The other night I was at King Soopers. I didn’t have either of the kids with me so my coupon binder was in the seat where one of them is usually sitting. When I was checking out, I realized the bagger was putting my groceries in a new cart. I told the cashier that I would grab my binder so she didn’t have to move it.
As I was walking back I over heard the gal who was bagging my groceries whisper something to the cashier. I’m pretty sure it was along the lines of, “I think that binder is full of coupons.” She was in high school and in disbelief that I was crazy enough to walk through the store with a binder full of coupons.
I will admit, I felt like a dork for a second. Only a second. I wanted to laugh out loud and tell her, “Yes, it is full of coupons, and it is worth thousands of dollars per year!!”
Instead, I paid for my stuff, walked out to my car, and laughed at myself!
If it’s dorky, I’m in! However, I like to think we’re the smart ones!
Do you ever feel silly when you use coupons?! DON’T! Know you’re saving your family hundreds or thousands of dollars each year by being frugal and wise with your money!
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I used to be embarrassed by coupons when I was “younger”…..now I have “matured” and realized the savings is like money in your pocket. And besides…..in this economy, I see EVERYONE using coupons these days!!! Now I am embarrassed to pay full price!! ….which I never do!!
I generally only embarrassed when the cashiers grunt and groan over the pile of coupons they have to enter. Which usually only happens at Target b/c my Target’s registers never accept their web coupons properly.
At King Soopers, I actually like to hit up the aisle with an older cashier because they always are impressed with how much money I’m saving.
I’ve actually gotten quite a few compliments on my binder. I had one lady ask if she could flip through it, and then she said was going to go buy one right away!
I am only embarrassed about couponing when the cashier gives me a hard time. They make me feel like I am stealing from the store. I just try to remember them and avoid those cashiers on my next trip!
One thing I love about carrying my binder with me is passing along coupons if I see someone buying an item I have a coupon for-share the love!
Melissa-I agree about feeling embarrassed if the cashier gives you a hard time. I felt that way a few weeks ago. The lady behind me wasn’t too forgiving and didn’t see the benefits of using coupons. I just make sure I’m following the store’s coupon policys and know I am doing nothing wrong!
Thanks for the feedback ladies!
I used to be embarrassed, now I am proud! I did take my husband to KMart last week (for double coupons, so I could use him as an extra trip through the check out) and he was soooooo embarrassed. I told him, just wait until he sees the receipt. He was reading the receipt the whole way home, saying how all the money we saved on the free stuff was like getting the ‘impulse item’ he bought for free. That’s one way to look at it. (I might actually save more money if I just don’t take him next time).
I feel bad when the person behind me is rolling their eyes and huffing and puffing as the checker goes through my stack of coupons. I also haven’t had very nice checkers at Albertsons. They stare at each coupon seemingly hoping to find something wrong. But when I leave and see 70% savings on my receipt it becomes all worth it!
I love it when the person behind me huffs and puffs….then they change their tune when they see the coupon reduce the total! I then hand them a business card! Ha!!
You know what? I consider this my PT job. Its part of my contribution to the family financial situation. I am NOT embarrassed by it at all. I think of it as a job well done when I walk out saving my grocery budget for another day!
I love it when cashiers look at me funny with coupons. One actually asked me how to do it! There is no reason to feel ashamed of couponing. Think of the life skill youre teaching your kids too. When they get out on their own they will be able to eat more than Mc-n-cheese and hot dogs! LOL
I have to admit I am guilty of this. I feel somewhat embarrassed walking around the commissary (where it really already is pretty cheap) with my coupon binder and calculator. But then I save so much, it is worth it.
Where do I get one of these binders? I have coupons everywhere. Anyone have a photo of how I could better organize my coupons?
I never knew people were embarrassed by using coupons. Whenever I go to the store usually the person behind me asks me for tips on how to save as much money. I tell them to start by going to denvermetromoms.com to learn how to get started. My husband loves me clipping coupons. And my mom waits for my weekly phone call to tell her how much I’ve saved.
I feel bad for the person behind me if it takes the cashier a while to ring my coupons up. I would hate to get stuck behind me in a store.
Nikki,
It’s a three ring binder with baseball card protector sheets to hold the coupons. I have them catagorized into personal care, diary, meals/meats, sides(veggies, fruit), snacks, etc. You may find this video helpful!
http://www.denvermetromoms.com/2010/01/06/watch-me-wednesday-coupon-organization/
Let me know if you have any questions!
great, Danielle! Thanks for sharing!