Extreme Interviews

Welcome to “Interviews With an Extreme Couponer!” 
Each week I will be bringing you fabulous and interesting interviews with all the participants.  Every Extreme Couponer has their own style, views, and methods that they have graciously shared with me.  Please follow long every week for an inside peek of these coupon connoisseurs. before they hit the air every Wednesday night!!! 
Interview with an “Extreme Couponer”….
Joni Crothers
Q.  Why and when did you start couponing?
A.  About three years ago. My husband got laid off from his position in the automotive industry (actually is still out of work) and we needed a way to save money.  I had a friend that showed me two items that I could get for FREE with coupons and it took off from there.  After a few weeks of couponing I realized it was not just couponing, but it was a TRUE MINISTRY to me.  I am all about PASSING THE BLESSING ON and when I can get items for FREE I want to share them with others in need!!
Q.  What’s your absolute favorite store to coupon at and why?
A.  I have a few favorites, Giant Eagle, just because our local store once a month will double your dollar to $2 and you can score a lot of FREE items and through this we are able to donate a significant amount back to our community!!  I also like Rite-Aid as I can score a lot of FREE/CHEAP items there also and through that once again we can PASS THE BLESSING ON to less fortunate!!  We also love our local Kroger store that we taped TLC “Extreme Couponing” at in Sylvania. 
Q.  Why did you want to go on extreme couponing?
A.  We were contacted to be on the show. We had people who nominated our family.  I also believe God opened the door up for us to be on TLC “Extreme Couponing”.  Our couponing is more of a ministry than couponing anymore.  Anyone that follows my blog will see that every Sunday I challenge everyone to donate 4 items to their local food pantry, a shelter, or a friend/family/or neighbor.  Giving back is such an important part.  Matthew 25:40.  Jesus performed the miracle with 5 loaves and 2 fish and he can do the same with our coupons and donations.  None of us can help everyone, BUT all of us can help someone and when we help them, we serve Jesus!!  I have pictures on my blog from my coupon classes, where part of the fee is to bring 5 items.  After the class, we have everyone look at the impact their 5 donations had.  It truly is that simple, doing something so small.  I usually list 30-35 items every Sunday that are Free to Cheap at the stores so to donate 4 items is not costing anything and most of us are already going to the store on a weekly basis.  We truly can impact our communities, one life at a time by doing something so small.  I also wanted to be on the show as we gave 100% of our products to three local charities.  I want people to see that you don’t need to keep it all for yourself, you can give back and when we give we are impacting someone else’s life!!  We ALL can make a difference in a “small” way!!
Q.  What was on your shopping list for Extreme Coupining at Kroger and do you think it’s possible to do major hauls like that every week? 
A.  Kroger on King and Sylvania Avenue in Sylvania. They were AWESOME!!  We preordered all of our items so we did not clear the shelves. We also took all our coupons in before our big shop so they could match our coupons up with the items we were getting to approve them, so there was no skepticism on our show.  It is possible if you want to spend numerous hours, but I have 7 children and work full time so it is not feasible for my family to do this.  There also would be no reason to do this every week. It was a cool experience that  TLC “Extreme Coupon” gave to our family so I am thankful that we did it and we were able to get thousands of dollars worth of stuff to donate to our community all to GLORIFY GOD.  That is priceless!!
Q.  What’s the best tip you can offer to all couponers?
A.  Start slow, pick a few blogs that you like and follow them.  When you start pick only one or two stores to shop at and then as you get comfortable expand it.  I also suggest to newbies to maybe just get the FREE/CHEAP stuff to start out with.  Also to be very organized.  I have found the binder by far is the best tool for me.  It saves me hours and is so convenient.  Also, know you can save so much money and can still PASS THE BLESSING ON to others.  We have donated thousands of dollars worth of products (retail, did not pay that much) to charity and it is just a tangible way of making a difference!!  God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things!!  We are humbled he used our family to be on TLC “Extreme Couponing” and so excited to see our weekly challenge grow across the USA by meaning accepting the challenge!  Always have a positive attitude when shopping, don’t be rude to cashiers, and ALWAYS carry each store’s coupon policy with you.  You will be surprised if you treat others with kindness how they will react to you!!  Be a blessing and you will be blessed in return!!
I would like to extend a great BIG thank you to Joni for taking the time to answer my questions!

I hope that you will stop be her page and thank her as well.
You can find her here….

www.facebook.com/Saving-and-Sharing-for-Christ!
or
www.savingandsharingforchrist.blogspot.com

And of course you can find me here….
www.facebook.com/klippinkrazykoupons
or 
www.klippinkrazy.blogspot.com




Interview with an “Extreme Couponer”…. 
Miss Amber (and Clay)!

Q. Why and when did you start couponing?
A. We started couponing years ago, but stopped, because we lived in an apartment and did not have much room to accommodate a stockpile. We started back in December of 2010 after watching TLC Extreme Couponing! My husband was like ‘We need to start couponing again!” I told him if he was willing to help me then we could start again! We have been going full force since then and have a pretty nice stockpile!

