Why I Am Not A Coupon Queen
A reader (Hi Lindsey!) left the following comment on a post, and it reminded me that I needed to do a post on this topic.
I have a question about coupons. I know you don't use them a whole lot - why is that? I tried to use them for awhile and I found that I could buy the generic form of something for much cheaper than I could get the name brand item with the coupon. Am I doing something wrong? Seems like so many people are into coupons - but I feel silly using them when I can get the generic for less.
I touched on this topic in my somewhat controversial post about the $4/week grocery shopper, but I never did get around to sharing my general thoughts on couponing.
Well, until now. 😉
I used to use coupons a lot more than I do these days. Why? Way back when I had just one or two kids, the grocery stores in my area were doubling $1 coupons every day. When you can get $2 off of an item, you can get a LOT of grocery items for free or for pennies just by combining coupons and store sales. So, I clipped like mad and I participated in an online coupon exchange group.
Unfortunately, the area grocery stores stopped doing that a while back, and since then, I haven't found coupons to be a very effective savings method for me.
I did get a lot of stuff for free back then, but you know what? I think we're better off now. An awful lot of the food that was available for free or for pennies wasn't really great food. I could get juice and soda and cereal and snacks and PopTarts and frozen pizza and other such foods really cheaply, but I didn't find deals on a lot of real food. And as a result, we didn't eat as well back then.
Oddly enough, I'm pretty sure I spend less on groceries now than I did when I was way into couponing (and I'm feeding more people now!). I don't have as big a stash of groceries, but I have better groceries. And the groceries that I'm buying now produce less trash and require fewer resources to produce.
Anyways, here's a list of the reasons I'm not heavily into coupons anymore.
There aren't a lot of coupons available for the foods I prefer to feed my family.
I know...there are coupons for Muir Glen organic tomatoes and for Kashi cereals and for some other organic foods, but by and large, food coupons are for foods I prefer not to buy.
I'd rather buy flour than a box of frozen pretzels, I'd rather buy a big canister of oatmeal than a box of packets, I'd rather buy fruit than fruit snacks. And while coupons for frozen pretzels, oatmeal packets and fruit snacks can often be had, it's hard to find coupons for flour, large canisters of oatmeal, and fruit.
The same is true even sometimes with toiletries and cleaning products. There are a million and one coupons for disposable cleaning wipes and rebates galore for disposable toilet cleaning systems, but you won't typically find big flashy bargains on plain jane cleaning products.
Then too, there are almost never coupons for local food. I can't use a coupon at the farmer's market, at the produce stand, at the farm where I get local meat, or at the family store where I buy my 50 pound bags of wheat.
(I know that you can sometimes get "overage" by using coupons and rebates and that you can use that to buy local foods, but I really consider that earned income of a sort, and I'd rather blog, take pictures, play the piano, or teach piano to earn income. That's much more fun and effective for me. And I'd be hard-pressed to come up with enough overage to buy a 50 pound bag of wheat!)
Generics (especially at Aldi) are usually cheaper than name brands with coupons.
Back when I had doubled $1 coupons and had no Aldi, this was not necessarily the case. Now, though, sales and coupons in my area can't really compete with Aldi's prices and most of Aldi's generics are so good, I'm not at all bummed out about giving up name brands.
Life is simpler without coupons.
There are some great deals to be had with coupons, that much is true. If you play the drugstore game and shop loss leaders at all the local stores, you can snag some great stuff.
But you know what? I really, really prefer the simplicity of living mainly off of groceries I can get at everyday low prices, and that's one of the reasons I love Aldi. I don't have to be crazy about scanning through the sale fliers, I don't have to clip a bazillion coupons in the hope that a great sale will happen before the coupon expires, and I don't have to worry that the store will run out of an item that's at a hot price (that happened to me ALL THE TIME when I tried to do the drugstore deals and it was uber frustrating to me, especially when I'd lugged 4 kids out to the store with me).
The stress/time suck of coupons is just not worth it to me, especially given that I spend less now than I did when I was using coupons!
So, when DO I use coupons?
I mostly use them when a generic product is not available or when the available generics are just not good. For instance, I really prefer Shady Brook Farms turkey sausage to any other brand or generic, so I recently printed a coupon for that product. And though we've tried a lot of generic versions of Wheat Thins and Ritz crackers, we still haven't found a good one. So, I clip coupons for those products and match them up with sales or I buy them at Costco, as I did recently. (I know that I could make my own crackers, but I just have not gotten around to doing that!).
I also use them for products that do get cheaper than generics. Cereal is the main instance of this...Weis often runs really great cereal deals and by combining coupons with those deals, I can get name brand cereal for less than generic cereal. I don't have a newspaper subscription anymore, but cereal coupons are often available on coupons.com
or on smartsource.
And I do use coupons for some toiletries. I generally buy the Suave line of shampoo and conditioner when it goes on sale and every now and then, there are coupons for these products. I also use coupons for toothpaste and deodorants.
Lastly, I like some non-grocery-store coupons. We use coupons to do fun activities while we're on vacation (we get those from the coupon booklets at the beach), I use coupons on automotive services, like tire rotation, I use coupons at retail stores like Kohl's or Home Depot (I got a $25/$50 Gap coupon from Groupon last week, and I am super excited about that!), and I love to use 40% off coupons at craft stores (you can print one from A.C. Moore's website and Michael's will accept it if you've got an A.C. Moore in the area).
Now, if my Goodwill would just start having coupons, I'd be a super happy camper!
Readers, what about you? Do you find coupons to be a helpful frugal tool, or do you prefer to employ other savings methods?
(p.s. Because this was apparently not clear, judging by a comment or two, I am not saying that no one else should use more coupons that I do. I'm just explaining what I do and what works for me. You know...you don't have to make yogurt, and all that.)
Today's 365 post: If a skirt is wider than it is long...
Bingo!
I think the use of coupons is some holdover from a dark, dark era of stay-at-home-moms or something. Maybe it was a form of competition in the 1950s? ;-D
Anyway, I do not use many coupons simply because they tend to be for boxed types of foods - most of my shopping is done in the produce, dairy and meat sections - and a wee bit in the canned. I have also found that the generic versions of products are usually acceptable as well.
Thanks for blowing off the lid on that! Heh.
Well, like I said, I do think some coupon use is a good idea. 🙂 I just don't find heavy coupon usage to be very helpful/good for me. Life is simpler, cheaper, and healthier for us without a full coupon box.
I agree, I can often make things from scratch cheaper than I can buy the processed product with a coupon. But, I get toothpaste for free regularly. Also, I'm not buying diapers and baby wipes. For my friends who have babies, they clip diaper and baby wipe coupons like mad. But, we also have grocery stores that double coupons on a regular basis - including Harris Teeter and Shoppers that occasionally TRIPLE $0.50 coupons and double $1.00 coupons. I brought home FREE corn tortillas last week thanks to Shoppers week of double $1.00s. I definitely think the effectiveness of coupons varies with how your local stores treat them and how your family eats. I find having a price target to be one of the most effective methods of keeping my grocery budget low.
Yep, which is why I say that being a coupon queen doesn't work for ME. 🙂 At this point in my life, with my shopping options before me, couponing like crazy isn't a good choice.
I used some diaper coupons when I had babies in diapers, but I found that Luvs in the big box without a coupon were usually cheaper than other brands with a coupon. But, that's at my stores! I used to have great success with diaper coupons when I had doubled $1 coupons.
See, I'm the opposite. Being able to afford diapers is the ONLY reason I use coupons right now. Playing the "drugstore game" for the past 9 months or so has allowed me to be able to stretch my family's budget to actually AFFORD the things that we need and I get diapers sooooo much cheaper than the Luvs we used to buy.
Which is a prime example of what I was saying about how one thing doesn't work for everyone. 🙂
I found the drugstore game to be time-consuming and frustrating, but you've made it work for you, so more power to you!
AMEN! Great post. It's amazing that if I follow that rule of sticking to the edges of the grocery store (where the healthier foods dwell anyway) I almost never pick up anything with a coupon associated anyway. As a non-couponer (who went through a similar journey/revelation as you described) I get so frustrated to hear people say things along the lines of, "You just have to start using coupons" to someone seeking a more frugal existence.
Also, it is so important that when we think of our food costs we consider the long-term health impacts and related costs. I could give up fruits and vegetables and possibly "save" money on snacks items for my family that have a coupon for them but even one of us receiving a diagnosis of Type 2 diabets, heart disease or any of the other lifestyle diseases plaguing the US would instantly obliterate the "savings" of years of labor, intensive coupon clipping.
Again, I'm so glad you hashed this out. I love your blog...if I were a blogger I'd say all the same things about frugal living! 🙂
I, um, like clipping coupons. And, um, sorting them into my nice coupon holder. But, um, I don't use them very often... I mostly clip them from my free newspaper because it scratches the organizing part of my brain. And then I always have coupons for toothpaste/floss/deodorant, which comes in handy when my husband tells me he's run out.
I do use online coupons. I never buy anything online that I don't first check http://www.retailmenot.com for an online coupon. And it usually saves me 15-20% or free shipping!
Same here! I also use Ebates for a rebate on a lot of my online shopping, getting a percentage back. I've started buying gift cards below face value online first, so I get a discount there as well. I've recently saved 40% by buying a 15% off gift card, using a 20% off coupon code, and getting 5% back recently. Then of course I shopped the clearance section!
You can join club goodwill (in my area,WI,--perhaps yours as well) and get a 5% discount with every purchase over $20. They will also send you coupons on your birthday and a few other times of the year.
I don't think mine has any discount program like that. Boo.
My local one has a senior discount so maybe buy a gray haired wig and walk with a cane and call everyone "Sonny." That's good for a whole 10% off. 😉
I have found that clipping coupons results in my spending more money than I normally would. It's hard for me to pass up a great coupon even if it is for products I don't need. Granted, I can take those items to a local shelter or food pantry, but I generally prefer to just cut those organizations a check every so often and deduct it at tax time.
