It Is Their Own Fault

Anyone who knows me knows that I have jumped on the couponing bandwagon. I admit the reason that I started was because I had seen an episode of "Extreme Couponing" on TLC.

My intentions when I started back in March of this year was not to build a humongous stockpile but to save some money. We used to average at the grocery store weekly about $120 to $150 dollars. Now with couponing we keep that amount close to less than a hundred. You may think that may not be worth bragging about but I have started my own little stockpile in my home while saving money at the same time. Here are some pictures:

My cleaning supplies .............should the urge ever hit me.

My Bathroom supplies. Those boxes at the bottom are labeled and have razors, toothbrushes, etc.. I rearrange this stuff all the time.

I have plenty of food in my pantry and my freezer is full. As a matter of fact, it is too full. We are currently looking into getting a deep freeze.

We have plenty of pasta, condiments, and BBQ sauce as well.

All that being said, I have a few things to say since this is my blog and I can say whatever I want. I have noticed that stores are starting to change their policies regarding coupons. They are citing the increased use of coupons as a reason. Well, ....don't judge me for saying this but it is their own fault there is an increase in the use of coupons. These are the same stores that invited TLC into their building. The same stores that smile for the camera while gladly accepting every coupon presented. The manager in every single show helpfully calls corporate when the register finally gives up from shock. The cashiers smile and do the happy dance with the extreme couponer who has just paid $6 dollars for 5 buggies full of groceries. Then they all have a happy parade complete with buggies, cashiers, and bag boys into the parking lot to help the person fit it all in the car.

I don't feel sorry for the stores because what did they think would happen after America saw this?! The economy is awful, gas prices are through the roof, and people are in debt. Who wouldn't take this great information and run with it?

AND furthermore, to my knowledge the people who put out these coupons aren't making anymore coupons than they usually make. The only thing that has changed is that more people are using them. These stores are getting reimbursed for every coupon they take, so what is the problem?

I am not an idiot, I am aware there are people out there that steal papers, copy printable coupons, try to work around the policies and want their stockpile built tomorrow but the majority of us are following the rules. My friends and I cut out the coupons, follow the sales, and walk into these stores with our binders fully prepared to save our hard-earned money.

By the way, here is my binder:

So don't judge me next time you see me in Kroger with my binder. I like my money. Climbing off my soap box now. :)