Category Archives: Stockpiling 101

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(My Personal Stockpile)

Welcome to stockpiling 101! I have had a lot of questions recently regarding stockpiles, what they are and HOW do you start one?

What is a stockpile? A large group of items set aside for future use. In a couponers case your stockpile might include the following: health and beauty products, food, and household items.

Why would you want to stockpile? Too save money!! By using coupons and paying the lowest price possible (even when you don’t technically the need’ the item right at that moment) will save you money in the long run!! Why pay full price for an item when you already have in your stockpile??

When should I stockpile? Stockpiling is very strategic! You want to match your coupons to grocery sale prices paying the lowest price possible. You want to purchase enough product to get your family through to the next sale cycle without having to pay full price for an item!

How do I stockpile? You want to match the coupons that have to store sales (this is when my blog and various other coupon blogs come in handy! They do the match-up’s for you!). I recommend stockpiling an items when it is between FREE and 70% off the retail price. Like I mentioned above you want to purchase the quantity that will get your family through to the next sale without having to pay full price!

Stockpiles take, on average, about 3 months to build. It is not going to happen overnight. You also need multiple coupons to stock up on as much product as you can. You can do this buy purchasing multiple Sunday papers, All You Magazine,checking out various sites where you can buy only one kind of coupon: Ebay and The Coupons Clippers

Sale cycles do vary from product to product, here is an awesome list put together by the ladies over at Krazy Coupon Lady -

January:

National Oatmeal Month: quick, old-fashioned, rolled, and steel-cut oats, ready to cook oatmeal packets,Diet Foods including: cereal, frozen entrees, meal and granola bars, diet shakes/ drinksHealthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs,diet aids: shakes, weight scales, diet cookbooks, exercise equipment & weightsOrganization aids– shelving, plastic tubs & containers, labelsSuper Bowl Sunday: Soda, chips, dips, cheese, sandwich items, crackers, snacks, wings, cut fruit & veggie traysSeasonal Produce: oranges, pears, grapefruit, tangerines, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collards, kale, kiwi, avocado, cabbage, spinachClearance:  Christmas– decorations toys, lights, stocking stuffers, artificial trees, ornaments, wrapping paper, gift bows, New Year’s party supplies– noise makers, hats, party favors, wines & sparkling juicesWinter Health: cold medicines and vitamins, cough syrup
February:
National Canned Food Month: canned fruit, vegetables, pie fillings, soups, meats:  tuna, chicken, salmonSuper Bowl Sunday: Soda pop, chips, dips, cheese, sandwich items, crackers, snacks, wings, cut fruit & veggie traysNational Hot Breakfast Month: oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, frozen waffles, syrup, waffle & pancake mix, hash browns, bacon, sausageValentine’s: boxed and bar chocolate, lubricants & KY jelly, perfume, cards, stuffed animals, gift sets, wine/ sparkling cider, flower arrangements, candlesSeasonal Produce: artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collards, grapefruit, kale, oranges, parsnips, pears, potatoes, turnips

March:

Frozen Food Month: frozen meals and entrees, veggies, side dishes, desserts, juice concentrateMarch Madness: soda pop, chips, dips, cheese, crackers, sandwich items, snacks, wings, cut fruit & veggie traysSt. Patrick’s Day: decorations, corned beef, cabbage, Irish soda breadClearance: winter clothing, snow shovels, ski and sledding equipmentSpring/ Easter: Decorations, baskets, candy, ham, eggs and egg dyeing kits, gift sets, dresses and accessories.Seasonal Produce: artichoke, asparagus, avocado, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, grapefruit, grapes, lemon, lime, mushrooms, onions, peas, radish, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries

April:

Easter:  ham; eggs; some baking supplies:  sugar, spices, baking mixes, chocolate chips

Earth Day: organic foods, Energy Saver

Seasonal Produce: artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cabbages, carrots, grapefruits, avocados, mushrooms, onions, peas, rhubarb

Clearance:  after Easter sales are the time to stock up on decorating, baskets, etc for the next year.

