the coupon binder is back

The coupon binder is back. The last time I was faithful to this binder and the practice of couponing was when I was in Austin (2005, I think). I belonged to a coupon club... we'd meet up for coupon happy hour (that just sounds pathetic), where we'd enjoy drinks and pass around our coupon inserts that we'd already dissected, but always left much for others, as we all have different shopping wants and habits.



For the most part, I really had not used coupons in the last few years, as the majority of food I consume = fresh vegetables. Well, and tuna. Seafood here in Missouri really sucks, so packaged tuna is about as good as it gets (with the exception of spending all too much dining at a fresh seafood restaurant).



Eventually, I realized that my fascination with cleaning and beauty products was getting a little overboard... so, a coupon intervention was necessary. I have recently gone back to buying Sunday papers (some places allow you to buy them for $0.75 - $1.00 on Mondays) and clipping coupons.



For those of you assholes who say, "I don't have time for that," I would just like to remind you that we all have 24 hours in the day, and we spend it as we wish. I do not own a TV, so I do not waste time on stupid fucking drama, comedy, or CSI shows. I spend about 60 minutes a week clipping and organizing coupons while listening to the news on radio. The majority of my used coupons are for household/cleaning and beauty/body products... those markets are always coming up with new products, so coupons are rather common and easy to use for consumers of long-branded items.

My 60 minutes a week averages about $20 savings a week. And, again, this is really on household and beauty items. So, if you have a family and use other items in coupons, you could do really well with savings.



If Walgreens decides to do their "Free After Rebate" deals again, I'll write on strategies for that. With the exception of a few salon purchases, I have not paid for shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste, etc. in about five years. The FAR is a good thing, so I hope it comes back.

In addition to hygiene products that are of use, there are always a number of products from Walgreens' FAR, as well as nearly-free foods from grocers, that you can collect and donate to women & children's shelters. When I moved from TX to MO, I had a couple of kitchen bags of (new, unopened) hygiene products and other good stuff to donate to Phoebe House. They were grateful, and it felt good to give something that I didn't even have to spend money on... just a few minutes of shopping.