Keep up the good work, the positive energy and the videos!!!!!!

As far as all my travel sizes and samples go, (like everything else) they have a particular home, but they come and go quickly because as I get a good amount of them, we take them down and donate them to the local veteran’s hospital that runs a program to assist our homeless veterans by giving them meals, drinks, medical attention, and basic toiletries. I’m engaged to a ranger veteran and seeing what he and all of our other vets/active duty go through in and out of the military just makes me want to help all I can!!

By the way, I just wanna say I think the Hip2Help tour is wonderful and I’m so happy to know that there are people out there that will help others just out of the kindness of their hearts!! We don’t do anything on that large of a scale, but we do make a point to donate whenever we can to our animal shelters, veterans hospital and local food pantry!! Thanks for taking your time to run such an awesome site to help us find some awesome deals for ourselves and to help people that are in need!!

So nice to meet you and glad that you found Hip2Save! I actually filmed a video at the commissary last year, but I definitely need to do an updated video. In addition, i do occasionally post commissary match-ups. Check out the links below…

http://hip2save.com/2010/01/follow-me-monday-grocery-shopping-redo.html

http://hip2save.com/2011/02/my-commissary-deals-i-saved-80-you-can-too.html

Also, I love the organizing tips, I don’t want to have the stuff over run my home. So I went and got my hanging shoe thing and hung it on the pantry door, PERFECT idea. Why didn’t I think of that? I’m a bit a OCD/organizer freak. So you gave me great ideas for storing all my treasures. My thing is 3 of one thing. And in my binder, I’m going to put month tabs, put the coupons that will expire that month in there in some type of category order. That way I shop in the month.

Colin, I’m back to commissary shopping, didn’t have that in Tampa, lived to far away. Could we maybe do a coffee show on Commissary and BX/PX shopping one time? And I must say I love your fashion ideas too, I’m the same, give me my jeans I love and I’ll spend less on my jackets and tops, but never retail on those. And of course to accessorize smart is the only way to go.

Okay I wrote a book. Would love to guest on your show, especially if you do one on military base shopping. Well off to print some more stuff off…so i can fill my binder.

Thanks for all your adise, help and many ideas. What a blessing!

Laurie (aka) megryan1969….no not Meg Ryan. Daughter’s name is Megan, son’s middle name is Ryan…so megryan:-)

Thank you for the ideas – I stole your personal care organization system

I posted pics on my blog – you are the BEST!

http://livingonthecheap.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-mini-stockpile.html

I think when I do spring cleaning next month I’m going to take advantage of the ‘under the bed’ storage idea for personal care. Great idea.

Right now, my oldest (who’s 18) has his room in the basement, but I dream of the day that I can take over a small portion of the basement and turn it into an extra pantry area.

This is the first video I watched on your site. Don’t know why I had this impression that you’re an older lady. But in the video you look so good and down to earth, even though you say you were tired. Just want you to know that you look good!

My grandson is moving into his own place on Saturday, and I’m filling up boxes for his pantry,, pasta, ricearoni, toothpaste, chips and snacks, cereals, detergents,,, lots of my extras… it feels good to be able to save him a BIG trip to the store, with my freebies and deals. Always good to help the kids. I also “share” my pantry with my daughter and her family,, when she is out of something I have,, off it goes.
I consider couponing and getting deals on things my family will use to be a part time job… I am ABLE to do more for them because of the good deals we have gotten.
I watched tangled with the grandkids this week,, and I’m goign to buy the movie so they can watch it at my house with the Rite Aid deal combined with Nexxus, cause I have UPS and a $3/$15 coupon to use.
When you are stressing over deals you can’t find,, or deciding on whether to BUY MORE even though you don’t need it…. just remember,,,, There’s always another Deal,, And Collin will help us find it!
Happy Dealing Ladies!!! love all your comments!

Enclume MPU-13 RACK IT UP Utensil Bar Pot Rack, with 8 Hooks

It is a fun way to follow the deals but not create a huge stockpile since there is a limit. It makes a great gift for them as they have to pay for this kind of stuff themselves (out a monthly allowance) so it frees up money for fun,

BTW- I LOVE your bed (frame & headboard) It is exactly what I have been searching for! Where did you get it?

