Comments on: Reader discovers the “new” way of shopping

By: Angela Russell

Angela Russell — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:46:24 +0000

Jenn, WOW. Lots of great questions here. I actually would love to address them in a new post.

In the meantime, NO do NOT just run out and use up the coupons. The “big secret” to couponing is combining the coupons on SALE prices. Using coupons on regular prices rarely leads to stockup prices.

If it’s OK with you, I’d love to answer your questions in a new post and open it up to have other readers give their input. Sound good?

By: Jenn B

Jenn B — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:05:34 +0000

I need help! I’m new to this & I’m not sure what to do in the meantime while trying to grow my stockpile. I currently have 0 groceries & I mean that literally. The fridge is empty except for some condiments, eggs, and a few bagels. The cupboards are bare except for cans of soup (we always seem to have a ton of canned soup!). This is mostly because I’m so busy at home with my baby and hubby is so busy at work we just haven’t had time to shop.
I just started collecting coupons so I have 3 copies of whatever has been in the paper since 1/3/2010 plus some printables. I’m going shopping tonight and I know that a lot of the coupons expire the end of this month. Should I go ahead and use all of the coupons (that expire soon) to stockpile items that I need anyway even if they’re not on sale? I hate for the coupons to go to waste & then end up paying full price anyway if the items never go on sale before the coupons expire.

By: Angela Russell

Angela Russell — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:06:45 +0000

For the first few months, I probably spent about the same as normal – just got about 2-3 times the amount of stuff. It gets easier to save as your stockpile grows. Probably around the 6 month mark is when I noticed the savings increasing! It does get better.

By: Theresa

Theresa — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:04:00 +0000

This story couldn’t have come at a better time because I feel exactly the same way. I was shopping week to week and picking up extra when I could but not really seeing the savings until about this last month. The beginning was hard because I had to build up a stockpile of our staples. I still have a ways to go but I finally think I’m getting better. I love your blog!

By: Angela Russell

Angela Russell — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:30:35 +0000

Sara, give yourself a few months. I recommend starting out small. Each week, look for 1 or 2 stock up deals as your budget can afford. Continue to buy the items you need on a weekly basis. What you should notice over time is that what you need goes down and down as your stockpile grows.

Remember, give yourself time and keep it FUN!!

By: Sara

Sara — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:26:09 +0000

Thanks so much for this story. I am starting to transition to this way of shopping and I’m finding the transition a bit of a challenge. Since I’m new to stockpiling, I still have to do my weekly shopping as well as the stockpiling. How long did the transition take for you? I can imagine it’s an ongoing process, but give or take . . .