Comments on: Think twice http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/ Extreme Couponing, recipes, DIY and fun activities - Always Free web site! Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:20:56 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Angela http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-26368 Angela Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:47:59 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-26368 Hello: fellow coupon blogger here. WOW. You know I've been at this only a year now, but I've learned something. Frugality isn't just about saving money - it's being resourceful ALL AROUND. It's keeping an orderly house, conserving trips, gas, and TIME. While I love sharing deals with my readers, I take a completely moderate approach to stockpiling and deal-getting. There are ways to enjoy a good deal in a respectful, kind manner. BTW, I just have to say this - can everyone PLEASE be careful not to stereotype couponers as women? There are LOTS of men who coupon out there!! Thank you - I will likely reference this post on my blog soon. Hello: fellow coupon blogger here. WOW. You know I’ve been at this only a year now, but I’ve learned something. Frugality isn’t just about saving money – it’s being resourceful ALL AROUND. It’s keeping an orderly house, conserving trips, gas, and TIME. While I love sharing deals with my readers, I take a completely moderate approach to stockpiling and deal-getting. There are ways to enjoy a good deal in a respectful, kind manner.

BTW, I just have to say this – can everyone PLEASE be careful not to stereotype couponers as women? There are LOTS of men who coupon out there!!

Thank you – I will likely reference this post on my blog soon.

]]> By: Teresa M. http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24800 Teresa M. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:02:21 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24800 Great post! I am a HUGE planner. I have all my coupons matched up and ready when I head out to the store. That way I spend the least time in line. I understand how some people can get "addicted" to this. With me couponing provides an outlet for my brain to be exercised. Since I am an organizer and no longer work outside the home, Deal hunting keeps my brain working and gives you that rush when you know you've figured something out! BUT I also know that I don't NEED everything, so there are some weeks when I don't go to the store. Couponing has provided my family a great little stockpile in our pantry and allowed us to bless some friends with some of that stockpile when they were in need. I never want to take advantage of using coupons. I did recently get upset with a cashier. I had gone to the store and had everything planned and then was told of a coupon policy change at checkout. It caught me off guard and I was a bit flustered (we both misunderstood each other) and directed my anger the wrong direction. I went to the service desk to get clarification and then got back in the same cashier's line. I wanted to make sure that I apologized to her and thanked her for letting me know of the policy change so that I could let my other couponing friends know. Great post! I am a HUGE planner. I have all my coupons matched up and ready when I head out to the store. That way I spend the least time in line. I understand how some people can get “addicted” to this. With me couponing provides an outlet for my brain to be exercised. Since I am an organizer and no longer work outside the home, Deal hunting keeps my brain working and gives you that rush when you know you’ve figured something out! BUT I also know that I don’t NEED everything, so there are some weeks when I don’t go to the store. Couponing has provided my family a great little stockpile in our pantry and allowed us to bless some friends with some of that stockpile when they were in need. I never want to take advantage of using coupons. I did recently get upset with a cashier. I had gone to the store and had everything planned and then was told of a coupon policy change at checkout. It caught me off guard and I was a bit flustered (we both misunderstood each other) and directed my anger the wrong direction. I went to the service desk to get clarification and then got back in the same cashier’s line. I wanted to make sure that I apologized to her and thanked her for letting me know of the policy change so that I could let my other couponing friends know.

]]> By: Cathy http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24759 Cathy Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:06:39 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24759 I think when you first get started couponing, it's easy to get carried away because you think this might be your only chance to get toothpaste or whatever. After awhile you realize that things continuously go on sale, and if you miss toothpaste this week, or only get 1 or 2, it will go on sale again within a few weeks. By just buying a couple of items each week, I don't make myself so crazy spending too much time couponing, and I've still built up a good supply. Also, I've never met a mean cashier in more than 6 months. Some are or more or less accomodating, but they're all polite. I think when you first get started couponing, it’s easy to get carried away because you think this might be your only chance to get toothpaste or whatever. After awhile you realize that things continuously go on sale, and if you miss toothpaste this week, or only get 1 or 2, it will go on sale again within a few weeks. By just buying a couple of items each week, I don’t make myself so crazy spending too much time couponing, and I’ve still built up a good supply. Also, I’ve never met a mean cashier in more than 6 months. Some are or more or less accomodating, but they’re all polite.

