Extreme Couponing… What are Your Thoughts?
As many of you have emailed, there is a new show airing tonight at 8pm EST on TLC called Extreme Couponing. The show profiles four coupon-obsessed savers (as TLC calls them) trying to get as much as they can for as little as they can. The show sounded pretty interesting, but as I started to read the description… well, I am not sure if interesting is the right word. Why you ask? Well, here goes…
*Important Note: The statements I make below are just my opinions. You do not have to agree with them and I have no problem with you sharing your points, even if they differ. I do, however, have a problem with disrespectful comments, inappropriate language and just being downright cruel. Those type of comments will be deleted. Thank you for your understanding.
So now my thoughts on this new show… I personally do not like how couponers are portrayed on the show. Now before I go on, I know they are portrayed like this for ratings… I get that. They want people’s jaws to drop and eyes to be wide open. But, it still stinks.
Meet the shoppers of TLC’s EXTREME COUPONING:
Nathan started clipping coupons four years ago when he and his wife took a closer look at their finances. Now, debt free with more than 10,000 items stockpiled in his garage, Nathan is preparing for the biggest haul of his life. On his latest visit to the supermarket, Nathan is leaving with over 2,000 items – his most massive checkout to date. With 1,100 boxes of cereal, 300 toothbrushes and 60 bottles of hand soap, Nathan is looking forward to topping himself and saving thousands of dollars in the process!
Retail value: $5,743.00 Nathan’s cost after utilizing his coupons: $241.00 – 95% savings!
Amanda is a full-time Storage Facility Manger in Cincinnati, OH who spends up to 70 hours a week researching in-store promotions, clipping coupons and surfing the internet for the latest and greatest deals. She already has a stockpile of products from previous couponing ventures worth up to $15,000. But this extreme saver is most proud of her collection of toilet paper – over 3,000 rolls – enough to last the average couple about 40 years! Now, with the help of her husband, Amanda is preparing for her largest checkout ever consisting of nine baskets of food, beauty and pet products including 218 boxes of pasta, 268 containers of noodles, 100 bottles of sport drink and 150 candy bars.
Retail value: $1,175.33. Amanda’s cost after utilizing her coupons: $51.67.
To me a great show on couponing would be a show that is teaching the average person how to coupon. A person that doesn’t have 70 hours a week to scour ads and clip coupons, a person that doesn’t have access to an entire garage to store all of their “goods”… and really, who needs that many “goods”?!
It’s called reality TV… but in my opinion, it’s definitely not realistic. As a coupon blogger, I hope Hip2Save motivates and inspires all of you. I try to make sure the videos I make ARE realistic and with that I mean, you will be able to go to the store and snatch up the same deals shown in the videos.
Again, I know this show is called Extreme Couponing, but I’m just not getting the point of the show and maybe that’s because I coupon in such a different way.
I don’t coupon so I have a receipt to frame… OK, so that may be a little bit of a fib. In the beginning, when I first started my couponing adventures back in 2007, I was very excited about the savings displayed on all my receipts and I did proudly show them to everyone I could… even people who didn’t want to see them! 😉 Yes, I was annoying like that. And I do think that’s normal, as I would assume most newbie couponers are very excited about their new-found talent! …But I quickly learned that couponing can become all too consuming. From clipping and organizing coupons to going through the weekly ads and then planning your trips… and on top of that, planning your days around when you need to go to the store. Too consuming!
I am still learning how to have balance in my life, but one thing I have learned along the way… well, it’s quite simple. When it comes to couponing, Nothing is a BIG deal!
Example: I let my high value $2/1 Pampers Wipes coupon expire and I would have been able to score FREE wipes at Walmart. Guess what? Not a BIG deal! Do you get what I’m saying? Start thinking like that and all the annoying stress you feel about rushing to the store so you don’t miss that oh so amazing deal will be gone!
I love my hubby. Random, right?! Well, not really because he is the one who taught me to really understand that most things are “Not a Big Deal”. And as you may know from reading my blog, I am a neurotic, high energy and very spastic woman… so for me to be able to step back and say, “It’s Not a Big Deal”… well, it’s HUGE and if I can do it, so can you!
