Jun132011

Extreme Couponing Tip: Stockpile Amount Guidelines

When possible, stockpile as much as you can use before the expiration date. The larger your stockpile, the less you will be buying each week for your family’s immediate needs. Remember– Krazy Coupon Ladies (and Gents) save money by buying things before they need them. Build your stockpile slowly; you do not need to be buying a year (or even 6 month supply) of something at one time.

2 week supply of milk, eggs, and bread.
1-2 month supply of perishables that can be frozen, such as meat, cheese, berries, grapes, etc.
6+ months edible non-perishables, such as canned goods, drinks, packaged food like applesauce, crackers, cereal, etc.
1-2 years of non-perishables, such as laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, toiletries, etc.

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2

connie

I have just started my stockpile since I just began to coupon in earnest 5 weeks ago. It’s kind of daunting trying to figure out how much I need to get. I figure after I’ve determined my stores sales cycle it will get alot easier. At least I’m hoping. So far my family and the cats have really enjoyed my couponing. They are getting items I never would have had the budget to get before. As of right now I’m building my stockpile + getting everyday items while still staying in my normal budget or just a little less.

Lidia

I have also started my stockpile, however, do u ever worry about extreme temperatures in your garage. I live in Texas and it get’s pretty hot down here. Any suggestions.

connie

My husband and I were talking about that this weekend. We live in upstate SC and it gets very hot here too. We decided things like deodarant and meltable things I would make an area inside the house for those. Everything else like detergants, crackers and so forth we’d put in my laundry area that doesn’t have climate control.
Mlangborgh

crackers, peanut butter and canned foods will go bad in the heat…crackers get stale early, peanut butter gets very oily and won’t mix back and canned foods just go bad quicker b/c the heat does something to the cans. I’ve learned this from personal experience so i had to bring all that stuff inside b/c alot got ruined with the Oklahoma heat.
Heatherh91

I’m also from OK. Have you been doing this long? I just started and was wondering if you have noticed a trend at Oklahoma stores of what items go on sale and when. Like this month is Dairy Month so Homeland had great buys on cheese. Is their anything else that you can share with a newbie?
Anonymous

Most stores across the US follow a similar sales cycle. Check out this post for the month-by-month break down! http://thekrazycouponlady.com/2010/08/17/sale-cycles-how-to-be-a-coupon-psychic/
Anonymous

Most stores across the US follow a similar sales cycle. Check out this post for the month-by-month break down! http://thekrazycouponlady.com/2010/08/17/sale-cycles-how-to-be-a-coupon-psychic/
Anonymous

Most stores across the US follow a similar sales cycle. Check out this post for the month-by-month break down! http://thekrazycouponlady.com/2010/08/17/sale-cycles-how-to-be-a-coupon-psychic/
Vickly

You can freeze your cheese. If I buy the blocks, I cut them down to the size we would use in a week and freeze it that way. If I buy shredded, I just toss the bag in the freezer. Oh, label everything with your dates before freezing. Hope that helps.
mommysavesalot

I have frozen cow’s milk, too, in the past. Now, we’ve found my son has to be on soy milk because of his allergies and possible asthma (the doctors won’t diagnose asthma yet at his age). I wonder if anyone has tried freezing soy or almond milk?
mommysavesalot

I have frozen cow’s milk, too, in the past. Now, we’ve found my son has to be on soy milk because of his allergies and possible asthma (the doctors won’t diagnose asthma yet at his age). I wonder if anyone has tried freezing soy or almond milk?
mommysavesalot

I have frozen cow’s milk, too, in the past. Now, we’ve found my son has to be on soy milk because of his allergies and possible asthma (the doctors won’t diagnose asthma yet at his age). I wonder if anyone has tried freezing soy or almond milk?
connie

My husband and I were talking about that this weekend. We live in upstate SC and it gets very hot here too. We decided things like deodarant and meltable things I would make an area inside the house for those. Everything else like detergants, crackers and so forth we’d put in my laundry area that doesn’t have climate control.
connie

My husband and I were talking about that this weekend. We live in upstate SC and it gets very hot here too. We decided things like deodarant and meltable things I would make an area inside the house for those. Everything else like detergants, crackers and so forth we’d put in my laundry area that doesn’t have climate control.
connie

My husband and I were talking about that this weekend. We live in upstate SC and it gets very hot here too. We decided things like deodarant and meltable things I would make an area inside the house for those. Everything else like detergants, crackers and so forth we’d put in my laundry area that doesn’t have climate control.
Sherry

My DH was concerned about that as well, as I was storing the bottles of soda out there that I bought in huge bulk when I got them for 56 cents a 2-litre. He’s afraid they will go flat. It gets really hot in GA as well. I’m thinking of converting an unused closet upstairs instead, but the thought of bringing things up and downstairs is daunting, LOL.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

I found that the 2 liter bottles don’t store as well. It won’t go flat, but the sugar in the soda just doesn’t taste the same after a while. Cans…however…will keep much longer. Look at the “use by” date on a can of [insert your favorite brand here] versus a 2 liter bottle of it. The can is good for a year or more, whereas the bottle is only good for 3 to 6 months (depending on how much sugar is in it).

I put cans in my storage, and then drink 2 liters that are on sale. As the cans get to be 6 to 9 months old, I start going through those and replacing them with new purchases (on sale, and with a coupon…of course).
Sherry

They are diet, but I still think I’ll move them inside… somewhere, LOL. I drink them very quickly, but we are having a very hot summer already. Thanks for the tips about the cans vs bottles.
A. S.

Be very wary of leaving diet sodas out in extreme heat.. it apparently turns the artificial sweetners into something rather toxic. I remember there was a case of this occuring many, many years ago in a military situation where they brought cases to the desert, and the heat broke down the sweetners into other chemicals. (google diet soda and extreme heat).
Yellowjacketgal

Actually, for the majority of products, the use by date is the best one to go off of. If you repackage them (vacuum sealing, canning, etc.) then they can last much longer. Typically, the manufacture has that “use by” or “best before” date because the quality can begin to deteriorate after that time.
Heather

I would say anything that you would be ingesting or applying to your skin that is in plastic that doesn’t say bpa free should not be in places of high heat. Heat causes increased leaching of the chemicals from the plastic into the product. For example: bottled water. There have actually been studies done on this and it has shown an increased risk/prevalance of cancer due to the increased chemicals, the most common cancer in the study was of the breast. I believe that canned foods also have BPA lining inside the cans so not good to put outside.
Mary

The problem with the use by or best before, which is very misleading by the way. For example if I find a jar of something that says best before 3/2009, should I be eating it 3 years later? Of course not. But the real problem is that it assumes ideal conditions of storage. If you put canned goods, next to a heat source like a stove, it could have very serious consequences. For example, if you put milk on the refrigerator door as opposed to the shelf, it may spoil 3 days before the expiration date. Remember companies are always saying COOL DRY PLACE.
Mary

The problem with the use by or best before, which is very misleading by the way. For example if I find a jar of something that says best before 3/2009, should I be eating it 3 years later? Of course not. But the real problem is that it assumes ideal conditions of storage. If you put canned goods, next to a heat source like a stove, it could have very serious consequences. For example, if you put milk on the refrigerator door as opposed to the shelf, it may spoil 3 days before the expiration date. Remember companies are always saying COOL DRY PLACE.
Mary

The problem with the use by or best before, which is very misleading by the way. For example if I find a jar of something that says best before 3/2009, should I be eating it 3 years later? Of course not. But the real problem is that it assumes ideal conditions of storage. If you put canned goods, next to a heat source like a stove, it could have very serious consequences. For example, if you put milk on the refrigerator door as opposed to the shelf, it may spoil 3 days before the expiration date. Remember companies are always saying COOL DRY PLACE.
Mary

The problem with the use by or best before, which is very misleading by the way. For example if I find a jar of something that says best before 3/2009, should I be eating it 3 years later? Of course not. But the real problem is that it assumes ideal conditions of storage. If you put canned goods, next to a heat source like a stove, it could have very serious consequences. For example, if you put milk on the refrigerator door as opposed to the shelf, it may spoil 3 days before the expiration date. Remember companies are always saying COOL DRY PLACE.
Yellowjacketgal

Actually, for the majority of products, the use by date is the best one to go off of. If you repackage them (vacuum sealing, canning, etc.) then they can last much longer. Typically, the manufacture has that “use by” or “best before” date because the quality can begin to deteriorate after that time.
QTZmom

being diabetic the diet soda does not have an affect like that but living where we can get 9 or 10 days of 100+ degrees I would never put them in the garage but the root vegetables work very well there over the winter months
Brandi

I am in GA as well, and was concerned about my deodrant in the garage. I think I will be swapping stuff like that for some stuff inside soon!
Djturr

Certain plastics have chemical reactions when heated that are carginogens so beware of storing anything in plastic outside – we found that buying and using a Sodastream was the most economical and best for the enviornment. Costs about .25 a 33 oz. bottle and nothing but small flavor bottles to send to recycling plus no lugging bags and bags of bottles home from the store.
salequeen

think of the exercise. Beats a stair climbing machine, that’s for sure. You get a cardio and weight workout at the same time.
salequeen

think of the exercise. Beats a stair climbing machine, that’s for sure. You get a cardio and weight workout at the same time.
Mary

In regard to soda, I am amazed at those people who have 30 bottles or so at one time. I had an experience I’ll never forget. There was an $0.80 sale on soda at Ralphs, so I bought 10 bottles. I don’t normally go there but I had a gift card. Every single one of those 10 bottles was flat when I opened it, every single one. I don’t know if I bought from a bad batch, or if it was intentionally on sale because it was old and flat.
Beth

We had some cans and 2 ltr bottles that lost their taste after being stored in my basement for several months. It was all diet Coke, and I found that if I added a half teaspoon per glass of Sugar Twin, it tasted good as new because it still had plenty of fizz.
Chandra

Here in Michigan I have the opposite problem! Things freeze in the winter so I have to be careful. Heating a garage might be a necessity in the near future.
Cristy

Where in Michigan are you located? I’m here, too. Just wondering what area you are finding deals in. They are hard for me to come by. BUT… I am a beginner.
Julie

Lol. Im a northern Mi couponer myself, and needless to say, my garage is off limits for any of my stockpile. Btw the mice in the winter along with the sub zero temps, I opted for a closet in the house. There are a few places that you can get good deals with coupons up here, well, Kalkaska county anyhow. Its just a matter of knowing which stores price match and their sales cycles. It takes a while to learn, but is do able. Last month a lone I was able to get 2 years worth of laundry detergent for under $10. Dont give up, it is not easy, just worth the patience to learn.
Julesotr79

Christy- I’m also from Mi- mid-Michigan area and I found Krogers to have the best deals but Meijers isn’t too far behind pricewise. I’m still pretty new at couponing but Krogers makes saving money easy with their plus card and 10 for 10 sale
Julesotr79

Christy- I’m also from Mi- mid-Michigan area and I found Krogers to have the best deals but Meijers isn’t too far behind pricewise. I’m still pretty new at couponing but Krogers makes saving money easy with their plus card and 10 for 10 sale
http://couponfroggy.wordpress.com/ Mr1226

Cristy,
Where in Michigan are you from? I might be able to help you.
Noreenadsit

Chandra, Cristy, Julie, & Julesotra79, we are all from Michigan…we should start swapping coupons. I live in Mid Michigan , a small town and there is no Wlamart, kroger or Meijer. We have a Rite Aid, Glens, Save a Lot, Family Dollar and Dollar General. I do go to Mt. Pleasant though and they have all the big stores but it is like 35-40 miles away so I don’t go often as I should. I get a lot of coupons i don’t use that i would be willing to trade with you !!
Noreenadsit

Chandra, Cristy, Julie, & Julesotra79, we are all from Michigan…we should start swapping coupons. I live in Mid Michigan , a small town and there is no Wlamart, kroger or Meijer. We have a Rite Aid, Glens, Save a Lot, Family Dollar and Dollar General. I do go to Mt. Pleasant though and they have all the big stores but it is like 35-40 miles away so I don’t go often as I should. I get a lot of coupons i don’t use that i would be willing to trade with you !!
Crons1jm

Are you from Harrison? If so, we should def start swapping coupons! I travel to Mt. P to do all of my shopping as well. Can’t hardly get anything in Harrison…except for at Rite Aid. I did score 10 packages of turkey bacon for 35 cents at Save a Lot last week though! L)
Noreenadsit

Yes, I am from Harrison. I got 6 packs of the Turkey Bacon for .35 cents each also. I actually posted a flyer at Glens for Swapping coupons but no one called. We def need to swap coupons email me at noreenadsit@yahoo.com and we can talk about maybe meeting a McDonalds or somewhere and swapping some coupons. I just went into rite aid the other day because there coupon policy changed and the cashiers did not understand the changes so they were giving me a hard time. got that all fixed, and i was right, LOL!!! so email me!!
Daranddick

OMG I also am from Michigan! I cannot find the deals either that everyone brags about! But we do have a Walmart so I have been price matching. LIke today I am going there as Walgreens has Dial Body wash for $2.99 and I have 2 – $2 coupons so I am going to Walmart and price match!
Crons1jm

Are you from Harrison? If so, we should def start swapping coupons! I travel to Mt. P to do all of my shopping as well. Can’t hardly get anything in Harrison…except for at Rite Aid. I did score 10 packages of turkey bacon for 35 cents at Save a Lot last week though! L)
Kitcoupongirl

I’m from Buffalo – we too have the same problem
Noreenadsit

I’m from Mid Michigan and I have my small stock pile in my house because my garage isn’t heated.
Noreenadsit

I’m from Mid Michigan and I have my small stock pile in my house because my garage isn’t heated.
kelly

Lidia, I don’t think you’re supposed to store food in your garage, due to the temperature increase and decreases. I don’t even store my water or soda in the garage anymore.I do store my laundry soap out there though. My mom told me if I run out of space, I should start piling stuff in my son’s closet lol.
Sddolat

I learned the hard way not to store in the garage. Mice, squirrels, extreme weather situations, etc. The artificial sweetners expire faster as well so use the garage if you want to store detergent, can goods, but not for dry goods and drinks.
kelly

Oh yes, Good point, I forgot about mice. Years ago I had a big bag of bird food in the garage. One day I went out and there was a rat in my garage! I called the bug svc, who “couldn’t find any evidence of rodents”, trying to insinuate I was seeing things, but they set traps anyway. The next morning there was a huge rat in the trap! After that, all bird food went into a Rubbermaid container. It had chewed a hole in the bag and was just having a party lol.
JA_freecash

Umm, I have seen rats and mice chew through plastic Rubbermaid containers. So, once in awhile check the container.
kelly

Oh yes, Good point, I forgot about mice. Years ago I had a big bag of bird food in the garage. One day I went out and there was a rat in my garage! I called the bug svc, who “couldn’t find any evidence of rodents”, trying to insinuate I was seeing things, but they set traps anyway. The next morning there was a huge rat in the trap! After that, all bird food went into a Rubbermaid container. It had chewed a hole in the bag and was just having a party lol.
Sddolat

I learned the hard way not to store in the garage. Mice, squirrels, extreme weather situations, etc. The artificial sweetners expire faster as well so use the garage if you want to store detergent, can goods, but not for dry goods and drinks.
Djturr

We are in Central FL and we have had to find places to store inside the house…I have a small panty closet in the frig and we totally coverted the linen closet for all food and personal care items. We do store detergent, bleach, fabric soft (we use liquid), liquid dishsoap and stain treatments (als liquid) in our garage and so far they are doing OK out there….it can easily be 120 in that garage and putting any food out there is not possible. At point we have lived in places with very limited closet space and we found low plastic storage bins can be loaded with canned goods and small items and easily slide under beds.
Jld141

I’m in central Fl also, as of two weeks ago! I’m definitely adjusting my stockpile location with the heat. Luckily we have s large storage area off the 1/2 bath and some room in the laundry room. The pantry isn’t the biggest bug it will have to do with these high temps! Btw I’m loving publix with the bogo deals
elaine

we just moved here too! (military). At first I was really missing albertsons but publix is AWESOME! I just wished they doubled too!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Karen-Brobst-Burdette/1372603516 Karen Brobst Burdette

Where in Central FL? I’m in Ocala. We have an extra large closet in our apartment. When we move, I sure hope we find another place with such great storage….
http://www.facebook.com/people/Karen-Brobst-Burdette/1372603516 Karen Brobst Burdette

Where in Central FL? I’m in Ocala. We have an extra large closet in our apartment. When we move, I sure hope we find another place with such great storage….
http://www.facebook.com/people/Karen-Brobst-Burdette/1372603516 Karen Brobst Burdette

Where in Central FL? I’m in Ocala. We have an extra large closet in our apartment. When we move, I sure hope we find another place with such great storage….
Jld141

I’m in east Orlando.
Jld141

I’m in east Orlando.
Gaertighaus

I’m in Lakeland – Home of Publix – so there are few competitive stores here.
Djturr

We are in Central FL and we have had to find places to store inside the house…I have a small panty closet in the frig and we totally coverted the linen closet for all food and personal care items. We do store detergent, bleach, fabric soft (we use liquid), liquid dishsoap and stain treatments (als liquid) in our garage and so far they are doing OK out there….it can easily be 120 in that garage and putting any food out there is not possible. At point we have lived in places with very limited closet space and we found low plastic storage bins can be loaded with canned goods and small items and easily slide under beds.
Mary

I think you definitely should worry, because contrary to popular knowledge the fact is that toiletries like lotions, face cream makeup and other non soap products can spoil from the heat and become unusable. Many people experience this fact when they try to save that expensive lotion or makeup for special occassions only and then get an unpleasant surprise. Also, hot humid temperatures are also dangerous because they cause mold which is dangerous. I would suggest a cool dry clean place like an office box in the bottom of a dark closet. Don’t store next to such things as shoes, socks, dirty laundry etc. Otherwise attics and garages can get extremely hot. My attic gets hot enough to melt the glue off of christmas ornaments. There is no way you can have a stockpile in a place like that.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1245088298 Laurie Whipple

Hi Linda, I too live in Texas and also have been concerned about the garage heat. So for now I’m sharing my small personal Den space with my stockpile. Purchased a 6ft. x 5ft metal shelf (really sturdy) and am sharing my personal Den space with my stockpile. Sure that as it grows, I’ll need to think about using the garage for tp/paper towels/etc. My eldest “child” will be moving out this summer, so I’ll more than likely turn that bedroom into my stock room

Lidia

I have also started my stockpile, however, do u ever worry about extreme temperatures in your garage. I live in Texas and it get’s pretty hot down here. Any suggestions.
Brandi

I ahve been couponing for a while now and trying new things is my favorite part. I don’t stockpile too many of each item because I love trying new stuff. I try to get many different types of stuff such as soap free or cheap so I am not stuck with the same smell for a year!!!
Brandi

I ahve been couponing for a while now and trying new things is my favorite part. I don’t stockpile too many of each item because I love trying new stuff. I try to get many different types of stuff such as soap free or cheap so I am not stuck with the same smell for a year!!!

