Kelly's Show Us Your Life topic today is couponing. Since becoming a stay-at-home mom I've tried to explore the world of couponing a few different times, but have given up on it. I have two main issues.
1. I have found that most coupons are for items that I don't need/want. Things like Hamburger Helper or canned veggies. No thanks.
2. Coupon items that I actually need, like paper towels or cleaning supplies for instance, are still more expensive than the store brand, so I just buy the store brand instead.
I've also had bad experiences with coupon websites. I've tried them a few different times and have always had to download software or a special application to my computer, and then I've had trouble trying to print the coupons. The first time I tried it I couldn't get any of the coupons to actually print, and the second time I finally got one out of several to print, after much effort. So I've given up on those websites.
I do find store coupons for things like eggs, cheese, butter, bread, orange juice, etc., in the paper and I'll use those, but that's about the extent of my couponing.
1. I have found that most coupons are for items that I don't need/want. Things like Hamburger Helper or canned veggies. No thanks.
2. Coupon items that I actually need, like paper towels or cleaning supplies for instance, are still more expensive than the store brand, so I just buy the store brand instead.
I've also had bad experiences with coupon websites. I've tried them a few different times and have always had to download software or a special application to my computer, and then I've had trouble trying to print the coupons. The first time I tried it I couldn't get any of the coupons to actually print, and the second time I finally got one out of several to print, after much effort. So I've given up on those websites.
I do find store coupons for things like eggs, cheese, butter, bread, orange juice, etc., in the paper and I'll use those, but that's about the extent of my couponing.
Comments
There are certain things I never buy without a coupon...batteries, a lot of personal care items, salad dressing, and many cleaning supplies, for example. I agree that the majority of the coupons are for pre-packaged gunk that I don't (or try not to) use, though.
Have you ever watched the extreme couponing show on TV? That's what I always want to ask...how can you eat through 100 boxes of Hamburger Helper??? :)
At the end of the month, I probably save $30 by using coupons, on stuff that I would buy anyway. That's not much...but I figure it supports my Starbucks habit.
Found you at Kelly's blog...I'm your newest follower :)