New Q Shoppers, Don't be Scared! You Can Do This!!

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Quote from Brandilla : I just want to say, as encouragement to others. I got into all this at the end of my pregnancy and while I was on maternity leave. Don't get me wrong, I'm super busy with my son, who is 17 weeks old, but I was off of work for almost 3 months and couponing was the PERFECT hobby for me to pick up. Money got really tight when the baby came, I love to shop, and I was desperate for some "me" time. So, I'd research some deals and when hubby got home from work, I'd go out for an hour or so and do some "shopping". My stockpile is growing steadily, and it's SO gratifying to see how much money I'm saving my family. I only work part time because we can't afford day care, so I feel like couponing is my way of contributing. With 3 cats, a dog and a baby, I need to save everywhere I can. To me, coupons = money. !

I got hooked while on maternity leave too! The baby is 14 months now so I've been doing this for a while!

i bought cupons yesterday on ebay im not sure if i should have but i did i spent 6.00 all total for items i need anyways. some campbell soup ones some cains mayo honey icecream thats it i think it is like 45.00 savings in coupons and i want to get my pantry stocked up really well before the new year when i fear things will even get higher. there are other coupons i am looking for but they werent on ebay. is there any place else i might look?

Quote from nhgrammy : i bought cupons yesterday on ebay im not sure if i should have but i did i spent 6.00 all total for items i need anyways. some campbell soup ones some cains mayo honey icecream thats it i think it is like 45.00 savings in coupons and i want to get my pantry stocked up really well before the new year when i fear things will even get higher. there are other coupons i am looking for but they werent on ebay. is there any place else i might look?

List of Printable Coupon Sites / Places To Obtain Extra Coupons

This came from this thread Drugstore and Grocery Store Index and Information Thread. It's also in HD's original post.

I find this thread also to be very helpful on a daily basis
Alphabetical List of Unexpired Newspaper Coupons

Quote from MyFeetHurt : I find this thread also to be very helpful on a daily basis Alphabetical List of Unexpired Newspaper Coupons

Thanks! I'll add it to the OP.

I did my first three "deals" today @ CVS. I did a trial run last week just to make sure my card was still good. I've had it a long time but had never used it before.

I don't know why I'm nervous to the point of being scared when I walk up with coupons and my little card and my ECBs!

Tonight I sat down and reviewed what I did and saw several areas of opportunity. I need to really make sure I have a back up plan in case my intended purchases aren't available. That's where I really messed up today, thinking of the deal on the fly.

I did well enough though. $36 OOP, $71 of merch. and an $8 ECB left over. Oh, I also found that the store nearest my home does stocking and mini-resets on Wed. nights.

I travel all over WV, OH, and parts of KY so I get to visit lots of stores!

Thanks for all your help. I'm off to find a post that explains what it means to "scan your card" @ CVS!

Thanks for the time putting this together!

Quote from MyNewKarma : I did my first three "deals" today @ CVS. I did a trial run last week just to make sure my card was still good. I've had it a long time but had never used it before. I don't know why I'm nervous to the point of being scared when I walk up with coupons and my little card and my ECBs! Tonight I sat down and reviewed what I did and saw several areas of opportunity. I need to really make sure I have a back up plan in case my intended purchases aren't available. That's where I really messed up today, thinking of the deal on the fly. I did well enough though. $36 OOP, $71 of merch. and an $8 ECB left over. Oh, I also found that the store nearest my home does stocking and mini-resets on Wed. nights. I travel all over WV, OH, and parts of KY so I get to visit lots of stores! Thanks for all your help. I'm off to find a post that explains what it means to "scan your card" @ CVS!

Great job!

I understand being nervous because each store can be different in how they want to take coupons, and yes there are a few stores that will turn down perfectly legit coupons.

The best thing is to just go on to another store when that happens. I know I have a coupon hating CVS that is closest to my workplace and thus cannot ever go there.

On the other hand -- you have great cashiers -- (I had one at Winco Foods) who understand coupons and like to see you get a deal.

Quote from MyNewKarma : I did my first three "deals" today @ CVS. I did a trial run last week just to make sure my card was still good. I've had it a long time but had never used it before. I don't know why I'm nervous to the point of being scared when I walk up with coupons and my little card and my ECBs! Tonight I sat down and reviewed what I did and saw several areas of opportunity. I need to really make sure I have a back up plan in case my intended purchases aren't available. That's where I really messed up today, thinking of the deal on the fly. I did well enough though. $36 OOP, $71 of merch. and an $8 ECB left over. Oh, I also found that the store nearest my home does stocking and mini-resets on Wed. nights. I travel all over WV, OH, and parts of KY so I get to visit lots of stores! Thanks for all your help. I'm off to find a post that explains what it means to "scan your card" @ CVS!

Many, but not all CVSs have a self scanner. You can price check sale items. Sometimes stores change over to the new Sunday prices Saturday evening, and you can scan an item to see if the new prices have been "turned on".

Best of all, you can scan your card and see what kind of qs pop out. After the first scan prints out, try scanning your card a second time because you might get more qs. Then try scanning a third time (three is the most times I've been able to get qs in a row), until you get the message "No more coupons today. Come back tomorrow."

Quote from MistyQ : Many, but not all CVSs have a self scanner. You can price check sale items. Sometimes stores change over to the new Sunday prices Saturday evening, and you can scan an item to see if the new prices have been "turned on". Best of all, you can scan your card and see what kind of qs pop out. After the first scan prints out, try scanning your card a second time because you might get more qs. Then try scanning a third time (three is the most times I've been able to get qs in a row), until you get the message "No more coupons today. Come back tomorrow."

Wow that's a great tip I always scanned it just one time for sure will try it again now Thanks Misty for the heads up

I have a question, where can I find a list of coupons that appeared in Sunday inserts? The AFC doesn't list expired ones and my CVS still takes them. Is there anywhere that has old ones listed?

Well, I went to two CVS's today. I went to get more razors.. (Only was able to get two of the Bic razors -- one yesterday and one pack today). Anyway, I think I am now getting into the couponing.

Gah, Every coupon blinkie I passed - I had to stop and take one.. Even stuff I thought I wouldn't buy.. I still picked up a coupon... just in case.... yeah, just in case a deal will come up & I can use them somehow.

I assume this is normal practice for most couponers, eh?

Quote from tepper420 : I have a question, where can I find a list of coupons that appeared in Sunday inserts? The AFC doesn't list expired ones and my CVS still takes them. Is there anywhere that has old ones listed?

Alphabetical List of Unexpired Newspaper Coupons came from the 3rd post in this thread Drugstore and Grocery Store Index and Information Thread

Quote from HollyGolightly : Well, I went to two CVS's today. I went to get more razors.. (Only was able to get two of the Bic razors -- one yesterday and one pack today). Anyway, I think I am now getting into the couponing. Gah, Every coupon blinkie I passed - I had to stop and take one.. Even stuff I thought I wouldn't buy.. I still picked up a coupon... just in case.... yeah, just in case a deal will come up & I can use them somehow. I assume this is normal practice for most couponers, eh?