Stockpiling -- It Only Makes Sense

When I started this thing of getting SO MUCH stuff for free, I had to have a place to store it. I had no idea what I was getting into. First, I kept everything in the bags the cashier put them in. Very soon, that turned into plastic Tupperware boxes. After filling 4 of those, I emptied them into an empty closet. Problem solved. Plenty of room. After a few more good deals, triples at Harris Teeter, and a couple of trips to CVS and Rite Aid, I spread my stash to another closet. That one is about completely full and I need to find yet another spot. Or maybe I'll just cut back some on my deal seeking. But not too much...

Some people see my stockpile and think it's ridiculous, and it is. BUT when I need Windex, I just go and get a bottle. Something need dusting? I've got boxes and boxes of Pledge Wipes and bottles of Pledge. Hungry?? Grab one of 12 boxes or so of cereal (at 60 cents to 84 cents a box). Going to the beach? Take some sunscreen. I've got bottles of it. Wanna clean your bathroom? Here, take some toilet bowl cleaner, tub and sink cleaner, and while you're at it, mop the floors with one of 4 Swiffers I got. This article from Money Saving Mom will show you why it only makes sense to have a stockpile. This is not just for the ladies either. Guys can do it too, unless some of you guys just enjoy paying full retail for something. I have no problem with that either; it is your choice and I really don't care what you do with your money. But if you wanna maximize your dollar and always have supplies on hand, give it a shot.

0ne of the hardest things when you first get started is recognizing a good price when you see it. I used to get excited if I could get cereal for $2 a box. I never pay that now; more like 60 cents to 84 cents a box. But before I thought I was getting a good deal. One of the cool things about having a stockpile is you have enough of the items you use each day and they last you til that same item goes on sale again. If you play it right, you'll have enough of it to last you til its free or you make a profit again. If the item is full price and you have a coupon for it, most likely it is NOT a good deal. Most coupons expire in 6-8 weeks after they are issued, about the time the item on the coupon goes on sale. The trick is to combine store deals with coupons. That way you get the item at the lowest price AND the coupon discount as well. Put this with doubles (everyday at Lowes Food, up to 99 cents) or triples and you will get it for free or you'll make money on it, depending on the coupon policy of the store. Out of my 2 closets full of good, name brand stuff, I probably gave $20-$30 for all of it. The Swiffers and Swiffer Refills alone would have cost me more than $60! I have so much stuff for pennies when you get down to it.

The most amazing thing about all this is HOW MUCH YOU CAN GIVE AWAY!! Everyone knows someone who could use some help. Why not help them and all it will cost you is time? How many times have you thought about how much you would do for others if you had more money? Well when you get things for cheap/free/profit, then you can GIVE MORE and be a blessing to others. Try it out. I can guarantee that you'll get hooked.