We just covered how to get coupons and use them, but now we want to know how to use them effectively. If you are continually getting items for free, or nearly free, consider stockpiling them. It may cost you a bit more in the beginning to build up your stockpile, but once you get going and have a decent stock, you'll see your grocery bills go WAY down.
I have had people ask me, since I use alot of coupons, do I buy alot of items I don't need? The answer to that question is NO, I buy stuff I will USE, not stuff I need or don't need. There is a difference. View these 2 scenarios:
Scenario 1: You are hosting a party and realize, you have no ketchup. You think quickly, 'I'll just run to Walmart and grab a bottle, its only $1.' So you spend time you don't have, gas you really can't afford to waste, and battle that crowd on a Saturday. You grab the ketchup, then say, 'hmmmm, while I'm here, I better grab some mustard and relish too...', but the time you leave, you have spent $40.
Scenario 2: You are hosting a party and realize, you have no ketchup. No worries! You have 2 more bottles in your pantry you got for .50 a piece matching the last coupon with a sale. Phew! And mustard and relish also. No need to leave the house, continue getting ready for your party.
Which to you makes more sense?
I have found stockpiling groceries has been an absolute lifesaver for me. Last year the bank made an error with our checking account and we had no access to money for about 5 weeks. The LONGEST 5 weeks of my life. However, I had created such a stock pile in my basement that it was able to hold us over that long. I had lunch meats, cheese, breads and roasts in my freezer. I had cereals, oatmeal and snacks stocked up for the kids. I had side dishes, and veggies stocked up for meals. And I had enough salad dressings and condiments stocked up, we are STILL trying to go through them. I admit that since I went through that period, I have had a hard time getting back to that point, but it got us through a very difficult point in time so I was so glad I had it. The only thing I couldn't get was fresh produce and that was difficult, and we had family that would help keep us in milk and anything else we might need. But we made it and it was my shopping to fill my stock pile that got us through.
We joke alot around here, "If the bomb falls, go to Melissa's house!" You are all welcome to my house if the bomb falls. ;)
Have a great day!!
I have found stockpiling groceries has been an absolute lifesaver for me. Last year the bank made an error with our checking account and we had no access to money for about 5 weeks. The LONGEST 5 weeks of my life. However, I had created such a stock pile in my basement that it was able to hold us over that long. I had lunch meats, cheese, breads and roasts in my freezer. I had cereals, oatmeal and snacks stocked up for the kids. I had side dishes, and veggies stocked up for meals. And I had enough salad dressings and condiments stocked up, we are STILL trying to go through them. I admit that since I went through that period, I have had a hard time getting back to that point, but it got us through a very difficult point in time so I was so glad I had it. The only thing I couldn't get was fresh produce and that was difficult, and we had family that would help keep us in milk and anything else we might need. But we made it and it was my shopping to fill my stock pile that got us through.
We joke alot around here, "If the bomb falls, go to Melissa's house!" You are all welcome to my house if the bomb falls. ;)
Have a great day!!
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