As promised, I'm posting my couponing adventures here, for all to see :) Here's some of the pit falls from this week, and the hidden costs I've already found.
Purchased SUTP coupon book: noticed that most, or all, of the coupons I bought from a neighborhood child, to support a local school, are NOT being accepted by businesses located in my town. To use them I must do it while I am already out and in the city near my home. This is not disasterous as with proper planning I will still use several of them, and it'll be great for when I just don't get home on time, but disappointing that I can't use them to support local businesses. I also plan on trading several that I won't use for ones that I will at the local coupon swap.
Many coupons are available online only. This is both convenient and inconvenient at the same time. In order to access these coupons I must spend time on my computer (using electricity and personal time) to find them, then electricity, paper, and ink to print them. My favorite sites are ones that allow me to choose several coupons and print them on one page at the end rather then print one at a time on a seperate piece of paper, or ones that mail them to me. Some I like are:
-www.save.ca
-P&G Brandsavers
-LivingWell.ca
I will add more to my list, or future posts, as I try them. I will only add sites I like, or refer to where I found them and you can try them for yourself.
It takes time to cut, sort, and store all coupons. I have choosen a small accordian file that fits into my purse easily so I am less likely to forget it at home. I try to keep it on my person at all times, which means I only have to try and remember what all I have coupons for and to use them.
It also takes additional time to learn the rules associated with the coupons and the rules at each store you shop. The rules differ greatly between them, some allow stacking (using more then one coupon per item) others allow you to use them on sale items, some allow both or neither of those practices.
I'm still learning what all is involved in couponing, and so far I'm enjoying myself and looking forward to savings on many items, but there are downsides to the practice. More couponing adventures next week!!
Purchased SUTP coupon book: noticed that most, or all, of the coupons I bought from a neighborhood child, to support a local school, are NOT being accepted by businesses located in my town. To use them I must do it while I am already out and in the city near my home. This is not disasterous as with proper planning I will still use several of them, and it'll be great for when I just don't get home on time, but disappointing that I can't use them to support local businesses. I also plan on trading several that I won't use for ones that I will at the local coupon swap.
Many coupons are available online only. This is both convenient and inconvenient at the same time. In order to access these coupons I must spend time on my computer (using electricity and personal time) to find them, then electricity, paper, and ink to print them. My favorite sites are ones that allow me to choose several coupons and print them on one page at the end rather then print one at a time on a seperate piece of paper, or ones that mail them to me. Some I like are:
-www.save.ca
-P&G Brandsavers
-LivingWell.ca
I will add more to my list, or future posts, as I try them. I will only add sites I like, or refer to where I found them and you can try them for yourself.
It takes time to cut, sort, and store all coupons. I have choosen a small accordian file that fits into my purse easily so I am less likely to forget it at home. I try to keep it on my person at all times, which means I only have to try and remember what all I have coupons for and to use them.
It also takes additional time to learn the rules associated with the coupons and the rules at each store you shop. The rules differ greatly between them, some allow stacking (using more then one coupon per item) others allow you to use them on sale items, some allow both or neither of those practices.
I'm still learning what all is involved in couponing, and so far I'm enjoying myself and looking forward to savings on many items, but there are downsides to the practice. More couponing adventures next week!!