Exposing Coupon Myths

Yesterday, I read an article titled "Reasons You Should Not Coupon", by Amy Fontinelle, Investopedia. I decided to use this article to expose and address these myths.


1. Amy's Argument: Clipping coupons takes too much time. Yes, you can do it while you watch tv and turn "unproductive time" into "productive" time. But, there are a lot of things you can do while watching tv - mop the floor, prepare a week's worth of meals..your time may be better spent on other things.


REALITY: Extreme Couponing does NOT involve clipping anything in front of a BOOB tube. It is VERY productive: I saved $184.oo for 2 hours invested. (Will post my savings next!). Reading Amy's blog won't pay me $90 an hour!



2. Amy's Argument: Getting a newspaper invites lots of additional advertising into your home. Advertising is powerful stuff - this is part of the reason why companies offer coupons in the first place. You might actually end up buying and paying for more stuff. Coupons may compel you to venture into a store you wouldn't otherwise visit.


REALITY: Extreme Couponing is strategic couponing and precludes any item that does not realize a 70% or greater savings. Amy, are you suggesting that the average woman is that easily influenced?



3. Amy's Argument: Many of the coupons will be for things you neither need or want. If you are a die hard bargain hunter, it may be hard for you to turn down a good deal, even if it means you were not planning on buying it in the first place. From a financial perspective, buying more than you need or want, just doesn't make sense.

REALITY: Every purchase is precluded by this caveat: Will I use this, AND does it result in a (+) transaction carryover? FREE, if your family uses it, it's still FREE.


4. Amy's Argument: Coupons tempt you to spend your grocery dollars on things you shouldn't.


REALITY: Extreme Couponing generates (+) carryover that subsidizes and/or covers the cost of HEALTHY foods that we need. Amy, are you suggesting the the average woman can't make good decisions? GET REAL!