Pressure to buy?!?

[sciteacher]

Do you ever feel pressure to "buy" items you don't really need simply because you got a great coupon or because the coupon is expiring soon?

I do not want to become overwhelmed but I feel bad throwing out coupons that have expired/not needed. :sad:

Anyone else?

Sciteacher

[$Saving!]

Depends on what the item is and whether or not I have a stash already or it's something I need to get soon.

I generally don't mind a coupon expiring and tossing it if there isn't a good deal to use it on, because I know there will be more good deals and coupons that will take it's place

I do hang on to coupons until their last day though, learned long ago not to throw anything out a day or two ahead of expiration!

Like just recently discovered a deal on the Scrubbing Bubbles power sprayer and had three $5 coupons about to expire in two days - was able to use all three and get the SB for under $1 each for something that sells for $8.99-$9.99.

[CSchunk]

Go to the store!!!

And then leave the coupons near the items they are good for so someone else can get the deal and you keep your money in your pocket!

[gem7]

I felt that way a lot in the beginning and still now occassionally, especially if I traded for the coupon. I try to remind myself when I start feeling that anxiety about not using coupons that I should have, that other deals will roll around, and don't trade for so many coupons unless I absolutely know I will use them. The longer you coupon, the better you know what your household will go through in a certain period of time and how much you will need.

I remember feeling guilty for awhile that I had pretty much stopped going to CVS and WAGs for deals. I just didn't need anything for a good 6 months. I only went when there were money makers. I was starting to run low on HBA items and started up again. It only takes a few weeks to restock for 6 months if the sales are good, which they have been lately (hello, anyone need bodywash?)

So don't feel pressured, get what you need, and if you don't use a specific great coupon, know that another one will be along shortly!

[gettinrevvin2007]

If you are able to get stuff for free after coupons, that you don't need, just donate it to others.

[3timesoccermom]

I do feel that way sometimes - I can't stand to pass up a good deal on something we use or would like to try but, unfortunately, my lack of storage space means I often have to. I will never be able to have a stockpile like some on here do.

However, it doesn't bother me nearly as much to have good coupons go unused since I started saving my expireds for the troops!

[padmelupin]

Originally Posted by CSchunk Go to the store!!! And then leave the coupons near the items they are good for so someone else can get the deal and you keep your money in your pocket!

I feel guilty and then I (lately) talk myself out of buying whatever it is and leave the coupon for someone else!

[MamaBird06]

if i don't think i'll use it ever i don't feel that much pressure to buy, but things that i may someday use like baby wipes and they are free, i will buy without feeling guilty. I did learn in the beginning that i don't need a gazillion air fresheners and now will only buy if they are free or moneymaker, but really just moneymakers as i only use them when we have company because ds and i have allergies and i've read air fresheners make them worse.

I find the easiest way to avoid the situation is to only cut hot really great coupons or coupons i know i will use on an upcoming sale or would like to use. The rest stay at home, i think that is easier once you've couponed for a while, have a decent stockpile and know your personal stockup prices, but in the beginning you do want to buy more because you don't understand fully the whole cycle of couponing and the what is a good stockup price.

ETA: i feel way less bad now throwing out whole inserts or partially cut up ones once they expire, than when i was cutting every single coupon out and spending a lot of time doing so. I just go through my boxes I have one with the inserts intact and one with them ripped apart (i get them this way from my aunt as she has acess to many inserts and sometimes people take some out, sometimes she takes them etc.) I will go through them and get the ones i need each week and i feel that is less time consuming than sorting and cutting them all. I used to spend hours every week sorting and cutting now i spend maybe 1.5 hours total every week getting the coupons i need for shopping ready.

[gatosqueak]

I'm going through that. I understand! It's hard for me to pass up a deal. But next month we're on a very strict budget using cash only. I won't have a choice! I try to trade for coupons that expire way ahead so I have time to use them. It's only myself and my husband.. and assorted zoo. But I really understand.. it's soooo addicting!