I wanted to continue with the series on learning how to effectively use coupons. Many of you may have seen the new television series called Extreme Couponing and I just wanted to share a little about my perspective on what a not so extreme person might expect to save at the store each week and what kind of time investment is required to get those savings.
First I do want to let you know the shoppers on those shows are doing Extreme trips. I personally don’t feel it is a realistic portrayal of what you can expect to save week after week. For one thing, many of the stores on the show broke their own coupon policies for the sake of sensationalism. A normal coupon shopper would most likely not be able to duplicate those transactions because most stores will not allow overage, many have limits on the number of items and coupons you can purchase and so on.
Many of us do not have double coupons in our areas so that also limits the amount of savings. Finally, the reason some of those shoppers were able to get the transactions so low was by using free item coupons obtained from various sources, catalina coupons from prior trips, and in one case they even used a gift card to partially pay. You also didn’t see the cost of the coupons added back into the final total and many of the shoppers did spend money to purchase coupons.
One last thing to consider is taxes vary by state as well. I saw a show where one shopper had something like 70 liters of soda. In California, the tax on the soda alone would have been $7.00 which can really cut into your savings. Another episode showed a shopper purchasing $236 in headache medicine. In my area, even if those items were free with coupons I would still be stuck paying $18.94 in sales tax on those products. My weekly grocery budget is $50 so that would be a big chunk of my budget to purchase headache medication alone.
So while the savings are impressive, I just want to be sure people aren’t feeling defeated because they can’t save 93-98% week after week at the stores.
So I am going to walk you through what I personally feel is realistic. You will of course want to adjust this to suit the needs of your family.
::Time Investment.
I don’t have a ton of time to dedicate to coupons. I would rather trade off a deal here and there and spend more time with my family and friends. Some of the couponers on that show spend 30-70 hours per week on couponing. I can’t even imagine that sort of time investment myself.
I spend roughly 90 minutes a week. Now that includes doing my menu plan and shopping list which takes the majority of the time. I do not personally use a coupon binder because I don’t have the time to commit to maintaining it and I don’t want to carry it around with me. I just have a small pouch that I keep some coupons in and then I cut the rest that I need when I am planning my shopping trips. Yes, I do miss out on some deals by not having lots of coupons with me but I look at it as a trade off on missing the occasional deal versus saving myself a considerable amount of time.
So I suppose you might want to consider determining how much time you want to commit each week to using coupons. If you have a razor thin budget or a very large family to shop for or you are interested in really going gangbusters with donations, you will probably need to invest a little more time.
::Storage Space.
Another thing to consider about stocking up on products is how much storage space you are willing to dedicate. I don’t like to have a lot of things myself so I just have a few small baskets under the sink in the bathroom that hold the toiletries. A small pantry in the kitchen that holds all our food and cupboards in the laundry room that hold cleaning products. I have found those small spaces allow me to keep enough products on hand for our family. But again if you live in an extreme climate or have a large family you might need to purchase storage shelving and dedicate space to your products. Remember it is still a time investment to manage all that stuff, to keep rotating products out, to find creative recipes to use the items etc…
The one thing I do have is a small freezer in the garage. Mine was $100 at Home Depot and I feel it was a good investment because it allows me to purchase extra proteins in particular when they are on sale.
::Give Me the Bottom Line.
And now for the bottom line about what you can realistically save from week to week. I try to save 50%-70% each week. Obviously it is possible to save significantly more- take one of the Shop for Free lists to your store and you can save 100% on your bill!
What I have found is that many new couponers get very caught up in how much they save. Many people want to come out of the gates saving 96% or more. While that is possible, I think you might also consider the quality of what you are purchasing. We do see coupons for produce, dairy items, meats etc… but not enough coupons to get those products for free week after week. So if you want to purchase a lot of fresh items for your family each week, the savings are significantly lower. To save 90%+ on quality meats and seafood, produce and dairy items is simply not realistic.
To be honest I really don’t even notice the percentage of savings on my bill each week. I tend to focus more on what I purchased and how far I stretched our budget. One of my favorite deals recently was Horizon Organic milk for $3.49 (regularly $6). That is only a 42% savings but let me tell you I was more excited about that deal than coming home with 10 bags of free pouches of cookie mix. (Although a cookie might have made that milk taste even better….)
So in general, I have found that a small time investment each week allows me to save a significant amount of money for our family. I have found that you can absolutely save money regardless of your diet or your location. While you might not walk out of the store week after week with a cart of groceries for pennies on the dollar, I do believe it is very realistic to save at least 50% on high quality items.
