Wow, the things you can see on TLC these days. The coupon clippers are bested only by that show about the hoarders. Thanks for the post Bonnie! Keep it up.

I've wondered the same thing since my husband and I started watching this show. The only grocery store I found that doubles coupons is Rainbow and they only do it two days a week and have a limit on how many coupons. I don't know of any stores around here that have a member's card you swipe and get lots of money off, like they've shown in some episodes. Also, how do these families buy produce? You rarely find a coupon for produce. It seems like the time and effort and money you have to spend (paying for ink for print-off coupons online, buying multiple newspapers, etc.) isn't necessarily worth the savings. Still, I would also love to know if any stores in MN let you do this extreme couponing!

Personally, I find it hard to keep track of coupons. You could always go to Aldi. I'd never been there until this week. It's a very spare shopping experience, but the prices are low.

I just recently found out that you can "stack" coupons..... if you have an in-store coupon and a manufacturer's coupon, you can use both for the same product - at least at Target. Did everyone know this but me?

The number one thing to remember when couponing is shelf life. But if you find yourself getting an extreme deal, and do not have the need or won't use it before it expires, there is a great need for the Food Shelfs in your area. Go ahead and get everything you can, cause what you don't use, others NEED! Its a great way to help and stick it to the man at the same time!

The best way to save big money couponing is to wait until the item goes on sale before you use the coupon. I organize with a 3 ring binder and plastic baseball card sheets. I save 50-100% on items I find coupons for and use those savings to buy things that rarely have coupons like meat and produce which has brought me a regular savings of at least 50% on my weekly shopping. Rainbow (wed and Sat) and CVS (which their extra bucks - same as cash) are great for big savings in our area.
The Extreme couponers in TLC's shopping trips are not normal, even for them. Most shows state this is their biggest shopping trip ever. When I have extras my family will not use they go to my extended family/friends/foodbanks. Most couponers give a lot away. I haven't ever dumpstered dived and don't see a point in it. I buy 3-7 sunday papers to get my coupons and print them online. *costs me less than $10/week and I save at least $80 a week on my shopping trips* So don't judge if you see my cart with 20 bottles of BBQ sauce & 15 boxes of cereal & 10 bottles of bodywash. They will all be used by my family or find a good home with someone that needs them.

I realize that this is a couple of months old, but I can't just let it pass unanswered. While I am not an "extreme" couponer by TLC standards, I do use coupons as much as I can. I normally save 40-60% at Cub and have saved 90% off my bill. It isn't difficult, I'm not buying weird food and I am buying meat and produce. How? Well, for starters I buy all my personal care products at Walgreens when I can match my coupons to their sales and - this is important - the Register Rewards. Unlike CVS, Walgreens issues coupons for $$ off your next purchase but - YOU DON'T HAVE TO USE IT AT WALGREENS. These are manufacturers coupons that are redeemable at both Cub and Rainbow. For example, yesterday I purchased 3 Dove soap bars priced at $1.99 using the Walgreens in-ad coupon which reduced the price to .99 each. So far, I have spent $2.97 BUT Walgreens gave me a Register Reward coupon for $6 that I can use to purchase whatever I want at Walgreens, Cub, or Rainbow. So, now I have 3 bars of soap (not 300) and $6 too. That's how you can use coupons to purchase the meat and produce that "regular" coupons don't cover.
When I find an exceptional bargain but cannot use the product, I will purchase it for the local food shelf. Recently I donated 20 boxes of ceral (purchased for .25 each box) and 15 boxes of Hamburger/Chicken/Tuna Helper (purchased for .07 each) as well as tuna and chicken.
Couponing can be done in MN, but maybe not to extent of TLC's Extreme Couponing.

Hey Kelley, of course one or both of us will help you.
For starters, check out creativecouponing.com. This is a Minnesota based website and keeps you current on deals and coupons in the area. I check it several times a day and also get the emails. I find it invaluable as it saves me sooooo much time and effort! Go thru the entire website as it has a TON of information and advice.
Also, this weekend there will be 6 coupon circulars in the Sunday paper. I recommend you buy 4-6 copies of the paper. Here is another tip: buy the Sunday paper on Saturday and save even more! Be sure to check the paper to be sure the coupon circulars are in there, then buy the paper for .50 or .75 instead of $1.00 - $1.75.
I can't give you any info on CVS because I don't shop there. There are no CVS near me, so I shop at Walgreens. Be sure to watch the Walgreens ad as they usually match their sales with the coupon circulars. This will allow you to get Register Reward coupons for dollars off your next purchase. These are redeemable at both Cub and Rainbow as well as Walgreens. It's fun to watch your grocery total fall by $5 at a time.
And remember, if something is free after coupon (or close to it) but your family won't use it, ask yourself if someone else will. Friend? Food shelf? Church? Giving always feels good.
This would be so much easier on the phone, but I hesitate to post my phone number. If you have an idea, let me know. :)

Thank you for all the tips you've given us all, Valerie. This might be worth a more in-depth story.