Kristen,
As much as I love you and your blog, I hate hearing about Aldi, Aldi, Aldi...we don't have one anywhere even remotely close to us...and we live in an expensive area, with expensive grocery stores. I even wrote to Aldi and asked if they're planning to open one up near me, and the answer is no. So, I do have to use the circulars and coupons, and run around to three grocery stores to get my groceries down to a $90-ish range...versus the $65 I used to spend. But honestly, I am sick of hearing about your wonderful "Aldi"...not all of us have that luxury of inexpensive good shopping.
Karen
Kristen blogs about HER experiences and what SHE does to save money on HER blog. She's not an expert who can tell you every possible way to save money. She's just an everyday person who is kind enough to share some helpful advice and tips with us. Telling her to "stop it" and that you're sick of hearing about where she shops is obnoxious and rude. I'm sorry you can't save money the exact way Kristen does but that's not her fault.
You're right, it's not her fault. I'm sorry if you thought I was rude.
I didn't meant to get so snippy, it's just that Kristen is so helpful and sweet, I hate to see her get jumped on. But if you're having a hard time figuring out ways to save money, I do understand that you'd be frustrated. We don't have an Aldi's here either and I do clip coupons. So these kind of posts, I read strictly for entertainment value. lol I like to see other people's opinions.
You're right--Kristen and very helpful and sweet and I love her blog. It's also made a huge difference in my life in more ways than I can count.
It's just frustrating because the difference between what Kristen's able to do and what I'm able to do is night and day--based on local resources. And the fact that this is the third or fourth time (I think) that she' s put out the same message. But it isn't a universal one...and today it just made me "uber cranky"...but I shouldn't have replied so vehemently.
That was a typo...really it's versus the $165 to $170 I used to spend. And Kristen, I do have coupons in my coupon box right now for salad, fresh pineapple, and purdue chicken. Please stop it because some of us don't have the luxury you have...once again, of good inexpensive shopping. I dare you to live in my area, and not have to rely on coupons and circulars...you can't do it, it's impossible!!!!!! Please stop it.
I'm really sorry that I've made you feel that way, Karen. I try to always frame my posts in a "this is what works for me" kind of way. If you need to use coupons and circulars and multiple grocery stores to keep to your budget, I say go for it! 🙂 I don't think I've ever said that everyone else needs to shop the way I do, or that it's even possible for everyone else to shop the way that I do.
Even my readers that don't have an Aldi can follow most of what I do in principle, though. Even at Weis, a canister of store-brand oatmeal is going to be less expensive than the packets+a coupon, you know? And the local shopping that I do (farmer's market, produce stand, local farms, bags of grain) are not at all Aldi related.
Anyways, I definitely think that people need to shop in a way that fits their budget, their diet, and their locale, not in the way that fits my budget my diet, and my locale.
What would be even better is if your advice was broader and more possible for more people. Why shouldn't all of us be able to live frugally....regardless of our locale.
It's not that I don't want to follow your advice...I can't!!!!! And the very way I can even remotely make it happen is to do all of the stuff you're not recommending...like relying on circulars and coupons. I invite you to visit my neighborhood and stick to your family's budget and eating habits without doing that. I don't think you could. So it's not a difference of opinion...it's a difference of possibility.
Right, and I'm trying to say that that's ok. 🙂 I don't think you NEED to shop the way that I do. If I lived where you did, I'd have to shop differently, and that would be all right.
Maybe it would be alright...but it ain't fun! It's time consuming and tedious.
I'm sorry! I wish I had some better advice for you, but I don't. Are there any local frugal blogs? Sometimes deal/couponing blogs are area-specific, and something like that might be helpful to you.
Karen, I totally get your frustration. I hear so many avid couponers who say "it only takes 15 minutes per week" I would LOOOOVE to see someone actually only spend 15 minutes ,in all the deal-seeking (blogs, circulars, coupon sites, clipping, organizing, planning, etc.) who is actually saving the significant amounts of money. It's very tedious.
And, you know what? I totally agree that yes some other ways of "earning" might be better, but when it's not a matter of "earning extra" but of making what you do have actually last to the point of feeding your family and providing necessities like diapers, you just have to do what you have to do.
If/when we get into a position where we can make ends meet and pay our bills without coupons, I will absolutely throw in the towel because I hate it. But, there is just no other way to make my measly $200/month for a family of 4 last through groceries, and household items including all personal care, diapers, etc.
And, if you're wondering, NO I do not feed my family JUNK.
(Except for the occasional box of Hamburger Helper which is totally a guilty pleasure because even though it doesn't really qualify as food in my book...I just love that stuff! lol)
Crystal, Thank you! 🙂 I wish that shopping didn't have to be such a "game"--drugstore, grocery store, or otherwise. It would be nice if we all had an Aldi type supermarket and could just buy food/toiletries we can afford...without having to jump through hoops to make the budget stretch.
Scrappermom, I can understand that. If I needed money and didn't have other ways of earning it, I'd be more inclined to work the deals.
And I think it's great that you're managing to feed your family well on your buddget. 🙂
Back at the beginning of my blog, I wrote a series on reducing grocery expenses, and that was before I even discovered Aldi. Maybe those posts would be up your alley.
When I blog, I do so from my experience, so it's quite certain that my advice won't work for everyone. There are a LOT of deal/couponing blogs out there that cover that topic thoroughly (and how!), so I don't usually feel the need to cover that myself. Have you checked out MoneySavingMom? Hers is the best deal/couponing blog out there, in my opinion, and her grocery posts might be more helpful to you than mine.
Lots of Kristen's advice doesn't necessarily apply to my life, but I still love reading it!
Right now I live hundreds of miles away from the nearest Aldi or Costco, and we only have four farmer's markets a year in my town. And before, when I lived in New Zealand I was lucky if I could spend less than $120 a week on groceries for two of us because food was just so expensive there.
I guess I am trying to say that most of us are in different situations, just take what advice you can. Maybe you can't lower your grocery bill much more, but you can always enjoy some excellent recipes, frugal tips, and great pictures in the meantime.
I agree. They are just fun to read and keep in mind for a later date if an Aldi does move close to us.
Yes! As my friend Erika likes to say, chew up the meat and spit out the bones. 🙂 and if a blog has more bones than meat, it might not be the right one to read.
I agree. I have been chatting and reading Kristen's stuff for a long time. I personally can't do anything with her baking posts because we are a celiac (gluten-free) house. I check in on Wed. and look at the picture but often don't read or comment. I always know Friday food waste is coming and ,although others might be grossed out by mold, I tend to be drawn to the "road-kill".
Yeah, my blog is the not the place to go for celiac or low-carb recipes. lol
GREAT post!! I used to be very big into couponing, I thought it "saved" me so much money! However, I would go over my grocery budget month after month after month because I spent so much time/money acquiring coupons and chasing the deals that when it came time to purchase the real food (fruits, milk, etc.) I didn't have any grocery budget left! I have since switched to only using a coupon if the item is on my list and the coupon is available (basically, the same type of "couponing" that you do) and purchasing real foods, local foods and menu plannning based on what I have on hand/loss leaders at the store. I'm so much happier with this way of grocery shopping, it saves me MUCH more money than couponing ever did, and my family eats 110% times healthier than we did before!! SO glad that you wrote this post!!
I do sporadic couponing. I stock up on free toothpaste for the year, or take advantage of deals on things my family eats when the sale is great, and then lay low for awhile. Recently, I've been collecting razors, blades, and shaving cream for gifts for the men in my family at Christmas, since I'm spending $100 on Christmas for 17 people and freebies are certainly helping me stretch that.
Did you see the blog http://www.grocerycouponguide.com/ ? This guy spent under $1 a day to feed himself in the expensive Silicon Valley by using coupons and store deals - no Aldi here! He also donated a lot of food to charity on his $1 a day! He posted his menu and what he bought every day. While it's not all stuff I would eat, it's mostly healthy, with lots of fresh stuff.
Kristen, I have to thank you for leading me to the Aldi bandwagon. I am hooked! My mother in law has shopped there for years, but frankly I often find myself doing the opposite of what she does because I don't like her very much, lol. That said, I am now saving money AND giving her something to be happy about. Whenever she sees Aldi products in the house, she says it's the first time I ever took her advice on anything. 😉 We'll let it be our secret that I was taking your advice!
Shannon
Hee. That's hilarious.
LOL!
Great article!!! I must say we lived in illinois for 11 years and I just loved Aldi. My kids were younger and it was easy to take all three with me. they are 15,17 and 19 now and I go shopping by myself (boring!).
If you have an Aldi near you , you MUST go to it!! I miss it terribly!. I am going to send them an email and see if they will ever come to Tucson Arizona. I even told my husband after we moved back here I was depressed I had no Aldi to go too. Keep talking about Aldi though because it just makes me want to find the right "Aldi" here.
What I mean by that is, I can try to find the next best thing near me and I think thats kind of the whole point of doing what is right for you.
Love your blog!!
Kristen,
Seriously, don't respond to people who complain about the very nature of your blog! If she feels that way, why isn't she reading a different blog, or writing her own? Some people just like to complain and blame others. I delete unhappy comments from frugaldivorcedliz!:P
This is YOUR blog and you give useful and valid advice. If someone is too much in denial about their own personal deficiencies to see that your advice CAN be applied to their situation, I think their input is prime deleting material.
I don't know if you've read my responses before, but I love Kristen's blog--tremendously! She just hit a raw nerve with me today....big time. If she wants to delete my posts or ignore my replies, that's certainly Kristen's perogative. But I appreciate that she allowed my posts to stand, and replied.
Liz, I go back and forth on how to handle stuff like this. I don't want to create a fake happy bubble around me, you know? Like I can't handle anything but people that agree with me completely.
Great post! I, too, find that the more I buy healthy, whole "around the perimeter" foods, the fewer coupons I find that I can use.
Oddly enough, I am also finding that, although I LOVE Aldi, I am shopping there less than I used to. Again, I think it is because I am buying the produce, meats and dairy items around the perimeter of the regular grocery stores and only buying what is on sale that week. Often the sale prices beat Aldi's low prices.
That said, I love using coupons for entertainment (our upcoming Renaissance Festival has coupons out for a free child's admission with 2 paid adult admissions), services such as haircuts (I can't cut my own hair), craft supplies (all of the craft stores here put out 40%-off coupons regularly), etc. Those are where the savings really seem to add up for me. And heaven forbid we have a home repair that is beyond hub's skill level. I always look in the back of the phone book for coupons if we need a plumber or similar service call.
Once in a while I use coupons and get a deal, but by and large I found it made me shop more, which is not very frugal. I want to find ways to consume less, not more 😉
I clip coupons and I do find that I'll buy more sometimes because I have a coupon for it. We still get our local daily paper which has coupons in the Sunday edition and I can't NOT use them! I also use coupons from the books that get sold in schools, like the Entertainment Book, for example. I don't get coupons from the Internet often. I plan to step up on that. Lastly, to Karen S., it seems that you are having a not terrific day. Kristen, whom I don't know personally, writes something pertinent to her. Take what you can use and ignore the rest. There are still lots of money saving tips written. Don't shoot the messenger...
Coupons are working well for me right now, but we have no Aldi anymore and only one kid 🙂 Plus, I enjoy it and don't mind sifting through the pizza rolls coupons to get to the frozen veggie coupons. But I'm sure that at another stage in my life, all the different factors will send me to a different conclusion, and then back again, and so on.
I only use coupons for things I would use anyway, or something I really want to try that's new and overpriced. I use about $3 or $4 each time I go, but I don't think I've ever gotten anything for free, unless it was a coupon that says "free" on it. Organizing isn't very fun for me, so I am pretty incapable of organizing and saving coupons long enough to make them really pay. But when I see I good one, and I'm ready to go to the store, I clip/download it and use it. 🙂
I use coupons, but I use them sparingly. For example, my last grocery shopping trip saw me using coupons for a free bag of pretzels, cereal, taco shells, pickles and a $5 off Safeway coupon.
I also wrote a blog post explaining my non-royal coupon usage:
http://thenonconsumeradvocate.com/2008/10/why-im-not-a-coupon-queen/
Katy Wolk-Stanley
"Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without"
Coupons are great but I'm not going to buy something if I don't already want it in the first place unless it's free. In which case, I'll take it or donate it to my local food pantry.
Cereal is great for couponing. I try not to buy store brand cereal as it is barely edible at best (I'm looking at you, Aldi cereal) and it is on sale a good portion of the time and Kelloggs and Big G are fighting for market share so often that coupons abound! Getting Quaker or Post cereals are harder, though.
Hear, hear on the eating homemade items as opposed to the fake stuff. That said, I really wish I could find a good recipe for the Tuscan loaf bread that Price Chopper bakery sells. I just have yet to find anything that matches its awesomeness.
I know. I could really go for a Life cereal coupon more often than once a year. =P
Oh, yes. There was an ad for Life cereal in the midweek circular but it was a tease: all ad no coupon.
I agree completely, Kristen. I always feel like I'm going to be vilified when I say that I'm not a huge couponer, but often I just don't find coupons for things I want to eat. Between clipping some coupons and watching the circulars, I'm figured out a system that clicks: http://findmefrugal.blogspot.com/2010/07/couponing.html
@Karen S. I understand your frustrations. I get annoyed when all these great deals from Publix shows up in my google reader from other blogs I follow, but you have to shake it off. That's why I follow a number of blogs, and just pick and choose what advice to take. I have an Aldi in my area, but i never go there (despite Kristen's praise) because I don't bank locally and it's a pain to get cash all the time. Do what works for you and be adaptable.
Everyone has to work with what's available. We have no chain pharmacy or drug stores, no Aldi and Costco is 220 miles away. I like that we don't have so many chain stores but it does mean I don't get double coupons (ever) or use all those loyalty reward thingies.
We do have a Safeway, and I use some coupons there (they never double). But, like most of this group, I prefer to avoid the processed junk so not many coupons work for me. I've been happy to see more showing up for cheese lately since it's always expensive. And when you use your Safeway rewards card they sometimes spit out decent coupons--earlier in the summer I got one for $3 off produce when buying $10 of produce. Now there's a coupon I appreciate!
Weis has lately had a coupon for $1/produce when you spend $10. I always qualify for that without even trying, so it's like a free dollar. That's my kind of coupon (though not as good as your $3 one).
I read through all your posts, Kristen, and got more than I bargained for. I should say that from your posts, I don't feel you've EVER said "You have to shop like me!" I also haven't ever read that you are handing out advice that works for EVERYONE. I like reading what you write because you write very well, you are entertaining (not in a haha way, though some pictures you post of your kids make me smile--that toothpaste note with Joshua comes to mind!), and most of all you are a REAL person. All these things you do are real experiences!
That said... at one point I thought I'd jump on the coupon bangwagon. HA. I agree with you wholeheartedly that most coupons out there are for junk that my family doesn't eat. And wont eat. It's not worth forking out $4 so I can save 25 cents on an item I'd never eat normally.
We shop at local ethnic marketplaces and they have super low prices on produce. I never use coupons there. I use coupons at Target (because I hate Wal-Mart). And I use coupons for feminine products (because I can't forsee me NOT using those ever), toothpaste, mouth wash, face wash, body wash, hand soap, deoderant and hair products. You can add catfood and cat litter to the mix since our cats would be angry without those in the house! These are things we need anyway--just like you mentioned.
I keep all my coupons in an envelope in my purse. I just use whatever envelope the junk mail came in. Shred the junk mail and use the envelope. Works for me!
I'm really glad to hear that you feel that way, because that's exactly what I'm going for...a "Here's what I do. Maybe it'll work for you too." kind of thing.
Joshua's toothpaste note WAS epic...that will be fun to show him when he's older. lol
If this was facebook I'd hit the like button.
I'm using even fewer coupons now that coupons.com has become problematic. I look at it as "at least I'm saving ink and paper." And it's made me more aware of what's on sale or a loss-leader.
What's going on there? Is your store not accepting their coupons?
I can't speak for Jan but a problem I have with online coupons is that sometimes my store's scanner thinks the bar code lines are too thick. Most of the time the clerk will hand enter it, occasionally s/he says s/he's not allowed to do that. I'm afraid to ask lest I lose the hand-entering option.
I always think coupons are a good idea, I keep them and even stick them up on the fridge...and then I always forget about them. And if that doesn't happen, I'm with you, usually the generics are cheaper than the brand name, even with the coupon. Thanks for being so open with your ways...they have inspired me to be more frugal and feed my family healthier also!
I use coupons and love/hate it. But when you get those few great deals it such a high. When I first started couponing I went all out and did every deal posted, as a result I had a ton of stuff that I: didn't like, never used, or was expired. Now I buy and use coupons on things that my family will use, which is: cereal deals are great, toiletries, granola bars, and laundry soap. We eat pretty well and balanced, we do eat some processed food (granola bars and cereal) and that works for us.
I wish we had an Aldi's. My parents have one in their town and that's the first place I go when I visit............I love that dadgum store.
I don't use many coupons because I too don't shop for most of the products coupons are available for (we have very little packaged, processed food in our house and all our toiletries must be unscented).
But, I use ebay to watch for coupons on those few items where I need them. There is a dishwasher soap that is really expensive, but it's the only one that really works in our dishwasher. When coupons come out for it, I get a notice for ebay sales. Last time, I got 20 packs for $1.50 each (even after paying for the coupons) instead of $6 or $7 each, when I combined the coupon with a BOGO at Publix.
For what it's worth, we have an Aldi but I've never set foot in it. I've looked at their flyers but I just don't see much that interests me. I'll have to stop by sometime when I'm in that part of town, but I expect it will be like when I tried shopping at the Walmart Neighborhood Market - there are lower prices, but not much lower and only for things I rarely buy.
Thank you so much for your thoughts on couponing not being for everyone. I have seen what my friends get at the grocery for only a wee bit of money, and I'm amazed! But, then I feel guilty for not couponing, and getting such deals for myself. It's just like you said though, "There aren't a lot of coupons available for the foods I prefer to feed my family." We basically shop on the outside walls of the supermarket, and at the farmer's market. So, unless I happen to find a coupon for water softener salt, diapers, or toiletries or something we would normally buy, I don't fret about it. Thanks for the friendly reminder that I don't have to feel guilty for not being a coupon-clipper!
I use coupons whenever I can. Most of the coupons I collect are for cereal, antiperspirant, razors, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper/paper towel, baby wipes, dishwashing detergent. All coupons are only for $0.50-$1.00 off on items costing between$4-10. Every little bit helps, but this is not a huge savings! We cannot combine coupons or get double the value here in Canada... Honestly, I rarely see a coupon valued at more than $1.25, and if there is one, the regularly priced item is likely in the $15-20 range. I also find it very hard to find coupons for products that I buy regularly. And quite often, the generic product is cheaper than the name-brand product with a coupon. I cut coupons and take them with me, but usually just buy the generic brand since it's a bigger savings.
I also use coupons in the same fashion you do. I like reading that there are others out there. (Oh, and I do get the paper but only on Sundays from the paper box. This way I only spend $1.50 for potential usable coupons. Then I use the paper to start our charcoal chimney for the grill or recycle it after reading. 😉 )
@find me frugal(er) above: All of the Aldi stores around here accept debit cards now and have for several years. I would assume they all do now. 🙂
I don't know if my debit card would work though, since I don't have a PIN on my account and have to swipe it as credit even though it comes out of my checking account... I should probably just try and stop making excuses ;p
thanks!
Great post! I'm getting very overwhelmed with coupons so I think your idea is great!
Kristen... LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog but I have to disagree with you on this topic. Sorry! I am a heavy coupons user and do agree with you on one thing that a lot of coupons are for crap boxed foods. I know I throw away 75% of the coupons I get, BUT and this is a huge BUT there are so many coupons for non-crap foods, personal products, household products that can make a huge impact on the family budget. Why pay $8.99 for a razor when you can pay $.99 at CVS this week. I have more toilet paper, razors, shampoo, conditioner, dog treats, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, face wash, girl products, school supplies and laundry soap then you could ever imagine.
