Sophomore Hannah Buff’s father, Jim Buff, has been couponing for over 20 years. On average, Jim saves between $50 and $300 weekly at the grocery store because of his coupons. He receives his coupons through mail and from friends. Jim visits many stores with coupons including Walgreens, Shop N Save and Schnucks.

“Schnucks is my favorite because the people that work there are friendly,” Jim said. Although Jim usually gets most stuff for free or very cheap, he does not keep everything for himself. Jim gives some things to his friends and family or donates them to O.A.S.I.S. Food Pantry and Thrift Shop.

“I don’t feel the need to have 100 deodorants,” Jim said.

Nearly all of the items Jim buys, he uses a coupon. Jim spends many hours a week cutting, reading and organizing his coupons. He buys mostly men’s products such as deodorant, toothpaste and body wash. Hannah occasionally helps her father with his coupons.

“I help cut them out and read expiration dates,” Hannah said.

Although Hannah is not nearly as intense as her father, she does know the dedication her father has to couponing. Hannah has seen her father coupon most of her life.

“Keeping track of them and how to use them is the hardest part,” Hannah said. “It seems like a lot of work.”

When someone mentions couponing, the show ‘Extreme Couponing’ on TLC is what most people think of. It’s a show that follows extreme couponers to the stores and showcases how much they save. Jim, however, is not a fan.

“It’s not realistic,” Jim said. “I know the rules at Shop N Save, and it couldn’t happen.” Hannah has been embarrassed by the attention her father gets but she doesn’t feel that way anymore. Jim goes to the store about 15 times a week.

“I haven’t purchased the basic items in 15 years,” Jim said.