That is the question!
I find
myself periodically reviewing whether clipping coupons is worth the time and
trouble. Especially when I find myself
tossing a bunch that expired, as was the case yesterday.
I don't
always use coupons but there have been times when I have scored some terrific
bargains by matching up a coupon with a sale priced item. To be honest, I seldom use coupons any other
way. I also stack coupons which means
adding a manufacturer's coupon to a store coupon for even greater savings.
Yesterday
I found myself in need of a few items, mainly cat food. We were out of dry food and low on canned cat
food. I had quite a selection of coupons
for various brands of both so I headed off to Fred Meyer since also I needed a
few other items they had on sale. Plus I
had other coupons to use or toss.
There
are times, however when I really think it pays off. This is what I ended up getting:
·
2
boxes breakfast cereal - store coupon for 3/$5 plus a mfg. coupon for $1 =
$1.16 each
·
2
loaves bread - store coupon for 4/$5 = $1.25 each
·
1
pound butter - store coupon for 3/$5 = $1.66 each
·
3
pudding cup packs - on sale 10/$10 less $1.00 coupon = 66¢ each (17¢ per
pudding cup)
·
1
16oz. container sour cream - on sale 10/$10 = $1.00
·
2
boxes pasta - on sale 88¢ each less 55¢ coupon = 60¢ each
·
1
320z. bottle canola oil - close out $2.36
·
6
cans cat food - on sale 65¢ each less $1.00 coupon = 48¢ each
·
3
cans cat food - on sale 77¢ each less coupon buy 2 get 1 free = 51¢ each
·
1
16lb. bag dry cat food - sale $10.99 less $1.00 coupon = $9.99 final price
Total store and manufacturer coupons
redeemed = $10.37.
Total I paid = $13.04 food & $14.43
cat food.
The cat
food I bought will last us at least two months and I almost always have coupons
when I buy it. I find them both online
and in the Sunday coupon circulars. Two of
the coupons I used today (pasta & cereal) were given to me at checkout
during a prior visit to Fred Meyer. Additionally
I had them swipe my Fred Meyer Rewards card for this purchase which earns me
points toward savings at their gas station.
I happen
to be one of those strange people who enjoys clipping coupons and I do try to
only clip coupons for items I will actually use. I have to admit I do get a real thrill when I
find I have a coupon for something I need and it also happens to be on
sale. I love the math and strategizing
that goes along with it too. Especially
when I can get something dirt cheap or, even better, for free.
If you
don't enjoy using and clipping coupons then I'd say just forget about it. No point making yourself do something you
really don't enjoy. Grocery shopping and
meal planning is hard enough without adding one more unpleasant aspect to
it. I have a friend that completely
stresses out when faced with trying to figure out deals and how to use coupons
for maximum savings. I tell her life is
too short and there are plenty of other things to stress over. J
So I
guess what it literally comes down to is coupon if you want to and if you don't
then don't bother.
You may
also enjoy revisiting Coupons.
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