[jcgirl]

I was able to start a food pantry at my church through couponing and donating my stockpile. My pastor's wife is a couponer also and decided to have couponing classes at the church to teach everyone else so that they could keep the food pantry going. I took a car load of items to another church food pantry yesterday. I also make food boxes for the needy and give to another non-profit to give to their clients. It makes me happy to help others. I don't have a family to feed so I feed others. I've given out several afullcup cards to people in the grocery store when they asked how I learned to coupon too.

[Landyns.Mommy]

Since I began couponing I have an abundant amount of health and beauty products. My mom is having a very hard time financially right now and still has 3 kids living at home (ages 17, 10, and 2) so whenever I go to visit her I always take her lots of body wash, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and any coupons that I may have for products that I don't buy but I know that she does. I have taught her a lot about couponing and I do whatever I can for her and my siblings when I see them. They live about 4 hours away, but I see them about once every other month. It always makes me feel good to know that I am able to help them, even if it's something as simple as toiletries.

[holly5778]

My best experience so far was being able to help out my daughters advanced academic program at her school. They were doing a car wash fundraiser this past weekend to help pay for the cost of field trips. Thanks to the wonderful deal I got on Lipton Tea drinks and the wonderful deal I got on the Nature Valley Thins, I was able to pick up 100 bottles of tea for just the cost of tax and 15 boxes of Nature Valley for just $.38/each and drop it all off (along with my daughter) at the car wash, so the kids would have drinks and snacks to help them get through the day. And at the end of the day, anything that was left we urged anyone who wanted them to take home what they wanted since we already had some at home. It was the first time I was able to help out with stuff like that for the school. And my daughter was so proud to tell all her teachers at the car wash that her mom was so good at couponing she only had to pay tax for the tea. Now she begs to go with me to the store just so she can see how much money I save and she says she wants to get into couponing when she gets older (rights now she is 14). It was so nice to finally be able to contribute something!!!!

[Fred saver]

I really just started couponing about a year ago and already I can't believe the impact it's had on my family as well as those around me. After talking with one of my girlfriend's about how much I was able to save, she began to get on board as well. Now, she is the one finding all the good match-ups! Also, during the Passover season, my local grocery store printed coupons for free matzo each week in the flyer that comes with our paper. With these coupons, I was able to help supply my church with the matzo they needed for our Communion Sundays. Our ministry coordinator still tells me how much they appreciated our donations.

[djkensil]

I started buying coffee creamer for my department at work with coupons. I would send an email to everyone in the department letting them know where I got the best deal that week, how I paid for it with the coupons or RR if I went to Walgreens and the amount out of pocket so others could contribute if they wanted. It became catching because other people in the department bring me the coupons they don't use plus others have learned how to print coupons and use them. People contribute coffee creamer coupons or money depending on what is needed so our department of about 40 people has managed to stay in coffee creamer and try out some of the flavored ones that they might not have tried previously throughout this entire year.

[sunnyvm]

Out of boredom and necessity I started couponing. When I 1st started I was savinf 10-17% on my groceries. I am now up to saving 38-43% on my groceries and I have started my stockpile. But, I am most proud of my son who just recently set up housekeeping on his own. He went with me on a few of my grocery shopping trips and is now couponing and saving big time on his own. Some guys might not think it too manly, but I think it's very smart and he can put his savings to better use.

[mommaspursestrings]

Couponing has done so much for my family and my soul. I have always been a giving person but now i can give necessities to those in need, including family members. I am also a special needs bus driver for elementary students. I have a personal rewards system that i started using once i figured out how to get the best deals on kid friendly items. The kids just have to behave for the whole week nad they get "something special" at the end of the week. it doesn't matter what happens in school or at home, they just have to try their best for the 2-4 hrs a day that they are on my bus. i have come to find out that it doesn't matter what they get each week (candy, toy, coloring book, cup, etc.) it's more important to them that they can accomplish 1 thing each week and be rewarded for it. They count on it. Their little faces light up and while my colleagues get gun threats and violence or profanity as their students step off the bus, I get smiles, hugs, and thank you's. Since I started this program with my students, I haven't had to write a referral since november of 2010. And I have had three different routes at 2 different schools with some of the most confrontational students in each school. On my wages this would never be possible, but this form of couponing has made exactly 36 "behavioraly challenged" students feel like they are on top of the world every friday

[abbykoosh]

I have a positive just every time I shop. Each time there is some one behind me in the check out they are ALWAYS impressed with how much money I save. I shop almost exclusively in Shoprite, and my year to date savings tallies on the bottom of the reciept. Since I started couponing in May I have saved $3,800, as of this week. I share my new tally with whoever wants to see it in the check out, take the opportunity to add that I am feeding my family healthy whole foods, have more time to cook and prepare meals, because I am never out of anything, and am providing for not just my family of four but my sisters family of four as well. I taught my best friend how to coupon and she has actually had strangers come to her home after meeting her in the check out to learn how.