]]> By: Carol http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24753 Carol Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:07:08 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24753 To the employee of the unnamed drugstore: Why is your store allowing 1 customer to get 12 lotions? The ads/signs say "1 per customer," don't they? Some people have no shame! I have bought 4 lotions since the sale started, on 4 different visits, and I am feeling a little greedy and guilty about that. How could someone take so many and still want more? Crazy! And to the poster who mentioned people justifying their excessive "purchases" by saying, "but I'm giving it to friends/neighbors/charities..." I totally agree! It drives me crazy when I see someone complaining about a store not accepting their 20 IP coupons and saying, "and I was just going to give it all to the homeless shelter!" If you really want to donate, then donate, don't expect the stores and manufacturers to finance all your "charitable" giving! To the employee of the unnamed drugstore: Why is your store allowing 1 customer to get 12 lotions? The ads/signs say “1 per customer,” don’t they? Some people have no shame! I have bought 4 lotions since the sale started, on 4 different visits, and I am feeling a little greedy and guilty about that. How could someone take so many and still want more? Crazy! And to the poster who mentioned people justifying their excessive “purchases” by saying, “but I’m giving it to friends/neighbors/charities…” I totally agree! It drives me crazy when I see someone complaining about a store not accepting their 20 IP coupons and saying, “and I was just going to give it all to the homeless shelter!” If you really want to donate, then donate, don’t expect the stores and manufacturers to finance all your “charitable” giving!

]]> By: Neva http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24744 Neva Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:02:30 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24744 Thanks for this post! I was chatting with a checker at Alb's a few weeks ago and she thanked me for being so polite. She told me that the day before she had a coupon lady scream and yell at her about some problem with the doublers. The lady was so out of control they had to ask her to leave. I was horrified to even hear that story. Saving a dollar on something is NOT worth your integrity or manners! Thanks for this post! I was chatting with a checker at Alb’s a few weeks ago and she thanked me for being so polite. She told me that the day before she had a coupon lady scream and yell at her about some problem with the doublers. The lady was so out of control they had to ask her to leave. I was horrified to even hear that story. Saving a dollar on something is NOT worth your integrity or manners!

]]> By: Lindsay Hendricks http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24743 Lindsay Hendricks Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:52:08 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24743 My walgreens limits to one of each RR per person per day which even though I live 15 minutes away I like this because things are left on the shelf a little longer. But they also just started posting that you cannot use any manufactured coupons on any of the RR deals, so I stopped going to that one, hello that is how you get the good deals to combine RR with coupons. My other walgreens will only let you do one transaction per day which is sort of hard to do all the RR things in one transaction because then you have a ton of RR to use the next week. My walgreens limits to one of each RR per person per day which even though I live 15 minutes away I like this because things are left on the shelf a little longer. But they also just started posting that you cannot use any manufactured coupons on any of the RR deals, so I stopped going to that one, hello that is how you get the good deals to combine RR with coupons. My other walgreens will only let you do one transaction per day which is sort of hard to do all the RR things in one transaction because then you have a ton of RR to use the next week.

]]> By: Katie http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24737 Katie Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:29:05 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24737 This is a great post and it is frustrating to have gone 15 minutes to my closest walgreens only to find that someone has gotten all the Free after rr's. Usually taking 12-15 of one item. My problem is what are they doing with that many. Are they selling them or something? Lets be reasonable and just take a couple. And let everyone have a chance on getting some free products. On the other hand at a store where there is more inventory I wouldn't have a problem with more as long as you are going to use it or give it away, not just hoarding it cause it is free. This is a great post and it is frustrating to have gone 15 minutes to my closest walgreens only to find that someone has gotten all the Free after rr’s. Usually taking 12-15 of one item. My problem is what are they doing with that many. Are they selling them or something? Lets be reasonable and just take a couple. And let everyone have a chance on getting some free products.
On the other hand at a store where there is more inventory I wouldn’t have a problem with more as long as you are going to use it or give it away, not just hoarding it cause it is free.

]]> By: MzKoni71 http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24701 MzKoni71 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:38:29 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24701 Seriously, why must I explain why I need so much of one product. Yes, some couponers do excessively shop. But, to the mom who needed the juice boxes for her babies. Really am I going to criticise you cuz you needed this and used coupons to sweeten your deal? Heck no. Do I as an individual need to know why you need so many juice boxes. Heck no. Nobody's business but the buyers. I'm sorry let Capri Sun go on sale for a $1 a box and I have 20 $1 coupons. It's every man for themselves. 20 boxes will get my family thru 2 weeks. Free compared to $1.79 a box. Seriously, it's a no brainer. I dont know or need to know the needs of any shopper. I will courteous and patient for as long as a cashier or manager treats me the same. I have been made to feel criminal for using coupons, have been made to wait in line for well over 15 minutes while my coupons are being discussed; have been asked to step out of the line and pay at Customer Service as if I have done something wrong. No, I dont condone disrespecting anyone but by the same token I dont want to be disrepected or humiliated for saving dollars. It's basically to each his own. My limit is usually around 4 to 6 items unless it is something my family uses constantly. Then, my limit will go up. I do agree that some stores should do like CVS and limit their sales supply. But stores like Publix, it's a no brainer. IMHO!! Seriously, why must I explain why I need so much of one product. Yes, some couponers do excessively shop. But, to the mom who needed the juice boxes for her babies. Really am I going to criticise you cuz you needed this and used coupons to sweeten your deal? Heck no. Do I as an individual need to know why you need so many juice boxes. Heck no. Nobody’s business but the buyers. I’m sorry let Capri Sun go on sale for a $1 a box and I have 20 $1 coupons. It’s every man for themselves. 20 boxes will get my family thru 2 weeks. Free compared to $1.79 a box. Seriously, it’s a no brainer. I dont know or need to know the needs of any shopper. I will courteous and patient for as long as a cashier or manager treats me the same. I have been made to feel criminal for using coupons, have been made to wait in line for well over 15 minutes while my coupons are being discussed; have been asked to step out of the line and pay at Customer Service as if I have done something wrong. No, I dont condone disrespecting anyone but by the same token I dont want to be disrepected or humiliated for saving dollars. It’s basically to each his own. My limit is usually around 4 to 6 items unless it is something my family uses constantly. Then, my limit will go up. I do agree that some stores should do like CVS and limit their sales supply. But stores like Publix, it’s a no brainer. IMHO!!

]]> By: Jennifer http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24694 Jennifer Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:03:39 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24694 This post was fantastic and should be forwarded to all other coupon bloggers out there. It is reprehensible that anyone would coupon to the point of excess, and as a newbie this really resonates. That being said, the coupon bloggers and couponers out there who don't take advantage of the system should be proud of themselves for sharing the wealth! :) This post was fantastic and should be forwarded to all other coupon bloggers out there. It is reprehensible that anyone would coupon to the point of excess, and as a newbie this really resonates.

That being said, the coupon bloggers and couponers out there who don’t take advantage of the system should be proud of themselves for sharing the wealth! :)

]]> By: Lenna http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24693 Lenna Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:01:03 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24693 Matt, Thanks for the reminder for all. I think of it this way: When I go into a store, I try to make the least amount of impact on the store as possible. I try not to bother other shoppers, I let the old lady buying just cinnamon rolls go in front of me, I replace items on the shelf, and I am kind to the employees. Thanks to all the other KIND couponers out there. And to the other couponers to whom the original email was written: please follow the Boy Scout Law so that we can ALL enjoy the sales in the future. Matt, Thanks for the reminder for all. I think of it this way: When I go into a store, I try to make the least amount of impact on the store as possible. I try not to bother other shoppers, I let the old lady buying just cinnamon rolls go in front of me, I replace items on the shelf, and I am kind to the employees. Thanks to all the other KIND couponers out there. And to the other couponers to whom the original email was written: please follow the Boy Scout Law so that we can ALL enjoy the sales in the future.

]]> By: julie http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24691 julie Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:30:04 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24691 I hope MORE people read this!!!! I hope MORE people read this!!!!

]]> By: jenatinian http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24687 jenatinian Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:31:04 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24687 I have stopped shopping at Albertson's because, so far, every time that I have gone there to shop using my coupons and trying to match them with the sale, the store has been out of more than half of the items on my list and then I am always left to try and figure out new "scenarios". After a couple times of this, I had it. I just decided that it is pointless for me to even go shopping there now because, I can never find what items I really need. When I am at the checkout stand and they ask me if I found everything alright, I have to honestly tell them "no, it seems that you are actually out of several of the items I came for, I guess that some of the other couponers have already cleared out your stock". Unfortunately, I just do not have the time to drive to every single Albertson's to find the items so I just won't go there any more.I have always wondered though, if it was someone like this that may have cleared the shelves before I got there. I have stopped shopping at Albertson’s because, so far, every time that I have gone there to shop using my coupons and trying to match them with the sale, the store has been out of more than half of the items on my list and then I am always left to try and figure out new “scenarios”. After a couple times of this, I had it. I just decided that it is pointless for me to even go shopping there now because, I can never find what items I really need. When I am at the checkout stand and they ask me if I found everything alright, I have to honestly tell them “no, it seems that you are actually out of several of the items I came for, I guess that some of the other couponers have already cleared out your stock”. Unfortunately, I just do not have the time to drive to every single Albertson’s to find the items so I just won’t go there any more.I have always wondered though, if it was someone like this that may have cleared the shelves before I got there.

]]> By: Rene http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24685 Rene Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:05:03 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24685 Thank you for the post. I have come to the conclusion that when people buy more than they need, that it is a sickness or addiction. (This includes going to great lengths to steal coupons). If you have more on your shelf than you can possibly use before the expiration date, than you are not saving money, you are wasting money. Medicine and lotion will both go bad. As for the checkers and the clerks, I have so far only encountered very helpful employees. I would like to thank the Walgreens on Linder for the awesome help they gave me with my coupons. Thank you for the post. I have come to the conclusion that when people buy more than they need, that it is a sickness or addiction. (This includes going to great lengths to steal coupons). If you have more on your shelf than you can possibly use before the expiration date, than you are not saving money, you are wasting money. Medicine and lotion will both go bad.

As for the checkers and the clerks, I have so far only encountered very helpful employees. I would like to thank the Walgreens on Linder for the awesome help they gave me with my coupons.

]]> By: Jennifer Hess http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24679 Jennifer Hess Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:26:06 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24679 Thanks so much!!! I completely agree with this!! I wish people could see themselves in a mirror at times and see how they really do sound.I think they would be embarrased by their behavior. Thanks so much!!! I completely agree with this!! I wish people could see themselves in a mirror at times and see how they really do sound.I think they would be embarrased by their behavior.

]]> By: Jennifer http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24678 Jennifer Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:20:47 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24678 I have to admit I almost cleared a shelf today. My daughter has impetigo on her bottom lip and in her mouth and on her tongue. She has never had this before and quite frankly, it's awful. She hasn't eaten anything since Saturday and only drank one 6 oz. juice box on Sunday and two on Monday. That's it. It's all she can stomach and unfortunately, that was the end of my stock. Because impetigo is highly contagious, the juice boxes are very convenient for disposal as well (this way I make sure my other children don't drink out of the same cup). Although there are other items on sale at Albertson's that I could have used my doublers, this was the most necessary. I had to go to 3 stores to use all of my coupons but I'm basically making her drink one per hour so she doesn't end up in the hospital with dehydration. Normally I don't clear the shelf of any one item (unless it's the last one or two). I do like the way Sarah shops. She may do one or two transactions in a day and then leave what's left for others. Then she might go back a day or two later and shop what's still on the shelf. I am grateful to the Albertson's Caldwell stadium store and the Caldwell Blaine Street stores for trying to anticipate our needs & wants and stock up for us. I've never been disappointed at either store. I have to admit I almost cleared a shelf today. My daughter has impetigo on her bottom lip and in her mouth and on her tongue. She has never had this before and quite frankly, it’s awful. She hasn’t eaten anything since Saturday and only drank one 6 oz. juice box on Sunday and two on Monday. That’s it. It’s all she can stomach and unfortunately, that was the end of my stock. Because impetigo is highly contagious, the juice boxes are very convenient for disposal as well (this way I make sure my other children don’t drink out of the same cup). Although there are other items on sale at Albertson’s that I could have used my doublers, this was the most necessary. I had to go to 3 stores to use all of my coupons but I’m basically making her drink one per hour so she doesn’t end up in the hospital with dehydration. Normally I don’t clear the shelf of any one item (unless it’s the last one or two). I do like the way Sarah shops. She may do one or two transactions in a day and then leave what’s left for others. Then she might go back a day or two later and shop what’s still on the shelf. I am grateful to the Albertson’s Caldwell stadium store and the Caldwell Blaine Street stores for trying to anticipate our needs & wants and stock up for us. I’ve never been disappointed at either store.