Anonymous

I definitely agree– I get a few of each flavor/ scent (depending on food or personal care) so that I can switch things up. And I completely advocate trying out a product before you commit to buying a large quantity in order to “stock up”!
Anonymous

I definitely agree– I get a few of each flavor/ scent (depending on food or personal care) so that I can switch things up. And I completely advocate trying out a product before you commit to buying a large quantity in order to “stock up”!

Allie

Connie, I have been couponing for about 10 years and I keep a stockpile of what I use within a 12 week cycle. That is the cycle of most good sales. Sometimes in the summer or holidays there are somethings I use more around those times. Personal care products I don’t put a limit on them. If I find that I have too much then I find someone in need or a new neighbor and make a gift basket and give to them or donate some items to our church’s food pantry. Involve the kids in this process and they love it.

connie

That’s a really good idea. I have already thought that when my stockpile got to where I was comfortable I would start donating items.

Dfallisa

I started collecting and cutting coupons I live in westchester county ny. Is it me but i cant find any deals worth stock pile? it seems that sales are not really deals and what ever i have coupons for are not on sale 5 weeks and nothing.

Tricia

Great guidelines! My husband and I were just discussing this yesterday, and were going to come up with some good guidelines for our stockpile. Now we don’t have to! Thanks!
Fangedangel32

I just started my stockpile and have already run out of room, but I have limited space to begin with. I took advantage of the kraft cheese slices on sale with coupons at target this weekend and I was wondering if I could freeze the sliced pepperjack?

Sherry

Cheese usually freezes very well. With the slices, you just have to make sure the paper is between each one so they don’t freeze together.
Sherry

Cheese usually freezes very well. With the slices, you just have to make sure the paper is between each one so they don’t freeze together.
Julie

Yes! You can freeze all cheese!!
Joni Bentley

Yes, you can freeze cheese. Sometimes the consistancy is crumbly after it’s been frozen, but that just changes the look, not the use or flavor. I’d think that presliced pepperjack (which is possibly even seperated with wax paper between each slice?) would freeze and defrost quite nicely. For blocks of cheese, some people shred it before freezing.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000253070657 Summer Rose

I have frozen those cheeses from Target before, and they unfreeze just fine
Mary

You can freeze all cheese just fine as long as it’s in a plastic bag. You may want to invest in a vacuum machine, but they are so darned expensive. You can freeze just about anything. I buy things like meat and cheese in bulk, separate them in batches and freeze separately, so I don’t have to freeze a whole pile. You can freeze all kinds of meat products like salami, deli stuff, dough. Just about anything.
Mary

You can freeze all cheese just fine as long as it’s in a plastic bag. You may want to invest in a vacuum machine, but they are so darned expensive. You can freeze just about anything. I buy things like meat and cheese in bulk, separate them in batches and freeze separately, so I don’t have to freeze a whole pile. You can freeze all kinds of meat products like salami, deli stuff, dough. Just about anything.

Rose

I just started couponing about three months ago and I have enjoyed adding to my stockpile but I need to find more storage! Where can I find the heavy duty shelving and what should I look to spend? Is there any way to cut costs on organizing your stockpile?

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

Rose, I don’t know what your specific space requirements (and limitations are) but I went to my local hardware store and bought all the wood and screws necessary to build my shelves. They are super strong and can hold hundreds of pounds. You can also make some pretty interesting shelves using PCP tubing. It’s easy to work with and you can custom fit it for any application. And it’s relatively inexpensive.

My wife and I have a nice walk-in closet in the master bedroom. I finally decided one day that my families food storage was more important to me than a bunch of polo shirts and dress slacks. So I pulled all of the clothes out of my side of the closet and found other places for those clothes. I built shelves from floor to ceiling and wall to wall on my side of the closet. If I ever sell the house, I’ll put back the same wire shelves that came in the closet when we bought the house. It’s the coolest, darkest place in our house so it’s the best place to store food. Just thought I’d share my experience.

Dvanko

Matt, I was just thinking about doing the same thing. Would you mind sending me a picture of what you built. dvanko at tds dot net Since you are handy I also found a great idea of what to do with the clothes that is an easy build.
Dvanko

Matt, I was just thinking about doing the same thing. Would you mind sending me a picture of what you built. dvanko at tds dot net Since you are handy I also found a great idea of what to do with the clothes that is an easy build.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

Rose, I don’t know what your specific space requirements (and limitations are) but I went to my local hardware store and bought all the wood and screws necessary to build my shelves. They are super strong and can hold hundreds of pounds. You can also make some pretty interesting shelves using PCP tubing. It’s easy to work with and you can custom fit it for any application. And it’s relatively inexpensive.

My wife and I have a nice walk-in closet in the master bedroom. I finally decided one day that my families food storage was more important to me than a bunch of polo shirts and dress slacks. So I pulled all of the clothes out of my side of the closet and found other places for those clothes. I built shelves from floor to ceiling and wall to wall on my side of the closet. If I ever sell the house, I’ll put back the same wire shelves that came in the closet when we bought the house. It’s the coolest, darkest place in our house so it’s the best place to store food. Just thought I’d share my experience.
LisaG

You can also check if your area has a Freecycle (check Yahoo groups). That’s a great way to give and get. You can try craigslist too.
Rileyliammom

I bought some heavy duty plastic shelving at home depot for 19.99 each. They also have metal ones that very in price from 19.99-79.99 depending on how many shelves they have.

Rileyliammom

or rather vary in price….
Rileyliammom

or rather vary in price….

Bkcoupons

We bought a few under the bed containers to put things like shampoo, deodorant, and some cleaners in. It slips right under the bed, doesn’t get into extreme temperatures, and best of all their puppy proof.
Bkcoupons

We bought a few under the bed containers to put things like shampoo, deodorant, and some cleaners in. It slips right under the bed, doesn’t get into extreme temperatures, and best of all their puppy proof.
Bkcoupons

We bought a few under the bed containers to put things like shampoo, deodorant, and some cleaners in. It slips right under the bed, doesn’t get into extreme temperatures, and best of all their puppy proof.
Yellowjacketgal

Make sure to rotate your stockpile, too! Just having it isn’t enough. Always rotate it out so the oldest stuff gets used and nothing spoils on the shelf. I can’t say that I’m the best at this myself (still learning!), so I know how sad it is to have it go bad in the pantry!

Anonymous

I agree! I always check my expiration dates when I am putting my newly purchased items into my stockpile and order the products by expiration date– the soonest to expire at the front. I take a quick scan when I go to my stockpile to get a few items and see if anything is expiring soon and I either use it in a meal or give it away to someone who can.
Some KCLs have also found that writing in the expiration dates on the front of the packages with a marker to make it easier to keep track of it.
Tami Andrews2

I live in nci am having a hard time finding a store that takes unlimited coupons and they only double 20 coupons per person,per day.
Amanda Murphy

Hey that’s a heck of alot better than here! lol I live in Ogden Utah and I’ve only found 1 or 2 stores that double coupons at all the first one is Albies and we all know what they have for their rules (only 3 per person per day when they are doing doubles) their an hr away and the second is a Walmart store that’s over 2 hrs away they only do it on tuesdays and I’ve heard they’re extremely rude and will only do a few. So for me it’s not worth the trip to either place. I’d spend more on gas then it’s worth!
Mms4jm

I’m in Northeast NC. I have found the same thing. I have also found that there is only one store in my area that doubles and no one does overages here. My only saving grace is I work in VA, but things aren’t much better up there. What are do you live in NC? Have you found any stores that do overages?
Mms4jm

I’m in Northeast NC. I have found the same thing. I have also found that there is only one store in my area that doubles and no one does overages here. My only saving grace is I work in VA, but things aren’t much better up there. What are do you live in NC? Have you found any stores that do overages?
Anonymous

I agree! I always check my expiration dates when I am putting my newly purchased items into my stockpile and order the products by expiration date– the soonest to expire at the front. I take a quick scan when I go to my stockpile to get a few items and see if anything is expiring soon and I either use it in a meal or give it away to someone who can.
Some KCLs have also found that writing in the expiration dates on the front of the packages with a marker to make it easier to keep track of it.

Julie C

Rose, I have only been couponing a couple of months so my stockpile is still growing. I recently found a restaurant that was throwing away milk crates and grabbed all I could to put in my laundry room for storage. I may be having flashbacks of my college years but they are pretty sturdy.

Patnkellyh

Be careful taking milk crates. They are usually owned by the dairy that the restaurant buys the milk from not the restaurant itself. Most restaurants put the milk crates out back near the dumpsters for the dairy to pick up with the next delivery. I remember using the milk crates in college too but I also remember the dairies’ cracking down on the “theft” of crates. As long as you checked with the restaurant, you are ok but don’t assume they are throwing them out if they are out by the dumpster.
Julie C

Thanks for that reminder. I remember that also. I did check with the restaurant owner to verify that they were to be thrown away.
Patnkellyh

Be careful taking milk crates. They are usually owned by the dairy that the restaurant buys the milk from not the restaurant itself. Most restaurants put the milk crates out back near the dumpsters for the dairy to pick up with the next delivery. I remember using the milk crates in college too but I also remember the dairies’ cracking down on the “theft” of crates. As long as you checked with the restaurant, you are ok but don’t assume they are throwing them out if they are out by the dumpster.
Patnkellyh

Be careful taking milk crates. They are usually owned by the dairy that the restaurant buys the milk from not the restaurant itself. Most restaurants put the milk crates out back near the dumpsters for the dairy to pick up with the next delivery. I remember using the milk crates in college too but I also remember the dairies’ cracking down on the “theft” of crates. As long as you checked with the restaurant, you are ok but don’t assume they are throwing them out if they are out by the dumpster.
Patnkellyh

Be careful taking milk crates. They are usually owned by the dairy that the restaurant buys the milk from not the restaurant itself. Most restaurants put the milk crates out back near the dumpsters for the dairy to pick up with the next delivery. I remember using the milk crates in college too but I also remember the dairies’ cracking down on the “theft” of crates. As long as you checked with the restaurant, you are ok but don’t assume they are throwing them out if they are out by the dumpster.

Julie C

Rose, I have only been couponing a couple of months so my stockpile is still growing. I recently found a restaurant that was throwing away milk crates and grabbed all I could to put in my laundry room for storage. I may be having flashbacks of my college years but they are pretty sturdy.
connie

I discovered that the over the door shoe holders work great for smaller items to keep them organized and out of the way. I have one on my bedroom closet door and I put things like fingernail polish, OTC medications, unopened razors, hair accessories and things like that. I can always see exactly what I have there and it keeps some of the things I don’t want in easy reach of the kids high enough up that they can’t be reached by smaller hands.

Anonymous

Great tip! And a nice space saver!

jenni

i got some great plastic heavy duty shelving from amazon and walmart. they were under 20 dollars and they are almost as tall as me.
jenni

i got some great plastic heavy duty shelving from amazon and walmart. they were under 20 dollars and they are almost as tall as me.
salequeen

Years ago I bought heavy duty plastic shelving (PVC shelf supports) at Bi-Mart (Pacific NW store) because I needed storage in my garage. Now that I have a much nicer garage, the same shelving is still being used. When I built my house, the builder had my garage insulated too. That’s where you’ll find the furnace/AC, water heater, and water conditioner.
Sasekate

My husband also added a piece of wood to the top of my shelves with cup hooks for items that hang. My gillette razors were the first items to go up!

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

I just thought I’d mention…there may be some people who see the picture above and have a completely negative reaction. And I’m sure the word “hoarder” enters your mind. I could write paragraphs…and paragraphs about the topic, but I’ll just simply say this: If every American family had a stockpile in their home similar to the one above, how much of an impact do you think the recession would have had on this Country?

If you lost your job, for whatever reason, and if you literally had enough food and supplies in your home so that you didn’t have to go to the store at all…or if you did have to go, you only got items that were more perishable like eggs and milk…can you imagine how much easier you would sleep….how much easier it would be to go out and find another job…knowing that you had enough supplies to last you for months?

connie

That’s exactly right. It’s my husband’s job to bring the money home and it’s mine to make sure it goes where it needs and that we have everything to live with. If I can supply up on enough items to keep us going for 6m-1y if anything ever happens to his job, then yes I will gladly be called a hoarder.
Stace

This is why I am doing this matthew. I still do not know if I will have a job this fall and with two teenage daughters in the house and another live in college kid I need all the extras I can get in my house to make it through.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

That’s great! I have only been doing this for about 6 months. But fear not…you can get a TON of stuff in just a short amount of time. I could kick myself for not doing this years ago.

Sherry

What amazes me the most is that people think nothing if you go to a big warehouse store and buy in bulk You are just “thrifty”. But buy the same amount of product in smaller packages, for LESS cost, and you are a “hoarder”. Makes no sense at all.

Brandi

LOL. Love that. Never thought of it that way. I have a friend who calls me a hoarder, and my stockpile is very tiny, just a few 2 door cabinets. But it kills me because she is sooo broke. I keep offering to teach her because it is perfect time for somone who has little or no money to learn. She calls me a hoarder all the time, but she mentioned that she was out of toothpaste and I happened to have several tubes of the kind she uses and gave it to her and she took it. I offered her several tubes and she said “oh no, I’m not a hoarder like you” I was apalled. I wanted to snatch my tube back! Needless to say, I do not offer her anymore stuff. I love to share my freebies, but not when they aren’t appreciated!!
couponer_before_it_was_cool

my standard response to my friends and family that talk crap I just turn around and awwww….your just angry cuz you still pay retail for you stuff!! usually shuts them up:-)
Anonymous

I know Brandi, I have a lot of friends/family that are tight on money and laugh at my couponing and stockpile! When I tell them I’ve saved over $4000 since January, then they say, “Well, can you teach me?”
Anonymous

I know Brandi, I have a lot of friends/family that are tight on money and laugh at my couponing and stockpile! When I tell them I’ve saved over $4000 since January, then they say, “Well, can you teach me?”
Julez

I know!!! I often tell others that they are paying MORE per unit at the warehouse stores than getting the same amount on sale and with coupons at a regular store. They look at me like I have 4 heads LOL!
Mary

I like a safety net and stockpile as much as the next person. I absolutely hate people who go to the store, buy a few things and come back. A few days later the same business, over and over again and at expensive prices. I buy in bulk in addition to couponing. However, I do think that some of the folks out there are addicts and yes maybe even hoarders. It’s easy to justify buying things you don’t need because all you have to do is say “Oh but it was practically free, I got such a great price, but I can give it as a gift or donate it.” The excuses are many but the addiction is the same. I know people who go shopping almost everyday to buy tons of products they are never going to be able to use and then try to find people to give it to so they can have an excuse to go out and buy more. I knew a woman who constantly bought tons of little girls’ clothes when she has two teenage boys and didn’t plan to have any more children. She bought so much cookies, candy and other junk food no one could possibly eat that much. It’s not saving money when you are giving away more than you use. It is also a quality of life issue when you see people drowning in newspaper inserts and stockpiles run amok all over the house. When you are running out of space then you should consider whether or not your stockpile is getting out of control. You don’t have to take advantage of every deal, take advantage of the very best deals to get the best prices.
Lanomi

I don’t think we should judge how others choose to coupon. Now, don’t get me wrong, it should be done legally, but if someone wants to buy girls clothes and donate etc., that’s their right. There’s so much judgement when it comes to couponing… from those who don’t understand couponing, those who think it’s a scam, and now I see even couponers are judging each other. Sad.
Lanomi

I don’t think we should judge how others choose to coupon. Now, don’t get me wrong, it should be done legally, but if someone wants to buy girls clothes and donate etc., that’s their right. There’s so much judgement when it comes to couponing… from those who don’t understand couponing, those who think it’s a scam, and now I see even couponers are judging each other. Sad.
Mary

I like a safety net and stockpile as much as the next person. I absolutely hate people who go to the store, buy a few things and come back. A few days later the same business, over and over again and at expensive prices. I buy in bulk in addition to couponing. However, I do think that some of the folks out there are addicts and yes maybe even hoarders. It’s easy to justify buying things you don’t need because all you have to do is say “Oh but it was practically free, I got such a great price, but I can give it as a gift or donate it.” The excuses are many but the addiction is the same. I know people who go shopping almost everyday to buy tons of products they are never going to be able to use and then try to find people to give it to so they can have an excuse to go out and buy more. I knew a woman who constantly bought tons of little girls’ clothes when she has two teenage boys and didn’t plan to have any more children. She bought so much cookies, candy and other junk food no one could possibly eat that much. It’s not saving money when you are giving away more than you use. It is also a quality of life issue when you see people drowning in newspaper inserts and stockpiles run amok all over the house. When you are running out of space then you should consider whether or not your stockpile is getting out of control. You don’t have to take advantage of every deal, take advantage of the very best deals to get the best prices.
Mary

I like a safety net and stockpile as much as the next person. I absolutely hate people who go to the store, buy a few things and come back. A few days later the same business, over and over again and at expensive prices. I buy in bulk in addition to couponing. However, I do think that some of the folks out there are addicts and yes maybe even hoarders. It’s easy to justify buying things you don’t need because all you have to do is say “Oh but it was practically free, I got such a great price, but I can give it as a gift or donate it.” The excuses are many but the addiction is the same. I know people who go shopping almost everyday to buy tons of products they are never going to be able to use and then try to find people to give it to so they can have an excuse to go out and buy more. I knew a woman who constantly bought tons of little girls’ clothes when she has two teenage boys and didn’t plan to have any more children. She bought so much cookies, candy and other junk food no one could possibly eat that much. It’s not saving money when you are giving away more than you use. It is also a quality of life issue when you see people drowning in newspaper inserts and stockpiles run amok all over the house. When you are running out of space then you should consider whether or not your stockpile is getting out of control. You don’t have to take advantage of every deal, take advantage of the very best deals to get the best prices.