May:

Memorial Day: BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments, charcoal, salad dressing, potato chips, dips

Paper Products:  plates, utensils

Cinco de Mayo:  salsa, tortillas

Seasonal Produce: artichokes; asparagus; avocados; green beans; beets; blackberries; carrots; sweet Vidalia onions; peas: edible-podded peas,  English Shelling peas; new potatoes; raspberries; strawberries

Outdoor: insect repellant, sunscreen

June:

National Dairy Month:  eggs, milk (free milk Catalina, wyb cereal), ice cream, cheese, butter, yogurt, Cool Whip, in-store dairy coupons or booklets

End of June is Fourth of July Sales: hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments, charcoal, salad dressing, potato chips, dips

Seasonal Produce: apricots, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cherries, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, honeydews, nectarines, peaches, potatoes, raspberries, red onions, summer squash, strawberries, sweet Vidalia onions, tomatoes, watermelons

July:

National Ice Cream Month

More 4th of July BBQ Sales:  hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments, charcoal, salad dressing, potato chips, dips

End of July, Back to School Sales begin:  crayons, pencils, folders, binders

Seasonal Produce: Asian pears, Bartlett pears, green beans, blueberries, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, figs, garlic, grapes, nectarines, red onions, Valencia oranges, peaches, sweet bell peppers, plums, potatoes, summer squash, tomatoes, watermelon

August:

Back to school supplies: erasers, pens, crayons, paper, binders, backpacks, notebooks, markers, note cards

School lunch items: pudding cups, lunch meat, single serve juices, lunchables

Disinfectants:  Clorox and Lysol wipes & sprays

Seasonal Produce: Avocados, beans, berries, cherries, corn on the cob, cucumbers, eggplants, figs, seedless grapes, melons, onions, peaches, pears (Bartlett), peppers (sweet bell), plums, summer squash, tomatillos, and tomatoes

Clearance:  insect repellent, sunscreen, charcoal, swim suits, gardening supplies and seeds, fans, camping gear

September:

Back to School Sales through Labor Day:  pens, pencils, paper (filler & printing), backpacks, erasers, folders, binders, dividers

Labor Day Sales: restaurants deals, movie theater perks (free popcorn, soda, concession candy), shoe & apparel store weekend passes

Diabetes awareness:  glucose meters, Glucerna cereal, diabetic care– socks, test strips, sugar free products, vitamins, weight scales

Seasonal Produce: apples, artichokes, beans, cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, onions, pears (Asian & Bartlett), peppers (bell and chili), squash, tomatillo, tomatoes

Clearance: camping gear, gardening supplies, bug spray, fans & air conditioners, BBQ supplies– grills, charcoal, lighters

October:

Halloween: candy, costumes & accessories

Baking sales (mid-October to late December): canned pumpkin, evaporated milk, baking chips, pie crust (mix and ready-made frozen)

National Seafood Month: fish, shrimp, lobster, crab

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: promotions & deals featuring participating “pink” products

Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month: wet & dry dog food, dog toys & chews

Seasonal Produce: apples, artichokes, arugula, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, chard, cranberries, parsnip, pears, pomegranates, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, winter squash, turnips, yams

November:

Baking goods: nuts, chocolate chips, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut, cake & brownie mixes, Chex cereal (for homemade Chex mix)

Canned foods: soup, broth, vegetables & fruits, spaghetti sauce

Holiday staples: turkey, canned pureed pumpkin, stuffing mix, boxed potatoes, gravy mixes, ready-to-bake rolls, frozen pies, cranberry sauce, gelatin, marshmallows

Seasonal Produce: apples, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, cranberries, kiwis, lemons, oranges, pears (Anjou & Comice), potatoes, pumpkin, squash, yams

Halloween Clearance: The best time to stock up on things for the next year: door decorations, spider webs, candy bowls, yard & outdoor props, plates, cups, napkins & tablecloths, window clings, pumpkin carving kits, streamers, confetti, string lights, Halloween candy-alternatives to stretch next year’s candy bowl supply. Also party favors like: spider rings, erasers, plastic fangs, pencils, bookmarks, stickers, and bouncy balls.

Costumes: Generic items like witch hats, gloves, tiaras/ crowns, play swords, pet costumes, capes & cloaks, fangs, and fairy wings are best, especially when you have children whose preferences change year to year.

Black Friday/ Cyber Monday: Deep savings on doorbusters and advertised items ranging from clothing and toys to electronics and appliances. Research sales, make a list, and stick to it for the best results.

Seasonal clearance: rakes, outdoor furniture, bikes

December:

Holiday Dinner:  egg nog, deli platters, instant potatoes, gravy mixes, Rhodes rolls, frozen pies, cranberry sauce, Jello, marshmallows

Baking: flour, sugar, butter, cream, cake mixes, brownie mixes, muffin mixes, breads, pie crusts, marshmallows, whipped cream

Canned foods: soup, broth, condensed milk, vegetables, fruits, spaghetti sauce

Clearance:  Buy all your Thanksgiving decorations, extra table settings, and turkey carving products now once they’re at least 50% off.

