Very few people are born with all 5 of the traits that make a Successful Couponer- but all of these traits are something we can learn to be. These are the 5 traits that most successful couponers that I know all have in common!
Confident. This is definitely a trait that is learned over time- many of us are not born truly confident. There is something intimidating about walking up to a cashier with scraps of colored paper instead of the green bills all the other people pay with- but only until you see that total drop as your coupons are accepted in place of money. You need to be confident in your planning so that you know what the total was supposed to be, confident to address an issue with a coupon or a total and confident in asking that a store follow their policies. Were you one of the ones (like me!) not born confident? Practice makes perfect. The more coupon trips you make- the more confident you will get!
Honest. The most successful couponers don’t need to try and game the system in order to get free items= they don’t need to. They follow the rules of the coupon and the stores they shop. Their stores learn that they are honest and not trying to trick them. The cashier learn that if they say something, it’s true and customer service learns that if they say their bags were missing an item- they were. Dishonest couponers are known by their stores. The see them coming and get on alert. Saving an extra 50 cents isn’t worth another person’s job security to a successful couponer. They foster relationships with their stores- they don’t risk those friendships for 50 cents off a box of Cheerios.
Organized. Successful couponers are organized. They don’t allow coupon inserts to get away from them- regardless of the organization method they use they stay on top of it. They find a method that works for them and they keep at it. Having a schedule helps. For example maybe Monday is the day they organize their coupons, on Wednesday they plan their trips and on Saturday they do their shopping. Being organized keeps the frustration level down and ensures that their coupons are ready when they are. Successful couponers’ pantries are organized too! No sense in buying more of something that is expiring as it sits on the shelves or putting new items in front of
Prepared. The most successful couponers walk into a store on a mission with a list. A detailed list. They plan out what the trip will cost and what coupons they will be using and then what their final cost will be. They print coupons as they come out and don’t wait until the last minute, because they know the hottest coupons go fast. Of course, this couponer highly recommends that you register for Moola Saving Mom’s emails so you always know the hot deals and coupons of the day!
Dedicated. Couponing isn’t a fad or a hobby for the most successful couponers. It’s a lifestyle. It takes time and dedication. It doesn’t need to take 40 hours a week like some “reality” shows try to portray but yes a few hours a week for clipping, planning and shopping are required to see major savings. Successful couponers also know that this is a life style change – not something that can be done a few weeks a year. It’s something that does require consistency in order to be the most successful it can be.
Does it mean someone can’t be successful if they don’t have all 5 of these traits? NO! It means these are the 5 traits I’ve noticed the most successful couponers I know have in common. Some are more organized than others and some go in with more detailed lists than others- but to some degree- all of them have these 5 traits. What other traits do you know in the most successful couponers in your life?
self-forgiving (pretty sure I made that up)and by that I mean if something comes up or you make a mistake this week and end up missing a deal on say cereal this week you won’t be too down on yourself because you know that if you just wait another deal will roll around soon. Forgive yourself if you miss 1 deal as it’s not the end of the world.
Share your blessings 🙂