8 Truths About Extreme Couponing

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This article is b.s. all around. Most of the so called points being made are false and misleading. This article seems to be written by someone who can't understand how to use coupons and save so instead they bash and use false info to get others to think couponing is horrible as well. Just pathetic.

Kristen of OH 1:49PM July 11, 2011

Just learn to shop by unit price and NOT by shelf price, or better yet, learn to live on foods that don't require coupons for you to afford them, like veggies grown in your own garden. Best of all is free food--FORAGING.
If you regularly rely on coupons to feed your family, you aren't doing nearly enough in the savings dept.! One day soon, those coupons will be useless due to stores clamping down, and one day the manufacturers will quit making coupons, so what are you going to do then?
I asked Jill Cataldo what she intends to do when the coupons run out, and I haven't gotten an answer from her yet--I asked her a year ago. Even she doesn't have an answer!
I suggest you start forming a plan NOW for the day the coupon dies. If you don't know how to shop by price per unit, Google it and find out how.

Wenchypoo of VA 1:55PM July 09, 2011

You need a store that doubles coupons - I live in California where none of our stores double coupons. I still easily save 50% or more each time I shop IF I use coupon matchups with store sales, particularly at Albertsons, Rite Aid, CVS and Walgreen.
You have to have a boatload of coupons - Watch or read any of the extreme couponer blogs and learn how to easily organize your coupons. You don't even have to have a binder, although it makes it easier to find the coupons you need.
You must invest in order to save - Ask your neighbors or workmates to save coupon inserts for you. Best of all, print coupons on the coupon websites and company websites.
You need a LOT of time - Way wrong!!! I work 30 hours a week and do 70+ hours of volunteern work every month, so my time is precious. I spend no more than 2 hours a week tops to achieve my 50% savings.
You must be completely and totally OCD - What you need to be is willing to learn how to save money.
You need nerves of steel - Yeah, for those people who make fun of you for saving money.
You need a lot of space for “stockpiling” - Wrong! You can easily stockpile in a couple of shelves in your closet, office or garage.

Diane of CA 9:34PM June 30, 2011

Recently laid off. I used most of my part time money for food. I have 3 boys age18,17, and 12. Why does it suck to coupon on long island? Limits on quantities everywhere! King Kullen 2 per customer. Shop rite 4 per customer. Our limits are low, other customers roll their eyes, sigh, and act like you are ruining their life because they have to wait an extra 5 minutes behind me. People assume that I am cheap with no life,not true! Couponing is time consuming but you don't have to be a genius to do it. I don't have OCD I have add and I can still organize and keep track of sales. The reason why we are all getting fat is because all of the coupons are for processed food. I have saved a lot of money but it wasn't easy. I'm lucky that the grocery workers like me or else they would be stricter. However if I could buy in bulk and pay nothing I would drive half or more to food pantrys. If you are storing food under your bed and in your children's room, you are a greedy selfish pig.Those people could NEVER eat that all before it goes bad. Shame on them. I could not sleep at night knowing I could be helping people but I'm not I'm only worried about myself. The extreme coupling show ruined it for everyone. Target had to change their coupon policies. Lucky stores are close to me so I can go everyday for a week sale. So far stop and shop is the best. Any suggestions how I can save or shop better? Thanks for letting me vent. P.s. Only kk doubles 1.00 coupons and only 5!

Joy Diaz of NY 5:50PM June 30, 2011

You need a store that doubles coupons - You can get fantastic deals at many stores that do not double. The biggest ones include Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Rite Aid and CVS.
You have to have a boatload of coupons - Not necessarily. With printable coupons and coupon ordering services you don't NEED a boatload of coupons to save money. If you do have coupons via your Sunday paper, you don't need a binder to organize them.
You must invest in order to save - I know many people who get inserts for FREE from friends and family. You can also get newspapers at your local dollar store for a discount without the subscription. Printable coupons are free, you just pay for ink and paper (which you can get for free with the coupons and rebates)
You need a LOT of time - Wrong again!!! It takes me about 5 minutes to sort my coupons on Sunday using a folder/date system. I watch my favorite website who posts all the deal matchups. I scan the ad which lists the coupons I need and from what source, pull the newspaper insert, clip and move on. I say it takes me 30 minutes every week to compile my coupons and shopping lists.
You must be completely and totally OCD - Wrong. If you can drop paper in a folder, use scissors, and read a website that is all it takes. Simple.
You need nerves of steel - Well, yes. You have to have nerve of steal to deal with judgmental people who make snide comments about those who use coupons.
You need a lot of space for “stockpiling” - Um, wrong again. I know people use spaces under their bed, in closets, etc. Spaces that most of us never use. Stockpiling can be done in very efficient manners, without needing 2 rooms.

TNK of CO 3:07AM June 30, 2011

I don't know about other states but in Connecticut we have tax on soda and a 5 cent deposit on bottles. We also can not make money on items we can only get them free.
On one particular show that I watched her total was far less than what it would have been in here.
Also on a show a woman had diapers for children she did not have yet. Does she realize that diapers are designed to biodegrade and will be totally useless in a few years.
These people seem to come off as greedy hoarders and are more than a little repulsive to me. I also feel the extreme couponing show itself is going to change the way we can use coupons.

Pam of CT 8:16PM June 29, 2011

Most stores have rules on how many like items you can buy with a coupon. You also don't get a true "net" cost bc these people buy coupons, and if you see what they buy it isn't dinner...

goddessoflubbock of TX 1:32AM June 29, 2011

Also, do you shop at stores like Walmart? Or local small stores?

tiffany of FL 5:49PM June 28, 2011

Coupon Yoda teaches people to do this and do it ethically. Find it on Facebook or go to www.couponyoda.com
If you are spending too much time away from your family, it is not worth it. There must be a balance!

Ryleigh of MO 2:53PM June 28, 2011

Gracie, I like you! You are right on point in countering this article. I am not like the "extreme" people they show for ratings, and I save 70-80% while averaging less than $1 per item. The term "extreme couponing" is ruining savings for everyone.

Cynthia of MO 2:51PM June 28, 2011