What sort of Mistakes have you made since couponing?

[MommytoBenjamin]

I've been couponing for 2 years. When I first started, I couldn't believe the great deals I was getting and brought home a ton of stuff. The problem was that I completely killed my grocery budget. I had to learn this lesson many times over before realizing that I can let a few deals go. They'll come around again. I also brought home a bunch of junk food because I was getting it for cheap/free. I quit doing that awhile ago. I also bought too much stuff and had to throw a bunch out recently because it had expired. When I first started couponing I spent a lot of time chasing deals all over town. Whenever somebody posted something, I went after it spending time and gas for stuff that we didn't need. I used to buy 6-8 papers per week even though I didn't use most of the coupons in there.

My stockpile isn't nearly as large as some because we don't need 40 tubes of toothpaste. Ten tubes last us quite awhile. I'm completely focused on OOP instead of quantity. Some items even while free are too much money because of tax. That probably sounds cheap but we're working on paying down debt and every little bit helps. I order my most used coupons from a clipping site.

[druidessemily]

I think my biggest mistake, had been the mentality of buying in bulk, thinking it was cheaper. Sure, it might be cheaper over the normal price, but if you come armed with coupons, sometimes the smallest packages are FREE! I'm only 22, and have only been shopping on my own (or at least, having a say in what is purchased) for about two years. So I don't feel too horrible about not having learned this sooner.

I am SO happy that I found this site. I've learned so much already, and have only touched the tip of the iceburg! This thread is also great; by reading other people's mistakes, I can hopefully learn from them and not do the same!

[neglectarino]

Originally Posted by tacatcon My #1 biggest mistake (and I just did it again last week!!) is buying two "rebate" deals in the same order so I only have one receipt. Did it a few months ago with the Kellogg's and GM rebates. And last week I just did it with the Frito-Lay and getting my $2 coupon for meat for buying 2 Wishbone dressings. So I sent in the one for the Frito-Lay since it was the larger $ amt and the rebate was expiring 11/1.

I hate it when I do that...& I do it a lot! I have to write down on my list "REBATE" next to the item or it doesn't occur to me to even think about it.

[solitarymanner]

How about this one: Being so excited to make a deal that i grab my coupons and fly out the door, arrive at the store, collect my purchases, organize my coupons, and head to the nearest register, all proud of myself - only to realize that i had left my purse at home and couldn't buy a darn thing !!!!! (Newbie here!)

[Deja Vu]

I committed fraud by using a handful of coupons that were not for the exact item, and then bragged about it when I first joined here. Very embarrassing!

Someone mentioned buying too many frozen products, and then throwing them away because the pantry would not accept them. I have had really good luck freecycling my frozen foods, I thought it was a long shot, but both times someone scooped them up quick.

[julsclipper]

Originally Posted by northernmama letting the good coupons expire! Forgetting I have certain coupons.

Ditto. My biggest (and most annoying) mistake. Another that I make is I walk out of a store gloating about my savings and then make a foolish clothing purchase, for example, paying too much. What was the point of saving money at the grocery store? I just blew the savings at Ann Taylor!!! I think I've kicked that habit though.

[noyouyesme]

i've been couponing for a couple of years
i made the usual mistakes in the beginning like everyone listed here but have learned to:

1) buy what we will use

2) limit the amount of what i buy (usually 4 - unless i am rolling ECBs on something we use)

3) never tell my family something was free - the children seem to think that if it was free that it is okay to waste it.

i would like to start keeping a detailed inventory so i don't bring home 4 bottles of detergent when i have 4 in the closet.

[crossstreet]

I too have purchased stuff I might not use. I've been using coupons for years but since finding this site I sometimes went overboard on items I don't use. I also sometimes think I can use 2 manufactures coupons to make the item free or almost free and then realize when I get to the store that it has to be 1 store coupon and 1 manufacturers coupons. I've done that a couple of times and many more where I didn't get to the store.

[Klreece]

Using a coupon on a item that is not on sale and then look in the following week's ad to find out that it went on sale. Always wait it out. More often then not, they item will eventually be on sale!

[zansammommy]

Originally Posted by MommytoBenjamin My stockpile isn't nearly as large as some because we don't need 40 tubes of toothpaste. Ten tubes last us quite awhile. I'm completely focused on OOP instead of quantity. Some items even while free are too much money because of tax. That probably sounds cheap but we're working on paying down debt and every little bit helps. I order my most used coupons from a clipping site.

I just started a week ago. My goal is to get us out of debt in order to buy a new house. This is wonderful advice. I keep thinking that stockpiling is a wonderful idea but need to think of our tax.

Thanks.