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Entry bubble Confessions of a Coupon Clipper

By: Jim | March 24, 2008 | Category: Money

When I was a smart aleck teenager back in Akron, Ohio I’d tease my mom about some of her frugal habits by calling her “Queen of the Margarine Tubs.” Her retort, “Who needs Tupperware?!” I swore she had enough tubs stashed in the kitchen cupboards to pack away leftovers from a 12-person Thanksgiving dinner. And then some. Now, guess who’s saying, “Ain’t it funny how the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree?”

Even with Mom’s encouragement, my thrifty tendencies didn't take root until I came to work for FCIC nearly 12 years ago. Part of my job involves getting publications from government agencies to Pueblo, Colorado for distribution. One day I glanced through a copy of our publication 66 Ways to Save Money, and somehow I got the saving message.

scissors cutting coupon

Nowadays, I plop myself down on the couch with scissors and my one large, strong cup of coffee to peruse the Washington Post’s Sunday coupons. Hey, don’t laugh! Coupon clipping is respectable – September is National Coupon Month. Even Reader’s Digest offers coupon clipping tips. One tip is to clip only what you know you’ll use and leave the rest. Get Rich Slowly offers a great glimpse into the dangers of overbuying because you were tempted by a good deal.

So what do I do with my unused coupons? I bring them to the office on Monday to trade with fellow FCIC blogger Nancy as we lunch on leftovers.

| View Comments [8] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: coupons   jim   money   saving  

Comments (8):

blue comment bubble Posted by Citizen Jmaximus on March 24, 2008 at 08:33 AM EDT

I save money buying store brands instead.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Jim on March 24, 2008 at 09:38 AM EDT

That's right Citizen J. Buying store brands is a great way to save--especially when you think about how some of our most commonly purchased household items are used. Sorry Mr. Whipple! But I gotta admit to a little bit of brand loyalty for a few things--but I justify those purchases to myself by buying them only when they're on sale and I have coupon, especially if the grocery store doubles the value.

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blue comment bubble Posted by kitscribe on March 24, 2008 at 03:55 PM EDT

Your saving habits struck a chord! Recently, I sent my daughter-in-law's mother a few articles I thought she'd enjoy. As though she had suddenly found a suitable category to put me in, she exclaimed, "You're a CLIPPER!" during our next telephone conversation.

"Yes--well I guess I am." It's relaxing, late on Sunday mornings, to adjust the blinds to the morning sun, sit down with that perfect, hot mug of coffee and a sharp pair of scissors, tune in to Prairie Home Companion and snip away, thinking, with a smile, of this new legacy, meant kindly.

Filing the coupons away, I'll head to the store for the week's groceries, and clink the coupon proceeds into the piggy bank when I get back home.

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blue comment bubble Posted by VeggieFed on March 26, 2008 at 09:34 AM EDT

I do not clip coupons though I have been tempted. The reason being is that I end up making purchases of things I don't want, need, or use just because they are on sale. I have thought about going on line and searching for coupons for products I do use (does Whole Foods honor coupons?) but haven't been that motivated to do so yet. However, I do save every margarine tub, glass jar, paper and plastic bag for reuse!

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blue comment bubble Posted by Jim on March 26, 2008 at 10:23 AM EDT

Thanks, VeggiFed. Indeed, buying something you won't likely use just because you have a coupon doesn't make any sense. I also appreciate your comment about saving glass jars, something I've not thought to do much. It got me thinking. Some of the headlines about plastics have me a little concerned. I've nuked some plastics to the point that they've begun to become pitted--which means those bits of plastic became part of my leftover spaghetti. Not too tasty.

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blue comment bubble Posted by THANK YOU TO THE COUPONS QUEENS on March 27, 2008 at 04:57 PM EDT

I ONE OF THOSE WHO NEVER HAVE A COUPON AND THE CASHIER AS THE PERSON BEHIND FOR THEIRS OR THE SAVING KEY RINGS TO HELP ME WITH MY PURCHASE AND PEOPLE ALWAYS HELP SO THEY YOU ONE DAY I DO MY SHARE OF COUPON SHARING WHEN SOMEONES IN LINE AND NEED ONE

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blue comment bubble Posted by Jim on March 27, 2008 at 05:27 PM EDT

Sometimes I forget my customer loyalty card for the grocery store. But I have them all, so am I really being loyal? I always appreciate it when the store cashier will just run theirs through so I can get the discounted prices. Another nice thing is when people will leave their unwanted coupon for the item on the shelf for someone else's benefit. It's like finding money.

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blue comment bubble Posted by VeggieFed on March 28, 2008 at 09:57 AM EDT

Glass jars are wonderful! I am a clutter freak and I use them to store dry pasta, grains, and cereals, popcorn, dried beans, even buttons and beads! (I'm a crafter too.) Also for left over soups, sauces, and canned vegeables. And when my left overs spoil, I don't feel so bad about just throwing the whole thing out instead of washing up a container and using it again. I think we are all guilty of throwing out perfectly good tupperware because we are afraid of what's inside!

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