several questions

[dawnybear003]

So I am an educated, single woman with three children trying to see how couponing can help my family. I am a natural researcher, however, I have looked into couponing for several days now and still having a hard time tying this all together. I'm finding that there are no stores that allow double couponing and have a limit on how many you can use. What do people that live in these areas do in this case? I'm very interested in making this work. I just think I need a support group to make it happen....so here I am!

Nice to meet you all!

[LadyCamelion]

Hi dawnybear003! I am new here, too, so I'm probably not the right person to welcome you but hey, Welcome! I think when it comes to the "no double coupon" thing, trading for higher value coupons will help a bit. I read somewhere here (where, exactly? I don't remember... LOT'S of info to take in!) that in areas that allow doubling get more of the $1 and up coupons so they won't be doubled and areas that don't allow it get more of the lower value ones. So when I begin to trade, I will be looking to trade for the lower value coupons since my area does double up to a certain amount. A very valuable resource, no matter which side of the fence you're from.
I have so much learning to do and am happy to meet those who are pro's and those who can learn along with me, like you!
Happy clipping, saving, and not so much spending, dawnybear003!

[booklover]

I live in an area that does not double, but I still manage to save money.

Only two stores near me double, but only up to .40. But they both have loss leader sales, so I occasionally go there for those. And both stores have a clearance rack, where I have scored some good deals.

Another grocery store near me does not double, BUT there is $10 off Thursday, where I get $10 off if I buy $50 worth of groceries. Plus I can use any coupon I have to bring the total down even more. Higher value coupons are therefore worth more to me than a .50/1 coupon, so that is what I trade for.

I would suggest that you find out what stores you have in your area, then find out what their coupon policies are. Do any of your stores take manufact. coupons AND store coupons? (Such as Walgreen's, CVS, or Target.) Check out the store forums, and look for the stores that you have. Find out if there are any hidden savings. Target, for example, will give you a five cent discount for each reusable bag you bring in. Not a huge savings, but every little bit helps.


Do you have any chain drugstores near you? Rite-Aid, Walgreen's and CVS have great savings programs where you can get super cheap, even free, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. Pick one drugstore and learn how to do the deals.

Hope this helps!

[Super Saving Coupon Son]

It is still simle to save money without stores that double. Look on the HCW forums about the stores near you and write down all the deals that you want to get from that store. Then cut the coupons out (or use a coupon clipping service) to use at your shopping trip. It is best to start things out slow when begining couponing.

Now, about the limit of number of coupons at your stores,
Many stores limit the number of coupons used per transaction or shopping trip. For example, your store coupon policy may state: Limit 10 coupons per transaction. They do this so their system doesn't crash with such a big order. If you have 20 coupons you need to use split your order up into 2 transactions using 10 coupons in each. If you do this you are obeying the stores coupon policy.
On the other hand, if your stores coupon policy states: Limit 10 coupons per shopping trip, it means you can only use 10 coupons in your trip at the store. This doesn't allow you to split your coupons up into different transactions but means you have to come back another day. (Later in the day)
I hope this helped!

[belinda2]

It is pretty easy to drop your bill by 50% even without doubles. It takes accumulating coupons, organizing them and matching. A good sale with a coupon or BOGO will give you 50% off. It takes time to understand the pricing in your area. There is a huge savings just in buying different items from different stores, so save your receipts and price compare. There are some stores in my area that are so high priced even with doubles it is expensive. It takes time to understand sales cycles. Some items come on sale 4 times a year but some items are deeply discounted only once a year.

There is a learning curve which takes time so don't give up. It can be time consuming in the beginning but it does get better.