Savvy Shopping: Meet Eve

October 28, 2014

My grandmother would have been PROUD of me; "A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned", she taught.  In my childish perception of her wisdom, I would envision tucking any chance money earned into a mason jar hidden in my room - a jar of money stored away in lieu of the newest toy or fancy I longed for at the time.  That old saying seemed like such a punishment, rather than the means to an end.  I have modernized that approach and think of it as a method of obtaining rather than of sacrifice.

It is now my turn to impart some glorious wisdom of my own: spreading ways to obtain rather than sacrifice.  I have discovered that to pay less (saving the penny) empowers me to buy my wants, along with my needs.  This power comes from the almighty coupon.

Each month, I'll share with you my expertise and experiences in couponing.  Together we can stretch your family budget until it snaps.  We can save a penny here and a penny there and before you know it, you will have that shiny new toy or fancy you desire!  Some of my stories will be seem like I am living your life, others will educate you, and many will make you chuckle.  This adventure will extend your financial limits and grant you gifts as if I were a genie.

YOU DO HAVE TIME!  Say it like a mantra and embed this into your brain.  Couponing does not have to consume your life.  Let me give you a sneak peek into my life.

I am married to a police officer; together we have four amazing children, ages 9, 12, 18, and 23.  I am a realtor in the state of Tennessee and manage around 50 rental properties in our area, many of which I paint and clean.  I substitute teach in the local schools (mainly to keep tabs on my children). I travel giving coupon seminars to eager people, many who have been slapped in the face with the economy over the last few years.  I clean my own house, do my own laundry, and love to cook and bake (yes, there is a difference).  And now, I have been given the opportunity to blog about my experiences and reach out to complete strangers and change their lives forever ... Thank you AARP!  

I'm sorry ... were you saying, YOU don't have time to coupon?  Myth debunked!

My biggest couponing blessing has nothing to do with money.  Seems crazy, right? Isn't the entire purpose of the coupon to save money?  Well, yes and no. Let me explain.

Years ago I shared a coupon or two with my mother, who is 75 years young.  It was like I had given her an addictive drug; she was hooked immediately.  We began researching deals and calling each other with the amazing money saving opportunities we found.  We would ride to the store together to save on gas and discuss our "plan of action" on the way.  We found that getting something for free was such a HIGH, that if we had a bad day, we would load up together and go couponing! (...much cheaper than therapy. )

Soon I realized my TIME WITH MY MOTHER had increased seven fold.  We were having lunch more often, spending more time in conversation (albeit in the car), and just giving each other more hugs and kisses as we met and departed from one another.  Time with a loved one is more precious than anything money can buy.  Is there someone in your life that can join you on this journey?

Here's your first lesson: Coupons are for more than groceries.  You can save on food and personal hygiene items, but did you also know, you can save on eating out, clothing, movie theaters, party supplies, and so much more?  Before leaving the house, I google the stores where I will be shopping and print any coupons offered.  My favorite site to locate many of the savings is www.MommySavesBig.com.  She has a very organized site, that offers printable coupons or online codes to many of the stores and restaurants in my area and nationally ... Macy's, Kohls, Party City, Dicks Sporting Goods, Chili's, Texas Roadhouse, Cold Stone Creamery, Regal Cinemas, etc.  Try your hand at saving a few dollars using this money-saving strategy.

Join me again next month to learn more money saving tips, just in time for the holidays!

Eve, the Savvy Shopper