Thank you Valarie!! I am so excited for the help! You can email me at kelleyvossen@gmail.com and I will give you my number.

Hey all, I am doing a couponing class in my home in Prior Lake on October 14th, at 7 pm, if you are interested.
hannahmae5@hotmail.com

I would like to say that you are getting the wrong idea from the show. Just because she bought 60 bottles of calcium supplements does not mean she is going to keep all of them. Many of extreme couponers are very wonderful people and coupon 50% for them selves and 50% for charity. It was a win win. She made a dollar a bottle and most likely most of the calcium was going to go to charity. I am a couponer, but not extreme. If I can get something for free and I now that I am not going to use it I donate it. You also said they buy the entire stock of the store. Many of the extreme couponers pre-order stuff so there is enough for everyone. One more thing it seems like there are more extreme couponers in the south for some reason, and they have different stores with different policys, making it easier to get a bigger stock. It is hard to coupon in Minnesota I think. I think the best store to coupon at is target, because to can match a target coupon and a manufacturers. Please do not get the wrong idea of couponing from that show!!!!!

I agree with it not being easy to coupon in MN. I have to admit that my 1 newspaper has turned into a little more recently. The most i have ever got is 26 newspapers i bought on saturday & 24 newspaper inserts given to me for 1 weekend. I started couponing for my entire family & friends. Which means that i have about 15 people that go "shopping" in my laundry room. I only have 2 shelves and 1 table so my "stockpile" goes down fast. Also the lady that use to be in charge of the entire non-profit for my work quit. Meaning that around 700 elderly & disabled people with no income or other source of gifts for christmas have no means of presents. I have been asked to be incharge of the non-profit!!! These people ask for shampoo, toothpaste, body wash, clothing, etc........ It feels good when i bring in 26 completely free deodorant. or when I made $45.60 off of the 30 bottles of revlon nail polish. By me getting these items for free/ making money it means i can get the rest of the items on their wish list. Also these people are all in group homes meaning they can't live on their own. they range from kids to the elderly. Plus i am proud to say they only time i have cleared a shelf is when there was only 2 left & 2 was needed for the register rewards. I still felt bad:(. Walgreens is my favorite store for non food items. My friend came with me this sunday & was surprised with how the employees greeted me by name from across the store! lol.

Rebekah...I would be interested in finding out the name and where to make donations to it...I live in MN..just north of the twin cities...
Thanks..
jean

I would love it if someone could help me get started. I live in Eagan and we could meet in a public place and you could email me what to look for, bring, etc and we could meet and have coffee while you train me. Thank you for your time. innocs@aol.com

Hi ladies! I am new to couponing like this. I would love to get some help. Maybe we could meet up at coffee shop or Panera and help each other out. Valerie I would love to talk with you as well maybe Kelly you and I could meet up and who ever else wanted to join. I would just really love to understand how this works I have a family of 5 and this could really help us out. My email address is mbeautyxo@yahoo.com

I think it's a GREAT idea to get together and share ideas!

I live in WI, but shop in the Twin Cities, so am willing to meet up over on that side of the river. Pick a place and time, post it here and anyone who wants to join in could be there.

Fridays work well for me - no work - but could do a Saturday if that's better for everyone else.

Also, I want to make it clear to anyone reading this that I am NOT an expert. I have a little knowledge and am more than willing to share it with anyone willing to listen. ;) So, if we do all manage to get together, I will be learning along with everyone else. Now, if there is someone on this board who IS an expert and wants to join our group, I say "Welcome!"

For those who haven't yet checked out creativecouponing.com (and you should!): Rainbow is doing double double coupons on Saturday, 10/29. You can double up to 10 manufacturers coupons valued at up to $1 (doubles to $2) You must purchase $25 worth of groceries - before coupons - to qualify.
AND
Starting Sunday October 30, Cub is offering their big Catalina event. You will receive a manufacturer coupon of $1 - $2 when you buy certain items, no limits! These coupons are good for money off future purchases - and can also be used at Rainbow. If you check the Cub website, you can preview the sales.

Sorry so chatty today!!