[Judy223]

I'm Judy, and I'm new to couponing. C'mon everyone ... "Hi Judy!" =D Anyway, my husband lost his job way too long ago, and we're struggling. I watch the show "Extreme Couponing" and I think "I really could save more money if I get smart with coupons." I don't want to be a shelf-clearer, and I won't buy things that I don't need just because it's a good deal, but I could save some money. So I cut some coupons and bring my meager supply to the store one day and I met the nicest lady. She had a fistfull of coupons and was willing to share some tips with me. More than that, she was also willing to share some really great coupons with me, and share where she got them and how to get the really good ones. It's not so hard, but tips from the pros are always welcome! And she was just so nice. If I never save another nickel, sharing some laughs with that gal is enough. She was so sweet - and coupons, of all things, brought us together.

[Hartca04]

I was in the checkout line at my local walmart. There was a sweet elderly couple behind me placing their items on the belt. I noticed they had 4 ensure 6 packs and they were quietly discussing how they were to afford all 4 for their 2 weeks ahead. I do not pride myself in over hearing their conversation however it prompted me to rummage through my messy binder, knowing I had some great ensure $3/1 coupons. I found them quicker than I even thought possible... I asked if they may want some of my extra coupons that I do not need and they said sure and thank you. Once they scene the coupons and what they were for... It was like I had handed them a million dollars. Estatic, they approached me just outside walmart (I was attempting to pull my kids away from the redbox) a d they were thanking me over and over again. I let them know how good it made me feel to do what I did and that it was because of them I could rest my head that night knowing they were happy and could possibly have a bit extra for their week ahead. How truly amazing it is that we as couponers can give and the blessed thing about it is how eternally wonderful it feels. Please help others. It's a beautiful thing.

[Aradia_Silvermoon]

Three years ago I had nothing except a laptop computer and my then 6 year old DD. I was couch surfing at families houses as I tried to put our lives back together. My mom and sister taught me about couponing and introduced me to AFC. At the same time I got into a program called Hillcrest Transitional Housing that puts you in an apartment for 3 months rent free and all you have to do is budget your $$, follow the rules, and attend weekly meetings aimed at bettering the residents. I went from having nothing to getting an apartment and starting a better life for DD and I. The whole time I was there I continued to coupon and learn about smart shopping.

Fast forward three years I now donate to Hillcrest as well as going back and teaching the current residents about couponing and smart shopping. I am still active on AFC and I love using coupons and it has(along with a lot of other things) helped change my life! I have also taught multiple coworkers, classmates, and friends the fun and cvalue of using coupons. I always try to be a smart, rational couponer!

[akazookeeper]

When I started couponing a few months ago, I was in dire straits. We had 60 dollars a week to shop for a family of four with a dog and we often found ourselves running out of food. We hated having guests over because it meant we had to feed them.

Now, we have plenty. I overheard my son talking to his friend who was visiting the other day and he was telling his friend it was okay if we wanted another granola bar because his mommy uses coupons and now we have plenty of food. What a great feeling!

[cricket11]

I am actually getting ready to make my first donation using coupon items. I have a box filled with shampoo, conditioner, feminine hygiene products, soap, etc for a local domestic violence shelter. It is awesome to be able to use coupons to get things for others.

[qponsavor1]

When I first started couponing over a month ago, I learned many useful things. One day on one of my dumpster runs for coupons, I got help from a fragile 80 year old plus lady. She was trying to put her very full garbage bag of newspapers into the dumpster. I of course helped her with this task. She intern started helping me search for coupons in the dumpster. Her single act of kindness spurred my acts of kindness last week and in the future. My mom works at a nursing home. Just last week I took them various food items that I had gotten couponing that my family doesnot use. I know it wasn't much, but hopefully in the future my contributions will grow and grow. I never knew how much pleasure cutting qpons could do in my life.

[crosscountrysoccermom]

I want to start by saying how much I've enjoyed reading everyones posts. There are a great deal of kind people here at AFC. I'm very fortunate, my local CVS and Walgreens cashiers are amazing. Walgreens tapes coupons to their products. They are very coupon friendly!

[dakotablue]

Just a little story, I was shopping and a women saw me with my coupons and shakes her head. She said something to me about how its great I can coupon she has no money or time to do so. I looked in her cart and have her like five coupons I had (and truthfully none I was going to use she wasn't buying stuff I would but) worth about $5-$6. She was so grateful and when I was checking out she announced to everyone around that I was a "kind couponing mama" that the cashier better be nice too.

[Goddessoflubbock]

My son is in his high school marching band, a tuba player. It's pretty amazing given that just a few years ago his autism had him clutching his ears in pain if we so much as turned on the car radio. Our school districts band got invited to march in the Rose Bowl parade and at halftime during the game.

