I just found out the next episode of TLC’s Extreme Couponing is set to air this week, so I just had to share this! It’s really important to me for people to realize there are some amazing things about using coupons — but it is also easy to become unbalanced!!
There is something about couponing. It can be ADDICTIVE! Just slightly.
When I first began couponing, I must confess I went a little overboard. Once I realized this — I scaled back. I can guarantee you won’t ever find me on TLC’s Extreme Couponing show!
But I still love to find great bargains. I just refuse to let them overwhelm me!
How about you? Are you overwhelmed?
Here are my top five signs you’re about to become an overwhelmed coupon mom (slightly tongue-in-cheek, but slightly not)!
5) You can’t find the floor….under the pile of unsorted, unorganized coupons you clipped a few months ago.
If you’re using coupons, you must have an organizational system!! Otherwise, you will become overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of coupons you have piled up! You’ll also forget what coupons you have — and what coupons you can use! (Need help? You can check out my hybrid system here!)
4) The only thing you talk to your husband about is the latest and greatest bargains you find!
No doubt, my husband knows how much I like to share a good bargain with him. But if you find that is your main topic of conversation, you need to scale it back, sister! (This isn’t just for husbands, by the way — friends, sisters, moms — I’m just sayin’ you might be a little out-of-balance if how much you saved is your main topic of conversation!)
3) You subscribe to 20 Bargain Blogs and follow them religiously.
I follow several other blogs — and I’m sure you do, too. I’m thankful for them, because I know I can’t find and post every great deal — there is just not enough time in my day!! Anyway, cross-referencing and seeing what else is out there is a great idea. The problem is that sometimes you can follow too many, and it becomes overwhelming!!
Don’t get me wrong: I am SO, SO, SO glad you’re here. Without you, I wouldn’t have a blog! It makes my day when someone comments or sends me an e-mail, BUT, I never want to make you feel overwhelmed (I hope I’m providing some content you feel is helpful beyond just the latest bargains)!
2) You start using coupons. You start gaining weight.
Whoa! Did I just write that?!! I’m not meaning to step on any toes, but it can happen!! Just because you have a coupon for a product doesn’t mean you should use it!!! Just because you can get it for free, doesn’t mean you should!! And if bargain-hunting is taking so much time you can’t exercise, you need to scale it back! I’m much more concerned about your health, than you finding a free product or having a $100 monthly grocery budget!!
1) You skip out on dinner with family or friends, because you MUST hit the latest sale. After all, your coupons are about to expire!
Sales come and go. There will be more. It’s not the end of the world if you miss one!! There is no doubt in my mind that relationships are way more important than stuff. Maybe it is cliche’ — but at the end of your life, you’re not going to care about that Coach purse you picked up for 99% off! Relationships matter more than your bargains! Please spend time with those who matter most!!
Stefani @ SimpleMidwestMom says
Stacie I am so glad you did this post. It seems like a lot of Bargain Blogs stray from this topic since they promote the use of coupons. It’s important to help others keep it all in prespective, so kudos to you girl! It really is easy to make couponing and bargain hunting an addiction all it’s own. How do I know this? Well, I don’t think the comment section will allow that many characters!
Stacie says
Thank you Stefani!! No one else has commented — so I was a little worried I offended someone.
I actually struggled with all of those things when I first started using coupons!! It’s all about balance!!
Stefani @ SimpleMidwestMom says
Um Stacie, if they get offended then maybe they really needed to read this post after all! hehe
Stacie says
🙂
Stefani @ SimpleMidwestMom says
Stacie I am so glad you did this post. It seems like a lot of Bargain Blogs stray from this topic since they promote the use of coupons. It’s important to help others keep it all in prespective, so kudos to you girl! It really is easy to make couponing and bargain hunting an addiction all it’s own. How do I know this? Well, I don’t think the comment section will allow that many characters!
Stacie says
Thank you Stefani!! No one else has commented — so I was a little worried I offended someone.
I actually struggled with all of those things when I first started using coupons!! It’s all about balance!!
Stefani @ SimpleMidwestMom says
Um Stacie, if they get offended then maybe they really needed to read this post after all! hehe
Stacie says
🙂
Stefani @ SimpleMidwestMom says
Hey Stacie I’ve had some thoughts brewing for awhile now on ways I can still cut my grocery bill without the extreme use of coupons. The average Mom (and expecially working ones, as I used to be) don’t have time to be on coupon chat sites, ordering bulk coupons from e-bay, scouring the recycle center for unwated coupon inserts, etc. So…what if you did a follow up to this post with that topic in mind? I haven’t had time on my own blog and have been pondering if it fits my focus for the blog or not. Anyway’s jsut a suggestion from a reader who would definitely read that post! Oh and I’m totally game to offer some tips that wokr for me if you need them.:)
Stacie says
I would love to hear your thoughts! I know it can take a lot of time for sure — so feel free to email me! Also, I’m highlighting your post this Thursday!
Stefani @ SimpleMidwestMom says
Hey Stacie I’ve had some thoughts brewing for awhile now on ways I can still cut my grocery bill without the extreme use of coupons. The average Mom (and expecially working ones, as I used to be) don’t have time to be on coupon chat sites, ordering bulk coupons from e-bay, scouring the recycle center for unwated coupon inserts, etc. So…what if you did a follow up to this post with that topic in mind? I haven’t had time on my own blog and have been pondering if it fits my focus for the blog or not. Anyway’s jsut a suggestion from a reader who would definitely read that post! Oh and I’m totally game to offer some tips that wokr for me if you need them.:)
Stacie says
I would love to hear your thoughts! I know it can take a lot of time for sure — so feel free to email me! Also, I’m highlighting your post this Thursday!
Kathy Linklater says
Hi Stacie, I found your site through Money Saving Mom (I hope the garage sale went well). In June 2009 I was laid off from my job of 7 years. The good news is that I discovered the wonderful world of frugal websites. I’ve always used coupons but I started to dabble in the drug store game and it supplied my needs wonderfully for the 23 months I was out of work. In March 2011 my husband of 32 years passed away and shortly after that the company that laid me off, hired me back! Which leads me to the point of posting here. I found that shopping at CVS and Rite Aid became a little overwhelming after I began working full-time. I cut out Rite Aid and I’m just dabbling at CVS. I decided to give myself a break and time to adjust to my new life. I wholeheartedly agree with you about not becoming overwhelmed with couponing to the extent you ignore other things in life. Thank you for the post.
Stacie says
Kathy! So great to have you here! Yes…I am definitely not extreme. There are definitely seasons where a little extra emphasis on using coupons is great, and I do all I can to save $$. But I think it can get a little out-of-control (even obsessive)!
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Praying for you to have strength and peace and healing for your heart.
Kathy Linklater says
Hi Stacie, I found your site through Money Saving Mom (I hope the garage sale went well). In June 2009 I was laid off from my job of 7 years. The good news is that I discovered the wonderful world of frugal websites. I’ve always used coupons but I started to dabble in the drug store game and it supplied my needs wonderfully for the 23 months I was out of work. In March 2011 my husband of 32 years passed away and shortly after that the company that laid me off, hired me back! Which leads me to the point of posting here. I found that shopping at CVS and Rite Aid became a little overwhelming after I began working full-time. I cut out Rite Aid and I’m just dabbling at CVS. I decided to give myself a break and time to adjust to my new life. I wholeheartedly agree with you about not becoming overwhelmed with couponing to the extent you ignore other things in life. Thank you for the post.
Stacie says
Kathy! So great to have you here! Yes…I am definitely not extreme. There are definitely seasons where a little extra emphasis on using coupons is great, and I do all I can to save $$. But I think it can get a little out-of-control (even obsessive)!
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Praying for you to have strength and peace and healing for your heart.