Extreme Couponing Affecting the Un-Extreme?
So, I received the following email from reader, Rashelle. She is feeling very discouraged about using coupons and even dreads going to the store. Here’s what she had to say:
Hi Collin, I know this may seem odd but I was wondering if you have heard from any readers that they have been feeling down about using coupons lately because I have. Ever since the “Extreme Couponing” show has been airing I feel myself getting looks from other customers. For example, I was at Toys ‘R’ Us the other day with my son and a lady in front of me had items that I had a store coupon for which I wasn’t going to use and I asked if she wanted it, she was very thankful and asked if I was sure I didn’t need it and my son said, don’t worry she has a whole binder of them at home, and her tone changed drastically as she said “Oh, you’re one of Those.”
I was in Publix last night doing my weekly coupon shopping and was flipping thru my binder when a couple of women walked past me, looked me up and down and then one said to the other “she’s loco” (crazy in Spanish) and at checkout a husband and wife came into line behind me at the end of my transaction while my coupons were being scanned and started talking very loudly about how the people on “that show” take advantage of shopping (and I didn’t even have a cart full of stuff).
There have been so many times lately when I feel glaring eyes upon me and I feel I need to justify myself to these people and say I am not a hoarder, I don’t have a small grocery store in my house, I am not clearing shelves, and so on, but of course I just smile and keep my mouth shut. I hate this feeling of being embarrassed and ashamed of my coupons because I use to be so proud and happy of all of my great savings and I don’t want this to ruin couponing for me, but it has left me very discouraged, and instead of being excited to do my weekly trip, I almost dread it. I was just wondering if I am the only one experiencing this behavior. Thanks for your time and for everything you do!
Since I cannot give you a hug (I so love hugs!) or tackle the stores with you, I am hoping that all of you readers can make Rashelle feel inspired to continue being proud to use her coupons! What ways have you motivated yourself in times of discouragement? How have you made your couponing adventures positive and fun?
I feel for you as well. I have been couponing for over 6 years, due to the fact my husband lost his job we were homeless for a few days living in our van with 5 kids a cat and our dog. I have gotten a few stares, but I really don’t care, you should be the one laughing at them because they are spending waay to much on their groceries. So HA HA to all you non couponers that make us feel bad we save oodles of money on our groceries and they don’t!
I now have 8 kids and save as much as I can on our groceries. No I don’t have a warehouse, storeroom, or closets full of stuff. I do stockpile but i’m not a hoarder.
Also I am not a fan of the show I have only watched it once, and I agree because of the show that stores are tightening their belts on us couponers. It sucks and hopefully this is just a fad and it to shall pass.
Rashelle, I’m sorry people are so rude to you. Don’t they get it? The show is staged to get viewers and “extreme” is TV speak for a compulsive addiction. No one knows anyone’s situation when they encounter another person in a store. Don’t take any of these things to heart – you do what YOU need to do to survive. No one else walks in your shoes.
I truly do not care what people think. They don’t live my life. My budget is so tight that in order to make it work, I carry a clipboard, my price list, calculator and my coupon box with me in the store. It’s time consuming and sometimes a real pain, but I really don’t have a choice right now. It’s not a hobby for me, it’s a means to survive.
Hang in there! I get the same looks and I think they are just jealous that they can’t do what we do:) Just keep your family in your mind when you get the looks. You can feed them for a great price and have extra fun money!
I keep telling people who ask me that the show is unrealistic unless you want to spend hours planning, shopping and hoarding. Many of the episodes could be mistaken for the show Hoarders, as some of these people are suffering from hoarding which is a mental condition. It is not something to laugh about. I save 25-70% on my shopping trips, have a small pantry I keep stocked, and I do carry a binder. About 70% of the coupons in my binder I do not use, but I pass on or play coupon fairy. I like having them with me so I can get great deals when items go on clearance. I look at it this way, if people are rude enough to stare and talk about you in front of you, ignore them, they are just jealous.
