Just Not Cutting It
I recently read a nice post on some of the downsides of couponing. While there are many near and dear to me who have found great success in this area, I can honestly say that I’m an utter failure. I have been hesitant to say anything about this until now because I know there are lots of people who are very passionately devoted to this. I wish I were. And for the longest time, I’ve felt guilty about not really going after it. Truth be told, I’m a bit envious of those who have mastered this phenomenon.
That being said, I have to admit that even though I sort of wish that I cared a little more about it, A couple years back, I was truly inspired by this comprehensive list of smart shopping strategies. I have found that several of these DO work for me and in turn, for our family. Because as it’s been stated, “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.”
I don’t mean to make light of it. I don’t mean to say that everything we do in life needs to make us happy. For some, conquering a good deal is a challenge and victory is sweet. It makes you happy to know that you’ve saved your family money that can now be used for something else. I think that’s great.
For me, some of those happy feelings come from finding a new use for something old, sewing something for one of my kids or for a friend or baking a loaf of bread (or 2 or 3). I find that I need creativity in some form or another each day in order to thrive. This post about finding ways to stay creative was helpful and encouraging to me. The time I would spend agonizing over coupons and compiling various lists for different stores is (for me and mine) better spent doing these creative types of things. (just to name a few!)
Sure, we need to be good stewards of what we have been given. But this plays out differently for different folks. So if you feel insecure because you’re not creative, or I feel insecure because I spent more on my groceries than you did, neither one of us is quite as valuable to our families as we could be if we were less focused on the ways we’re failing. So, in the words of my very wise father in law, “just do a little better” each day. Seek contentment. How you serve your family looks different than how I serve mine. And that’s okay.
I got into coupons while Mike was deployed. I save TONS. I was exhausted. I gave it up for a while, and then felt so guilty about the extra grocery cost that I picked it back up only to find myself stressed and exhausted once again. I also found myself very hateful to the kids while shopping because I was so focused on the coupons and my list that I wasn’t taking teaching opportunities with them at the store.
You are not alone!
I have a lot of hobbies (reading, crochet, sewing, flower gardening, etc), but couponing isn’t one of them any longer.
More power to those who get those killer deals, and I do miss the savings. I just have to save in other areas.
Thanks for a GREAT post that was very encouraging to me.
I admit I have one of those CVS store cards…but I really have no clue how to use it, and any time I try, I end up with a bunch of stuff I would never have bought in the first place.
The other day I was at the grocery store, and they had this deal in their ad paper that you could get 4 very large boxes of cereal for just 6 dollars. It seemed like a great deal, except the cereal you could choose from were: Rice Krispies, Frosted Flakes, Corn Puffs, or Apple Jacks. I fell into the trap, and a week later have determined that I really don’t like any of those cereals EXCEPT Frosted Flakes, and they are really not the best way to start your day.
Now I have a pantry full of sugary cereal. I especially hate Corn Puffs…and I have a whole lot of them to eat. Now I am off to read that link you had about saving the family money.
Side note- I also can’t sew, and have never baked a loaf of bread (maybe ONCE with Linda Buttram’s bread machine?)
Ah life.
But you are so musical! You’re an artist, Natalie. Admit it.
It’s all about taking care of your family the best way you can. I’m glad this was encouraging to you…
Gina, I read that same post the other day and it was so encouraging. I also have wondered if I should be couponing. But every time I’ve started searching for coupons they are never for things I would normally buy. I think it’s hard enough to be at the store with four kids without throwing in the challenge of using coupons. I think I have also found other ways to save money; like cloth diapering or buying in bulk. There are plenty of ways to be good stewards and we shouldn’t feel bad if we do things differently than other moms. Thanks for speaking out about this.
Your calling (one of ‘em) is bread making. Stick to that and I will remain your loyal cheerleader. Personally I prefer a fresh loaf of bread to a couple of packages of Downy Fabric Sofener…. how DO you spell softener?
My daughter is the artist! Tonight she figured out during bath time that she could leave lovely handprints all over my green tee shirt with her wet paws. She was fascinated. I was not. But I guess we did create together! Shelly, I cannot fathom grocery shopping with 4….I’ll be hitting up Kroger at midnight if I ever am in your shoes.
It’s not easy, Natalie. I can’t go without Isabelle because she pushes Jonah in his stroller while Maggie rides in the cart. Jack’s not really big enough to push the baby without running into things, or people. I tried once or twice letting Maggie and the baby ride in the cart. Umm…no. Maggie will either throw things out of the cart or stand in it the whole time. Every once in a while I get to go by myself or with just the baby. I guess you kind of ease into juggling things. I remember after having Jack wondering how will I ever go to the store with TWO? ha ha.
Love this post. I have been out of reading your blog lately, due to having another baby. But i think I’m all caught up and just love what you have to say. I couponed for a long time. I actually enjoyed it. But now, not so much. It’s a lot harder when you have two kids. I’m still trying to manage my house work, so I doubt I’ll be couponing any longer. At least the way I used to. Hope you’re enjoying your summer!
hi amber! glad you’re adjusting to having 2! it is definitely hard to keep up with everything, so you kind of have to just pick and choose what things will get your attention…laundry, cooking, sewing, cleaning, gardening, sewing and schooling are the things that get mine. coupons had to go.
i so appreciate this post!! when i read the linked article on the downsides of couponing, i immediately looked to see if the author lives in my town b/c there is a sect of women who are NUTS about it. after berating myself for months for not taking the time to sit down and go through papers and websites, i finally did. and i learned the same thing the author referenced – that most of the things coupons apply to are not things we stock in my home! if they start using them on veggies and fresh fruit, i’ll be one of those psychos running up and down the aisle, but until then, you have helped me sigh contentedly about my decision to stay out of the fray
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Loved this post
Off to MommyCoddle to read those tips!!!