One argument I do hear frequently is that coupons are just for junk food. I have to tell you that is a very valid argument. I see a lot more coupons for cookies, processed foods, candy and other stuff that might not always be the best choice. I can tell you that coupons for organic, gluten free, non toxic, and natural items are becoming more and more prevalent and the only way we will continue to see these types of coupons is by redeeming them!
***
Now I’d love to hear what you guys think. What is your average savings each week? How much time do you invest to get those savings?
Dana says
Thank you so much for this post. I’ve been couponing for about a year and a half now. And was totally obsessed at first! Tried to get every possible deal and felt awful when I missed a deal. (So obsessed that I won’t need to buy eyeshadow, deodorant, or shampoo for another year or so.) But over this time period, I’ve mellowed. I still clip and print lots of coupons. But now that I’ve got the hang of it, I know what I really need and what deals to look for in the ads (and on your blog.) Thus I’m able to live with myself when I miss a great deal! I’ve only watched Extreme Couponing one time. Honestly, I felt somewhat overwhelmed by these couponers — the Stockpiles that look like retail stores! The hours spent getting coupon inserts, clipping, planning, etc! I don’t have that kind of time or space. I won’t be watching Extreme Couponing again. It gives the rest of us couponers a bad name! My husband says it should be called Extreme Couponing Hoarders. I have to agree.
Stephanie says
Wow, this post is great. I’m new to couponing and this pretty much sums up everything my sisters and I talked about after watching a few episodes of Extreme Couponing as well as me checking out a few of the ladies’ websites. Many of their sites are very helpful to someone (like myself) who wants to save some money but isn’t looking to get $500 worth of groceries for free. Who buys 100 bottles of mustard?! LOL! I thought that was just darn crazy. That’s just not realistic for the average person. I feel that If you are not a homemaker, then you don’t have 30+ or even 15+ hours to spend on searching for coupons and doing matchups. I spend the most money on meat and produce and I have no idea how you’d ever get those for free.
On the most recent episode of Extreme Couponing, the guy was using his couponing talent to get things for charities and to donate to food banks. I think that is awesome and can justify him buying 100 bottles of mustard. 🙂 Good luck to all the new couponers like myself!
Debbie says
Thank you for such a refreshing look at the Extreme Couponing show! Every week, I see what these people are doing, and how the stores are changing their couponing policies as a result of this show! It’s really too bad that more people aren’t as considerate in their couponing as you advocate in your posts. It is so frustrating when I go to a store with my one or two coupons for a deal, only to find that the shelf has been cleared.
cathy castro says
Thank you so much for all that info. I just watched a few episodes of Extreme Couponing and got so discouraged, but I haven’t quit. I may not be saving as much as them, but I’m getting what my family needs and still saving. Every little bit counts, right? thank you SO much for everything you do. I really do appreciate the help.
Amy says
@Endcapps,
I don’t know about Walgreens and Rite Aid, but I was recently surprised to discover that yes, you can use your CVS ECB’s to buy milk. We have so many weird dairy laws here in CA that I assumed it would be prohibited. And their milk price is the same as the grocery stores (as least for whole milk, according to my own research), so it’s a nice way to use up some small value ECB’s!
Wendy says
It was great seeing this post about the “Extreme” show. When I watch this with my husband I explained to him how “real” couponing works and that it just wasn’t realistic to expect those results each week. Yes, I have had weeks where I didn’t spend a dime but that’s because I already had a freezer full of meats, my garden was doing well and my stockpile is a decent size. I stockpile because 1: we have the room, 2: we are are on a very strick budget, 3: I believe in having a 6 -12 month supply to sustain my family should bad things happen (which has when winter storms kept the store shelves empty for 4 weeks) 4: I donate to charities monthly when I can get stuff for free that we don’t use. BUT MOST OF ALL I NEVER EMPTY THE STORE SHELF, that’s just rude! Thanks for all you do, Your posts save me many hours of research even though the prices here in Wyoming are always higher I know what to watch for and when to pull those coupons.
Charlene says
@Wendy- I personally don’t like a bunch of stuff- I keep maybe 6 weeks or so on hand. I have to say I found it a little distasteful to have a little Costco in the garage from pictures I have seen from others of their stockpiles. But then the tornadoes hit and it dawned on me that not everyone lives in California where is it 65 degrees in winter and the grocery store is 2 miles away :). It never even occurred to me before about the more extreme climates and so I think you are exactly right to have a more substantial supply. I sure wouldn’t want to trek out in the freezing snow to grocery shop either. Very smart.