]]> By: Beth http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24677 Beth Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:08:03 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24677 oh please! the whole point of couponing is to save money! The women in the examples were being "thrifty". were they being selfish, yeah, they want to save a lot of money for themselves. No I do not clean off a shelf when I coupon but if I saw someone doing that, hey more power to them. I dont need that product, or need to save a dollar on that product to feel good about myself. theres always another deal. I do believe in all the other things that were said, yes, you certainly will catch more flies with honey than you will with vinegar.That being said, I will not feel sorry for a cashier having a bad day, or feeling bad because she doesnt know how to do her job. will I be rude, no. impatient no. but goodness, if you cant handle it, its time to find another job! oh please! the whole point of couponing is to save money! The women in the examples were being “thrifty”. were they being selfish, yeah, they want to save a lot of money for themselves. No I do not clean off a shelf when I coupon but if I saw someone doing that, hey more power to them. I dont need that product, or need to save a dollar on that product to feel good about myself. theres always another deal.
I do believe in all the other things that were said, yes, you certainly will catch more flies with honey than you will with vinegar.That being said, I will not feel sorry for a cashier having a bad day, or feeling bad because she doesnt know how to do her job. will I be rude, no. impatient no. but goodness, if you cant handle it, its time to find another job!

]]> By: anne http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24672 anne Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:47:12 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24672 Great post~ Thanks Matt for the extra comments about Boy scout law. Coming from a Scout family- it means a lot. 2 Eagles and 1 more very soon within the next month. Happy shopping all~ Great post~
Thanks Matt for the extra comments about Boy scout law. Coming from a Scout family- it means a lot. 2 Eagles and 1 more very soon within the next month.
Happy shopping all~

]]> By: Liz http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24670 Liz Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:30:10 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24670 I agree. I have coupons all ready and only get enough for 1 or 2. However, there is one checker at walgreens I try to avoid. She treats me like a criminal, holding coupons up to the light and asking repeatedly where I got them and that they better not be photocopied. I had her today and just asked her to get a manager to check me out in cosmetics. One checker can ruin your day! I agree. I have coupons all ready and only get enough for 1 or 2. However, there is one checker at walgreens I try to avoid. She treats me like a criminal, holding coupons up to the light and asking repeatedly where I got them and that they better not be photocopied. I had her today and just asked her to get a manager to check me out in cosmetics. One checker can ruin your day!

]]> By: Suzette http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24668 Suzette Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:24:24 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24668 I defense of the woman who wanted her catalina coupon to print when she bought the P&G item, as far as I'm aware this rule isn't written anywhere. I have looked on the catalina and also on the tags in the store and in the ad. Nowhere does it say that you can use that catalina on any item "EXCEPT if it is on another product made by the same manufacturer that is going to print out another catalina." People that follow couponing blogs are well aware of this rule, but I don't think that you should have to spend 2 hours reading online in order to shop at that unnamed drug store :) I defense of the woman who wanted her catalina coupon to print when she bought the P&G item, as far as I’m aware this rule isn’t written anywhere. I have looked on the catalina and also on the tags in the store and in the ad. Nowhere does it say that you can use that catalina on any item “EXCEPT if it is on another product made by the same manufacturer that is going to print out another catalina.” People that follow couponing blogs are well aware of this rule, but I don’t think that you should have to spend 2 hours reading online in order to shop at that unnamed drug store :)

]]> By: Patrice http://athriftymom.com/think-twice/comment-page-1/#comment-24665 Patrice Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:45:53 +0000 http://athriftymom.com/?p=12454#comment-24665 Matt, I am the mother of a Boy Scout on his way to Eagle. I am proud of you. Matt, I am the mother of a Boy Scout on his way to Eagle. I am proud of you.

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