Stockpiling with Coupons

Let’s Build A Stockpile

First let’s tackle something.  A stockpile does not have to be ridiculously big, as you may have seen on T.V.  A stockpile varies from family to family depending on the size and needs.  I try to have at least three months of supplies on hand for my family of five.  If there is a sale on something that’s FREE or will make me money and I don’t need it, it does NOT go in my stockpile!  It goes straight to donation! *Exception-Sometimes when I know an event will happen in the near future, I will put it in my stockpile and wait to donate it at the event.*

• Take it slow.  When you first start to coupon and build your stockpile, don’t buy a ton of items all at once!  That defeats the purpose of couponing.  You still need to keep it within your budget.
• Buy for the future.  Don’t just buy what you need for that week when you are shopping.  When you are trying to decide how much of a product to buy, base it on how much you need and use during a sale cycle.  Sale cycles can last anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks.  If your family goes through one box of cereal a week, buy enough to cover the next several weeks so you get the best possible price on it.
• Be smart.  Don’t let the high of getting stuff for FREE take over!  It is fun and exciting to coupon, especially when you see your bill drop.  However, when you get home and realize you have so much stuff that you don’t need or too much that you can’t use before it expires, get rid of it!
• Donate it!  When your stockpile starts showing signs of hoarding, be proactive and give.  If you think it’s FUN to get FREE stuff, then you will love the feeling of donating.  It’s another type of high.  There are so many places you can donate to.  Local food banks, churches, friends, and nonprofit events are great examples.

Overall, stockpiling can be very healthy if done the correct way.  Don’t focus on it too much to where your attention strays from the most important things in your life.