Sara

I totally agree with this! Having a stockpile in preparedness for hard times is just like having an emergency savings account that all money gurus talk about. A Stockpile is simply a type of insurance for your family groceries and is not even close the disease of hording.
Sara

I totally agree with this! Having a stockpile in preparedness for hard times is just like having an emergency savings account that all money gurus talk about. A Stockpile is simply a type of insurance for your family groceries and is not even close the disease of hording.
Laura

That’s why we’re doing it!!! I’ve been couponing for almost 3 months now and have made a nice-size stock pile. We are a family of 10 and in February of 2010, my husband lost his wonderful job. We live in northern Minnesota, in a small town that is 50 miles away (in any direction) from the larger towns. So, it was very hard to find a job that paid decent and didn’t cost an arm and a leg in gas. For 9 months he put applications in EVERYWHERE. (Even in those larger towns), often several times… and nothing. For 9 months we struggled HORRIBLY. Now, he is working as a truck dispatcher from home for a company that may as well be going under. His boss is a horrible person who has not once paid him on time in the past 7 months and recently, he has decided to not pay him his whole paycheck at all (when he DOES pay him.) Anyhow, should another job come along that may not pay as much, he’s going to take it. The upside… I know that we’ll have enough stuff for awhile to get us by. The downside to couponing where we live… there just aren’t enough stores around here that double coupons or even have good enough deals. So, you’re right Matthew… It’s not hoarding… it’s a responsible way of life for those of us that don’t have a several digit income to live on. And for those that DO have a higher income and STILL coupon… WAY TO GO!! You’re being SMART with your money!

kelly

Laura, I live in California, and none of the stores out here double coupons.
Locklearcoupons

They DO double (Ralphs, Pavillions, Vons) but only up to a dollar so .25=.50 .50=1.00 .75=1.00 1.00 is the max and it’s not much all of the time but it does shave a few dollars off per trip.
Locklearcoupons

They DO double (Ralphs, Pavillions, Vons) but only up to a dollar so .25=.50 .50=1.00 .75=1.00 1.00 is the max and it’s not much all of the time but it does shave a few dollars off per trip.
kelly

Ok, I’m in Norcal. We never had a Pavillions or a Vons, and I think Ralphs closed a long time ago. It was Albertsons, then Lucky, then Ralphs, now it’s a Fresh and Easy. Both of out Lucky’s used to be Albertsons. I liked Albertsons better.
Lanomi

In my Nor Cal town, we don’t have any of those stores… and last I heard, our gas was the highest in the country. Even couponing w/o double coupons is worth it. Don’t even get me going on the tax here!
Mskitty1212

Hey Lanomi!!! Where in Northern California are you?…I too am in Northern California and do well with my coupons in Target , SMART, CVS, Safeway and Food 4 Less stores….
Lanomi

Eureka… We have Target, CVS, RiteAid, Safeway and Walgreens.
Mskitty1212

Hey Lanomi!!! Where in Northern California are you?…I too am in Northern California and do well with my coupons in Target , SMART, CVS, Safeway and Food 4 Less stores….
Lanomi

In my Nor Cal town, we don’t have any of those stores… and last I heard, our gas was the highest in the country. Even couponing w/o double coupons is worth it. Don’t even get me going on the tax here!
madhouse

we don’t have any around us that double either but alot of stores have 10/10 sales which helps and walgreens are a great source for household things
madhouse

we don’t have any around us that double either but alot of stores have 10/10 sales which helps and walgreens are a great source for household things
madhouse

we don’t have any around us that double either but alot of stores have 10/10 sales which helps and walgreens are a great source for household things
ChrisB

Hey Laura. We just moved up to northern MN from 6 hrs south. Can I ask where you live? If you are in the same area as me maybe you could give me some tips about the stores here. I’m so sad not to have a Target, CVS, Walgreens closer. And I got used to a bigger (better) super WM. I am on the West side of the state. you can private message me at lifesdrama05@yahoo.com or if you can find me on FB (Christina Blowers). Thank you soooo much. Hey maybe if we are close, we could get together, I really don’t know anyone up here.

kelly

I was stocking up on Ragu sauce a few days at the grocery store on the Air Force base.The 16 oz jar was .99 cents, and I have coupons off of EBAY for $1.00 off of two. Needless to say, I have lots of sauce now. I was in line, and two clerks were behind me, watching me, and talking smack. I heard this boy saying things like”Cmon now, is she really going to use all of that, I doubt it. I don’t care how good of a deal it is, no one needs that much sauce. I mean, for as long as it took me to load my 40 jars of sauce on the belt, he was talking smack. I also purchased Milk Bone chewy snacks for my dogs. I always buy them, but I had coupons for $1.75 off of 2, and they were on sale for $1.11 a bag, vs the regular price of $2.50. It bothers me to be stared at like that, but that didn’t stop me from going back 2 days later to start stocking up on Worcestershire sauce that’s .99cents a bottle, and I have coupons for .75 cents off. This time the clerk was more understandable lol. On the Ragu trip, I saved 49%.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

Ha ha ha! I know. I bought 4 large things of hand sanitizer from Wal-Mart the other week and the lady looked at me like I was crazy. Stay strong…the joke is on them; they’ll learn. We all get the looks. I don’t wish anyone ill will, but your doing the smartest thing possible so don’t let anyone tell you differently.

We have, like, 30 bottles of spaghetti sauce and even I think (sometimes) what the heck am I doing? Like I said, stay the course – you’re doing great!
Millertime1979

I know, when i get those looks i feel like looking at their stuff and say “wow i cant believe people still pay full price for stuff” hehe, but im nice and just try and ignore them because i know that im doing what is best for my familyh, saving money and able to have enough food or whatever for whatever may come our way. and i never have to worry “what am i gonna cook for dinner” or “we have nothing to eat tongith”!!! And never have to run out at ngiht cuz we are out of soap or toilet paper. the joke is on them!
kelly

Thank you Matthew. I’ve noticed I have more fun buying groceries and saving money than spending money on a bunch of garbage I don’t need. I get my fix, and very happy at the same time lol. Now when I get the itch to shop, I head to Ebay to buy coupons. I used to dread going to the grocery store on base,now I get excited to go lol.
Julez

I know how you feel! I just give ‘em the hairy eyeball and smile LOL! It’s not their money I’m spending ahem SAVING, so those types just need to mind their nose. I ALWAYS announce how much I saved when my commissary trip is finished and that usually embarrasses them! You’re doing great!
Millertime1979

And do you all ever notice their reactions when they see your total go from like $300 to less than $50??? They have a look of deer in headlights hahahahaha, and then they do their checkout, and have less than half the stuff we do and their total is usualy twice or more as ours hahahaha
Couponnanny11

How do you go from $300 to less than $50? I have found one store in my area (South Ms/AL actually about 40 miles away) that doubles coupons up to .50. I see people getting free toothpaste and toliet paper, but how the heck do you do it? I have not been able to find any sales that would help me get anything free yet. I have only been doing this about 5 weeks, but the best deal i have come up with yet is a .50 double on Heinz ketchup, so a $1.99 bottle cost me .99. Am i doing something wrong, live in a bad area or just haven’t learned yet? My husband thinks I am crazy, but i would love to show him a couple of Free or Very cheap things that makes this “legit” to him. Thanks
Couponnanny11

How do you go from $300 to less than $50? I have found one store in my area (South Ms/AL actually about 40 miles away) that doubles coupons up to .50. I see people getting free toothpaste and toliet paper, but how the heck do you do it? I have not been able to find any sales that would help me get anything free yet. I have only been doing this about 5 weeks, but the best deal i have come up with yet is a .50 double on Heinz ketchup, so a $1.99 bottle cost me .99. Am i doing something wrong, live in a bad area or just haven’t learned yet? My husband thinks I am crazy, but i would love to show him a couple of Free or Very cheap things that makes this “legit” to him. Thanks
kelly

Aren’t the commissaries great? My mom gave me a coupon for $3 off of Bic Soleil razors, which I love, and they are usually at least $4 at the commissary. Of course I purchased more coupons, bought lots of razors, and paid .81cents a pack. Imagine my surprise when I went back again, and they were $3.59! I only had to pay 59cents for each pack! I have over 100 of those razors now, and probably 20 cans of shave gel. Have you been on the commissaries website? It shows the sales and has a listing of what’s on each aisle. I love the commissary!
Shelley

I went on and also printed out my list of what is on each aisle. I told my husband that I’m going to see what is on sale and then order coupons to match the sale if I don’t already have them. I just wish they would get rid of the surcharge and go with taxes which would be a lot better and cheaper. I don’t like how the surcharge doesn’t change at all no matter how much you save.
Anonymous

Here in CA there is no tax on food items so the surcharge does suck but in most cases I’m saving much more than what the surcharge is but on non-food items you get taxed on the amount before coupons…so taxes can be higher.
Anonymous

Here in CA there is no tax on food items so the surcharge does suck but in most cases I’m saving much more than what the surcharge is but on non-food items you get taxed on the amount before coupons…so taxes can be higher.
Anonymous

Here in CA there is no tax on food items so the surcharge does suck but in most cases I’m saving much more than what the surcharge is but on non-food items you get taxed on the amount before coupons…so taxes can be higher.
Julez

I know how you feel! I just give ‘em the hairy eyeball and smile LOL! It’s not their money I’m spending ahem SAVING, so those types just need to mind their nose. I ALWAYS announce how much I saved when my commissary trip is finished and that usually embarrasses them! You’re doing great!
Julez

I know how you feel! I just give ‘em the hairy eyeball and smile LOL! It’s not their money I’m spending ahem SAVING, so those types just need to mind their nose. I ALWAYS announce how much I saved when my commissary trip is finished and that usually embarrasses them! You’re doing great!
Sddolat

I totally understand! While shopping on base I really do feel the judgment. I try to put myself in their position. People tend to think I am buying for more than myself and sharing the deals. Since the commissary is for military personnel only, they tend to frown on stockpiling unless its the case lot sell. I will say that I have such a hard time using coupons there versus Albertsons or Safeway and often get better deals other places because of that. Just keep your head up.
Sddolat

I totally understand! While shopping on base I really do feel the judgment. I try to put myself in their position. People tend to think I am buying for more than myself and sharing the deals. Since the commissary is for military personnel only, they tend to frown on stockpiling unless its the case lot sell. I will say that I have such a hard time using coupons there versus Albertsons or Safeway and often get better deals other places because of that. Just keep your head up.
kelly

When I went yesterday to grab my sauce and Febreze Air Effects, I told my cashier how they always talk about me and she said that one of the managers talks about people stockpiling, and that there is a certain Airman who purchases Kool Aid then sells it on Ebay, because they don’t have it in some places. Once she told me that, it did make more sense as to why the employees were acting funny.My son eats a lot of Pepperidge Farm frozen garlic bread, and one time I was stocking up on it the baggers were talking to each other saying “Maybe she’s going to a party, and that’s what she has to bring.” LOL like I’m going to take 30 loaves of garlic bread to a party!

We just had a case lot sale probably last month, and I felt overwhelmed just looking at the people standing in line to get inside of it. I went inside the store and it was so peaceful and nice. The soda at the case lot sale was only $1 cheaper than in the store, and that wasn’t worth it to me. It’s only my son and I, I’m gluten intolerant and we’re both picky, so we tend to eat a lot of the same foods over and over, so I never go to the case lot sales.

kelly

I was stocking up on Ragu sauce a few days at the grocery store on the Air Force base.The 16 oz jar was .99 cents, and I have coupons off of EBAY for $1.00 off of two. Needless to say, I have lots of sauce now. I was in line, and two clerks were behind me, watching me, and talking smack. I heard this boy saying things like”Cmon now, is she really going to use all of that, I doubt it. I don’t care how good of a deal it is, no one needs that much sauce. I mean, for as long as it took me to load my 40 jars of sauce on the belt, he was talking smack. I also purchased Milk Bone chewy snacks for my dogs. I always buy them, but I had coupons for $1.75 off of 2, and they were on sale for $1.11 a bag, vs the regular price of $2.50. It bothers me to be stared at like that, but that didn’t stop me from going back 2 days later to start stocking up on Worcestershire sauce that’s .99cents a bottle, and I have coupons for .75 cents off. This time the clerk was more understandable lol. On the Ragu trip, I saved 49%.
Julez

ABSOLUTELY Matthew! I’ve seen several hoarder houses and you can’t even see the floor, so if I’m a hoarder with an organized stockpile and clean house, then what does that make someone who is a true hoarder?!
Julez

ABSOLUTELY Matthew! I’ve seen several hoarder houses and you can’t even see the floor, so if I’m a hoarder with an organized stockpile and clean house, then what does that make someone who is a true hoarder?!
MomThom

That exact thing happened to our family. My husband lost his (very good) job almost three years ago, and it took almost two years for him to find a similar paying full time job. In the interim, he did every consulting job he could find, but we struggled so hard. We had prepared for something like this and had the equivalent of six months of expenses in a savings account, but six months turned into two years, and it wiped us out and put us deeply in debt. After a year with his new job, we are digging ourselves out a month at a time. I have used coupons off and on for years, but had never really thought about having a stockpile. I now have a nice stockpile and could kick myself for not having done this years ago. Hoarding is one thing, stockpiling is different. I feel like if another crisis came our way (which, let’s face it, in this stinky economy, could happen to any of us at any time) we would be ok. I have felt pretty alone through the last few years, as our friends have been much more fortunate to have more stable jobs. They didn’t really understand what we were going through. But recently, a good friend’s husband who is a physician sustained a hand injury, and it’s kept him out of work for almost three months. She finally gets it, as his paycheck hinges on the patients he sees. I wouldn’t put anyone else through what we went through for the world, but I at least feel like someone close to me understands now. I am so happy for them that he will be able to return to work soon, and that they will not have the lasting debt that we are now paying down. Stockpiling is something that EVERYONE should consider. Of course, a single person’s stockpile will look a lot different from that of a large family. It’s all relative.
MomThom

That exact thing happened to our family. My husband lost his (very good) job almost three years ago, and it took almost two years for him to find a similar paying full time job. In the interim, he did every consulting job he could find, but we struggled so hard. We had prepared for something like this and had the equivalent of six months of expenses in a savings account, but six months turned into two years, and it wiped us out and put us deeply in debt. After a year with his new job, we are digging ourselves out a month at a time. I have used coupons off and on for years, but had never really thought about having a stockpile. I now have a nice stockpile and could kick myself for not having done this years ago. Hoarding is one thing, stockpiling is different. I feel like if another crisis came our way (which, let’s face it, in this stinky economy, could happen to any of us at any time) we would be ok. I have felt pretty alone through the last few years, as our friends have been much more fortunate to have more stable jobs. They didn’t really understand what we were going through. But recently, a good friend’s husband who is a physician sustained a hand injury, and it’s kept him out of work for almost three months. She finally gets it, as his paycheck hinges on the patients he sees. I wouldn’t put anyone else through what we went through for the world, but I at least feel like someone close to me understands now. I am so happy for them that he will be able to return to work soon, and that they will not have the lasting debt that we are now paying down. Stockpiling is something that EVERYONE should consider. Of course, a single person’s stockpile will look a lot different from that of a large family. It’s all relative.
couponer_before_it_was_cool

matthew……I actually lost my job 9 months ago and was able to make the decision to become a full time student and not go back to work!!! we have completely lived off the stock pile except for milk, eggs, veggies, and fruit my groceries have been lessthat 30.00 a month since then!!! I even though I fully qualify have received NO public assistance!! you are right pn with your comment

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

That’s so awesome. I mean think about it…your education is your reward (blessing) for being so smart ahead of time. That is so profound. Seriously…I’m just speechless. That’s so great!
kelly

I agree. That’s awesome!

http://www.clippergirl.com Clippergirl56

My husband has been unemployed for 2 years and our stockpile has been a real lifesaver. No sleepless nights wondering how we would buy food, deodorant, cat food, etc
Shelleytilton

We actually had to live off of our stockpile once when my husband was laid off without any warning. It took him ten months to find a job and I thank the Lord everytime we ran out of shampoo or soap and I could just run downstairs and get a bottle, instead of go without, which we would have had to do because I had no cash. I will NEVER be without it and couponing has been such a blessing to our family.
Chris B.

To me that picture doesn’t represent hoarding at all. But I know what you mean about some not understanding. To me having the huge buckets and buckets of deoderant (that’s what sticks out from that one guy on TV) is hoarding. He said he donates but I think he needs to do it more often.
Anyway, I had started my couponing about a year ago and had built up a small stockpile of things, especially cleaners and personal care products, also soup, meat, and cereal. That small stockpile helped out my daughter and her boyfriend a couple of times when they had come down to visit. I sent boxes and bags full back with them. Also, it got us through 2 extremely difficult times, one right before and through Christmas and the most resent, when we moved. My hubby graduated college (after having been laid off) and got a new job 6 hours away. Between having to come up with rent for the current place, rent and deposit for the new place, gas money, etc. etc. we were broke. That little stockpile helped immensely, especially with 2 growing kids. It was hard enough just to come up with enough just to get the perishables during these times, but when I did go to the store I made sure to get the freebies I could! I thank god for finding this site as it’s what got me started. I have even been able to teach others I haven’t really had a chance to get back in the game since moving and I need to find out the policies at the new store here, but I look forward to the weeks ahead and getting back to it. Now with my hubby having a great job, I look forward to not only building my stockpile back up but being able to help others!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1665242273 Lara Mikkelsen

Finally- a voice of REASON. My hackles came up when I read “hoarder” in your post, I am refreshed by your point of view and will be referencing it the next time someone asks me how many cases of water I really need, or how many shampoos my family goes through. THANK YOU!
Amanda Murphy

lol I’m LDS and we like to call that picture “Food Storage” or more accurately since it’s more than just food “Home Storage”.
The only way I can see something like this being “hording” is when someone buys (and doesn’t donate part of it) soooo much of one item that theirs no way they will ever use it all in their life time. OR when the “home storage” takes complete control of a normal sized house (no a tiny tiny apt doesn’t count because anything that takes more than an inch of space can take it over! lol).

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

I just thought I’d mention…there may be some people who see the picture above and have a completely negative reaction. And I’m sure the word “hoarder” enters your mind. I could write paragraphs…and paragraphs about the topic, but I’ll just simply say this: If every American family had a stockpile in their home similar to the one above, how much of an impact do you think the recession would have had on this Country?