Q. What’s your absolute favorite store to coupon at and why?
A. I love shopping at Fry’s which in other states is Kroger’s! The store I frequent always has stock and they are super coupon friendly. They also make every coupon $1.00 and they accept competitor coupons! The 2nd would be Walgreen’s, because of their awesome deals, but I often hate shopping there do to their less than sub par customer service.

Q. Why did you want to go on extreme couponing?
A. We wanted to do the show, because it was what inspired us to get back into couponing, so we hope that others will see on the show and start saving as well!

Q. What was on your shopping list for Extreme Couponing at Fry’s and do you think it’s possible to do major hauls like that every week?
A. Well we had tons of stuff on our list, but I can’t say just yet, because the show has not aired, but lets just say my pets are happy and we won’t die of thirst anytime soon! As far as doing a trip like that on a regular basis, there is no way that I would want to do that frequently! We of course were asked to see what we could make possible.
I do, do large trips, but no where near the size as the one on the show! Sure you could do a trip like this, but you would have to clear it with the store first, because we had to order our products. We followed all rules and asked how many coupons we could use and how many they would double before planning our trip.

Q. What’s the best tip you can offer to all couponers?
A. Well I can offer few!
1. Don’t get stressed! It will get easier I promise!
2. Read and learn as much as you can! There are many great blogs to choose from. Surf them all and put it all together.
3. Find a site that has ad matches for your store, this takes away a lot of work! All you have to do is look at the match up and find and clip your coupons.
4. Start with one store and start slow.
5. Always carry your coupon policy!

I would like to extend a great BIG thank you to Amber for taking the time to answer my questions!

I hope that you will stop be her page and thank her as well.
You can find her here….

www.facebook.com/cutclipcave
or
www.cutclipsave.com
And of course you can find me here….
www.facebook.com/klippinkrazykoupons
or 
www.klippinkrazy.blogspot.com



Interview with an “Extreme Couponer”….
Miss Amanda!


Q. Why and when did you start couponing?
A. I started couponing late 06/early 07. I started because I lost my very well paying job in the tele-com industry. When the market crashed, my job crashed. We were not managing our money right at all, and really were going to crash and burn had it not been for this!

Q. What’s your absolute favorite store to coupon at and why?
A. Giant Eagle! And no, I don’t even have one here! I LOVE that they double up to $ .99. I also love that they have limits on items, so people can’t go in and ransack the store!

Q. Why did you want to go on Extreme Couponing?
A. I actually wanted to go back on the show to tell the world the person they shot on the first show is NOT me and editing was done horribly!

Q. What was on your shopping list for Extreme Couponing at Kroger and do you think it’s possible to do major hauls like that every week? A. I had a TON of stuff on my list, way too much to list (it will be listed on my blog though!) and NO we NEVER shop like that, and no one should. It’s impossible.

Q. What’s the best tip you can offer to all couponers?

A. Take it slow, read read read, and ask questions if you can’t find the answers. Remember, any savings is GOOD savings. Most of the time if people are saying they got 100% savings, it’s because they are buy 912,389,120,381,209 of the SAME item that’s free after coupon. Set REALISTIC goals and do NOT try and follow what you see on TV!
I would like to extend a great BIG thank you to Amanda for taking the time to answer my questions!




I hope that you will stop be her page and thank her as well.

You can find her here….
www.facebook.com/moneysavingamanda
or
www.moneysavingamanda.com 







And of course you can find me here….

www.facebook.com/klippinkrazykoupons

or

www.klippinkrazy.blogspot.com

Interview with an “Extreme Couponer”….
Miss Chrystie Corns!
Q.  Why and when did you start couponing?



A.  I started couponing only 9 months ago in August of 2010, after I found
myself as a divorced-single mom. I was scared to death at the thought
of making ends meet on my own and had heard about women saving tons of
money with coupons, so I started doing some research and quickly
became addicted!

Q.  What’s your absolute favorite store to coupon at and why?
A.  My favorite store to coupon at is Rite Aid. I get the best deals on
beauty supplies and household items because of their in-store coupons,
Up Rewards program and single check rebate. My biggest score at Rite
Aid was 150 dollars worth of goods for FREE + I made $17!

Q.  Why did you want to go on Extreme Couponing?
A.  I wanted to go on Extreme couponing to empower other single moms to
take control of their financial situation and start saving money with
coupons.

Q.  What was on your shopping list for Extreme Coupining at Shaw’s and do you think it’s possible to do major hauls like that every week?
A.  My extreme shopping list consisted of a lot of makeup (lipsticks),
toothpaste, sports drinks, meat, frozen vegetables, soda, canned goods
and a lot of pasta.
      While I do think it’s possible to save money every week, I don’t think
it’s possible to accomplish a HUGE extreme shopping trip every week,
it really depends on the sales that week and the availability of the
coupons.
Q.  What’s the best tip you can offer to all couponers
A.  Start buying the Sunday paper and printing coupons online and find a
blogger in your local area which does the store match ups for the
stores you shop at.
I would like to extend a great BIG thank you to Chrystie for taking the time to answer my questions!