You know what… someone, somewhere is going to dislike something you do. This is true for every single person in the world. And none of us are above it if we’re being truly honest with ourselves…we all judge SOMEONE for SOMETHING as much as we try not to. These petty people are judging you for something that to you (and to all of US : )) is extremely beneficial and not hurting a soul. Like I said though, someone won’t like it. The only things any of us should feel badly about are the things we do to hurt someone else. Companies put coupons out to encourage people to buy their product! We’re doing what they want us to do, how is that bad? Hold your head up high and be proud of being the decent, honest woman that I’m sure you are. I know I’m proud to be a part of this community of obviously great people…look at how many comments have gone up already in support of you!! 🙂
I am new to couponing and have found the same things happening to me. I am pregnant about 5 weeks left and always find myself having to speak to a manager. Either myself or he employee end up calling them over because they need to know why I need x amount of body washes or whatever I may be purchasing. This has been very annoying to myself and my family. I hope that this madness ends soon for the ones just doing it for now and not because they really care to keep it going. And may I add if you are one of the ones clearing the shelves please think of the people coming behind you. Thank you!
I have been couponing for years, but only recently did a co-worker of my hubby’s get me into having an organized method of couponing. I actually like the TLC show as it helps me learn how to get organized. I really enjoy couponing, and I have saved my family of seven (including 5 kids, ages 12 and under) over one hundred dollars during the month of May. Plus, I actually have a well-stocked pantry for the first time in my life! We have been on a strict budget for almost a year, so it seems like a natural progression for me to start seriously couponing. And it’s not like we are getting something for nothing- coupons are hard work! Lots of planning and organization go into what we do. I have only been seriously couponing since April and I have already donated 15 bars of soap, 2 huge containers of body lotion, and a pack of Huggies diapers to charities! Unless they do away with coupons completely, I hope I never quit using coupons.
I can say that I dislike the show mainly because it give new couponers misleading information. I never really cared what other people thought as I have been doing this for years. So the glares and looks never bother me. Since the show has come out, I have had mostly positive interactions with people. People see my binder and start asking questions about how they can save money. It’s really allowed me to share my stratagies with many people. While the show has irked me alot it seemed to have helped people understand what I do. Most people know that “normal” people like us don’t hoard. LOL! In my town anyways. I get alot of “Smart girl” comments now. I just have to let them know that the show is misleading, but you can still save a ton using coupons.
I have a ready response to anyone who glares or makes a nasty comment…”When YOU pay for this, I’ll be quite happy to put my coupons aside.”
Like!
Remember: LIVING WELL IS THE BEST REVENGE! This goes for retirees as well as young Moms and singles.
People are going to talk about you until the day you die and there is nothing that you can do about it, but live your life to the fullest! I say keep couponing!
As a newbie (1mo) that started couponing because of THAT show & I sometimes feel like I’ve contributed in some way to the craziness… just because I’m another of many newcomers…But when I get home from the store and look at my family of 7, I realize why I started couponing in the first place. If the outsiders realize that the money we save goes towards our families, which frees up some financial stress, which makes a happier parent, which makes happier kids, which is contributing to a possibly better society and future….
I first watched the show because I had a desire to learn more skills. Wrong! It is not realistic. Those ladies say they take 4 papers as they stand next to a stack several inches tall of the same insert. I decided I couldn’t take the show at face value. It has to be staged. I love my accomplishments and what I have in my storage room. When others stare or make rude comments, I suggest we respond with something simple and polite and move on knowing that we are taking such great care of our families with our hard work!!
Ah Rashelle! Just think to yourself how strange it is for them to think you strange…at least you are the one being proactive about saving money! Those poor fools that can’t be bothered to coupon don’t deserve anything but pity. I look at it this way…if they are too proud or too ignorant to see the value in and appreciate the effort you are making to save money they are to be pittied. I mean really, who’s the smarter of the two? Besides…if all those fools decided to take up the art of couponing all the good deals would disappear too fast. Be thankful there are those who don’t understand you or what you do! So, take heart and give yourself a mental pat on the back, put your chin up or rather in your binder and keep going girl!
For me, I just make it a point to either ignore the stares or to find it amuzing to see people’s reactions. Most people have positive comments and I’ve actually never had any really really rude comments directed my way probably because I always try to make eye contact with people behind me and apologize before they can say anything. I also always aproach the cashier with a nice greeting something to the affect “I hope you love me when we’re done cause I have a lot of coupons”. That sets the tone for the transaction. Also, if possible I let someone with a smaller transaction go in front of me to show the cashier I am trying to be polite and not hog the register.