If you lost your job, for whatever reason, and if you literally had enough food and supplies in your home so that you didn’t have to go to the store at all…or if you did have to go, you only got items that were more perishable like eggs and milk…can you imagine how much easier you would sleep….how much easier it would be to go out and find another job…knowing that you had enough supplies to last you for months?
Stace

I have just recently started couponing and stockpiling. I am off to a good start but need more space for items. If my bathroom was a little bigger that would help tons but I am working with what I have for now. Love when Menards has sales on their rubbermade cabnets, those babies hold a lot!
Stace

I have just recently started couponing and stockpiling. I am off to a good start but need more space for items. If my bathroom was a little bigger that would help tons but I am working with what I have for now. Love when Menards has sales on their rubbermade cabnets, those babies hold a lot!
Deni

Any tips on affordable shelving for holding the stockpile?

Mommies2cents

I got my shelves at Target and I think they were only around $25 each. They are VERY easy to put together and are very sturdy.
Julez

Garage/yard sales, and Craig’s List. That’s where I’ve found most of my shelving.
Julez

Garage/yard sales, and Craig’s List. That’s where I’ve found most of my shelving.
Julez

Garage/yard sales, and Craig’s List. That’s where I’ve found most of my shelving.
Kristi

I scored some great & cheap shelving at a department store that was going out of business. Cost me less than buying at a home improvement store!
Jolenedmontalvo

I got my shelf at Target too 14 dollars on sale a few weeks back. Its wire so it holds the heave detergent very well!

Cryket03

I have only started couponing in the last 3-4 months. I have 4 children currently, and am expecting Twins in September. This is the FIRST time i’ve ever not been really really stressed about the essentials. I have a nice stock pile started, while its not HUGE…I figure if I can buy myself even 2-3 months without the stresses of shopping, I am doing good. I have about 1500 diapers stock piled, about the same for wipes, and currently have 14 boxes of cereal (going to get more today..lol).
I just want to say thank you to people like Krazy Coupon Lady for making a life like this possible for me and my family. I used to be a “Whats the point” couponer. Now I am giving tips to all my family and friends to help THEM save money as well.

Brandi

I am due with my first July 31 and everyone kept saying how expensive having a baby was (this was a complete surprise…totally unplanned!!) The only big thing I bought was the crib, which I got on clearance. The other big things were given to me as hand me downs, and I registered for the stroller that my carseat will fit into, and some stranger in PA sent it to me from my baby registry on Target. I ahve no clue who he is, but sent him a thank you note. I have soooo many diapers and wipes and desitin and baby wash stockpiled! I am a full-time EMT and I graduate with my paramedic degree tomorrow!! B/c the baby was so unplanned, I decided to move home with my mom. I provide almost all of the stuff she would normally buy just by using coupons. I have decided to take 12 weeks after the baby b/c I really need the break and b/c of coupons, I do not have to worry about having money for diapers or such. I know that all of my money in savings is literally an emergency fund. Not a diaper fund!!!

kelly

Ahhh, congrats on your baby and your graduation tomorrow! The baby may have been unplanned, but remember, we make plans and God laughs. It sounds like you’re doing great, and how nice is that person in Pa? That’s just awesome!
Cryket03

Congrats on your new addition. Children can be expensive, but I also think it depends on the person having them..lol. I have always been a very frugal person (or at least I THOUGHT I was..lol). I have friends who when I ask for a stroller recommendation, often say the $700 stroller. Yeah, no thanks..lol. Not unless the stroller will push itself for me..lol. I have got a lot through resale and yard sale. I didn’t have much from my other children, as we REALLY thought we were done, but getting TWICE the addition, we wouldn’t have been prepared either way..lol
Good luck to you in your venture as a mom, and the new career. Sounds like you got things well figured out. Much better than most first timers..lol

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1348803123 Angela Varricchio

Does anyone know where i can find a list of items that can be frozen and how long they can be frozen for? I’m a couponer, but its just me and my dog, so if i see something i cant pass up, i’d like some kind of freezer schedule so that way things dont spoil.
thanks!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1348803123 Angela Varricchio

Does anyone know where i can find a list of items that can be frozen and how long they can be frozen for? I’m a couponer, but its just me and my dog, so if i see something i cant pass up, i’d like some kind of freezer schedule so that way things dont spoil.
thanks!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1348803123 Angela Varricchio

Does anyone know where i can find a list of items that can be frozen and how long they can be frozen for? I’m a couponer, but its just me and my dog, so if i see something i cant pass up, i’d like some kind of freezer schedule so that way things dont spoil.
thanks!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1348803123 Angela Varricchio

Does anyone know where i can find a list of items that can be frozen and how long they can be frozen for? I’m a couponer, but its just me and my dog, so if i see something i cant pass up, i’d like some kind of freezer schedule so that way things dont spoil.
thanks!

A. S.

Using a vacuum sealer and bags can help seriously lengthen the freezer lifespan of foods. Or, the fridge lifespan of foods like cheese. The benefit is also being able to take big packs, or things like roasts, and make individual serving sizes that will keep better than baggies.
Regardless, make sure you write down dates if the package does not already have one, and rotate your foods based on those dates.

kelly

I just wrote the dates on boxes of Pasta Roni a few days ago, so when you open the cupboard the date is right in front of you in Black marker. So much nicer than looking at the bottom of the box to find it expired last week lol.

kelly

I don’t know about a specific list, but I just google whatever I’m curious about. I googled chicken, and read it can freeze for about 9 months.
kelly

I don’t know about a specific list, but I just google whatever I’m curious about. I googled chicken, and read it can freeze for about 9 months.
Chris B.

If you google for food expiration dates (you google for particular items too) it comes up with a lot of different websites that tell you how long things lost frozen, in the fridge, opened, etc.

Ryensmom09

Anyone know how to get coupons on meat and milk???

Breedlovehomeschool

I buy meat when it is at rockbottom sale or markdown prices and stock up. Milk is cheap at warehouse clubs and if you empty about a cup out for expansion you can also freeze it.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

I do two things for meat. It doesn’t involve a coupon – but it has a similar “effect”. The first is this: Bi-Lo gives out rainchecks in case they run out of a sale item. I didn’t know this…but they NEVER expire. Seriously! So, for instance, Bi-Lo had London Broil on sale a couple months ago (B1G1) which came out to $2.59/lb. I bought about 10 lbs which was all they had, so I went and got my raincheck telling them that I would have purchased another 10 lbs if they had it. Go late at night…when the butcher isn’t there…it makes it easier to get the raincheck.

Now for step 2: canning! I have dozens and dozens of mason jars with canned chicken, london broil, ground beef, and other meat. It keeps for years. Except for the ground beef, try to use that within 6 months or so. It’s a fatty meat, so it doesn’t can for as long as the other meats.

So I bought the meat at the lowest possible price, I bought as much as I could, and I have it stored up ready to use. And seriously….it tastes great! It’s hard to believe, but it tastes awesome.

Cathy

Matthew,

I never knew you could can meat. Any advice on how? Did you learn how from any websites?

Thanks for any advice….
http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

Cathy, there are a ton of sites out there that help teach canning. If I post a URL in here it tends to block my post, but feel free to contact me on Facebook. When you go buy a pressure cooker (which is essential for canning) it will most likely come with a cookbook that will give you all the information you need. But seriously…there’s a ton of info out there. Just google “pressure cooker can chicken” or “beef” or “ground beef” and you should be set.

We just had some canned chicken for dinner this evening. We mixed it in with some chilli and cream cheese. It’s awesome. I’m taking some to work tomorrow for lunch. Total cost: About $5, makes enough for about 10 adult size meals.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

I do two things for meat. It doesn’t involve a coupon – but it has a similar “effect”. The first is this: Bi-Lo gives out rainchecks in case they run out of a sale item. I didn’t know this…but they NEVER expire. Seriously! So, for instance, Bi-Lo had London Broil on sale a couple months ago (B1G1) which came out to $2.59/lb. I bought about 10 lbs which was all they had, so I went and got my raincheck telling them that I would have purchased another 10 lbs if they had it. Go late at night…when the butcher isn’t there…it makes it easier to get the raincheck.

Now for step 2: canning! I have dozens and dozens of mason jars with canned chicken, london broil, ground beef, and other meat. It keeps for years. Except for the ground beef, try to use that within 6 months or so. It’s a fatty meat, so it doesn’t can for as long as the other meats.

So I bought the meat at the lowest possible price, I bought as much as I could, and I have it stored up ready to use. And seriously….it tastes great! It’s hard to believe, but it tastes awesome.
Tpoe Wright

I get coupons in the Sunday papers for Smart Balance, 8th Continent and others and use those when that particular milk goes on sale. I refuse to pay over $4 a gallon for regular milk here. Sometimes your grocery store will give a Catalina for free milk when you purchase so many cereals…rare, but it happens. As for meats, I buy bulk when stores have them at rock bottom prices. I do find HillShire Farms, some chicken and other meat coupons in the Sunday papers.
couponer_before_it_was_cool

there are ususally not good coupons for meat milk produce etc….so when there is a deal that is a money maker u use the overage to buy those kind of things or my favorite is catalinas…a coupole of weeks ago there was a deal with shaving cream that they were free and for every 10 I got a catalina for 10.00 I paid tax on each transaction and made 80.00 in catalinas then turned right around and bout 40.00 in ground beef and 40.00 in chicken ( a 6 mo supply for us) they were both on super good sales….thats how I work others might have better ideas:-)
http://www.facebook.com/jenni.mcgovern Jenni McGovern

Find out when your meat department at your local store discounts their meat. For instance I live in So Cal and our store is Stater Bros. My butcher told me that they discount the meat at 6am so thats when I go to buy it. Last week I bout $77 worth of meat for $46!
http://www.facebook.com/jenni.mcgovern Jenni McGovern

Find out when your meat department at your local store discounts their meat. For instance I live in So Cal and our store is Stater Bros. My butcher told me that they discount the meat at 6am so thats when I go to buy it. Last week I bout $77 worth of meat for $46!
KatParker

I don’t have coupons for milk but what I’ve started doing is buying my milk at CVS. They typically put their gallon milk on sale every other week with a $1 EB. I always wind up paying less (after EB) than the sale prices at the grocery store. Plus, I’ll use my EB’s from previous purchases so I typically only come out of pocket for about $1.

Nicoledstorey

It’s rare to find coupons for Milk because in most states, maybe country wide I’m not sure, there is floor on the price that the store is allowed to sell it for. The “floor” was put in place to ensure the small, local dairy farms get paid. CVS gets around it because its an $1 EB not a sale on milk.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Nathalie-Molina-Burleson/1456012555 Nathalie Molina Burleson

Y’know, even though I don’t “actively” stockpile, I’ve found myself with a small stockpile, simply by buying b1g1 free deals, etc. . . I have a rule of buying no more than 2-3 at a time (unless it’s so insanely cheap that I can’t pass it by, like $1 or less, and then I get as many as I have coupons for which is never more than 5). . . The nice thing is, even shopping like this, I have a fairly decent stockpile: food that’ll last for about 2-4 weeks, depending on how I use it, and laundry detergent that’ll last me. . . 2-3 months, I suppose. . . And you know, for my small family of 4, that’s more than enough. This week, I won’t have to buy anything in particular, which means I can start getting ready for baby #2 that’ll be here in August. :0)

Algava

I’m the same way! Never go to extreme.Unless it’s less than $1 I’ll get 3 or 5. And I have a nice little stockpile that keeps growing slowly.
Algava

I’m the same way! Never go to extreme.Unless it’s less than $1 I’ll get 3 or 5. And I have a nice little stockpile that keeps growing slowly.
Algava

I’m the same way! Never go to extreme.Unless it’s less than $1 I’ll get 3 or 5. And I have a nice little stockpile that keeps growing slowly.
Carrie

I am glad that you said this! This was going to be my comment at the end. I have the same frame of mind as you. I never started out to buy 10 of each item just to stockpile it. If it’s a super good deal I buy maybe 5 (but that is VERY rare). I only started this recently and I already have a nice stockpile. I understand if someone can find a really good deal and they want a nice amount but what upsets me is that I will go shopping Sunday evening (the day the sales start) and it is already too late! The sale items I want are already gone due to people coming in and clearing the shelves. I am glad to hear someone else say that they come no where close to clearing shelves and still are able to stock pile for their family!!! I always try to think of others who need the same deal as I do and I don’t need to be greedy and take from them as well.

Kelly

Does anyone know where you can find coupons for sodas…such as Pepsi or Coke products? I don’t see many if any of these

kelly

I don’t know Kelly. I check Ebay weekly, and still haven’t found any.
Millertime1979

I found at walgreens one day, on teh actually 12 pack, there was peelies, coupons stuck to the coke product for $1 off, and JUST SO PEOPLE KNOW, IF YOU EVER SEE A PEELIE ON ANYTHING, STOP AND LOOK AT IT, PEEL IT OFF AND READ IT, YOU DONT HAVE TO BUY THE ITEM ITS STUCK ON, AND READ IT, MOST OF THE PEELIES HAVE EXPIRATION DATES OF 2012 RIGHT NOW, SO IF U FIND A PRODUCT U LIKE BUT NOT ON SALE YET, GRAB A PEELIE, AND IVE GOOGLED, ITS NOT STEALING LOL, ITS A MANUFACTURE COUPON. i grabbed two off the cokes, to use towards them when they are on sale
Millertime1979

I found at walgreens one day, on teh actually 12 pack, there was peelies, coupons stuck to the coke product for $1 off, and JUST SO PEOPLE KNOW, IF YOU EVER SEE A PEELIE ON ANYTHING, STOP AND LOOK AT IT, PEEL IT OFF AND READ IT, YOU DONT HAVE TO BUY THE ITEM ITS STUCK ON, AND READ IT, MOST OF THE PEELIES HAVE EXPIRATION DATES OF 2012 RIGHT NOW, SO IF U FIND A PRODUCT U LIKE BUT NOT ON SALE YET, GRAB A PEELIE, AND IVE GOOGLED, ITS NOT STEALING LOL, ITS A MANUFACTURE COUPON. i grabbed two off the cokes, to use towards them when they are on sale

DoranLindsey

It’s really kind of not cool to take peelies off of products you arent’ going to by, kind of like taking inserts out of a paper you don’t plan on purchasing. How would you feel if you went to buy something, saw the place where the coupon was supposed to be and know that somebody else swiped it?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594991475 Margarita Garcia

I agree i used to do that but i would find myself not purchasing the items and i would feel bad about it. I stopped doing that and now i just wait for the item to go on sale. Unfortunately though i have a lot of creeper coupon lady’s that have no etiquette in my area..they always do this and more.
Chris B.

I actually have a friend that works in a store and the company guy that stocks the pop there actually told her that another store had the peelies and that there is nothing wrong with taking them without purchasing the product at that time. I think it was the Pepsi guy (the pop companies have their own stockers, the stores don’t do it). Anyway this particular store had a really good sale on the pop, so it was decided to put the peelies at the other store. The stocking people actually put them on. He Told her to go to the other store, get peelies and bring them back to her store to get an even better price. So although I haven’t done it, I am torn as to whether this is ok or not.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=508137099 Katherine Slick Parker

Sorry, I don’t agree with you. It’s pretty irritating to buy a product and know that you COULD have gotten a peelie from it but someone else already went and took them off every product on the shelf (yes, this happened to me at Winn Dixie and it was very irritating). In my opinion, taking the peelies off products other people are going to buy is almost as bad as someone clearing the shelf so no one else will benefit from the sale.

Millertime1979

I found at walgreens one day, on teh actually 12 pack, there was peelies, coupons stuck to the coke product for $1 off, and JUST SO PEOPLE KNOW, IF YOU EVER SEE A PEELIE ON ANYTHING, STOP AND LOOK AT IT, PEEL IT OFF AND READ IT, YOU DONT HAVE TO BUY THE ITEM ITS STUCK ON, AND READ IT, MOST OF THE PEELIES HAVE EXPIRATION DATES OF 2012 RIGHT NOW, SO IF U FIND A PRODUCT U LIKE BUT NOT ON SALE YET, GRAB A PEELIE, AND IVE GOOGLED, ITS NOT STEALING LOL, ITS A MANUFACTURE COUPON. i grabbed two off the cokes, to use towards them when they are on sale
Addieava

The best money on those is to stop drinking them:) I’m not being ugly I just hate to see people drink all those empty calories that have absolutely no nutritional value. We stopped drinking them for health reasons and it amazing how much money we were spending on them…no matter how cheap you can get them they aren’t worth drinking though!!!

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

I’ll agree they are empty calories, but let me offer you another idea. If you find yourself in a tough situation…either due to natural disaster, loss of a job, or what-have-you. There are certain things you will want to have in your home storage that will add comfort. One of them is sugar.

My Father fought in Vietnam and he was trained, and instructed as a soldier to sew pieces of gum into the seams of his clothing. The idea being that if he was taken captive he could use the gum as a way to lift his spirits and give him courage. I’m an avid backpacker and I have gone on several multi-day backpack trips. One of the first things I do when I get back from a backpack trip is go straight for the chocolate. It doesn’t keep well on hot backpacking trips so I don’t usually take any with me. It tastes sooooo good when I get that first taste of chocolate after days and days on the trail.

So, yeah, we could all eat healthier, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a few cans of soda, or some comfort food in your storage. One of the main reasons we coupon and store up is for peace of mind. So, if I sit back and enjoy a sugary drink once in a while after something terrible has happened like a natural disaster or losing a job…it may be empty calories, but it makes you feel better….it helps ease the tension. Just my opinion….
connie

I completely agree.

I’ve also found that dening yourself small things makes you binge later on. If I have diet Dr Pepper once in awhile it will keep me from sitting down and drinking a whole 2liter later. To my view it works out alot better.

Of course everything is only our opinion.
connie

I completely agree.

I’ve also found that dening yourself small things makes you binge later on. If I have diet Dr Pepper once in awhile it will keep me from sitting down and drinking a whole 2liter later. To my view it works out alot better.

Of course everything is only our opinion.
salequeen

I take only a few pieces of really good chocolate with me and that’s my treat every night for all of the hard work I pounded out with my feet backpacking. I sometimes put some in my resupply boxes, but I’ve found that trail towns almost always have something that’s locally made. That’s how that vanilla praline fudge ended up in my pack when I was hiking the Colorado Trail. I would bite off a piece every day. It was soooooo good.
Millertime1979

I agree addieava But trying to get my hubby to stop having his coke with lunch is hard……but im working on it, have several bottles of juice stored up and soon….no more soda hehe!!!
sarah

well juice isn’t always as nutritious as people think, depending how much of the actual fruit is it it – it can also have high fructose corn syrup and usually has a BUNCH of sugar in it (as well as calories). only difference to me is that there are a few vitamins in it but I get that anyways. A better idea would be to mix water and juice together so it’s not as many calories but you get water and some nutrients. A friend of mine gives her kids half juice half water to help with calories/sugar
Coke_a_holics

Up until age 5 I always did half & half with my grandkids.My granddaughter used to always have an infection till she moved in with me & no problems after I used half water half juice for her drinks.
Rachel

We found that getting a home soda maker was a better deal than buying bottled stuff, and it encourages us to drink “healthier” fizzy stuff–like carbonated water mixed with lemonade or juice. Plus, it saves a lot of bottles that might end up in the landfill.