My fridge is packed full of grapes that I only paid $.98 for 2 lbs (Reg $4.99), Shrimp 50-60 ct $3.99, organic 100% fruit strips for school snacks, etc and I used coupons on all of it. Target has their own coupons in their site, which over the last weeks have included produce, shrimp, chicken, fruit bars etc. And I paid $.71 for a brand new pair of jean shorts and only $.33 a piece for 19 pairs of underwear/boxers because of clothes coupons. I'm pretty sure even that has Goodwill beat. This is just an example over the last 2 weeks.
You said you use Suave....go to Target by Saturday and get the Suave Naturals 15oz Shampoo or Conditioner on sale for $.89, print the Target coupon from their website under beauty category to get them for $.14 🙂
Does it take time YES, but you also have to coupon for what you want and use. I started couponing 17 months ago and only started keeping track as of January 1st and my total saved is $7,512.28 for the year and that includes Christmas gifts for my kids and godchildren. That total broken down over the last 8 months allowed us to pay our mortgage down even further and my closets are bursting with things I got for free or close to it that I would have normally paid $2-$9 for personal products. Tomorrow I am buying eye liner that would normally be $6.99 using coupons I will pay $.99. $6.00 is a lot of money in this economy and that is for just one purchase.
Tomorrow I am swapping several women's deodorants (that I either got free or was paid overage for) for a pair of ice skates that will fit my daughter this winter. I would have had to shell out $20 for those use skates at our local 2nd hand store.
I know couponing isn't for everyone but I can assure you from experience there are coupons out there for good/healthy foods/personal products and clothes that can truly make a huge factor in the family budget.
Geez this is long, sorry:) Really do love your blog and read it everyday. I have The Frugal Girl cookbook at my house, every recipe that I have printed from your site and tried we loved so I started a binder. You have your own spot in my recipe library!
No worries....it's all good. I totally don't mind that other people make coupons work for them. It just wasn't a good situation for ME. 🙂
How do you calculate your savings? By what it says on the receipt? I'd have to calculate my savings based on how much I spent, not on how much I saved.
For example, if I got every single one of my grocery items for free from January til now, I'd have only saved myself $3200 ($400 a month is what I spend). I'm sure my CVS receipts would tell a different story, but those savings are inflated to me (because if I couldn't get a razor for free at CVS, I wouldn't have bought a $12 one, I'd have bought a $5 one, kwim?). I hope that makes sense!
I have a big old stash of free razors here, and because my hair is so fine, they'll probably last me for another 5 years. lol
That's how I calculate my savings as well. And, I get frustrated by the inflated numbers because for me, I could never afford to spend that much so I could never "save" money that I wouldn't have spent in the first place. But, if you get a razor for FREE, then you've still saved $5.
Remember Amy Dacyzyn talking about that? She said if you buy a $15 poster (that you didn't need) and it's marked down to $1, you didn't exactly save $14. lol
Yes, I'm a Tightwad Gazette geek. =P
You are right about the buy it because it is crazy cheap or buy it because you need it, it is a very fine line and many get sucked in. My savings is calculated by the dollar amount of coupons I used, gift cards earned and rebates. Some of my savings are also calculated by what is at the bottom of the receipt as each store does it different. CVS numbers are inflated because they include the difference between the sales price and regular price. But my grocery store only calculates the actual savings with coupons. Any way you look at it coupons can save big money if you use them on the things you are ALREADY buying. Ah the great coupon debate lives on:)
But you have been very polite about it, and I'm super grateful for that. 🙂
I know you must realize this, but it should be noted that Groupons are definitely not coupons. They are discounts, yes, but you pay upfront for the Groupon, which you can then use as payment at the business the Groupon is for. (Therefore, they are not subject to the same rules as coupons.) The given business takes the financial hit, but the upside is that the business will be rewarded with hundreds upon hundreds of new customers. That's how it's supposed to work, anyway. The Gap deal was Groupon's first nationwide deal, and it was extremely popular.
As a consumer, I like using Groupons at places (most often local restaurants) that I might not otherwise try because of the high price point. Groupons make giving this or that a try more affordable. I've also used them for spa services and a foreign-language class. 🙂
I know when I got my Gap Groupon, I paid $25 and my voucher is good for $50, so yeah, it's not quite like a coupon.
I'm intrigued...what's different about the rules?
Kristen! It's Lindsey (the coupon questioner!) Thanks for your insight into this! Very helpful article that sparked some good discussion. I've found the website coupon.mom to be helpful and I check it out before I shop to SEE if there is anything that is already on my list - that I could save $$ on. I don't "clip" coupons anymore - but keep them in the circulars and organize them by date and source (redplum, savvy shopper, etc.)Couponmom will tell me what date the coupon I need ran, so I can just grab it if I need it. Otherwise, I just try to do my best planning menus around sales. Thanks again for answering my question!
No problem. 🙂 It sounds like you have a good system going already.
So Kristen, are we still "friends?" Despite my rant 😉
I'm good if you're good. 🙂
Okay, I'll try and be gentle here, because I am trying to learn from Kristin's example.
Karen S. - Is asking someone you presumably don"t know if you're still "friends" a backhanded way of apologizing?
When you flame Kristin repeatedly on her website, it feels as if you are being rude to every Frugal Girl reader as well.
What Kristin is doing is trying to inspire us all to fish by sharing what works for her and her family. She is not giving you a free fish dinner, custom cooked to your order. Eat, don't eat. Read, don't read. Learn, don't learn. Do not for a moment think it is your place to try to tell her what and how she should post. If you have a better way to let your own personality shine, I suggest you think about starting your own blog!
You know, Karen has apologized in many ways to many people on here, Kristen and some of the others who attacked her. She has apologized very humbly to those who attacked her and said that she was frustrated and really shouldn't have been so harsh. She has said this in many different comments and many different ways, and I think you could take some of your own advice in not bringing it back up to continue judging and bashing Karen just because she spoke harsher than she meant to (as she said in one of her comments) and is an easy target.
If you re-read her comments you can clearly see that they stem from frustration. Yes, Kristen always "says" that she doesn't think her way is best for everyone. But, sometimes there is a little bit of condescension, almost like others can't do it her way or that they could if they tried hard enough but the overall attitude is that they are failing in some way. The same attitude has been expressed in the comments back to Karen (from many people on this site)--that she "should" be able to take Kristen's advice and if she can't it must be some inner problem.
At any rate, Karen has apologized and I think people should stop attacking her, but that's why the world is so interesting--because we all have our different opinions about things.
Just for my benefit, would you mind pointing out some specific instances where I've been condescending or have insinuated that people are failing if they're not like me? I don't mean that in a snarky way...I just want to know so that I can stop saying things that make you feel that way.
I know you don't think I feel this way, but honestly, in my heart of hearts, I do NOT think that everyone has to do things my way, and I always feel horrible when someone else feels that way. That's why I wrote that "You don't have to make yogurt" post in the first place...people kept feeling like they needed to apologize to me for the fact that they spend more on groceries than I do, and I wanted to make sure people understood better where I'm coming from.
I firmly believe that everyone needs to do the best they can in their particular situation. Sometimes that means couponing, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes it means homeschooling, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes it means baking bread, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes it means hanging laundry out, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes it means doing some of the things I do, sometimes it doesn't.
I'm not trying to set myself up as a prototype for everyone on the planet. I'm just sharing what I do and what works for ME and I don't expect that to work for the whole world.
What I get from your comments is that you do think your way would be best for everyone and you're just waiting for everyone else to get the revelation. Yes, you say "it's fine if that's what works for you," but in a patronizing, condescending way. Like you said to me that if you needed money and didn't have other ways to earn it then maybe you would resort to coupon-clipping. Like we don't provide for our family sufficiently or I don't try hard enough to earn money on the side. But, what it comes down to is you don't know my situation so you don't know what would or would not work for my family.
And in responding to people who speak of coupons, you always throw in the "diet" part...that people should shop in a way that goes with their budget, locale, and diet, again with the assumption that if someone uses coupons their diet must be different and lacking whereas yours is made up of good, healthy foods. It's frustrating for me to see that because I do use coupons (although I'm not as coupon-crazy as some people I've seen), but my family eats a healthy diet. And, for you to constantly throw that in there is insulting with the insinuation that "couponers" must not eat a healthy diet like you do and that's why coupons work for them.
Your comment to me about the drugstore game, that you thought it was frustrating and time-consuming but if I can make it work for me then more power to me. The feeling I get from your comments would be like if I were to say: "Yeah, not everyone has the ability to use coupons correctly so since you didn't know how to use them I can understand your choosing not to." Do you see how that attitude could come across as condescending--it doesn't imply that coupons may not work for everyone, it implies that you just don't know how to do it. That is what I get from you sometimes-that you think some people don't "get" your way of doing things--not that their circumstances prevent them from living it out in some cases, but that they must be failing to.
I know that not all of your readers get this vibe from you, but judging from a few comments and how defensive both you and the other commenter seem to be sometimes, I would have to say that I don't think I am the only one.
Ah, this is why the internet is hard sometimes...it's so easy to misunderstand things when you don't have tone or body language. When I say, "Do what works for you", I don't mean it in a condescending way. I don't think that everyone should earn money the way I do or that working deals to get overage is for losers. I also don't think you aren't providing for your family properly...I don't even know you, so I couldn't possibly judge that.
Regarding the diet/grocery budget thing, I'm usually thinking of families who have larger appetites than ours, more people than ours, or who have special dietary needs (like food allergies). I don't at all think our diets are perfect...ideally we should eat more locally, eat fewer refined foods, eat way less sugar, and eat organically. Do some people eat diets that are poorer than ours? Yes, but there are at LEAST as many who eat better than we do so I can't get on my high horse about it (an exception is that I can't quite bring myself to believe that the $4/week couponer is buying a sufficient amount of healthy food, though I could be wrong about that.)
