullible suckers buy organics thereby wasting money that could be used to better their families in more advantageous ways.

See the difference? One is interesting, probably won't influence your choices but might make you verify that organics are as safe as you believe. The other is an attack on your character.

For me, both in my personal life and on forums, I believe (this is my real opinion, the others were simply examples) that the huge majority of people are trying as hard as they can to make good choices for their families. So though I try to impart knowledge, if I have some on the subject, I generally steer clear of verbiage I think might hurt others.

I think this might be the op's issue. She feels that some comments on coupon threads are aggressive and actually meant to hurt. And she wishes they wouldn't.

So very well said. I read the OP when it had but one page of responses. I thought it might turn into one of "those" threads. Sure enough, the next time I logged in to the BB, it was 10+ pages long.

I agree with everything you said and think it applies to MANY threads on the DIS and on-line in general. And pretty funny how you're point was so well illustrated above...

 

[GinnyEmma]

I'm glad you are enjoying our conversation. Me too. I love a good disagreement.

Good! I'm painting, and this is my buzz over to during break conversation. you'll note that it is getting and shorter in between. I am crazy tired, lol.

Eta, I see your point. I am just old and have decided that it what others think that matters most of the time.

 

[Sunny37]

Well done!

Agreed!!

 

[LisaNJ25]

Let's try this again...
www.organicdeals.com

Today I got 2 bottles of organic lemonade for free with coupons

 

[fortwildernessishome]

Ok. I've pondered this question as I've followed this thread. And I know why it bothers me. Not sure if it's the same as for the op.

An opinion that is just an opinion is not aggressive. My opinion is that using critical words like "nasty" turns an opinion from "just an opinion" into a "critical opinion". And the truth is the huge majority of people will defend themselves in the face of criticism, even on a public forum where you know it doesn't matter.

For example my opinion is that organics are not regulated enough currently for me to believe they have fewer carcinogens and chemicals, especially since sulfer is permitted on organic farms which contains trace lead. This makes feel like paying more for them is not a good value.

That is just an opinion. A critical opinion is that gullible suckers buy organics thereby wasting money that could be used to better their families in more advantageous ways.

See the difference? One is interesting, probably won't influence your choices but might make you verify that organics are as safe as you believe. The other is an attack on your character.

For me, both in my personal life and on forums, I believe (this is my real opinion, the others were simply examples) that the huge majority of people are trying as hard as they can to make good choices for their families. So though I try to impart knowledge, if I have some on the subject, I generally steer clear of verbiage I think might hurt others.

I think this might be the op's issue. She feels that some comments on coupon threads are aggressive and actually meant to hurt. And she wishes they wouldn't.

I wish more people shared your opinion, if they did these threads would probably be a lot more constructive and informative, instead of people trying to get their jabs in.....

 

[fortwildernessishome]

Well, I agree with the concerns about organic, natural, lowfat, really all labels meant to bring people in without thought. Imagine that.

I figure that people need to give their kids the best they can in life. I'll risk that that the organic produce I purchase is better for my kids than hamburger helper, oreida French fries, the newest red kid sugar drink, and cookies from the cheapest place possible. I guess it is a sucker bet. You of course are free feed your children as terribly as you like. Lol, I guess you would rather believe sugar frosted flakes has whole grains, hehehe.

Lol, who said anything about feeding her children terribly?? And why would you think that she believes that there are whole grains in frosted flakes. her post said nothing of the sort! hehehe!!!!! you said you were tired, maybe you need some rest, lol!!!!!

 

[ChisJo]

Where I live, we never get any coupons for veggies or fruit...NEVER! Every now and then, milk will be marked down, so might eggs and meats. But honestly, most of the coupons where I live are for canned goods, cleaning products, personal care, and babies. I am a flyer shopper because thats when I get the best deals, but really, its not by using coupons. I only wish! When I have to buy bathroom cleaner though, watch out...the coupons are coming out!