Friday, July 10, 2009

It Was an Honest Attempt...



After repeatedly hearing from several friends of mine about how much money they save when using coupons at the grocery store, I finally decided that I would give it a try. I had it all planned out. I would just stop and pick up the Sunday paper with alllllllll the coupons in it each week.

One of my "professional coupon shopper friends" also recommended that I clip the coupons for about a month (stock up) and then try going shopping with them. I didn't really understand this, but she's the one who saves anywhere from $100-$200 each week at the store. So, I thought I'd follow her advice.

To be quite honest, I thought I would do even better (lol). I have clipped coupons for almost two months now. Ready for this??? Some of them actually expired because I kept forgetting to take them to the grocery store with me each and every time I've gone in the last few weeks.

I now have not only my coupon clipper friends making fun of me, I have one of my coworkers and my own husband laughing at me. But, wait it gets worse.........

This past weekend, I was really going to do good! I made my grocery list out and made a special attempt to REMEMBER my coupons on my visit. I was soooooooooooo excited! I went through the store picking up what I needed and also the things that I knew I had coupons for........I get to the register......I get my total.....I write my check.....and I COMPLETELY FORGOT TO USE THE STINKING COUPONS THAT I HAD TUCKED AWAY IN MY PURSE!!!! I was so MAD!!!! I asked the cashier how could I correct this and be able to use my coupons. She smiled at me and pointed for me to go the the customer service line. Talk about a lot of work here to save a few bucks! lol!

I did go the customer service line and I did get cash back on the coupon items that I had purchased. So, it all worked out in the end, but my goodness!

I'll definitely give it another try, but I don't know if this coupon clipping is for me or not. lol!

Soooooo, are any of you coupon clippers? Any pointers for me? If so, please don't hesitate to share.

I hope that you've all had a great week! I am looking forward to seeing what everyone has been up to!

Have a great weekend!

39 comments:

More Than Words said...

Daphine!! I miss you too! I love it when I see I have a comment from you!

LOL about the coupons!!!! I've done the same thing too! Or, I'll remember them on the way out, but then I'm too lazy to take two extra seconds to go back in the house to get them!!

I always trip out when I hear how much people save!!!!

LOVE, MERCY AND GRACE...GOD'S GRACE said...

I don't do coupons....for very similar reasons, too. Would cut them out and then forget to take them, or they would expire....but one thing I noticed for me was that I would end up buying stuff that I normally did not buy because I had a coupon to use...which for me did not help me any...and then sometimes I could get another brand that was just as good and would cost less even when using the coupon for the other item....

So, no, I don't do coupons!! But glad you're trying it out and hope you will get great savings with your efforts!!

~Beth

Angela said...

I've done the same thing as you when I have forgotten to use my coupons. The cashiers are great and will accept the coupons. I usually remember as I'm packing my groceries,LOL.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Daphine, I've only done it a few times, but it does pay. But what a funny story. LOL! Once you get the hang of it, I bet it will be like riding a bike for you. You'll do it with ease! :-)

XO,

Sheila :-)

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

So, how much did you save?! I've been couponing for several years but am taking a much needed break from it this summer -- shopping with two little boys hanging onto the cart doesn't make coupon juggling easy... these days I breeze in and out as fast as I can!

Jill said...

I am a coupon clipper and I have left mine at home and forgotten to use them once in the line. It's VERY disheartening. Keep at it though - you'll get the hang of it.

He & Me + 3 said...

That is too funny. I love coupons and hate when I forget to use them. I hate knowing how much money I could have saved but didn't. My only problem with coupons is that sometimes I use them just because I have them instead of because I need something. LOL

LADY JANE said...

I smile about getting to the register only to forget to turn in your coupons! So....buy yourself a binder, paper to fit it,clear page protecters,(and of course the sunday papers)! In page protecters that you have labeled (example cleaning) health/beauty etc) place coupons. Make your "list " on the paper only in this book, I also bought binder that has pockets in the front and back so that I can place any ads that I might want to use for the stores that take "shopping comparisons"(you will blow those laughing at you away) Happy clipping! Happy Saving!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I have attempted several times, as well. I usually just buy the store name brand because (even with the coupon) it's usually cheaper. I don't know. Maybe I am not getting it.

So.. were you able to save more than her?? ;)

Stacey said...

Hi Daphine! Keep it up with your coupons. I have always clipped them as a matter of habit...but didn't use them consistently.

A couple of months ago I went on a mission. When the weekly ad comes out on Wednesday (at my one real grocery store) I compare it to my coupons. Then go shopping. They list on the receipt how much I've saved. I have actually saved 30% before. That is worth the trouble, don't you think?

I don't work outside of the home right now though..and coupon shopping does take longer. When I worked I would go to Super Target and just throw things in the basket. One stop shopping.

Ginger said...

Oh my! I do clip and use coupons, but I've never saved more than about $30. I'm not quite as good as your friends...wish I was.

I've done exactly what you did on more than one occasion and finally bought a small coupon holder that would fit in my purse and that has helped.

Like you, many of mine expire and I forget to get rid of them. I pulled one out yesterday at Target and it was out of date. Bummer!

April said...

Hey Daphine!
You sound so much like me! I always have the best intentions about using coupons, but it never quite pans out as I'd hoped. My ol' brain isn't working too well these days! You never fail to make me laugh and smile...bless you for that!

Hope you have a super Friday and a great weekend! Big, gigantic hugs and blessings!

Beth E. said...

I used to do the same thing, Daphine. Then, I got Mrs. A's Coupon Organizer. It has really helped me! It cost me $20 to buy the complete set. The first time I took it to the store with me, I saved $30!!! Here's the link:
http://mrsascouponorganizer.com/

I wish our newspaper got lots of coupons. We only get one insert each Sunday. So, my parents...bless their hearts...cut coupons out of their Sunday paper and mail them to me each week! It really does make a difference.

Another thing I do that helps me to remember the coupons...when I make my grocery list, I pull the coupons I have for that shopping trip and clip them to the list. Or, you can clip them to your money!

I hope this helps! :-)

Have a great weekend...
Beth

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

I've been trying coupons too but it's really hit and miss for me. I'm having better luck using the weekly sale papers and going for the "buy one get one free" items. I know I'd do even better with the coupons but...

Laura said...

I use coupons! All the time!!! I would recommend getting a little coupon binder, small enough to fit in your purse. Once you're done clipping your coupons, stick it in your purse so you don't forget. It does take time to get used to havin them there. What I usually do is write on my list "COUPONS" and then I leave my coupons out. I will leave my coupon organizer on top of my purse so that I won't forget.

I think once you save a lot of money, you will be addicted!! It only takes one time, LOL.

Jennifer said...

Oh how I've tried the coupon thing over & over. It seems like I would always end up buying a different brand that was cheaper even with using the coupon. I have a friend who is a pro at it...she spends about 4 hours a week clipping, driving, and shopping to save something like $200/week which I think is awesome. But, here is the problem, I don't have an extra 4 hours a week. Sometimes Joe has to do the grocery shopping if we want to eat. Good luck & keep us posted.

Have a great weekend~~

Robyn said...

Sometimes coupons work for me and other times they don't seems as if the paper has a bunch of coupons on stuff I never use.......LOL
Good luck with your coupon clipping and using!

really.truly said...

No pointers....I do the same thing, forget to use the coupons that I clip. I seldom clip(hanging head in shame). Instead, I look for the in store deals, things being discontinued etc. Usually, the coupons are for things we don't usually use-I ended up spending more money just to save money :) keep us posted on your coupon shopping!

Lindsay-ann said...

Hi Daphine
Been there, done that myself! We do not seem to get many coupons in newspapers over here but my usual grocery store sends me vouchers in the mail. I put them in my purse and then on the rare occasion that I clear out my purse I find that they have expired! I am getting good at remembering to take my own plastic bags with me because we have to pay for bags now over here.
Have a great weekend.
Lindsay
x

Darlene said...

Our little Sunday paper hardly ever has coupons so I don't even try to coupon. I used to try and I would never remember to bring them to the store or they would expire before I needed to buy the item. I know people do GREAT savings with couponing but I have just never been one that "learned" how.

Hope you and your family have a great weekend...try to stay cool!

Nicolle said...

I don't have any good advice for you, only sympathy!! :)) I have "thought" about doing the coupon thing for a while now. I have heard that in order to save the big bucks, it takes A LOT of time and energy. I have neither right now. I wish I had something better so offer on this topic!

Have a great weekend!

Kristin said...

I've missed you Daphine! You are so funny! My MIL gives me the coupons out of the paper every weekend and I just clip out the ones for stuff I normally buy and then before I go for my big shopping trip (usually at Walmart), I'll pull out the coupons I know I'll be buying stuff for and I put them somewhere separate in my purse. I can usually save about $10 using them, so it's better than nothing.

I just don't have the patience though to try and buy things just because I have a coupon and then you have to buy a certain size or so many of them and it ends up taking me an extra 30 minutes trying to figure out what I have to do to use the coupons. Ha! Usually if I do have a coupon for something I normally buy and I need to buy 2 of them to use the coupon, I'll just note that on my shopping list. There's nothing I hate worse than having to stop in the middle of the store to read what the coupon says!

I have forgotten to use my coupons before too and had to go to the service desk. So don't feel bad!

They're worth it, IMO, if it's things you always buy and you can just cut them out ahead of time and have them when you need them. But to have to do all that planning, etc. I just don't have time for that! :)

Unknown said...

I am right there with you I wish I did coupons but they seem more trouble than they are worth.

Happy Friday!

