You’ve seen the TV show Extreme Couponers, and now you’re wondering what goes into this lifestyle and how you can accomplish this on a smaller scale. Instead of building a garage stockpile, save on what you need and lift your community at the same time.

Couponing doesn’t have to be just for money-saving in your household, it can also be beneficial to those in need of basic items like food and clothing. Here’s how you can get deals and give back.

Smartphones for smart purchases 

Coupons aren’t just in physical ads anymore, in fact, most people now get their coupons digitally from their favorite retailers. If you haven’t already, hop on these coupon apps and mailing lists for items everyone shops for.

Store apps

Groceries and toiletries can be expensive and realizing the total at checkout can be shocking. Luckily, if you shop smart you can greatly reduce these costs.

Target Circle

• This free rewards program can be used through the Target app to scan coupons directly, making it a breeze to shop and save. Additionally, you can earn cash back with purchases and apply that money toward future purchases.

Your local grocery store

• Since grocery retailers vary across the US, check if your local grocery store has an app and, if they do, be sure to sign up for their rewards card and utilize the coupon feature on the app. It is usually free, and it can get you points and coupons you normally don’t have access to without it.

Third-party coupon apps and websites

Coupons.com

• The biggest digital coupon provider in the US offers lists of coupons you can clip directly to your account and app or directly to your store loyalty card. Coupons.com has deals on groceries, clothing, cosmetics, and home goods.

SnipSnap

• If you clip physical coupons rather than or in addition to digital coupons, SnipSnap can help you upload them to your phone to to keep them organized. While browsing in-store, you can also snap a photo of the product to see price comparisons and available coupons.

Digital organizers 

Keeping your store cards organized and available is key to couponing. Don’t forget your cards or fumble around trying to find them at the checkout, instead, you can keep them on your phone with these apps.

Keyring

• Any loyalty or membership cards can be kept on this app. Snap a photo to scan it, and it will automatically upload to your digital key ring where you can organize and label how you wish. Additionally, you can find coupons, create, and share shopping lists.

StoCard

• Add all your rewards and loyalty cards to StoCard with a quick upload, and scan at the checkout when ready! You can browse flyers and local coupons as well directly on the app.

Deals to look for

Since you won’t keep everything you coupon for, look for deals on items that are frequently needed by shelters or food banks.

Buy one get one free or half-off 

One of the most common deals is the “BOGO.” The reason you should seek these out is that you can keep one for yourself and donate the other.

Non-perishables 

No-brainer products like peanut butter and pasta have a long shelf-life and are versatile. Look for deals on non-perishables, especially canned vegetables that are already relatively inexpensive. You could end up getting those cans for free!

Women’s sanitary products 

Local women’s shelters are in frequent need of sanitary products. Help a woman get access to these necessities when they can’t afford quality products to keep them feeling and functioning well.

Choose a charity important to you 

It’s always a good idea to research and contact charities local to you and ask what they need. Once you’ve saved on and collected your items, choose a charity that means something to you or that could use the products you acquired. Here is a list of ideas to get you started.

• Animal shelters
• Homeless shelters
• Women’s shelters
• Local pantries and soup kitchens
• Youth centers

Use your newfound couponing knowledge to save yourself money—and help others in the process.