Amy says
@Endcapps,
Update for you: I went to Rite Aid today to buy milk because I have +UP’s that expire this week and I don’t have any of the coupons for this week’s freebies, and they would not let me use the +UP’s for the milk. They said that milk is a federally prohibited item like alcohol (although it’s not listed in the fine print – I checked). So I put it back and went to CVS instead! Hmm…sounds like something fishy with the laws – or someone’s not interpreting it correctly! But now you know.
Endcapps says
Thx Amy for milk and CVS info
lisa says
Thank you for the most sensible and reasoned post about coupon expectations. I too live in an area with no double or triple coupons and high food prices, the chances of me getting the kinds of deal on EC is unrealistic. I believe in having enough in case of an emergency or disaster (here, earthquakes, floods, fires) but having 60,000 items just because is crazy. I was so glad to see the theeology student who shopped to give to charities, he had the right idea. I live your site,, very helpful and reasonable.
Charlene says
Yes it is typically CVS only that allows although I have gotten away with RR on milk at walgreens in the past. I believe the RR might exclude milk now.
Jen says
re: milk–It may depend on the state. Because of the laws in PA, milk rarely ever goes on sale here. It is price fixed for whatever reason. There are state minimum prices in play. So most bonus things and discounts don’t count milk. Once in a while there may be a coupon for milk, but it’s usually for a brand that is more expensive than the store brand anyway.
betty says
I just want to know where people get all of the coupons? I’ve printed and cut for 2 weeks now and still don’t have coupons for products I routinely use. Advice please.
Thank you
Charlene says
Betty- two weeks is not much time 🙂 It will probably take you a few months to get into a routine. It is just like a diet/exercise plan. The people that are gangbusters out the gate and want to lose 15 lbs the first week typically quit the program in frustration. The people that relax and start a program that really works for them and have realistic goals are usually the ones that succeed. So just be patient and keep collecting the coupons and just because it is a coupon doesn’t mean you need it. Sit tight and you should start finding things that work for you.
KL says
I couponed a lot more before, watched sales, learned stores, and typically saved 40%-70% regularly. However, it did take time, mental effort, and physical effort…when kids were little, I could devote that time and it helped the household because I didn’t have a ‘regular’ paycheck coming in although I did part-time writing contract work. Now, that kids are grown, and I have a salary job, I don’t nearly do as much because my earnings from my job are much more than my couponing savings would be for the same time spent. So, it depends on the situation. Each phase in my life was appropriate for that time. I seriously appreciate the practical and balanced advice (realistic!) provided in this column. Major kudos for emphasizing the BALANCE, considering all the investment not mentioned on the show (trade-offs), and being practical.
pam says
Thank. you for all your hard work and info. I am new to couponing and am watching EC right now. There is no double couponing in the town I live in here in Wyoming so that would cut down on my savings. I tried to download the printable coupon and crashed my laptop. Discouraged but not going to give up. Reading your info off of my phone. I am determined to conquer these obstacles!!!!
Kevin says
I appreciate your comment:
“I can tell you that coupons for organic, gluten free, non toxic, and natural items are becoming more and more prevalent and the only way we will continue to see these types of coupons is by redeeming them!”
For one who tries to shop around the outside of the store, I am glad to hear that things may be changing and that I will be able to use more coupons in the future.
Mariah Colburn says
I’m so glad I found your site. With our first baby on the way and only living on my husbands income we have to stretch a dollar pretty far. This has been the perfect place to get started with realistic expectations!
Sandy Camacho says
THANK YOU!!! Thank you so much for this post as I think its the most important one you have. My husband and I have become obsessed watching Extreme Couponing and I become more and more bewildered and discouraged as I watch because I just didn’t understand how these people are doing these trips…until now. Your honest and open explanation has put me at soo much ease and has brought back my perspective on the reality of what I can save for my family and still feel good about it. I am in the process of doing A LOT of research and figuring out exactly what I need to save on, and I’m more comfortable now in allowing myself the time to learn this process, and getting better at it over time without the unrealistic expectations. Again, THANK YOU!!!!
Lisa says
I just started watching the extreme couponing show, last night in fact, and I just wanted to point out something I watched. One of the ladies had said if you aren’t finding the coupons for items you use, contact the manufacturer. She said that they send coupons in the mail to you. Hope this helps!