I did say that when *I* was using coupons, we ate a poorer diet. I don't think that everyone succumbs to that temptation when they use coupons...I just did.
Regarding the drugstore game, I DO think that it can work and that it can be beneficial. I just don't have the time or patience for it, and when I say that, it's a crack on myself, not on you. I couldn't make it work for me without stressing myself out, but you can. I'm not sure how acknowledging that is condescending.
Maybe if you knew me in real life you'd be able to better understand where I'm coming from...my heart's desire is to help and encourage, not condemn. And I'm trying really, really hard not to be defensive. I'm just trying to explain myself.
Just wanted to add that some of this is just personal preference. I might spend just as much time at Goodwill as I spent doing the drugstore game, but I infinitely prefer to spend my time at Goodwill. Other people loathe Goodwill and would rather play the drugstore game and I truly do believe that either way of spending time is just fine.
Crystal, Thank you! 🙂
I do agree with you that Karen has apologized and it should be left at that. She did apologize very humbly and is taking the lumps like a champ. But she's the one who started the "attacking" as you put it. I'm not sure exactly where you think Kristen "attacked" her back.
I absolutely disagree that Kristen is condescending. I remember when she was thinking of starting this blog and her main concern was she wanted it to be helpful to people. She never said she was starting a blog because her way was the right way and everyone should be like her.
I'm not much like Kristen. I'm an atheist, I clip coupons, I spend $125 a week for a family of 3, we eat out regularly, etc... Despite all this, I still find Kristen's blog helpful and I've never felt judged or condescended to about the way I do things.
"but that's why the world is so interesting–because we all have our different opinions about things."
You're right about this. But this also means Kristen gets a different opinion too and if you disagree with that opinion or find it condescending, perhaps her blog isn't for you.
You know what, Sabrina, it wasn't my intention to attack Kristen and judging from her response I don't feel that she took it that way. Actually, from my standpoint in my comments and her responses it seems as if we were having a discussion and there is no reason for YOU to insert yourself into it by suggesting that I'm not welcome at Kristen's blog if I don't agree with everything she says or does.
I never said that Kristen doesn't have a right to her opinion. And, obviously since I visit this blog I do enjoy parts of it and if Kristen doesn't want me to voice my opinions if it happens to differ from her own then SHE can tell me that. This is her blog and she has that right. YOU, however, do not have the right to tell me that this blog isn't for me. I can be the judge of that, thank you very much.
I didn't say that Kristen attacked Karen S. I said she was attacked--by you and other readers, and I think that enough is enough and there is no reason for people to bring it back up just because they feel the selfish need to get their licks in too. That really doesn't help anybody.
If I felt a blogger was as condescending as you seem to find Kristen, I would honestly find another blog to read. I wouldn't waste my time reading a blog I disagreed with or thought the writer was condescending. I never said you weren't welcome here. You're reading too much into it. I was just suggesting that if you didn't get anything out of her blog, there may be another blog out there that you'd like better.
Maybe you didn't say Kristen attacked Karen, but that wasn't clear to me from the way you worded it. "Kristen and some of the others who attacked" makes it sound like Kristen was among the people doing the attacking. Honest mistake.
And I actually agreed with you that people should let Karen be as she apologized. Just as you don't feel you attacked Kristen (and I agree), I don't feel I attacked Karen. I was pointing out that what she was doing was rude, because it was. I could have been gentler about it and I said as much.
"YOU, however, do not have the right to tell me that this blog isn't for me. I can be the judge of that, thank you very much."
You're correct. But as far as me inserting myself into the discussion, I can be the judge of whether or not there is a reason to do so, thank you very much. When you post on a public blog, other people may have something to say. If you wanted it to be a private conversation, email would have been better. And before you get your panties in a wad, read too much into that and decide I'm telling you that you can't comment here, I'm not. I'm just saying people will add their 2 cents.
Crystal, like Sabrina said, everyone is totally welcome here. Of course, if someone finds my blog to be generally discouraging or condescending or whatever, I wouldn't encourage them to read it. =P But that's totally up to them.
Regarding being attacked, I don't exactly feel attacked, but I'm not gonna lie...issues in the comments like the ones we've had today and yesterday are a little bit exhausting/stressful to me (Ok, a lot more than I let on here. Sometimes unhappy readers leave me shaking and in tears, which I know is my issue that I need to work on.). I guess it's just discouraging to hear that the things I say have had the opposite effect of what I was shooting for...I try really hard to be encouraging and I certainly don't want to make people feel like failures.
Happily, controversy doesn't happen super often on my blog. The Simple Dollar has super nit-picky critical readers who voice their opinions almost every single day, and if things were like that here, I think I'd be too discouraged to carry on! It would suck the joy right out of my life. I don't know how Trent does it.
I guess what I didn't understand was why you were trying to insert drama into an otherwise civilized conversation that I felt Kristen and I were having. Yes, sometimes I feel like Kristen comes across as condescending. We "talked" about it. And, yes sometiems online communication can get messy as far as tone, etc. I'm over it and if Kristen is harboring good will toward me because of it, she hasn't let on, which is why even though yes it's a public forum and you can say what you want to whomever you want, I just didn't understand why you felt the need to come and debate/drama into an otherwise friendly discussion.
I do think that some things can sound condescending, but I never said that I hate her blog or everything it stands for. I don't disagree w/ her on very many things. This blog is the ONLY blog that I subscribe to, out of the many money and scrapbooking blogs that I read on a semi-regular basis. I do like the blog. There are a lot of things that I admire about Kristen and her lifestyle which is why I continue to visit her blog. But, that doesn't mean that I will agree with every single thing that she says and does. And, I feel that I have the right to express BOTH sides of my opinion--the ones that agree and the ones that disagree. I'm just a tell-it-like-it-is kind of person.
For me, it is what it is and I"m sorry you think that only people who are agreeing with Kristen should ever comment here. Some people may really like her blog but still disagree with some things that she may say or how she says them.
I honestly wasn't trying to start drama or be unfriendly. I also never said only people who agree with Kristen should come here. I don't know if you actually read all of my posts, but I said I clip coupons, therefore, one can safely infer that I don't agree with the post about coupons.
But I did want to voice my opinion (as did you) because I don't believe that Kristen is condescending at all. Perhaps because I've known her for almost 8 years and I know her to be a genuinely kind person who is truly interested in helping other people.
More than the disagreeing, it was the fact that you said you find her to be condescending that made me think perhaps you didn't care so much for her blog.
I think the lack of tone/facial expression is a problem here. You say you are a tell-it-like-it-is person, as am I. The problem is that the way "it is" happens to be different for both of us. At this point, we're just talking past each other and will have to agree to disagree.
Okay, Sabrina. You win. I will no longer be a bother to you here.
I'm sorry I offended you! That was not my intention.
I don't think the placement of this thread is clear--I am apologizing to Diane. I'm sorry I've personally offended you 🙂
I know. These comments have gotten so deeply threaded, it's super confusing! lol
I think I might give Aldi a try again soon...I tried it when I was pregnant with Simone over a year ago and I felt like the deals weren't that great, but I just looked back through my blog (I used to post the price of every single item I bought at the store...) and apparently I DID get some good deals! Sugar for $1.69/5 lbs instead of the $2.70 or so we pay now, cheap toothbrushes, nuts, canned goods....it helps that now we live much closer to an Aldi, so it wouldn't be nearly as inconvenient to visit as it used to be. I think I'll definitely try them again soon--our grocery budget isn't nearly as accommodating as it once was. 🙂
my local St. Vincent dePaul was recently remodeled and ever since they have had 30% off coupons in the neighborhood paper each week. It's been really nice but I think its only to get people into the new store and will probably not last much longer.
I clipped coupons because my mom did it to save money and for awhile I thought I was saving money too. Then I realized that I was buying things I normally wouldn't buy just because I had a coupon because I thought I was saving money. My local grocery stores don't double coupons and I started using them for things I really needed and eventually stopped using coupons because we were cooking from scratch more. I actually saved money when I stopped using coupons, bought basic from scratch ingredients and realized that store brands are usually cheaper than name brand with a coupon.
Then I found Aldi and I saved even more money. The other store I shop at is Trader Joe's Aldi's more expensive sibling and I save money there too.
For Kristen: when I read your post it really shows how you love coupons.."more than you can imagine" so exactly what do you do with all these tooth brushes etc? Do you give them to charity? I find that we are more apt to donate to the food bank when we go to Costco... I rip open the overabundance and a few boxes in
I not sure if you ment me Kristin crazy couponer from above or blogger Kristen but I will answer. The toothbrushes are not an issue, my husband needs a new toothbrush every 2 months which blows me away, but it is completely worn out. We use a lot of it, but I also give a lot of stuff out as gifts and make baskets for teachers (bodywash, razors, shampoo, lip balms, candles etc.) It really saves on that spur of the moment, need a gift spend $15. Also I always have a cabinet full of kids stuff for birthday parties. Just last weekend my daughter had two parties and the total cost of the gifts were $5.02 and they included Littlest Petshop products, fizzy bath salts, games etc. I also give a lot away to our school. My big donation is at Christmas my work adopts a family in need (usually an abused mother with children who left with nothing)I fill boxes of essentials to give, not using coupons I would never be able to do this. Last Christmas there was also a very rare mik coupon out and one of our store happen to be running a huge sale on that brand I was able to donate 50 gallons of milk to our food pantry which they told me was their #1 need. A gallon of milk regular in my area is $3.29 which would have normally cost me $164.50 instead I paid $25. There is just a fine line to using coupons, one who sticks to great deals and what they need/use versus those who buy just because there is a coupon and they have never eaten or bought that product.
Hi Kristin,
I'm posting again because I didn't want to let my reply to Karen S. cloud my message to you. In many important ways, you and I couldn't be much more opposite, but I learn from you every day.
I'm 50+.
Never married.
No kids.
No Aldi's.
