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The following is a guest post by Outside the Box Mom:
Thanks to your comments on this series, we have some great questions to address…
Question:
I get frustrated easily. I’ve tried to coupon but why do I always fail?
Answer:
Frustration is defined as being unfulfilled or unsuccessful. It leaves feelings of being prevented from something or having dissatisfaction.
There are many rules and regulations to using coupons. So, without patience, organization, and persistence, one can become easily frustrated with using coupons.
In my own personal experience, I have gone through seasons where I didn’t set foot into a store (I sent my husband), I didn’t use one coupon (I purchased the least expensive option), I passed on deals (in favor of making 1 shopping trip), or we didn’t go to any store at all (we just made due with what we had). I’d rather take a short break and get some rest, than completely give up on the coupon game.
Are you a Frustrated Couponer?
- don’t feel like you’re really saving any money
- would rather not hassle with coupons
- dread clipping or organizing coupons
Why Couponing Can Be Frustrating
- lack of coupons
- complicated deals
- your area got a lower value coupon than other areas
- unclear, improperly enforced store policies
- going to too many stores
- attempting too many deals
- unorganized
- unprepared
- store out of stock
- store policies about internet coupon use
- can’t find product
- not saving “enough”
- the kids are distracting you
How to Overcome Your Frustrations
Recognize the season of life you are in. Do you have enough time and patience right now to dedicate to learning, using, and saving money with coupons? Be honest with yourself and act accordingly.
If this is the right season for you, be patient, organized, and persistent. Read the previous posts in this series!
Why You Are Not a Failure
If you save any amount of money, it’s still saving. Adjust your expectations. Start small and build from there.
Submit your questions and challenges in the comments and they will be addressed in future posts.
–Sign up to receive my new FREE e-book on Saving Money with Coupons. Find quick, easy, time-saving tips and solutions for moms at Outside The Box Mom.
If you missed any posts in this series:
- Goals when using coupons
- Common reasons why people don’t use coupons
- #1 obstacle in using coupons
- Types of coupons available and where you can get them
- Ways you can organize your coupon stash
- How to make a grocery list
- Shop at different stores to stretch your buck
- Know the sales cycle
- Start small
- I have no luck in couponing
- No coupons on products I buy
- Remembering to use your coupons
- Am I a casual couponer?
@Crystal,
I wrote this post just for you 🙂
@Pam: I wish I could get my budgeting lined up to shop once a month. That would be such a big timesaver!
@Closer to Lucy: That’s a great idea. I will have to try that with my 9 year old. What’s really funny though, is that my 2 year old knows what coupons looks like. If she sees the pictures of coupons while I’m writing these posts, she points to the screen and says coupons. Or, she’ll ask in the car, “mama, did you get your purse, did you get your phone, did you get your coupons?” She probably could find a picture of something she wants on a coupon!
This is me the frustrated couponer. I feel like I will never get it. I really have to learn some patience.
Couponing can be time consuming. I plan on major shopping trip a month and spend several hours arranging my coupons. It is worth it though.
It does take a serious time commitment.
My husband has a rule that in order for the kids to add something to the grocery list that is above and beyond our regular staples they have to find a coupon or at least make an effort. They usually find it because they know that we won’t usually take the extra time to find one for them which decreases their chances of getting the item.