Here is some basic info:

Cub Foods:
• Accepts expired coupons up to 3 months after the expiration date.
• Does not double coupons
• Sign up for the Cub savings club online and receive a coupon for $5 off a purchase of $25 and receive weekly emails with 2-3 additional coupons that are not in the weekly circular. Each of these emailed coupons can be printed twice.
• You can combine both store coupons and manufacturer coupons on one item
• You can use 2 coupons on a buy1-get1 sale
• Accepts Walgreens Register Rewards coupons

Rainbow Foods:
• Does NOT accept expired coupons
• DOES double coupons on Wednesday s – up to 5 manufacturer coupons per order. You can use more coupons, but only the 1st 5 will double. You CAN do multiple orders – usually 3 or 4 – and use 5 coupons on each order
• You can combine both store coupons and manufacturer coupons on one item
• You can use 2 coupons on a buy1-get1 sale
• Accepts Walgreens Register Rewards coupons
• Get the store savings card

Basic info part 2

Walgreens:
• Does NOT accept expired coupons
• You can combine both store coupons and manufacturer coupons on one item
• You can use 2 coupons on a buy1-get1 sale
• Gives Register Rewards on certain items which are like cash in your pocket. You can use them again at Walgreens or at Cub or Rainbow
• Each Register Rewards can only be issued once per order, so if for example: You want to purchase 4 bottles of shampoo and should receive a Register Reward for the purchase of 2 bottles, you will need to separate that to 2 orders of 2 bottles of shampoo. You will then get the RR on both purchases.
However, if you plan to purchase several DIFFERENT items and each has a RR available, you do not need to break these into different orders. For example: 2 bottles of shampoo, a package of toilet paper, 2 bags of M&Ms, and laundry detergent all have a RR available after purchase and these could be one transaction. You would then do the other 2 bottles of shampoo (you wanted 4 bottles, remember) as a separate transaction. This takes thinking, but isn’t too complicated.

And part 3

Walmart:
• Does NOT accept expired coupons
• You can combine both store coupons and manufacturer coupons on one item
• You can use 2 coupons on a buy1-get1 sale
• Does allow “overages” For example: you have a coupon for $1.50 off any size Aquafresh toothpaste. Walmart sells the travel size for .97, giving you an overage of .53 to be used on the balance of your order. You can do this multiple times and reduce the total cost of your Walmart adventure. The policy does not allow for cash back on overages, so be sure to purchase something else.
• Does NOT accept Walgreens Register Rewards

Target:
• Does NOT accept expired coupons
• You can combine both store coupons and manufacturer coupons on one item
• You can use 2 coupons on a buy1-get1 sale
• Does NOT accept Walgreens Register Rewards

Considering a small get together on Friday morning. Anyone interested? We could talk about tips and strategies for couponing. Get questions answered, whatever... Was thinking the Dunn Bros coffee shop in Eagan.

I'd love to get together in burnsville to talk coupons :)

I can meet Friday morning. I will have my 5 month old and 2 year old, but as long as I have snacks and some little toys for my son, he should stay occupied :)

I am willing to meet either in burnsville or Eagan....I will also have my 2 year old in tow, Melinda our kids can keep each other company. :)

Ok, Friday morning it is!! 10:00 at Dunn Bros Coffee on DIffley Road in Eagan. Please - if you change your mind, let me know? I live in WI, about 20 miles from the MN border, so will be driving 50-60 miles to meet you. Thanks!!

Could we by chance do starbucks in lakeville?

Becky, I could meet with you another day after we all meet on Friday tp let you know what we discussed. I live really close to Starbucks in Lakeville.

I can make it :) i'm driving from belle plaine

Great, see you there Becky :)

Becky, I live in Belle Plaine too!! Where in Belle Plaine are you? Do you want to ride together? I will have my 2 year-old but have room for more if you are bringing kids with too. Let me know....that is too funny

:) Im on meridian st south I'll have my 5yr old with. I might be doing some shopping while im up in the cities ..i'll let you know for sure.

Last time I tried to post on here it didn't stick. I'm trying again. I would love to meet for coupon tips and a get together too. I would have to do more of a weekend meeting. I was thinking about starting a meetup.com group for us south of the metro couponers. I have several names just haven't got the site yet. If you don't know meetup.com. It's a free site to find groups on anything. I was thinking coupon tips/trading/stories or just sit together and clip coupons over coffee.
If you're interested email me at MRSTCOUPON@gmail.com. Happy Clippin' Ladies! I really wish I could make Friday. Have fun! :) Amy

Wow! This is catching on and it's wonderful! I really look forward to seeing everybody tomorrow.