Don't belong to a church right now.
I live in a very high COLA.
I have two homes with one mortgage apiece. (Still have equity in both, thankfully.)
I don't think I'm nearly as kind as you are. Or as organized.
As different as that list is from yours, here are a few things I think we have in common:
Always been frugal.
Don't clip coupons.
Other than those darn mortgages, have never had major consumer debt.
Appreciate getting full value from the things/experiences we choose to spend hard-earned (and hard-saved) money on.
Enjoy being generous with time to friends, family and community.
Not afraid to give money to the things/causes we believe in.
Love to cook, bake, and take photos.
Once the money is saved, not so sure what to do next when it comes to retirement and investing, but working on it. Slowly. Carefully.
Oh, and a really good one: We're both Amy D. fans!
So you see, we are not at all alike, but we have much in common. I read your blog first every day, for its good, clean, honest inspiration. I wouldn't dream of asking you to change a thing. Unless, of course, you want to change something that's not working for you! I am so grateful to you for giving us a peek into your life. I appreciate the trust you put in me and all of your readers when you open your home and share your family with us every day. Love the 365 project. FG seven days a week. Yay!
Please know how much you and your message are deeply appreciated. Every. Single. Day. Even on the days we are complete opposites.
Aww, thanks. I feel the same way about blogs I read...often it seems I learn the most from people who are really different from me!
Diane,
"I read your blog first every day, for its good, clean, honest inspiration." That's exactly how I feel as well. Very well put! Love this post. (Can you tell I'm in a better mood today? LOL) 🙂
Karen
Isn't it amazing how much better you can feel one day than the other? On Tuesday I was terribly cranky, but then on Wednesday (after a good night's sleep!), I felt like a different person.
We live in the west coast in a high cost-of-living area that, for the most part, has slammed the door shut on Super Walmarts or any other low-price grocery options. Technically I think many residents in our area would appreciate an option, but the unions have a pretty tight hold on local governments and throw some influence around in this area and aren't happy with a non-union shop trying to get a piece of the market. But that's getting a little off-topic!
I was pretty dedicated to coupons during a couple of season of my life. Mostly when my kids were younger, when there were less of them, and when I had more free time. My experience leaves me agreeing with all the essentials of this post. Now I do have to make several stops to meet my needs in my budget, but it is just part of the deal of living where I live. We've moved around some and I've found that coupon/grocery shopping is a very different beast in each area I've lived. Frankly, even though a cheap Aldi-like store isn't an option for me, I still agree the minimal savings I'd get on things we really need isn't worth it. I've found it more frugal in my case to be careful what we use and how we use it. Or relplace the word 'eat' for the word 'use' in the last sentence and that would work, too.
Thanks for spurring me on to consider the best for my family. I've enjoyed your blog since someone shared it with me a few months ago. We are a homeschooling family and have four kiddos aged 4-8. Many of your perspectives ring true to me!
The one coupon that I use every week is from a student coupon book that costs $20 every September. There is 12 coupons (one per month) for $5 off a $50 purchase at Co-op. For the other weeks I use the M&M meat shop coupon that Co-op accepts. I bought two books last year for $40 - have saved $240 in groceries, and we have used several other coupons (2 for 1 movie tickets, etc) from the books as well.
Kristen,
I am a huge coupon fanatic and I appreciate hearing your input on coupons. It's true that when I first started, I played the freebie game TOO much and now I'm stocked up for all cosmetics and toiletries for the rest of the year!! But I've had to learn self-control and now I only buy things with coupons (Even if they are free!) if my husband and I need it!
One area that I have saved in a HUGE way is price-matching. I don't know if you or your readers are aware of it, but both Walmart AND Target will price-match a current weeks' ad. For example, I find that Aldi's produce in my area (Tulsa OK) is poor quality, and my neighborhood Walmart is much better. SO- I bring my Aldi's ad that I get every Tuesday and get the Walmart produce for Aldi's prices. You just bring the ad up to the casheir and say "I'd like to price-match please." They do have a policy about this so if the cashier fusses about it, I always politely ask to speak to a manager. Target is more difficult to price match at with produce, because it has to be the same brand (such as Dole). I would encourage some of your readers to at least try this even if they are not interested in couponing - there's no clipping involved except circling the produce items you want in the ads you find and bringing it to Walmart. This week I got a whole cart full of produce for about $9 (grapes, onions, cantelope, peaches, plums, celery, carrots.) Hope this tip helps - it's worth the savings to spend 5 min going through the ads!!
Oh Sara good point about the price matching! I have done it several times at Target and it is great, I have yet to price match at Walmart.
I'll chime in again here, because this wasn't the only blog I read yesterday that addressed couponing pros and cons.
What I don't understand is why this has to be such a divisive topic among homemaking and personal finance bloggers. I think the point for most frugal people is to obtain what they need and what they want at the lowest cost. It's what we SPEND...that bottom-line number...that is important. What isn't as important is HOW we keep the bottom-line low.
Use coupons or don't. Shop at Aldi or don't. Grow your own food or don't. Eat organic food or don't. Do whatever it takes for YOUR family and YOUR budget...there is no right or wrong.
Oh, how funny! It must have been the day for posting about coupons. lol
And yes, yes, yes...what works for your family and your budget is what you should do (barring illegal practices, of course. =P). Not necessarily what works for me and my family.
Kristen, I think you sum up my thoughts on coupons in this paragraph:
"I'd rather buy flour than a box of frozen pretzels, I'd rather buy a big canister of oatmeal than a box of packets, I'd rather buy fruit than fruit snacks. And while coupons for frozen pretzels, oatmeal packets and fruit snacks can often be had, it's hard to find coupons for flour, large canisters of oatmeal, and fruit."
We buy few pre-made foods, so it's not practical at all for us to use coupons for many things. In fact, if we based our menu around what coupons are available - instead of what produce and other whole foods are on sale that week - we would probably eat worse and spend more for it. We do use coupons when we buy things like books and clothes online, though.
For me, I tried the coupon shopping thing. And though I had lots of stuff in the house, it created too much clutter. I have no pantry and I have limited cabinet space. Besides, it wasn't the best options for feeding my family. So I started buying more local produce, during season (I spend more there, BUT I save in meat by buying a "5 for $20" sale/week and some ground beef or some bagged chicken breast (which lasts 2 weeks).). However, I have a 20 month old son and I use coupons for his diapers. We buy whatever diapers we can get cheapest, except overnights. And we use coupons for those and if we can get a $3/off coupon, we use those. That makes the more expensive diapers much cheaper than the even the store brand. Wipes, we use the store brand. We're eating better meals and my kitchen is less cluttered. However, I will be honest, I have a genuine jealousy of those with an Aldi. I only have a question for those in the know. Is Aldi like a Save-a-lot?
My hubby says they are "the same." One day, we were talking about moving closer to his parents (6 hours away) and I was being silly and said "Hey, then I would have an Aldi"--being silly as in I would never uproot my family for a grocery store! lol)
Anyway, his response was, "We do have an Aldi--it's called Save-A-Lot." This is coming from a man who has shopped at both stores, so I would say it's a similar concept anyway. Although it is coming from a "man" so ya know...
I do like our Save-A-Lot. And, they accept coupons which is a plus and even post coupons to their website. If you sign up for their shopper's club you'll get a $5/25 coupon. They also have coupons for staples like cheese, butter, etc.
You use coupons exactly the way I do! I cook from scratch (and always have), so there just aren't a lot of coupons I can use. SuperTarget is more prevalent in MN, and they used to do meat and produce coupons for raw pre-packaged meat and fresh produce, usually their house brand of meat, and no specific brand of produce. Meijer, my main store here in Cincy, doesn't do coupons for those kinds of products (though they do sales on in-season produce).
I get frustrated with couponing sites that talk about saving money or getting things for free because let's face it - real food does not often come in a coupon-friendly manner.
Kristen,
I saw your post about feeling shaken and in tears--and there was no way to respond to that...I couldn't add another thread. But I want to again apologize about it. I did personally attack you, which I've apologized for many times...but it wasn't what you wrote that upset me, but the fact that I don't have your shopping options...and I was tired of hearing how your shopping is as cheap as mine, and infinitely easier. Was a mean and infantile about it, yes. But what I'm trying to say is that in my heart of hearts, I wasn't truly directly what I said at you (even though that's exactly what I did)...but was upset at hearing once again how much cheaper, easier, healthier, your shopping is. I was being very immature...but on the other hand you got real feedback...from a real human being...and I think that does have some value. Thanks for all you do.
Karen
Nah, your particular comment didn't make me cry. And I didn't even really mind that you were tired of hearing about Aldi...like you said, it was just the way you said it that made me feel unhappy. I like getting feedback, and it's important to get even negative feedback. I just have a easier time getting negative feedback when it's not coming from someone who happens to be angry/frustrated at the time (which is how most people feel when they leave negative feedback! lol)
And I do need to develop a thicker skin anyways and let stuff like this roll off better than I do. I'm a big fat failure at this type of thing. Sigh.
I know, I shouldn't have written comments when I was angry--and if you were talking face-to-face I would have never let my real thoughts fly like I did here... it's the anonymity of the internet that makes it easier to do that...no matter how wrong it is.
Getting back to your original post, it was the fact that you've blogged about how your now free from the exhausting practice of couponing--but your "freedom" is based on having an Aldi. I've looked on their website and their selection and prices are fabulous. I did, as I said, ask if they're opening one near me...and the answer is no. The closest one to me is in the not-so-great sections of D.C. Ugh! You said you wrote posts years ago about couponing, and if you could post those links that would be super-appreciated.
Also, you should let Aldi know you're a HUGE fan...I'm serious in that they might want to use you as a spokesperson or have them right promotions or a blog for them. While you're talking to them, tell them to open one in my neighborhood...LOL! I do hear their ads on the radio, and I like Aldi's style. But guess which grocery store is opening up soon in my neighborhood--a 5th uberexpensive grocery store (yes I said 5)...Harris Teater...UGH!
