Guest Post: 6 Ways To Save Like An Extreme Couponer

 by Andrea Woroch

 With the start of TLC's latest "Extreme Couponing" season, it's a good time to review some basic tricks that these coupon pros use. Read on for six ways you can save like an extreme couponer.

1. Start Small
Don't try to go extreme all at once. Take it step by step, rather than show up at a checkout with 50 coupons and little idea what you're doing.
2. Never Pay For Coupons
There are some things in this life you just shouldn't pay for, and a coupon is one of them. Paying someone to clip or organize your coupons defeats the purpose of living frugally. Instead, surf Sunday newspaper ad supplements for coupon savings; ask your neighbors for their unwanted papers; or dive inside a recycled dumpster or two. Also, free online coupon sites like CouponSherpa.com give consumers access to a multitude of coupon codes and printable coupons for thousands of merchants.
3. Get Organized
A little organization can go a long way. Always create a shopping list and have your coupons and shopping strategy organized before you even enter the store. Use an expandable coupon binder to sort coupon inserts by date, categories and expiration dates. Transfer to a small couponizer only those you'll need for a specific shopping trip.
4. Location, Location, Location
Where you shop is a key factor in making the best use of your time and coupons. Only shop at locations that allow coupon stacking and combining coupons with in-store offers. Don't be afraid to call and ask about policies before you show up. You don't want to wind up embarrassed at the checkout line with a handful of useless coupons.
5. Loyalty Rewards
Always take advantage of club membership rewards. These programs are usually free and have many savings perks, like rewards points, cash back programs, and double points for every certain amount you spend.
6. Don't Be Greedy
This is often where extreme couponers cross over into the world of hoarding. Only shop for items you actually need, products you can stock up on that aren't perishable, and those you can donate. Remember, a bargain is only a bargain if you can actually use the purchase. If your pantry has expanded into your living room and the kids are sleeping on rolls of toilet paper, you've probably reached hoarder status.


Consumer savings expert, Andrea Woroch, is available for an in-studio, satellite or skype interviews to share "6 Ways To Save Like An Extreme Couponer" with your audience. As a media expert source, Andrea has been featured on NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more. To view recent interviews or get more information, visit AndreaWoroch.com or you can also follow @AndreaWoroch on Twitter to receive daily savings tips.

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TLC GUIDES YOU THROUGH LOVE AND SEX THIS VALENTINE'S DAY WITH "SEXTISTICS: YOUR LOVE LIFE" One-Hour Special airs February 14, 2010 at 9pm ET/PT

On Sunday, February 14 at 9pm ET/PT, TLC invites you to spend Valentine's Day learning all you need to know about finding true love and sustaining a healthy relationship with SEXTISTICS: YOUR LOVE LIFE. This one-hour special reveals all the startling answers and staggering statistics about love, sex, and romance that you've always wanted to know but were afraid to ask, such as: Is there a smoother path down the rocky road of love?  Do details such as height, money, and even body hair really matter? 
SEXTISTICS: YOUR LOVE LIFE breaks down cutting edge science and statistical data including how many sexual partners and orgasms the average American has in their lifetime, what physical signs you get from someone who is attracted to you, and what the latest divorce rates are for couples who marry in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Whether you're single, married for 50 years, or experiencing everything in between, these lessons are invaluable for men and women of every age. With large scale visual stunts, interviews with renowned relationship and sex experts, and candid real life experiences from people on the street, SEXTISTICS: YOUR LOVE LIFE presents viewers with a unique, modern and relatable guide to  love and romance.
SEXTISTICS takes viewers through each stage of a relationship, from why we find each other attractive, to navigating through the ritual of dating and flirting, then plunging into the first phases of love, and finally guiding us through commitment, marriage, sex and infidelity. The hour finishes with interesting and reassuring science and statistics about the realities of long term true love, and provides a new and refreshing take on our most fundamental emotion.

SEXTISTICS: YOUR LOVE LIFE is produced by Touch Productions for TLC.

About TLC
TLC's innovative docu-series and reality-based programming include favorites Jon & Kate Plus 8, Little People, Big World, What Not to Wear, 18 Kids and Counting, Say Yes to the Dress, and LA Ink. TLC added to its menu of programming with Cake Boss and Ultimate Cake Off, and continues to expand into the food genre. TLC's daytime lineup includes the Emmy Award-winning A Baby Story. The channel is available in more than 98 million homes in the US, nearly 8 million homes in Canada and through the website at www.tlc.com. TLC is part of Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries.