Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you all know about TLC’s newest reality show, Extreme Couponing and the buzz that has come from it. I’ve been waiting a bit to share my opinion on the show, only because it requires a longer stretch of uninterrupted thinking time than my four kids usually allow me!
I seriously must be one of the only bloggers and coupon commentators out there who love the show (or else will actually admit to it). I think it’s great! Yes, it’s dramatic and yes, it’s a bit unrealistic. But I am so excited that the show has brought what I call strategic couponing to the reality-show-lovin’-public. And I’m thrilled that you all have come to FrugalLivingNW.com to learn more about couponing in the Pacific Northwest!
What I love about Extreme Couponing is that it profiles people who truly love to coupon, stockpile and give their extra to people in need. Some of you are turned off by their enthusiasm. Know that most of it is for TV. If you don’t think you’d enjoy couponing or it ever becomes burdensome, don’t do it. Just shop at WinCo, buy generic, menu plan and stockpile the loss leaders at Safeway, Albertsons and Fred Meyer. You’ll still be saving tons even without clipping a single coupon.
I also think it’s amazing to see what’s possible to score with coupons. Obviously those huge transactions are for television. And since the show profiles people from around the country, you’re seeing transactions that are simply not possible to do in the Pacific Northwest. Here’s why:
Most free or nearly free deals include double coupons — A double coupon a store coupon that doubles the value of a manufacturer’s coupon up to a certain dollar amount. The only stores that double coupons in the Northwest are Safeway (in Oregon and SW Washington, not Puget Sound or Eastern Washington) and Albertsons (on average for 6-10 days a month) and these stores have restrictive limits on their double coupons.
Because of this, we absolutely cannot get carts full-o-groceries for $50. It’s just not possible. We have to do small transactions that contain 3-10 items (on average) over and over again. I received an email from a sweet reader a while back that said that her husband was thrilled with her small transactions, but really wanted her to do one huge, rockin’ transaction. Sorry, dude. We just can’t do that. Our double coupon policies dictate several small transactions. No way around it.
There’s one more reason big shopping trips don’t work in the Northwest:
Our stores offer very few awesome deals at any one time, so you’re usually only doing a couple types of deals during any given week. You’re not scoring your entire week’s menu items for $10. You’re getting, say, cereal and spaghetti this week and chicken stock, marshmallows and dental floss next.
When new couponers or lurkers see my shopping trips, they mistakenly assume that I only feed my children Quaker Oatmeal Squares because that’s all I purchased that week. I only purchased cereal because that’s all that was on sale. Now I don’t have to buy cereal again for three months. Next week when I buy a bunch of marshmallows, don’t comment with, “How could you possibly feed your children all those marshmallows? It’s soooooooo unhealthy.”
Seriously. Do you really think we’re solely feasting on puffed sugar? Or could it possibly be that I got free marshmallows to supply our three, multi-family camping trips this summer and now we have s’mores supplies for 16 people? Which is more likely?
Here’s how I roll: It’s generally not my business what each of you feeds your family. It’s up to you. It’s my job to help you buy what you want to buy for as little as possible so you can positively contribute to your family’s financial situation — to help pay the light bill, get out of debt, make up for lost income, send your kid to private school, quit your job so you can stay at home, have fun money and, most importantly, give like crazy.
Do you guys eat Pop Tarts? Then I’ll help you get them for free. Do you eat organic blueberries? I can help with that as well. I’ll leave the nutrition, ecological, sustainable, child training talk to the blogs that focus on nutrition, ecology, sustainability and child training. Not because those things are not important and worth discussing, it’s just not the purpose of this blog.
When you are watching Extreme Couponing, keep in mind that the show is not showing you the participant’s refrigerator full of produce, dairy and meat. It’s just not exciting TV. Just like you don’t want your parenting to be judged based on your children’s behavior in Costco right before dinner, don’t judge people’s eating habits on their non-perishable food stockpile.
I’ll step off my soapbox now and let you all in a little secret.
Back in March, I had the privilege of joining Amber from Coupon Connections as her shopping buddy during her Extreme Couponing sho0t. Tune in May 18 to see Amber absolutely ROCK the deals at the most friendly Albertsons store I have ever entered (Lynnwood, Washington). I will be there, pushing her cart and generally enjoying her couponing awesomeness (and trying not to look pregnant, ’cause I’m not, or stupid, ’cause I tend say stuff I shouldn’t…)!