Now I know I’ve kind of veered off from the topic at hand, but what I really wanted you to get out of my post is to not let couponing and deal hunting consume you. The same deals always come back over and over again.
Before I finish this post, I have a challenge for you – miss a deal this week and remember, it’s NOT a Big Deal! When you’re missing that deal, do whatever you like… take a bath, read a book, play with your kiddos, laugh, love, smile. Life is wonderful, so take full advantage of it! 🙂
Thanks for listening to me ramble.
Collin, your down to earth attitude and desire to share what you know is why I primarily only use your blog…I had to learn that “missing” something wasn’t a bid deal. I did not have to buy every good deal…even tho I save money I was spending money unnecessariily on things that I don’t normally use. I love getting good deals and in the beginning I felt I was consumed and couponing actually became an addiction and then it became chore that I began to dread. So, I did take a step back and took several weeks off and did not coupon at all…I did however visit your blog several times a day. I have learned to concentrate on only the items that my family uses or that I feel can/will be used by others. Thanks for all you do as I am sure it is time consuming! You are an invaluable asset to the “couponing” community!
Interesting – sounds like perhaps they should put these people on hoarders instead of Extreme Couponing. I’ll be honest I am one of those who buys things some of the time just because they are free and then I do donate to the local charities both from my “stash” and for things that are on the charities lists. To me it is just a way of being more resourceful with what God has blessed us with. I enjoy couponing. I enjoy getting a deal and feeling like I am being a good steward with our money. I guess I am surprised that more people don’t at least use e-coupons – where you can load your store card with them (I know Kroger does this). Honestly I can do that alone and save $10 – $20 on a store run. But yes, if I can save thousands of dollars a year by spending 30 to 45 mintues a week reading a couple blogs, and hitting the print key I’m in. Half the time I cut either in line at the store or watching tv at night . . . anyway, great article, and thanks for all the bargains you send our way 🙂
Thanks for the ‘not a big deal.’ I have to remember that. It’s frustrating when we are so tight on money and we run low on stock of an essential and I miss a deal…but it’s not going to kill us.
It sounds like what they are describing is indeed EXTREME couponing. It should serve as a good reminder not to be like that and let deals and coupons rule your life!
I was in the hospital from 12/20-25 and missed all the great deals that week that I had prepared for on the 19th. I even lost $15 in super jingle cash that said it had to be used 19-23 only. I have called Walgreens to see if they can replace it, but have not heard back in almost a week now, even though I have called three times. I was really upset at first, but there’s nothing I can do about it and just have to let it go and say “It’s no big deal!”. You win some you lose some. BTW, I could never be as extreme as the people on that reality show, but it would be fun to watch. Maybe they can devote five to ten minutes of each show near the end to teach people some couponing basics?
Call a Walgreens store where you shop and talk to the manager. We have one near us that is a “BEAR” to work with and one that is a little farther away, but wonderful to work with. When I was in the hospital, I had over $18 expire, the “good” manager said come in while I am here and I will take care of you. I did, he did and we were both happy.
I did talk to the store manager and she said that she can’t do anything for me without corporate approval. I called back customer service and told them that, and still have not heard anything back. I called back today and still nothing. I don’t see why they would penalize a loyal customer who was in the hospital all week, but I guess they just might in the end, since nobody seems to care to call me back about it (I first called last Friday when I got home from the hospital and again on Monday and again today).
did you try a different store cause all managers are different.
The store manager finally called me back yesterday and said she received corporate approval. I am just surprised it took that long.
You said it all girl. It’s definately not worth it to ruin a marriage or a relationship with your children or family over extreme couponing.
If you are spending more than a few hours per week looking for deals, clipping and printing coupons, and driving to get deals then you need to get a part time job. Saving is great, obsessing over 19 free razors, 6 month stock piles and toys your kids will never play with but are 73% off is not so great.
I understand that the shopping trips on the show are for the “oh, wow” factor. I have a different take on donations, though. Items bought with coupons often have manufacturers paying retail price for these donated items. For a simplified example: Crest toothpaste at $1 sale price with $1 coupons. A couponer buys and donates 10 tubes at zero personal cost, but $10 cost to Proctor & Gamble. P&G, on the other hand, could donate MUCH more than 10 tubes for those same $10. And it does. In 2004 it made over $5 million in product donations. Many other companies are also very charitable. Think of Tide with their mobile wash centers in disaster areas.
