Many of you have asked me about TLC’s show Extreme Couponing. I took a break from my Lenten fast of no TV and watched Rebecca, a local gal, get a bunch of items at Shop N Save for pennies on the dollar. Yes, her story was impressive. As in, it left an impression on me, not necessarily positive.
Where do I differ from these Extreme (hoarders) Couponers? I only obtain items I or someone I know will actually use. When I think I have enough shampoo I stop acquiring it. Just because I can get shampoo for $0.38 doesn’t mean I have to go buy it every time pass Target. Now if I’m in Target for a couple of items, sure I’ll swing over and grab a pair of free socks.
My children do not sleep above paper towels or share the bathroom with boxes of instant potatoes. Nobody has to turn left at the deodorant to find my couch.
Word around the couponing world is this show will ruin the fun and sport we enjoy. This is the belief that many are going to start couponing for big deals leading the stores and manufacturers to discontinue their couponing initiatives. I disagree. Like many fads, I think some folks will try, and quit. Maybe people will be more conscious of discounts on items that they plan to purchase. There is no harm in that, as long as couponing courtesy is applied (which I will detail in an upcoming post).
The fact remains that couponing does take time. I probably spend 2-4 hours a week checking out deals and matching up coupons. These are hours after the kids are in bed where I could be sitting on the couch watching TV, reading a book, or finding YouTube videos to share on Facebook. I spend the same amount of time each week as one does watching Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Oprah and American Idol. But for me and my family, this activity has value. People think I should monetize the time spent putting forth the effort into my savings calculations. Nobody is paying me to sit on my couch or soak in the bathtub so it doesn’t warrant factoring into the equation.
All in all, with any activity moderation is key. When you look around and see that you could run a soup kitchen out of your shower, it’s probably time to stop and seek help.
According to Glen Beck, the world is ending very soon, so these extreme couponers are well prepared. They have enough items for the apocalypse and will survive by dining on 84 bags of potato chips and repopulate what’s left of the Earth by making good use of their 54 bottles of free KY Jelly. As for me, I’m just happy to save some money on some products my family needs.
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