KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Prices are rising for almost everything, and more people are showing interest in using coupons to save money.
Krystal Webber of Oak Ridge said she believes "extreme couponing" has saved her thousands of dollars in the past five years, especially as prices continue going up.
However, she said sometimes she will walk out of the store with items she may not need.
"I've bought cat food, and I have no cats,” she said.
Webber has a dog. Her chihuahua has reaped the benefits after she received free dog treats. Webber believes that if people want to save as much money as possible, they should know buying unwanted items could be worth it in the long run.
"You're buying stuff you don't need, but that coupon gives you overage," she said. "It adds to the coupons you use, and it lowers your total."
During previous shopping trips, she said she has walked out of the store paying almost nothing.
"The lowest I spent was three cents,” she said.
Webber is also a mother to five children, so every cent counts. She said she saw the benefits of couponing during the pandemic and as prices started rising more recently.
“We didn't want or need any household products, cleaning products, laundry products, hygiene products, anything," she said. "We had it here we went shopping in my stockpile."
According to Webber, there are some tricks people can take advantage of to save even more money. She said that shoppers can use a store coupon alongside a manufacturer coupon — doubling the savings on a single item.
Although couponing is a tedious, full-time job, Webber said to be successful, organization and patience are key.