I meant "write" promotions for them. I do know how to spell 😉
I know...it's so much harder to say something face to face than it is on the internet! Fortunately for me, I do have something of a persona on the internet so that relieves me of some of the anonymity that makes crabby commenting so tempting. =P
I don't know that Aldi would pay me to do promotions for them, given how I talk about them for free. lol I've probably ruined my chances.
The posts I mentioned were some basics about grocery shopping, and I wrote them in the first months of my blog. If you read through the July 2008 and August 2008 archives, you'll seem them sprinkled throughout there. They're not so much about coupons as they are about basic grocery shopping strategies that I use.
There are a ton of good couponing blogs out there, though, which is the main reason I haven't felt like doing how-to posts on that...it feels repetitive! lol
I coupon. I probably save $4-10 week on it, maybe less since there's probably times when I buy something I wouldn't otherwise get. My cheapest option is a store with very low prices and that doesn't price match, double coupons or allow stacking. I could get better prices on some items by going to several more stores but that's more trouble than it's worth to me.
As for the other topics in this post, I offer my sainted grandmother's observation that "Least said, soonest mended."
Maybe in this case it would have been wise for me to say less, but I can't quite get on board with applying the observation everywhere.
See, part of my people-pleasing nature means that I am usually very prone to keeping quiet about things that bug me, and this causes occasional problems in my relationships. Because sometimes, something NEEDS to be said, and there NEEDS to be a bump in the road, you know? Ignoring underlying problems for the sake a a fake peace is appealing to me but is ultimately bad for my relationships.
Kristen,
I used to cry when readers wrote mean stuff to me. When I first started writing my blog, I was newly divorced, so I cried about pretty much everything. That is why I started deleting the comments that hurt my feelings! I have to say that your much more famous blog gets a lot of nice comments. You should read those and forget the rest. I don't mean you should ignore legitimate feedback, or suggestions, but ignore people who are just complaining...I mean flesh and blood people hurt us often enough. I figure life is too short to let internet people take their pound of flesh as well.
I know...which is why I said that it's my own problem. I'm a diehard people pleaser, and I know I need to work on that.
And yes, I have SO many readers who are nothing but encouraging, and that's what keeps me blogging. 🙂
I have tried and tried to be a coupon queen, but it just doesn't work for me! For one thing, I don't have the time to clip, sort and organize the mass amount of coupons that I would need to make it worthwhile. Before I had children, and when I lived in an area that regularly tripled coupons, I could get some killer deals. Unfortunately, I also don't have the storage space to house 20 tubes of toothpaste and a dozen packs of toilet paper, like I did then! I do find that, when I'm relying on coupons, I buy a lot of stuff that I wouldn't normally buy - both positively and negatively. I definitely have found that I do better when I meal plan and buy generics.
For those that don't live near an Aldi, particularly those that are frustrated by that fact, there are other ways to save money dependent on where you shop. Aldi, I've found, is the best-case-scenario for budget shopping, but it's not the only one. I know I've been successful staying in budget by using Super Walmarts and Super Targets. The Target is a farther drive, but if I'm in the area, it works. We even have a couple discount groceries in the area that sell goods that have damaged packaging and won't sell anywhere else. Look for local parenting message boards for your county and you'll be surprised the resources that are available to you!
Kristen, I have read and re-read my comments and I still don't see how they are personally attacking. I said that perhaps some comments could be seens as condescending and you asked me for clarification. So, I expanded on that statement. Then, Sabrina weighs in to say that "maybe this blog isn't for me" (which apparently in your eyes translates to: everyone is welcome here...which I didn't exactly get, but whatever.
And, now you're apparently in agreeance that if there is anything that I could find negative about your blog I just shouldn't come here.
You say that you appreciate feedback even if it's negative, but then if someone does have negative feedback the general statement from you and your other readers is "if you don't like it then don't read it." SO, which is it? Do you welcome criticism (and I'm not even going to say it's a cricitism because only some people get that vibe from your comments so it seems to be maybe a personality thing or even an online communication thing), or do you only want comments from people when they are singing your praises, because quite frankly that is what it seems at this point.
When someone expresses a genuine concern and is told "well maybe this blog isn't for you." I think that's frustrating.
(I think that we were posting at the same time when I wrote my last response, but in it I did say that I enjoy this blog a lot. I just feel like you seem to get really defensive in the responding to comments, which is where I get the condescension feeling from. Not in your blog itself, but in the defensiveness of the response to comments)
At any rate, I am really sorry if I am one of the "unhappy readers" who made you so upset. I tend to take things personal sometimes as well and can relate to that--my husband always gets frustrated at me for allowing "internet people" to have that affect on me. I really wasn't trying to upset you.
I posted a comment earlier this morning actually where I said I didn't feel attacked...more discouraged. It's up deep in the threads somewhere. 😉 I just find confrontation to be stressful, and I said that it's my own issue.
Most of my frustration with the way things have gone in this post has to do with being misunderstood and probably talking about it further will only lead to more misunderstanding. =P You think one way about me, I think the way you're thinking about me isn't quite correct, and maybe we've reached an impasse.
I'm not sure exactly how you'd prefer for me to respond to criticism...if I feel the criticism is warranted (and I do always weigh that), I try to change (I will redouble my efforts to not sound condescending as a result of your comments), and if I feel it's not, then I explain myself (which is probably where you feel I was being defensive). I feel like that's preferable to not responding at all, but maybe it's not?
Let it be known, though that anyone is welcome to read here (though not everyone will find my posts to be helpful or enjoyable, despite my best efforts), that I am open to feedback and that I definitely, definitely do not think that my way of doing things is best for everyone else. I think it's best for me (or I wouldn't be doing it!), but not best for everyone.
And I am sorry that my posts/comments have made you feel like a failure and have made you feel like I was being condescending. It was my honest intent to do the exact opposite, but I am apparently incapable of communicating that (the more I try, the more condescending you feel that I am). All I can say is that I absolutely, positively do not think that people who do things different from me are failures. A lot of people do things better than I do, actually (which is what inspired me to write the It Doesn't Have To Be Perfect to Bless Other People post). Different does not equal failure.
Kristen and Sabrina I'm glad you guys are such great friends. For the record I never said Kristen wasn't a nice person which is why I don't understand why you felt the need to come at me in her defense. I said that the defensive tone of some of her comments can strike me as condescending sometimes. And, I am VERY sorry that this statement has cause such a huge uproar. But, really, if it's not how you feel, then fine. I really don't understand why you--Sabrina--have taken MY feelings on the matter so personal when they do not involve you at all. I get that she is your friend but that has no bearing on how I perceive her comments and to be honest your forceful comments toward myself and others absolutely do not help the matter.
Except, that I guess it does help because you win. I will unsubscribe to Kristen's blog, which like i've stated MANY times I really do enjoy. But THIS, this drama is totally not worth it. So, I will leave you guys to your happy little bubble where everyone sings Kristen's praises, and those who have a negative thought about something are told that this blog might not be for them. You win. I won't be back to bother you or Kristen anymore.
I really never knew that trying to express a heartfelt opinion would result in all of this senselessness, especially when Kristen herself stepped in and pretended to care about what I had to say, but then after I clarify what I meant I have been nothing but attacked and told that if I don't like it I shouldn't read.
I have stated MANY times that I did actually like her blog but apparently that's not enough.
I'm sorry you feel it necessary to go, and I'm sorry if you feel like I've attacked you. I thought I was being polite, and I'm sorry it came off differently. I think I must get a big fail when it comes to chatting with you online.
At the same time, I totally understand not wanting to read my blog...no one should ever feel pressure to do so. I hope that you find a frugal blog that's a better fit for you, and of course if you ever feel like coming back here, you're more than welcome.
I don't think you have been rude, which is why for me your friend has made things worse, because it kind of seems as if she's the more assertive one who speaks up for your or something. YOU have been polite, but when she speaks up I think that maybe you have confided in her and she knows how you "really feel" about it whereas I do not. and that's fine.
But, let's be clear. Like I said too many times to count. I enjoyed your blog. Over the past couple of years I have read countless scrapbooking and money/deals blogs and yours is the ONLY one that I liked enough to subscribe to and want to have it delivered to my email inbox every day.
It's this drama in the comments that I'm not in love with and having a reader who says she's your bff for 8 years attack me and insinuate that I'm not welcome here. It' s just really not worth it for me. She's your friend for such a long time and if she doesn't want me here it's totally not worth it for me to try and continue reading your blog, even though I would like to.
like most others on here, I have a big mouth and I know I couldn't read without weighing in on things--good or bad, popular opinion or not. And, at this point I really don't feel comfortable doing that so the only option is for me not to read the blog anymore. Maybe if Sabrina decides that I would be allowed to without any interference from or attacks from her then I would love to continue reading your blog. But, I don't want to be where I'm not wanted and I really don't try to seek drama in my life and online drama is definitely something I don't need.
Oh, Sabrina's not my BFF (much as I like her!). lol In fact, we've never even met in real life. I met Sabrina online on a now defunct parenting message board back in 2002 or thereabouts, and so we've only known each other online.
I never asked her to post a comment or respond to you...in fact, it's been so long since she commented on my blog, I'd kind of forgotten that she even read it! So I promise that I didn't sic her on you. 😉
Sabrina IS definitely more assertive than me, but it's not like we're a good cop bad cop pair. In fact, we've butted heads more than once in message board debates, but I think we've both come out with respect for each other.
And I think that if you got to know her, you might like Sabrina too. She's hilarious and witty and is in many ways my exact opposite (which might be why I like her so much!).
The point is you know, like, respect each other and I am the "outsider" who will be automatically presumed to be the bad guy if there is some sort of disagreement. Believe it or not, *I* am actually a nice person as well, and trust me if I could have seen that my piddly little comment that some of your responses could perhaps be taken as condescending and defensive...would lead to all of this I never would have said it. But, what's done is done and like I said I won't be bothering you on future posts because it's clear that whether it's because I made that first statement in a wrong way, because you are too defensive, or because ALL 3 of us are too prideful to just drop it and let it go.