Hi Cici - a few of us are.getting together on Fri (11/18/11) at Dunn Bros coffee in Eagan. 10 am. You are more.than welcome to.join as we are all learning together and are a friendly bunch. ;) Hope you can make it. I do have some quick and easy tips and will send if you give me your email.

Whoops! Sorry, I see your email is there! I will forward to you what I've sent to a couple others.

Valerie. Could you please send the tips to me at kathleen_schwartz@yahoo.com. I am unable to make the Eagan meeting. Keep me in mind if you meet in or near the northern suburbs.

Hi, I would love to get some tips about couponing in MN, Jennifer.lennartson@yahoo.com my family is all in Burnsville! Thanks

Anyone had any luck with K-mart? Do ours double coupons? I haven't had any luck finding info online. It looks like they may be working with Extreme couponing on TLC as the last few episodes highlighted them. I shop mostly Rainbow/CVS and a little at Cub. I should start branching out. If anyones interested on getting together for a couponing event on the weekends let me know. :) I'm in Farmington (near lakeville)
Amalena77@gmail.com or Mrstcoupon@gmail.com.

Happy Clippin'!
Amy

Hi Valerie! Could you email me and tell me how to get started?? lisam8503@gmail.com . I usually shop at Target, but it seems like I might be going at it all wrong! Would love some tips!

I'm trying to get into couponing and could really use some advice on how to get started. Any tips would be helpful or if there are any stores that people have had the best luck at. If people are getting together sometime I would like to come and learn some things if possible. My email is cassie.connolly26@gmail.com.

Hello, I had started couponing and did ok for a few months, but just got overwhelmed. Are any of you planning any future meetings? I'd love to be part of a regular MN Couponing Group! Email me! Slholland@gmail.com

I would also be interested in being part of a regular MN couponing Group. My email is bollbrittany@hotmail.com. Excited to hear from you all.

I would love to be part of a coupon group also. I am in Lakeville and just started getting into this. My email is Rgnonti@aol.com

Since it seems like there is a lot of local interest in meeting up and sharing about couponing, i was thinking of maybe starting a group on Meetup.com where we could all plan times and places to get together to learn about couponing, share coupons, have item/clothing swaps, maybe even go on shopping outings to help each other look for deals. Before I start this--there is a fee to create a club on that site so people would have to be willing to pitch in to cover the hosting fees--i wanted to see if thats something that interest any of you? If you are not already on meetup.com you totally should be- its a great way to meet new people!

My wife and I have been looking into to couponing in the Western, WI and Woodbury, MN areas. We need some help!!! I think the Extreme Couponing show seems a little unreal, but we would love to try it. If anyone could help please email me @ adam_poston@yahoo.com Thanx a million!!!!

I really want to get started doing this!! I need someone to "train" me on how to maximize the potential. Please contact me by email at andrea.alisha@live.com Maybe you would be interested in doing a group shopping trip.

hello my name is frankee and i am extreamly interested in learing how to do this along with my boyfriend i a 24 he is 23 we both have seen the tv show and are completly interested in learing how to do this if any one is willing to teach us we are willing to learn this is my email we can email talk about meeting at a coffee shop and talk about what needs happen to learn this is my enail i hope to hear from you thanks ladies
frankee.s.1988@gmail.com

Hello all I've been couponing for few months now but I don't know anyone that coupons. I would love to meet up with anybody to share tips, tricks and even coupon swap! If anyone's interested please email me rahunt22@Gmail.com
Thanks

Hello all,

I was wondering if anyone would be willing to help me start couponing. I get cutting them and looking for sells, however I would love to have someone come sit down with me and really explain how they do theirs and how I can start my own. I would love to meet up with a group as well. Please feel free to send me an email!

Thanks,
Felicia

Felicia.Polk@gmail.com

HI,
I'm another one looking for help at getting started - it all seems so overwhelming!

I live in Savage and would love to meet up with you ladies and swap and talk "shop".

My email is shelli.welter@gmail.com

Thanks!!!

I need to start couponing. But I have no idea where or how to start. If anyone knows of a class in the twin cities area, I am willing to drive, I would love to know about it. I am in Hopkins. Thank you.

Hello to all I am starting to coupon i have saved a little but would love some help on how to improve, what are the best stores in MN to shop at please help me be a better couponer:) my e mail is kt1197@yahoo.com

Hello I am fascinated and want to start, please email me at lobugsmurfette@yahoo.com if you are willing to help me, thanks!

I want to learn as well and find it overwhelming to pick the best store to coupon at. Love to meet. Please email me at shariet0630@yahoo.com