Finding ways to save money is important in these economically unstable occasions. Coupon cutting may help keep grocery and other expenses down, and those savings can add up. But not every penny may be worth the cost of earning it. Made popular by a TLC reality show, „Extreme Couponing“ can, for many, become an obsession that consumes their lives.

How it all began

The Learning Channel’s reality show started the phrase „extreme couponing“ when it came out. The show is explained by TLC<. Supposedly, it is about "the world of bargain shoppers who have mastered the art of saving. Get tips to help you save Big." TLC first previewed the show in December, 2010. In April 2011, the show began airing. A second season starts this month.

Is hoarding an issue?

Allison Linn of MSNBC said, however, that it depicts, more often than not, „bargain-obsessed people coupon-clipping for hours, and in some cases even Dumpster diving for more coupons.“ This is seen often in grocery stores. A person will print a ton of coupons, clear the shelves at the store and give the register clerk the coupons. These people start to show their pantry off. They show that they have a years‘ supply of household goods from the couponing.

Began a lot of controversy

Recently, the show has sparked a backlash from retailers and manufacturers, who see increasingly more individuals taking bargain hunting to the extreme.

Bud Miller, executive director of Coupon Information Corp., said „a fairly large number of people are going into stores with really unrealistic expectations.“

The trade group Food Marketing Institute warned retailers last month of a rise in fraudulent behavior among coupon users. Behaviors cited integrated intimidating cashiers and attempting to redeem coupons for items other than what they were meant for.

They are stealing as well

Newspapers across the country, according to Linn, are reporting increases in the theft of Sunday newspapers, which she attributes to coupon-clipping extremists.

Dan Schaub works with the Sacramento Bee as a marketing executive. He said that newspapers are attempting to keep away from theft with certain measures. The papers are being used by couponers. This was clear to him. The newspapers are quick to sell on both Wednesday and Sunday. This is because there are coupon inserts in them.

The fraud being seen

Jill Cataldo posted an article in April that pointed out troubles with the „Extreme Couponing“ individuals. She said that one shopper on the show, J’Aime Kirlew“ showed a lot of unethical and illegal couponing practices

This matter is taken seriously by TLC, it said in a statement. It plans to look to the concerns. The brief statement closed with: „We look forward to sharing the tips and shopping savvy from all the couponers featuring in upcoming episodes.“

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