If you’re looking for a more eloquent discussion of Extreme Couponing, Heather at Queen Bee Coupons wrote the post I wish I had the skills to write last week. Go check it out.
Come back Wednesday as I cover Extreme Couponing: Don’t call me a hoarder. And you think I was on fire today…
This post may contain affiliate links. See the disclosure policy for more information.
Thank you for shedding some light on what I thought was my god send. EXTREME COUPONING, love the show but now that I know it is a bit decieving I can sleep better at night. I have been trying to find stores in my area that still double coupon( Oak, Ridge, Tennessee. They just do not exist, so I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out another method but have yet to come up with one. Like I said, I like the show but they need to let us common folk in on the fact that these huge transactions are not possible as they show them in one grocery trip. I have to say I’m a bit disappointed that they lead you to believe “anyone” can do this when they can’t even do it themselves:( (in one trip) My bubble is burst!!!!!!!!!
I think the show is interesting, but not that realistic at all. I also can’t stand how extreme couponing looks (clearing shelves, taking up lines for a LONG time- and I know it was staged, but they never say that on the show, so a lot of people might not get that) I am SO happy that there will be some people on there that I TRUST this next time. Can’t wait to see it!
I should have read this before I mentioned the thing about Kraft cheese on your other post (sorry! I just know that you eat healthy and may not know about the cheese!) Anyway, I am SO tired of hearing mean spirited comments about Extreme Couponing. I don’t watch the show anymore because it’s so repetitive but I could care less about how these people shop. It’s their business, not mine. I’m glad someone feels the same way!
I have to say it’s been fun fielding questions from my family and friends about the show. I’ve pretty much said the same as you. I’m glad that it’s teaching people to save money that would have otherwise not thought anything about it. Honestly, it makes me feel popular when before they were like, “YEAHHHHH, she coupons…”.
BTW, I didn’t know Coupon Connections was going to be on Extreme Couponers. I’m going to have to find someone with cable so I can watch it. Besides you, I subscribe to her blog too so I can send deals to my friends that live over that way!
Keep up the good work, Angela! I aspire to be an as productive mommy as you are!
I scrolled back to read your many posts. Just want to say, my job in life should be consumer advocacy, and policy changing, because with that said, I have been very sucessful in educating the cashiers and store managers, and a few district and regional managers of Walgreens and Safeway, on couponing policies and interpretation. If any of you have a problem with a cashier or manager, just keep a cool head, tell them your knowledge of the couponing policy; show them a print out of the store policy; ( I know that sometimes they won’t even look at it; but……) after all that, just calmly and assertively inform them that you will call the corporate office of that store, have them contact them about the uninformed couponing policy that they don’t understand. I have educated and brought up to date several stores in the Portland metro area. But couponing requires you to be a warrior! Resilient and confident; and knowing the rules of war….I mean couponing!! Heh, heh!! Couponing is a good preparation for other life applications! Like marriage!! again heh, heh!! I have another occuation which has in time past taken me around the world; I am an ordained minister; (not a pastor in the traditional sense), but a minister at large. I’ve ministered acrossed our lovely nation, as well as in Israel and Australia. I have seen and experienced things on the supernatural level that would make your hair stand on end, yet God is with me……but couponing to stretch our SSI budget, is another war zone all in its own category! Hey, how many of you can say you’ve had the police called on you late at night at Walgreens for couponing? I can!! That was very nerve wracking to say the least! Couponing and saving and making a deal sometimes can bring the very worst out in people! But when all is said and done, justice prevails! Out of the worst nightmare couponing episode ever, contacting corporate, and notifying the Attorney General’s office about such a scary event; corporate office of Walgreens tried to appease me with a gift of 2 $20 gift cards. And I recently when back to a Walgreens where a cashier was so indignant about my buying two entirely different R&R deals; he walked away so angry, right in the middle of my transaction. The manager came to finish my purchase, and when I told him how angry the cashier was at my saving money, he went over to educate him on the couponing policy and R& R policies of the store. I asked the manager if he could have the cashier apologize to me; but when the store manager asked the employee to apologize to me, he became angry at his superior and walked off the job. I learned that he was fired!! The store manager asked me to write a letter to confirm what had happned when it is reviewed by the employment office. So you see my friends, it is a war zone at times, with some wounds inflicted at times; but hopefully no casualites! I will post my story about my harrowing night at Walgreens last February! Buck up, all your warriors, and be assertive, confident, and don’t be afraid to contact corporate about your problems at the store level. That is how things will get changed for the better, I assure you!! Blessings, and all have a Happy Resurrection Day! Rev. Charlene Poehler
BraveHeart Warrior Ministies
http://www.braveheartwarriorministries.com
HERE IS MY STORY FROM MY EXPERIENCE LAST FEBRUARY.