I don’t know what the best solution is. I do take extras from my [small] stockpile to the local homeless mission. But I wonder if copious amounts of coupon costs result in less multiplied donations on the other end.
MFC are limited to a set #. The co are not losing $, as only 1-2% of coupons are ever redeemed. I do not feel the least bit guilty about donating my freebies and am actually able to give more bc of my couponing. I have bought many products that I personally do not use and have donated them.
My take on the donations is a bit different.. I get very frustrated when reading the comments about the 35 tubes of toothpaste that someone got free and then donates them. I am glad they give them to charity, but as a single mom going to school 17+ hours and working just to barely provide for my family it hurts me most when i go to get the free toothpaste, but they are all gone. It’s not always about the bragging rights of what you donate. There are some of us that coupon as a way of getting by, of staying out of shelters and off governmnet assistance. So when others go to a store and buy hundreds of items to “donate” think of the others you are hurting as well. I think that moderation is key. We need to respect each other. The fact is, most of us start couponing not just because its fun, but because of financial need. So later down the road when you are more well off and couponing just for that high it gets you.. remember what it was like when you had to do it. Thats my rant on the charitable issue.. lol
Actually this show is going to show me and my hubby that i am “Normal”. I get crazy with coupons and they are everywhere in my house (im very unorganized), im always tryin to get All the deals. But from these peoples stories, i feel “normal”. Cant wait to watch it, just to see what its all about!
I love working on couponing-giving people coupons in stores and donating bags of food to the pantries and food banks are as much rewards as the savings. All things in balance. Thank you, everyone! And, sure, I’ll turn on TLC and check it out.
Everything in moderation. This show is not about moderation at all. :/ It’s really quite sad. Seventy hours a week would put stress on anyone’s family or marriage. Whoa dude.
Great article, Collin. When I first started 1-1/2 years ago, I printed out hundreds of printables, afraid I would miss out. Now, I just print what I need for each shopping trip with the occasional ones you spotlight that are rare or high value. I also consider things like paying tax on “freebies” that I really don’t need or gas required to drive to pick up one freebie. Sometimes the bottom line is not as good as you think. In my way of thinking, a stockpile of TP is 3 weeks, not 40 years! Balance is important in so many aspects of life, but particularly in couponing.
I will probably watch this show, even though like you I don’t approve of their tactics. I can’t help but wonder if any of these extreme couponers are H2S readers.
I agree with what’s already been said. I think there is a thin line between stockpiling and hoarding. I made a list starting with 10 things which has since grown to 20 that I am not going to pay for in 2011. I will pick up freebies but want to use my stockpile as much as possible. I believe in coupon karma and try to abide by certain coupon ethics like not clearing shelves, sharing deals and coupons etc. I also share items that I have extra of with friends and family. I want to be known for sharing and kindness not competitveness and hoarding. I urge you all to make your list of things not to buy in 2011.
LOVE this.. you are so right. I wish there was a *share* or *like* button!
Amen! I got alll bent out of shape a couple weeks ago when I realized I had let my 40 bucks in kohls cash run out, but I eventually just had to tell myself…. It’s not the end of the world! It will be ok!
If you still have them, my Kohls just honored some that expired in October. So, it is always worth a try.
I have only been couponing for a year. I love to get items free after coupon. I only print a coupon 2 times. The store I shop at only allows 2 coupons per 2 items and only 20 coupons per day per visit. I like these rules because it makes it fair for everyone else. Do you really need 20 jars of peanut butter, 60 tooth brushes, 25 bottles of salad dressing etc…I do stock pile items when they are on sale and I have a coupon, but only 3-4 month supply. Couponing is a full time job and I already have one of those. So I do what I can with the time I have and I’m happy when I save any amount of money. I appreciate all the help Collin gives and I share coupons I don’t use with two other couponers. I try to be extra nice, kind, and respectful to
cashiers. If the store is out of an item the first day of the sale I always say it wasn’t meant to be, no big deal, there is always another deal out there! So Collin if you miss a deal because you were spending time with your family or you just couldn’t fit it in your busy schedule; what you were doing was more important than the deal anyway! The TV show really should be called “Extreme Hoarding”.
