Coupon Club Basics: Save Money, Help Others & Have a Blast!

Most people think that coupons are for tightwads and that they don’t save that much money. Well, on a shopping trip, every single member of my coupon club saved half –off their grocery bill. This isn’t just a one-time fluke, either. Here are some examples of our savings:

• 5 bottles of Purell Hand Sanitizer for free
• 3 boxes of Duncan Hines Brownie mix for 45 cents a box
• Suave shampoo for 50 cents a bottle
• 1 package of Healthy Ones lunchmeat for free

By now, you should be saying, “Wow! I want to join a coupon club and get savings like that!” Great! Let’s get started.

Starting Your Own Coupon Club 

First, you have to have a club, right? Chances are you already have one. You already have friends, co-workers, and family. In fact, three or four people are all you need to enjoy the benefits of a coupon club.

Why do you need other people to get great savings? For one, newspaper subscriptions are expensive. Several people subscribing to different Sunday papers (the best place to find coupons) spread the costs out. Also, when there are several people on the lookout for coupons, you have more to go around. You can swap coupons that you won’t use with ones you would use. Sharing coupons is a great way to maximize your savings.

If you don’t know anyone that wants to start a group, try starting one on MeetUp.com.

Where to Find Coupons 

Where to find coupons? My club, the Clip & Save, finds coupons in free sales papers that the stores give out (these coupons can be combined with other coupons on the same item), Sunday papers, restaurant fliers, survey clubs, and several plucky members even get coupons through the internet. Some good websites to find coupons on are manufacturer’s websites, like Dove.com or Bettycrocker.com, and the Print Coupons site and ValuPack.

How to Maximize Grocery Savings 

Our fearless leader at the time, Jeania Watson, was a diehard coupon addict. She has taught everyone in the Clip & Save all of her tricks for saving big, and now it’s your turn to learn her secrets.

Her first rule is to clip every coupon, even if you don’t think you will use it. You can always trade coupons with other people, but many times you can find the coupon will make the item cheaper than even generic items or will make the item free. Don’t you want free stuff? Of course you do! Here is one example of how the club used a coupon to get free stuff:

We went to a store that triples coupons under 50 cents. This means that if you have a coupon that is marked as 50 cents or less, the store will triple the value of the coupon. Store ads will usually tell if they triple, double, or single their coupons on the last page of their fliers.
We then looked at the sale paper to see what was on sale that we had coupons for. Also, we kept an eye out for unadvertised sales. (These are usually marked with bright-colored tags.) One thing we found was Hunts Fire Roasted Tomatoes on sale for 75 cents.

We found our coupons for this item. The coupon was for 25 cents off of one can.
Since the store will triple the value of the coupon, the savings was actually 75 cents, which was the price of the tomatoes so we got it free.
I had five coupons that friends in the club had given me, so I wanted five cans. The store only allows you to triple coupons on three identical items, so I got Watson to check out the other cans for me. I got all five for free!
See? I normally wouldn’t have bought that item because I buy generic to save money. But I saved the coupon anyway and stocked up on a great deal! You can’t get any better than that. 

The number one lesson the Clip & Save has learned is that finding savings with coupons takes work, but it’s worth it. I hope you are inspired to start your own club and start saving money. 

Tips on how to coupon

Coupons are fantastic little money-saving tools that can help you stretch your budget and get more value for your dollar. If you’ve ever watched extreme couponing on TV and wondered how to do it yourself, you’re in the right place! With these helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a savvy couponer and keeping more money in your wallet.

1. Start with Simple Coupon Sources

• Sunday Newspapers: Grab those Sunday papers, where you’ll often find a treasure trove of coupons waiting for you.
• Online Coupon Websites: Check out popular coupon websites like Coupons.com, RetailMeNot, and SmartSource for digital savings.
• Store Apps: Many stores have their own apps that offer exclusive digital coupons for your favorite products.

2. Organize Your Coupons

• Coupon Binder: Use a binder with dividers to organize your coupons by category, making them easy to find when you need them.
• Envelopes or Small Pouches: For a simpler approach, sort your coupons into envelopes or small pouches labeled with different categories.

3. Plan Your Shopping Trips

• Make a Shopping List: Before heading to the store, create a shopping list based on the items you need and the coupons you have.
• Match Coupons with Sales: Check store flyers and websites to find out which items are on sale and pair them with your coupons for maximum savings.

4. Know Your Store’s Coupon Policy

• Each store has its own coupon policy, so familiarize yourself with the rules, such as doubling coupon values or accepting competitor coupons.

5. Stack Coupons for Extra Savings

• Some stores allow you to use both a manufacturer’s coupon and a store coupon on the same item, leading to significant discounts.

6. Be Mindful of Expiration Dates

• Keep an eye on coupon expiration dates to ensure you use them before they become invalid.

7. Sign Up for Store Loyalty Programs

• Many stores offer loyalty programs that provide exclusive discounts and rewards, such as earning points for future purchases.

8. Follow Brands on Social Media

• Brands often share special coupon offers and promotions on their social media platforms.

9. Join Couponing Communities

• Connect with other couponers in online forums or social media groups to exchange tips, share deals, and stay updated on the latest savings opportunities.

10. Combine Coupons with Cashback Apps

• Use cashback apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, or Checkout 51 to get cash rebates on qualifying purchases in addition to your coupon savings.

11. Shop During Double Coupon Events

• Keep an eye out for special events where stores double the value of your coupons, doubling your savings!

12. Be Open to Trying New Brands

• Coupons often introduce you to new products or brands, so be open to trying something different when it’s at a discounted price.

13. Check for Catalina Coupons

• Catalina coupons are those little surprise coupons that print at the register after you make a purchase, offering savings on your next visit.

14. Time Your Purchases Wisely

• Wait for seasonal sales or clearance events to stack your coupons with already reduced prices.

15. Avoid Impulse Buys

• Stick to your shopping list and avoid being swayed by enticing in-store displays or flashy packaging.

16. Use Coupons for Non-Food Items Too

• Coupons aren’t just for groceries; you can find savings on household items, toiletries, and even clothing.

17. Take Advantage of Price Matching

• Some stores match their competitors’ prices, so bring along advertisements to get the best deal.

18. Stay Organized

• Keep your coupon binder or envelopes up to date, and clear out expired coupons regularly.

19. Stay Patient and Positive

• Couponing takes time and practice, but the more you do it, the better you’ll become at spotting deals and saving money.

20. Celebrate Your Savings!

• Finally, give yourself a pat on the back for all the money you’ve saved. Treat yourself with some of those extra funds guilt-free!