Extreme Couponing on TLC

Tonight is the premiere of Extreme Couponing on TLC. Are you a couponer?

Locked and loaded.

I was watching a marathon of old episodes as I cooked dinner tonight (French's onion chicken nugget salad) and I got inspired to share some coupon tips with you.  I got so inspired I'm fighting the urge to plan out next week's shopping trips with coupons right now!

I am not a new couponer.  I clipped coupons as a kid. It was like a game and it still is.  However with TLC's extreme couponing last year, I took my couponing to a new level.  I just felt like there was money to be saved and I wanted to do it!

Why am I crazy? I have a hot pink coupon binder and I spend several hours a week clipping and organizing coupons.

What am I not crazy? I don't buy things I don't use. I keep some brand loyalty. AND I don't buy junk food items just because they're pennies or free.


Since couponing seriously in April I would say I save about $50 a week on groceries. Some weeks when I have more time I'll make the extra tips to Walgreens & CVS for their extreme deals. This is where my "stockpile" grows.


Here are my first 2 posts on "how-to coupon": Crazy Coupon Lady, Extreme Couponing Tips

The items/brands I most often use coupons for are: Greek yogurt, Yoplait smoothies, coffee, coffee creamer, cereal, peanut butter, dressing, marinades, v8, almond milk, cat food, kitty litter, blue/feta cheese, frozen veggies, and every beauty/cleaning product. 


If you coupon or want to up the ante here are my tips for you:

• Use the internet. There are specific sites that do all the work for you.  They find the best deals and you can shop and save knowing you're getting the best deal! My favorite sites are below.
• Totally Target
• I Heart Publix - she publishes Publix's upcoming Wed sales on Monday so you get a head's up on what deals are coming.
• Wild for Wags
• CouponMom - watch the tutorials
• Be organized. You don't need a coupon binder, but keep all your coupons organized and in 1 place. Nothing is worse than being at the store and missing a deal because you left a coupon at home.
• Get the Sunday paper and BEG friends for theirs! Thank you Nancy & Cindy for the weekly coupon offerings! :)
• Know the coupon policy.
• Publix will accept a competitor coupon and a manufacturer. So I can use a coupon online from Target with a regular coupon.
• Target accepts a "Target specific" coupon with a manufacturer coupon.
• The CVS/Walgreens rewards deals are confusing. Do your research and don't be ashamed to take something back if you didn't get the deal you wanted.

Seriously, utilize the internet and the sites above.  Spend 10 minutes a day printing new online coupons and tracking weekly deals for the week.  Or if it's too much for you just mail your coupons to me and call it a day! :)

Love and pennies saved,

Carissa & Kyle