 I hope that you will stop be her page and thank her as well.
You can find her here….

www.facebook.com/ilovetogossip
or
www.ilovetogossip.com
And of course you can find me here….

www.facebook.com/klippinkrazykoupons
or
www.klippinkrazy.blogspot.com

Interview with an “Extreme Couponer”….
Miss Treasure!

Q.  Why and when did you start couponing?
A.  3 years ago, and I started because my husbands company was doing layoffs, and I wanted to be prepared.  I am a SAHM and did not want to have to leave to my son to get a job.
Q.  What’s your absolute favorite store to coupon at and why?
A.  I am not sure I have a favorite, I shop at several stores based on where the sale matches my coupons :-)   So, based on that , I would have to say my favorite store is one that doubles coupons, and has great sales. :-)   ..but my local Shoprite is fantastic–all the staff is friendly and helpful.

Q.  Why did you want to go on extreme couponing?

A.  I wanted to have the opportunity to teach  people that they too can learn how to save on groceries just like I did.

Q.  What was on your shopping list for Extreme Couponing and do you think it’s possible to do major hauls like that every week?

A.  I cannot give you any sneak peaks :-(  sorry… BUT I will say that I saved more than 100% on my bill, and the items and qty’s I purchased were similar to the quantities I usually purchase. Shoprite, the store I shopped at, has a limit of 4 coupons that they will double, and a one transaction limit. So I do the type of shopping I did on the show, regularly.

Q.What’s the best tip you can offer to all couponers?

A.  To start slow, be consistent in your shopping-meaning go week after week until your stockpile grows and don’t get discouraged. LEARN how to effectively use coupons before jumping in and trying to do ALL the “deals” right away. There will always be deals and sales, but you should start with what I call “straight up couponing”..just a store sale, with a coupon…then once comfortable with that, try a deal or two and progress from there.

Q.  Any parting words or information you’d like me to add to the post?

A.   Yes–keep in mind as you watch the show, that it is called EXTREME couponing, and made for TV…I do not normally shop with my husband and son….I usually shop alone, but for the show, TLC asked for the family to come too :-) .
I would like to extend a great BIG thank you to Chrystie for taking the time to answer my questions!
I hope that you will stop be her page and thank her as well.
Interview with an “Extreme Couponer”….
Miss Tammilee!
Extreme Couponing takes a tour of Washington, my home state!

Both of tonight’s participants hale from Washington state and I couldn’t be more excited for them to represent all us Washingtonian couponers! This time, we can really take a peak at what is available in our areas and at stores many of us are familiar with. Tonight’s episode airs on TLC as always and is sure to prove my favorite episode to date.
(check your local channels and times)

Can’t beat Washington pride right?

I had the incredible opportunity to interview Miss Tammilee from Spokane, Washington about her EXTREME trip to Fred Meyer’s.
Here is what she had to say about her experience….
Q. Why and when did you start couponing?

A. I started couponing 21/2 years ago. I was told the week of our wedding that my job would be ending. all of a sudden we had to figure out how to save money. I had seen people on the TV save with coupons and thought I would give it a try. My first time out I save a quarter with 1 coupon. I was so excited I called my husband to tell him.

Q. What’s your absolute favorite store to coupon at and why?
A. It really depends on the week. I love whatever store has the best deals for that week.

Q. Why did you want to go on extreme couponing?
A. I was inspired to start couponing because I saw someone on TV. I decided to go on the show hoping that we could help someone else start couponing. Coupons have made a huge impact in our lives and I love to help others see how great coupons are.

Q. What was on your shopping list for Extreme Couponing at Fred Meyer and do you think it’s possible to do major hauls like that every week?
A. My shopping list was really varied. We picked up a lot of different items. I don’t think I would want to do major hauls like we did every week. It has been over 6 weeks since our shopping trip and we are still eating the food we bought. I have not had to really go grocery shopping other than fresh items since the trip.

Q. What’s the best tip you can offer to all couponers?

A. My best tip is to celebrate your successes! I think it is really important to track how much money you are saving. I find it really exciting and encouraging when I look at my total savings. There are times that couponing can get really draining and you just don’t want to cut another coupon. Knowing your successes and how much money you are saving your family is a great motivator to keep going.
I would like to extend a great BIG thank you to Tammilee for taking the time to answer my questions.

I hope that you will stop be her page and thank her as well.


You can find her here….
www.facebook.com/TammileeTips
or
www.tammileetips.com

And of course you can find me here….
www.facebook.com/klippinkrazykoupons
or
www.klippinkrazy.blogspot.com