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Discussion Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: articx on January 24, 2011, 11:02:34 am

Title: Collecting Coupons
Post by: articx on January 24, 2011, 11:02:34 am
I've watched videos on Youtube showing people collecting coupons and using them to reduce what they pay for groceries. In the first one, a lady dumpster dives with her young son. In the second video, a lady used so many coupons to reduce the price of her groceries from about $200 down to about $0.10. What do you think about this? Is it a reasonable thing to do? Are you doing it too?
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: Elizabethar on January 24, 2011, 11:49:23 am
I can see using coupons, but dumpster dive NO Way!!  The food is in the dumpster for a reason.
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: twol on January 24, 2011, 12:17:36 pm
I love using coupons! I won't use them to buy things that I don't really need though, even if it's a good bargain. That's just how they try to sucker you in so you buy more. As for dumpster diving, leave me out. I know a guy in one of my classes that dumpster dives at the local grocery store. He says that they are required to throw away produce that has been on the shelf for so many days, even though it doesn't expire until sometime later. I was like this O_o
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: lucky382001 on January 24, 2011, 12:20:57 pm
I think its possible the lady was dumpster diving for coupons?

Anyway Using coupons can save you a ton of money as long as you don't buy things you won't use or aren't really getting a deal. I keep a price book and compare price per unit so I know if Im getting a good deal.
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: articx on January 24, 2011, 05:40:00 pm
I think its possible the lady was dumpster diving for coupons?
It seems what I typed wasn't clear. Yes, the lady was dumpster diving for coupons.

I love using coupons! I won't use them to buy things that I don't really need though, even if it's a good bargain. That's just how they try to sucker you in so you buy more. As for dumpster diving, leave me out. I know a guy in one of my classes that dumpster dives at the local grocery store. He says that they are required to throw away produce that has been on the shelf for so many days, even though it doesn't expire until sometime later. I was like this O_o
This is what Freegans do.
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: kingreyam24 on January 24, 2011, 06:02:14 pm
I use coupons all the time too. I make lists and make weekly trips to Rite Aid and CVS. Since I have started with coupons a year ago, I have made around $150 from shopping at Rite Aid. It takes research and organization, but it is a great way to make or save money.
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: sommap on January 25, 2011, 09:27:34 am
I have used coupons for years and years, and have saved lots of money with them.  Unfortunately I do not live where they double or triple the value of your coupons.  I clip all the coupons from my Sunday papers and then print off different ones from the web.  There are places that have lots of coupons ready to print.  The extreme couponers are doing the rest of us a disservice.  They make us all seem too greedy.  They also go out and pay for some of their coupons.  I try to match up store coupons with manufacturing coupons.  My coupons are sorted by expiration dates.  I regularly go through them to see if I want to toss ones close to expiration or use them.  I have one store where, if you use a coupon for buy one get one free, you can also use two coupons for money off.
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: dreamyxo on January 25, 2011, 09:35:15 am
I don't go out of my way to collect and use coupons.  To me it can be a waste because a lot of the coupons are for products I don't use or you have to buy more than one and only get like 30 cents off which to me doesn't save much.  I tend to only buy what's on sale so to me that saves more than using coupons that aren't worth it. 
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: catrinagreene on January 28, 2011, 11:50:23 am
i get my paper and clip and save my coupons, i buy laundry name brand detergent for less than $1.50 a thing which is a huge deal esp, since my husbands jobs is a mechanic... and i have 2 kids who are constantly staining clothes....

i've bought fabric softner sheets for the dryer for the big boxes for only like $1 a container