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>

 (my actual stockpile this past summer)

Welcome to stockpiling 101! I have had a lot of questions recently regarding stockpiles, what they are and HOW do you start one?

What is a stockpile? A large group of items set aside for future use. In a couponers case your stockpile might include the following: health and beauty products, food, and household items.


Why would you want to stockpile? Too save money!! By using coupons and paying the lowest price possible (even when you don’t technically the need’ the item right at that moment) will save you money in the long run!! Why pay full price for an item when you already have in your stockpile??

When should I stockpile? Stockpiling is very strategic! You want to match your coupons to grocery sale prices paying the lowest price possible. You want to purchase enough product to get your family through to the next sale cycle without having to pay full price for an item!


How do I stockpile? You want to match the coupons that have to store sales (this is when my blog and various other coupon blogs come in handy! They do the match-up’s for you!). I recommend stockpiling an items when it is between FREE and 70% off the retail price. Like I mentioned above you want to purchase the quantity that will get your family through to the next sale without having to pay full price!

Stockpiles take, on average, about 3 months to build. It is not going to happen overnight. You also need multiple coupons to stock up on as much product as you can. You can do this buy purchasing multiple Sunday papers, All You Magazine,checking out various sites where you can buy only one kind of coupon: Ebay and The Coupons Clippers

Sale cycles do vary from product to product, here is an awesome list put together by the ladies over at Krazy Coupon Lady –

January:

 
National Oatmeal Month: quick, old-fashioned, rolled, and steel-cut oats, ready to cook oatmeal packets,
Diet Foods including: cereal, frozen entrees, meal and granola bars, diet shakes/ drinks
Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs,
diet aids: shakes, weight scales, diet cookbooks, exercise equipment & weights
Organization aids– shelving, plastic tubs & containers, labels
Super Bowl Sunday: Soda, chips, dips, cheese, sandwich items, crackers, snacks, wings, cut fruit & veggie trays
Seasonal Produce: oranges, pears, grapefruit, tangerines, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collards, kale, kiwi, avocado, cabbage, spinach
Clearance:  Christmas– decorations toys, lights, stocking stuffers, artificial trees, ornaments, wrapping paper, gift bows, New Year’s party supplies– noise makers, hats, party favors, wines & sparkling juices
Winter Health: cold medicines and vitamins, cough syrup



February:

National Canned Food Month: canned fruit, vegetables, pie fillings, soups, meats:  tuna, chicken, salmon
Super Bowl Sunday: Soda pop, chips, dips, cheese, sandwich items, crackers, snacks, wings, cut fruit & veggie trays
National Hot Breakfast Month: oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, frozen waffles, syrup, waffle & pancake mix, hash browns, bacon, sausage
Valentine’s: boxed and bar chocolate, lubricants & KY jelly, perfume, cards, stuffed animals, gift sets, wine/ sparkling cider, flower arrangements, candles
Seasonal Produce: artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collards, grapefruit, kale, oranges, parsnips, pears, potatoes, turnips

March:

Frozen Food Month: frozen meals and entrees, veggies, side dishes, desserts, juice concentrate
March Madness: soda pop, chips, dips, cheese, crackers, sandwich items, snacks, wings, cut fruit & veggie trays
St. Patrick’s Day: decorations, corned beef, cabbage, Irish soda bread
Clearance: winter clothing, snow shovels, ski and sledding equipment
Spring/ Easter: Decorations, baskets, candy, ham, eggs and egg dyeing kits, gift sets, dresses and accessories.
Seasonal Produce: artichoke, asparagus, avocado, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, grapefruit, grapes, lemon, lime, mushrooms, onions, peas, radish, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries

April:

Easter:  ham; eggs; some baking supplies:  sugar, spices, baking mixes, chocolate chips
Earth Day: organic foods, Energy Saver
Seasonal Produce: artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cabbages, carrots, grapefruits, avocados, mushrooms, onions, peas, rhubarb
Clearance:  after Easter sales are the time to stock up on decorating, baskets, etc for the next year.

