Southern Savers has taken the time to write some excellent posts on how to use coupons correctly, the coupon redemption process and the list goes on! I have learned so much from what she has written and actually feel more empowered now walking in to a store with my coupon binder in tow! I feel that the more knowledgeable we are in this area, the more confident we will be.
I remember when I first started out couponing. I was so timid and nervous. My hands would be shaky and sweaty as I handed over my coupons. If the coupon beeped I'd almost have a heart attack. I'm sure you get the picture. Anyway, my point is that I wasn't that knowledgeable about coupons at the time and whatever a cashier said I believed.
When you start using coupons on a regular basis it can be in a way like a part time job. In my opinion, though, it's definitely a fun part time job and the added benefit is that it also pays like one... possibly even more! Coupons ARE like cash! When you use a $1 coupon you're putting $1 back in your pocket. You are paying yourself. Think how fast that can add up.
If you're a newbie couponer, then know this: You HAVE to learn it all, like reading a book. It takes time and practice, but once you get the hang of it--there is NO turning back. It will be smoothing sailing from there... at least for the most part!:) You'll feel so confident and empowered. If you are a stay at home mom you'll still be providing for your family! You just can't beat that. What a rewarding career to have. Yes, career!
If you're new to the whole couponing world and even if you're not- go check out all the wonderful posts Southern Savers has written. You'll be amazed at all the great information you'll come away with!
My Favorite Topics:
Keeping it Legal... part 1
Extreme Couponer 101: Coupon Redemption
Extreme Couponer 101: What's a good price?
I'm Calling Corporate
I'd love to hear all of your thoughts on this topic?!?
Friday, April 24, 2009
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18 comments:
WHAT A WONDERFUL RESOURCE!!! thanks for sharing this with us. It answers a lot of questions.
I couldn't agree more!:)
K&W said...
I just entered this new world of couponing in December '08.
I can SO relate to what you said about being so nervous to hand my coupons to the cashier, scared to death that something would go wrong! I was literally sick to my stomach by the time I gathered the items and headed to the register!
Seriously!!
Here it is 4 months later, and I am much more confident about what I am doing.
I still get a little nervous at times, but have been bold enough to go back to the store if all of my coupons weren't doubled as they should have been, or if I was overcharged, etc.
I find that if I am nice (no advantage in being rude, plus that is not my personality) when I explain the mistake, then I am usually treated fairly.
It just 'dawned' on me this week that this is like a part time job.
I have exhausted my brain trying to find something I could do from home to make money. When I saw all the things I was able to buy this week for $40 I realized that I am not earning money (with the exception of money makers at the drugstores) but I am saving so much right from my home! I am LOVIN' it!! I get a wholesome 'high' each Monday as I clip coupons and make my list. No more blue Mondays for me...I look forward to them!
I can't say enough good about hip2save! Thank you for being here! I don't know how you juggle everything, but I am greatful for the information I find on this blog.
This year, January- April I have used $644.00 in coupons alone! Each month I see that I am using more and more, so I know I am learning! Can it get any better than this? :-)
I learned almost everything about couponing from Southern Savers. It was the first site I came across when I became serious about couponing and needed more info. By starting there I ended up finding It's Hip to Save. Thank you so much for what you do! It really helps me save money so I can stay home with my kids!
ditto what everyone else has said!
Souther Savers site is full of info...so much that I'll have to go back later to finish.
If people ever ask me if I work, I tell them this IS a job...I save my husband a lot of money using coupons. My husband even made a comment that even though I don't work, with all that I've saved over the years, it IS like a job. He appreciates how much I save him...he just doesn't like when I get nuts. His theory is: if you already have enough of one thing, why do you need another? He is right. It's just when you see free, it's hard to resist. When you have been couponing as long as I have, you'll realize that if you miss one deal, there will always be another one around the next corner, so you don't need to feel bad that you lost out on something. One more thing: People need to realize that when they abuse a deal, they ruin it for everyone else. Thanks for this info.
Does that nervous feeling ever go away? I started couponing in January and I still get shaky and nervous when I'm handing over my coupons. Not so much at Kroger for groceries, but I do at Wags and CVS. I don't know why... I always make sure my purchases are well planned and I have the proper coupons for each transaction. It never fails though. I get SO NERVOUS and I'm afraid the cashier will think I'm trying to do something wrong because I'm sure it's obvious that I'm a nervous wreck. LOL UGH! I'll be glad when that feeling goes away. I guess there's a sense of wrongdoing when you are getting something for free even though I know there's nothing wrong/illegal about using coupons. I LOVE THEM!
Come on ladies -- feel empowered! Don't be afraid of the cashiers -- what can they say? "No." And you don't have to take that personally. No need to get sweaty...or we'll have to find more coupons for deodorant :)
I still have one question. What is the consensus about hitting the back button to print a coupon twice?? Is that the same thing as copying/scanning a coupon even though it will usually tell you that the limit has been reached after 2 prints?? I have been doing this, but I will stop if it's wrong!
I had to comment on your post, and say that you do a GREAT job, just liek Jenny does! I love both sites, and I do post comments on Southern Savers when I find something extra... it's all about sharing the info, there's pleanty of products and coupons to go around for us all! A TIP.... I usually do my shopping on Friday, after readers have shopped and added more tips about their trip, or extras that they have found.
I agree with your article saying this is a part time job, but it is ADICTIVE! Hahah!
Jenny was on the money with keeping it LEGAL.. I don't want my coupons to go away!
I don't get nervous checking out, I SKIP out the door with excitement about the money that I am saving!
Happy couponing to you all, and remember to post extra deals that you find!
This is a great post. I'm a new SAHM and entering the world of couponing keeps my business mind sharp. Even though I gave up the corporate life, I still have my files, spreadsheets, and budgets. I call myself the Senior Buyer for our household. I still get really nervous with my fistful of coupons and my melting down toddler because I don't want any confrontation or embarrassment. Something we never experience in the boardroom that's for sure! Thanks for making me feel that my job is important!
Confrontation used to scare me too! Not anymore...I will argue and request management if they dare deny a coupon. I am a VERY honest couponer and I know all of my coupons are correct. Wal-Mart is evil and I have had numerous conversations with management. I think they now have a picture of me posted somewhere that just says "agree with her or she won't leave"
It can be very overwhelming. I have written a few articles about coupons and I try to keep it simple. Here is one of my articles
http://www.swapsavers.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-find-and-use-coupons
What a great resource, thanks! I just started reading this and ran across what I think is an answer to Jaimi's question about hitting back to print. In keeping it legal, part 1 she says "Each printable coupon has a unique security number on it. You can see that if you print 2 from your computer that each one you print the number is different." I've noticed that even when I hit back the security numbers are different so it sounds like they are both legitimate coupons! Hooray - everyone wins!
"I remember when I first started out couponing. I was so timid and nervous. My hands would be shaky and sweaty as I handed over my coupons. If the coupon beeped I'd almost have a heart attack. I'm sure you get the picture. Anyway, my point is that I wasn't that knowledgeable about coupons at the time and whatever a cashier said I believed."
I can so relate! I'm enjoying reading all of the comments here & feel a bit like a member of a Coupon Sisterhood or something! Thanks for all the ideas, suggestions, and funny stories. I see myself in many of them. :-)
Bravo! Well said, you have helped so MANY of us! Southern Savers is also a great site that I also enjoy visiting! God Bless you for all that you do for all of us! I have directed soooo many people to your site! (Everytime I run into a fellow couponer whether I know them or not...lol)
well said - thanks for helping all of us!
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