It's just frustrating to me because like I've said this whole time I do like your blog and there are many things I admire about you and your lifestyle which is why I read your blog and I'm really sorry that one negative comment I made about MY perception of your comment responses was enough to really make me unwelcome here (because anything I say has and will be taken in the absolute worst light and therefore pounced on). I just really think it's a little ridiculous that it has come to this when, in my mind, there was no reason for it to keep going this far.
"a reader who says she's your bff for 8 years attack me"
Please point out where I said that I was her BFF. What I ACTUALLY said was, "Perhaps because I've known her for almost 8 years and I know her to be a genuinely kind person who is truly interested in helping other people." You seem to have a habit of putting words in people's mouths. Maybe you should re-read my posts and take them completely at face value instead of reading all kinds of underlying messages in them that aren't actually there.
You said you have a big mouth and you're a tell-it-like-it-is person. How come that's ok for you and not for me? How come when you voice your opinion it's just you voicing your opinion, but when I do it, it's an "attack"?
I was perfectly willing to let it drop. I said we were talking past each other and should agree to disagree, yet, you chose to keep posting on it. Also, allow me to quote you from when you were sticking up for Karen..."She has said this in many different comments and many different ways, and I think you could take some of your own advice in not bringing it back up" I explained myself and told you I didn't say you were unwelcome in 2 posts. But here you are, still on about being unwelcome/unwanted. Clearly that reader wasn't the only one who should take their own advice.
I truly bear you no ill-will. I'm not taking your feelings personally, although you seem to be taking all this quite personally. You chose to express your opinion, I chose to disagree with it. That's really all there was to it. I'm sorry you've decided to read so much more into my words than was actually there.
TO SUM UP: I never said you were unwelcome, I never said only people who agree with Kristen should come here, I never said Kristen was my BFF. I don't care where you post, but if you post here, I might actually disagree with you again. You might actually disagree with me. It's not the end of the world.
What, I missed that Sabrina's your BFF, I thought I was your new BFF...no? LOL! How about if we all stop, now. We ALL bring something different to Kristen's blog...Crystal, Sabrina, Me, Bill, and a million other people who enjoy reading what Kristen posts. I think Kristen has made it clear that all of us "imperfect people" which we ALL are imperfect are welcome!
Oh dear...that'll be too many BFFs for me. lol
And yup, this imperfect blogger is happy to have imperfect readers. 😉
Gee whiz, a person goes to work Friday morning, thinking all is well on her favorite blog when, YIKES!!! I was dumbfounded reading through all this, and my blood kind of boiled a couple times, but then I remembered that one of my goals this year is to develop more of your tolerance and graciousness, so please let this not insult anyone:
1. I never find you condescending. Ever. Not once.
2. I never think you are telling people to "be like me."
3. I never think you discourage disagreement with your posts -- actually, you encourage it because, you know, it's a blog, for goodness sake!
4. I never think you'd "sic" one reader onto another -- 🙂
5. I never feel that you are personally responsible for my town's lack of Aldi's.
6. I never feel that you judge me for my town's lack of Aldi's.
7. I never feel as though you are to blame for my feelings of insecurity -- which are many, being as imperfect and human and fallible as I am. On the contrary, your cheerfulness, humility, and general "glass is half full" attitude is a big draw, especially when the day has been hard and I'm losing my pep.
8. I NEVER feel like you just want to hear praise, and appreciate your willingness to consider opposing viewpoints.
9. I'm always happy to come here and learn from you and your readers (cranky or not!)
You have completely twisted my words.
1. I don't find Kristen's blog overall to be condescending and I never said or implied that.
2. I never said that Kristen tells everyone or anyone to be like her.
3. In her posts overall I do agree that Kristen encourages disagreement. However, in these comments when I posted (what began as a really small comment that believe you me I wish I hadn't written!), I was told that if I didn't agree with her(which again--never said, I LOVE Kristen's blog) then maybe this blog isn't for me--not necessarily by Kristen but by Sabrina.
4. I never said that she "sic" Sabrina on me and I didn't mean to imply that.
But, at this point I'm just a really easy target.
Sucks when someone says you said things you didn't actually say, huh?
All I can say, Kristen, is you are much nicer and more patient than me!
And Crystal, can you just get over it?? Why do you think these lengthy sermons you are incessantly writing are the least bit relevant? Are you adding to this blog by complaining? Do you honestly believe that your comments are anything better than whining, petulant meanness? She's not being condescending! Believe it or not, Kristen does not write every blog post and comment thinking to herself, "How can I bring that Crystal person down a little more today? (*insert evil cackle*)"
By the way, I am not defending Kristen because I am her sycophant, I am defending her because you, Crystal, have taken this too far and you need to stop.
(Sorry Kristen, if this comment starts a new avalanche of animosity.)
All I can say is this, I didn't write one single thing in any of these comments with the intent to hurt someone or to be mean to them. You, on the other hand clearly wrote this with the intent on hurting me and congratulations. You succeeded. I hope you're happy.
As I sit here crying because of the attacks that are coming to me in all of this I just want to say one thing. Kristen I am extremely sorry if my comments have hurt you. Apparently the people who are so intent on hurting me feel that I must have hurt you and therefore deserve it in return. I am really just dumfounded at how over the top and out of hand this has all gotten and again in my wildest dreams didn't realize that my little comment (which is another thing I always do--get in the middle of things to defend the "underdog") would cause all of this.
I really am sorry. And, in a way I am thankful to those who are lashing out at me because in their animosity I can see the extent of how horribly I apparently came across, even when not meaning to.
Virtual hugs, Crystal! I never meant to hurt you either, and I'm sorry you've gotten hurt in the process.
If I knew how to close comments on a post on the Thesis theme without making all of them invisible, I'd do that. Unfortunately, I don't know how!
But, dear readers, I think it's probably time to let this one die. Sabrina and I both said we were ready to agree to disagree today and I think Crystal's at that point too. 🙂
I was kind of upset before, yes, but I'm feeling completely calm about all this at this point and I don't hold ill will towards anybody (and I mean that in the most unsnarky, sincere way possible.).
Mwah to all of you!
The "funny" thing is that I was never even upset at you in the least. I was frustrated at a couple of readers who were arguing/attacking (back and forth I totally admit that I kept at it just like they did) and my responses to them in trying to explain myself came across as being malicious or mean or mad toward you and that wasn't even ever the case.
Well, you are better at keeping feelings out of things than I am, then! lol
Sorry, Kristen. I posted those last two posts before I saw this one.
Also, Crystal, I really wasn't trying to hurt your feelings. You kept taking what I said out of context, I kept trying to explain myself and it just seemed to make it worse. I still stand by everything I said, and I still feel you should go back and re-read my posts without assigning any emotion/underlying messages to them. Nothing I said was meant to be a personal attack and I'm sorry you took it that way.
"You kept taking what I said out of context, I kept trying to explain myself and it just seemed to make it worse."
I could have written those words exactly. Which is why I think we should just all chalk this up to a huge misunderstanding.
Just so you know, Publix is giving out $1 off coupons for Boca products! I don't know if anyone on here prefers a non-meat alternative, but if you do, $1 off is awesome!
Oh, I am so sorry!! I wasn't aiming at any one person -- I don't even know who all said what on the threads -- i just wanted to shout out to Kristen, but I did it badly, I guess, if Crystal's feelings were hurt. I will make my apologies personally to her -- can't stand thinking she is sad over my silly post. From now on, I will express my support for the Frugal Girl with a coded phrase, such as, "I love avocados, don't you?" or "Avocados rock!" and you will know that kind thoughts are winging your way ! Cheers to all!
Thank you so much for this. You are clearly a sweet person and we could all learn some humility and kindness from you. I really wish that I could just move on the way you did just then. I always want to explain myself instead which just tends to get me into more trouble.
Me, too, Crystal! So glad to end this happily, and end the thread here! Tomorrow is a fresh, new day -- we all get to try again. Your kind words will help me do better, I promise. Thank you, and Cheers!
And they all lived happily ever after. The end 🙂
Sometimes, I think the worst part about blogging is the readers.
*hugs*
Priskill,
I didn't think your post seemed mean or angry. Actually, I was angry before I read it, and then I actually laughed out loud and felt better after I read it! Really, don't feel bad and think you need to edit yourself.
Please, come over and comment on my blog. My blog needs some hilarity!
My Goodwill does give out 20% off coupons when you make a donation! This is in Idaho. And my moms Goodwill in Oregon has some sort of punch card system. Do you have anything like that?
Well I for one Love coupons. The trick is to focus on the things you would normally use. Yes, it is easy to get caught up in buying things for the sake of a coupon but I dont let the coupons dictate to me what my purchases will be. I buy what I would normally buy unless its absolutley free then I give it away or donate it. I also dont cut them every week I simply label them with a date and put them in a pile unless I know it is something I will absolutley use. There are many out there for cheese, veggies and other staple items. But if you dont look you won't find. Our society seems to be focused more on easy cooking so you are going to see more coupons for packaged goods. There are so many couponing sites all you have to do is check them out. We have all these great people that do all the work for you. All you have to do is a quick read for the store of your choice. They will tell you what paper the coupon is in and the date then you can just go back and clip what you need instead of spending days trying to do the match-ups yourself. I do agree every person has there own style of shopping if we all did the same thing the world would be a boring place. =D
Just found your blog and I am going back and reading older posts and I could not agree more with you on the coupons. I think they are great for my personal care products, especially hair and face care but for food, I buy more ingredients than pre-packaged foods. I still have a ton of pre-packaged foods in my pantry from my coupon shopping. I have to use them or lose them. Thanks for being honest and talking about a better way to save than coupons.
I love coupons for some things, like I just bought a bunch of Pantene shampoo for like $2.00 each, I've also gotten free deodorant, but as far as 'Extreme Couponing', I've said to my family many times, "I don't see any real food, yeah it's great if you only eat frozen pizza & drink Gatorade, but where is all the real food?"