Kelly

Does anyone know where you can find coupons for sodas…such as Pepsi or Coke products? I don’t see many if any of these
Lkeen

dont forget that even when inside a garage, diet products that reach 90 degrees the ASPARTAME turns into METHANOL (AKA WOOD ALCOHOL/POISON)

sarah

yikes!! yea that’s what I was thinking about when watching the TLC show and people kept food in the garage..a lot of food is meant to be kept at room temperature and if it’s summer time, I would think a lot of that would go bad (unless it was crackers or cereal or something)

LaurelK

I am LDS and we have always been counseled to have food storage, so that whatever crisis comes we are prepared. I don’t look at stockpiling as hoarding, I look at it as smart choices and fiscally responsible, like putting money in savings. I also like to be more self reliant. As for storage, I have a nice 6×10 pantry for all food stuff. Laundry supplies are kept in the laundry room, etc. I am very lucky in that my home has good storage. The only thing I store in the garage is paper products, if there is no room elsewhere. We have two freezers that are in the garage, seriously thinking about adding another fridge, when I come across one cheap, craigslist my buddy. I have only been couponing for a few months and I get what I can. I think keeping it simple to begin with makes sense.

Mlm515

I too am LDS and have couponed for over 12 years. I started when I was 18. My food storage is so much easier to do because of coupons. My mother-in-law has a huge room that she built in her basement just for her food storage. It’s even earth quake proof! She cans all the beans and things from her 1 acre garden. She’s been doing this since before she was married almost 40 years ago. Talk about a stockpile, her’s is my inspiration!
Mlm515

I too am LDS and have couponed for over 12 years. I started when I was 18. My food storage is so much easier to do because of coupons. My mother-in-law has a huge room that she built in her basement just for her food storage. It’s even earth quake proof! She cans all the beans and things from her 1 acre garden. She’s been doing this since before she was married almost 40 years ago. Talk about a stockpile, her’s is my inspiration!
Mlm515

I too am LDS and have couponed for over 12 years. I started when I was 18. My food storage is so much easier to do because of coupons. My mother-in-law has a huge room that she built in her basement just for her food storage. It’s even earth quake proof! She cans all the beans and things from her 1 acre garden. She’s been doing this since before she was married almost 40 years ago. Talk about a stockpile, her’s is my inspiration!

Tnbhess2010

I have always had a stockpile … when things would go on sale for a great price I would buy a bunch.. BUT I have only started couponing in the last few months.. We have a large house but I have OCD so having stockpiles that are out of place does not work for me.. So I had to figure something out while keeping my husband happy. He doesnt believe we need to stockpile.. He used to be a business owner and never worried about money… a year after we met the economy started to fall and he had to sell all 5 of his businesses.. He had to go get a job and we had to live paycheck to paycheck… He still thinks in his business frame and doesnt realize the economy could really crash (likes it being predicted) and since I was just laid off a month ago we only have one income… this makes what I do that much more important to me for my family.

So the compromise was I stockpile in the area I need it.. i.e. we have 3 full baths in each bath is its own cabinets with their own stockpile for that bathroom. The Laundry room as its own cabinet with its own stockpile of all laundry needs. and in our basement I have heavy duty shelving beside my extra refrigerator and freezer and that is where I stockpile all our foods… as long as it stays organized my husband doesnt complain and I have peace of mind
Tnbhess2010

I have always had a stockpile … when things would go on sale for a great price I would buy a bunch.. BUT I have only started couponing in the last few months.. We have a large house but I have OCD so having stockpiles that are out of place does not work for me.. So I had to figure something out while keeping my husband happy. He doesnt believe we need to stockpile.. He used to be a business owner and never worried about money… a year after we met the economy started to fall and he had to sell all 5 of his businesses.. He had to go get a job and we had to live paycheck to paycheck… He still thinks in his business frame and doesnt realize the economy could really crash (likes it being predicted) and since I was just laid off a month ago we only have one income… this makes what I do that much more important to me for my family.

So the compromise was I stockpile in the area I need it.. i.e. we have 3 full baths in each bath is its own cabinets with their own stockpile for that bathroom. The Laundry room as its own cabinet with its own stockpile of all laundry needs. and in our basement I have heavy duty shelving beside my extra refrigerator and freezer and that is where I stockpile all our foods… as long as it stays organized my husband doesnt complain and I have peace of mind
http://www.facebook.com/people/Nathalie-Molina-Burleson/1456012555 Nathalie Molina Burleson

I do the same thing, but out of necessity since we rent a very small house. But I find that this seems to make the most sense when stockpiling anyway, because if you need something, it’s already in the room. You don’t need to run around the house completely undressed (lol) because you realize that you need soap. :0)
http://www.facebook.com/Mrs.Monnock Terri Fortner

I’ve been lucky that the things I have had coupons for are things we need. Since I am not brand loyal for diapers, and there have been one brand or another with a coupon out there all the time I don’t get too many. But with 3 in diapers its hard to buy even a little stock- 3 packs each is 9 packs of diapers. I think a good one would be a list of prices. So I will know if I am getting ripped. Honestly if I save a penny its a cent less than what I was paying.

Millertime1979

i have one on the way, and one im going to potty train soon, but i love target and the $5 GC when buying diapers, i get the name brand ones (which i dont really care if i do nayways) but i get all my coupons and target coupons and stack them and been doing this since janurary, my daughters closet is filled with maybe 3-4 months of diapers for her new sister who will be here in a few weeks, adn we keep buying, cuz if your a mother of kids in diapers you know diapers and wipes will always be needed, so stockpiling those makes me feel happy hehe, love looking at them knowing we already have several months and its a nice feeling, wont be runnign out in middle of night ever cuz we ran out of diapers heheh!!! and when the wipes went clearance at our target about 4 months ago, for the big box of pamper wiipes, we bout 12 boxes, cuz we will be useing wipes fo rliek 3 mroe years haha! so these wont last long but do help to have!! ok im rambling now, hehe

http://www.facebook.com/Mrs.Monnock Terri Fortner

I’ve been lucky that the things I have had coupons for are things we need. Since I am not brand loyal for diapers, and there have been one brand or another with a coupon out there all the time I don’t get too many. But with 3 in diapers its hard to buy even a little stock- 3 packs each is 9 packs of diapers. I think a good one would be a list of prices. So I will know if I am getting ripped. Honestly if I save a penny its a cent less than what I was paying.
http://AdrienneNicolePhotography.com Adrienne

Anyone wondered about the insurance on your stockpile? Like what if there was a fire or your house was robbed? Does your insurance cover all the contents of your home plus you thousands of dollars in the garage? Just a thought. I mean a couponers garage could be the burgler’s jackpot. I know my insurance has a cap, and I have to tell them approx. how much the contents of my house is worth…?

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

That’s a good question. For me, I went and got a few fire extinguishers to help protect the house, but beyond that (and I’m serious here)…we pray. If the house burns down…then yeah, we lose everything. I’m sure you can talk to your insurance agent and see about getting a ryder or some other clause added to your policy, but even then it would be very difficult to replace a stockpile that you spent months on…chasing deals…clipping coupons.

There are no guarantees in life, but do the best you can, keep praying, and hope for the best.
Tjdmd

Wouldn’t it be silly to spend money on insurance for things that you got free/dirt cheap? Yeah, I’d be bummed if I lost my stockpile, but the whole idea behind having it is because I didn’t have to pay a whole lot for it. I just don’t think it would be fiscally smart to insure free/cheap things, just because most people pay full price for them.

Lsoltwedel

I just started couponing this last month. I am trying to stockpile a few items as I am looking to quit my job, and will feel better if I have this coupon thing down pat first, and at least a couple months supply of the basics. Well, on the way we have a couple extra things on hand like toothpaste, deodorant, laundry soap, dishwasher tabs. I am going to make a storage spot in my basement for these items. It is heated in the winter so I feel it should be a good spot for my storage. I am always up for any extra ideas guys =)
Texas Mama

I too live in TX and it is way too hot to put anything in the garage so I use our spare bedroom closet and the coat closet under our stairs (being as we hardly need coats) and our master closet. What ever does not fit in those three spots is not bought. For example in my master closet there is deodorant, shampoo, basically toiletry items. In the coat closet is the excess food (it is right next to the kitchen) then the laundry stuff does go in the laundry room on the racks that were put in by the builder. The guess room closet is miscellaneous things like kitchen bags, office supplies and water. I figure if I can fill all that space then I am set for a year. SO far I am not even a quarter of the way full.
Latinawifey

We started seriously couponing barely a year ago and our stockpile has blessed more than just our own household. We were able to share a few months worth of items to my MIL who was just laid off. She said just knowing that she has those basic needs covered brings her great relief. It also brings us some relief knowing that why we may not be able to help out cash wise we still have something to offer:)
mrs claire

whats up with all the flagged comments? we couponers are generally a well-behaved bunch, or so i thought! sheesh!
Cheezeaddict

I’m just getting started on this couponing thing.

Any apartment dwellers out there that stockpile? What have you found that works for you?

Millertime1979

We are a family of 3, almost 4 soon! and we live in an apartment. I use the bottom of my closets and any nook i can find for my stockpile adn i keep track of it on a spreadsheet. Its amazing all the little places u can find to store stuff once you start looking, and we have tons of diapers, so what i do is use the diaper boxs for my stockpile, i write on outside of box what it is and dates on them. and the diapers since are sealed in plasic i just put up in closet or under the bed

Kiiiwii

Under the bed is a great space. I moved my ironing board there, my husband thinks I am a genius.
Kiiiwii

Under the bed is a great space. I moved my ironing board there, my husband thinks I am a genius.
lucsmom

I think being organized is key. I’ve taken to hanging things on the walls in my closets…space that is usually wasted is now valuable storage. For example…I have a tiny storage area that we built shelves on one side..sooo small that you couldnt walk in if there were shelves on both sides, but I was able to use some push pins to hang tape and dog treats on the wall near the ceiling. It’s neat, organized, I know where and what everything is.

Kiiwii

I also live in an apartment, right now I am really maximizing my cupboard space. But I am a bit of a minimalist, so this is driving me a bit crazy. We have a storage unit in basement of the apartment. I am thinking of storing things like laundry detergent and household stuff down there. It has a lock and that is where the washer & dryer is anyways

COUPONINGISBEINGRUINED987556

KROGERS, THANKS TO THAT SICKENING SHOW AND SHILL SITES LIKE THIS, NOW LIMIT OF 4 LIKE COUPONS PER TRIP….

GEE THE POSTER FROM LAST WEEK WAS RIGHT, THANKS TO THAT SHOW
(THAT THE STORES ARE FINACING) AND PEOPLE LIKE THIS SITE MAKING A BUCK ARE DESTROYING COUPINING HAS BEGUN

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

While I know that Show has made some changes occur within a few stores like Kroger and RiteAid…I don’t believe that couponing is being ruined. True, the glory days of being able to buy 62 bottles of mustard (oy-vay, seriously?) are gone but I think there are several great deals out there. The coupon business model still helps everyone involved (manufacturer, distributor, customer).

If anything, the changes being made are helping more people coupon, instead of a select few militant couponers. Now, you’ll just have to settle with 4 or 5 bottles of mustard at a great price instead of 62 bottles for free – and don’t get me started on the “free” part of that. I guarantee people have to expend time, travel, and energy to get that many coupons. The old adage of “nothing is free” is still true today.

Kiiwii

In addition, I think it is telling the manufacturers what we will pay and not pay for something. I can see more companies offering coupons to compete. Plus, to them it is great, they do not have to give the “deal” to everyone, just the ones willing to dig for it.

Tracy

Well if stores start limiting the amount of coupons you can use per type of item it won’t be an issue for me. I can stop by the store everyday on the way home from work. SO THERE! Find something else to whine about!

Kiiwii

I still think competition is going to factor in. If store A limits, but store B doesn’t. Where are we going to go and what is Store A going to have to do to get us back. My husband studies economics and one thing that is really hitting home for me is that the “consumer is king”

JR

I agree that it is terrible that stores are now limiting coupons but you can’t blame a TV show or Website for doing anything, TV shows don’t try to pass of fake coupons as real and Websites don’t clear shelves. In fact, on all of the TV shows and Websites I’ve seen they talk about COUPON ETIQUETTE. However, regardless of where the idea came from to start couponing or how many people use coupons- there will always be people who ruin things. It’s just a matter of fact. God made jerks so we can know how NOT to behave.

Djturr

Actually my Publix manager said their policy changes were a direct result of the publicity that couponing has gotten included televised shows When it was a quiet “under culture” (his words) it was OK but “they can’t have everyone doing it” – his take on sales and coupons is to get people in the store where they buy outside of the sales and without coupons at a higher level than the sale/coupon items – when too many stop doing that the practices change to force it

mrs claire

couponing is NOT being rude, it is being smart with money. we don’t tell the companies how to price thier items/how to set thier coupon acceptance policies or dictate what coupons are released. we are just SMART shoppers. you are being RUDE and ignorant and there is no place for you on this site!

Joan 56

Is it ok to freeze uncooked dry pasta? crackers? etc? Thanks for all the help!

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

It’s ok…but unnecessary. The pasta will be fine for several months just sitting in the box or bag that you purchased it in. The crackers…same thing, they should be fine for a long time.

I know this is slightly frowned upon – and please use your own judgement, but you’d be surprised how much food you have is good to consume MONTHS after it has (so-called) expired. I opened a box of Rice Krispies cereal last week that was marked as expired on Sept 2009. I ate it everyday for breakfast last week and it taste perfect. I’m getting a little bored of Rice Krispies for breakfast so we’re just going to make rice krispy treats with the rest.

Mcallisterleanna

MOST dry items are ok if eaten expired but please please stay away from anything that has yeast in it. Ex – boxed cake mixes, pancake mixes, cookies mixes, etc. Yeast is very very dangerous is eaten past the expiration date. Just ask the little boy who ate muffins that were a few months expired and had to have his little tummy pumped due to the yeast But yes, Mr Wilson, cereals, crackers, candy and many many more items, even store bought eggs are safe to eat past the expiration date!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

Very true. Use some common sense, and ask around – but I think you’ll be pleased to find that a lot of items are good for much longer than the manufacturer would have you believe. Thanks for the info Mcallisterleanna.
julie

pasta will last 30years if packaged properly.
julie

pasta will last 30years if packaged properly.
Angela

What about yogurt?About how long after expire date should it still be ok
couponer_before_it_was_cool

fyi…most dates on products are use by dates not expiration dates, the law requires dates on everythign now ….ya big government, so now things that were good for years and years like canned goods only have a shelf life of 6 mos?? not really but if it “expires” on the shelf the store tosses it and buys more if you toss it you will go buy more so it is a lovely little gimmick to get more product cycling and is causing tons and tons and tons of stuff to be tossed for no reason, pay attention to how things are packaged some of the new bags on the cereals encourage them to go stale but then goos plastic sealed bags are good for a long time!! freezing things like cheese and milk and meat extends their life along time……I am just about the pickiest eater you will ever meet and if its not right I would not eat it!! watch out for things that are egg or milk based, ie mayo, ranch, etc
http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

So true (government and encouraging buying). I’m sure a lot of it has to do with liability as well. A manufacturer will analyze a situation and say “if we put a 6 month shelf life on this, there’s only a 1 in 100,000 chance that someone will get sick. Whereas if we put a 12 month shelf life on it, that number drops to 1 in 1000 and we’ll have to pay out some lawsuits”.

Also, don’t underestimate your ability to detect bad food. I mean, if you normally can’t smell anything – then maybe you should have someone else help you, but our bodies have been equipped with (I believe) a sufficient enough system to avoid spoiled foods. If it smells bad…throw it out. If it tastes bad…spit it out. This isn’t rocket science. Our species has been storing food for millennia…we just forgot how to do it because somebody up and invented the refrigerator and the TV dinner. I’m sure your parents and grandparents know exactly how to store food long term. They had to….or they wouldn’t be around today.

Maggie

A great way to check eggs to see if they are expired is to submerse them into a large cup or bowl of water.
If the egg sinks, you’re fine to use it.
If the egg floats, you should throw it away. The yolk product has started to rot and the sulfur gas inside the egg causes it to float in the water.
I always do a quick check on eggs before I use them in anything if the carton is passed its ‘expiration’ date.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1245088298 Laurie Whipple

Thank you Maggie! had heard of this before but couldn’t remember if which way was which.. on the float or sink

Maggie

A great way to check eggs to see if they are expired is to submerse them into a large cup or bowl of water.
If the egg sinks, you’re fine to use it.
If the egg floats, you should throw it away. The yolk product has started to rot and the sulfur gas inside the egg causes it to float in the water.
I always do a quick check on eggs before I use them in anything if the carton is passed its ‘expiration’ date.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1443071742 Susie Reiman T. Martin

Yes you can freeze uncooked pasta and crackers, cereal too. I put extra boxes of cereal, oatmeal, etc in freezer. Also flour and corn meal, keeps the bugs out (you know, like the little creepy things that like to get in your flour, etc). weevils I think you call them.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1443071742 Susie Reiman T. Martin

Yes you can freeze uncooked pasta and crackers, cereal too. I put extra boxes of cereal, oatmeal, etc in freezer. Also flour and corn meal, keeps the bugs out (you know, like the little creepy things that like to get in your flour, etc). weevils I think you call them.

Joan 56

Is it ok to freeze uncooked dry pasta? crackers? etc? Thanks for all the help!
Mary

I live in an one bedroom apartment in New York so space is tight. Under my bed is packed with storage totes and I’ve added a bookcase outside the bathroom for extras.

Don’t forget storage above the fridge and wall mounted shelving (for rooms with tall ceilings).
http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

StillTasty [dot] com
This link was “blocked” when I tried to post it earlier, but let me try again. There’s a great site for helping you know how long you can store or freeze food. I use it as a benchmark to know what’s possible. With extra care, you can stretch some things even longer.

