When I was a newlywed, I had an aunt who showed me how to coupon. What a priceless gift she taught me! I have been a big fan of couponing ever since and now continue in her tradition by teaching others how to use coupons.
In the past two years, it has become trendy to ride the "wave" of couponing. There are notebooks, coupon binders and many other accessories you can buy to look "fashionable" at the grocery store. We've come a long way from the shoe box and old photo album that I used to use to hold my coupons! There are many blogs and websites that deal solely with coupons and matching up sales with coupons. I am so grateful for these people who put in so many hours and post this information for us to use for free! They have helped significantly decrease the amount of time I spend preparing to go grocery shopping, and increase my savings at the check-out lane. It has been so exciting to see my children get involved in this, too, and I love it when they call or text to say "guess how much I spent on $100 worth of groceries?" and the answer is $30! Way to go! Here's a picture of one of my shopping trips around Thanksgiving that shows a great example of that type of shopping trip:
With the increased couponing activity and media coverage, it was inevitable that television would get involved. Along came the reality show "Extreme Couponing." I haven't been able to watch the show yet, but from what I've heard, it is a typical "reality show" - not truly depicting reality. Keep in mind that part of the title of the show is "extreme" - the people who are featured on the show do not shop that way every time they go to the grocery store. Also, most couponers are not hoarders. They stock up enough for their family but also share their savings with their friends and family, and with food pantries, homeless shelters and other outreach ministries.
Here is a link to one of my favorite couponing sites (afullcup.com). Today they had a guest blogger submit a great article about what they don't show on the reality show. I couldn't agree more!
Extreme Couponing -what they don't show or tell you
In the past two years, it has become trendy to ride the "wave" of couponing. There are notebooks, coupon binders and many other accessories you can buy to look "fashionable" at the grocery store. We've come a long way from the shoe box and old photo album that I used to use to hold my coupons! There are many blogs and websites that deal solely with coupons and matching up sales with coupons. I am so grateful for these people who put in so many hours and post this information for us to use for free! They have helped significantly decrease the amount of time I spend preparing to go grocery shopping, and increase my savings at the check-out lane. It has been so exciting to see my children get involved in this, too, and I love it when they call or text to say "guess how much I spent on $100 worth of groceries?" and the answer is $30! Way to go! Here's a picture of one of my shopping trips around Thanksgiving that shows a great example of that type of shopping trip:
With the increased couponing activity and media coverage, it was inevitable that television would get involved. Along came the reality show "Extreme Couponing." I haven't been able to watch the show yet, but from what I've heard, it is a typical "reality show" - not truly depicting reality. Keep in mind that part of the title of the show is "extreme" - the people who are featured on the show do not shop that way every time they go to the grocery store. Also, most couponers are not hoarders. They stock up enough for their family but also share their savings with their friends and family, and with food pantries, homeless shelters and other outreach ministries.
Here is a link to one of my favorite couponing sites (afullcup.com). Today they had a guest blogger submit a great article about what they don't show on the reality show. I couldn't agree more!
Extreme Couponing -what they don't show or tell you
