Another Grocery Store Associate Criticizes Couponers

Here we go again…people who use coupons criticized.

A Dear Abby article in the papers today shines a critical light on couponers once again. In brief, the letter, from a grocery store associate, says that coupons are a necessary evil, and coupons left on shelves for others shoppers to use pose a hazard because they clog up drains in dairy shelves, potentially cause shoppers to fall, and are generally a nuisance all the way around. And of course the writer points out the abuse, fraud, and the amount of work coupons pose for store workers.

I am just stunned. How can a basic act like couponing, which our grandmothers used to do, get everyone so riled up? Do couponers constantly complain about how grocery stores treat us? Should I discuss how many people I know who tell me that they absolutely hate shopping at any grocery store because the workers are rude, the produce is awful, the marketing is ridiculous (ie: the famous “Manager’s Special”), and the prices are outrageous? Is there any wonder WHY so many people now have to coupon to be able to fill a fridge and pantry?

This growing rift between grocery store associates and people who coupon has to stop. Not every couponer is an extreme couponer! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Listen, I’m the first one to say that the TLC show, Extreme Couponing, has ruined it for many of us. The show portrays crazy couponers, not run-of-the-mill couponers like myself. So now, it seems like there are two camps: us (couponers) and them (grocery stores and people who hate couponers). This rift is ridiculous because we are all in this together: trying to save money on our grocery bills so we can feed our families.

Can’t we all just get along?

~Marilyn, TFF

Coupon Class at Fairfield Woods Branch Library–Sign Up Now!

Couponing 101 Class

Coupon exchanging and giveaways!

Registration Required at the Fairfield Woods Branch Library

• Monday, 1/23 & 1/30, 2012 at the Fairfield Woods Branch Library
• 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. (bring a lunch if you’d like)

Marilyn Zelinsky-Syarto, consumer expert and founder of Two Frugal Fairfielderslocal blog, will facilitate this group and will bring boxes of coupons for giveaways!

Jaime Lee McIntyre, RD CD-N, Grade A ShopRite Dietitian,brings giveaways and talks about healthy couponing during the first session.

What you will learn:

• Why coupon?
• How to successfully coupon.
• Myths about couponing.
• Savings potential.
• Where to find coupons.
• Affording organics and couponing.

Registration required

Supplies needed to create your own coupon stash:

• Pen
• Small scissors
• Any size sticky notes
• Any coupons you already have
• For a bin, bring in a small empty photo box plus a box of white 3×6 (approx.) envelopes that fit upright into the box.
• For a binder, a 2” or 3” binder plus a handful of baseball card holder sleeves (found at Walmart, Toys RUs,), and binder dividers.

All programs are free and open to the public. Limited seating. Register online at http://www2.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org, or call 203-255-7308.

Fairfield Woods Branch

1147 Fairfield Woods Road

Fairfield, CT 06825

More About Frugal Fatigue Syndrome

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Read another well-done response about frugal fatigue from a fellow penny-pincher.

For another frugal fatigue response, take a look at Cheapism’s post.

~TFF

This Just In: Coming Up…Free Offers from Local Businesses in CT Post Newspaper

Freebies coming up from the Connecticut Post print version.

Buried on page 19 of Sunday’s Connecticut Post, a new program beginning April 1st offering readers free deals every Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday from local businesses. One example (not an actual coupon, just a preview) is a coupon from Stew Leonards offering a free $10 cookbook. We will keep you updated on when we spot these freebies and on what pages…it’ll most likely be a print promotion only. Stay tuned!

Bargain Alert of the Day for Fairfield, CT– Price Rite Part One

Price Rite on Main Street is clean, bright, and cheap! Photo: Courtesy of Price Rite

If you don’t mind buying store brands or generic, you will want to head to Price Rite on Main Street in Bridgeport. This Frugal Fairfielder purchased $47.50 worth of groceries that would have gone for more than $60 or $70 at other area stores.

If you must have your favorite brands, Price Rite has some of them, but not all, and it is hit or miss with the prices (always check the unit prices, especially important at Price Rite where something looks gooooood and cheap, but compare it to other products’ unit prices and it’s not so goooood and cheap).

Here are a few great finds of the day–there are more there, but will find them next time.

Best Bets:

Generics: Napkins 250 count for $1.49, Apple Juice $1.19, Romaine lettuce .63 cents, jug of OJ for $2.49 (same thing is $3.99 elsewhere), gallon of ice cream in various flavors $1.79 (pretty good price).

Brands: Perdue Chopped Turkey 1 lb. pkg $1.49!  Axelrod Yogurts for .33 cents a cup, there are more…

Caution: Stay Tuned for Part Two Post on “How to Shop Price Rite”–there is a definite process that you will want to follow for best and cheapest results!

This Just In…Worth It…Learn to Teach Frugality to Kids

  

A great event at the main Fairfield Library. Hopefully they will teach parents how to raise frugal kids.

 

We love the potential of this event!  

When: March 3rd at 7-8:30 p.m.  

Where: Main Fairfield Public Library on the Post Road.  

Why: A chance to learn to teach kids the ins and outs of money, money, money!  

Thank you, Fairfield Public Library!  

Note: Two Frugal Fairfielders cannot attend due to a 4th Grade Orchestra Concert going on at the same time :–(