Tonia

Matt- thanks for the info on the perishables..any idea on the non-perishables? I am new to “extreme” couponing/stockpiling. I have an awesome, huge storage room above my garage but it can reach 100 degrees in the summer and -40 in the winter. (Perhaps it has already been discussed previously as I have just skimmed the messages). I have limited time to peruse but see you have many posts .. feel free to respond or e-mail direct if you wish..Thanks for any info/tips..mickeymousegirl2008@hotmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

StillTasty [dot] com
This link was “blocked” when I tried to post it earlier, but let me try again. There’s a great site for helping you know how long you can store or freeze food. I use it as a benchmark to know what’s possible. With extra care, you can stretch some things even longer.
Tracy L

In the few months since I’ve started couponing again I’ve built up a good stash of toiletries and my bathroom cabinets are a wreck now. My hub is going to build shelves for the side walls of the cabinets, with the shelves being about 6 inches deep. Will make good use of the empty spaces in the cabinets.

Personally I haven’t gotten any negative comments about my coupons. Saturday, at HEB, I heard the man behind me saying “look she saved $20 on her bill”.
Tracy L

In the few months since I’ve started couponing again I’ve built up a good stash of toiletries and my bathroom cabinets are a wreck now. My hub is going to build shelves for the side walls of the cabinets, with the shelves being about 6 inches deep. Will make good use of the empty spaces in the cabinets.

Personally I haven’t gotten any negative comments about my coupons. Saturday, at HEB, I heard the man behind me saying “look she saved $20 on her bill”.
Christine

I’ve been storing my items where I use them. My stockpile is growing – but so far I have managed to find reasonable room with a little rearranging in my current cabinets. For instance, I store body wash, deoderant, etc in the bathroom cabinet under the sink or in the linen closet in bathroom. Food items, I store in my kitchen cabinets. Paper products in the hall closet, etc. I dont know if my system will continue to work, but so far, so good!
Christine

I’ve been storing my items where I use them. My stockpile is growing – but so far I have managed to find reasonable room with a little rearranging in my current cabinets. For instance, I store body wash, deoderant, etc in the bathroom cabinet under the sink or in the linen closet in bathroom. Food items, I store in my kitchen cabinets. Paper products in the hall closet, etc. I dont know if my system will continue to work, but so far, so good!
Mitzi5

I was really annoyed when I read on comments on a friend’s facebook page about the show Extreme Couponing. My friends’ friends felt that only fat people hoarded food through couponing and besides it was all junk food. I couldn’t believe someone could be that insensitive. Using coupons has saved me family lots of money while I am out of work, so this comment really bothered me.

kelly

That comment would have bothered me too. It’s ok though,when you have less bills,more money in the bank, and most importantly peace of mind, she more than likely will not. I’m not sure I’ve even seen any overweight people on Extreme Couponing, or I did and just didn’t care. Does it bother anyone when people on those shows donate tons of stuff to food banks, church, homeless shelters, or troops overseas? It doesn’t bother me in the least. I think it’s a good thing.
kelly

That comment would have bothered me too. It’s ok though,when you have less bills,more money in the bank, and most importantly peace of mind, she more than likely will not. I’m not sure I’ve even seen any overweight people on Extreme Couponing, or I did and just didn’t care. Does it bother anyone when people on those shows donate tons of stuff to food banks, church, homeless shelters, or troops overseas? It doesn’t bother me in the least. I think it’s a good thing.
Djturr

I’ve heard the same comments – unfortuantely several of the extreme couponers are overweight and with the current sociatal prejudice it is picked up on immediately. There is a lot of “junk” or highly processed foods on sale each week but you can avoid those and stockpile healthy and/or organic items too…teach them how and they will come around

Mitzi5

I was really annoyed when I read on comments on a friend’s facebook page about the show Extreme Couponing. My friends’ friends felt that only fat people hoarded food through couponing and besides it was all junk food. I couldn’t believe someone could be that insensitive. Using coupons has saved me family lots of money while I am out of work, so this comment really bothered me.
Lauren Thoman

I second the comment that would love a post listing what are good stockpile prices for common items. I know there is a short list in the “10 days to being an extreme couponer” section, but a more extensive list would be great, especially one that I could print out and take to the store with me to reference when I see an unexpected deal!

Erin

I googled stock up prices and found a couple of blogs that have printable lists. I printed them both and I use them as a guide, somethings may be higher/lower depending on what area you live in.
Anonymous

Check out our Facebook page under the Discussions tab on the left hand side for an extensive stockpile price list!
Anonymous

Check out our Facebook page under the Discussions tab on the left hand side for an extensive stockpile price list!
Anonymous

You can find our extensive stock up price list on our Facebook page, under the Discussions tab

Carrie

Hi, I tried looking for this a few times with no success. There are 20 pages and 580 actual discussions. Is there anyway you can post a copy of this list under your notes or something that way it is easier to find? Thanks so much for all you guys do! You have helped me a lot!

Anonymous

You can find our extensive stock up price list on our Facebook page, under the Discussions tab
Anonymous

You can find our extensive stock up price list on our Facebook page, under the Discussions tab

Lauren Thoman

I second the comment that would love a post listing what are good stockpile prices for common items. I know there is a short list in the “10 days to being an extreme couponer” section, but a more extensive list would be great, especially one that I could print out and take to the store with me to reference when I see an unexpected deal!
Sandra

I live in a 3 bedroom apartment with my 3 children so we are pretty tight on space with no garage or anything. In my bedroom I have 5 bookshelves lined up against a wall along with a sturdy metal shelving for heavy stuff. I think it is worth it to give up the space for the storage in my room. I have a pantry in the kitchen and a laundry room with shelves for extra laundry detergent. When you are limited on space you just need to be creative.

Anonymous

on the bedroom, window cill behind the curtain, i have my windows tinted so u can see from out side

Heatherh91

I just started couponing 6 weeks ago and have already saved 84%
Here are my favorites that I have stockpile for my family of 5

16 tubes of toothpaste (1 year supply )
Normally we would pay 64.00
Now we paid 8.00

24 toothbrushes (1 1/2 years supply)
Normally 96.00
Now: free

12 bottles of each shampoo and conditioner (1 year supply)
Normally we would pay 96.00
Now we paid 18.00

35 packages of razors (4year supply at least)
Normally 256.00
Now we paid under 35.00 (some being .89 and some being totally free)

40 bottles of body wash (2 1/2 years supply)
Normally 160.00
Now 17.50

20 bottles of laundry soap (9 months supply)
Normally 90.00
Now 30.00

12 boxes of fabric softener ( 6 month supply)
Normally 24.00
Now 9.00

25 boxes of cereal (4 month supply)
Normally 75.00
Now 27.50

30 boxes of pasta ( 6 month supply)
Normally 60.00
Now free

With just these items I would normally pay 921.00
after coupon I now spent 145
Saving us 84%

I’ve also found with my stores I can get cheese (sliced, shredded and deli)
for 70% off when matching sales, in store coupons and mfg coupons. I’ve got free
cream cheese, pudding, canned fruit, .99 Italian sausage, great deals on Taco shells, sauce and sales

I’ve only reduced my grocery budget by $50 a week so far but I have a great stockpile going and plan on reducing my next weeks budget by another $50 (cant do it this week great double coupon sale coming up on Wednesday). I think with my new budget I will be able to add enough to my stockpile to keep it growing and buy my perishable like fresh fruits, veggies, milk and meat.

What I’ve realized is that I can save money on things I actually use. Most everything I bought is what we normally buy but just by another brand. And these are not generic brands but name brands like Era, Pantene, Gillette. I can’t definitely change my brands to suit the price if that means I will save 84%.

The Krazy Coupon Lady makes it so easy by providing the match up and the links to the printable coupons I need to make my sales work. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Tonia

Heather- I am a Mom to 6. So we are a household of 8. I too am new to stockpiling. I have always done some couponing but have become somewhat more “extreme” at least to the extent that I can living in South Dakota. I do not having any stores that participate in loyalty cards and no stores that double etc..Anyway, Just wondering if you’d like to share “secrets” and tips..if you are interested in conversing please e-mail me mickeymousegirl2008@hotmail.com.. Love the msg boards but don’t have the time to adequately peruses them as I ‘d like!
kelly

That’s awesome and motivational for me!
Oney_angel

I have only cut mine by about 1/2-3/4, if that. Just depending on which items I am purchasing. I am still working better deals. On the other hand though my husband still grabs things he wants and winds up costing me more though.
Oney_angel

I have only cut mine by about 1/2-3/4, if that. Just depending on which items I am purchasing. I am still working better deals. On the other hand though my husband still grabs things he wants and winds up costing me more though.

Heatherh91

I just started couponing 6 weeks ago and have already saved 84%
Here are my favorites that I have stockpile for my family of 5

16 tubes of toothpaste (1 year supply )
Normally we would pay 64.00
Now we paid 8.00

24 toothbrushes (1 1/2 years supply)
Normally 96.00
Now: free

12 bottles of each shampoo and conditioner (1 year supply)
Normally we would pay 96.00
Now we paid 18.00

35 packages of razors (4year supply at least)
Normally 256.00
Now we paid under 35.00 (some being .89 and some being totally free)

40 bottles of body wash (2 1/2 years supply)
Normally 160.00
Now 17.50

20 bottles of laundry soap (9 months supply)
Normally 90.00
Now 30.00

12 boxes of fabric softener ( 6 month supply)
Normally 24.00
Now 9.00

25 boxes of cereal (4 month supply)
Normally 75.00
Now 27.50

30 boxes of pasta ( 6 month supply)
Normally 60.00
Now free

With just these items I would normally pay 921.00
after coupon I now spent 145
Saving us 84%

I’ve also found with my stores I can get cheese (sliced, shredded and deli)
for 70% off when matching sales, in store coupons and mfg coupons. I’ve got free
cream cheese, pudding, canned fruit, .99 Italian sausage, great deals on Taco shells, sauce and sales

I’ve only reduced my grocery budget by $50 a week so far but I have a great stockpile going and plan on reducing my next weeks budget by another $50 (cant do it this week great double coupon sale coming up on Wednesday). I think with my new budget I will be able to add enough to my stockpile to keep it growing and buy my perishable like fresh fruits, veggies, milk and meat.

What I’ve realized is that I can save money on things I actually use. Most everything I bought is what we normally buy but just by another brand. And these are not generic brands but name brands like Era, Pantene, Gillette. I can’t definitely change my brands to suit the price if that means I will save 84%.

The Krazy Coupon Lady makes it so easy by providing the match up and the links to the printable coupons I need to make my sales work. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
Veemommy

I just started serious couponing a few weeks ago. However, I am having a hard time finding the overage to get the perishables my family of 5 needs each week. Any ideas?

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

Which perishable items are you thinking about? Let us know. The reason I ask is because the solution is different for several of those items. Everyone’s diet varies so which items are you looking to store up?
Djturr

In some areas you can’t do that. Where I live in Central FL none of the stores will give any allowances for overages – it really depends on where you are and the store policy where you shop.

Veemommy

I just started serious couponing a few weeks ago. However, I am having a hard time finding the overage to get the perishables my family of 5 needs each week. Any ideas?
Wendy

Hello everyone. I have always used coupons, but now I am a Krazy Coupon Lady, and I love it. I am teaching my 6 1/2 year old son too! We have lots of fun, we recently took advantage of the triple coupons up to $1 at Marsh (over Memorial Day weekend) and the receipt was taller than him! He had me take his picture with it!
Thanks for all the great advice!
Wendy / Indiana

Oney_angel

LOL, that is so funny. My daughter always asks me if I have a coupon for an item before she asks for it. I do not by any means distill into my four kids that they have to only purchase with a coupon, but I do try to show them that a penny saved is a penny closer to an item that they may want in the future. I have to say I do not use coupons for everything, but I do watch the prices.

Locklearcoupons

This is kind of off topic….but could anyone IMAGINE if you were in the Tornado zone and you LOST your entire (EMERGENCY) stockpile that you had been working so hard on in the Tornado? That would absolutely KILL me. Yes….for those who would reply to the obvious…EVERYTHING that you lost would be hard but I’m simply talking about the grocery stockpile that we all think can be used for emergencies both financial and disaster. That would be one more crushing blow. I hope we can all send them things if we end up with a little more than we could ever use. AKA 4,000 diapers with no baby. hahahahahaha.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

I commented on this below, but I’d like to add that the mindset and discipline of a person who saves, coupons, and stores – is more important than the items themselves. If my house went up in a puff a smoke today…I can just about promise you that I would be right back where I am today in about a year. That’s just the kind of person that I am.

Yes, it would stink to see a lot of hard work be taken away in a fire, or a tornado, or flood, or etc. But I am the kind of person who would dust himself off, stand up, and get right back at it. In fact, I’d probably be at the store with coupons the very next day. Starting from scratch….but undeterred.
Djturr

I notice big stockpilers are also big donaters. For the loss, homeowners insurance should cover it all – we lost all of our food after Hurricane Charlies a few years back and all of it was replaced through insurance funds. If you do stockpile you might want to keep up to date photos so you can prove you have more than the ordinary amount of items in your home though.

COUPONINGISBEINGRUINED987556

SO COMMENT FLAGGED FOR REVIEW, CAUSE THE TRUTH HURS, THAT SITES LIKE THIS AND SPONOR SHIP OF THE TLC SHOW THAT SHOWS FRAUD BY KROGERS AND ETC AND THE FACT KROGER HAS ELIMANTED COUPONS ALOST, 4 LIKE PER TRIP, DOES NKT SIT WELL AND THEY HATE TO SEE COUPONIONG IS SLOWLY ENDING

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

Ha…dude, you’re not telling the truth. Oh…and check your keyboard, I think your caps lock button is jammed.

Kroger has every right to sell what they want, how they want. It’s call free enterprise. If you want to vote with your feet and shop somewhere else then do so. They will probably have to change their policy again in order to compete. The Extreme Coupon shows are a fad and will disappear with time…and so will some of the “headaches” they have caused.

Couponing isn’t easy – it takes work. And those who are willing to put in the effort will be rewarded. That’s why the system works. Everybody wins when it’s done right. I don’t know about you, but I still get tons of deals every week. In fact, I get more ticked off about the deals that I miss (because I can’t chase down all of them), rather than the fact that one or two stores don’t offer the same deals that they used to.

COUPONINGISBEINGRUINED987556

YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVE NO COMMONM SENSE

BECAUSE OF THE SHOW AND SITES LIKE THIS, IN THE NEAR FUTURE, THERE WILL BE NO DOUBLE COUPONS AND LIMITS OF 1 COUPONM PER PERSON
COUPONINGISBEINGRUINED987556

YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVE NO COMMONM SENSE

BECAUSE OF THE SHOW AND SITES LIKE THIS, IN THE NEAR FUTURE, THERE WILL BE NO DOUBLE COUPONS AND LIMITS OF 1 COUPONM PER PERSON
COUPONINGISBEINGRUINED987556

YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVE NO COMMONM SENSE

BECAUSE OF THE SHOW AND SITES LIKE THIS, IN THE NEAR FUTURE, THERE WILL BE NO DOUBLE COUPONS AND LIMITS OF 1 COUPONM PER PERSON
COUPONINGISBEINGRUINED987556

YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVE NO COMMONM SENSE

BECAUSE OF THE SHOW AND SITES LIKE THIS, IN THE NEAR FUTURE, THERE WILL BE NO DOUBLE COUPONS AND LIMITS OF 1 COUPONM PER PERSON

Carrie

There is no need to buy 20 items in the same trip! Be respectful of others looking to get the same deal. Ever if you just stop by the store everyday and use 4 more it still grows your stock pile and allows others to get the deals too. I go shopping the evening of the sale and still miss out on them all because stores allow people to clear shelves. Only by buying 4 of each item I still have a nice stockpile. As well as the Krazy Coupon Ladies and they show you what they buy each week and I sure don’t see 20 body washes in their pictures but I have seen their huge stockpiles!! It works.. trust me!

COUPONINGISBEINGRUINED987556

the people who run this sites buy 20 or more of all they buy, they just do not show pics of it

ArtSweetnerHater

People, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE stop putting those artificial sweetners in your bodies! Try sweetening with Agave!
Belinda

I started getting into this a couple of weeks ago and Have learned alot just with this site and peoples comments alone have help GREATLY. I have a few piles of items stocked piled like, soap, body wash, toothpate, deorderant, ect. If anyone calls me a hoarder…I would say, “yes, and proud of it”. This is the smart way to save tons of money and going through coupons, checking store ads, is a Challenge and a fun one. Iam already sharing items with my daughters, even though, they make more money than I do. I also thought of taking all the money I save from just using coupons and putting it in a jar or seprate account and use for a vacation, ect. This makes it super fun. Thank you so much for this website and all the great people who have helped with us beginners with your advise and comments…..GO COUPONERS!!!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1245088298 Laurie Whipple

Congrats Belinda! Am new here and only started my stockpile a few weeks ago, but it’s a start and for my family and I that’s what counts. Living in hurricane country, I usually have lots of canned goods on hand that we use after the storm season if over and rebuild it a couple months before it starts again. So mostly what I have are storm items. Least it’s a start and with some awesome sales and drug stores this week I’ll be building up even more!