I’ve been out of work for 10 months so I don’t have the luxury of letting someone intimidate me into feeling like a crazy person just because I’m working at surviving the best way I know how. But, even when I get a job I will continue to coupon and be proud of my savings. Besides, now that I know the thrill of the hunt and that satisfaction of knowing I paid a fraction of what other people are paying it just makes me feel like I’ve done something special for me, my family and all the people I get to bless with donations! I’ve been able to donate more being out of work and couponing this past year than I ever did in all of the previous 37 years of marriage not using coupons!
I have a coupon binder and I had to stop bringing it with me because we have to go by bus to the store and well, the binder is HEAVY in it’s own right! lol We don’t have a car and well, carrying the binder and groceries is a bit hard to do.
Anyway, I don’t worry about what others think, feel or say. I’m saving money period! My husband has a part time job 32 hrs and his check took a dive, so we have no choice and I’m getting better every single month! lol That’s what I think of!
I often say after my transaction what I took down ($70) to the lower price ($30) and that’s awesome! I smile about it! lol I don’t care who hears me. lol To me it’s a game to get the most for less! I don’t buy what I don’t need, well, not in that way anyway. Like in Colin’s coffee video. 🙂
I’ve had a few people ask me where do I get my coupons from. lol I’ve handed out business cards to my blog for them to go and get the coupons for themselves and the deals as well. I try to spread the wealth with coupons if I don’t need them.
Just 2 weeks ago I had a lady say “Oh I love a Couponer” and I looked at her and smiled. After my transaction she asked how much I saved and I told her and then asked her if she gets a lot of coupons, etc then I gave her my business card.
I wouldn’t worry about what people think. You are doing what you can to help save money on groceries so you can pay bills or afford other things. 🙂 Life is too short to feel embarrassed about anything including couponing, heck that’s the best fun I get when grocery shopping! lol
I like the show and I have had people congratulate me for my coupon use in the store. I also put coupons I don’t want on the shelves. If someone ever caught attitude with me for my own business I would tell them off. People let too much get to them. It’s a TV show. Stop taking it so seriously.
I LOVE when someone leaves a coupon they’re not using on the shelf! It’s like a visit from the coupon fairy!! 🙂
If you pay attention, you can see the same story over and over. Here’s Mrs. X. She uses coupons, she’s planning her biggest trip. Here’s her family, they go to the store. She’s sweating “I’ve never done an order this big”. There are problems at the cash register, people are watching. Wow! She did it. It’s all glazed over and made pretty, but it’s the same thing over and over.
Boy are those true words! I get sick of the same thing every time.
You are so right….”There Biggest Trip Ever”….so that goes to show you that this is not the typical way to coupon, even for those individuals. It’s an unrealistic view of how to save with coupons.
Agreed! The episodes were all filmed during the same time period, so the all have the same coupons and end up buying the same items.
Let them talk all the garbage they want. In the end, you’ll be going home $60 richer (or however much you save) and all they’ll have is their own terrible attitude. I don’t bother keeping my mouth shut when people make comments about me, what I’m doing, etc. I’d look them in the eye, pet my binder like it was a little kitten, and say “Yup. I’m one of THOSE people who has an extra $60 in her pocket when she leaves here…. and it feels GREAT!” Then I’d smile sweetly at them and turn around and go back to my business. Don’t be ashamed of what you’re doing! They’re just jealous that they can’t do what you do. *HUG*
Love your style, LOL.
My mother-in-law is addicted to the show Extreme Couponing. She is under the impression that at any given day, she will be able to go to the store, fill up a few carts, hand over a few coupons and pay no more than ten bucks. She doesn’t know how much work actually goes in to a shopping trip of that size…
With that said, I always shop with my sister. She is my best friend. We just moved into our first apartment a week ago, and couponing has made it possible for us to pay rent each month (we wanted the apartment that was just out of our price range, and started carefully using coupons as a way to make up that hundred dollar or so difference). And it works great!
We get those same looks when we go to our Wal-Mart to shop. But we prop our binder up in our buggy and head in anyway. Because we know that without those coupons, we wouldn’t be the independent young women we are.
p.s.- We also get the strange looks because we sing along to the store’s music off-key and laugh at everything. We have a blast when we shop (with our coupons!).
I ignore people that make comments most times, other times I will say that I love the fact that I am saving 60% – 80% on groceries. That usually stops them in their tracks.
Lately where I shop, I am seeing more and more with the notebooks, due to the fact that my Kroger’s is the only one in area to double $1 coupons. So if we talk to people in store it is usually the ones with the notebooks. We band together. LOL.
Aw I know what you mean!! So I offer hugs to you as well! I get more discouraged when I pack up both kids, go to the store, only to find the shelves of all the deals are gone. This has been happening A LOT lately and it is starting to get me to want to quit and go back to my nonsavings shopping just to avoid the dissapointment. Newborn and 2yr old shopping alone is tough enough.. to go for nothing makes me want to scream.
I hate hearing that. I have gotten some looks as well but I have also made new friends by shopping with my binder. I also get a lot of people asking me to run a class to show them how to do it. I clearly tell them I am not at the level of those on the show..however, I do save between 50-60% which I think is great.
I don’t have a small store either just a good stock of soaps and cleaning supplies. I just say they are jealous of you. They don’t understand it and so they feel it is wrong. Plus I have found that people do not read the fine print on the coupons. They don’t realize that you are not taking money from the store. It is clearly marked that the store will receive the full price of the coupon PLUS $.08 for handling. So the cost is on the manufacturers.
Please do not take other peoples stares, glares and comments to heart. Only know that in your heart you are doing what is right for you and your family. God gives us the means to support ourselves and we in turn must show good stewardship with what he has given us. A great way to be a good steward is by using coupons and saving $$$ so that we may help others. Some day the people that gave you such heart ache, might be the ones that benefited from your couponiong when they are in need. Hold your chin high and keep up the good work!
Amen, amen, amen! You got the right attitude!
I’ve just started couponing with a binder since I saw the show and came to this blog! Now, I’ve had a couple ladies stop me to ask if I did extreme couponing. I said no but I do the best I can. I don’t really stockpile and I’ve only gotten one free thing in my first month. Most were interested in seeing how I organized my binder, (binder envy).
As far as worrying about what people think . . . don’t let anyone else make you feel embarrassed! Me, I’m way past caring what people think!! (That’s one good thing about menopause : )) You stick up for your self more and it’s very easy to avoid the negative people!
I have one word to say JEALOUS!!! People who stare and comment are just jealous. It is true that this show has made couponing more public and more people are aware of it, but I have been doing it for years, and people 9 out 10 times will congratulate me, and I just ignore the ones who don’t. You have nothing to be ashamed of, they should be ashamed of paying full price!! And I do think the show is unrealistic, nobody has the perfect transaction every single time. Do you really think the cashiers and managers would be just as nice without tv cameras on??? Of course not, they have to play nice, otherwise they would lose customers. It’s all just perfect marketing.
Collin & her big tub of coffee in her cart! We love u!
I can definitely understand this person’s viewpoints. Sometimes, I dread couponing depending on what store it is. Usually, CVS and Harris Teeter are friendly and welcome coupons. However, I get that dreadful feeling EVERY time I go into Target, Walmart, or Walgreens. Now this has not stopped me from using them. If someone (whether it is a cashier or fellow customer) makes any type of rude comment, I may get rude right back depending on my mood. I have gotten looks at times for using coupons, especially if it was more than 15 (I never take more than 20-25 in any store b/c I don’t have time to explain the coupon policy to store employees who should know it already). However, since the show, I have gotten more looks even when I pull out 2. Again, it depends on the store. I personally do not carry a huge binder b/c my purse is heavy enough LOL! But I do use a smaller coupon organizer that can fit in my purse and will take it out to find or sort coupons if I need to. If someone passes by and makes a rude comment, they will receive a rude response right back LOL!
I have only seen the show a few times. Yes, they are extreme!! I couldn’t imagine housing 1000 rolls of paper towels or 500 boxes of cereal. But I also choose not to judge them (some do donate. The show doesn’t tell you everything) and hope that others don’t judge me when I show up with my binder. I have had individuals compliment me on the organization and even had a woman come up to me to see the binder. She wanted to do better with shopping & coupons. I, of course, encouraged to check out this website and to get organized.
I am sad to hear that others are saying rude things to you or loud enough for you to hear. My opinion is that they are jealous. Jealousy is a big ugly monster and causes others to lose manners, compassion and respect. Keep your chin up, Rashelle, and coupon away! There is no shame in saving for your family & community. You even shared with someone – that was very nice and more should be willing to share as well. I love the coupon fairies and do my best to pay it forward as well.
Our world is full of greed, hate and so much more negativity. You can only control you. What others may say about you – you cannot control. Do what is right and honorable. Be a good example and just keep smiling.
I’ve had people more than once make a comment about my coupons. I just laugh and tell them I have two kids that lost jobs due to cut backs and I’m helping to feed their families since they don’t qualify for assistance. They usually shut up or tell me thats great. Their the ones who wouldn’t help someone in need if their life depended on it. Hold your head up high.
As the parent of a small child with special needs and MANY medical bills, I just politely say things out loud like like,”Look at all the money we just saved! Now we have more money to pay for the next surgery!” The guilty looks and sorry faces usually makes up for anything they were thinking or saying beforehand, but of course your situation is most likely different.
I would just point out that in these hard times, you have to do what you can to save the most. Everyone in the U.S. right now should understand that. If not, then they are probably just jealous and wish they could be better savers like you! 🙂
Be proud of your coupons girlfriend!! People who don’t care about spending retail are the ones complaining. Think of how much you are saving and how you are helping your family. I went to Shoprite last week and handed the cashier a handful of coupons. The guy behind me said, ” Did you invent coupons?” I kindly said no and said that I wish I did. I said that I am a nursing student and am helping my family (me and my husband). If he was able to buy $58 worth of groceries for $28 how would have kept his mouth shut. It is a skill and not everyone is capable of doing it. I have people who always ask me how I do it and how it must take forever. Hey, I say if I can spend a few hours and save hundreds, I’ll do it.
People don’t have anything better to do than to judge others. This is your business and not theirs. They are not the ones helping you with your groceries or you bills. Keep you head up and stay proud of those many pieces of paper that save you tons 🙂 <3
All I can say is: “who cares what other people think” – you’re saving money and if they want to pay full price – let them! What they don’t know – is our kind of breed – shares and gives away all those deals to others who need it. If they don’t wish to participate – “great” – that leaves more for us to share with others thus feeling even better about ourselves!
Go the opposite route! Tell them how your childrens beds are actually just surplus rolls of paper towels stacked up. Brag about how you can’t fit your car in the garage because of your polident hoard. . and you still have all your teeth! Yep, get right down on their jerk-y level. . . and don’t forget your playhouse made of cheerios boxes and cans of mixed vegetables.
Rashelle,
Don’t get discouraged. If the store employees treat you badly, politely tell them you are going to take your business elsewhere. If other shoppers treat you badly, that is their problem.
I definitely hear you about getting a bad rap since the show came out. My Albertson’s has really been enforcing their policies very tightly. they ARE very understanding, though. If I have TTV coupons, I now must make my 3 TTV purchase, take the bags out to the car and come back in to use any other set of 3 TTV coupons – all in the same day, just on separate visits. A separate visit is defined as a trip in and out of the door. During peak hours, it’s understandable. I like to go later at night or super early in the morning. I can do 3 or 4 separate transactions without getting out of line. They are very helpful and understanding. I know my stuff and they appreciate it – I have exactly the right products that matches the coupons and carry the sales ad with me. they know that I’m not trying to get away with anything and I’m not clearing the shelf. The only down side to a rain check at Albertson’s is that you can’t use the TTV coupon if the item comes in after the TTV coupon expires. They HAVE been distributing TTV coupons almost every Sunday the last month or so, but not this week 🙁 I really dislike an empty shelf as well especially when the sale has been in effect for less than 24 hours. it is a pain to find and ask a clerk to see if there is any more in the back, which they almost always say no.
Try not to be intimated by the rude people. You will actually encounter them for the rest of your life, so you might want to start developing the skill of discerning whether or not it’s worth the grief.
DOWN WITH EXTREMERS!
Don’t let those people get you down! Keep shopping and most of all remember how much money you are saving yourself and your family. They are just jealous that they don’t have the guts to do it themselves. COUPONS RULE!!!!
First off- HUG!!!!!
Second, those people on TLC are nuttier than squirrel poop!
Third, I coupon to save my family money. The economy sucks and it’s hard to make ends meet! I do admit to having a small stockpile. What to know what I stockpile? Dog food, cat food, cat litter, and cleaning supplies that gets donated to the animal shelter I volunteer with. I don’t feel bad about this stockpile cause it’s going to a GOOD CAUSE!!!!
Ignore the sarcastic comments and rude stares. You’re not in the wrong and people shouldn’t make you feel bad about you wanting to save money.
Don’t worry about what others think! HEY your saving MONEY!!!!!! Coupons Do RULE!
I just keep thinking that I’m saving money and they aren’t! Keep clipping!
Hi Everyone!
My name is Natalia and I am new to couponing! This Sunday will be my 4th trip that I have done with coupons, and I’m so excited I cannot wait and go shopping. I honestly feel the need to shout it out at the top of my lungs… “LOOK AT ME WORLD!! I’M SAVING MONEY AND NOT PAYING FULL PRICE FOR ANYTHING THAT IS IN MY CART!!!” I think that is amazing and I do see a lot more women each week at my local grocery store with their binders, some ask me for tips (which I don’t have many), but I am willing to help anyone. I’m all for it and it’s wonderful what they are starting. My husband is extremely supportive of me couponing, he now asks me if we have a coupon for everything that he buys. He knows where my binder is located when I’m not home and he knows which category to go under to look for whatever type of coupon he needs, and he knows that from here on we will NEVER buy anything at full price. My ONLY regret it … WHY HAVE I NOT STARTED THIS SOONER!!
So with that said, I too get looks in the store, and comments behind my back… but at the same time I’m thinking to myself … “how much did YOU pay for those lunchables in your cart? Oh! That’s right you paid the sales price of $2.79 and yet I ONLY paid $0.79!!! So who is the crazy one here?” So Rashelle, I can only tell you this .. .do NOT stress about what other people are saying. Think of how much money you are saving and what a wonderful thing you are doing for yourself AND for your family. You DO NOT need to spend your hard earned money or something that you can get for 1/4th of the price or even … my favorite word… FREE!!! I really hope you do not give up on couponing, because though it IS time consuming, I really thing it’s a wonderful thing.
Hope that helps, and I too do wish I could give a hug .. do NOT worry about the jealous people or the comments behind your back. There is always someone out there that will say something, but that is ONLY because that is the one power that they have since they are too lazy and dumb to coupon themselves 🙂
First of all, I think it is extremely tacky for people in a store to comment on what anyone else is buying or how they choose to shop. We could be just as judgmental about the person in front of us who spends $250 on groceries and doesn’t use a single coupon but it’s none of our business!
I am lucky because before the show even came out couponing was becoming more popular where I live. There are several different groups that run couponing workshops and I usually see at least one other friendly couponer on my grocery trips. So far our local stores are still fairly coupon-friendly, although I have noticed that the cashiers are reading the fine print on coupons a lot more closely. It doesn’t bother me since I know I use my coupons ethically!!
If someone is really that self-conscious about the binder now because of That Show, maybe for a while pull as many of your coupons as you can ahead of time and stick them in an envelope or clutch. Have your binder stashed in a reusable shopping bag or a tote like Collin’s just in case you end up needing a coupon. I’ve gotten to where I don’t even take my whole binder in to places like CVS or Target because when I’m using coupons there it’s what my husband refers to as a “surgical strike”…I go in with a plan, get exactly what I came in for, and leave. The binder slows me down on those missions. 😛
Keep your head held high as you save money time and time again. Life is about choices. You choose to make your dollar stretch more than the average person. The people making snide comments are probably a little jealous and upset that they will walk away paying more for the same exact items you have in your cart. I love the show Extreme Couponing because it shows people doing everything they can to make the most of their shopping trip especially at a time when the economy is so unstable. When you hear the foolish comments from those around you, just smile and give them a little wink and tell them it’s a shame they are going to pay full price for all of their items! hahahahahaha
Screw ’em!
I know how it is on a tight budget. My Dad and I are actually planning to go couponing soon, and hell even if we get laughed at it’s their loss isn’t it? We’re the ones saving money for other things, and that show only shows (heh) the people who take it to the extreme (hello! Title!).
So, whatever you save and however much you buy is your own thing. *internet hug* Please don’t ever be afraid to do what you know helps you and yours!
Did anyone else chuckle when watching extreme couponing seeing products they recognized from recent high value coupons? The Extreme couponers seem to get many of the same deals… like the Ronzoni Garden pasta… with all the coupons for that product over the last 2 months I have a little stockpile too : )
I feel anytime you can save money, you should! All of those people giving you dirty looks or making comments are just jealous that you are shopping wisely and they missed the boat. You keep doing what you are doing and ignore those people. I know it can be easier said then done. Just remember you are the one going home with the savings! I mean come on, isn’t that way coupons are printed and distributed in the first place, to save money?
Please, please, please don’t feel ashamed!!! I so want to be like you!!! I strive to shop better and save every where I can but I feel like I’m no where near y’alls level. I honestly feel like I never will be. Please just look the other way when you get those looks.Little do they know what they are missing out and just how much they could save if they only did just a lil couponing like I have!!!
It is funny how things have changed. In the past we were embarrassed because we had no money and every penny counted so we were so grateful for any coupons we could use. Now being frugal and couponing (extreme or otherwise) has become fashionable. I just know that for so many of us coupons make the difference between getting that half gallon of milk or going without. Bottom line is that just as there is nothing to be embarrassed about being poor and having hard times and therefore using coupons, there is also nothing wrong with getting the best deals you can and having fun while you do it. Just remember no matter your situation there will always be somebody that has something negative to say. If you heard someone say something nasty about a poor person you would be shocked and wouldn’t listen to the them would you? Well now is the time to not listen to those people who have no idea of who you are or your situation. You know you are doing nothing wrong and doing what is best for your family. So just be proud as you carry your binder and keep offering others your extra coupons, you never know who you might really help!
My husband and I have an ongoing debate about just how useful it is to watch that show. I think that extreme couponing show is more about entertainment than strategies!
I feel like I am stared at also when I bring a binder in a store. I just power through those emotions! Running a household is like running a business in many ways! Reducing overhead is smart business! You are a smart business women!!!
I would rather watch Colin’s videos on tv than watch Extreme Couponing. Most of the people on the show are rude, and it is the SAME story everytime. I would also like to know how some those people get like 5,000 newspaper inserts, without stealing them or doing something dishonest. & I have noticed since the show started, it seems like I am seeing alot more empty shelves 🙁
here here!! I would tune into Collin’s Couponing anytime!! Her videos always brighten my day and I appreciate all of her sound advice and upbeat attitude. My advice when we run into rude comments and looks, just think WWCD … what would Collin do 🙂
Lately I have been getting more comments from other customers when they see my coupon binder. They tell me that I remind them of those people on that show. LOL I usually try to find a way to tell them that I give a lot of my findings to family and friends also. That way they don’t think I am a hoarder!
Just tell them: Honey, if Harvard accepted coupons for tuition, I would pay full price for groceries!
I think the problem that we are falling into is remembering this is for entertainment purposes. These people have a huge stash that took them months, or even years to grow. From what I understand many stores that end up on the show change some of the rules just for the show. I have a friend who goes to the same store that was on the show, and she said that the store policy was adapted to the show.
I don’t care what people think, this is my money, my time and my effort. Unless they are willing to pay my bills, and feed my family their input doesn’t count. You are doing this for your family and not for the approval of anyone, as all these amazing people have said you stick to it, and hold your head high 🙂
Exactly!! Amen!!!