What has couponing taught you??

[Mrs.Reese]

1) That I control my money. My money does not control me.

2) You can't help everyone. I can't even begin to think of the number of times I have showed my in-laws how to save money with coupons getting great quality food and they still eat garbage.

3) Husbands are great at finding blinkies, tearpads, etc. It sets off that hunting gene.

[caranshops]

1. I am really good at grocery math !-Even though I couldn't even understand Algebra 1A in high school or statistics in grad school-savings math is the kind that matters!

2. Saving makes me feel good and smart-especially when the lady in Kmart will wait 20 minutes behind me in line just to see how much I can save.

3. Knowing that your family can be provided for very well for very little=HOPE

4. Couponing broadens my social network-the people at CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Harris Teeter know me by name.

5. Just because my husband is in nursing school and I am the sole earner does not mean we can't give $$$$'s of dollars of food, etc. away to charity-I've got the pictures to prove it! -we consider it our tithe.

And finally, my husband really shouldn't be allowed to go to the grocery store alone.

[ameliajean]

Even though I've only been at this for a few weeks, here's what I've learned:

1. No matter how many tubes of toothpaste I currently own, I just can't help myself from getting a few more when they're free.

2. Blogs are your best friends.

3. Every little bit counts. A 50 cent coupon may not seem like a lot, but with the right sale or another coupon, it could mean a free item. Conversely, a $4 frappuccino at Starbucks might feel like a guiltless splurge, but that could buy a lot of groceries.

4. Be skeptical of what stores call a sale. Learn for yourself what a good price is, instead of being swayed by fancy promotions. Target advertised body wash for $8 this week. I could hardly believe my own eyes. The sad thing is, someone out there probably thought they were getting a good deal.

5. As much fun as saving money is, you are far more important. Don't forget to put down the coupons every once in awhile and spoil yourself.

[jenayn]

There are 2 things Ive learned NOT to do:

Ive learned never to take my husband on another major grocery shopping trip. I had 2 envies, 1 for food items, 1 for nonfood items and a list in my head of what we needed. Two carts later we spent double what I had planned because he decided since I had so many coupons, we could buy more stuff than we had planned.

I also learned not to "steal" coupons when in the store if my mom is with me. She's like "Jenny, people are looking. Your gonna get in trouble. Stop it, your embarassing me." LMAO This from the woman I learned to be cheap, er, I mean frugile, from! LOL

[loveebella]

1. I have to agree with the assertive part. I am not the type of person to be like you shorted me or argue with the cashier, but man using q has brought out the cave woman in me. I am just waiting to bust out my q policy...I am cave woman hear me roar..lol Ok not that much but it makes me feel empowered.
2. Make sure you check the threads for the stores you shop. I "thought" I had found a good deal on mayo and went and used all my q only to find out that the new ad price would have saved me 6.00. Lesoon learned!

[Marcina]

The respect from my husband while he has been laid off. He is amazed at how much I can save, which has saved our home and our resources. Nothing could make me happier.

Learned how important that stockpile really is. I have stocked while he is unemployed, makes money go further

taught my children how to count money off, savings and math.

not to be brand loyal.

How low can I go.

My kids get to be like others trying the new things (with coupons and sales)

That the people on this site that share deals, offers and coupons are the BEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD!!!

Thank you

[klondike21]

Things I've learned:

1) Soda actually does have an expiration date, and certain types of soda (ie. plain old Diet Coke or Pepsi) definitely taste off when they're past the date.

I now make an effort to use up the old stuff before diving into the new stuff (whatever that "stuff" may be) and donating what I won't use. If its a perishable item, I don't buy more than I can realistically use or that I can give away to friends and family.

2) Deodorant WILL melt in the heat of a parked car, even if its hidden under other stuff and not directly visible.

3) Even if your RR's smell like melted deodorant and have a special shimmery and smooth texture, as long as they scan, the cashiers will still take them.

[Nutts4Coops]

1. If it's free, I will find someone who can use it.
2. I can never have enough free shampoo, toothpaste and cat food.
3. I don't know how I survived before HCW and all the other coupon blogs :)

[thecouponclippa]

1: That just because I'm laid off does NOT mean that we are going to starve. I was planning 'just in case' of something like this happening, and we still eat like queens around here!
2: Back To School Shopping does NOT have to be expensive! Last year I KNOW I spent over 50 dollars, and didn't have ANYTHING stockpiled. This year I've spent 15 dollars for school supplies for all three of us ( DW and I are going back to school, too! )
3: It has taught me how to teach my daughter about good buys and bad buys. Good Buy: Clothes from Plato's Closet and Once Upon A Child. Bad Buy: Brand New Clothes she'll grow out of in a month!
4: That most stores don't know basic coupon policy, more or less their OWN coupon policy!