Hi everyone, just wanted to tell you just how bad a certain Walgreen’s has gotten over couponing. It is 2:30 am, and I am still much shaken about what happened to me! I went to Walgreen’s tonight around 9:00pm, and I purchased the Arnicare pain gel first to receive the RR, so I could then use it to pay toward a glucose monitor. The glucose monitor was $14.99, with a mail in rebate which would make it free. The Arnicare coupon had to be manually pushed through by the cashier and manager, but then it didn’t print the RR catalina. So the manager told me she would give me a price adjustment on the glucose monitor for the RR that didn’t print. So when she rang up my purchases, it showed like I’d only paid $8.99 for the glucose monitor, when in fact it should have showed on my receipt $14.99, so I could then rebate that amount making it free. Plus I paid with another $6 RR, and the remaining $2.99 with my Visa. I left the store, and realized that if she didn’t have the full price on my receipt of $14.99, then when I sent in my receipt, I would only be rebated back $8.99. I went in to explain it to the manager, and she kept telling me she couldn’t do anything about it or her till would be short at the end of the night. I said to her in response,” but it’s ok that I’m shorted $6?” She then told me that she could cancel the whole purchase and return my coupons and money, or I could send in another rebate for the Arnicare. I told her that I didn’t want to send in another rebate. I don’t really care too much for rebating because it takes so long to get your money. I’ve even had in time past where I didn’t get the rebate at all from the company. She then turned on me and stated that she had the right to refuse to do business with me at all, and had the right to ask me to leave the store. She also said she had the right to refuse coupons. I was so frustrated with her attitude, I couldn’t believe what she was saying to me over a little adjustment I asked for on my receipt, so I could get my rebate offer! She then very nastily started accusing me of threatening her, and accused me of threatening her assistant manager a year ago. She keep telling me that I was on camera, and that they have me on camera threatening her assistant manager from a year ago! Just before Christmas of 2009, I had had a bad experience with the assistant manager, whom she was referring to. I had gone in to purchase boxes of Turtles candy that was on sale. I had about 4 to 6 manufactured coupons for the candy, and I had that many boxes to purchase. She started telling me it was fraud to use multiple coupons. And I told her no it is not, if you are buying as many products as you have coupons. She was treating me like a criminal, and so I told her how rude and nasty she was and that I would report her attitude towards me to corporate level. I did just that. I called to report her behavior, but I don’t believe they corrected her at all for treating me that way. So over a year later, apparently the asst. manager had told this store manager about me, and she blurted this whole thing out tonight; and said I threatened her assistant., and then she said I threatened her!! She said she was calling the police; and so she did! I told her to just refund me my purchase, but she would not. I kept asking her for my receipts back, but she wouldn’t give them to me. She said she voided them, but how can you void a transaction without my Visa Card?! I just wanted my refund and receipts and to leave. She called the police and told them I was threatening her. She was giving my description and everything!! I was so scared what her motives were, I called my husband immediately on my cell phone while still standing there in front of the check stand, while she is talking to police! I didn’t know what to do!! I quickly told my husband what was happening, and asked him for my safety sake to counter, and call 911 for me. I felt threatened and scared by her over reactions!! I quickly called the 911 myself on my cell phone and told them I was being threatened by a cashier at Walgreen’s. Then two city officers came in and approached me, and told me to put the phone down. I told the 911 dispatch the police were there and wanted to talk to me, so she told me to hang up and talk to them. One officer surrounded me from behind, while the other stood in front of me. I told him the whole story, but he told me I needed to leave, and that the store had right to do business the way they want to, and that I didn’t have a right to tell them what to do. I told him I wasn’t telling them what to do, but just wanted what the store ad advertised, getting the RR’s on your purchase, and the proper amount on my receipt for rebating. . I also countered back to him by saying, “they have a right to even false advertising practices?” He just kept telling me I needed to leave, and I told him I would do just that, after the manager gave me back my receipts and refunded my money. She wasn’t going to give me back the receipts until the officer told her to. He told me if I didn’t like the way the store does business, to take it up with the manager. I told him I would contact the corporate office over this, and I asked him if he would make out a police report, so I could have a copy for myself, when contacting Walgreen’s corporate office as well as the Attorney General, or consumer protection agency. Guys, this was very serious and scary. I did nothing threatening or wrong, either this night or back in 2009!! And by the way, the manager never asked me to leave the store, before calling the police on me!! She lied about that to the police!! I offered to give the officer my business card, of which I am an ordained minister, (I’m not a pastor, but an ordained minister that has been around the world.) but he wouldn’t take it. He also said there would be no report made since there was no crime committed. Finally the manager gave me my receipts, and I left the store. I am a minister who has been eye ball to eye ball with the demonic around the world!! This incident was demonic to all get out!! I will not let this incident slide!! I have always rallied for justice and truth’s sake, and for the sake of principal for all couponers and shoppers alike, trying to stretch our tight budgets, I will follow up with the Attorney General’s office over this one!!! It was very un-nerving, and I’m still shaken, just to think this woman wanted to arrest me for asking her to adjust my receipt for the rebate!! I hope all of you who encounter such indignations against yourselves, that you will have the courage to report it to Attorney General and the store’s corporate level. That way, when more people stand up to such horrible behavior ,we can see to it that proper policies are recognized and followed. I do want to end this with a brag about my own home town Walgreen’s of Canby. The employees, cashiers and managers alike are great there! I know a lot of them by first name, and they are very personable, and friendly! They know I’m a couponer, and even tell me deals I’ve missed! So just to let you know, not all Walgreen’s are like Wilsonville!! And I refuse to let this horrible incident stop me from wise buys with couponing!! Oh, and by the way, I’m planning to post my story on KATU consumer fraud website. Maybe they might want to make a story of it on the news too!!
Char, can I make a friendly suggestion? Use paragraph breaks. I was interested in reading your comments, but the huge chunk of text on my screen is sadly too much for my eyes. Or perhaps condense it? I think your comment is longer than the post its attached to.
PS; By the way, I forgot to mention my Dad’s savings habits to get good deals were a necessity; raising 6 girls on Fred Meyer income, and my Mom didn’t work outside the home!
I love your site, and how you help us, however, with that praise, I have some what against you and other coupon sites like KCL, Krazy coupon lady, etc. When you’ve taken this couponing to the national level on TLC, and various TV programs like Nate Berkus show, such as Joanie did from Krazy coupon lady, more people have come on board couponing, and it is very difficult to be able to get to the printable coupons in time before there gone, and I’m on the coupon websites periodically throughout the day into the night. I relie more heavily on printable coupons, as I can’t afford buying all the papers with SSI income to get multiple coupons. With the competition, it sometimes get discouraging to me. I sometimes have to walk away from viewing the deals, and trying to plan the shopping, because either one, the coupons aren’t available, and two, the shelves are almost always empty, and I can’t afford to drive too often in a weeks time to the various stores. Target is almost always a dud, and so is Walmart for me. And Rite Aid is getting on my nerves because I have a stock pile alright! A stock pile of rain checks never to be filled!! With that off my mind, I still enjoy the hunt, and finding the deals. I’ve always been a savvy shopper getting deals even before there were internet coupon sites telling us how to save. My Dad, (whom I just lost this last November,) in his life time I would consider him the couponing King! He was a grocery checker for Fred Meyer’s for over 58 yrs. He was the only employee of Freddie’s who ever worked that long for them. He loved the deals, and he would shop the deals at all the stores with coupons. In those days, most of your coupons were to be found in magazines. Not so many in mags these days anymore. Anyway, hats off to my Dad the couponing King! Few men ever like shopping, let alone couponing shopping, which is a whole different game! But my Dad loved saving money, and he had a stockpile that was amazing! He had bar soap and shampoo coming out his ears! And so much canned foods, they could have built a bomb shelter with! Just kidding! Hope all of you can chuckle at my posting!! Happy couponing!!
I think using coupons is wonderful and helps so many feed their family on less, but I’ve watched Extreme Couponing and I’m literally left sick, I think some of those people need to be featured on The show Hoarders as well. Last night I watched the episode with Nathan, the guy that went couponing for The Troops, This guy had 100’s of toothpastes, no doubt he will not use all those boxes before they expire. Most often Greedy Hoarders comes to mind when I watch that show.