I have missed several “deals” lately, at first it was because i was so busy with work and family and then it kinda started to sink in that it really is no BIG DEAL to miss out on several deals, come on how bad did i really need that anyway? It was hard at first but i have learned to say “o well maybe next time” 🙂
I am wondering WHERE on EARTH is this guy shopping that he is going to be purchasing 2000 items?!!! thats ridiculous. But hey, my mom would be proud to know that when the apocalypse happens, those 2 will be ready. wonder if we can find out where they are so we can go there when it all comes down. LOL!
“Like” button clicked.
It really goes to show how a person’s “switch” can just flip and it would be easy to go overboard. But for modest coupon-ers that use what they are saving on and who are doing so in moderation, MORE POWER TO YA! I really hope that whatever they air won’t give us a bad name. In today’s economy it is only logical to try to get the most for your money and use these gems. 🙂 I do like the beginning about taking a closer look at their finances though. Then seeing what you can save…… No explanation needed.
I can’t imagine that what they are showing is even the average “extreme couponer” in the sense that I know. Most of the folks that I “know” that are extreme couponers are NOT shelf clearers, and it sounds like these folks must be. Plus they seem to have a bit of a hoarding issue as well. Most of the extreme couponers that I know do a lot of sharing of their bounty. You give your extras to family, friends, food pantries, churches, outreach programs, programs for the homeless, handicapped, and abused, etc. I have a lot of places to store things, but I prefer not to clutter them up with things that I’ll never get around to using, probably forget it’s there and buy more, and especially stuff that will go to waste.
And yeah, I don’t have as much time as that to search the deals out either. That’s why I’m glad there are great blogs like this one! SUCH a time-saver. THANK YOU.
As for it not being a big deal, I’ve been learning that these past couple months. I thought I knew it before, but it’s just been harder for me to get out to go to the stores once each week, let alone several times. I’ve also quit buying the local paper, since they cut back on the inserts, and half the time the machine misses papers here and there and I don’t even get all I’m supposed to. I buy my coupons from a service, so I’m more careful about what I get.
I’ve been enjoying the extra time spent with my family, especially over the holidays. Blogs, forums and Amazon were my go-to this year! So nice to do so much with my kiddos. They’re only this age once.
Colin I’m glad to see you and a few other bloggers speaking up that this is not what couponing is all about.
I was shocked when I saw how TLC was slanting the show and portraying couponers.
I feel awful for the people featured if they were misrepresented, but honestly I’m a little annoyed at them too. Editing or no editing, what did you think standing in a dumpster with your child would do for the couponing community? You had to know that would look crazy (maybe that was the point)!
And 1,500 deodorants? If you donate so much of your goods, how did you come to have 1,500? At 50, you’d think you would have stop buying or started donating.
Skipping dates with your husband to grab a deal, insuring your stockpile for $35,000?
This is not simply editing to make them look bad. They did and said these things, period.
I hope you don’t get people trashing you for giving your opinion. I’ve seen it happen to two other blogs already on this issue and it is silly. This is your site and your opinion.
I guess it fits that lady standing in the dumpster with her kids as she has her own coupon site and she did call it thekrazycouponlady!!!
What gets me about that dumb dumpster diving is;
“SHE WAS WEARING GLOVES” and yes I am yelling (sorry Colin) just had to because it was just so dumb. Okay, so now, after diving in the dumpster she takes those very same coupons she used gloves to collect and lays them out on her dining table. Seriously? What about the young child she had in the dumpster? Makes we wonder how many times he rubbed his eyes or licked his fingers because something was on them? Not sanitary at all and especially for a young child.
I think we should all campaign against TLC for doing this show because they are really hurting us legitmate couponers and in this economy we all need to save some dough.
my thoughts exactly!
