Basically, it works like this: I have a coupon for something that's about to expire and I see it on sale. So, I buy it even though I'm not out yet.
Or, Clinique will send me a coupon for a free "something I already use" with a purchase. So, I buy something else I already use and save both.
Or, Aveda has a triple points weekend when I just so happen to be at the salon for a haircut or trim. So, I pick up some shampoo. (It doesn't help that I see my stylist twice a month since my hair grows so fast.)
But, the other day, I was left wondering if I'm actually saving money or just time. And, I'm thinking I'm mostly
just saving time. I mean, maybe I'm saving a little money, but it's hard to tell.
I have figured out that if I have a list handy of what I have tucked away I'm more likely to use it and not buy
another. Right now my list looks like this:
Clinique mascara - 3*
Schick Quattro - 2 cartridge packs
Aveda Scalp Benefits shampoo
Jergens Natural Glow express lotion**
Jergens Natural Glow foam
Clinique Clarifying Lotion
Clinique eye makeup remover**
Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream**
Neutrogena body oil
B&BW Peony body cream
B&BW Peony body spray**
Jonathan Redo spray
Secret Clinical - 2
Glide dental floss - 2
Aveeno shower oil
Clinique antiperspirant**
Philosophy Pure Grace lotion**
Toothbrushes - 4*
* These items were part of a bulk pack. Hence, why I have so many...
** These items were free. Yeah!
Do I look like a hoarder? I really hope I don't. It's just when I know I like something I figure I might as well
buy it on sale, with a coupon, or get lots of points for it. Know what I mean?
What do you do to save money on these items since they can be very pricey?
3 comments:
I have put so much thought into this very same thing! I started couponing several months ago, and wanted to make sure that I didn't fall into the statistic that people who coupon shop actually spend more than those who don't. I made a household inventory like yours, but included kitchen items, other cleaning items (say swiffer or carpet deodorizer) that I use on a regular basis. I never bought anything that was not both couponed AND on sale, and then tucked it all away in an under-the-bed bin. Now that I've got my little "store," I don't buy hardly any household or toiletry items at all, and spend almost no money on those items. I also now know what a good sale price is on the items we use, so I am a lot smarter about all of my purchasing decisions. I think as long as you are smart about it--and don't continue to buy beyond a reasonable stock--you can save tons!
I'm with Law School Wife. I love my couponing and free items, but I have a ton of free stuff (men's care items) and I'm about to donate them to a local service group. I've realized that for most things, I'm well stocked right now, so I haven't been buying/couponing much of anything. It's a nice time to be able to not buy anything but food we run out of, because of house stuff coming up. I think it's worked out well.
I had to do a list with nail polish so I quit duplicating colors. It was bad really. Now our problem is bar soap and tooth paste. I have no idea why I always stock up on those two items but its ridiculous!!! Good luck with your list. ;) XOXO
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