Be an Ethical Couponer!

There is drama in the world of "extreme couponing".  Anything done to an extreme is dangerous.  And now apparently can be unethical as well.  It has come to light that one of the women featured in TLC's "Extreme Couponing" used fraudulent techniques to score her 95% savings. This high of a percentage is not realistic (I am usually right around 40-50% with the highest around 75% during triple coupons). In a quest to save your family money, don't forget to follow the letter of the law when it comes to couponing.  The woman is apparently notorious for "decoding coupons".  This means using a coupon for an item it was not intended for.  For instance, right now there is a high value coupon out for $1 off Post Honey Bunches of Oats Raisin Medley (SS, 2/27).  This coupon is obviously just for this specific variety, it would be fraudulent to use this coupon on the Original Honey Bunches of Oats.  Most of the time scanner systems will not catch the distinction, so it will not beep (coupons "beep" at the register when the bar code tells the scanner it is not valid).  Regardless of whether the scanner accepts it, it is still not the right thing to do.  This show from TLC has shown a spotlight on couponing.  As real, practical couponers, let's be sure we are setting the right example. 

I love the 10 Commandments of Couponing that Bargain Briana created.  Check them out, and live by them!

1. Thou Shall Not Used Expired Coupons. Unless it is your stores policy to accept them. Sometimes they will not beep even with expired but that doesn't mean you should use them!
2. Thou Shall Use the Coupon for the Item Intended.
3. Thous Shall Understand the Requirements and Restrictions on the Coupon. Read the coupon language carefully. Sometimes there is a certain number you have to purchase or a specific variety is only included on the coupon.
4. Thou Shall Not Decode the Coupon. Briefly, it is a flaw in the system that allows a coupon to be used on a item it is not intended for without causing issues at the register. We do not condone this practice!
5. Thou Shall Not Alter Coupons.
6. Thou Shall Not Make Copies of Printable Coupons. Making copies of printable coupons is a big "no no".
7. Thou Shall Not Clear the Shelves. Leave some of the rest of the world! :) Do you really need 50 bottles of mustard?!
8. Thou Shall Question Any FREE Item Coupons for Legitimacy. The old adage, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
9. Thou Shall Not Misuse the Self Checkout System. Again, just because the system allows it doesn't always mean you should do it!
10. Thou Shall Use Your Couponing Powers for Good Only!

As always, we love to hear your thoughts!  Weigh in on it!