Did anyone catch the show “Extreme Couponing” on TLC last night? We don’t have cable, so I did not, but I’ve heard many comments about it and watched this clip on GMA. I am absolutely shocked by it.
Did you watch the show? I’m curious to hear what you think about it?
If you’re visiting my site after watching the show, I hope you’ll read my tips for getting started with couponing:
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I've done great couponing! It's been a life saver for me & my family! I am a single mother with 3 kids at home still & this show along with a great friend who got me into it has also helped me donate several times over to my Community! I love to help others & yes its addicting! I watch all the you-tube videos on couponing 101 ,extreme couponing, and other bloggers who post their videos on you-tube like myself. I've learned so much & never thought I would save as much as a have. It's a blessing to give back to others & provide for your family.
Ok i dnt understand how ppl on the tv show get all there coupons doubled.if i was to print out all the coupons and go to krogers i could never walk out there spending less like they do
another way to save is to learn to can some of your food, grow some of your own food, yes you can can
Need help to get started. I've used coupons before but never saved that much money maybe $10.00. Please help?
My family was watching the show over the weekend and was amazed by the savings. With the economy the way it, I want to start coupaning, but I don't know where to begin. Please help
I just saw my first episode tonight. I do a few coupons, but would like to learn to be more strategic so I can realize greater cost savings -- more of a right product at the right time approach rather than buying something when I run out. That said, I couldn't help but think about how this type of behavior may inflate prices over time. Companies cannot give away 100 tubes of toothpaste or whatever for free without making up that profit somewhere.
Wow!! I watched the show last night. I really want to learn more about saving money on groceries. :)
I watched the show and am still in shock at how much these people saved! I would be more like the coupon diva, who only bought what she needed vs filling up 9+ carts, but while I saw that they saved and watched them do it, does anyone really know or understand HOW THEY DID IT? I'm browsing the internet, going through my mail and while I can see how couponing saves money I don't understand how they were able to get the price down to nothing! Can anyone help me out here? HOW did they do it? It's driving me crazy trying to figure this out!!!! Please, ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks,
Kristen
@kristen, They had multiple copies of the same coupon (meaning they had 100 coupons for $1 off toothpaste and then bought 100 tubes of toothpaste that were a $1 each, so after the coupons, they paid $0 for 100 tubes of toothpaste). They likely bought so much stuff in one trip in order to make the show sensational. You can see my thoughts on realistic couponing here: https://www.couponing101.com/2010/12/realistic-couponing.html
I too had mixed emotions about the show.
I believe that the show itself took each person and twisted it to "make money" their own way. Boo on them!!! I bet others will not be so quick to share their knowledge next time and I can't say that I blame them.
I did feel the first woman was a little OCD about it and maybe it had passed the healthy level but I would not want my faults broadcasted all over satellite tv (ugh!) Hopefully, she will see how important her family is and change some of her habits.
I loved watching all of them and realize that I can do better on my savings if I work on my planning a little more. I save a LOT of money but would love to get it under $50 (for most trips).
As for the stockpiling...I do it and love the idea. You never know when you will have an "ice storm" like we did back a few years ago and need stuff. But with that said...our philosophy (my husband and I) is this.
WITH EXTREME STOCKPILING=EXTREME GIVING
With the knowledge and ability to save and stockpile, it is also our responsibility and privilege to help others who are in need. Our local school resource center is always in need and the local mission house is always needing items. With the economy in the tank for so many people, how can I NOT help others. Only by the grace of God am I NOT in the same position.
Give with a cheerful heart....you can't out give God. :)
I can't wait to get better to save $$ for my family and to help others out too! (the best of both worlds!)
I had mixed feelings about the show. I thought the first woman and the last man were way too extreme, even though "Mr. Coupon" did donate most of his haul to the local food bank. They cast a negative view on couponers, and I didn't appreciate that. The first lady they interviewed needs help, truly. I feel bad for her, and I hope after she sees the show she realizes she is hurting herself and her husband with her addiction.
However, the middle two gals were fun to watch. I follow KCL, and understood that her segment was supposed to be lighthearted and fun. AND, she did donate almost all of her haul to the local food bank - they just didn't air that part (shame on them).
At any rate, after watching the show, I was excited again about couponing. I'd gotten pretty burnt out here lately, and it really revved me up to build my stockpile.