Check out this site on a blogger who was almost on the show. I also read there that Nathan is selling stuff at garage sales. I wonder it it is true and isn’t that illegal to sell something you got free with a coupon? Or illegal because you are selling grocery items at a yard sale? I am so against this whole Extreme Coupon thing. Here is the site;
https://jillcataldo.com/node/14388
Thank you, Collin, for sharing your reality with us as well as your coupon savy. I could so easily become bargin-shopping addicted and yet, I do not have the money, time or brain power to allow myself to indulge in every deal. I have so enjoyed the deals that I have scored from your website instructions and I do feel good about providing gifts and daily items for my family at far less than retail cost. I am a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace student (a program for managing money, getting out of debt and making your money count) and have learned that you NEVER need to pay retail cost and the bigger discount you can get, the better. Thank you Collin, for helping us make our money stretch and also for keeping us in reality.
Does anyone have a problem with using 500+ coupons and getting 500 free items even if you are kind, sweet, caring and donate it?
Some company had to pay for your “free” loot. Someone had to make that toothbrush, package it. The company had to buy the materials to make it. Sure the company is “rich” and “can afford it” but does that make it right?
Been couponing since 2008. My personal ethics is to buy enough to last you to the next sale or following sale. I will never use 100 body washes before the ingredients separate so maybe I keep 8. IMO it’s about using common sense and not being greedy.
And I do donate, but I think about the company as well. Just because Proctor and Gamble is a multi million dollar company does not make it ok for me to get 500 free toothpastes in 1 week with their insert coupons.
Thanks for posting this. It is important to remember that the businesses making the products and selling the products still need to stay in business. The companies are made up of employees with families to feed, mortgages to pay, etc. Sometimes if you do miss a deal and have to pay regular price for something (I do all the time) it’s nice to think about all the people that are helped by supporting a business.
I understand your point, yes, people need to remember the people who work at the company, but I don’t see how it would hurt the company if someone used 100, 200 or 500 coupons for a product that the company offers and promotes. The company put out the coupon, right? So they must know how much they are willing to offer/lose/ in POSSIBLE coupon redemption.
Now, I really think we have to remember that this is a reality show that wants ratings…Hoarders, Jon & Kate plus 8, 17 and counting… I will watch and hope that they will show that the extreme can be modified so that everyone can save money.
Its funny, I just came from CVS and bought 3 things, one which I really needed and the other two I use. I had 3 coupons totalling $3.25 that I used. I spent, after just the coupons, over $17oop. All were on sale with a total of $4 ECBs back. I thought well, my oop expense certainly wasn’t anywhere near the low end and I felt badly that I couldn’t score the great deals others boost about but I am new at this and have already saved hundreds of dollars. So your post is refreshing as it did remind me that it really is NO BIG DEAL. It truelly is a learning experience and TLC (The Learning Channel) should live up to their name and put more emphasis on the saving aspects and less on the way out.
i love your ‘not a big deal’ attitude….in this world of uncertainty i think spending time with family and being thankful to God is more important than stockpiling for 40yrs!!!!!!!!!!!! imagine where will all those toilet paper go if their garage gets flooded for some reason!!!!!!!i wish they could go one step beyond and donate some of them-that would be a true meaningful reality show
Well said Collin. I too think sometimes all the deal hunting and clipping can get overwhelming at times, so I have to give myself some days to decompress.
My husbands Grandpa used to always say “going to save yourself rich” which means that if you weren’t going to buy it before you found it on sell or don’t need it but the deal is too good it is still not worth your time and a waste of money. I love saving money with using coupons, but am willing to pass a deal and I question almost every purchase with do I NEED this not just want it.
my religion honors the sabath, but because I became so concerned that the hot products would sell out the first day of the ad, I started ignorning what I’ve practiced my whole life just to get a great deal. Just recently I realized what was important to me and decided not to shop on sunday. That being said I missed a TON of AMAZING deals the day after christmas this year, and of course I was upset, but ultimately I feel more in control about couponing. It isn’t everything in life!
I don’t like the portrayal either but it sure can be real. I am fairly new to couponing and really appreciate what it has done for our budget. I appreciate even more the sites like this one that make it easy to figure out how to optimize the use of coupons.
I have noticed a couple people in my arena who obsess with couponing. The obsession is very unattractive. They bombard you with what they have found and they claim all kinds of savings that I don’t claim. For example, I don’t claim saving $4 for an item that I got for free if I would have never bought it in the first place. Yes, I did get a $4 item for free and that is great but it is not a savings to my budget of $4 because had it not been free, I would not have picked it up. Also, when I first started couponing, I had to learn to balance what would be used and determine how deep the stockpile needed to be to keep supplied at rock bottom prices. All that is missed with the extreme coupon people I know. They want the massive stockpile first and balance second. It does make the rest of us look bad.
