Introduction to the craziness

I am not sure when I first got introduced to the world of "couponing".  Growing up, I remember my mom always trying to get the most bang for her buck at the store and vaguely remember some coupons being involved.  However, I don't think she ever took it to the extreme that I often do.  The reality is that there are still couponers out there who put my penny pinching and coupon using ways to shame.

Several years ago, I got into "couponing" pretty deep because I realized how much stuff I could get for cheap or free.  I would go on a coupon spending spree and come home with bags of stuff that we may or may not use anytime soon.  At one point, I had us so well stocked on free toilet paper (the good stuff too!) that I didn't have to buy toilet paper for at least 6 months.  The same could be said for toothbrushes and toothpaste (we are talking years of supply).  I haven't paid more than .30 for dishwasher soap in over a year and currently have enough to last me for at least another year (or maybe two).  I often keep a good stockpile of both women and men' shower gels/soaps.  Back to coming home with bags of stuff.  It drove my husband nuts.  The last thing he wanted was for me to come home with more "stuff" and have no idea when we would eventually use it all.  His attitude eventually changed (somewhat).  I will save that change for a different blog post.

I can not take credit for coming up with most of the ways I coupon.  I have gleaned knowledge from several different online sources.  I have my favorite sites, which I will list at some point.  I am also still learning ways to stretch our pennies more.

So, here are some things to keep in mind as we move forward:

• Your spouse may not understand your new found coupon craziness.  
• Be prepared for a little bit (or a lot) of a thrill when you walk out of the store having saved a huge chunk of money just because you used coupons.
• Be prepared for collecting your coupons to take time.  I see it this way:  each time I redeem a coupon and save my family money, I have just been paid for my time.  
• Don't throw away coupons that "I won't use".  Those coupons can be traded to others who have coupons that you will use!  Those coupons might also be helpful toward your taxes next year...because those coupons may make an item free and that item can be donated.  Most donations are tax deductible! 
• Make room for "stockpile" items.  These are items that you can stock pile for future use. This would apply to Health/Beauty products, canned food, pet food, over the counter medicine, etc.  Just be sure to watch expiration dates! 
• You will eventually run into a cashier who things she/he is doing the store/manager/manufacturer a favor by not allowing you to properly use your coupons.  Ask for the manager.  If you are correctly trying to use the coupons and they refuse, be willing to walk away from your cart and leave the stuff there.  You might also let them know that Store ABC down the road happily accepts your coupons and loves having your business.  
• Forgive my stereotype here and I know that there are plenty of cashiers who are the exception to these rules.  Heck, I can even tell you an exception to this stereotype and I can even tell you her name.  BUT, for some reason, cashiers who are men are less likely to question coupons.  Younger female cashiers are right behind them.  I avoid older female cashiers when I can because they always seem to be the ones who want to get all huffy about my coupon use or me getting items free or cheap. 
• Store A may charge you .15 more for an item than Store B, but if Store A doubles coupons then you may save more at Store A if you use a coupon that can be doubled!  Do your math, it WILL save you money!
• Know the coupon policy of each store you frequent.  You can often google the store name and coupon policy or you can call/email the store's main office for the info.  For the record, Wal-Mart just released a revised and much improved (read: coupon friendlier) version of their policy.  I can't tell you how many times I have tried to use a coupon in a store and had a cashier and sometimes even a manager try to come up with a reason why they won't accept my coupons.  When you whip out the printed version of their corporate coupon policy, it tends to make them back track some.  Of course, they will also try to tell you that the policy has been revised (ask to see it!) or that they are allowed to revise those policies within each store.  
• Know the Corporate Customer Care (Customer Service) number for the stores you frequent.  I once had a cashier at Walmart refuse my coupons.  I asked to speak to the manager.  Instead, they sent over the CSM (customer service manager) who backed up the cashier.  I kept asking for the manager.  In the meantime, I pulled out my phone and called the Corporate Customer Care.  By the time the manager had come to the front of the store, Corporate Customer Care was asking to speak to the manager.  She told the cashier to accept every one of my coupons (because they were legitimate and I was using them properly) and thanked me for my business.