Extreme Coupons / Extreme Couponing

Extreme CouponsThe new show “Extreme Coupons” on TLC has shocked everyone with the incredible potential of coupon savings, but it exposed some dark sides of couponing too.

Unfortunately, the show has also given people unrealistic expectations about couponing.

Every day I get a few emails, all asking the same question: “Why am I getting only 50% savings, not even close to the 90% they do on the show?”

People forget that this is a TV show and not real life. Most of the stores you see on the show have waived their limitations for these people. Don’t expect to coupon limitlessly as they do.





Another thing to remember is that stocking up a pantry take a few months, not one trip.

Extreme couponing takes time – more than 60 hours a week! To be honest, I don’t think it’s worth the effort.

Realistic couponing on the other hand can get you 50% savings, with as little as 1-2 hours a week. With that in mind – let’s set up realistic expectations…

Realistic Time
Realistically I spend 1-2 hour a week on planning my shopping trips, checking my pantry, clipping coupons and augmenting them with printable ones.

If you’re a beginner it may take longer than this to develop your system, but after few months it should go pretty smooth.

Realistic Stockpiling
Okay, 40 years worth of toilet paper? More shampoo then I will ever use? This is just not my view of stockpiling.

As I explain in my Smart Coupon Strategy article, sales come in cycles. Realistic Stockpiling should be relatively small, so that items would last until the next sale.

How much exactly is that? That depends on how much your family uses a certain item and how often it goes on sale. Start with a small amount from each item, and increase your stockpile if you run out of it before the next sale.

For most families the regular kitchen storage place should be enough. You may need 2-3 extra shelves. If you have set up your whole garage with shelves – that an indication that your stockpile is probably too large and not realistic.
 

Realistic Couponing
Having that said, if you want to learn to coupon and save 50% or more on your grocery bill, then I can certainly help. Couponing is a great way to save your family money, and it doesn’t have to be an obsessive hobby!

If you are interested, than you should read my full Grocery Coupons Guide before you begin couponing.

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