My Unbalanced Life – Writing versus Couponing
April 16, 2012
So, you want to know what I do in my spare time that distracts me from writing? I coupon. And I don’t mean just a single Sunday paper clipping four-or-five coupons. I mean, recycle bin digging, twenty-to thirty-inserts-a-week couponing. No, I am not a hoarder or a doomsday prepper. I am a middle class wife and mother who is trying to save more money than I send to Uncle Sam on tax day (tomorrow) by bulk purchasing items today at a drastic discount that I will need in the future.
My most recent savings were during a multi-store shopping trip to Harris Teeter (which doubles coupons), Publix, and Winn Dixie. I purchased $259.95 of product (retail price) for $37.41. I have the picture to prove it. The haul included 32 boxes of dog treats (half of which will be donated to the Humane Society), four tooth brushes (another donation), and eight packs of FHPs (feminine hygiene products) that will cover my two girls for a few months.
Am I nuts? No, just a little OCD. You should see my writing studio; it has a neatly organized book shelf full of my pennies-on-the-dollar purchases of shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent and razors. No wonder my writing is suffering when I can feel immediate gratification for getting so much product for nearly nothing but have to wait for someone to read my posts and respond.
Your next question may be: How do I do this? Well, I don’t shop like most people. I learned a few years ago stores have sales on the same items every eight to twelve weeks. I also taught myself to shop only during those sales when the price was at its lowest, especially if I didn’t need the item now but would need it in the future. Add in the use of coupons and the inability to feel embarrassed in a checkout line handing the cashier a manufacturer’s coupon along with a store coupon and a dollar-off-the-total coupon and I walk out with major savings on major product.
My couponing isn’t extreme – I have the morality to not clear shelves and to donate excess – but I will purchase the limit I am allowed with the most coupon savings possible, giving me more money to spend on the items that don’t go on sale very often.
Since couponing creates a feeling of unbalance in the time I spend writing, I have decided to include some of my shopping victories on my blog. This way I can marry two of my favorite activities – writing and couponing!
Feel free to email me if you have any questions or want to bash me in private.