Email
Print
FeedCouponing 101: Stockpiling Vs. Hoarding
| Tweet |
Is it ok to stockpile? Yes! But, I didn't say hoard-pile, that's totally different. Both in my book and workshops, I teach about the sales cycle. That basically means almost every item will go on sale every 6-8 weeks (12 weeks at the most). You only have to stock up until the item goes on sale again. You don't have to hide tubes of toothpaste under your bed and in your bathtub, in fact, toothpaste is nearly free all the time. All it takes is watching the deals and our coupon matchups to find out when to pick it up.
Is it ok to buy a ton of products just to donate them? Of course, in fact, most couponers donate items on a regular basis. The only thing I have ever said about this topic is to be considerate of other shoppers. I know in the city I live in, it doesn't take much to wipe out the entire store of one product. While I do believe it is the responsibility of stores to stock their shelves, I also believe we have a part to play in this as well. There is no way to tell someone how much they can and cannot buy, it varies for each of us. The bottom line, just remember there are other people shopping too.
Is it really worth it to purchase coupons? YES! In fact, I just bought some today. One of the major coupon complaints I hear is 'I can't find coupons for products I actually use.' Well, try buying coupons online. Yes, it makes sense financially and you'll likely be able to get coupons for the brand you like. Coupons are regional, therefore many online coupon retailers have popped up so you can purchase coupons that may have come out from different parts of the country. See a list of the coupon companies recommend in our forums.
Are all couponers extreme? No. I believe that was even 'extreme' for those in the show. Keep in mind, it is TV....
Can we get great deals in our area? Yes. You can get great deals in any area even if the only store you have is Walmart. Deals are everywhere, you just need to learn how to use coupons effectively and how to find the ones you actually use and need. Getting great deals does not require double coupons, it just requires strategic shopping.
How do I start couponing? First, check out our Couponing 101 page to help you get started. You can also ask questions and browse our Money Saving Queen Forums. In order to save 80% or more on your grocery bill, you have to learn the whole technique. If you live in Oklahoma, you can check out a Coupon Workshop . You can also pick up a copy of my book, The Power of Coupons: 13 Ways to Save.
If money is an issue, request a copy of my book at your local library. Our Tulsa libraries have several and most will order it for you. Also, keep an eye out for free workshops throughout Oklahoma as well...I have a few coming up in the next couple of months.
I started couponing because we literally could not afford to eat. It was life changing for our family in more ways than one. Not only could I feed my family but I can now teach others how to feed their families as well. No matter what light the show on TLC portrayed couponers, the fact that couponing can save you BIG money is still true.
We're not talking a couple of dollars either. You can literally save hundreds of dollars a month. Does it take time? Yes, but if you spend 2 hours couponing a week and save $100 or more-that's likely more than you make at your own job! It is WORTH THE TIME!
We try to make couponing fun on this site and we do our best to give you the best deals possible. Have fun and enjoy the savings, it is possible to provide the best for your family without going broke in the process.
**Your forum login will not work for commenting. Please use the 'Anonymous Form' to post a comment on each post or create a new login for comments only. **
Thank you! You said it so well. None of theese great deals will do anyone any good if thier old and stale. My Grandmother taught me to coupon 35 years ago. She traded coupons and rebate forms nationaly with hundereds of other coupon crazied gals. Grandma lived out in the boonies and stocking up was important, but even living 100 miles from the nearest Safeway she never whiped shelves clean.
There is a thrill of saving, the black woman that was on that show was the most wonderful example, I love how she stopped others in the store and tried to educate them.
As I sat watching the show w/ my husband, I was wondering if you had a chance to view it as well. Now, I know. I agree w/ you, that show was extreme. The first woman needs an intervention. She's not saving money. She's wasting it by Purchasing all of those items & hoarding them. Why? Just to say look what I bought this time? What a selfish act & wasteful as well. She needs to start donating.
Thank you for your classes & inspiration to share your knowledge on couponing. I have learned so much and share w/ others as well on the joys & blessings of couponing.
I agree that some of the people are bordering on Hoarding, almost a sickness and selfish. I am afraid that it's people like that who will ruin couponing for for the average household. Wish they could have emphasized the sharing aspect more on the show, because I believe that is where the beauty of couponing is, because it has enabled me to bless others with things they need even when I don't have extra money. My daughter who is unemployed and dealing with a back injury has literally learned how to survive by using food stamps to buy grocery items that have RR and use the RR to buy paper goods and also to buy X-mas gifts this year. She now is having fun by couponing!
It is NOT legal to buy coupons! Read the COUPONS ladies most do state; not valid is sold etc...
Okay yes there are alot of folks selling but they are selling the time it took them to find, clip and send the coupons. It's a loophole :) Every legal stipulation has a loophole :)
If couponing dies you can thank the thousands of new "think they know it all couponers" the ones with websites selling advice on how to coupon.
Uh, ok. I'm assuming you're not referring to this site...
I have a question about RR. Can you use the RR that you already have when purchasing items that will be getting you new RR? I am new at couponing and trying to figure out when to spend my RR. Thanks
With the way people are so "use by date scared" most of the foods in their "hoarding" inventories will be tossed in the garbage at some point. Don't say they won't because YOU KNOW....most people will put food in the garbage the day of the use by date!!!! Selfish hoarders...just because it is free does not mean you need it or will use it! You are giving to a false economy for the companies, filling the landfill and getting morbidly OBESE in the mix!!!
No one needs to have more than 3-4 months of supplies....for god's sake there is a grocery store on nearly every corner.
If you shop with coupons and get mostly everything free, why not donate half of your purchases to the food shelves!!! You won't be losing money, you will be giving away some thing you got free or very very cheap! Think of the children who maybe get one meal a day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!