Extreme Couponing - Season 2 - Yikes!

Here they come again!  Extreme Couponing Season 2 makes it's debut tomorrow night.  The show is back with a new season of unbelievable examples of extremely extreme couponers.  In Wednesday's episode we meet Michelle, a self-proclaimed shelf-clearer.  I've already shared my feelings about this show . . . they promote shelf-clearing (aka rude couponing behavior), coupon fraud, newspaper thefts (people stealing newspapers to gather coupon inserts), and in some cases coupon policies are being modified.  Extreme Couponing presents an unrealistic view of couponing and it's a shame because shoppers can save significantly by using coupons.

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Please, if you are interested in learning how to use coupons in a more realistic way, give me a call!  In my classes I'll show you how you can consistently save 50% and more on your grocery, health and beauty items.  You won't have to move your spouse and children out of your home or build an addition to house your stockpile (unless you want to!) I can teach you the methods I use -- it's fun and easy!  You can start saving immediately by watching my blog posts and the Grocery Smarts lists and by printing available coupons that are matched to the weekly store sales.  What are you waiting for?

TLC's Extreme Couponing - Bad Examples For Couponers

TLC's Extreme Couponing (in my opinion) has lost it's luster.  I'm an avid couponer and I watch like most of you, with an incredulous expression.  It is beyond me why someone would buy and store enough toilet paper to last 40 years!  However, last week's episode with Amanda Ostrowski was painful to watch.  She appeared overbearing and downright rude to her husband who was attempting to be helpful (but apparently not helpful enough or quickly enough for the bossy Amanda).  She claims her couponing 'high' is similar to being on crack or having "done a bunch of crystal meth."  Please!  Let's compare ourselves to drug addicts?!!?  I am appalled.  The Supemarket News reports:

"Amanda Ostrowski starts her mission by scrutinizing online coupon forums to find the latest deals. She then marches into her local supermarket to preview sale items. Hours later, she heads home and seeks out coupons that match the sale items.

"Armed with about 1,000 coupons she purchased for $70 from an online clipping service, she later returns to the store. She proceeds to fill up nine carts with hundreds of products, most of which she'll get for free.

"Welcome to the life of a super couponer, subject of a new TLC reality show called “Extreme Couponing,” airing each Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT."

There is absolutely no coupon etiquette displayed on the show.  With Amanda especially, there's no etiquette shown towards her husband or anyone else who gets in her way!  "Marching" into her local supermarket is an apt description and my perception was that I certainly wouldn't want to get in her way.  What has happened to common courtesy and respect?  Coupons are misused, store coupon policies are relaxed or lifted for dramatic effect, and large quantities or items are special ordered for the show!  This is a 'reality' show with very little 'real world' truth.  When teaching those in my classes how to be more effective couponers we discuss how to obtain enough coupons for their family, the proper use of coupons, coupon fraud, and store coupon policies.  It seems each of these practices are trodden under foot in the TLC series.  Supermarket News continues:

". . . the Coupon Information Center, an Alexandria, Va.-based organization that fights coupon fraud, is disappointed in the show, according to Executive Director Bud Miller.

“We view it as a missed opportunity,” Miller said.

"That's because, rather than explaining how to maximize coupons in an appropriate manner, the show creates unrealistic consumer expectation from coupons. Among the CIC's concerns: The show's producers prearrange all the shopping trips, the show is heavily edited, coupons that are rejected at the checkout are not shown, and certain activities may be in violation with the terms and conditions of coupons, said Miller.

“The show is all about exploitation, and nothing about learning,” he said."

My couponing experience is exhilarating.  When I'm in the grocery store I often talk with other shoppers and even share coupons I won't be using.  I save an average of 55% - 60% on all my purchases and still find time for our eight children and 15 (almost 16) grandchildren.  I don't 'dis my husband' or family to coupon.  I probably spend more time blogging couponing deals each week to help others save money than I spend planning my own shopping trips.

TLC's counter to the Coupon Information Center's comments:

"TLC spokesman Dustin Smith countered that the show was never intended to be a couponing tutorial.

“This is a docu-series of behaviors; it's not a how-to program,” he said."

The show has definitely created an increased interest in couponing, but please remember that this series focuses on behaviors - some of them boorish.  If you're looking for the how-tos you'll need to spend time with someone who lives in the real world.  Visit with someone who can help you save money and have a life at the same time.  It's possible to work couponing into your life without letting it take over your life. Concentrate on learning what you need to know to help your family save money and time - then share what you've learned to help others in your sphere of influence do the same.  It just feels good!

Extreme or Average Couponing?

I missed recording the second half hour TLC Extreme Couponing episode!  Darn!  Let's talk about the first episode.  Tiffany, the mother of 7 from Texas, and her husband were (imo) the more 'realistic' shoppers of the episode I watched.  Okay, I say 'realistic' in a very tongue and cheek way.  As the mother of eight myself, maybe I could relate to her!   I've often wished I'd had access to the internet when we were spending more on groceries than our house payment.  When she said she felt the walls of her home were closing in on her I was reminded of our days with 8 kids in a three bedroom house.  Just having that many children (with their accompanying clothes, toys, books, friends, etc.) can give you that feeling!  Having said that, who spends days planning a shopping trip?

Who wants to be that kind of couponer?  The definition of extreme - 'of a character or kind farthest removed from the ordinary or average; exceeding the bounds of moderation.'  By definition, TLCs Extreme Couponing lives up to it's name.  But what can the 'average' couponers learn about what to do and what not to do from the show?

1. Start your couponing on the internet.  You have available at your fingertips (and not true for all parts of the country) the Grocery Smarts list of weekly sales WITH coupon matchups from coupon inserts!  Take advantage of this great tool to realize greater savings.  The work is done for you.  What a time-saver.
2. Buy products your family uses.  Why do we even have to say this?  Don't buy 62 bottles of mustard when your family doesn't like mustard!  You can't save money when you spend it on products that sit on your shelf and take up space (and nothing else)!  Don't waste money on something you will never use.  Do you notice how the TLC show always films these shoppers in front of their stockpile?
3. Stockpile.  Let's redefine your perception of this word.  It doesn't mean hoarding!  It does mean buying as much product as you can afford and can store when that product is on sale, not when you necessarily 'need' it.  Who needs a shower filled with paper towels?  I need a shower for a shower!  You are the only one who can determine the size of your stockpile.  Having said that - don't buy items if you don't already know where you're going to store them.  You need to manage your stockpile and not allow your stockpile to manage you.
4. Protect your time like you protect your money.  With the Grocery Smarts tools and shortcuts you learn at a Grocery Smarts class, you know you don't need to spend hours and hours (or days!) planning your shopping trips.  The goal is to save MONEY and TIME!  Guard against falling into that 'extreme' category by setting realistic couponing goals.
5. Plan to save at least 50%.  Okay, so people won't be standing at the checkout cheering your deal because you took 2 hours to checkout and bought $1000 worth of groceries for $54 . . . but I can almost guarantee you'll be excited.  I always am!  And your cashier may compliment you on your shopping skills.  Please don't buy sale items just to increase your savings (remember the 62 mustards?).  When you're buying what you need and use (including dairy, meat & produce) AND stockpiling, your can average a 50% savings easily.
6. It's okay to miss a deal.  Again, only buy what you use, what you need and what you have the room to stockpile! 

I applaud your couponing efforts.  Whatever you're saving by using coupons - remember you ARE saving.  And isn't that ultimately the goal of couponing?

Extreme Couponing Series Begins on TLC 4/6

Here we go again!  The Extreme Couponing series on TLC will begin Wednesday on TLC.  Check your local listings for the time in your area.  We have Dish Network and it will show at 5pm PST in our area.

While there are some who may consider me to be an extreme couponer, I cannot compare to those I saw on the first show!  If I can walk out of a store paying $25 for items that would have cost me $100 if I'd paid full shelf price, I'm extremely happy!  Having said that . . . if the show causes people who have never used coupons and think they never will use coupons to give coupons a second look . . . I'm all for it!

I'll be watching, too.  The DVR is already set.  Let me know what you think when it airs.

TLCs Extreme Couponing

Were you able to catch TLC's Extreme Couponing?  Entertainment Weekly has just announced that the Extreme Couponing special will become a 12-week series.  I've read a variety of opinions about the show.  Some thought it bordered on hoarding while others were inspired to begin/continue couponing to save money in already tight budgets.

While I can see both sides of these comments,

(When husbands and families are 'dissed' while wife/mother runs after coupon deals, the title 'extreme' is accurate.  On the other hand, buying 1100 boxes of cereal and donating them to a food bank is admirable.  When couponers are able to get items for free or close to free, and choose to donate those items to those in need as opposed to cramming their homes with items they could not possibly use in YEARS and YEARS - I am impressed!)

shining a light on the value of couponing can only mean good things for many who find themselves trying to stretch their dollar to cover everyday expenses.  When manufacturers get more of our money by downsizing their products but keeping the same prices, we need every advantage we can get.

It's possible we might learn something from these 'extreme' couponers.  I know I plan to watch!  What are your thoughts?