I spent the first 15 years of my life as a military brat. We lived in the most amazing places! We LOVE your site and your great ideas!!! Thanks to you and all the other military families that sacrifice for our freedom!

I wonder if hospitals would let you bring in care packages for family stuck at the hospital.

I also used to have problems saying Worcestershire as well… however my very English husband taught me the “correct” pronunciation.

Woost-ta-sure

its a weird word…

Hope you give/share more fun videos!!!

I have a pretty good stock pile, too. I only coupon seasonally, some times in the year I just have more time (the garden is done or I’m not teaching, etc). We have one car so going to the store is always a hassle. Anyway, last spring I did some crazy couponing and then again at Christmas (especially with Jingle Cash). That has us set for the year.

We have a lot of out of town guests and I love to say, “Help yourself” to the Linen Closet Personal Hygeine Shoppe.

OH and I Love the pan and lid organizer you have there!! I always try to keep my pand organized with the lids on them all nice where they go – and my family jsut throws them around and doesn’t put them neatly in there when they put dishes away – so totally loving that hanging thing. I think I may get me one!

Sorry for the confusion. I removed this post as the fine print actually stated that the offer could not be published without Kellogg’s written permission.

I am looking forward to the Target bag, especially the coupons.

Thanks!

When we moved to North Carolina (about 2 years ago), I donated most of my stockpile and also made “Goodbye” gift baskets for neighbors and friends. I don’t regret the decision I made at all considering it made the whole moving process a heck of a lot easier. And as I said in the video, there is always another sale around the corner… So it was very easy for me to build my stockpile back up after we got settled.

Check out this post I did on coupon clipping services:

http://hip2save.com/2010/08/need-coupons-check-out-readers-tips-picks.html

I hope it helps!

I tried to get a container, but they are all 12 inches long and my pantry shelves are like 10 inches, I can’t have anything sticking out or the door will hit it and I don’t want anything that would be too long on the shelf as it would take up too much space! lol

Love the basket idea, but I don’t have a guess bathroom! I need to come up with an idea that works for us too. I have it all in the bathroom closet and it looks messy, but it’s organized…..really! lol

Container idea is great! My sister does that and well, since I have the space in my bathroom, I don’t do under the bed, but if I had to, I’d do that

I never thought of donating the travel size items to the hospitals. I’ll have to call our local hospital and V A Hospital to see if they accept them. Thanks for the tip!

I’m glad to see your not a hoarder, I love good deals too and probably have a very similar stockpile. I’ve been couponing for a few years now and so I’m comfortable knowing that there are deals around ever corner.

We always try to donate as much as possible too, Some of the blogger’s that have been on tv lately probably have more than they’ll every use. Thanks for reminding us it’s ok to skip deals when you don’t need them!

I really enjoyed this video and its message.

I live in a 2-story house (but not huge) circa 1980′s before they started giving over all the square footage to the bonus room concept (many are not built over the garage but actually steal space from other rooms)

I could potentially go crazy stockpiling with all the closets, shelves, pantries, etc in here. We have 3 linen closets, 2 pantries, a HUGE coat closet, walk-in closets in all bedrooms, an upstairs hallway closet, shelves in the laundry and huge vanities in the bathrooms (the black holes for health and beauty products). I knew before starting this that my husband would not abide me taking over the garage, LOL. It’s always been for cars and “garage stuff.”

I actually never went “wild” because I have to pay taxes on even free stuff-8.25% on food and 9.25% on prepared food/other goods. It’s a pretty fair tax burden considering we don’t have personal property tax or income tax–BUT it makes me hesitate before just bringing stuff home. If I get a “free” item worth $1 I will still be paying over .09 for it. Added up, if it’s not something you “need” it’s still spending money unnecessarily.

I’ve also never wanted to use coupons on trial sizes to get them free. I have a little issue about over packaging when I don’t have a real need for lots of tiny packaged items. Plus, it’s annoying as all get out to try to get that last ounce out!

These days, when I “bargain shop” I take out a set amount of cash and when it’s gone, no more bargain hunting for say, 2 weeks! On occasion I have wanted to run down to Walgreen’s to get a super deal and scrounged around for the change to pay for it. It makes it too easy to ignore the real cost when using a debit card.

I am looking forward to the annual post office food drive so I can clean out the food pantries a bit. I probably only have a few bags worth than can be considered “overstock” but it seems hardly anyone participates.

I will say my husband has never said a word about how many “deals” I bring in. I think it’s because he’s never had to trip over it, had it fall on his head out of a closet or had me ask him for more grocery money because I overbought on a deal and ignored our “needs.”

He also finally realized on his own that he needs to stay home from the grocery. He would blow the budget (even with me using coupons). I can come out of a store spending $50 where he would spend $150.

I log onto your site probably 5 times a day. I’m usually quiet and don’t say much but just wanted you to know how much you’re appreciated. I love your videos. You’re just so darn cute! I love that you’re a real human being with a fun personality, energetic approach, and an organized thinker. I think we could be buds if you lived in Nashville! ;o) I became a part-time worker a year ago to spend more time at home with my little one and your site has really helped our budget!! Thank you, thank you, and thank you <3

I’ve been at this for over 3 years now and I have discovered that some sales just *don’t* come around again. If you find a product you love and there is an amazing deal, stock up. Many new products have awesome coupons and sales that you won’t find again when the product has been around a while. I don’t mean buy 100 bottles of lotion just because you love it and get it free, be realistic. I buy for about 6 months to a year at a time because there are some things that in 3 years I have only saw one fabulous deal on. Sure, every week there are body wash and tooth paste and deodorant deals but if you use a specific (sometimes obscure) brand and are loyal to that then take advantage of the deals you find and make sure you have enough to last a while!

Otherwise … I love that you are not encouraging “extreme” behavior!

I would also add that our church has recently begun working with an urban elementary school and 40% of the janitorial budget was cut this year so they have been in dire need of things like kleenex, hand sanitizer, bandaids, the teachers are buying their own paper and the school has put in showers because some kids are from poor homes that may not have hot or running water so the school is even providing laundering and showers and requested donations of travel size shower supplies. This is a great way to help the community because what kid can learn when they are worried about being bullied because the haven’t been able to shower…. etc. So if you are looking for another venue to donate, consider your local schools.

Thanks again Collin!

i use and old chest of drawers to put my surplus in. the chest is stored in my utility room.

my husband has since told me i can only get the items that are totally free of money makers.

however on another note, i do donate items to a friend who is part of a group “navy moms”, they send care packages over seas.

on thing, i stocked up on the scrubbing bubbles power spray bathtub cleaner. have the starter kit and the refills… no wonder it was cheap or free…. i hate the stuff…. it works but not to my liking

That’ one thing about it. I just get to “sick” of deals to keep doing them over and over and get a huge stockpile. Enough is enough.

To organize I just got a 5 tier shelf and set it up in my garage. I agree that it helps to see what you have so you can know when your running low on something.

I have been seriously couponing for about 2 years now. I work from home and live right in the middle of a ton of drugstores, 2 Targets, 3 Walmarts ( even though I rarely go there), numerous dollar stores and grocery stores. I have backed off considerably and try not to make repeat trips. My 2 yr old and I usually shop one day a week, taking our time to check out the toys, have lunch and “make a day” of it. Sometimes I go out another day for groceries if there are a lot of sales or to make a “pickup run” as deals are posted later in the week.

As far as the stockpile goes, I , like most new couponers, bought way too much at first. I didn’t throw away too much food, but did an overhaul a few months ago using many of the methods that you outlined, actually.

I have (large) storage containers under my bed for cleaning products, feminine products, etc. I have a rather small pantry, so my husband converted one of our closets into a backup pantry for canned goods, snack items, baking goods, etc. I put shelves in 2 other closets for medicines and personal care products. I like seeing at a glance what I have as far as shampoo, etc. goes and it is even easier for me to replace.

I use shoe organizers in all my closets and they are great for food items or even gloves, hats in the coat closet.

