Instead of couponing

I've looked into it off-and-on for years, and I just can't see where I would actually save by doing coupons. I'm certain there are reasons why it works, and there are ladies who couldn't get by without it. But it doesn't work for our large family.

Here are some of the reasons why:

• We are very basic people; we don't use the products that are covered by coupons
• I get fuzzy in the head just thinking about keeping track of all of the sales, etc.
• I would need to buy 14 of each item, or enough to feed 14 servings, etc.
• After comparing, I have found that I can do as good or better by my careful shopping for store brands or in bulk.
• In my humble opinion, most coupons were created by manufacturers to convince us to try and use items they have dreamed up so that we will think we are using something "new" and "innovative"--like those Swiffer-type doohickies that make you think that you are doing less work, when in reality you are just helping the corporate bottom-line because they know that you could buy a broom and a mop from just about any company, and they would work just as well for a lot less.
  

Things I do to cut costs:

• I use only the cheapest toothpaste--usually about $1 a tube
• Our shampoo is $1 or less a bottle (we use 4 a month)
• I buy our toothbrushes at Dollar Tree--4/$1--we go through at least 8 a month (this is a whole other adventure--check previous posts)
• I use a vinegar and water mixture in old Windex spray bottles to clean pretty much everything in the house--from toilets, to sinks, to windows, to mirrors.
• Baking soda is my next ally
  
• I don't buy breakfast cereal
• We buy the store-brand of diapers, wipes, feminine products, etc.
• My cosmetics are the cheapest--often from Dollar Tree--but they work just as well as the more expensive brands.
• We don't use over-the-counter medicines, except for the occasional store-brand "effervescent pain-reliever" for $2 a box
• Even our "natural" medications are few, and can usually be home-made, save for Goldenseal--which is one of our favorites--better than lots of stuff that's prescribed.
  
• Our snacks are basic--like popcorn, pretzels, and corn chips that we buy in bulk. If we want cookies, we make them--except for the $1 a box graham crackers that we are sort of addicted to.
• My kids would rather have an apple or some raisins (or even a few dates) than one of those crazy, unhealthy fruit rollup thingies that cost a lot and wire kids up.
• We prefer water or milk to any other beverage (we do have Reverse Osmosis drinking water--worth its weight in gold!)
• Our laundry detergent is bought by the big bucket from Sam's, and when I think it needs a boost I put a small amount of Borax in with it.
• Bleach works to disinfect and whiten our clothes (we also have a water-softening system)
• Spot remover--just a dab of dish liquid--cuts grease and almost anything else if put on before it sets!
  
• We use white bar rags instead of paper towels
• If we need some "freshening", I open some windows or I use a tea light and a potpouri simmering pot ( I find these at Thrift Stores and the Goodwill for about .50 a piece)
  

I don't like (I actually hate) shopping except for thrift stores and garage sales (well, maybe book stores could be put in there, too). Instead of spending my time shopping for coupon deals, I'd rather spend a couple of hours a month stocking my pantry with basics that are multi-purpose, and then using the rest of my time for things like blogging, reading stories aloud to my little ones and listening to my older ones.