Love, love, love that you posted this simple message! I have beaten myself up about missing deals……I have left the house in semi-pajama’d form on a Tuesday night at 11pm because the grocery store deal will end at midnight……NO MORE! My “it’s no big deal” moment came a few weeks ago. I was sitting on the couch reading with my 6-year old and filling in the 12/15/10 time log on his reading assignment. What!!!!! 12/15/2010, my $2 Smart Balance milk coupons are going to expire today!!!!! Upon announcing this jaw-dropping, end-fof-the-world news, my sweet boy said, “How about this, don’t go to the grocery store and I will just have juice with my breakfast”. It hit me in the chest like a huge boulder and I felt about 1-inch tall. That moment changed it all for me. Since then I have limited certain days to my “sickness” and other days I just let it all go. I am a much happier momma because of it and my boys get much more of me.
🙂 Isn’t it a nice lesson to learn? I used to do the same thing with Kroger. Oh, no!! I must do a grocery run b/c the sale ends tonight and there will never be another!!!! I told my husband I was making a store run and he said, couldn’t you stay and snuggle with me? You bet I stayed! Besides, most of the time I have run out as a “must” I get disappointed: sold out of the item, cashier that doesn’t understand coupons, etc. So better to stay home and not miss what’s REALLY important.
I think the premise of the show is interesting – to show how you can coupon to save a huge amount of money. I don’t think it would be right to pass judgment and call these people hoarders, because frankly, I don’t know their personal situation as it relates to how they truly live their lives, I’ve only seen a few soundbites. Would their stockpiles be viewed any differently if they were LDS (Mormon) with a year’s worth of items in their home because of religious beliefs?
For some people, comfort is $10,000 in cash under their mattress (which to many would make little sense to not have it in a bank somewhere); for others, it may be 3000 rolls of toilet paper. I think that our judgment should be left for the premise of the show – does it portray how coupon shopping can help you save money/is it something everyone could do – rather than to pass judgment on the people who have taken the challenge of doing the coupon shopping.
I did let a number of Q’s pass today (I won’t be going shopping the rest of the week) and left them on the products I passed for someone else to use. Just because you have it, doesn’t mean you have to use it. Sometimes it’s hard, but mostly, it’s necessary. Thanks for all you do, Collin!
It’s funny that this show is airing now. I am at a point where I was considering cutting back for awhile. I feel very drained from my coupon mania. And as a single parent I think my son does to. I must go shopping 6 days a week and can hit several stores in one day. When I have to go after I pick my son up from school I sometimes drag him along and will spend an hour in one store. I feel terrible but I keep thinking that I’ll miss the fantastic deals. I’ve only been using coupons for four months, but feel somewhat addicted. Checking the blogs have become ritualistic for me. I can check them at least ten times per day. I have an obsessive personality (not a disorder just the personality) and when I’m really into something it’s very difficult to stop. That’s why I don’t gamble, smoke, drink, etc.. Too afraid of not being to quit because it’s so much fun. But this is damaging to my son and even I can see that. He gets so bored in the countless stores and we waste valuable homework time. I spend hours on the computer when I come in from the stores. I have so many coupons to clip and sort and I feel like I’m drowning in coupons. Everytime I get them organized a whole new stack comes and I don’t just get one stack. I get at least 10-15 per stack. This is every week. I collect papers from the recycling bins at school (my place of work) and I collect them from neighbors who choose not to use them. I even collect them from houses where no one lives (100% positive of this fact). Some I give away, some I keep. Either way, while I don’t think this is that bad for me, it’s too much for my 6 year old to handle. So as a responsible mother I’ve made a commit to slow things down and work on spending more quality time with him, which is where we were before coupons.
When I first started, I was like this. I am not a single mom, but once all the kids were in bed, I would make a run at 9 and not get home until 3 am. It was silly, but I felt I HAD to, or else I would miss a deal!! But, I have learned, over a year and a half of couponing, that another deal will come along. Sales will repeat themselves, but you only have one chance to see your children grow up.
