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Extreme Couponing: Learn How to Be a Savvy Shopper and Save Money... One Coupon At a Time
In today’s economy, being money savvy is a necessity. For most American households cutting back on the things they love has become harder and harder to bear. But there are ways to get what you want at a fraction of the cost—if not free. With this book, extreme couponing expert Joni Meyer-Crothers explains precisely how she has managed to save thousands by clipping coupons, using them wisely and never paying full retail price for any product. She reveals what basic items you should never pay for (toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, pasta, etc.), and teaches readers techniques to obtain coupons that do not cost a penny and turn them around to save big on groceries, cleaning items, hygienic supplies, and many other household products. Learn the basics of couponing, maximizing your savings, and thinking outside of the box when it comes to how you shop. With Extreme Couponing, there’s no reason to pay full price for the things you need in life.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2013
32 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 15, 2014
My job situation will be changing in a few months, and in preparation for that, I've been trying to stockpile some items. I wish I had read this book first because I think in some of the panic to have some items in place, I've missed some golden opportunities to save money.
I've always watched Extreme Couponing with one of those "it's so strange you can't look away" mentalities. Who would really want to have 800 bottles of sports drinks on hand? Who could possibly use all of that. What I like about Meyer-Crothers' book is that she will tell you that first she shops for her family, but then, because she is very good at getting a lot for a little, she shops for those who are less fortunate, donating a lot to her community through churches, other organizations, and even a free pantry she runs out of her garage. She writes this book not to make everyone hoarders but to unlock the potential of what they could do for others with some planning, some skill, and a lot of heart. I'm not ashamed (much) to admit that I teared up a few times at her very honest call to action for philanthropy through couponing.
Some of the tips she gives are pretty common sense. Others go a bit more in depth about how to really maximize your savings. I was left wanting even more information, but that's why I'm assuming that her in-person classes are so popular. The woman very clearly knows what she's doing, and the book gives you a solid foundation, but I wanted just a little more, too.
I've always watched Extreme Couponing with one of those "it's so strange you can't look away" mentalities. Who would really want to have 800 bottles of sports drinks on hand? Who could possibly use all of that. What I like about Meyer-Crothers' book is that she will tell you that first she shops for her family, but then, because she is very good at getting a lot for a little, she shops for those who are less fortunate, donating a lot to her community through churches, other organizations, and even a free pantry she runs out of her garage. She writes this book not to make everyone hoarders but to unlock the potential of what they could do for others with some planning, some skill, and a lot of heart. I'm not ashamed (much) to admit that I teared up a few times at her very honest call to action for philanthropy through couponing.
Some of the tips she gives are pretty common sense. Others go a bit more in depth about how to really maximize your savings. I was left wanting even more information, but that's why I'm assuming that her in-person classes are so popular. The woman very clearly knows what she's doing, and the book gives you a solid foundation, but I wanted just a little more, too.
January 28, 2019
Really interesting tips, but as of 2019, many of the blogs and websites recommended by the author are no longer functioning the same way – if at all.
July 4, 2015
I came across this book by chance. I was home and watching an Extreme Couponing marathon on TV. This book was advertised on a little bar at the bottom of the screen. So I looked it up and it turns out that my library had it available. So, I checked it out because I am hoping to apply to grad school and thought this could help save me some money.
I am really glad that I checked this book out! It had so many useful tips and tricks to save yourself and your family money. The explanations and instructions were clear and easy to follow. However, it didn’t come off as dry, in fact, this book had a ton of personality. I saw the episode with the author and it is clear that she wrote this book just like she talks.
One of the best things about this book is the message. Couponing is a great way to save money to help your family. But, with just a little extra effort, you can help a lot of people! I thought this was a great touch.
Overall, this book was a great read that taught me some awesome tips to help me save money. I am giving it five stars because it has a great message!
I am really glad that I checked this book out! It had so many useful tips and tricks to save yourself and your family money. The explanations and instructions were clear and easy to follow. However, it didn’t come off as dry, in fact, this book had a ton of personality. I saw the episode with the author and it is clear that she wrote this book just like she talks.
One of the best things about this book is the message. Couponing is a great way to save money to help your family. But, with just a little extra effort, you can help a lot of people! I thought this was a great touch.
Overall, this book was a great read that taught me some awesome tips to help me save money. I am giving it five stars because it has a great message!
October 9, 2014
I purchased this book via Kindle because I was wanting a deeper understanding of "extreme couponing"; but I found almost all the information in the book is either common sense or is free on crazycouponlady.com. If you are not one for doing research this book works but if your looking to save money,save some by not buying this book and just getting it online for free.
