Anything
as rewarding and fun as couponing can be addicting. Once you start
couponing and saving big, it can be hard to stop or slow down. Many
newbies, after experiencing their first coupon “high” or that rush when
you save big, want to cash in on every sale at every store. The result
can mean burnout. So what’s a Couponer to do? Read on!
Start and Stay Small: Though it’s
tempting to go to eight different stores every week to get all the great
deals, stick with one or two when starting out. Learn the coupon policy,
and focus on those weekly rock-bottom prices. Even with know-how, you
should still keep things on a moderate scale. Seasoned coupon shoppers
may frequent one or two grocery stores and a drugstore each week. This
saves on fuel, time, and a big headache!
Sale Cycles: Remember that this is not the one and
only time that toothpaste will be free or pasta will cost a quarter. The
industry standard for coupon and sale cycles is three to four months.
Instead of buying a three-year supply of spaghetti sauce all at once,
just get enough to get your family by for three to four months. For
non-perishables, having a year supply is a good target.
Stockpile: Once you gain a reasonable stockpile,
you’ll be heading to the store less often. You’ll already have all the
shampoo and deodorant you need for the next year, and your cereal stash
will put your neighbors to shame. A stockpile also frees you from having
to run to the store every afternoon to buy what you need for dinner.
Instead you can go “shopping” in your stockpile and spend more time
cooking, studying, or having family time.
Set a Pace: Couponing is not a sprint, so there’s no
need to dash about to every store as fast as you can to beat every one
else. Your worst enemy is yourself if you take on too much. Set a pace
you can maintain. Sitting down and scheduling couponing time (clipping,
organizing, planning out trips, and shopping) can be very beneficial.
Know when to slow down, focus on other things, and you’ll find couponing
to be a relaxing, enjoyable, and profitable hobby!
(Thanks
KCL!)
