To get us started, I'm interviewing Coupon Diva Desirae from My New Addiction Savings. She will be featured on the April 27 episode of Extreme Couponing on TLC, so be sure to watch for that.
Julie: How / Why did you get started couponing?
Desirae: I started couponing about 4yrs ago when my husband just graduated from college, working 2 jobs & we just had a baby. We were living paycheck to paycheck, driving one car and had over $30,000 in student loans to pay. I couldn't stand living like that anymore so I looked into couponing and after that it was history...
Julie: What made you decide to participate on the Extreme Couponing show?
Desirae: Because I wanted to show families & mothers around the world that you don't have to live paycheck to paycheck. That you don't have to spend your last dime on food, and you don't have to worry about providing for your family. You don't have to be extreme like us but you can start somewhere.
Julie: How do you feel about all the controversy that has occurred recently about the show? Do you worry that it may affect how viewers view you?
Desirae: There is tons of controversy about the show. People believe we are the reason for everything [changes to coupon policy] that is going on right now. When really it's because of coupon fraud and people misusing coupons. If the show wasn't here they would blame it on something else. The thing people need to realize is that its TV. we don't shop like this daily, weekly or all the time. This was the film crew following us for 1 day to 1 store. We are trying to show you that you can save extreme. Stockpilers dont buy 500 mustards in 1 shopping trip it takes us weeks or years to get that much. But we are just showing you that you can save extreme & that it's possible. Also almost every single one of us on the show pre-ordered their [groceries]. It might look like shelves got cleared but really its our part cleared and then the store comes behind us to restock the stores stock!
Katie asks: Why buy and hoard things you get with coupons, especially if you are never going to use them? Why not donate?
Desirae: I dont consider it hoarding. Hoarding to me is living in filth, having no clue what you have, expired food & greedy, not donating. I donate everything. My neighbors, family and friends are welcomed to come over anytime to get what they need. I give to the great dane rescue, the pregnancy centers, and shelters. What I use I keep for myself & what I don't need I give away.
Just because they don't show the giving part on the show don't assume we don't donate
Abed asks: How do you have time to Coupon to that extreme, work, keep the house clean, and spend time with your family?
Desirae: I ask myself that often! I am a wife, mother, cook, housekeeper, photographer, extreme couponer, blogger, & about to be a college student. I just have to find time to balance everything.
Julie: Do you ever have moments where you wonder if all the effort is really worth it?
Desirae: Nope, because I know it's worth it. When I can feed my family on $150 a month I know its worth it. I will never ever ever pay full retail for anything. Even if i win the lottery i wouldn't stop :]
Julie: What do you hope comes from this show? Do you think the overall lasting effect will be positive or negative?
Desirae: We are always going to have those negative people that are either jealous, or don't have anything to do with their time. People aren't always going to agree with what I do. Instead of them creating negative all over they need to find time to create positive. Extreme couponing is like talking about abortion or Obama. Someone is always not going to agree with my actions or beliefs.
Julie: If you could give one piece of advice to new couponers, what would it be?
Desirae: To be organized & don’t get overwhelmed! Start off slow & don’t overdo yourself or you will get burnt out. Don’t try to be like me in the first week of couponing because it’s taken me a long time to get where I am! Stay organized so that you can stay focused & have more drive to coupon!
Thank you to Desirae for taking the time to answer our questions. You can get to know Desirae better on her blog, Facebook and Youtube Channel.
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