Ok, so I promise to not turn this into a coupon clipping website, but I’m really curious (and still skeptical) about this whole Cash, Coupon, Envelope thing (CCE), so I’ll post some updates now and again. Here’s #1: (read the last post first if you have no idea what I’m talking about).
So last night I spent 1 hour surfing for coupons, from 9:15-10:15pm. Mixed bag. Down side: I was a little frustrated because again, most of the coupons were for things I would never buy. We try to stay away from a lot of pre-packaged food, and you just can’t find online coupons for most of the things we eat. Secondly, I was a little frustrated because I felt like a lot of the sites were speaking a different language: use insert from PR, use RR, IE, EE, AGH!! Plus I couldn’t get the “coupon printer” application to work on my computer, so I spent most of the time frustrated that even if I did find a coupon I couldn’t print it. But I’ll get Jeff to fix that and I will persevere!
I also had to chuckle because apparently I’m not the only one who feels like that. One woman commented, “I have to figure out a better way to do this coupon thing because I’m dying a slow death of stress…” Yikes! I also was surprised to realize sometimes to use all your coupons you have to do a bunch of transactions at a single store, or hit 5 stores in order to get all the deals. I wish I could say I can do that but I cannot imagine doing that while toting around my kids. Dutch would have the store burnt down by the time we got out of there. Yes, I know that’s another issue: Parenting and Discipline are the next topics of discussion.
Positive Side: I found a good diaper deal at www.diapers.com. If you spend $49 (easy), use the coupon code FRUGALLIVI (www.frugallivingnw.com), you get $10 off (if you’re a new customer), then you can fill out a rebate form once you get your diapers and The Early Years parenting magazine will send you a check for $15. Now, I usually buy Costco diapers, $39 for 200. WIth this deal I got 300 diapers for $30 (after the rebate arrives, 6-8 weeks). Now I did get a cheaper brand (Luvs), but still, 300 diapers would cost $57 at Costco–so that’s $27 savings. The downside is that that’s only a one-time deal for new customers, but hey, not bad.
1 hour spent
$27 savings.
I can’t say it was fun, and I would have loved that extra hour of sleep, but $27/hour isn’t bad for sitting in bed next to my sweet sleeping husband.
Enjoy the day!
K
One thought on “CCE Update 1: Diapers”
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Hey Kari-
Down here in the South, couponing is a lifestyle. And it’s NUTS. Well, I really shouldn’t be that judgental. But let me just say, I went to A CLASS about couponing. So I totally understand your sentiments of RR IE etc. I get that now. I also gave it an HONEST shot for about 5 months. With 3 kids and a husband never home, NOT EASY. BUT- if you have a husband who is willing to be home 1-2 nights a week that could be devoted to your couponing too, it’s definitely worth it. You could hit Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens and your local grocery store in the same week and end up getting things free ALL the time. For me, not worth the time, and yes, I had TONS of free cereal- but all stuff I was hiding from my kids becuase they were all sugary and I would never let a 2 and 4 year old eat Lucky Charms every morn. BUT- I will say I ended up getting diapers for free (Pampers too) a couple times. Worth it IF you have the time to learn (highly recommend a class), IF you have time to cut AND download coupons, buy a paper every week from the largest city near you, and make it a part of your day every day, checking deals online. Exhausting? Yes. But according to many of my friends that are quite good at it- only until you get used to it and start “stockpiling” and then it’s a piece of cake. For me- with 3 kids and a husband who can’t commit to even 1 predictable night a week, a no go. But- the drug stores are where it’s at I’m told. Supposedly, you should NEVER have to pay for toiletries, most cleaning products, over the counter meds, or cereal. BUT- I will say the cash method alone DOES save a ton. Saves that “I’ll buy it now and put it under next months budget” mentality that can happen when using a credit card. Sorry to be long winded…people are nutso down here about couponing! I guess it’s an all over thing now a days with the economy! Best of wishes with it, but I too, share your frustration and finally gave up defeated. Takes too much time for me!!!