Charlene says
Lisa, that works some of the time. Some of the time you get nothing at all by contacting them. You can learn more about that here:
http://myfrugaladventures.com/2011/06/extreme-couponing-free-item-coupons/
And you can follow the weekly series on getting coupons in the mail here:
http://myfrugaladventures.com/2011/09/free-coupons-by-mail-5/
kathleen blakley says
love your info, I just finished watching Extreme Couponing for the first time, I’ve always pooh-poohed couponers but now living on a limited monthly budget I find I need ways to help stretch the budget, we dont have double coupons here either , and some stores wont accept internet coupons, so what to do here? I’m not a big ‘brand name’ gal, but with prices of dog food and toiletries so expensive I can see where any coupon would be a help, will be following you for more info , thanx, Kathie
tammy says
Thank you for your “reasonable” and “normal” postings. I wish they would do one for normal people on those shows that included produce, dairy, and meat. I found I save a lot on Walmart/personal care items and less on groceries. Am I doing something wrong? I was so surprised to hear one lady say she regularly gets paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, deodorant and razors for free. I’ve found the Colgate deals on toothpaste but .99 cents deodorant but the rest? Where do you go to get these?
Shandi Kemp says
I am really glad I found this site!! I am learning and sometimes feel like man I must not be finding the deals. But you made some very valuable points. On one hand I do want to stockpile a little cause I have 4 kids and if you add my husband then 5 plus there is always friends over especially after ball games or in the summer. I am learning how to coupon because we are currently living in overdraft each week just because of the grocery bill. I am ready to have a positive in the bank. While I am saving tremendously on personal products I need to learn how to save on groceries cause I can’t eat soap. I am gonna continue to read the articles because I have learned alot so far. I would love to know a breakdown of how you spend only 50$ a month on groceries :). Thanks so much for this site. God Bless and have a great day!!
Charlene says
Shandi, it is $50 per week not month :). If it was per month we would be eating a lot of tuna and ramen :p.
Katie says
I am new to “couponing” and am trying to learn how to actually do it. So any adivce is greatly appreciated, lol. I see where a lot of people are printing coupons… I am nervous to download things onto my computer because my husband would kill me if it had a virus because of my coupons! LOL Can anyone tell me if you all have had viruses or no of certain ones to or not to download?
Thanks!
Charlene says
Katie,
I have not had viruses but the safest programs for printable coupons are: coupons.com, smartsource.com and redplum.com and I would download them in that order of preference. Avoid any sites that appear to be spammy like freeflys.com or couponsuzi.com or things like that.
Tracey says
I am glad to hear that a good saving is between 50 – 70% I am new at this and of course I knew I was not going to reach the deal I have seen on the tv show extrem couponers. Why because it just was not realistic. Two the coupons have restrictions as well as the store. So after reading your tip I am glad to say I am not defeated that I only saved 47% on my first coupon experiences.
AmyC says
I am a Registered Nurse and I tried to do the “extreme couponing,” only to find that it takes much longer than this program portrays. When I started out, I didn’t get much savings at all. It takes a lot of time to do this kind of shopping. I would say they put in as many hours as I do, working as a nurse, shopping like this. Sure, you get faster and better but when you are talking 50 to 100 coupons for just one of your items, that takes time…way more time than I want to spend. I think these ladies truly enjoy this and for that, I cannot say they are extreme. They are putting in the time and making some awesome deals. Just unpacking groceries drives me crazy. I do think the show is unrealistic and I can almost bet these ladies have learned this over years. Not weeks, not months, but years.
Janet says
No matter how many times I read the same thing, it still sounds very overwhelming for me. I have a family of 5, two of which are a teen and a pre-teen. I am the type that learns from watching and hands on. I really need a mentorfor about a week or so until I can get the hang of it. I live in Oklahoma and there arent any around my area or in my state even. It would be really great if someone could start a program such as that. If anyone knows of someone who could help me, please feel free to let me know. I really would love to learn how to coupon and save money to repair our home from the damage from the May 20th, 2013 tornado here in Moore, Oklahoma. Also the money I could save I would also use to help out my childrens school which was also taken out by the tornado. Again I would greatly appreciate the help.
Joy says
Regarding “healthy couponing,” people who only buy health foods at stores should not disregard the savings coupons can provide on household items. That has always been the most expensive category for our grocery needs, and I make many of my own cleaning products. Couponing has opened up more space in my budget for produce and other fresh foods, and that makes us all happy!
I am new to couponing and my local grocery stores do not double coupons or maintain very friendly coupon policies. I am working towards consistently saving 50%, but find that difficult. They have been giving out great catalinas lately which is the main way my bill goes down. I spend about three to four hours getting printable coupons, looking for deals, and reading coupon blogs each week. It interests me, so I spend a bit of leisure time on it. Nothing extreme.