There are many people around the world that are finding it tough financially. With the present state of the economy the stress of finances is enormous. Many people are looking for free financial tips so that they can get back on track financially. You may be interested in this article if you are looking for financial advice.There's no such thing as a free lunch, and that especially applies to supposedly free financial advice. Here's how to spot them so you don't get stung.


Monday 14 April 2014

The Dark Side Of Extreme Couponing

By Cornelius Nunev


We are all looking to conserve cash in these troubled occasions. Coupon cutting is one method to save on every day expenses. And those savings can add up quickly. But there's a dark side to couponing. Popularized by a TLC reality show, "Extreme Couponing" can, for some, become a fixation that takes over their lives.

Reality show started it

"Extreme couponing" is a phrase made popular by The Learning Channel's reality show of the same name. 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.

The couponing hoarding connection

The show is not just about people who save cash though. As Allison Linn of MSNBC points out, it is more about "bargain-obsessed people coupon-clipping for hours, and in some cases even Dumpster diving for more coupons." This is seen often in grocery stores. An individual will print a ton of coupons, clear the shelves at the store and give the register clerk the coupons. These individuals start to show their pantry off. They show that they have a years' supply of household goods from the couponing.

Caused backlash

Since increasingly more individuals are starting to take advantage of couponing, the show has caused retailers and manufacturers to backlash.

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

Last month, retailers spoke with the Food Marketing Institute. It warned that coupon users are becoming more fraudulent as time goes on. Behaviors cited incorporated intimidating cashiers and attempting to redeem coupons for items other than what they were intended for.

Stealing

Sunday newspapers, in just the last year or so, have started to be stolen much more frequently across the country, in part due to couponers, according to Linn.

The Sacramento Bee is doing things to prevent theft from occurring, as reported by Dan Schaub. The papers are being used by couponers. This was clear to him. The days with coupon inserts, Wednesday and Sunday, the newspapers sell really easily.

The deception being seen

There are several unethical and illegal couponing practices which were shown by one "Extreme Couponing" shopper J'Aime Kirlew, according to an article posted by blogger Jill Cataldo in April.

TLC responded to the controversy in a statement, saying the company takes the concerns seriously and will look into the matter. The statement was then ended. It said: "We look forward to sharing the tips and shopping savvy from all the couponers featuring in upcoming episodes."




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