Class is now FULL!

I am excited to let you know I have teamed up with the Idaho Statesman again and will be offering a FREE COUPON CLASS on January 24th. We have 215 seats   but they will fill up quickly so you will need to RSVP to reserve your spot now!!!

When: Tuesday January 24th
Where: Courtyard by Marriott – 1789 S. EAGLE ROAD, MERIDIAN… Near Eagle and Overland Road

Time: 7-8:30 pm

Register online at idahostatesman.com/signup or a direct lick here

Any reserved spots not filled just prior to
the start of the class will be
opened up for attendees that do not
have a reservation.

Adults only please

***If you are having a hard time registering you can call the Idaho Statesman to register.

Related posts:

1. Free Coupon Class 1/24 A Thrifty Mom ~ Meridian Idaho
2. A Thrifty Mom FREE Coupon Class 11/16 ~ Now Full
3. FREE Coupon Class October 6th in Meridian

I am excited to let you know I have teamed up with the Idaho Statesman again and will be offering a FREE COUPON CLASS on January 24th. We have 215 seats   but they will fill up quickly so you will need to RSVP to reserve your spot now!!!

When: Tuesday January 24th
Where: Courtyard by Marriott – 1789 S. EAGLE ROAD, MERIDIAN… Near Eagle and Overland Road

Time: 7-8:30 pm

Register online at idahostatesman.com/signup or a direct lick here

Any reserved spots not filled just prior to
the start of the class will be
opened up for attendees that do not
have a reservation.

Adults only please

***If you are having a hard time registering you can call the Idaho Statesman to register.

Related posts:

1. FREE Coupon Class October 6th in Meridian
2. A Thrifty Mom FREE Coupon Class 11/16 ~ Now Full
3. Free Coupon Class 1/11/12 in Meridian~ Grab your spot now!!!

For directions and info read here

Related posts:

1. Don’t forget to sign up for the FREE COUPON CLASS on 6/17….. Plus we still need 1 volunteer to donate blood.
2. FREE Coupon Class in Meridian- TONIGHT
3. Chance to win a signed copy of Marie Digby’s new album

WHAT: Couponing Class
WHEN: Wednesday January 11, 2012 7:00-8:30pm
WHERE:  Courtyard by Marriot Hotel (1789 S. Eagle Rd, Meridian)
COST: Free (Non-perishable food item donations accepted but not required)

All collected food items will be donated to the Oasis Food Center in Caldwell
Idaho and used in their food pantry and children’s weekend backpack program.
Class size is limited to 250. Reserve your spot by emailing you and your
guests names to Couponing@DebtReductionServices.org. One guest per person

Related posts:

1. FREE Coupon Class in Meridian- TONIGHT
2. FREE Coupon Class October 6th in Meridian
3. FREE coupon class at Meridian Library 8/30

Dear A Thrifty Mom,
I am a new couponer (since October) and need a little help. I love your site. I found you soon after starting the coupon adventure and I am afraid that couponing has become a bit more of a bad dream than a joy. I read about the people who spend $400 and save $1500 and am at a loss. I have been pretty hard core couponing for 3 solid months and have yet to see a dip in my spending. I am working on stocking up on items that are on sale, buying meat only on sale, and shopping multiple stores only to feel like I am wasting my time and energy on something that is pie in the sky. I had hopped to save some serious money to help with our one income budget. My husband works hard and I was hopping my couponing could support him and help our family to make ends meet as I stay home with our 3 boys.
I just feel like I am missing some key ingredients. I get 5 papers weekly. I clip them all. The major portion of my time is spent clipping, organizing, looking online for additional coupons, using your site to find match ups. Then I shop at Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Winco, and Walgreens with occasional stops at Pauls and Walmart. I have 2 young children with me most days so shopping and price comparisons are time consuming and often less than pleasant for 2 busy boys. I live in Kuna so a trip to the store is a 20 min drive one way and I don’t want to tote my kids to the store daily.

Do you have any ideas any ways I can make the major savings happen for our family. I am so thankful for the matchups you do. Without it couponing would be even more labor intensive and I am sure I would have given up long ago. I don’t want to give up on couponing, but I am close to deciding it is more stress than benefit.
Any thoughts????

Sincerely,
Jenny

********************************

Dear Jenny,

Well it sounds like you have your hands full, I wish I had the magic answer but I hope a few of these tips will help.

• First there will never be a guide to couponing  that will fit everyone’s life.  Everyone’s needs, lifestyle, location, stores and habits are so different that you have to just find what works best for your family.
• Couponing is a huge blessing but does take work… so  try and stick it out so you can see the rewards!
• Couponing is a learned skill and you will get better with time, and find what works best for you.  You will get into a groove that fits your family and their needs.  You are just starting out… so do not be to hard on yourself.
• This one might surprise you but, I would suggest cutting back…. I know saving your family money is important, but if you get burnt out you will give up and it will be like a fad diet that was not successful .  Instead you need to make couponing  part of your life,.. but not take over your life.  I suggest to start small, get really good at shopping one  or two stores (notice I stick to pretty much 2 stores a week) , and as time and income permit you can try and add another store.
• It is ok to miss a sale…. it is hard to select which deals are the best and which ones to pass up.  But if you try and hit them all, you will find your whole life revolves around sales and coupons.
•  Take your budget and take 80-90% and shop like you normally would (before you knew about coupons)…. but then take the other 10-20% and have that be your “stock up or coupon money”.  Focus on the top deals, and just try and stock up on those items.  NO NEED to run to 4-6 stores each week, you will burn yourself out.  Each week you will be able to stock up on those hot items, slowly but surely your stockpile will grow and you still have a life.  The longer you coupon will be learn how much to dedicate just to stocking up and your normal “must have list”.
• I always say Mom First… Thrifty Mom Second.  Dragging your sweet little ones along is never fun, I know you need to take them with you so that is another reason limiting the stores you shop at may be a good idea.  You will find a good deal is nice, but quality time with your little ones is better.
• Last but not least… never compare yourself to others…celebrate any amount of savings.  You are doing a great job, now go hug those 2 busy boys of yours !

