Oh You Extreme Couponer You

You’re seeing it all over TV. In the news. On facebook. Probably even on Twitter. Coupons are trendy!? Geeks are cool, math is fun and coupons are trendy – is this heaven?

I remember growing up seeing my parents every weekend morning sitting at the kitchen table cutting coupons and looking at circulars. My dad is frugal and always taught me to not spend money I don’t have and save money on things you were going to buy anyway. It’s really a great way to live and is the best advice I can pass on to people I know.

Unfortunately, as with all trends, we’re at the peak of people being stupid (in my humble opinion) with saving money, freebies and coupons. I’m finding the majority of people are on one side or the other. They see someone with coupons and think “oh god, it’s one of THOSE extreme couponers. They’re going to empty the shelves and leave nothing for ‘normal’ shoppers” OR they’re the couponer who is obsessing over how much they’re saving and getting so stinkin’ prideful that it’s really not about saving money for their family – it’s about bragging about what they’re getting and how much they’re getting it for. I admit, it feels AWESOME to have a cart full of items and pay not much for them…but is that a biblical thing to do? If you’re taking from the rich (corporations) and giving to the poor (food pantries), then sure. But are you storing up “things” just for yourself? Are you getting prideful with your savings? Are coupons knocking your balance in life off? Are you putting saving money more important than the real important things in life? I’m not accusing anyone…I’m just advising you to keep it in perspective.

I love saving money…but I’ll ONLY buy things (free or not) that I would use without a coupon. Not everyone will agree with me on this..and maybe you’re in a position that you can’t “afford” to buy what you want…but here’s how I shop: I refuse to compromise my family’s health for price. I’m finding that there are many ways to stay on a budget and eat healthy.

• I buy local, organic produce and normally, there is no coupon for that. But what there IS, is in and out of season food. Ever notice the ever changing price of apples and strawberries? Build your fruit palette by buying what’s in-season and as a result is cheaper. There is a reason that prices change, it’s called supply and demand. Buy what’s fresh and learn your price points. It’s important to know if $1.69/lb is a good price.

• Write out a list of meals you’re going to make for a week or two and THEN make your food shopping list. It’s amazing how much money we waste and food we store up by buying what we think we’ll use. Shopping lists are important for not buying impulsively. Trying to eat healthy? Add “3 snacks” to your list…then you have an entire supermarket full of snacks and you get to take the time and pick 3 that you will enjoy. It keeps you from buying things you really don’t want and appreciate the treat you just allowed yourself to have. Go through your coupons and see if you can use any to make your snacks even cheaper.

• Create meals that include meat rather than having meat as the main dish. There is nothing more frugal than using less meat and more rice/beans/vegetables. Soups, chilis, stir-frys etc…there are some great meals out there that are more than a slab of meat with a side of potatoes.

Those are just a few tips that don’t include sales and coupons. Now don’t get me wrong, i’m ALL for sales and coupons…I’m just saying don’t let it own your life or your meals. Don’t buy the unhealthy food because you got it cheap. Find ways to make the healthier stuff last longer. I’ll be posting soon on more specific ways I use/find coupons. I’m sure some of you are even better at this than me so I’m hoping you’ll post comments to encourage other readers as well. Remember, it’s NOT a competition – it SHOULD be a community. Help your friends save money without letting your pride get in the way. If we all keep it in perspective there will be plenty of sale items (and rainchecks if necessary) to go around. Sure there will always be people who use Extreme Couponing as a guide to store up 45 toothpastes but let’s face it – this show won’t be on forever and people will get bored/run out of room soon. Help people make life-long, money saving changes, not jump on a trend that will fade out with the silly band bracelets that are now 90% off in a store near you.

*Please post comments on NON-COUPON ways to save money. Coupon/Sale blog coming soon…*