April 19, 2013
Got some good tips for using coupons, which everyone should use while shopping. I am definitely not in the ranks of an extreme coupon-er (nor do I have any desire to be), but I am all for learning how to get more for my money.
June 16, 2017
Fair warning: I am about to lay down a bunch of commentary regarding this author and her book. Because she claims (repeatedly) to be a Christian, if you are one that is inclined to become instinctively defensive, and/or one that will mistakenly conflate criticism of the author with criticism of Christianity, then please skip this. It will not serve you well to read further. My main points will be that 1: this book tells you jack about coupon use that a grade-schooler could not figure out and 2: my take-away was that the author is self-righteous and her motivations are (unfortunately) ultimately self-serving.
Here we go.
Well, it seems Jesus does save.....with coupons! *sigh* Yeah, that's pretty much the gist of this ridiculous book. I can't believe they printed this. (What gives, Penguin?) I even checked the publishing date thinking maybe it was before people were savvy on the internet. Nope, it's recent enough. Guys, there is nothing in this book. If you can make a list, do basic math, and know how to use an internet search bar then there is no reason to ever bother with this waste of paper.
The preachy, self-righteous tone of this was highly irritating. She uses coupons b/c Jesus. I'm not even kidding. Products are bought for the house, of course. Other products are bought and donated, as many, many of us do. We also manage to do so without fanfare. This lady though, she donates them and then spends her time telling everyone else about it, telling everyone else how they should be doing it, and telling everyone else they have to do it b/c Jesus. *Another sigh.*
News flash: There is nothing wrong with helping people, and doing it because it is the right thing to do. However, if you are going to make a point of smearing your "do-gooding" in the faces of others who don't have all day to run around to stores and stockpile products, if you are doing a good thing not because it is the right thing to do, but rather because Jesus, well, my dear, you are not a good person. That much is clear. Consider this: she goes to retirement homes to get the unwanted coupons from the older people's papers and then suggests that should you do the same then while you are there maybe it'd be nice to pop in on a few of them for a quick visit. She doesn't say she does so, but that maybe you should. Please look at this. Whether or not she visits anyone, she has made it clear that she goes for coupons. That is her primary objective. The older people are an afterthought. There is no mention of visiting them b/c they are people too and interaction with others is a good thing for them. No, she has a busy schedule of driving around to stores and lecturing churches ahead of her. Therein lies more or less the whole of the book. Just a lot more of this kind of thing. I wish I were kidding. I mean, geez, lady. What would Jesus do?! By this lady’s logic he’d contact nursing and retirement homes on the premise of collecting coupons alone. Jesus must be seriously obsessed with super savings. It doesn’t seem healthy.
Side note: If you can't actually afford 7 kids (whom she was quite sure to initially inform us of, including 4 adopted, although they had absolutely no bearing on the rest of the book nor did she feature them again) and naught but the richest in both time and money actually can these days, then don't take on 7 kids. You’re only going to mess them up. Definitely don’t adopt and trot that fact out when it seems a handy opportunity to pointedly do so. If they are your kids then they are your kids. Making a separate point of mentioning the 4 you adopted is not merely unseemly, it’s also NO ONE’S BUSINESS. Way to make them feel part of the family, by separating them out in front of all and sundry for absolutely no reason at all. Smooth. Because of how she has demonstrated her decision making in the book, it’s not a far leap to also presume she adopted b/c Jesus. Any one with an objective view could have seen the selfish folly in that line of thought. (She does not state that they were family she took on as a result of tragedy....that would be more understandable.)
What I got from this book is that she might need to deeply re-examine her motivations for acting. Why one decides to do a thing will alter their approach to said activity, and thus the end result of that activity is influenced and effected as such. It really seems like she learned a bunch of Christian lingo and says the words, but continually misses the very human experiences that shaped the entire philosophy of helping and giving with a sense of oneness and community. That's what I took away from her descriptions of how she operates. It made what could potentially be a positive thing come off as ugly and tainted.
I’m going to suggest that this book be moved and sold under the Christian books section. That's really where it belongs. She thinks she's preaching. She literally says as much. (To which I must respond, please, please consider getting over yourself.) This book is not going to save you money (quite the opposite if you pay for it), and it offers no new information. It’s more her shouting to anyone in earshot, “Hey, everyone! Look at me! Come let me tell you how to be more like me! -pause- Oh, right.....because Jesus. -pause- It’ll be great (for me)!”
