At first glace the show looks way over the top, after all is reality TV. But, I think there is a lot to learn from the show that the non-couponer might have missed.
Menu Plan - It doesn't matter how much money you save, if you don't have the ingredients to put a meal together at home.
Budget - New deals pop up daily. You can spend twice as munch money as you ever did before, drive yourself, and your family crazy if you don't know when enough is enough.
Know Coupon Policies - The show did address this issue, but I can't stress enough - know the store coupon policies before you shop. I'm sure the couponers in the show did, but reality TV needs a little drama.
Personal & Household Products - These are the easiest products to stockpile. It's hard to believe at first, but Walgreens and CVS is where couponers pick most of these items up for FREE
Order Large Quantities in Advance - If you'll remember the woman buying yogurt - she had boxes of yogurt at checkout. She didn't get boxes off the self. She must have contacted the store manager several days in advance and placed a special order. Shelf clearers are not looked upon favorably by store managers or other shoppers.
It Takes a Village - Couponers don't find and figure out all these deals themselves. There are a ton of resources online. If you're in the St Louis area, follow Coupon STL by email newsletter, Facebook or Twitter @Coupon STL
You're turn. What are the best tips you can pass on after watching Extreme Couponing?
Posts
Donate & share! I get so frustrated watching this show after seeing the insanely ridiculous quantities of food people buy. It definitely makes couponers look like hoarders. And I'm sure some are, but that's not the case with all of us. Know what you need and will actually USE before it expires. Be sure to give your extras to family, friends, or a food pantry.
ReplyDeleteThanks, T - As soon as I hit post, I thought that I should have adressed dontating and I didn't.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of sharing is so great. I have sent razors, deodorants, toothpaste and many other numerous items to poor college kids and given extras to girl scouts and other special drives. The enjoyment of giving something people use every day makes you feel like a million dollars. The whole thing on stockpiling stuff you will never use or will expire by the time you are able to use it is very wastefull and doesn't help you or anyone else.
ReplyDeleteI agree... Donating is AWESOME! But we have had such issues with inventory in the area lately, though (namely at Walgreen's and Target)... I don't know if I have some "shelf clearers" at work in my area, or if it has just been a problem with supply/demand. I want to make sure my family is taken care of first and THEN I'll happily send extras out for donations. It's frustrating to think that someone picked up the last six or seven of something to donate, making it s that I cannot pick up even one of something for my family... I hope all of you coupon pros out there can help watch inventory to make sure we can all do the same...
ReplyDeleteI used to think that I had to get every deal that was out there & then learned that I don't & most deals will be back around.
ReplyDeleteI also donate to those who share their coupons with me like when I get money maker Maalox or contact solution or something that my family may not use. I also donate tons that I get over the year to April Showers.
make it a learning experience for your children
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe the woman who was so obsessed about her image when she went to the grocery store! She made a big deal about putting on makeup before she went, touched it up in the car before going into the store, and then touched it up again before checking out. Seriously?! I'm pleased with myself if I manage to grab a shower!
ReplyDeleteLeAnn- I totally agree & my kids probably understand more about coupons that some adults!
ReplyDeleteNicole-I was thinking the same thing...seriously your just shopping!
I did like the woman who had her children help make her shopping list. I do this with my kids (mine are younger though) to a certain extent. Its a valuable learning experience for them. You can have certain *fun* things if you use a coupon. Or if you save money on one item you have money left to use it on something else.
ReplyDeleteMy kids get SO EXCITED when there is a coupon for the KoolAid fizzy things. I would never buy those otherwise, but they know if there is ever a coupon and they are on sale I will pick them up. Makes coupons kind of fun when you are 4 :)
Marcella what a great way to get your kids involved and also teach them a great money lesson. I will have to remember that when my grand daughter gets old enough. She is due in 10 weeks. I am beside myself with excitment!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi All - I agree with donating, but not clearning shelves to do it. But, at Walgreens and Target it is also a stock issue.
ReplyDeleteHow do they get hundreds of paper coupon inserts? I normally get the bulk of mine from online.
ReplyDeleteHi Tarsh - I'm not sure how these people come up with hundreds of inserts. They have to have an inside source at the printer or paper.
ReplyDelete