Have you caught the TLC show Extreme Couponing yet? If not, you will have a whole series to watch beginning on April 6 at 9 p.m. You can watch a preview of the show here. Watch the preview and you will be intrigued – 1,100 inserts??? WHAT? Who has time for that?
I think most people can save HUGE on their grocery bill but a realistic goal is going to be 50% saving. You can see my methods and learn how to get started in the 15 Days of Couponing. You can also get started by printing coupons or searching the Coupon Database for more coupons.
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What do you think about extremely extreme couponers?
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LORI
I shoot for 50% also. That makes me happy. Once in a while I buy specialty items and have coupons and sale and get 60-70% and get excited. But saving 50% when you are feeding two teenage boys in this economy is a great help! Those “extreme” couponers cannot possibly 1) use that many coupons in our area stores, 2) cannot need that much before it expires like the salad dressings and others, 3) need a life and should not be spending 40+ hours a week couponing. That’s just my opinion.
Melissa
It makes me feel a little less bitter to see some of you are also less than thrilled with this publicity. I’m hoping the spotlight doesn’t cause these few rotten apples to spoil things for the rest of us. I must admit I enjoy watching the show, though!
That one man who had about 1000 deodorants stockpiled who said “at least I’ll never stink” ticked me off! It’s one thing to donate, but even then I wish these people would leave the deodorant on the shelves so the rest of us can get our one or two each time the deal comes around. How many can you possibly use in a year? Just getting one or two free toothpastes, etc. when the deals come around give you more than you need and enough to share. It really is hoarding – they’re addicted to that rush.
Also, it’s dumb to try to do everything in one transaction just to have a record-breaking high total, like that woman who exceeded the max # of items that could be rung up in one transaction and they had to re-ring several cartfuls – what a spectacle! I try to call as little attention to myself as possible.
Olivia Smith
I enjoy watching this show. Yes, I love couponing but not to this extreme. However, I am intrigued to see what these people keep in their stockpiles and the mission behind it all. Looking forward to the premier.
KK @ Coupon Crocodile
Since I started couponing at the first of the year, I tend to save 40-50% on my grocery bill. And I consistently save at least 50-80% on other household needs like cleaning supplies, health and beauty and pet supplies. And that’s great for me. I mean, it would be amazing to save 95% on groceries one day. But 40-50% is not to shabby either!
Donnann
Glad to see you say 50 percent is reasonable because that is usually what I hit and I am happy with that.
coupon woman
I think these extreme couponers need a life! They give those of us who are trying to do it in moderation a bad image.
Diana
I totally agree that 50% savings is a realistic goal! I watched clips from the show and was sort of taken aback by how much stuff these people have stock piled. It’s borderline hording!
Kari
Couponers like this make me mad! So many times I go to hit the deals at CVS and Walgreens and I can’t get them because someone has already come through with who knows how many coupons and wiped off the shelves! Do you really need 1000 packages of ramen noodles!?!?! Really!?!?! I think this is the new version of hoarding, but people think it’s OK because they are saving and sometimes making money! Well, what about the rest of us who would like to cash in on these savings too?!?! 1100 inserts!!! Someone needs therapy!!! Just saying! **Climbing off soap box now** I’ll be interested to see the response this show gets!
Annette Herbst
I admit I was so excited when I saw this program and heard they were making more, but then I headed out shopping. I have had so much trouble everywhere I go now because the cashiers are super picky and they all say they had meetings with employers telling them to watch us couponers. I have never had the trouble I am having now even with the cashiers who know me (because I stalk their lines). I want the show to go away. On the other hand while shopping last week I had at least 6 people ask me questions saying they want to coupon and asking if I am like the people on the show (which I am not).
Shel
My stores only allow 3 of the same coupon per purchase. You’d think someone with 1,100 would wipe out the store!!