*Ms. Couponista Exclusive* Interview with Nathan Engels (AKA Mr. Coupon) from TLC’s Extreme Couponing

Thank you again for this interview, Nathan.  After your two appearances on TLC’s Extreme Couponing, I know you are very busy.  After seeing the first show, I immediately became a member of your couponing community, WeUseCoupons.com.  Your extreme shopping trips have awed and inspired the Ms. Couponista readers. 

First, I have to comment on your stockpile, it is huge!  How long did it take you to accumulate that much product?  Nathan AKA Mr. Coupon–> It’s a lot like a snowball rolling down a mountain.  It happens gradually!  My stockpile started with seven items and grew from there!  Stockpiling is a great way to save your family lots of money! 

Do you always have extreme shopping trips like the ones on the show?  How do you decide how much to buy of a particular product?  Nathan AKA Mr. Coupon–> I rarely shop like that honestly!  I generally save 50-70% on my grocery bill.  I have a grocery budget of $50 a week and we try hard to stay within that budget!!

How do you get your coupons in such large quantities… and keep them organized?  Nathan AKA Mr. Coupon–> I’m a dumpster diver!!  I think it’s lots of fun and a great way to get coupons cheaply!  Check out this video of dumpster diving! 

If you know you can get an item for free (with coupons), but its an item you don’t typically want/use, do you buy it anyway?  If so, what do you do with the item(s)?  Nathan AKA Mr. Coupon–> Well free is free.  If you can’t find any use for it donate it!  I don’t take up space in my home storing things I don’t use. 

Finally, what advise do you have for someone getting started with couponing?   Nathan AKA Mr. Coupon–> I have two basic tips!  I call them to two “O’s.  Online and Organization.  Both are super important and critical to overall success!  Get online and get organized. 

Thank you for taking the time you speak with me and sharing with the Ms. Couponista readers, Nathan!