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Extreme Couponing

May 15th, 2011 at 09:01 pm

I've heard about this show, and today watched a few episodes for the first time. (Taking advantage of a really rainy day). Wow! On the one hand, I'm totally impressed; these people regularly save 90% of their bill through careful planning and great organization. I'm also impressed that in some of the cases, it was driven by people being resourceful in response to tough family circumstances like layoffs, illnesses, etc. On the other hand, it seems like some of these people are treading a fine line between good money management and sickness. I don't care how upset your stomach gets, can you REALLY use 75 bottles of Maalox before they expire? (note that these and other things do not appear to be donated; instead, they're taking up every nook and cranny of their house). I spent the whole episode going back and forth thinking, "wow, I should try to do this" and "uh, maybe I'm ok with my couple of coupons each week". Interesting, anyway.

I balanced my checkbook today. I have to pay SIL for our portion of the vacation house we rent. Also planning for nephew's confirmation next weekend, which requires a card, gift, and something for DS to wear (I assume sweats don't count!).

I tried Peapod again for groceries. My reverse psychology is that when I go into the stores, I always get tempted to buy stuff that's not on my list, and my bill is always higher than it should be. Alternatively, when I order online, I only order what I need. Peapod is affiliated with StopNShop, so we get those sale prices, and they do accept coupons. If the order is $100+, delivery is $5.95 + gas surcharge, and they often send coupon codes for free delivery. Anyway, I placed an order yesterday for delivery this morning from 7-9. It was absolutely POURING out, and it was SO NICE to have the guy bring all of the groceries right into my kitchen. Worth every dime, for sure. I'm going to stick with this again next week and see how it goes.

3 Responses to “Extreme Couponing”

  1. PNW Mom Says:
    1305495467

    I feel the same way about that show. It is impressive on one hand...but yes...on the other hand I think it is just organized hoarding. I have only seen one episode where someone actually donated. And a few of these people buy things they will never use.....like cat treats when they don't have a cat or the lady that buys diapers but has no children....just because. Those things could certainly be donated to a worthy cause. I am all for stocking up but having it take over your house? No thanks Smile

  2. ThriftoRama Says:
    1305513532

    Funny. I was thinking the same thing. A couple of the families really disturbed me. It seemed like either a shopping addiction (albeit probably less destructive financially) or food hoarding, and I'm sorry, hoarding it hoarding. The one family that had racks of food and soup cans in every single room, even the kids? Ugh. What kind of lie is that? And there was no way they can eat that before it goes bad. It's thriftiness that has the potential to also be incredibly wasteful. I love couponing, but there is a limit!

  3. Miz Pat Says:
    1305573109

    I can see doing this to provide for local food banks and to build up your own pantry, but come on....

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