Everyday Mom Designs said...

I do coupons too, but not as steady as some people do.. i clip when i can.. get the paper when i can.. use then when i can.. i always have a list before going shopping, so i take out the coupons i can use while i make my list... i put them where i put my money.. like right there in my money so i don't forget.. i've done exactly what you did several times though.. it's a big work in progress.. but worth it when you do save the money!

Lee said...

My mom and I use to clip coupons, but we forgot them so often that we just gave up on it. Plus they would expire, and we felt like it was a waste of time.

Denise said...

Bless your heart, better luck next time.

Unknown said...

Get yourself a coupon saver thingy and make sure you have it out in the front of the basket...there are one's that clip to the basket. Slow down so you don't forget to use them.

There is a program where you cans end expired coupons over seas for the military to use them on base but I willhave to google it to find it.

Also...there are a couple of online coupon websites where you can print off coupons that you may need.

Find someone in another area of the US that would be willing to swap coupons with you as they are often different in each section of the country depending on what local preferences are.

Always shop at a store that has double or triple coupon days...that saes you even more!!!


Hang in there...you will be a coupon queen in no time!!!!

~Lisi P. said...

Daphine, you are too funny!!! But I know what you mean about the coupons. One of my friends has got me hooked, but mainly for email lists: Bath & Body Works, Kohl's, New York & Co. I clip my own grocery coupons from time-to-time. Good luck :)

Lorrie said...

This is a funny story Daphine, but I totally emphathize with you. I've done the same thing. I was an avid couponer when my kids were small, but I have done it much less recently. I know there are entire websites dedicated to helping you to be organized with couponing and it can really pay off bigtime.

Alicia The Snowflake said...

Oh I know exactly what you mean! I have done the same thing. But I am trying much harder with my coupons. I am hoping to get better at it. I can definitely tell a difference in what I spend when I coordinate sales w/my coupons. And I usually try to shop the stores that double coupons. Makes me feel good to see the savings add up ;)

I have found that if I keep the coupons in my hand, I usually remember to give them to the cashier. And sometimes I keep them in my hand with my credit card. Then I give them to the cashier right before I swipe my card-but after they are done ringing up the groceries. I have known the cashier to forget to ring them up if I give them to her in the beginning. If that makes any sense.

Take care my friend!
Hope you have a great weekend!

Toia said...

I heard great things about clipping coupons as well. I thought I might give it a try, too.
I'll let you how things turn out.

I might forget to use mine just like you did. Sometimes my mind is focus on getting what I need and want...then out the door I go.

I enjoy reading your post. I had to laugh. Enjoy your weekend!!

Melissa Miller said...

Oh my goodness Daphine I completely understand.
I'm embarassed to admit this but I don't use coupons at all. I know I really should. Not to mention I never feel like driving the extra distance to our basse commissary for the savings there. We have a really nice grocery store about a mile from out front door.
Convenience wins out every time.
Shame on me....;)

Have a wonderful Sunday my friend.
~Melissa ;)

Grace said...

You made me laugh at your story, Daphine. I am a coupon-clippers, too. And every time I get on the cashier to pay, I always remembered to prepare my coupons.
Maybe you should place the coupons to where you put your money (if you are using cash) or place it beside your credit card (if you are using credit card) of clip it with your check (if you are using check).
Have a blessed Sunday, Daphine.

Susan said...

Hey Dahpine,

Boy, I've done this soooooooo many times!! I truly understand how you felt.

Now, just wanted to say I miss you.

I really enjoyed those 4th of July pictures.

The food made me VERY HUNGRY, and your girls are so BEAUTIFUL!! (like their mom of course!!)

Hope you are enjoying your summer.

I'll be back♥

Anonymous said...

Hey Daphine! I don't do the whole coupon thing. It just isn't for me. It seems to be too much trouble. We do use restaurant coupons that we get in the mail. Not a lot of thought goes into those.

michele said...

I have a friend who is SAVING BIG TIME with coupons! So, I too am trying to get in the groove. But then I ask myself "am I buying this simply because I have a coupon for it?" Do I end up getting more snacky stuff because I have lots of snack coupons? I like the suggestion from your friend's comment about the coupon organizer.
Have a GREAT week!

4 Lettre Words said...

Good effort, my friend! I am the same.

Coupons are so great, but it does take some time.

LisaShaw said...

Miss ya girl. Had to come on over and boy did that image make me crack up. I've been there in the coupon disaster. I use them at times but often forget but the store also does a lot of buy one get one free and discounts where I shop.

Love you. Pray your family is having a great summer.

Speaking from the Heart said...

Hi Dear friend,

I thought I drop in to see how you are doing. I am taking notes, because in a couple of years, I will be purchasing a car for Mark.

He just got his first cell phone without texting. It's driving him crazy not being able to text to his friends. I also monitor his phone calls via online account.

Miss ya,
Jean