If you’ve ever seen one of those TV shows revolving around extreme couponing, you’re probably thinking about doing it yourself. After all, the participants in those TV programs often manage to cut their store receipts in half or more! Why shouldn’t you try it too?
Well, as beneficial as it can be (when done in moderation and strategically), it also comes with some downsides that are rarely the focus of the numerous TV shows glorifying the phenomenon. We’re here to provide you with a realistic perspective to help you decide whether this shopping method fits your needs or not.
So, without any further ado, let’s get right to the bottom of it!
The advantages
1. The savings
Obviously, the biggest benefit to extreme couponing has to be the amount of money you’ll be able to save during your shopping sprees. No matter if you’re grocery shopping or looking for deals on your favorite clothing brands, you’ll be able to save a lot with coupons.
You don’t need to go overboard with it to make it useful, as collecting and stacking coupons does require some time and effort. Make sure you choose the best possible coupons you can find and you’ll undoubtedly be extremely happy with your savings.
Again, extreme couponing should not be an obsession, but it should make your life easier, especially in the long run! If you’re finding yourself overspending every time you go to the supermarket (or even shopping online!), couponing may be the optimal solution to your problems!
2. You’ll always be prepared
Extreme couponing promotes shopping in bulks for maximum savings, so you’ll never have to deal with an empty pantry ever again. You’ll spend less time on “emergency” grocery shopping, as you’ll always have your favorite items at your disposal. It’s perfect for anyone working long hours and who often doesn’t have too much time to spend in the grocery store. That especially goes for areas hit by the pandemic where movement is still heavily restricted due to anti-covid measures.
Lastly, the couponing industry has seen some advancements lately: you can now use your coupons for online shopping as well if that’s what you prefer. All of this broadens your options in a major way, as you can now use coupons to buy make-up, clothing, and even tech products! You can find these “electronic” coupons on specialized websites, so check it out while you’re at it. For example, if you love brands like Emma Matratze, see this type of website to find brand-specific vouchers and discounts.
3. Up your game, shopping-wise
Couponing can teach you to become a more responsible shopper, as you’ll become more aware of the prices around you. Besides, you won’t be aimlessly wandering from one aisle to another, you’ll have a planned list to follow during your shopping adventures. All of this allows you to save more time, money, and energy in the long run.
Even if you do not take your couponing to an extreme level, you’ll still be able to benefit by becoming a more responsible and aware consumer overall. Again, make sure to check the validity of your coupons and whether they’re stackable or not, for the best possible results. In this way, you’ll quickly realize how much an item is actually worth, compared to its “regular” price.
The disadvantages
1. It’s sometimes addictive
Many people start overanalyzing their shopping habits once they venture into the world of extreme couponing. It can become an addiction of sorts, but only if you’re not careful. Again, couponing should make your shopping experience easier while removing the strain from your finances, not the other way around. If you find yourself obsessing over coupons and item prices in severe amounts, perhaps it’s time for a break.
So yes, there’s no need to feel guilty every time you purchase a full-priced item. If your finances allow it, there’s nothing wrong with taking a break from hunting for discounts. Remember that well, and you’ll avoid the “extreme” part of the couponing experience.
2. It’s not always the healthiest solution
When it comes to grocery shopping, you might be disappointed at the product ranges where coupons are applicable. It’s rarely discounts on healthy items such as produce: instead, it revolves around canned food and other unhealthy grocery items.
Again, do not buy something you don’t necessarily need just for the sake of the coupons at your disposal. It’s just a waste of your money, and changing your entire lifestyle or diet to save some money isn’t the best idea. The same thing applies to other types of purchasable items such as clothing, beauty products, tech, and appliances: if it’s not what you’d usually buy, you don’t need it. Select your coupons wisely, and don’t let the discounts fool you into buying something you don’t actually need.
3. You might end up wasting a lot of products
While buying in large bulks allows you to avoid frequent visits to the local supermarket, it also means you could end up with a large stockpile of items and no time to make use of them all. That especially goes if we’re talking about food and other expirable products.
So yes, never waste your money on things that you won’t use. Search for coupons depending on your needs, not vice versa. We suggest you start by making a list of the products that you usually buy, brands you love, and then focusing on these items while you’re hunting for coupons and vouchers. It’s the best way to avoid getting your home cluttered with unusable items.
The conclusion
Extreme couponing comes with its pros and cons, and being aware of both sides of the phenomenon is crucial if you want to make the best out of it. The key takeaway is to use those discounts to fulfill your existing needs, nothing more and nothing less.
Overall, as long as you have an effective shopping strategy, couponing can help you save a lot of money, so ensure you’ve done your research before you get into it.
