Does anyone watch it on TLC? Does anyone extreme coupon? I have to admit, it's intriguing.
Extreme Couponing
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I caught part of one show. My thought is...who needs 100 bags of croutons????
The amount of time they spend (30-35 hours a week plus help from family and dedicated rooms), the amount of money they save (must admit this is often more than a part time job at minimum wage), and what they actually buy (massive amounts of crap food most of the time) do not make it worthwhile IMO.
I seriously think most of those women need some help for a mental issue and I would be far more impressed if they and their families looked fit and healthy.
Admit I'm a little Rainman about grocery prices, but that lets me stock up on staple food items on sale that I normally buy - bacon, chicken, cheese, pasta, laundry detergent, soup etc.
100 bags of croutons, an entire display basket of aspirin, more items than the supermarket register can handle - that is excess and waste, not thriftiness.
Though it is pretty cool to see them pay $20 for all the carts of crap.
I seriously think most of those women need some help for a mental issue and I would be far more impressed if they and their families looked fit and healthy.
Admit I'm a little Rainman about grocery prices, but that lets me stock up on staple food items on sale that I normally buy - bacon, chicken, cheese, pasta, laundry detergent, soup etc.
100 bags of croutons, an entire display basket of aspirin, more items than the supermarket register can handle - that is excess and waste, not thriftiness.
Though it is pretty cool to see them pay $20 for all the carts of crap.
It is a lot of work. But if you do pay attention to prices, get coupons for stuff you are going to buy anyway, and then stock up, it has a positive effect on your grocery bill. But the clerk sure looks at you funny when you buy 12 bottles of body wash, 12 sticks of deodorant, and 12 bottles of ketchup.
No, this is actually a TV show where these women have rooms full of coupons and excess items they have bought.
Publix recently had little mini flyers on the checkout lanes reminding folks of their coupon policy. Just thought the timing was interesting. I think you need a better hobby if this is truly "fun" for you. I understand it as a way of life to save money due to hard times or a job loss, but dumpster diving for $.25 off coupons is a bit of a mental issue.
That said I hit Publix for certain BOGO items. Most recently butter, 6 lbs. worth! I love certain things on BOGO or discounted, but it's usually stuff that I need, use, and can last. It's usually bathroom products like bar soap, shaving cream, tooth paste, etc.
The woman that preordered sports drinks by the palette and got them for free was pretty impressive. I have noticed that a lot of the stuff purchased is crap, but these are also stock up trips and they apparently go for everyday stuff as well.
That said I hit Publix for certain BOGO items. Most recently butter, 6 lbs. worth! I love certain things on BOGO or discounted, but it's usually stuff that I need, use, and can last. It's usually bathroom products like bar soap, shaving cream, tooth paste, etc.
The woman that preordered sports drinks by the palette and got them for free was pretty impressive. I have noticed that a lot of the stuff purchased is crap, but these are also stock up trips and they apparently go for everyday stuff as well.
You save money by not buying food kits like burrito kits or fajita kits. Kits are often frozen and Mexican. They must appeal to the hobbyist or gear head. All I know is I've been complimented on a good meal before, but never on a delicious and satisfying build. Stay away from the kits and buy your parts separately.
I always wanted to be a coupon lady, but I'm just not organized enough! I cut out coupons that I see only for items I know I will buy... then the coupons stay in the drawer forever and ever amen.
Gosh, I did watch a couple of episodes back to back of that show. All I can say is those people are crazy with garages filled with crap mostly and the time it takes to coordinate all that and order the coupons (there's some kind of coupon clearing house they pay to get them from or they dumpster dive. They are basically hoarders.
For the average working person, it doesn't seem worth the time, but, for retirees or stay at home parents, I can see it being fun ans worthwhile to do to a degree. My Grandfather used coupons till about 100 years old and would brag about getting something for free.
I am pretty organized about my shopping, though. I know which store I am going to, what's on sale, and now many of the stores (at least in my area) have web sites and you can make a list in advance and they cross reference it with coupons that are in the circulars from that Sunday or available. Then you just give your store card and it automatically deducts the coupon from your bill. No clipping or organizing.
Also, you can sign up at P&G Brandsaver (Procter and Gamble) online and they send you coupons in the mail for all their products, stuff people really buy that can be expensive, like mouthwash and detergents like Tide. They are often in the Sunday papers, too. So, you can get it twice and bulk up on items you use when they are on sale. I've seen coupons in there for up to $3, which is pretty good.
For the average working person, it doesn't seem worth the time, but, for retirees or stay at home parents, I can see it being fun ans worthwhile to do to a degree. My Grandfather used coupons till about 100 years old and would brag about getting something for free.
I am pretty organized about my shopping, though. I know which store I am going to, what's on sale, and now many of the stores (at least in my area) have web sites and you can make a list in advance and they cross reference it with coupons that are in the circulars from that Sunday or available. Then you just give your store card and it automatically deducts the coupon from your bill. No clipping or organizing.
Also, you can sign up at P&G Brandsaver (Procter and Gamble) online and they send you coupons in the mail for all their products, stuff people really buy that can be expensive, like mouthwash and detergents like Tide. They are often in the Sunday papers, too. So, you can get it twice and bulk up on items you use when they are on sale. I've seen coupons in there for up to $3, which is pretty good.
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On the episode that I watched the guy donated a lot of his loot to local charities in the area. That seems like the only real worthwhile purpose to buying cart loads of one item.