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What do you do with extra coupons?

21 years ago

I get two daily papers with nearly weekly coupon inserts. I use very few of them but hate throwing out the unused ones. Any suggestions as to how they could be put to good use??? I would really appreciate them. Thanks.

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Comments (9)

bouncingpig
21 years ago
Many stores have a bin in which you can put coupons and also take coupons. Sort of a casual coupon exchange. I know all the Albertson's around here do.

Brenda
lazy_gardens
21 years ago
I give the pet product ones to the animal shelter, and the baby stuff ones to the battered women's shelter, and any good personal care ones to the prostitute's sheltre (no kidding ... three blocks away)
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Yes Annie! Don't bargin shop for cat food. Cats have tender tummies and do best with one flavor of food. One local grocer probably thinks I'm nuts because the only thing I buy in his store is catfood... and I clean off his shelf of my cat's favorite when I'm there. Sometimes when people ask how many cats I have I tell them just one but he is big and very hungry. I buy all my cat litter at Walmart because I can get 100 lbs for $10... yup big kitty (most regulars know I have several small adorable kitties with names like Annie and Jessy). I so seldom use coupons. I've made the cashier shake her head when I turn to the customer behind me and give away the register coupons. I think of myself as a value shopper. If a product has quality and I'll enjoy eating it then I buy. Even being single I'll buy a 10lb roast and cut it into usable portions. I like beans and rice so my grocery budget is not big enough to worry about. Meat and fresh fruit seem to be the big hitters on my bill... and of course beer is almost a budget of it's own. We have a super bargin meat market 20 minutes down the road but I hate using that much time and gas. When I do go I fill the freezer... beef tenderloin is currently $7/lb, lake perch $9/lb, any kind of beef steak between $3-4/lb, ground chuck normally $2/lb. They probably only make pennies a pound but they sell meat by the ton everyday. I've been working with a very nice lady that enjoys coupons so I give her my Sunday paper. Last week she saved $11 with them. She enjoys it so I was careful not to rain on her parade but when I asked what she bought she said "junk food and a couple things I normally buy". I'm a terrible shopper and usually just buy the same things over and over. I noticed I now have three bottles of my favorite vinegar in the pantry. At least I've done a fair job eating down the pantry and freezer so I can see what I have in there. Just picked another quart of tomatoes out of my garden. People were telling me a month ago to pull up the vines but they keep flowering and putting out new tomatoes so I'll hold back until the frost kills them. Hard to beat "free" food. : ) lyra
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Bridget
21 years ago
I leave them on the store shelves. Only 4 or 5 per aisle because I don't want to get the employee who works that aisle in trouble for having a mess on her shelves.
CindyBelleZ6NJ
21 years ago
I give many to friends, I give all the pet food/accessories/ cat litter ones to the animal shelter, I leave some in the store near products when I have time to do that. I mostly ask my friends if there are any they want me to keep an eye out for, and as long as it's not one I use, I give it to them. Good excuse to get together for 20 mins.
talley_sue_nyc
21 years ago
I put them in the recycle bin.
joyfulguy
21 years ago
Gather a few friends who're interested in coupon exchange, at a time convenient for everyone, at the home of the person closest to the major store. While coffee and interesting conversation takes place, exchange the relevant coupons.

Maybe even share vehicle(s) to the store - conserve precious fuel as well as save money.

Just an idea.

By the way - I've suggested that you make a list of all names of friends with their skills and interests. Maybe list available coupons as one component of a newsletter dealing with frugality or other interesting issues that you pass around to the friends.

joyful guy
Deb_NE
21 years ago
I send some to the military bases, as they can even use expired coupons up to 6 months. Deb
harleygal1971
15 years ago
I am with Deb,
cynic
15 years ago
Somehow I have trouble spending a couple dollars in gas to bring a 50Â¢ coupon to someone... (sigh) But that's me. If I know I'm going to see someone who uses a particular coupon, I'll bring it with and give it to them if they want it. Otherwise most get recycled. My coupon use has dwindled. Just not a lot of them out there for things I buy. Speaking of which... I was in some stores this week looking at dish soap going up 28%, frozen potatoes up 95%, fresh taters up about the same, canned veggies up about 40%.... Oh well, they keep telling me the economy is sound.

I had to chuckle at one store. "Clearance" endcap with 30% off. Which put the prices to what they were when those items were put on the shelf a few months ago!

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