Reader Frugalgrad touched on a fundamental frugal dilemma in a comment about my coupon train paying off this week.
Coupons train, this is a new idea. But I would think this concept only works if you have a circle of friends who are into saving. Coupons are worth only a tiny amount so I’m not sure as if that’s even worth it at all. I have tons of coupons coming in every sunday but it’s never for something that I need. Well something works for others but not for me then.
Did you notice the third sentence? Frugalgrad is asking if coupon clipping is worth the time.
The answer comes down to how you value your time. Some consider their hourly rate at work. If you earn $20 an hour but can only clip $5 worth of coupons in one hour, clipping is a waste of time. If it only takes you 15 minutes, you break even. If you do it in 5 minutes you come out ahead.
Others think about what else they could be doing with that time. Clipping coupons may shave a lot off your grocery bill, but if sucks up all your family time…
The reason I think coupon clipping is worth my time is that I get a lot of satisfaction out of seeing how much I can reduce my grocery bill. I love earning money by doing almost nothing. When I combine coupon clipping with buying items on sale, I feel good about myself.
Is coupon clipping a waste of your time?
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
Many coupons are for items that I never buy. If you like to try new products or prepared items, then using coupons may well be worth the time.
I enjoy clipping coupons and even more so, I enjoy saving the money. I’d say it takes me about 15 minutes to clip and file the coupons. Another 10 to see what’s on sale at Ralphs that I also have a coupon for, CouponMom.com helps with that. I always save my coupons for when my items go on sale and rarely use them otherwise. This allows me to save big bucks and I get a few canned, frozen and pet items for FREE. So, to answer your question, Is Coupon Clipping a waste of my time? No, I enjoy it. To me, if I don’t use my coupons, it’s like passing up a $10 bill I found in the parking lot.
I dont think of clipping coupons as a waste of time. I consider it a hobby. I love hunting for deals that I get using coupons.
I am a stay at home with 2 year old twins and I still find time to clip, organize, and research deals.
Besides, if you find a deal on something that turns out to be free with coupons, WHY NOT?
Coupons dont work for me either, since I have a lot of allergies and I stick with products that dont make me sick. I cant use all of the cleaners, convenience food, air fresheners etc.
I love the thrill of getting something for less…and although my time does cost money, I’m not going to get money in my pocket for the time I don’t spend clipping coupons. I use coupons for the things I buy anyway and my daughter helps me clip them, so I see it as a win-win.
I never buy name brands of anything so I can rarely use coupons.
Coupons are not a waste!!!
i love them like in the rite aid ad i got hair dye for 2 bucks 3 doollar off coupon and on sale score i spend my sinday getting my coupons wile my kids look at the pretty pictures there happy and i save money
Great article – thanks! You can learn more about online free coupon registration, great discounts related queries, as well as the pros and cons of different websites with us…..
Regards,
icoupon
Coupons aren’t a waste, however, after I do clip I’m not so diligent as to have them with me when I’ve gone shopping – so in a sense it was a waste! I just need to stop procrastinating and get them from the pile I’ve just made to my acrylic folder and into the car so they are available when I go shopping.
After clipping the coupons you are going to use, take those you don’t clip to work and leave in the break room for others to clip –
I love coupons! We use them for groceries, health & beauty and restaurants. It can take some time, they have to be organized……..I usually cut them while I am watching TV (a show that doesn’t require all my attention) I try to combine them when the item is on sale or a few times a year some grocery stores will have TRIPLE coupon savings. I only use them for things I would buy anyway.
Excellent information – thank you. Most people don’t know how important things that you highlighted are. Thanks for helping spread the good word!
Regards,
Fort Lauderdale Locksmith