August 9, 2019
Never watched the show, but this was such a fun (and very motivating!) read. I grew up with Dad clipping coupons, but for a variety of reasons, I've fallen out of the habit of using them. I'm quite good at scoping out clearance sections and name-brand overstock at places like the Dollar Tree for deals -- also courtesy of Dad, for whom grocery shopping is practically a hobby, and I take after him -- but suddenly I'm all fired up to increase my efficiency.
I also liked her talking about how she uses coupons in bulk to donate food and toiletries/household products to people in need. She answers a lot of questions I had about coupon usage as well, though not the important one about when you give your coupons to the cashier: before or after items are rung up??
There's a lot of wasted space in this book, though -- oversized bottom margins, multiple pages of repeated "takeaway tips" at the end of each chapter in case you're too lazy to read all the way through or highlight the important bits yourself -- and I could not believe how many times she felt the need to repeat that you usually can't use coupons on milk and produce. Also, it relies pretty heavily on website referrals for additional assistance, which I can't imagine will remain up to date for long.
I also liked her talking about how she uses coupons in bulk to donate food and toiletries/household products to people in need. She answers a lot of questions I had about coupon usage as well, though not the important one about when you give your coupons to the cashier: before or after items are rung up??
There's a lot of wasted space in this book, though -- oversized bottom margins, multiple pages of repeated "takeaway tips" at the end of each chapter in case you're too lazy to read all the way through or highlight the important bits yourself -- and I could not believe how many times she felt the need to repeat that you usually can't use coupons on milk and produce. Also, it relies pretty heavily on website referrals for additional assistance, which I can't imagine will remain up to date for long.
April 1, 2020
-Good info for a couponing beginner like me, although I doubt I'll ever be an extreme couponer.
-Also puts a lot of emphasis on how you can use couponing to donate affordably to food banks, animal shelters, and other charities.
-Could have been shorter. The author was apparently on some kind of couponing TV show and includes a lot of useless details about that.
-The author's personality kind of annoyed me, and I think a lot of the tips here are for people who need to buy a lot more stuff than I do. The author has 7 kids (7!! what), so obviously she ends up with a lot of groceries.
-Also puts a lot of emphasis on how you can use couponing to donate affordably to food banks, animal shelters, and other charities.
-Could have been shorter. The author was apparently on some kind of couponing TV show and includes a lot of useless details about that.
-The author's personality kind of annoyed me, and I think a lot of the tips here are for people who need to buy a lot more stuff than I do. The author has 7 kids (7!! what), so obviously she ends up with a lot of groceries.
August 10, 2018
Couponing Queen
I am so glad that I took a small investment and purchased this book! I have never seen the TV shows but I knew a few girls who were couponing at my job and I didn’t want to pry. I picked up this book and it helped me ten fold! I can honestly say that this book started my couponing journey and it is something that will help me the rest of my life. Thanks!!
I am so glad that I took a small investment and purchased this book! I have never seen the TV shows but I knew a few girls who were couponing at my job and I didn’t want to pry. I picked up this book and it helped me ten fold! I can honestly say that this book started my couponing journey and it is something that will help me the rest of my life. Thanks!!
October 13, 2024
tlc extreme couponing is my comfort show
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 1, 2021
I loved this book! I knew who Joni was from watching Extreme Couponing, she was probably my favorite! She has such a bubbly personality and it came through in her writing.
She gave a lot of great advice in the book and made sure to point out that even if you don't live in an area where coupons can be doubled, or even tripled sometimes, you can still save money. She gives great examples to show how rewards at stores are worth buying things you may not need, or even want, and donating those items.
She points out that if every person donates a few things it adds up to be a lot. And even though she talks about God, it didn't bother me in the least, because she didn't make a big deal out of the subject.
She gave a lot of great advice in the book and made sure to point out that even if you don't live in an area where coupons can be doubled, or even tripled sometimes, you can still save money. She gives great examples to show how rewards at stores are worth buying things you may not need, or even want, and donating those items.
She points out that if every person donates a few things it adds up to be a lot. And even though she talks about God, it didn't bother me in the least, because she didn't make a big deal out of the subject.
April 3, 2014
In this book, Joni Meyer-Crothers walks you through how she does her couponing. Her strategy nets her free items, as well as deeply discounted items, that allow her not only to take care of her family but also to help others on a large scale even while her husband is out of work.
Joni was a single parent for a while, and had gone hungry herself. She knows what saving all that money couponing can mean for a family.
She teaches couponing lingo, explains how to go about making transactions in detail, and walks you through the entire process of couponing for your family and others. And at the end of the book, she gives you more tips for living frugally.