We are in the South and it gets so hot that I don’t trust much to the garage, but I do keep paper products out there or even in the attic if need be, but that is rare.

I have learned the lesson of “another deal is just around the corner” and try to only really stock up on non perishables that are super cheap. My husband works 2 jobs and I work from home and run the household, so it is always in my mind that I want to have several months’ worth stocked up knowing that if I am ever unable to shop, he will probably pay full price ( gasp!).

OK, this is a WAY long comment. I am the Queen of Rambling. Two things I love are 1) An organized stockpile and 2) An organized coupon binder!!!

Once a year I go through the pantry and cabinets looking for those things that got pushed to the back. That typically tells me I either got too many of them or it was something I really did not like. Then I box it up and donate. I have even learned that one of the missions in my city will come pick it up if I will leave it on the front porch. I also tend to snatch up all the pet food deals. I don’t have a cat, but have been known to have cases of cat treats lol. I drop them off at a local rescue and they use them and give them to the people who adopt the cats. I love that I can help without breaking the budget, I don’t mind paying tax for the stuff because it is still less than I would normally donate in cash and they love it!

This weekend I sorted through my bathroom stockpile. I realized that when I first started couponing I bought things that I really will never use just because they were free or super cheap (like Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste and a deodorant I’ve never tried!) I’m going to look for a shelter to donate those items. Anyone know of a place in Atlanta that would take a few tubes of toothpaste and some deodorant?

I bought a shelf organizer at Ikea, so I doubled the space under my sink and keep my toiletries there. The space under the guest bathroom sink has the toilet paper that wouldn’t fit in my laundry area, though I fear a burst pipe will destroy that one day. However, I live in a fairly tiny townhouse, so beggars can’t be choosers.

I have a small pantry, and when the shelves are full I place overflow items in wine crates on the floor under the shelves. I also have wine crates in the space between the top of my kitchen cabinets and the ceiling. I got them for free at a liquor store, and they look nice, in addition to holding a lot of canned goods.

Thanks for your message today! It is really important to not let savings becom an obsession, that in turn causes you to spend money just because there is a “deal.” Thank you for being honest with us, because it is soooo easy to get caught up on the “thrill of the hunt,” as my husband says. You are awesome and I look forward to your videos on Monday mornings. Blessings to you!

Our apartment became filled with stuffs and it stressed me out because I love organizing and cleaning. I cannot organize anymore because I don’t have enough space for all of these things. Your tips really helped me (and probably many other people). I got a gift card to TJMaxx, so maybe I will go there and start organizing

BTW, I love coffee with Collin series too!

Thank you thank you thank you for pointing out that even though its free you dont need 50 of them, because a deal will come back around. I think that a lot of people do forget that and are very much caught up in the but its free/cheap (i did at first too).

Thanks again

I love your site. I use it regularlly. I wait on Saturdays for your drug store posts!! I love to get these great deals. I just find it fun. I don’t know if it is weird or not but I enjoy it. I don’t like a huge stockpile but I love it when I finish my wonderful lotions, washes, shampoos, etc etc and can go to my stockpile and get a new one.

I don’t like to have tons of stuff so I share. I share with everyone, friends, familys, employees, just anyone I come accross. I went in to the garage the other day and my husband was giving deoderant and body wash to the UPS guys!! Thanks for all your help with this could not do it without all the wonderful people who share their ideas and deals!!

Thanks for all the deals!!

Clutter and excess stresses me out so as long as I am able to keep the cupboard full and organized , I am happy

If it helps, Americans say “worst-eh-sure”

Second, hope your husband is well soon – sending speedy recovery wishes from Atlanta…both from throat hurting to surgery outcome.

Love your videos, Coffee w/Collin, and appreciate the time you (and your camera friend) take to put them together for us around the globe. Keep smiling, hugs to your family and big love from us in couponland!

What I do is a mini-stockpile, for example, this week with the Folgers deal ($2 off coupon), I will grab 6 containers of coffee – this will last a while and we will use it up around the time a new deal pops up!

Something you said once sticks with me – “another deal is always around the corner” – so it makes me not stress out if I miss out. There is another one around the corner.

Cheers!

I hope you had a better weekend.