We all want to get something for nothing. Enter the latest fad, super couponing. This practice may appeal to some, but it appeals to me. I think it has more negative than positive. What are the disadvantages?
One, it takes too much time. Consumers who have taken this fad spend hours a day, in some cases whole days, find coupons, cut them and files. Some use wallet-style folders and storage boxes for their "findings". The application becomes a daily, endless task.
Two, many coupons are for unhealthy foods. I sometimes use food coupons, such as from a local butcher shop. When I go to the grocery store and read the ingredients of frozen and packaged foods, I find they contain too much fat and salt. That is why I am done from the beginning, chef.
Three, this trend encourages impulse buying. New York Times writer Virginia Heffernan writes about fad in his article "O Thou Great Redeemer (s)." "Unlike hoarders, who are usually ashamed of their houses, extreme couponers venerate their stocks," she explains, These consumers may claim they purchase items that they need. Who needs 50 bottles of ketchup?
Four, storage, eventually becomes a problem. In his New York Times article says Heffernan, many of these consumers to buy special shelving and peg board system for their purchases. Other stack stuff in the garage or force-customize items in closets. Personally I would rather the extra space.
Fem söker coupons can be unhealthy. Some buyers are looking for discarded newspapers on park benches, waiting rooms and was set. Dumpster diving is dirty, smelly. Rats, mice and other animals could have searched the dumpster before and left stool behind. I do not want to expose myself to this stench or dirt for a few coupons.
Sex, money-saving practice can become an addiction. An MSNBC website article, "5 characters of your coupon habit is of control," watching too much frugality. Things become, arts notes, when vouchers have become a large part of the day, you can purchase items you no longer need, drive away, cannot purchase items without coupons and start hoarding. "You can also spend more money on gas," the article added.
Coupons have become as American as Apple Pie. You can download them from the Web sites and Web sites devoted to the practice. Many consumers see a difference between storage and warehousing. Storage is the practice to buy items you need in the next six months. Hoarding is excessive purchases--purchases for a year or more--and take over your life.
While this practice can save you money, you need to focus on the bigger picture: time, gas prices, cost of storage space and personal safety. Check the expiration date on foods before you can use all the coupons. Watch out for store specials, also because they can save lots of money. New stores have special offers and you can also take advantage of them, be a smart shopper!
Copyright 2010 by Harriet Hodgson