Is it extreme to coupon?

There is a new show out that exaggerates couponing and in my opinion, takes it to a whole different playing field. I really don’t agree with the direction the show is going and I am an avid couponer. I saw the show back in the winter when they aired the pilot show and I didn’t like it then either.

I already get a few angry faces when I stand in line with all of my coupons and this will just justify it more in their mind that I am crazy for doing what I do.

I didn’t start couponing to be extreme or for the thrills, I did it to save my family money. It did become addicting and I do not shop without coupons now but it was a total saving grace to have the know how on using coupons a few years ago. I just now have gotten to the point of constant stockpiling and am seeing true benefits of savings on my groceries. I get to enjoy a few extra dollars saved which was the ultimate goal.

Along the process I’ve learned how to stick with foods I need to stay healthy so that I’m not wasting my money on processed or unhealthy foods. On occasion though,  I do by things that are not needed but if I can get those items for FREE and either keep the guys happy or donate them to my local food bank or our church food drive, then that is what I do. I don’t keep 20 bottles of something in my house just to save a dollar or two.

For all of the people that are on the show, they may have different agendas for why they coupon. I personally get frustrated with other people that coupon for the thrill and take all of certain items off of the shelf just because they know how to get them for free! Did they ever think ~ what if I needed that item that week too? To me that is just inconsiderate but I can’t complain too much because I understand their madness. I just wish they would leave some for the next couponing sister!

A lot of people ask how am I able to do it. I have a very organized system that I use for my coupons which helps the process not seem so chaotic and overwhelming because it can be.

My process goes something like this:

I make a weekly meal plan

I make a list

I pull out coupons I need

I go shop! :) It really doesn’t take that much time at ALL!

  

I use the binder system for coupons I print out on the computer and ones I find in magazines and in the store

I keep my weekly inserts in a drawer organized by month.

I only clip those when they are needed.

Another question I get asked is “Where in the world do you find all of those coupons?”

Newspaper inserts

Magazines

And numerous websites. Here is small list of my favorites!

Target.com

Smartsource.com

Redplum.com

coupons.com

allyou.com

cookingwithkraft.com

printablecouponsanddeals.com

The secret is knowing how to make it all work for you!

I hope this helps out some newbie's to the coupon world.

I would be glad to answer whatever questions you have.

Shot me an email or leave a savvy savings comment :)

Have an awesome day!