shampoo/conditioner & body wash and deodorant for free-and up to $1

Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: radhika28 on January 28, 2011, 02:22:38 pm
I used coupons a lot.First i will check in the internet is there any useful product coupons that i use and then i will download it.its worth saving a lot of money using coupons
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: rawrrxboo on January 29, 2011, 06:03:57 pm
I think using coupons is perfectly fine i sure do. I do this especially for mall stores. Now a day things are so expensive and I don't wanna waste my parents' money so I'd try to find all the coupons i possibly can
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: mstachitus on January 29, 2011, 06:37:02 pm
Coupons are good, but dumpster diving? No need!
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: sdenimandlace1 on January 29, 2011, 06:58:15 pm
I use my coupons with store sells, I hardly every use them the first week they come out because the price is usually higher then it will be in 2 weeks. 
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: BizELady on April 30, 2011, 11:57:54 am
I would not dive into a dumpster.  But... Using coupons is very reasonable especially in this recession.  I get them online and out of newspaper.
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: sommap on April 30, 2011, 12:12:55 pm
I think I may get really organized and make a price book so I know if I am really getting a bargain.  I know I am a bit suspicious when I see a buy one get one free.  I think they sometimes jack up the price of the product.
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: djones5353 on April 30, 2011, 12:32:17 pm
I save thousands of dollars a year on coupons. I usually use about 30-50 per trip. I don't dumpster dive because I dont have to. there are tons of places to get free coupons. It does take a lot of time but it is definetly worth it. Plus the store i shop at has a reward program for every manufactured coupon you use you get 10 pts for ever 100 pts (or 10 coupons) you save $10 off per gallon. The time period is usually a one month time frame. Well i use so many coupons I usually spend about .30 - .70 per gallon for gas. With the rising price of gas to almost $4 it is definetly worth it. It takes time to build you coupon base. Organization is the key.
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: tazdad777 on April 30, 2011, 12:48:37 pm
I do collect coupons and you really can save a big chunk of change by using them. I subscribe to several web sites that offer coupons. You just click on the ones you want and print them out. Now, there are some stores that will not accept internet printed coupons. Dollar General is one of them where I live but Walmart and Kmart always accept them. If you would like the sites I use just reply to this post.
I refuse to dumpster dive or look in trash cans. I do have some dignity I would like to keep. lol
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: debrar on April 30, 2011, 01:26:52 pm
I do collect coupons and you really can save a big chunk of change by using them. I subscribe to several web sites that offer coupons. You just click on the ones you want and print them out. Now, there are some stores that will not accept internet printed coupons. Dollar General is one of them where I live but Walmart and Kmart always accept them. If you would like the sites I use just reply to this post.
I refuse to dumpster dive or look in trash cans. I do have some dignity I would like to keep. lol

My daughter is starting to use coupons and teaching me how to now that I don't have a full time job away from home. I am learning how to do this. Could sure like the sites that you use so I may pass it on. I am a vegan and it is very hard for me to find coupons for the products I use. She told me I cannot be a "certain brand only person" to make some money. But no way will I dumpster dive.  :peace:
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: constance312003 on April 30, 2011, 01:37:11 pm
Is it really cheaper than buying the store brand?
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: CHANEYLAKEGIRL on April 30, 2011, 01:58:47 pm
I use coupons as much as possible. Try to get whatever free I can. If I'm not going to use it, I give it to a family member or donate it to the homeles shelter. They can use just about anything there.
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: adg35 on April 30, 2011, 02:15:31 pm
I save a ton with coupons. To reduce 200 to .10 is next to impossible, but I carve off 7-10 bucks easy.
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: sassy79 on April 30, 2011, 03:51:59 pm
Apparently for that show the stores broke some of their own rules to get publicity and at least one of the "stars" is being investigated for coupon fraud. I do collect coupons I buy about 3 papers a week and get coupons from friends/family. I also do some trading on line. If I save less then 50% at the grocery store I get really disappointed. There is no point in paying full price if you don't have to. The amount I saved at the grocery store and target just this week was more then enough to fill my gas tank. . . If you think about it most people spend $300-$400 on groceries a month, if you were doing that in one lump sum you would look for a discount, why not when you break it up into 4 weeks?
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: bjohnson16 on April 30, 2011, 05:28:34 pm
I use coupons for alot of different things but it is always something that I need or want it is not just because I have a coupon.  I have a book system for my coupons.  I have also learned that if you watch closely that you can even find coupons for fruits and veg.  I also at one of our stores if you buy some items then you get a coupon for the brand of veg.  for money off.  Also if you can get the saving to help in some way each cent off counts along way with the cost of food and health and cleaning prices. 
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: DaWilsonator on April 30, 2011, 06:17:34 pm
I've watched videos on Youtube showing people collecting coupons and using them to reduce what they pay for groceries. In the first one, a lady dumpster dives with her young son. In the second video, a lady used so many coupons to reduce the price of her groceries from about $200 down to about $0.10. What do you think about this? Is it a reasonable thing to do? Are you doing it too?

You should watch Extreme Couponing on TLC, that show will blow your mind from how most those women save on money. I don't know how they do it but I know it takes a lot of brain power to figure it out. lol.
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: tazdad777 on July 29, 2011, 11:39:45 am
Yes, I collect coupons. In this economy it is the one way you can save money. Especially if you go to a store that double your coupons. I look at all the ads and see what's on sale and then I match the product with a coupon(s) that I have to save even more money. I buy the Entertainment book every year becuz they always have Shop N Save coupons where you save $5 when you buy a $50 Gift card. So, when I go I use that and every other Thursday the have a special if you spend $50 you get $10 off. So I use that combined with my Entertainment coupon and it's like getting $15 worth of Free groceries! Can't knock that! But I will never go dumpster diving for coupons. I don't care how much I can save. My dignity is worth much more than that to me.
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: workmama on July 29, 2011, 03:07:13 pm
I love collecting coupons. I do most of my coupon shopping online.....not the dumpster! That is just crazy!!!  :o
I love that show Extreme Couponing...but I have not been able to do it myself. The most I will save of my regular grocery bill is $15-$20. I don't see how people are able to save $100 to $200 off groceries! Can someone please explain? Is it just for entertainment purposes for the show?  :dontknow:
Anyways, I love to shop at Target and the Dollar Store because I can use double coupons. I used to find great bargains @ Dillions, but I have to wait for them to reopen since they were destroyed in a tornado nearby where I live.  :crybaby2:
Well, I also collect coupons from All You magazines and others and I request free samples from Facebook and my mail.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: elysee24 on July 29, 2011, 07:29:31 pm
I use coupon to shop and it has been saving a lot.
There are so many ways to get coupon, so no need to go to dumpster!!!
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: Consultsone on August 09, 2011, 11:14:57 pm
I think its possible the lady was dumpster diving for coupons?
It seems what I typed wasn't clear. Yes, the lady was dumpster diving for coupons.

I love using coupons! I won't use them to buy things that I don't really need though, even if it's a good bargain. That's just how they try to sucker you in so you buy more. As for dumpster diving, leave me out. I know a guy in one of my classes that dumpster dives at the local grocery store. He says that they are required to throw away produce that has been on the shelf for so many days, even though it doesn't expire until sometime later. I was like this O_o
This is what Freegans do.

I have watched a few shows and documentaries on freegans.
It was very intriguing as to not only do they get meals for themselves but actually use what they recover from dumpsters to feed the homeless and run away kids.
There is a lot of waste of food that is just tossed by stores.
Some local places though actually had to start padlocking the dumpsters because there was a huge lawsuit that a homeless man actually won for getting sick for the
food that he got out a dumpster. I was intrigued by the case but his attorney had a solid case. It really took away from what freegans do in the area.
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: zanger09 on August 10, 2011, 08:38:51 am
My mom likes to collect coupons. I went to the store with her once a couple of weeks ago and we got a ton of stuff for 90% off. Now, will she use all of that stuff, probably not, she said that she was going to donate some to charity.
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: sommap on August 10, 2011, 09:52:24 am
I started keeping track of my grocery shopping and how much I have saved by using coupons.  I am averaging out a bit over 40%.  I think that is great as we do not have double couponing here. 
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: ajann1983 on August 10, 2011, 09:59:32 am
i've been using coupons for several months now but would never consider diving in a dumpster with my child to get them. i have save a lot of money using them especially when it makes the products that i get FREE!!!!
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: devideddi on August 10, 2011, 11:46:28 am
i don't use coupons any more
Title: Re: Collecting Coupons
Post by: annettefayeroach on August 10, 2011, 11:49:35 am
I use coupons alot, but only for things that I really need. My son is in his first year of college and he uses coupons to.
 :wave: