Ashamed of Couponing?

[KariAnn0613]

I have "down" time at work that I can use to do anything that I wish. I have thought about bringing my tote of coupons in and using that time to finish organizing the ones I have and once that is done using it to sort thorugh for my have/wish list, making grocery list, and trading, etc. I have yet to do so because I am sort of ashamed of my addiction. Will people think I'm crazy? Also I get a lot of coupons from people at work. They think I just use some of them, but I always take the entire insert home instead of clipping at work like others(that way I don't have to share). I'm afraid people will stop giving the inserts to me first and wait until evereyone else has had a chance to go through them. If I do decide to bring them to work how does everyone handle the looks, questions, and comments? Please help this newbie!!!

[couponbunny]

most of my co workers know about my couponing and they usually ask what did you get this week. Sometimes they will ask why do you need 50 of whatever? I do give them tips and tell them how to get free stuff etc but the majority are not interested. So I guess to answer your questions I politely answer their questions and it doesnt really bother me what they have to say about it.

[cooper]

I organize my coupons at work when i have a chance and at first i felt stupid but then everyone started asking me for tips on stuff. (not that i have must to tell them right now, being new still) and they now bring me their inserts when they are done and i just sit there and cut out everything and make my lists of things to but from the sales ads. I dont feel so bad now, plus that gives me more time to play with DS and read this site to learn more when he is in bed!!

[splash]

I have "down" time at work that I can use to do anything that I wish. I have thought about bringing my tote of coupons in and using that time to finish organizing the ones I have and once that is done using it to sort thorugh for my have/wish list, making grocery list, and trading, etc. I have yet to do so because I am sort of ashamed of my addiction. Will people think I'm crazy? Also I get a lot of coupons from people at work. They think I just use some of them, but I always take the entire insert home instead of clipping at work like others(that way I don't have to share). I'm afraid people will stop giving the inserts to me first and wait until evereyone else has had a chance to go through them. If I do decide to bring them to work how does everyone handle the looks, questions, and comments? Please help this newbie!!!

Stand up and be proud of yourself for having the common sense to save money, especially in these hard times. I am proud of you.

Take them everywhere with you. Mine go to the doctors, on car rides, anywhere and everywhere I might have a few minutes to spare to work on them.

Don't let anyone make you feel ashamed of being smart. Would you be ashamed of getting a raise? Course not and you work hard to save that money so just know that if they say anything to you it is because they are 1) truly interested in learning more about it, 2)impressed with your talents with coupons and / or 3)jealous because they aren't getting the great bargains you are.

You just hold that head up high and know you are being smart and thinking wisely. As for whether they will think you are crazy -- would you rather save money or worry about what they think?



Take care and keep on couponing.

[DamianMom]

I don't have any free time at my work, but I did show a reciept to one of my co-workers, and she wants me to take her shopping this weekend to show her how it's done. Would be easier if she had a bunch of coupons too. lol Anyway, in the begginning, I was ashamed too, and thought everyone would think it's silly. So I did it on my own with the one paper of q's I bought. Slowly, I got some deals, than would get my parents q's when I visited them, and got the courage to ask for theirs if they aren't going to use them. They didn't care, but I think they thought it was kind of pointless. And I've almost given up many different times, as I got tired of arguing with cashiers! lol But than I thought about what I'm getting out of it, and how it helps my family. And family comes first.
Now we have moved, and I was thinking if I would be any good at couponing here. I saw a sign at my grandma's retirement letting the residents know to put their newspapers in the baskets provided for recycling. I wondered, and thankfully worked up the courage to ask if it was okay I take out the coupons. They were really nice about it, and said sure!! And they have no problem about it, and I've even showed them if I visit after being at the store how much it helps! Although, there seem to be a ton of couponers here! lol But I was shy to even show my binder before, but than I gained confidence when I saw the value in it! And confidence plays a big factor too. If you are proud of what you do, people see that. And I've found some just may say, "oh, that's neat," but mostly they are really impressed and know that we have to do what we can in this day and age! Plus, now I've been doing really well, and my parents are bragging about my coupon deals! lol They thought before you can't really get much out of it, or stuff you really need. Or else people would buy a bunch that they don't need, and end up spending more money in the long run! But if I don't need it or can't use it I don't buy it. (Well, unless there's some overage!! lol) But moral of the story is have confidence, and know why you couponing and that if others see how well you are doing, perhaps you'll get some coupon buddies!

[CouponQueen23]

It is fun to show others how to get good deals as above poster mentioned "it would be easier if she had a bunch of coupons." This is something to becareful of. People will see you have so many coupons and figure you have plenty to spare. I know we teach our kids to share but I have had a few people want to start snipping away at my coupons when they see lots of goodies they would like to save on. I have had to come out and say I am sorry but I bought so many papers for the fact of wanting to buy multiples for my own stockpile. Makes me feel kind of greedy but at the most I ever have is 5 of the same insert. I do have 2 given to me but still I have to buy 3 papers and hope I don't have parts of my paper missing.

[AniGirl]

I'm a preschool teacher, so when the kids are napping at work, we have "down" time too. I've taken in my Qs before and held my head high! I do sometimes share Qs I won't use (since a few coworkers are struggling single moms, I know they're getting put to good use). But I've never been ashamed to let my coworkers see that I'm a couponing fool! LOL! I even got a few great deals yesterday on toothpaste and Chex Mix, and took some in and shared with a couple of the aforementioned single moms, who were really appreciative. If anything, be proud that you're savvy enough to use Qs, seek out deals and save money! :)

[DamianMom]

It is fun to show others how to get good deals as above poster mentioned "it would be easier if she had a bunch of coupons." This is something to becareful of. People will see you have so many coupons and figure you have plenty to spare. I know we teach our kids to share but I have had a few people want to start snipping away at my coupons when they see lots of goodies they would like to save on. I have had to come out and say I am sorry but I bought so many papers for the fact of wanting to buy multiples for my own stockpile. Makes me feel kind of greedy but at the most I ever have is 5 of the same insert. I do have 2 given to me but still I have to buy 3 papers and hope I don't have parts of my paper missing.

You make an excellent point. Got to stand up for yourself. I still love to help others, and don't mind sharing what I won't use. Like, I gave some q's to my son's sitter for an oatmeal deal, because we hate oatmeal, and won't use them. Better than having them go to waste. But hopefully the person I'm going to teach will see how I do mine, and want to save her own coupons and get started as well. But I still need mine for my family too. Thanks for sharing, you just have to have confidence in yourself.

[Folole]

Hi there,

Don't be ashamed of saving your family money. I don't have a problem taking my binder everywhere and have only received positive comments so far. I just know that at the end of my shopping trip, I have done my part by saving on the household budget. Keep up the good work!

[Luvn3BoysN2Girls]

Believe it or not..you may just turn them right on to your addiction! Someone here turned me onto it and so far, I have gotten about 4-5 of my friends doing it! Don't be ashamed of what you are doing...no one should be ashamed of SAVING $ in todays economy!
Show your coupons off girl...be proud! :)