Exteme Couponing...Good for Everyone?

Here we go again. The TLC show Extreme Couponing returns to TV Wedesday September 28th. While we certainly love shopping with coupons, there’s no doubt this show has caused unrealistic expectations, especially among new couponers. I certainly have mixed feelings about this show returning, as I truly believe that this show played a huge part in why a lot of stores changed their coupon policies. While I was not breaking and or bending any coupon rules and or policies, others did and thought they could get away with it. Extreme Couponing is not realistic for eveyone, and especially people just starting out!

Let’s Get Real
Couponing WILL save you money. In fact it can save you a lot of money, But Extreme Couponing is not the best way to do it for everyone. Truth be told as well, I like to say I am an extreme couponer, but I do not clearn shelves, I leave stuff for others. Also I do not buy things that I am never goin to use just because I have a coupon. It disgusts me that others do. Unless you are only buying it to donate, do not waste your time.

Start Small, Then Keep It Real
If you’re new to couponing, start small with just a few coupons and a few deals so you’re certain to get them right. Then once you get the hang of it try getting bigger deals!

Don’t Expect Couponing to Always Mean Free Stuff
Yes, we all like free deals, but you can’t live off of them. All couponers DO pay money for groceries, the TLC show Extreme Couponing just likes to focus on the freebie deals. You can’t expect using coupons to always mean you’ll get things for free. Saving 25% or 50% off is plenty of success especially when you are just starting out!

What You Don’t See on TV
Keep in mind they only show on TV these shopper’s most extreme shopping trips, you don’t see that next week they’re back at the store buying milk, eggs, bread, meat, and produce and spending *gasp* almost full price! Now that is NOT to say you can't save money on milk, produce and meat. If you shop the right way you can save on everything. Check out the reduced meat, bakery, dairy and produce sections. There are always going to be times when they are reduced and you can either use them right away or freeze!

Extreme Couponing is Extreme Work
The people you see on Extreme Couponing spend 30 to 60 hours per week on couponing. I also spend a minimum 2-3 hours a day working on coupons in some form, not including the blog. Couponing is similar to a full time job. It is not to be taken lightly. It is possible for any household, and I am not trying to discourage anyone I am just trying to be honest that it does take work.

The Point of Couponing – To Cut You Grocery Bill
The truth is anyone can use coupons to reduce their grocery bill. You don’t have to be extreme to save money. So be smart, shop with coupons and seek out the best deals, but keep it real by expecting to save some money, rather than expecting to never pay for groceries again.
I am a huge believer that anyone can save money and no one should pay more than they have to. So use coupons when you can on whatever you can! If you ever have any questions please email and we can help!

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