Belinda

I started getting into this a couple of weeks ago and Have learned alot just with this site and peoples comments alone have help GREATLY. I have a few piles of items stocked piled like, soap, body wash, toothpate, deorderant, ect. If anyone calls me a hoarder…I would say, “yes, and proud of it”. This is the smart way to save tons of money and going through coupons, checking store ads, is a Challenge and a fun one. Iam already sharing items with my daughters, even though, they make more money than I do. I also thought of taking all the money I save from just using coupons and putting it in a jar or seprate account and use for a vacation, ect. This makes it super fun. Thank you so much for this website and all the great people who have helped with us beginners with your advise and comments…..GO COUPONERS!!!!!!
Lacy

I was wondering if there are any couponers who live in big cities and have any advice. I’m a grad student about to move in with a friend and I want to start couponing more seriously once I’m all moved in. The problems are: Chicago apartments are tiny, I have no car and I don’t have a ton of time to spend on a bunch of shopping trips all over. Advice? Thanks

Erin

The best thing to do is find a local savings blogger in your area. Google “savings blogs in the Chicago area”, I bet you will find a bunch. HTH!
Kim

I also live in Chicago, not city city but most “suburban” Chicago … however depending where you live I’ve noticed a lot of CVSs and Walgreens on various corners that may be a great place to start. Also, if you have a couple friends drive 20 minutes (if even this long) south once every 1-2 weeks to visit a favoriate grocery store. Targets are also becoming more and more popular in the city.
Kim

I also live in Chicago, not city city but most “suburban” Chicago … however depending where you live I’ve noticed a lot of CVSs and Walgreens on various corners that may be a great place to start. Also, if you have a couple friends drive 20 minutes (if even this long) south once every 1-2 weeks to visit a favoriate grocery store. Targets are also becoming more and more popular in the city.
Beckatha

I lived in a little apartment up to a year ago. We had to cart food up the steps – what a pain! However here’s what I learned: get a little folding cart to get your groceries home. They’re under $20, and sometimes you can even find them at garage/yard sales. Maybe you can make friends with your neighbors who have cars? Offer to put some $ towards gas and maybe they can take you to the store with them? Or offer to share your couponing skills with them! And as people have mentioned above, find “unusual” places for your stock: under the bed, behind the curtains, on top of the fridge…Finally, I am very short on time, so I keep my coupons with me all the time. If I’m in an area with a store I know has good deals going on, I go in and buy just the items I know are a good deal. I’m not making a special trip to shop, which saves me time and $$.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QGPEZHIVHXIGZD5SWL4JEHIP3M Maureen Stephenson

I took my college daughter to a Walgreens in Evanston and paid $11 for $52 dollars worth of product, found Venus razors on clearance for $3 and had $2 off coupons. THe cashier said ‘I want to shop with you!’ My daughter said she doubts anyone coupons in that area so there are deals to be had. Also, we have enough stockpile that we can ride our bikes to the grocery stores now and get groceries. Deodorant, toothpaste and razors don’t take up much space, and all purpose cleaners are smaller to stockpile than specialty items. Hope that helps! Be sure to find a blog for your local grocers for match-ups in your locale.

sarah

my biggest thing is that I’m moving in a few months so every time I buy items I imagine it’s more things that I have to pack, carry and unpack so I can only imagine for military families or those who move frequently

Maggie

Sarah, I experienced this in my transition from college dorm to an apartment. I was so hesitant to purchase anything because I knew I was going to be moving soon. The way I remedied it was I asked my mom to do my shopping for me. I mailed her my coupons and had her hold my stockpile items in a box. It helped that I knew she was helping me move anyway, so she just brought my box of items when we made the haul.
Just a suggestion for what was most convenient for me. Maybe just pack all your stockpile things as you purchase them into a single box. You’ll still be able to pull things out before the move if you really need to, but won’t have to miss a sale because you’re concerned about packing everything up in the end.

Mairi

Question for those of you with stockpiles…My family’s finances have changed. Some weeks I find it hard to just buy the essentials, let alone have money to put towards building a stockpile. I would love to have one, and would feel much less stress if I did, I just don’t know how to go about building one without extra money to spare. Also, I live in a state where none of the stores double coupons, so the chance of getting items for free or cheap is very slim. I’m hoping some of you will have wonderful ideas! Thanks!

Kim

None of my stores double coupons either, i have found several items for free and if not a great number for .25 cents or less … when i first started stockpiling we spent the same amount we had spent on groceries but were just getting a lot more four our money…it may take a few weeks for cost to go down
Kim

None of my stores double coupons either, i have found several items for free and if not a great number for .25 cents or less … when i first started stockpiling we spent the same amount we had spent on groceries but were just getting a lot more four our money…it may take a few weeks for cost to go down
Oney_angel

I ran into an old co-worker the other day and she told me her daughter hits every clearance isle the stores have before going to other isles. Her daughter most of the time winds up getting her bath items for low to no cost. She said Tia( the daughter) even looks for the going out of stock signs. These are items the store will no longer be carrying.
Oney_angel

I ran into an old co-worker the other day and she told me her daughter hits every clearance isle the stores have before going to other isles. Her daughter most of the time winds up getting her bath items for low to no cost. She said Tia( the daughter) even looks for the going out of stock signs. These are items the store will no longer be carrying.

Heidi

I am on week 3 of couponing and so far my kids love it but my husband is getting impossible lol. He gets frustrated when I’m at the store carrying my binder and trying to match sales with coupons. Any tips on how I can ease the transition for him? He likes to go shopping but hates it when I “take too long”. I started my stockpile on laundry items because that is the items that go really fast in my house. How long until I have a decent stock pile?

Heatherh91

I have a great stockpile (posted above some of my items) after six weeks. When I first started I took a long time matching up coupons with the store prices. However what I do now is strictly match my coupons with the sales. I use the match ups here and at a local site, I write my list on an envelope and put my coupons inside. I do take my binder in but I usually have everything I need in the envelope.

On my envelope I write the items name, sale price, coupon/rr and final price.
This helps me make sure it rings up right and I know what coupons to use.

ex. Era 3.99- 1.00 (double)=1.99
or Nivea 2/7- 2)2.00 =2/3 (3rr)
Heatherh91

I have a great stockpile (posted above some of my items) after six weeks. When I first started I took a long time matching up coupons with the store prices. However what I do now is strictly match my coupons with the sales. I use the match ups here and at a local site, I write my list on an envelope and put my coupons inside. I do take my binder in but I usually have everything I need in the envelope.

On my envelope I write the items name, sale price, coupon/rr and final price.
This helps me make sure it rings up right and I know what coupons to use.

ex. Era 3.99- 1.00 (double)=1.99
or Nivea 2/7- 2)2.00 =2/3 (3rr)
bucksaver

Explain to your husband that if you save $10 this week, that’s $10. If you save $10 every week for 50 weeks, that’s $500. It adds up!!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1245088298 Laurie Whipple

Am very fortunate that my husband is almost as “into” our new lifestyle as I am. He too loves to shop with me and is very supportive, no mater if we are only getting a few sale items or going for “gold”. Heidi, I hope your husband will soon the the major advantages of saving

Anonymous

i do all the shopping the wife takes care of the baby
mcthrifty

My husband is into it too! He helps me cut them out. At the store he is the one going through the binder. I think it’s like a competition for him. It’s something we both enjoy doing though. He would rarely go to the grocery store with me before, and now he doesn’t mind. We try to see who can find the best deals throughout the store.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

In our family, we break it up. I’ll do all the online searching, printing, sorting, etc. My wife does the shopping. That makes me print out very clear, and detailed list with the attached coupons. It’s great because after a while of putting coupons together, I have so many “ideas” swirling in my head about what I want to get and if I try to go shopping, it gets a little overwhelming. But if I pass of a list, with coupons paper-clipped to that list, my wife just grabs what is on the list and that’s it.

Of course, she can pick up anything else that we need that isn’t on sale or that we don’t have a coupon for…but she generally knows what the best prices are so if it’s not on sale (or no coupon) she’ll wait and come back and ask me where she should go to buy this or that.

For guys, I think the attraction to couponing is the Math aspect of it. I mean, it’s like a puzzle of sorts and so that’s where I get my enjoyment. I play chess and sudoku so couponing was a natural transition. Of course, saving money is awesome too.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

In our family, we break it up. I’ll do all the online searching, printing, sorting, etc. My wife does the shopping. That makes me print out very clear, and detailed list with the attached coupons. It’s great because after a while of putting coupons together, I have so many “ideas” swirling in my head about what I want to get and if I try to go shopping, it gets a little overwhelming. But if I pass of a list, with coupons paper-clipped to that list, my wife just grabs what is on the list and that’s it.

Of course, she can pick up anything else that we need that isn’t on sale or that we don’t have a coupon for…but she generally knows what the best prices are so if it’s not on sale (or no coupon) she’ll wait and come back and ask me where she should go to buy this or that.

For guys, I think the attraction to couponing is the Math aspect of it. I mean, it’s like a puzzle of sorts and so that’s where I get my enjoyment. I play chess and sudoku so couponing was a natural transition. Of course, saving money is awesome too.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1665242273 Lara Mikkelsen

How do you do your list? Would you be willing to share an example of it? This is where I’ve struggled a little. My work around has been to just use the “Shop with Me” list and it’s worked okay…but I’d like to be able to personalize it to my household’s needs more.
I wish my husband was as involved and amp’d up about couponing as you are! It was a long struggle to get him to where we are now where he’s aware of “oh, maybe I should see if we have a coupon for that before I buy it”.

COUPONINGISBEINGRUINED987556

IT IS SAD AND PATHETIC THAT THE READERS HERE AND OTHER SIMILAR SITES DO NOT SEE THE DIRECT CAUSE AND BEGINING OF COUPON DESTRUCTION HAS ACCELERATED GREATLY SINCE THAT TLC SHOW AND THESE SITES HAVE STARTING BECOMING GREEDY AND TRYING TO MAKE $$$ FOR THEMSELVES INSTEAD OF ACTUALLY HELPING

IN LESS THAN 1 YEAR SINCE THAT TLC SHOW AND THESE SITES STARTING BECOMING GREEDY, KROGERS IN HOUSTIN STOPPED DOUBLING, KROGERS LIMITS TO 4 PER TRANACTION,0 OR MORE OTHER STORES HAVE RADICALLY (FOR THE WORSE) THEIR COUPON POLICIES AND IT IS GETTING WORSE DAILY
DONE

i used to like these threads for chatting and stuff and learning what others do and diffrent ways of couponing i wouldnt have thought of, but seems like there are TOO many who come on here to B**** and moan and constantly haggling others for things they do to save money, its just insane, i no longer will post anything on here, because its just rude to rag on someone else, everybody does something diffrent. Its so annoying, you cant post anythign without at least one person talkign smack or anything! That takes the fun away from sharing your secrets, and if its not illegal and its not exceeding then whats the problem. too many people on here are just , lol watever. im done. i LOVE KCL and wiill for now on stop reading peoples comments, its just lame.
http://couponfroggy.wordpress.com/ CouponFroggy

Thanks for this post. Very helpful!
Erika Zender

Hi! I just started couponing a couple months ago and im doing good so far….I was just wondering if you have a list of “rock bottom prices” i would just like to have and idea of the price for things that i should stock up on them. Thanks!

Cassie

If you look at the tabs on the top of the site …go to Begginers, then click on Day 7. They have a small basic list of stock pile prices. I also Googled stock pile prices and found several sites. Good Luck! =)
Cassie

If you look at the tabs on the top of the site …go to Begginers, then click on Day 7. They have a small basic list of stock pile prices. I also Googled stock pile prices and found several sites. Good Luck! =)
Cassie

If you look at the tabs on the top of the site …go to Begginers, then click on Day 7. They have a small basic list of stock pile prices. I also Googled stock pile prices and found several sites. Good Luck! =)

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1245088298 Laurie Whipple

Hi Connie, I too am new to stockpiling items with coupons. Like you am reaping the benefits of only a few weeks work, but also am confused as to what is a rock bottom price and when to wait. I also have to have a pretty immediate stockpile, as I live in hurricane country on the Gulf coast. So many of the items I’ve purchased in the past few weeks are for use in case of such an event as a hurricane. Congrats for staying within your budget while building your stockpile!

Oney_angel

I actually did walk throughs of the different stores in my area(Walmart, Kroger, Kmart, Walgreens, CVS) and compared prices. Also I watched my ads for about a month to see the different things that go on sale. Yes I still purchased items, but at the same time watched for item prices. Here cheese is something that is always found on sale. Whether it be store brand or Kraft. We have an Aldis and milk has not been over $1.99 in 4 months, other stores have it around $3.29 and up all the time. Eggs at Aldi run no more than $1.14, most generally though it is under $1 a dozen. Everyone else runs over $1.49 or more a dozen. Once you get to price comping then you will find out what will make a good deal. Body washes and deoderants are always on sale.

Beth

For those stockpiling deodorant, it can get hard as a rock over time. I keep sample size toiletries in my luggage, but we don’t travel often. It had been 3 years since we had been anyplace and my deodorant wasn’t very useful. Maybe I should have tried microwaving it.
Also, for very long term storage, try using oxygen absorber packs in sealable tubs with your dry boxed or bagged foods. They are cheap at gun shows or you can order them online. They will tighten down the seal on a 5 gallon bucket or rubber tub as they suck out the oxygen, and they keep out bugs. Use about 9-10 for a medium tub, but when you do open it to use from it, you will have to replace the packs if you want to reseal it to store again.
anna

Does milk freeze? I thought someone had suggested ut. I seem to find great deals on everything but fresh foods and milk, so when they do go on sale I want to stock up.

Maggie

Anna you can freeze milk. I suggest opening it and taking out about a cup or so and closing it back up. It will expand in your freezer and bulge awkwardly otherwise.

anna

Does milk freeze? I thought someone had suggested ut. I seem to find great deals on everything but fresh foods and milk, so when they do go on sale I want to stock up.
Thegatesfam

OMG thank you for saying that you don’t have to stockpile 6 months to a year worth of stuff at once!! I know as a newbie I thought I needed to get as much as humanly possible!!! I wound up tired, irritated, often empty handed, and down on couponing!! Once I learned the sale cycles and I knew a sale on shampoo would in fact come again, I stopped clearing shelves. Hopefully a few of our new (and old) couponers will realize this as well, and everyone can enjoy the deals!

Oney_angel

My best deals in my town is Krogers. I cannot even find things at the prices I get them at Walmart. I used to live for Walmart, but since couponing I go to Krogers. BUT, Kroger only limits me to 3 like coupons per item. Their systems even trigger when I use more than 3 coupons. Yes Walmart price matches but unless the coupon is over $1 I am not going to get the good deals. Besides I can get Fuel points at Kroger. Note I get to save .70 cents a gallon on one fillup. Anyway my point, since Krogers limits my coupon usage I cannot stock up like I would like to.

Alisha

To all those asking about storing in the heat….I’m a mom of 5 & live in a 2bedroom apt. So Iknow about space problems.Where we lived before we had built a storage room outside and put a window ac unit in it instead of any windows. I know that most garages have at least 1 window in them maybe you could use a ac unit too. Also where can I find coke coupons ?
Bobtailgal77

I’m pretty new at this and I wanted to know about freezing butter and milk. I have heard you can but how long can it be frozen?

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Wilson/1005480427 Matthew Wilson

StillTasty [dot] com

Check out that site. It gives you a benchmark for storing thousands of different items.

Oney_angel

Thank you for this site. I will have to go to it and check out what all I can store.

Oney_angel

When I freeze butter, I just put it in the freezer. With milk I take about a 1/2 cup out of the jug and then freeze it. I also freeze things like, sugar, rice, noodles. I figured this out because, yes this sounds gross, but we lived right next to a corn and soybean field and we got mice. They would get into everything so I asked around about how to keep mice out of my food until I could get rid of them and was told that I could just stick most of what is in my cabinets in the freezer. We have this huge 5 foot long, 4 foot deep freezer that we have had for years and I still store these items in our freezer.

Bobtailgal77

I’m pretty new at this and I wanted to know about freezing butter and milk. I have heard you can but how long can it be frozen?
Bobtailgal77

I’m pretty new at this and I wanted to know about freezing butter and milk. I have heard you can but how long can it be frozen?
Boumasabre

I freeze bread too, so it doesn’t have to be used in 2 weeks necessarily. I didn’t know you could freeze grapes, how are they when you thaw them?
ALICIABARTON

I can get brand names and share my stock with my sisters
Christinadonlon

To give myself more inside room I decided to add shelving in my kitchen and move my appliances from the kitchen to the outside. That freed up even more storage room and I don’t have to worry about temperatures being too extreme for my stockpile.
Christinadonlon

To give myself more inside room I decided to add shelving in my kitchen and move my appliances from the kitchen to the outside. That freed up even more storage room and I don’t have to worry about temperatures being too extreme for my stockpile.
Boatjan

Grandma and Great Grandma use to can fresh food. They had to can enough to last them until next season. Nobody called them horders. I don’t can but I do buy enough over time to last us until the next sell. I have a nice stockpile and now I only “cherry pick”.

Steph

Grandma and Grandpa were growing the food they were canning, and it used to be a necessity to have a winters worth of food, but times have changed.

Im disgusted by the hoarding mentality. Ive always been a couponer, but only purchase what I need for my family of five. I do not hide things in closets, under beds, buy shelves, or pay to air condition a garage, simply to have an abundance of products. No one NEEDS 60 bottles of spaghetti sauce, or soda, or deodarant, etc.

Its ridiculous to say…”Ive saved $2,000″ No…you didnt. Because without the coupons, you wouldnt have even purchased all of that to begin with. I would LOVE to meet the person who would says they normally purchase these crazy amounts of goods. Only then would someone be “saving”. If you actually want to “save” money…try putting even the $5.00 oop on products you DIDNT need in savings. Money spends towards housing, utiltiies, car payments, etc. Products do not.

In the meantime..people who arent stuffing 80 razors in a hope chest, or 50 boxes of Ronzoni in their childs room cannot even find one or two of these sale items for NORMAL use.