The cost is $1,010 per student. Calling on everyone we know we only came up with $135.00. Ive been on SSDI for 3 years, DH has been unemployed for 14 months. I called the band director to see if I could make phone calls or do something to help pay my sons way.

We ended up deciding I would make up a box of "I forgots" - with so many kids traveling it would be a certainty many would forget things like toothbrushes, deodorant, feminine products, et al.

He was worried, he said these are expensive. I told him to let me worry about that!!

So far I have half of what I need and I'm under $5.00 OOP!

Now my son won't miss out on the amazing experience of going to California with his band mates.

I've been couponing for 30+ years. I can't imagine ever shopping without them

[Jadasmom]

Being able to help friends and family that lost jobs or were tight on money.

[nomadicpixie]

A wonderful experience I had was when friend had a financial crisis and was worried about feeding her kids. She was so upset and worried, but she was afraid to ask anyone for help. I had her come over and grab a bunch of items from my stockpile. I knew it would help even if she wasn't comfortable asking. The happy tears pouring down her face and the look of relieve in her eyes showed me couponing is definitely worth it.

[tiptip82]

That's wonderful and so inspiring!

[tiptip82]

First I want to say that everyone's stories are so inspiring and awesome. I almost cried a few times reading through. Keep up the good work everyone and God bless you all! I've been building up a supply of extra things to take to the women's shelter and the homeless shelter too. Recently, I've been helping my sister-in-law learn to coupon. She took an interest when she and her husband started going through hard times. Unfortunately, they live in a small town and the only grocery store in town does not double or anything like that. She drove 30 min to go to a Harris Teeter and she was amazed at how much money she saved. She couldn't stop talking about it! I started buying an extra newspaper for her because their local paper doesn't have any and when she buys the metropolitan paper there, it doesn't include the coupons. You reap what you sow though. Last week my store manager brought me coupons from the last two weeks that she didn't think she'd use!

[ctsunshine]

I love to teach friends how to coupon -- I don't force it on people, coupons aren't everyone's thing. I've taught friends in person and online. It's so fun to have "in real life friends" on this coupon journey!

[Lrearick1452]

My daughter was in the process of changing jobs and asked me to help one of her co-workers to start couponing since she wouldn't be around much longer to help. I sent her friend some basic information and I always include the F.P.O. address for the military overseas. She wrote back that she had couponed before but always ended up buying off the coupons and not from what she kept in the house. I suggested she make up a list (based upon her favorite store's layout) of the things she had in her house today. I also suggested she note the items to which she was brand specific and those that she didn't really care which brand she used and explained why that was important.

Apparently this simple little suggestion turned an overspender into a great shopper. She had never thought about something as simple as what we call in the food business as a "par level" list to keep her spending in check. She was enabled to clip only the coupons she would/could use and she greatly reduced her grocery bill along with sending those she would be tempted to use to someone else. By the way, a par level list is a list of items and how many you need to get through x amount of time. Using a list like that and knowing the coupon cycle helps keep those that might hoard in check, as well as keep a tight rein on your spending.

I am also a coupon fairy, checkout coupon sharer, cart checker, and a supporter of reasonable couponing. When people see my coupon book they say, are you one of those EC's? I tell them no, but I usually save 15-60% each time I go shopping using coupons and store loyalty cards. Then they get interested! I must have helped 10 people this quarter get started on the road to RC (reasonable couponing). I let them know that EC is totally unrealistic and the best you can hope for is significant savings.

Most people don't realize that you can't eat your "5 a day" fruits and vegetables without going broke. That fact hit the news not too long ago. Having a special diet, we find purchasing those special items costs us more, so couponing is a must. Saving money on non perishables and such makes it possible for us to eat the way we should.

Now my daughter is asking how to RC, and I sent her the same information that I sent her friend. I wonder, just which tip will be her eye opener?

[Rasha]

And the winners are...

msvidkiller13 - “Not Extreme, Just Smart Couponing Contest” - Week 2

Angelapio - “Not Extreme, Just Smart Couponing Contest” - Week 2

cricket11 - “Not Extreme, Just Smart Couponing Contest” - Week 2

tiptip82 - “Not Extreme, Just Smart Couponing Contest” - Week 2

(chosen via Random.org)

[beegieq]

I have to say that one of my possitive experiences in couponing is a simple one. My mother and aunt are in their 80s. They both use their store cards for Krogers, but couldn't understand why they weren't getting the coupons others were talking about or getting the ecoupons that others were using. I created email accounts for them. Create a store account with their card numbers. Then every other week when I am loading my card with my coupons, I take the extra time to load their cards with the ecoupons for their needs. It has made their lives easier and given the advantage of coupons to help with expenses. So, I would say that seeing them enjoy this added bonus to their lives has given me an added bonus to mine.
I challenge everyone that has people in their lives who use store cards, but don't use email or computers, to do a little something extra to help them. It is well worth the time that you spend when you see the appreciation that they have for your time.