Bravo Collin! Well said.
It funny you said this. My girl friend and I were just talking about another friend who just cant stop. While our kids have been on xmas brake we have had so much fun. We have not clipped any coupons. We have missed all the deals this week. Why? Because we are spending time with our children. It takes a lot of time to do the coupons and I love them and all the amaxing deals. But sometimes we just need to enjoy our what we have!
I don’t know of ANY store that would allow anybody to “purchase” that many products at once! Let alone have that MANY products in stock!
Thanks Collin. I’ve always loved your website in helping me to get great deals. It has been a life saver in these pinching penny times (school). My husband has been in school since we’ve been married 7 1/2 years (no he’s not a super senior-he just finished med school). I haven’t commented much on your website since I’m kind of a low profile person but as I’ve been thinking about how grateful I am for all the time you put in to it I was considering commenting. After reading this post I couldn’t hold out. Couponing for me is a hobby. I absolutely love it but have limited time as I have 3 kids 6 and under. At first it was hard for me to make things “not a big deal” but I found when I got worked up about it all the fun was gone. I now make a trip to 1 store a week (if I have time) and don’t go overboard. Of course my husband always gets a show of my finding and the price I paid but he appreciates it as I am saving him money too. I do get bothered by those couponers that “cheat” the system or go overboard (just my opinion but those “extreme couponers” are one of those in my mind. They give us honest couponers a bad name. Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with stock piling (or food storage as I call it) but within reason-300 toothbrushes really?. I would hate to have this show have a negative effect on those of us that coupon for a hobby or just to save some money (both of which I do-obviously the saving money is the reason I do it but the hobby part makes it fun). Sorry to babble on and I’m sure no one is probably reading this, but it does help to express my thoughts and most of all say thanks for all the hard work and time you put in to this. I appreciate all those who comment too. I learn from their comments (things to buy, things to not buy, etc.) So thank you to you Collin and those who contribute in a positive way so I can have this great experience.
And I love the comment above about donating some of this stuff to food banks. I have loved that about couponing myself. I have been able to donate to a lot of charities and even kits that are sent to Africa and different parts of the world to help others who are less fortunate than myself.
If you’re spending more than a few hours a week couponing then you really aren’t getting a “deal” as time IS money and if you are spending 70 hours a week (almost the equivalent to TWO full time jobs) hopefully you’re saving at least $50K a year for your time!
I also have to say 1,100 boxes of cereal……..even if you ate cereal every day for breakfast lunch and dinner you would never be able to consume all 1,100 boxes before their expiration date! What a waste! This is NOT a game for many, but a way of survival, so instead of giving people false realities, show them realistically how they can save $200 to $300 a month. IMO
I think this show is more about OCD than couponing [to bad couponing has to take a bad rap] . As far as miss a deal I do at least 10 times a week not because it;s not a big deal but due to my disability . I am limited to how often and how long I can get out of bed. But thank goodness I can still save with couponing . I think I could get a little obsessive if I wasnt limited to short infrequent trips lol. [really] .
I was never this bad (but then again this is all for show, and I highly doubt that these people buy this many products when they go shopping). I had gotten to the point were I was spending hours every day (stay at home mama) clipping coupons, signing up for free things, buying cheaper items, shopping, looking for the best deals possible,and spending hours on end at the computer trying not to miss a deal that would soon end. I ended up stressed, tired, and always in a bad mood. When I got pregnant I got really tired and really sick and could no longer muster up the strength to coupon shop like that anymore. Getting pregnant forced me to slow down and I’m very, very thankful for that. I’m no longer stressed and I spend much more time with my family. I noticed that most of the sale items are always on sale. I would be delighted if I could actually cut the costs of my every day grocery items such as meats, breads, milk, etc and those coupons are rare. I still cut my coupons before grocery shopping to get what I need, but other than that I skip the rest.
It’s been my experience that people who are getting that many items are scamming & abusing the system. For example – photo copying coupons. My wife and I work really hard to save – legitimately and within the rules. These sort of couponers give others of us who are trying to save in an honest rule-abiding fashion a bad name and reputation. Also, these folks have caused stores managers to put harsher rules in place. Sorry – I just can’t support that show…something is awry when people are able to do this.
