How do you find balance with couponing?

[Misscourtj]

My DH loves that I am really into couponing because over the past few months that I've been a dedicated couponer, I've saved hundreds of dollars. BUT, he says I'm a little obsessive about it. And I know I am, in a sense. I'm not on the computer looking for deals all day long, but I am on here at least a few hours each day (afternoon naptime for boys = computer time for mommy!) I just want to make sure I'm getting good deals and doing my research, reading about what deals are available, printing q's, reading couponing blogs, etc.

How do you find balance between living your life and still being a great couponer?
What's your best recommendation on getting organized in general and being efficient? I mean, I have the binder, file my inserts, looking to do trades, etc. but still end up doing several trips to stores each week instead of just doing it all in 1 afternoon. Grocery trips are always stressful because two kiddos and coupons and what not can just be, well, a headache, but I LOVE all the money I save!

I have 2 little ones: 3 y.o. and 5 months and usually have to take them with me which inevitably complicates my trips.

Anyhoo . . .any advice,thoughts,suggestions are welcome!

[cupunlvr]

Is it possible for you to do your shopping in the evening after hubby is home and can watch the kids?

[mum2hba]

I usually only do one trip per store, per week. To make the most of my time I plan my trips down to the penny and pull all my coupons I am planning on using. When I go we take the whole family. DH takes 1 or 2 of the kids, looks for coupons and gets a few items, while I take the other one. We meet at the register to check out, dh helps keep the kids occupied while I hand over the coupons and pay.

[Misscourtj]

Originally Posted by cupunlvr Is it possible for you to do your shopping in the evening after hubby is home and can watch the kids?

I do that sometimes . . .I just don't want to do it all the time because I work 2 evenings a week and don't want to be gone more evenings than I have to. And sometimes I take the hubby with me so he can watch the kids while I shop, but he always finds stuff he wants me to get that isn't part of my deals so, like last night, I had to tell him no Vornado fan, even though it was 50% off, and he's still badgering me to go get it which ends up taking more time and getting me all distracted

[kval07]

Oy, that's a tough one. I have no balance. I'm not on here getting the deals either. I pretty much have that down. I'm just hanging out waiting for something new to get posted, lol.

[tmsmalley]

I think you have to make that balance. I do one trip per week (or every other if possible). I go early on Saturday or Sunday morning and leave the kids with dh (at HOME). The store is quiet, I can think, I get a big cart full of stuff. I only spend about an hour a week on coupons. I just don't have time to do any more than that and I don't have time to go to multiple stores. Yes, I might be able to get a box of crackers really cheap at some other store, but if it takes me half a hour to go do that, it isn't worth it to me. I'll wait until those crackers are on sale at the one grocery store I do go to.

So, in the words of Nancy Reagan, just say no! Limit yourself to one or two grocery stores and one day a week that you go do the big shop. Unless it is something you desperately need that is incredibly cheap or free, let it go. It will come again. You don't have to get EVERY deal.

Tess

[cintinative]

I have some of the same issues. My kids are 2 and 4 and I go grocery shopping at night so I don't have to sort things out with two fussy boys in tow. That does help. As far as the time it takes to do this, I have found that I can back off on the time if I really want to--but sometimes I get sort of "addicted" and keep coming back to HCW for updates. I think the other's advice is good--don't feel like you have to chase every deal. Chase the ones you really want, and the others don't worry about them. Generally I go to the grocery once per week and CVS once per week. I gave up Wags because it was stressing me out to do that many stores. Hope you get that balance!!

[Mothernature]

The balance is dual. Build a large stock pile allowing you to select your deals. Decide want v need.

Thriftiness is more than using a coupon with a sale at a store. It is a way of thinking (sometimes outside of the box) to figure out how to cut your expenses to keep your cash flow growing. I would rather stock pile cash than a physical item. Remember that time and gas have a value factor into your net cash flow.

One walks a fine line between stealthy shopping and addiction/hoarding. I tend to stop here a several times a day to deal with all aspects of trading.

[Misscourtj]

thanks for the advice, ladies!

I think I do need to just stick with my favorite stores . . .CVS, Target, and my grocery store. You're right . . .the deals will come along again. And, I can't stockpile too much, as my house is fairly small and we just don't have a lot of storage space and I refuse to become a hoarder where stuff is coming out every corner.

I think I'll spend some time figuring out my balance plan this week.

Thanks again!

[foodie]

Since we farm and hubby is an Electrical Engineer Manager for a Defense company, we plan for Mega shopping once or twice a month. Also, with 6 kids under 6 (quads and twins), I shop alot by myself. We also grow alot of our own products and shop online.

Frequent your local farms and farm markets for great produce and other "goodies". That may save some money or join a Buying Club/Cooperative if it is feasible. Find a local meat market/butcher and buy in bulk if possible. Stockpile for yourselves (don't go by others ideas for stockpiling unless you do the same).

Also, every "deal" is not always a "good deal"--pick and choose your "deals".

Foodie