My Mom Lost Her Coupon Binder :(

[sunnygirl1851]

Last summer I finally convinced my 73 yr old Mom to come couponing with me and she has been hooked on it ever since. Wednesdays are always our day and we spend the entire day scouting out deals together. While she doesn't always 'get' all of the ins and outs of the deals we do she is always willing to try. She got a coupon binder and fixed it up just like mine and works hours every week clipping and filing everything. Well, yesterday she left her binder in her shopping cart at Walmart, realized it only about 10 minutes later and we went back to look for it. Checked with customer service, asked the guy that brings in the buggies. No luck. I went right away and bought her everything she needed to fix a new binder and told her that it wouldn't take her long to get her supply built back up.
This has totally broken her spirit though. She said last night several times that maybe she should just give it up that she just isn't 'smart enough' anymore. I know that she doesn't really want to quit, she enjoys couponing and the time we spend together too much. She is always just so hard on herself - any time she forgets anything. My Grandmother had Alzheimer's and I think my Mom is scared that it will happen to her.
Any ideas how I can get her past this? I think couponing is really good for her to keep her mind sharp and it really helps her and my Dad out financially....plus I would really miss my couponing buddy!

[meggers]

That's awful. I really think that once the shock & dismay of losing all her coupons starts to fade, you can gently nudge her back into couponing. Even veteran couponers want to give up after losing all their coupons or having someone steal them. It's pretty hard to take.

So, I would just advise you to give her a little time & maybe start working on having some coupons ready for her new binder.

[sunnygirl1851]

Thanks, meggers. I know what you mean, they probably would have had to carry me out of Walmart if I lost all my coupons. I just worry about her though because she has been so down on herself since last night. I have already started trying to get her some coupons together and I've ordered some that I know she'll need for her CVS deals in the next couple of weeks.

[gctattoo]

She is certainly not too old or not smart enough anymore to coupon. If that were the reason for losing things or making mistakes, then there's no hope for me at the age of 36! We all do it and it has nothing to do with her age. She shouldn't be so hard on herself.

You're right-- it's a fact that the key to keeping your mind sharp is to do things that require thorough and logical thinking. So I think giving up something she loves that can also help prevent dementia is a bad idea. Maybe that's the angle you should use since she's fearful of it. Plus saving money is always a good thing. :)

[CouponQueen83]

Any items on her WL that are on my HL I could donate her way? I'd be happy to do it! I feel bad for your momma!!! I would be devastated!!

[sunnygirl1851]

Thank you all for your help! You ladies are the best! Reps to all of you.

[Lori63]

Please PM me her addy-does she have any sort of wishlist you could send me?

[Mama Stu]

I would be so devastated too if I lost my coupon binder. Just a suggestion for the new binder, have her write her name, and phone number on the inside cover in permanent marker. That way if it is ever lost again and a honest person finds it....

Please let me know if there are any specific Qs she is looking for, and pm me her addy. Tell her no one is ever too old to save money. Anyone of us could have made the same mistake and a lot here on this board have. It has nothing to do with being smart.

[amylynne01]

This is why I love HCW. A member's mother lost her coupons and people are offering to send her RAOKs. I think couponers are some of the most generous people I know. Off to give reps. :)

[CouponSAHM]

Would love to help out your mama restock her binder! Send me a PM with her address and wishes. Be sure to tell her not only have I left my binder, but I've been know to bring it with me and then forget to use my coupons at checkout. We all have these moments :)