I love KCL to find a deal, and think they are an awesome resource for everyone to enjoy saving…but the gross hoarding mentality…yuck.

lucsmom

I do think some people can go overboard, but if everyone had a year supply stockpile, then this current and worsening finacial crisis we are in wouldn’t seem so bad. Have you even looked at how high the percentage of people on WIIC and food stamps are right now.That’s what makes me sick. Our governement is broke and overburdened. A little preparedness never hurt anyone. On the other hand, not preparing is hurting millions. We always had storage growing up and it saved our family more than once. Now my husband is out of work and our storage is a huge lifeline (p.s. we have saved money as well and can live for a year without a job). Yes people can and some do go overboard……but even now I’m still able to have a stockpile and build it only getting free and nearly free items and a few at a time.
Oney_angel

I agree with you. There is 6 in my family and my husband just lost his job a couple months ago due to problems with his back stemming from 8 years ago. I just started the major couponing (I have always couponed but not like this). Anyway, I wish I had started sooner because now we are on assistance and not by choice. My college courses(which I signed up for before he lost his job) started 2 weeks after my husband lost his job and my check I recieved from them paid most of my bills ahead until I recieve another check. Even though I work and recieve child support I still would not have had enough money to keep up everything if I had not started the couponing the way I do. Hoarding to me is when they let the items get out of hand and have no room to walk or sit anywhere in your house. Keeping a neat stockpile is key to not hoarding.
lucsmom

I agree. I have friends who did have storage but times are so tough that they went through it, got jobs, then lost those before they got back on their feet. A little preparedness goes a long way but it is a tough world right now. I see so many who are on food stamps that just waste it buying steaks and lobster (oh you think I jest…but I’m totally serious). I love to see those who have no choice but are still trying to do the best they can and coupon. Warms my soul.
Oney_angel

I agree with you. There is 6 in my family and my husband just lost his job a couple months ago due to problems with his back stemming from 8 years ago. I just started the major couponing (I have always couponed but not like this). Anyway, I wish I had started sooner because now we are on assistance and not by choice. My college courses(which I signed up for before he lost his job) started 2 weeks after my husband lost his job and my check I recieved from them paid most of my bills ahead until I recieve another check. Even though I work and recieve child support I still would not have had enough money to keep up everything if I had not started the couponing the way I do. Hoarding to me is when they let the items get out of hand and have no room to walk or sit anywhere in your house. Keeping a neat stockpile is key to not hoarding.
Oney_angel

Steph, hoarding is when someone has consumed so much that they cannot control the way it looks or what to do with items. Neatly stored items I would not considered hoarding. My Grandparents and Mom also stored food and still do. I have 6 people in my house and I use a lot of things like the pasta sauces, noodles, shampoos, body washes, razors, ect. My daughter, who is 13, washes her hair 3 times a day. I make pastas, chicken and other dinners using pasta sauces several times a month. I use at least 3 jars of pasta sauce a week, this is 12 jars a month. My household eats at least 6 boxes of ceareal a week. Laundry detergent is also something I go through a lot of. I have at least 3 loads of clothes a day to wash. This is 21 loads a week minimum. This does not include my weekly wash of blankets and sheets. That is six beds I have to wash. So when I find a deal of even just the small bottles of laundry detergent I go for it. Our Krogers had All and Surf for $2.99 this past week. Yes I took advantage, because what I paid $14 after tax for would have cost me $41 before taxes if I had bought any other time. For me this is only about 4-6 weeks of laundry detergent, if that. I take advantage of the Kroger coupons for so much off my next purchase so I can buy meats because where I live it costs $7-$9 just for a couple pounds of hamburger, I need almost 2 pounds of hamburger to fix a meal. When hamburger goes under $2 a pound I take advantage, This is rare around here. My daughter loves hamburger helper and I have to have 2 boxes just to feed my family. Pork chops cost me $15 for one meal. Believe me when I say I commend these people who are able to take time to coupon and buy like they do, because the economy is bad and staying ahead is the only way to do so. Ask yourself this, What will you do if you or your husband suddenly loose your jobs and do not have even $25 a week to purchase items for the house? We both know that just to wash clothes and take a shower each week $25 is pushing this budget. It comes down to future control and choices. SHould you ar should you not? I personally do not see the problem as long as it is controlled.
Oney_angel

Steph, hoarding is when someone has consumed so much that they cannot control the way it looks or what to do with items. Neatly stored items I would not considered hoarding. My Grandparents and Mom also stored food and still do. I have 6 people in my house and I use a lot of things like the pasta sauces, noodles, shampoos, body washes, razors, ect. My daughter, who is 13, washes her hair 3 times a day. I make pastas, chicken and other dinners using pasta sauces several times a month. I use at least 3 jars of pasta sauce a week, this is 12 jars a month. My household eats at least 6 boxes of ceareal a week. Laundry detergent is also something I go through a lot of. I have at least 3 loads of clothes a day to wash. This is 21 loads a week minimum. This does not include my weekly wash of blankets and sheets. That is six beds I have to wash. So when I find a deal of even just the small bottles of laundry detergent I go for it. Our Krogers had All and Surf for $2.99 this past week. Yes I took advantage, because what I paid $14 after tax for would have cost me $41 before taxes if I had bought any other time. For me this is only about 4-6 weeks of laundry detergent, if that. I take advantage of the Kroger coupons for so much off my next purchase so I can buy meats because where I live it costs $7-$9 just for a couple pounds of hamburger, I need almost 2 pounds of hamburger to fix a meal. When hamburger goes under $2 a pound I take advantage, This is rare around here. My daughter loves hamburger helper and I have to have 2 boxes just to feed my family. Pork chops cost me $15 for one meal. Believe me when I say I commend these people who are able to take time to coupon and buy like they do, because the economy is bad and staying ahead is the only way to do so. Ask yourself this, What will you do if you or your husband suddenly loose your jobs and do not have even $25 a week to purchase items for the house? We both know that just to wash clothes and take a shower each week $25 is pushing this budget. It comes down to future control and choices. SHould you ar should you not? I personally do not see the problem as long as it is controlled.
Alisha

Look until you understand how some people live without you have no room to judge.12 years ago I lost a child , I was so upset that I couldn’t work.I ended up sending my 2yr old to stay with her grandparents because we had no good foods for her.My husband I lived off of some can veggies & jello for 2 weeks.So yeh after that I made sure I would always have 6 months of food in the home. But when you are a family of 7 and live in a 2bedroom trailer or apt. there is no room for ANYTHING much less extras So we put an ac in a self made building. You do wha you have to to take care of your family. Live off nothing or MREs after a diaster for 3 or more weeks look at the faces of you children and tell me that when you get back on your feet you wont do the same thing I did.Walk a mile in someone elses shoes before you open uour mouth & voice your judgements out loud or on line to hurt peoples feelings if you mean to or not.

Steph

Grandma and Grandpa were growing the food they were canning, and it used to be a necessity to have a winters worth of food, but times have changed.

Im disgusted by the hoarding mentality. Ive always been a couponer, but only purchase what I need for my family of five. I do not hide things in closets, under beds, buy shelves, or pay to air condition a garage, simply to have an abundance of products. No one NEEDS 60 bottles of spaghetti sauce, or soda, or deodarant, etc.

Its ridiculous to say…”Ive saved $2,000″ No…you didnt. Because without the coupons, you wouldnt have even purchased all of that to begin with. I would LOVE to meet the person who would says they normally purchase these crazy amounts of goods. Only then would someone be “saving”. If you actually want to “save” money…try putting even the $5.00 oop on products you DIDNT need in savings. Money spends towards housing, utiltiies, car payments, etc. Products do not.

In the meantime..people who arent stuffing 80 razors in a hope chest, or 50 boxes of Ronzoni in their childs room cannot even find one or two of these sale items for NORMAL use.

I love KCL to find a deal, and think they are an awesome resource for everyone to enjoy saving…but the gross hoarding mentality…yuck.

Boatjan

Grandma and Great Grandma use to can fresh food. They had to can enough to last them until next season. Nobody called them horders. I don’t can but I do buy enough over time to last us until the next sell. I have a nice stockpile and now I only “cherry pick”.
JennaNY

I read that laundry detergent and body wash expire in a year..is this true?

Anonymous

I’ve read that detergent is 1- 2 years and items like body wash, lotion, shampoo, etc is 2-3 years. However I usually use products before they go over the 2 year mark, so I couldn’t say from personal experience. There are many toiletry items that now carry an expiration date (like deodorant, make-up, etc), though personal care items’ “expiration” dates are usually “best by” dates. After a year or two, body wash and detergent will likely lose some of their effectiveness because the ingredients will break down and begin to separate.
The later end of the 1-2 year mark would be things like floss, toothbrushes, paper plates & napkins, band-aids, toilet paper, etc.

JennaNY

I read that laundry detergent and body wash expire in a year..is this true?
Sherry

I believe that using some of my savings dollars to purchase groceries for a stockpile is going to give me a better return than the interest earned from the bank. Plus the fact with the sudden increase in prices on groceries, later increases will not be passed on to me until I run out of the product. I am saving more than I am making in interest. People who think you are a hoarder should think twice. The other day on a tv program, they were telling what would happen if we ever had an epidemic of some flu or other disease. The first thing is that we would need to stay at home, so a supply of water and food would be important to have on hand in order to avoid going out and exposing yourself to the illness. Sure made sense to me. Just wish I could find a double coupon, no limit store here in St. Louis, MO!

lucsmom

They say that you would need to be indoors for about 3 months, on the show I saw. This is how long it takes for the flu to truly run it’s course. But if you watch the news and pay attention most retailers from the Gap to Walmart have warned about price increases to come.

Sherry

I believe that using some of my savings dollars to purchase groceries for a stockpile is going to give me a better return than the interest earned from the bank. Plus the fact with the sudden increase in prices on groceries, later increases will not be passed on to me until I run out of the product. I am saving more than I am making in interest. People who think you are a hoarder should think twice. The other day on a tv program, they were telling what would happen if we ever had an epidemic of some flu or other disease. The first thing is that we would need to stay at home, so a supply of water and food would be important to have on hand in order to avoid going out and exposing yourself to the illness. Sure made sense to me. Just wish I could find a double coupon, no limit store here in St. Louis, MO!
Sherry

I believe that using some of my savings dollars to purchase groceries for a stockpile is going to give me a better return than the interest earned from the bank. Plus the fact with the sudden increase in prices on groceries, later increases will not be passed on to me until I run out of the product. I am saving more than I am making in interest. People who think you are a hoarder should think twice. The other day on a tv program, they were telling what would happen if we ever had an epidemic of some flu or other disease. The first thing is that we would need to stay at home, so a supply of water and food would be important to have on hand in order to avoid going out and exposing yourself to the illness. Sure made sense to me. Just wish I could find a double coupon, no limit store here in St. Louis, MO!
Yukides80

i have a questions on how to pile cereals. heard that if you get a box under $1,pretty good deal but anybody could suggest what kinda coupons to look our for? and what kinda sale works or promo works good w those coupons. i came accross some smaller amount coupons(.75c off when you buy 2 or something like that) but those look hard to get much of a good deal. and so i appreciated if somebody can show me some example! thanks!
Christy

I need your opinons on stockpiling. I have been couponing for about a month now and have created quite a little stockpile. It now takes up what used to be my linen closet. I live in a house with two other rooomates, so I am careful not to let it grow too large and take over their space (the closet is mine only). Yesterday I was going in to add something to my stockpile when my roommate asked if she could buy some items from me, because she would rather buy them off me then go three blocks down the road to the store. I’m torn. I could sell her the items at the price I bought them with coupons (which is what she wants me to do), or I could sell them to her and make a profit. But really, I don’t want to sell them to her at all. I want to save my stockpile for a rainy day, so I have something to live off of in an emergency. I don’t mind sharing if she were in an emergency, but I see no point in depleating my stockpile just because she’s too lazy to go to the store or learn how to use coupons. Am I being mean by telling her no? Is there some sort of legality that says I can’t sell this stuff to her at all? What would you do?

Beth

Christy~
I understand your dilemna completely! On one hand, you’ve worked hard to create your stockpile and you’re QUITE proud of what you’ve accomplished and you want it to be there when you need it. On the other hand, you don’t want to offend your friend. This is just my opinion (others may or may not agree and that’s okay), but your roommate would have to go to the store if your stockpile wasn’t there! It just so happens to be there and that doesn’t mean she’s no longer responsible for going to the store to purchase the items she needs and paying full price or using coupons that she acquires to save money. I believe that your time is valuable and if you choose to sell her something in the event of an emergency, I could see selling it to her at your “savings” cost; however, if she’s hoping to save money by digging into your stockpile, I think she’s mistaken and she’ll have to pay the retail price with you because she’ll need to pay you for your time, gas, coupons, etc for obtaining the product to have it there for her to buy in the first place! You are by no means being MEAN for telling her NO and if she gets upset, that’s her issue, not yours! And, by all means, feel free to sell it to her if you like to do so…it’s yours, you bought it! Beth

Christy

I need your opinons on stockpiling. I have been couponing for about a month now and have created quite a little stockpile. It now takes up what used to be my linen closet. I live in a house with two other rooomates, so I am careful not to let it grow too large and take over their space (the closet is mine only). Yesterday I was going in to add something to my stockpile when my roommate asked if she could buy some items from me, because she would rather buy them off me then go three blocks down the road to the store. I’m torn. I could sell her the items at the price I bought them with coupons (which is what she wants me to do), or I could sell them to her and make a profit. But really, I don’t want to sell them to her at all. I want to save my stockpile for a rainy day, so I have something to live off of in an emergency. I don’t mind sharing if she were in an emergency, but I see no point in depleating my stockpile just because she’s too lazy to go to the store or learn how to use coupons. Am I being mean by telling her no? Is there some sort of legality that says I can’t sell this stuff to her at all? What would you do?
Jenn B

I am fairly new to couponing, however I am somewhat discouraged after a recent trip to Walgreens. They had razors on sale 8.99 with 4.00 RR + I had a 4.00 coupon. So I kindly asked the clerk for 3 (she had to unlock them) and she stated that she could only give me two? Her explanation was “because of the extreme coupon people” ??? I hardly believe 3 razors constitute “extreme” ..I asked to speak with the manager and eventually got my razors..but..really?? why the hassle?
Jenn B

I am fairly new to couponing, however I am somewhat discouraged after a recent trip to Walgreens. They had razors on sale 8.99 with 4.00 RR + I had a 4.00 coupon. So I kindly asked the clerk for 3 (she had to unlock them) and she stated that she could only give me two? Her explanation was “because of the extreme coupon people” ??? I hardly believe 3 razors constitute “extreme” ..I asked to speak with the manager and eventually got my razors..but..really?? why the hassle?

Anonymous

They are probably just trying to make sure every one gets in on the deal, since cleared shelves= unhappy customers. The main thing about drugstores is that they are smaller and so cannot hold as much stock as a grocery store, so they run out of things quickly. Not to mention they usually get shipments about once a week, whereas grocery stores get them every day.
As to what the cashier said, she most likely wasn’t referring to you, just the extremists that buy 10+ of an item without calling the store to special order. So don’t take it personally. Be optimistic and friendly and keep buying a reasonable amount for your family and you’ll be fine

Bunnyrabbitfarms

I am in East Texas and only have a non-doubling Brookshires and a wal-mart. Nearest other stores are 40+ miles away. We do have CVS and Walgreens that are almost always sold out. I have managed to build up a good stock pile anyway and when we remodeled our house we build a hidden storage room and lined it with book shelves from another project. I don’t have to worry about the heat or cold and it is near the kitchen. I have an awesome husband that designed the room!

Scottswife02

I have the same situation. We live in an area surrounded by Walmarts. The closest is about 15 minutes away. Brookshires is right next door, but they double once a year…maybe. I’ve started in making bi-weekly trips to Rockwall to shop at Kroger and Tom Thumb (Safeway). It’s the only way I have managed to stockpile (in the house thanks to Mr. Handy Hubby!). Wish we had a Rite Aid!

mommysavesalot

I have just started stockpiling. Yesterday, I picked up 10 bottles of Juicy Juice on sale at $1.00 off each, plus two $1.00/2 coupons (a total savings with the sales discount of almost $40!). Today, I picked up a lottery of cereal, crackers and snack bars. These are all kept in closets in our air-conditioned house. My qestion is about toothpaste. Does anyone know if there is an expiration on toothpaste, especially how long the fluoride is completely effective? A lot of times I pass up opportunities for free toothpaste (on sale, with coupon, with rebate or extrabucks) because I don’t know how far ahead to store it.
mommysavesalot

I have just started stockpiling. Yesterday, I picked up 10 bottles of Juicy Juice on sale at $1.00 off each, plus two $1.00/2 coupons (a total savings with the sales discount of almost $40!). Today, I picked up a lottery of cereal, crackers and snack bars. These are all kept in closets in our air-conditioned house. My qestion is about toothpaste. Does anyone know if there is an expiration on toothpaste, especially how long the fluoride is completely effective? A lot of times I pass up opportunities for free toothpaste (on sale, with coupon, with rebate or extrabucks) because I don’t know how far ahead to store it.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1443071742 Susie Reiman T. Martin

My daughter and I are both big time couponers. We watch out for coupons for each other, and when we see one the other would use but we don’t we print it off or cut it out and save coupons for each other. I save coupons for all 4 of my grown kids and their families. One of our local grocery store marks their meat down later in the evening and I recently got ground lamb for $2.99 a pound which is pretty cheap here in Iowa. I also got bags of chicken nuggets for $2.99 instead of $7.99 because they were close to expiration date. (My grandsons LOVE to eat these when they come over). Also, remember expiration dates are GUIDELINES, not an exact science or written in stone. I have bought marked down milk and didn’t open it until a week AFTER expiration date. Still tasted great and no one got sick from it! When I go to our local Fareway grocery store, I always cruise the produce and dairy sections for markdowns. They bag up ripe bananas for 99 cents a tote (with anywhere from 6-8 lbs of bananas in them), mark down close to expiration date dairy, etc. I got Pillsbury Grands biscuits for 99 cents a tube (instead of $1.79), used them 3 weeks past expiration date. Looked and tasted just fine, the grandsons said they liked them, and they are picky eaters!
Another thing happened just the other day. I went to HyVee early Wednesday am. Many of their shelf tags for sales prices hadn’t been removed yet from the previous week. When I got to check out, I mentioned the shelf tag still up for bags of Dole Just lettuce. Ended up, I got 4 bags for 99 cents each instead of $2.79!
The big thing about couponing is you just have to be aware!
Also, when I have too many coupons for an item that I just can’t use before expiration date, I will put those coupons by the product in the store so someone else can use them. Just my quiet way of “paying it forward”.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1443071742 Susie Reiman T. Martin

My daughter and I are both big time couponers. We watch out for coupons for each other, and when we see one the other would use but we don’t we print it off or cut it out and save coupons for each other. I save coupons for all 4 of my grown kids and their families. One of our local grocery store marks their meat down later in the evening and I recently got ground lamb for $2.99 a pound which is pretty cheap here in Iowa. I also got bags of chicken nuggets for $2.99 instead of $7.99 because they were close to expiration date. (My grandsons LOVE to eat these when they come over). Also, remember expiration dates are GUIDELINES, not an exact science or written in stone. I have bought marked down milk and didn’t open it until a week AFTER expiration date. Still tasted great and no one got sick from it! When I go to our local Fareway grocery store, I always cruise the produce and dairy sections for markdowns. They bag up ripe bananas for 99 cents a tote (with anywhere from 6-8 lbs of bananas in them), mark down close to expiration date dairy, etc. I got Pillsbury Grands biscuits for 99 cents a tube (instead of $1.79), used them 3 weeks past expiration date. Looked and tasted just fine, the grandsons said they liked them, and they are picky eaters!
Another thing happened just the other day. I went to HyVee early Wednesday am. Many of their shelf tags for sales prices hadn’t been removed yet from the previous week. When I got to check out, I mentioned the shelf tag still up for bags of Dole Just lettuce. Ended up, I got 4 bags for 99 cents each instead of $2.79!
The big thing about couponing is you just have to be aware!
Also, when I have too many coupons for an item that I just can’t use before expiration date, I will put those coupons by the product in the store so someone else can use them. Just my quiet way of “paying it forward”.

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