I love how up front you are with everything…like you’re just not going to comment on nutritional value, etc. It is so great to know that this blog just dishes out the deals, and we can all pick and choose what we buy for our families!
My coupon friend and I will be watching – thanks for the heads up!! (Now we just need to find someone who has that channel on their TV!)
My whole problem is not what they eat. If someone wants to “buy” 53 candy bars for free and let that be their dinner for the week, I don’t really care. My problem with the show is that only one person shown (the guy who was in the original 1-hour show and on this past week’s show) that mentioned donating anything. That’s the whole point if you yourself don’t HAVE to coupon to make ends meet (or even if you do and can still pull off donating). It sickens me to see these people hoard food and have it take over their life and not mention trying to help those who cannot buy anything for themselves.
Great post!
I will be DVR’ing that episode for sure!! I’ve never watched the show since I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I keep getting flicked crap for looking through the ads on my lunch break and plotting my excursions. Now I can point out that it’s not even possible to do it to that extent here locally! Thanks!!
While I actually feel the show has done more harm for couponers and stores in general than good, I enjoyed reading your post and appreciated you dispelling the myth that all you’d feed your family in a week is marshmallows. When I teach my coupon classes I always try to explain there are two basic types of shopping a couponer does: stockpile and need-based. I sure wish people would “get” this more. I sometimes post my “boring” trips along with the exciting ones in hopes folks will understand. 😉
You say not to judge the TV participants by the non-perishables in their pantry anymore than you’d judge the mom with the screaming kids at Costco. There is one difference. That mom with the screaming kids at Costco did not agree to have that moment filmed and aired on TV. (OK except maybe the moms who go on Super Nanny.) By choosing to be on the show, the couponer has agreed to be publically viewed on TV (and edited by a show notoriously not good at editing) for good or bad. I sincerely hope in Amber’s and your case? It’s all good. 😉
Angela, while I don’t see eye to eye with everything you’ve said, I 100% appreciate your directness, sense of humor, and POV. I’d far rather read this post than the zillions others out there condemning the show (geesh, if I have to read one more “10 reasons why Extreme Couponing sucks” post I think I will puke! LOL!). It was surprisingly refreshing. I will be watching Amber’s show on May 18th. I hope that they portrayed you as the sensible money-saving ladies that I know you both are. Best wishes. 😉
Really terrific post! There are only two of us so I’m trying to keep my coupon trips down to two stores a week with the biggest deals. Today it was Safeway and Walgreen’s (I wish I didn’t dislike our Albertson’s-Aurora and 130th-so much since I know there are great deals there!). It was pretty amazing buying 20 Quaker granola bars for around $3.50 when we usually buy Luna or Clif bars for $1 EACH. I’m trying to keep it under control but have already decided that when my husband asks when I’m going to stop buying toilet paper and paper towels, I’ll tell him “Whenever you stop pooping and spilling!”
Is that so wrong?
What is wrong is feeling a little anxious sending him to the store without me. I’m trying to not have a freak out when he buys something unplanned, and I had a coupon. OR, most likely, when he spends every penny I saved on beer. Can’t we get beer coupons?????
(thanks for all the hard work!)
Seriously. Great. Post. I’m probably the only blogger in the world who hasn’t seen the show, so don’t really feel like I can comment about what’s going on. I have been reading a lot of negative stuff about hoarding, fraud, etc (which I know are all legitimate concerns), but it is refreshing to hear a different perspective.
And laughed out loud about the lurkers on your blog. I have lurkers who insist that I feed my children nothing but salad dressing and sugar cereal and am possibly the worst mom in the world because I don’t use cloth diapers. 🙂
This show is called “Extreme” couponing for a reason…. I do not agree, however, that buying 45 bottle of Maalox, 150 candy bars, or clearning the shelves of mustard is being a good steward of your money or being courteous to other shoppers wanting to also benefit from a good coupon.
I appreciate your NW perspective and the information you provide to help us on the opposite end of “extreme” (what would that be….??? moderate…??)
I just LOVE you! I can’t wait to see you and Amber in action!! I’m totally going over to a friend’s house to watch!! 🙂
I enjoy the show as well and just love how it’s bringing more attention to how families can save more money. I used over $17 worth of coupons at my most recent shopping trip but it saved me over $44 in retail prices. I didn’t walk out of the store only spending a penny but I walked out very happy that I saved money on things we buy everyday.
I was wondering when you were going to give us your two cents on this topic. I’ve been waiting… 🙂 I love that you finally did! I like the show as well, and have my DVR set to record all the new episodes. It’s unrealistic, but it’s entertaining.
And, who doesn’t eat junk at some point? Although we don’t subsist on sugar, my man is a sugar junky and so when I can get a good deal on something sweet I know he’ll be happy!
Sometimes people just like to start drama or they are just plain stupid to think that you feed your kids only marshmellows…lol…anyway don’t worry about those people…the rest of us really appreciate what you do. I just started a about a month ago, I went to your class at MVCC…and am thoroghly enjoying myself…everything I’ve gotten i either use, give to family, or give to my churches food bank! Its been so awesome…so far my cost was about $120 and out of pocket I have spent about $20…it is alot of fun and I really enjoy doing it…thanks for gathering all this info for us and putting it up…I know I really appreciate it! Thank you!
Loved your post — I thought better than Queen Bee . . . and love your blog. I really, really appreicate the NW perspective. At first it was frustrating to watch Extreme Couponing, but then it was fun to call ‘BS” on the stuff they were doing that we can’t — like a bizzillon $5 off coupons at the end! But the best part is my husband will actually watch this show with me (‘its only 20 minutes i have to watch!!’) and I think its really opened up his eyes. Not so much in terms of what I can’t do, but the perspective. Now its not so bad that I spend an hour a day reading blogs, clipping coupons or shopping!! hee hee!
Oh Angela, how I love your posts!! Especially this one! You have a way of putting all in perspective while adding your absolutely hilarious (BUT oh so true) take on things. Keep doing what your doing because my days would not be complete without your blog!
Very nicely said, Angela 🙂
This was a great post! I love how real you are 🙂 Can’t wait to see you on the show. I think I might have to have an extreme couponing party that night! Thanks!
LOVE THIS! While I enjoyed the entire article, my favorite part is “trying not to look pregnant, ’cause I’m not”. I can truly understand this. And respect your honesty here. I just had my 6th child four months ago via emergency c-section (my first). I’m constantly getting asked when I am due. It can be very annoying, especially since despite trying tons of things my stomach just isn’t what it used to be. To have someone admit they aren’t “perfect” post child is very refreshing, so…Thanks!
Kami, I don’t know you, but I know what you mean about the baby belly! I’m pg with #5, so I’m back to being OK with comments. 🙂
But I just wanted to mention 2 things (exercises) which I think are helpful (at least have helped me and a bunch of other moms of big families). The book Lose Your Mummy Tummy by Tuppler …I found it at my library. And then an exercise routine for core strengthening, which I can do in 15 minutes a day (time…another hurdle to being in shape as a mom!): t-tapp.com. (You can see testimonials with very “real” pictures from moms with 6, 8, etc. kids, so I know it is working!) It has nothing to do with “tapping” but rather the lady who developed it is named Teresa Tapp. You can also look for her book Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes at your library, although I would have a hard time learning the workout solely from a book, and love the DVD I have (there may be a DVD in the back of the book). There is a place to enter a drawing (3X month) for a free video on the t-tapp site: http://www.t-tapp.com/contest/
Anyway, hope you’re not offended by this unsolicited advice…I’m just excited to have finally found something I can do! Want to share if it helps others too.
I second T Tapp!
Love it. It’s so easy. I just had baby #6 seven months ago, and I’m in better shape than ever thanks to TTapp. It takes only a few minutes a day.
I love the testimonial from Charlotte who has 12 children!
I have yet to see one person on Extreme Couponing donate food to those in need. If they do, perhaps that is something TLC should highlight, because as is airs now it gives the viewers the perception that these people are hoarders.
I guarantee most, if not all of the people profiled donate excess to friends or organizations.
the 4 from the first original show all donated..it was all over the blogs, but TLC does not play that up…as well as the fact several of them also pre-ordered, tlc only showed that with nathan. as for the new shows, same thing..all blogs talk about donating, even j’aime donated the mustard, lol…but tlc doesn’t play that up much….they want the WOW moment for the best tv…
The last episode showcased “Mr. Coupon” buying and putting together 1,000 care packages for the troops!
I didn’t see the last show and I don’t read the blogs either, but that is good to know.
I’m enjoying watching the show, love to see how low they can get buy a cart full of items…
Too bad we can’t do that in OR, it would’ve been great…
I live 1.5 hrs from Portland, and DH was like: ” if we can get that much for that low, i don’t mind driving there every week”, guess what? i wish……lol
I just don’t like that some are cheating ( you all know who it was) but i sooooo wish i could save like that…..:)
Thanks for you thoughts 🙂
Thank you!!! I loved this post! It’s encouraging just to hear you say those things…to not lose heart since we can’t score the huge trips that others do in other parts of the country….
I don’t care what you feed your family! 🙂 I just appreciate your knowledge and willingness to educate others!! You rock!
One other note who ever heard of limits at walgreens. I went to get my 8 bugles before the coupon expired. I went to the register with my raincheck and a manager was instantly called. They than proceeded to play 50 questions with my raincheck because the manager filled it out wrong. They were basically accusing me of faking the raincheck. If I’m going to fake a raincheck it would be for something more exciting than bugles. My raincheck was for 9 but the manager said she could only do 6. I told her my coupon was for groups of 4. She said we can do 6. I told her that is not a group of 4. She said that’s all I can do. Who thought buying 8 bugles would cause such a headache
I refuse to shop Walgreens (even though I know I miss tons of great deals). The stores consistently have poor customer service, dingy interiors and I always end up so upset with the cashiers/managers that I don’t go back and end up forgetting about/losing out on my RR’s.
Walgreens is definitely a headache! I much prefer Rite Aid.
I wish I had a rite aid closer. Now I have to just deal with the headaches of walgreens
I refuse to shop at Walgreens.
I also like the show. Even though it’s not realistic and I also get my husband asking why I can’t get the same deals. I tell him it’s not reality for us nw. I did do good at Safeway though this weekend. $9 got 1 pound salmon, 3/4 pound of catfish, carrots, salad, pie and fruit snacks. It does show you can get deals on healthy food.
Great editorial! I have serious concerns about the possible impacts of the show on couponing policy in general but find it to be entertaining (with the exception of modeling poor coupon etiquette and “alleged” coupon fraud). I wish they’d be a tad more educational and focus on the tactics and how policies differ store to store, region to region.
The one positive I’ve noticed myself is that the show has really opened up good dialogue with cashiers about couponing and given me an opportunity to demonstrate that I actually understand the rules/policies and am not just trying to “scam” the store.
My issue is that the shows are unrealistic and that the stores and manufacturers will crack down on everyone because of it. I fear that it will promote shelf clearning and unethical couponing.
My biggest issue is with J’amie because she fradulently used coupons on the show and that is just plain wrong. So I feel like if I praise the show, then I am advocating a show from a network that allows people to break the law.
I disagree. I don’t think you can say negative things about the whole show because of one bad shopper. What about Tiffany who has 7 children and because of her couponing she has saved $ for her childrens college. I totally agree Jaime is a VERY bad example and should not have been on the show. But to say the show is bad is not correct.
I stated my other issues with the show and they weren’t just about J’amie. She’s just my biggest issue.
Angela,
I’m laughing because you are so right! A refrigerator full of good, wholesome food isn’t good TV. I’m not a coupon shopper, although I’m extremely frugal. Coupon shopping requires one to apply the logic of “saving by spending” which isn’t sustainable. The food our family eats is simple and wholesome, and there aren’t usually coupons for beans or spinach. And, I haven’t seen the show. Again, frugality! I’m too frugal with my time for TV and we don’t have cable, etc. Great post and thanks…I checked out Heather’s post also.
Sara, free spinach at Safeway this week! Just had to throw that out there! LOL!
I’ve gotten coupons for just about anything and everything! Don’t write it off. 🙂 In my coupon wallet right now are coupons for berries, salad, oranges, & beans!
That was perfectly worded! Good job! I signed up for the class on May 15th and a bunch of my friends too! I have been getting amazing deals and saving sooooo much money!
Thank you for your view and opinions! It’s so nice to get a down to earth view without the inflammatory remarks! I’ve had fun keeping up with your site (and couponing strategies for OUR area) and share the same opinion on the show. I’m so glad you got to have fun with the show, and laughed SO HARD at your comment of “not looking pregnant ’causee I’m not) because I SO know what you’re sayin’! Keep up the good work (and good humor) and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts…
Cristie
P.S. Don’t forget about the local Thriftway stores that will double…our store here in Newberg is attempting to be rather competitive in prices by having a newsletter and exclusive e-coupon every week…
Thanks for this! I was feeling like a loser because I just didn’t know how to make it work like they do on that show. I have my list for this week of good deals and it’s not too long! I went to our local paper and asked if they had extra coupon inserts (trying to get a few extra coupons) and the lady looked at me like I was crazy and had no idea what I was talking about, she said “we don’t sell those separate from the paper” and I said “what do you do with all the extra” and she said they recycle them 🙁 Well so much for that route. But I am enjoying the deals I have gotten over the last few weeks. Thanks for all you do 🙂
Great post. Can’t wait to see you and Amber in action.
I love your site and appreciate all your hard work. I like to watch extreme couponing too. Although I get a bit irritated when they clear the shelf. I remember one episode when the wife bought TONS of musterd. The husband wanted to leave a few on the shelf and the wife wanted it all. Can’t they call ahead and order cases??
THANK YOU for your kind post. It’s refreshing not to read a post bashing the show or harping on people who coupon incorrectly (these tend to come of lecture like to readers). I can’t wait to see you on TV May 18!
I appreciate your point of view. I have read a lot of the negative attention that Extreme Couponing has gotten and must admit I generally agree with that camp of people. But you brought up some great points and ultimately reminded me that like everything else in life you must look at the big picture. I hope that people learn the benefits of couponing but mostly that they learn to take the aspects of saving money that work for them and go with that. I would like to see the show focus more on those who are doing good things with their couponing, whether it be paying off debt with their savings or donating their stockpile to those in need. But it wouldn’t be reality tv without a skewed perception and some drama!
Angela,
I loved your whitty post and completely agree with you. TV is about providing entertainment value and that is what this show is about – it’s an extreme example, but tons of fun to watch and enjoy. I truly appreciate the work you do with your blog and love your holistic approach to frugal living. I check in several times a day to see what is new and you always make me smile.
Jeni
I miss Georgia. And now that I’m in WA, I’ve learned alot more on & about couponing (which I’m addicted to now) & just wish I new then what I know now. I could’ve been one of those “stockpilers” shopping in Ga. They double cpns everywhere! =(. Anyway, I enjoy the show & dvr it if I’m not able to watch it right then.
Angela,
Great post! I’ve only been able to watch online clips from the show, but that okay. I’ve been couponing for 15 years or so, and have hardly ever paid more than a buck or so for cereal and take advantage of the many great available deals.
For example, we buy enough Tillamook cheese to last six months whenever Fred Meyer has their Anniversary/Founder’s Day sales, which to a bystander would look like we eat nothing but cheese. No, I’m stocking up when it’s $3.99 per 2 lb loaf and that way can eat a higher quality cheese than would normally fit in our budget.
Great post, I’ll link to it on The Non-Consumer Advocate.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”
Amen Sister!
Thanks for doing all the hard work for each of us!! When you take the time to put these great deals together, it has a ripple effect. You are helping us to give and feed others in many communities.
PS……….anyone small minded enough to criticize your efforts really needs to re-boot their attitude on life!
Thanks again,
MaryC
Very nice. It really isn’t our business what people eat. It’s not like we would comment to them at the store about it, so why we do on blogs or whatever is just silly…and cowardice.
I personally have found the joys of couponing. Cereals, breakfast bars, yogurt, toiletries, etc are things I usually get great deals on. I’m not a cookie person, so I don’t go out and stockpile on cookies…just because one loves couponing doesn’t mean they buy anything under the sun.
As for the meats, veggies, and other healthy items. While couponing, I see what stores have the best deals. Since I’m at the various stores anyways, it’s easy to get the best deal. More $$ saving.
Couponing is a great way to stretch those dollars, and it’s up to each of us to determine how “extreme” we want to be.
Well Said Angela! And you so don’t look preggo 😉
You’re sweet, Maryann. I think you only see me when I’m wearing my Spanx!
You said it so well! I think the show is great but doing what they do is not totally possible in Oregon. Thanks for your hard work.
Thank you for sharing. I love the show as well. It gets my blood pumping. I get excited to see the total and then the coupons!! How exciting is that to see the high total go down to almost 1-10% of the total. WOW! My last shopping trip was the same. At the end of my transaction, the total was close to $130 and ended up to be around $23. Now that is exciting!!