I just found out the next episode of TLC’s Extreme Couponing is set to air this tonight, so I just wanted to share this post I wrote earlier this year! 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!!
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