Many coupon users, myself included, participate in a practice commonly known as “stockpiling”. The mission behind stockpiling is tomake it one’s aim to never pay full price for anything. Instead, the goal is to stock up when an item is on sale so that you never pay full price for the products you use on a regular basis.
The word “stockpiling” often brings to mind images of extreme unbalance… garages filled with more groceries and personal care items than one could ever hope to use (think Extreme Couponing), or pictures of those preparing themselves for a time when household staples will not be readily available. Balanced stockpiling, however, is a very wise practice. Since it basically involves stocking your pantry with what you need and will use. I choose to call this “the pantry principle“.
Other than perishable items like dairy products and produce, I try very hard not to EVER pay full price for anything or to spend impulsively. Of course there are times when I do buy something impulsively or when I misjudge my stock and end up paying the full amount right then. However, for the most part, I can honestly say that the majority of the grocery items, personal care and household product my family uses are is purchased at more than 50% off.
Because I stock up on items when they are on sale (provided my budget allows) and/or I have a coupon, my shopping habits often appear strange. If I can get BBQ sauce for free, I’ll purchase as many as I have coupons for. If I can get cereal for less than $1 a box by doubling coupons at Homeland, I’ll make several trips to Homeland in one week.
When I plan the menu for the week, I first check to see what my pantry and freezer already hold. The majority of the weekly menu is planned around these ingredients. Then I use the weekly sales fliers along with my coupons to determine what else I want or need to stock up on within my budget. I also add in any specific ingredients I need to round out a recipe or meal I’ve planned from the freezer and pantry ingredients.
For many people who are used to buying only what groceries you’ll use in the next week, the concept of buying ahead can be overwhelming. However, I highly recommend you at least give it a try as it can save you a great deal of money.
You do not have to go out tomorrow and spend $500 trying to stock your pantry. Instead, designate a small percentage of your grocery budget each week to buying extra of those heavily-discounted items which you know you will use sometime in the next few months.
Slowly start to build up a stockpile of items you regularly use as you find them discounted by 50% or more with a sale and coupon. Over time, your stockpile will grow until you come to a point where you can begin to pretty much only buy items which are at rock-bottom prices, in addition to produce and perishable items. After practicing “the pantry principle” for about five years, the majority of the items I shop for each week are stockpile items.
Start practicing “the pantry principle” and you will see a significant decrease in your grocery and household budget, not to mention, you’ll have products on hand you were never able to afford before.
Be sure to check out my articles on setting a household budget and menu planning.
I really love your blog. The information you’ve shared has helped me already and I can’t wait to see where I’ll be three months from now. I’ve told everyone I know about it. Thanks again.
Hello there my name is Chelsye and I have just recently decided to start couponing a couple weeks ago because I quit getting food stamps. We are a family of 3. Me, my daughter and husband. Someone I know referred me to your website and it has been quite helpful. I haven’t taken a shopping trip yet using coupons and want any advice possible. We are really tight on money and trying to also save for future. Any personal advice and help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Chelsye,
Start with Homeland and cherry pick the best deals your family will use. Then round out your grocery shopping by shopping at Crest Foods or Walmart. Before you shop, read through all the articles located under “the basics” tab. These will give you insight into basic couponing.
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Simple Truth
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9:10
Hello, I'm Amanda...Christ follower, Wife, Mother, Step-mother, Frugalista and the person behind the blog. My goal is to help you practice frugality in the home by becoming a smarter shopper. Every day I'll show you how to save money on groceries and other household items by using store sales, coupons, customer reward programs, rebates and other shopping strategies. I'll also share ideas and encouragement for blessing others. So welcome! I am so blessed to have you here!
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I really love your blog. The information you’ve shared has helped me already and I can’t wait to see where I’ll be three months from now. I’ve told everyone I know about it. Thanks again.
Hello there my name is Chelsye and I have just recently decided to start couponing a couple weeks ago because I quit getting food stamps. We are a family of 3. Me, my daughter and husband. Someone I know referred me to your website and it has been quite helpful. I haven’t taken a shopping trip yet using coupons and want any advice possible. We are really tight on money and trying to also save for future. Any personal advice and help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Chelsye,
Start with Homeland and cherry pick the best deals your family will use. Then round out your grocery shopping by shopping at Crest Foods or Walmart. Before you shop, read through all the articles located under “the basics” tab. These will give you insight into basic couponing.