Joni was a single parent for a while, and had gone hungry herself. She knows what saving all that money couponing can mean for a family.
She teaches couponing lingo, explains how to go about making transactions in detail, and walks you through the entire process of couponing for your family and others. And at the end of the book, she gives you more tips for living frugally.
May 19, 2013
This is probably one of the best couponing books out there right now that I've come across. I would really give it 4.5 stars. This book has tips on how to save money on your shopping trips. They have website that you can use to either earn money back or get gift cards or discounts.
This book tells you how to use two coupons at once and get the better deals, and how to stockpile if that's what you like to do. Also, let's you know why it is so important on getting every store policy when it comes to coupons, organizing tips, and why get maps of the aisles.
A good lesson on saving money.
This book tells you how to use two coupons at once and get the better deals, and how to stockpile if that's what you like to do. Also, let's you know why it is so important on getting every store policy when it comes to coupons, organizing tips, and why get maps of the aisles.
A good lesson on saving money.
April 5, 2015
EXTREME COUPONING - BY JONI MEYER-CROTHERS WITH BETH ADELMAN
Extreme Couponing is a step by step book on how to maximize the most out of couponing and receiving that stockpile for pennies. The author was also featured on the show "Extreme Couponing." The book is systematically laid out in which Ms. Meyer-Crothers organizes her coupons, the sites she uses, the Couponing lingo right on down how she uses a store coupon to a manufacturers coupon.
I thought it was a well thought out book and I might even try to do some of the suggestions in the book.
Extreme Couponing is a step by step book on how to maximize the most out of couponing and receiving that stockpile for pennies. The author was also featured on the show "Extreme Couponing." The book is systematically laid out in which Ms. Meyer-Crothers organizes her coupons, the sites she uses, the Couponing lingo right on down how she uses a store coupon to a manufacturers coupon.
I thought it was a well thought out book and I might even try to do some of the suggestions in the book.
July 27, 2013
So good. I've tried figuring out couponing from websites and talking with people, but had a hard time with it. This book is very clear (and linear, which I need) and just what I needed. For my learning style, this is the best way to figure out extreme couponing.
Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to save money or find a way to bless others.
I love her premise of not using this just for yourself.
Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to save money or find a way to bless others.
I love her premise of not using this just for yourself.
July 10, 2013
I love stuff like this. I love organization and saving money. This is laid out in a very easy to understand process. It's funny to say I liked reading a book about couponing, but it was actually really informative. I think some of the ideas in the book are a bit extreme and just too much waiting and calculating. But overall it's good ideas.
September 3, 2014
Having gotten hooked on Extreme Couponing on TLC, I must say I probably enjoyed this book more. I really liked the author - I think she has the right idea about saving and giving. She also has a blog at www.freetastesgood.com that is fun. I'm hoping to start doing some of this - and with tips like these, maybe I'll be successful.
September 7, 2015
Most of this information can be found on any couponing blog. There was a lot of unnecessary religious stuff and random anecdotes from filming the TV show that weren't relevant to anything. It's a pretty good primer if you've never done any couponing before but try to learn online before you buy this book.
May 23, 2015
Fantastic way to introduce yourself to couponing, extreme or not. Every chapter of the book offers valuable tips and suggestions to someone just starting out. I especially liked the abundance of URLs provided throughout.
April 6, 2018
This woman is clearly not a writer, so this was a good one to skim. But I think I *finally* understand how extreme couponing works. Whether or not I try it remains to be seen, but this book explained it better than any blog I've been able to find.
April 29, 2013
I didn't really learn anything new, but would be a great resource for someone just getting started. Liked how she uses her couponing to bless others.
May 18, 2013
Extreme Couponing book is very helpful! I have used coupons for a little under 3 years. But after reading Joni's book I now know how to use them even better.
October 2, 2013
lots of good info
August 4, 2013
Very interesting and informative. If you interested in coupons read this book first.
August 27, 2013
Very helpful and insightful! A must read for anyone who wants to save a little bit of money, and help out others when possible!
Read
September 8, 2016interesting view --different focus from the tv show.
March 30, 2014
It's my new obsession
June 29, 2014
Learned a lot
I've tried coupons before and failed. this broke it down easily and I know know where I failed before. this gives me ideas for the future. thanks.
I've tried coupons before and failed. this broke it down easily and I know know where I failed before. this gives me ideas for the future. thanks.
March 3, 2015
Some really great tips, but unfortunately coupon policy's are different state to state, in my area no store will double over0.40 coupons and they limit you to 15. Still a fun read.
January 16, 2017
Very helpful. Great book to read for a person just starting to use coupons!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews