Stockpiling and Coupons

Now that you have an inventory of what you actually have you're ready to go shopping.

I am a believer in stockpiling. That means that I am the one during an ice storm that had plenty of food. Neighbors borrowed things (which is one of the reasons why I stockpile, so that if anyone needs anything I have it). At neighborhood Bunko, I brought real food while others provided pimiento sandwiches because that's all they had in their house. When ice storms hit the Austin-are the roads close down. If you're smart you either are already prepared (me) or you hit up the grocery store a few days before it hits & stock up. If you dare drive to the store you are probably going to be faced with shelves that are empty of the essentials (white bread and milk seem to be the first things to disappear off the shelves).

Stockpiling also means fewer trips to the store. For awhile the suburb that I live in didn't have a grocery store. So we had to drive to the next town to do our shopping. This was at least a 15 minute drive. We now have a grocery store. But for awhile there it was a real pain to go to the store for one or two items that you absolutely needed (like milk and bread). I save gas because I go to the store once every week or two. I get my fresh produce at the big-chain-organic-type-crunchy store that is right near my allergist's office when I get my allergy shots every week. Milk is another blog entry.

At first, I used a lot of coupons. I was determined to buy my brand names. Now that some time has passed and I have learned to get over my brand attachments I don't use them as much because generics/store brands are often cheaper even with a coupon for the brand name. But that is not always a rule so I still clip & organize my coupons weekly and bring them with me to every shopping trip. There are also some things that I refuse to substitute with generics (Heinz Ketchup is a big can't-substitute).

When you initially begin stockpiling and couponing you might need to overcome a few obstacles like I did. The first thing I had to get over was embarassment. I had the wrong attitude. I was raised in SoCal so I had the attitude that you should spend more money than you have. That people are impressed by you spending money on brand names and non-sale items. And if you used a coupon you must be poor. And really, there was nothing more awful than someone thinking you were poor. What a bad thinking that was! Again, I had to get overmyself and accept reality. I had to learn how to live within our means and our means were a lot less since I quit working to raise our daughters and my husband was laid off.

My second big hurdle was that I didn't know how to coupon. Sure, it seems simple enough. You match up what you want to buy with a coupon that you have and that's that. A friend told me about the website www.thegrocerygame.com and that site changed my life. I strongly recommend it. It is worth the nominal fee, you will save way more than the small quarterly charge in your first shopping trip and you will learn how to stockpile while couponing. Which is an awesomely great feeling. Once you're stocked up and have learned how to watch sales and coupon effectively on your own you won't need the help anymore. But it was invaluable to me in the begining.

What should you stockpile? Canned and boxed foods and meat that is on sale (if you have a large enough freezer). I also freeze bread (I am a 100% whole wheat mom and will buy many loaves when it goes on sale and just toss them in my freezer). Cooking supplies are great for stockpiling since you're going to be doing an awful lot of cooking now (which makes for a very happy husband). I also make cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it so we can have fresh, homemade cookies anytime. I own a bread machine and use it almost daily at this point. I stockpile bread and yeast and other breadmaking supplies.

Big box discount stores are perfect for stockpiling but I don't suggest that you start there because you are probably going to waste money on things that you don't really use. Over the past year, my purchases have changed dramatically. It is unusual for me to purchase prepared foods anymore so I need basic supplies that I never would have envisioned myself buying in bulk before. I also run into trouble at those stores because I see something that I want (but don't necessarily need) at a really great price and have to have an internal fight with myself over purchasing said bargain (and I admit it, it hurts a little when I have to say 'no' to myself).

One last word. Go to the grocery store with a list and stick to the list. This is of utmost importance. Don't bring your kids with you if you can avoid it. Go alone. Know how much you can spend and don't go over that amount. Aim for bringing money home. I use cash which I keep in an envelope. I always try to have cash left over. Allow yourself plenty of time to compare prices, bring a calculator if you need to. The rule in our house is, if it's not on the list, I don't buy it. I control the list. Most requests are placed on the list but unnecessary items that are costly are edited off or substituted. Use your discretion. Just stick to your list. Your bank account will thank you.

Blessings,

Karen