ALSO – people who purchase that much are not really being courteous to the other shoppers by taking all that stuff out of the store – be nice and save some for others. Nobody needs that much stuff – it’s an illness and it’s sort of…well…selfish.
I think the manufacturers are spotlighting shelf clearers and hoarders (coupon freaks) b/c they want to put a negative spin on using coupons. Let’s face it, there are inconsiderate couponers. (Who needs 50 of ANYTHING, if you are going to donate, use several stores.)
Perhaps through the internet, companies are taking significant losses through couponers “getting the word out” on deals, stacking coupons, rebating, etc…I can remember similiar smear tactics when couponing intially came into vouge.
I don’t care how many people are behind me in line, how put out the cashier is, or how much of a nerd I look like with my coupon organizer. Saving money is not a crime.
So agree – nobody needs all that. Couponing – when done right – is not a crime for sure.
I believe that the show is there to get ratings. I worked for a major broadcast network for quite a few years and ratings are key. I believe that couponing is necessary in this day and age in order to help save money. The show is trying to exploit and ridicule those people that compete at couponing. Well I for one have worked a long time, now a quadriplegic and on a fixed income, am so glad to have found this site to help me save money. I get now assistance from the govt as I am above the line by 34 dollars. With a special vehicle payment, and assistive equipment payments plus my regular living expenses, I barely have more than 50 dollars a month for groceries. Thank you for posting all these wonderful deals.
More power to them , But I think instead of stockpiling to that extreme Give a little !!!!!
Don’t you wonder how much money these people spend on getting extra coupons in order to get all these deals? BTW I find it very impressive to get $5,000 worth of stuff for $250 (or whatever it was) – my grocery stores never seem to had such awesome deals.
Oh wow, that sounds a bit ridiculous…
And by the way, I recently started using coupons, and I love showing people what I got for what price, and whenever I get back from the store, I am always asking everyone to guess how much I paid for certain items 😀
Collin, thanks for rambling…it is hard as a new couponer to let coupons expire…you are so correct to say that it’s not a big deal to miss a sale or deal.
What a great post! I am getting ready to join my family at Edisto Island for New Year celebrations, and I was sweating it that I would not get to my deals this week…you are so right on…let it be..enjoy life, and so what? I missed a couple of deals…Thanks Collin!
I love your site Collin. And appreciate all you do so much. The extreme thing I can understand how some might get crazy in these times. If I acutally ever figured it out, I may tend to get obsisive. I really wish I could get some help with the groceries. On the last video of your I saw the one I think you went to Lucky with your viewer. That was amazing! I never leave a grocery store with saving more than $5.00. I cant afford to print much, that may be my problem. But the show will be interesting and thanks again for all you do.
Very well said. I have learned in the last few months it is no big deal. I watch your weekly post check to see what I need and then look for a coupon which bc ive became very unorganized is around here somewhere. I have had two family memebers to return from Iraq and another one leaving for Iraq and that has become my focus. Yes I am stocking up on travel bottles to send in gift boxes but if I miss out there will be another deal. Thank you for all you do.
I am really new to couponing, barely 2 months, but I have realized if I can get good to awesome deals on products my family use everyday I win. I clipped coupons before but I would keep them in a drawer and would always forget about them when I went shopping. Now, I carry my coupons in my car, so if I have to go to the store after work or on my lunch I always have them around. I see many deals on products, but I always ask myself the same 2 questions, 1. Will my family use this product? and 2. Do I really like this product or is this something I used before and did not like? If I answer No, I take a pass and leave behind any coupons I may have by the product for others to use.
I just want to say a Big Thank You!!! to Colin, you have made it very easy to find the best deals out there. Your videos and couponing tips are really helpful.
Thank You
It is so nice to have sites like this one (Thank you so much for all of your time and effort). I take what I learn here and teach others to save too…I am trying harder and harder to only buy what I need but if I do run into things that I can get really cheap or free….I use them to barter with the things that would cost me money..ie: meat, baked goods, cheese and services. This show is just a bit unrealistic and it’s too bad that it isn’t a little more realistic..So many more people would benefit from it.