Coupon Craze (craziness)

I'm a couponer from way back. I guess you could say I was couponing before it was cool. Wal-Mart cashiers and I would have clashes often as they just were not aware of their own policies. Coupons were easy to come-by as people who got the Sunday paper would be more than happy to give them away.

This is just not the case anymore. Thanks to shows like Extreme Couponing, more and more people are getting the couponing bug. With couponing being the new 'in' thing, things have changed for us old-timers to it. No longer are coupons so easy to come by. In fact, sometimes trying to buy a Sunday paper involves driving to several different stores just to find one.

Another draw back is the empty store shelves. As with most new things, people tend to go over-board with it. It becomes almost an addiction to see how low the grocery bill can get using sale ads and coupons. Stocking up with very little cash going out is the ultimate goal. The problem comes though when people try to stock up all at one time. This will wipe entire products off the shelves leaving none for others. Amongst us old-timers, this is considered quite rude.

On the bright side though, Wal-Mart cashiers are much more knowledgeable with their policies. This makes check out much less stressful. In fact, I have actually had cashiers tell ME of a sale on an item that I am purchasing. I know too, the cashiers are very appreciative when a couponer comes to the register prepared.
Stores are all trying to get the business, this brings about greater sales, which in turn brings about greater savings for those willing to put just a little time into research and preparing.

All in all, I'm very pleased that so many people are moving from the spend-spend-spend mentality to taking an active role in saving their families money. For many, it's a great way to involve the whole family in a project together.

As with most things in life, moderation is the key. Don't get so wrapped up in chasing the next great deal that you miss out on life.

Friends don't let friends coupon irresponsibly.

Sunday coupon fun

I've gotten back into the whole coupon thing again. I go in spurts with it. Right now I'm really enjoying it. There are a group of us ladies that get together once a month after church to swap our coupons (q's). It's a great time of fellowship as well as helping one another with our q's and our tips for savings.

Sunday is an exciting time for me! I cut out my q's from the Sunday papers and also from my favorite online spots. I then sit with my pen and circle what I want from the sale ads (comps). The real joy for me comes when I can use both comps and q's at the same time! Oh what happiness I feel! I compile my shopping list in my notebook, writing out my comps by store, noting any q's to go with them. Then I list just the q's that I need to use up before they expire. I take all this with me to Wal-Mart as they honor competitors ads. It saves me the 30 mile drive to all the other stores.

Now the REAL fun begins. I do my shopping, making sure to keep my comps seperate from the rest of my shopping, this makes check out easier. I load all my comps at the check out first, giving the cashier the price I will be paying for that item. The cashiers appriciate when this process is well organized. Also, by being organized, it looks as if I know what I am doing and very seldom am I ever questioned. When everything is rung, I then hand my q's and watch the register to make sure they are rung correctly.

This whole process is so very enjoyable to me! What is even more enjoyable is putting these items in my pantry. I can stand back and look at all savings sitting on the shelves.

I am also careful not to waste any q's. I take my unwanted q's to the swap. What is not used there or has expired is sent to a woman who sends them over-seas for our military families to use.