Putting Coupons to Good Use: Donations

Obviously I enjoy being able to use coupons to save money for my family.  However, that is not the only great way to use your coupons.  You can also donate some of your savings to others in need; in fact, I highly recommend doing so.  I have been blessed by those who have taught me how to use my money more wisely, and I know that God would want me to pass some of these blessings along.

One simple way to do this is by taking advantage of Wal-Mart's overage policy.  When I get a coupon for a larger amount, I intentionally look for the smaller or trial sizes that I can get for less than the coupon amount.  For instance, just today I purchased a Secret trial size for a little over $2 and used a $3 off coupon.  I benefited from the overage savings on the rest of my basket, and the deodorant went into my donation bag.  I bought 2 Reach flosses for $.88, and they too went into my donation bag.  I don't use Tide detergent, but regularly buy the single load packets that I can get for just  a few cents after tax to put into my bag.  It doesn't take long to fill a bag for a matter of cents if not free.

Right now, the dollar items at Dillons are basically free (minus tax) with coupons that double to a dollar.  Why not keep one for yourself and donate the next one?  If you have the coupon and you can get it for free, but don't typically use the product, why not get it anyway and share it with someone?

The free items that I request in the mail also help fill up my donation bag.  It costs nothing to request free samples, and when they come in the mail you don't even lose a cent on gas.  There are all sorts of things that you can request to help those in your community who might not have access to the technology or know how to go about requesting for themselves. 

Here's the latest bag that I have filled and will be dropping off with my family tomorrow morning.

If you have other ideas of how to put your coupons and savings to use to help others, please share!