Don't laugh, but combining online and paper coupons, rebates, and double-up days, then stashing your haul in the basement can future-proof your future budgets. Your grandparents knew this, but they didn't have your ability to find and combine coupons. Here's how to clip and save the sensible way.
Image via sanbeiji.
The Chicago Tribune's Frugalista takes on the seemingly post-apocalyptic practice of stockpiling, including all the potential drawbacks. The non-secret trick is to buy nonperishable goods at ludicrously low prices—as in 50 cents for name-brand cereal—and find a way to stash it. Not in your cupboards or over the fridge, mind you. Nathan Engels, who runs WeUseCoupons.com with his wife, details the dilemma. If you're without children, just substitute "your cravings" for "the kids":
Keep it out of sight. Call it the Costco effect. If I put 15 boxes of Pop-Tarts in the kitchen cupboard, my family would keep the toaster running morning, noon and night. This can be intensified if money has been tight and treats scarce before Mom or Dad started couponing.
... (Engels) offers this advice: First, be patient, because the kids will eventually get tired of the exciting new food. Second - and this is the practice in the Frugalista household - keep the bulk of your stockpile out of sight. When we run out of an item in the kitchen, I "shop" my stockpile to replace it - way more convenient and cheaper than running out to the store.
Shorter version: it's hard not to think of groceries as a week-to-week thing, but the rewards are notable—and make your occasional food splurge far less guilt-inducing.
Tips for stockpiling groceries to save money [Chicago Tribune]