May:

Memorial Day: BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments, charcoal, salad dressing, potato chips, dips
Paper Products:  plates, utensils
Cinco de Mayo:  salsa, tortillas
Seasonal Produce: artichokes; asparagus; avocados; green beans; beets; blackberries; carrots; sweet Vidalia onions; peas: edible-podded peas,  English Shelling peas; new potatoes; raspberries; strawberries
Outdoor: insect repellant, sunscreen

June:

National Dairy Month:  eggs, milk (free milk Catalina, wyb cereal), ice cream, cheese, butter, yogurt, Cool Whip, in-store dairy coupons or booklets
End of June is Fourth of July Sales: hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments, charcoal, salad dressing, potato chips, dips
Seasonal Produce: apricots, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cherries, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, honeydews, nectarines, peaches, potatoes, raspberries, red onions, summer squash, strawberries, sweet Vidalia onions, tomatoes, watermelons

July:

National Ice Cream Month
More 4th of July BBQ Sales:  hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments, charcoal, salad dressing, potato chips, dips
End of July, Back to School Sales begin:  crayons, pencils, folders, binders
Seasonal Produce: Asian pears, Bartlett pears, green beans, blueberries, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, figs, garlic, grapes, nectarines, red onions, Valencia oranges, peaches, sweet bell peppers, plums, potatoes, summer squash, tomatoes, watermelon

August:

Back to school supplies: erasers, pens, crayons, paper, binders, backpacks, notebooks, markers, note cards
School lunch items: pudding cups, lunch meat, single serve juices, lunchables
Disinfectants:  Clorox and Lysol wipes & sprays
Seasonal Produce: Avocados, beans, berries, cherries, corn on the cob, cucumbers, eggplants, figs, seedless grapes, melons, onions, peaches, pears (Bartlett), peppers (sweet bell), plums, summer squash, tomatillos, and tomatoes
Clearance:  insect repellent, sunscreen, charcoal, swim suits, gardening supplies and seeds, fans, camping gear

September:

Back to School Sales through Labor Day:  pens, pencils, paper (filler & printing), backpacks, erasers, folders, binders, dividers
Labor Day Sales: restaurants deals, movie theater perks (free popcorn, soda, concession candy), shoe & apparel store weekend passes
Diabetes awareness:  glucose meters, Glucerna cereal, diabetic care– socks, test strips, sugar free products, vitamins, weight scales
Seasonal Produce: apples, artichokes, beans, cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, onions, pears (Asian & Bartlett), peppers (bell and chili), squash, tomatillo, tomatoes
Clearance: camping gear, gardening supplies, bug spray, fans & air conditioners, BBQ supplies– grills, charcoal, lighters

October:

Halloween: candy, costumes & accessories
Baking sales (mid-October to late December): canned pumpkin, evaporated milk, baking chips, pie crust (mix and ready-made frozen)
National Seafood Month: fish, shrimp, lobster, crab
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: promotions & deals featuring participating “pink” products
Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month: wet & dry dog food, dog toys & chews
Seasonal Produce: apples, artichokes, arugula, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, chard, cranberries, parsnip, pears, pomegranates, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, winter squash, turnips, yams

November:

Baking goods: nuts, chocolate chips, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut, cake & brownie mixes, Chex cereal (for homemade Chex mix)
Canned foods: soup, broth, vegetables & fruits, spaghetti sauce
Holiday staples: turkey, canned pureed pumpkin, stuffing mix, boxed potatoes, gravy mixes, ready-to-bake rolls, frozen pies, cranberry sauce, gelatin, marshmallows
Seasonal Produce: apples, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, cranberries, kiwis, lemons, oranges, pears (Anjou & Comice), potatoes, pumpkin, squash, yams
Halloween Clearance: The best time to stock up on things for the next year: door decorations, spider webs, candy bowls, yard & outdoor props, plates, cups, napkins & tablecloths, window clings, pumpkin carving kits, streamers, confetti, string lights, Halloween candy-alternatives to stretch next year’s candy bowl supply. Also party favors like: spider rings, erasers, plastic fangs, pencils, bookmarks, stickers, and bouncy balls.
Costumes: Generic items like witch hats, gloves, tiaras/ crowns, play swords, pet costumes, capes & cloaks, fangs, and fairy wings are best, especially when you have children whose preferences change year to year.
Black Friday/ Cyber Monday: Deep savings on doorbusters and advertised items ranging from clothing and toys to electronics and appliances. Research sales, make a list, and stick to it for the best results.
Seasonal clearance: rakes, outdoor furniture, bikes

December:

Holiday Dinner:  egg nog, deli platters, instant potatoes, gravy mixes, Rhodes rolls, frozen pies, cranberry sauce, Jello, marshmallows
Baking: flour, sugar, butter, cream, cake mixes, brownie mixes, muffin mixes, breads, pie crusts, marshmallows, whipped cream
Canned foods: soup, broth, condensed milk, vegetables, fruits, spaghetti sauce
Clearance:  Buy all your Thanksgiving decorations, extra table settings, and turkey carving products now once they’re at least 50% off.