Extreme Couponing: My Thoughts

Being that TLC's Segment on couponing has aired I thought I would share my thoughts on the show and on the subject of couponing.

I have to say with all the controversy and the chatter over the blog waves today I had some preconceived thoughts on what the show was going to be about. Some of my concerns were a bit justified but overall I think the show was better than I expected.

First let me start off by saying that I Love Couponing - I do! When I started over a year ago it started out slowly then I really dug my heels in and it sort of took over for awhile. But I think that is to be expected for most. I love to shop and it is therapy for me in a lot of ways. However, it can be a very expensive therapy, in discovering coupons and sales I have found a way to not only afford my "therapy sessions", I have saved my family thousands, and have gained more control over our finances. Having said all of that, I do believe there needs to be a balance. For each individual and family that balance may be different.

For me my balance is that I see couponing and blogging about couponing as my job, that allows me to "work from home", and be a stay at home mom, which is so important to me. Thus, I am able to put a bit more time into couponing then say someone who works outside of the home, again balance. But I have also had to learn to say when enough is enough.

My goal is not to have a warehouse full of stuff I get for next to nothing or nothing. My goal is to have a stockpile that will sustain my family for 3-6 months, when the next great sale will come along. Keeping in mind it's not just about the sale but about the matching of coupons with those great sales. If my normal stockpile price point for say a can of tomatoes is around $.40ea, and this time around I have some great coupons to stack with the sales price, and this brings the price of the can of tomatoes to, say $.12ea, I will stock up on more than I normally would because the chance of finding this great of a deal again may not happen for quite some time.

My other goal is to teach the 'normal' family how to make coupons fit into your lifestyle. To live frugally without being cheap. And I believe that couponing has a snowball effect, in that when you learn how to save big time at the grocery and pharmacy stores you will then start to learn how to save at all stores.

Everyone has a different lifestyle but if I can even help you save some money off your grocery bill than this site has been successful. I would love for all of you to be as diligent in your couponing as I am, but I know that it may or may not be worth your while, due to many factors.

You don't have to be so extreme when it comes to using coupons, but that does not mean coupons and stockpiling still can't change your life, for the better. It's ok not to hit up every single sale out there, and it's ok to not have $50,000 worth of merchandise in your garage.

Anyhow - those are my thoughts on using coupons! What are yours?