Meet the Scrimpers- Adam
Today I'm interviewing Adam. Adam hasn't got any Instagram page or blog or money saving dedicated page, but I thought this was important as it shows that anybody can save money, not just those who advise people or share links.
Adam has an impressive stockpile (which I'm jealous of) so I hope we'll learn some new tips today!
Hi Adam, thanks for joining me today!
May I ask what made you start money saving?
I started saving money by couponing while I was out of work and after watching the American show "Extreme Couponing." I knew that every penny counted.
It does indeed, and has it helped? Has it impacted your life positively?
As my stockpile grows, I'm seeing more of the benefits now than ever before. I'm currently trying to live off what I already have and only buying what is necessary.
From saving money, I'm able to buy products I previously would've considered too expensive, which also means trying new things which is always a bonus.
It's important to note that saving money isn't just restricted to grocery shopping or supermarkets. It's possible to save money on electrical items too, which I have done.
That's very true! Do your electrical items include some of your best achievements?
Well my recent achievement is this shop:
My cheapest one yet! Retail Price: £63.91 but I paid only £7.95, my goal was under £15 so I'm pleased. I won £15 from a Butterkist competition and made £7.05 from a big DL scratch card profit, my shop also included two free Coke Zeros, 8 popcorn for 50 p each and 7 bags of pilgrims cheese for £1.75.
I've also seen pictures of your stockpile. Could you tell us more about it?
I'm also very proud of that, when I think of how much I've saved, it definitely makes me smile, it's about 80% less of the original retail price. It also helps my family and friends so win-win all around.
My best buys include 12 peperami minis with the retail price of £2.50 each but I got them for only 25p each, Pilgrims Choice Cheese retail price £2 but only paid 24p each... I love those big savings.
Here's some other pictures from the stockpile in my kitchen:
Oh wow that's impressive! How did you get all these? Any particular method you prefer?
Of course I use cashback and coupons but try not to use these alone. By this I mean that I'll always try and combine it with a deal.
E.g. Peperami £2.50, reduced to £1.250 and then £1.25 cashback. This is what I did with these Schwartz products. Paid 20p for all of them:
(If you're lucky (and it has happened before) you can sometimes be paid for buying these products)!
Another thing I do, which is super useful, is to know the right time to shop ie. when the supermarket reduces items or puts clearance items out. There are many ways to preserve these items which are out of date so they don't go to waste. I make jam with the fruit or pickles or bleach and freeze items too. They are plenty of uses for these "out of date" items to make them last longer.
Great tip, thank you! Any others that you could spare us?
Complain, or compliment, if you have a reason to. I've received gift cards and vouchers for various reasons after contacting companies: being asked for ID on non-alcoholic beer, discounts not working or problems at the till....
There's always items you will need that you cannot get coupons and cashback on so contact companies to see if they can help and when they are on offer, STOCK UP!
I get my best coupons from Food Shows so always try and go if you can!
E.g. the Pilgrims Choice coupons
Last question: how long do you spend gathering coupons etc.?
I spend a few hours a week which isn't much. I first started writing to manufacturers last year, 14 different manufacturers and got nothing. Then after some advice from fellow Facebook couponers I did much better, it's much easier, quicker and more effective now. I must thank Total Couponery and Coupon Clippers for their pages because thanks to them, it's easy to know when know coupons and freebies are available! So thank you.
Lovely shout out, thank you so much for joining me Adam!
Hope this was useful to you all
The Frugal Teen