Related posts:

1. Do you look like a coupon Shopper?
2. Being an Honest Coupon Shopper
3. Thrifty Moving Tips

These are the two biggest changes I noticed…. (love that we get overage now, and BOGO coupon with BOGO sale = free)

•  Coupons that exceed the retail value of an item will have the remaining amount applied to the balance of the transaction. In the event a transaction balance results in a “credit”, additional items WILL be added/suggested to the order to utilize the remaining value of the coupon. We will not provide any “cash back” on coupons; however we will provide full redemption value.
• Albertsons offers of Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) promotions in their weekly advertisement can be combined with Buy One, Get One Free manufacturer coupons to result in BOTH items being Free. The items in the manufacturer coupon must exactly match our weekly advertisement offers and meet the redemption criteria.

Albertsons Official Coupon Policy

To view it on their site click here 

Albertsons promotes a coupon friendly shopping experience and encourages customers to participate in store, manufacturer and internet coupon use. The following policy guidelines are current, but Albertsons may change this policy at any time and policy changes may not be advertised. Coupon redemptions are subject to the policy in effect at time of redemption. The current policy information can be discussed with individual store management but is not posted in each store.

Coupons – Definition: Coupons are a form of tender to reduce an order total based on merchandise purchased. Retailers are not required by law to accept manufacturers’ coupon. Coupons can be in print and/or in electronic form, and may be integrated into the register systems where they are deducted automatically when all purchase requirements are met.

General Coupon Acceptance Guidelines

·         Coupons are accepted in accordance to the stated requirements on the coupon at the time of purchase. These requirements include, but are not limited to: product type, flavor(s), size(s), quantities and minimum/maximum dollar purchase limits.

·         Coupons are intended for one time use and cannot be redeemed more than once.

·         Coupons have no cash value.

·         Albertsons only accepts original coupons and does not accept photocopied or reproduced coupons (including multiple prints of same series internet coupons).

·         Albertsons does not accept expired coupons. Printed expiration dates are verified in addition to scanning the coupon for validity.

·         Coupons stating “on next/future purchase or visit” cannot be used in the transaction in which they are generated. Next purchase is defined as a separate transaction.

·         The coupon redemption value on ‘Free’ coupons may not exceed the value of the item.

·         Albertsons will accept ONE manufacturer coupon and ONE store coupon on the same qualifying item. (Twice the Value coupons are considered a store coupon.)

·         Albertsons does not accept competitor coupons. (Coupons generated by any competitor with competitor logo are considered competitor coupons.)

·         All applicable sales taxes are paid by the customer at the full value of the item.

·         Albertsons reserves the right to refuse any coupons at its discretion.

Manufacturer Coupons

·         Coupons issued by manufacturers contain redemption guidelines including, but not limited to: “terms of agreement”, “face value”, “expiration date” and the verbiage “manufacturer coupon”. Albertsons adheres to all manufacturer redemption guidelines.

·         Albertsons may issue private promotion “manufacturer coupons” in advertisements that state “redeemable only at Albertsons” in which Albertsons is the only retailer that will accept.

·         Coupons that exceed the retail value of an item will have the remaining amount applied to the balance of the transaction. In the event a transaction balance results in a “credit”, additional items WILL be added/suggested to the order to utilize the remaining value of the coupon. We will not provide any “cash back” on coupons; however we will provide full redemption value.

·         Albertsons accepts internet generated manufacturer coupons that have the following conditions:

o   Coupons must scan at checkout.

o   Coupons must have serial numbers and follow an industry-standard format.

o   Coupons must clearly indicate that they are a manufacturer coupon and have a valid manufacture address on the printed coupon.

·         Albertsons does not accept internet generated manufacturer coupons that have the following conditions:

o   FREE product without a required purchase.

o   A redemption value that exceeds $5.00.

o   The absence of a clear and scannable UPC bar code.

o   Same serial numbers (internet sites print time & date stamps on coupons and limit the number of coupons that can be printed from same computer).

o   The absence of a valid manufacturer address on the printed coupon.

·         Albertsons offers of Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) promotions in their weekly advertisement can be combined with Buy One, Get One Free manufacturer coupons to result in BOTH items being Free. The items in the manufacturer coupon must exactly match our weekly advertisement offers and meet the redemption criteria.

Store Coupons & Promotions

·         Rain checks for store coupons will be given out as long as the store coupon does not state on it “while supplies last”.

·         Coupons issued by Albertsons contain redemption guidelines including, but not limited to: “terms of agreement”, “face value”, “expiration date” and the verbiage “store coupon”.

·         Albertsons offers store coupons in various forms of media including, but not limited to, print, electronic, newspaper, direct mailers, kiosks and Company websites.

·         Albertsons may issue “store coupons” in advertisements that state “redeemable only at Albertsons” in which Albertsons is the only retailer that will accept.

·         Store coupons may require that the discount applies only with Preferred/Loyalty/Rewards Card use.

·         Twice the Value store coupons can only be used in combination with a $1.00 or less manufacturer coupon (a printed face value of $1.01 or greater cannot be combined with Twice the Value store coupons).

o   Albertsons DOES allow manufacturer coupons that state they cannot be ‘doubled’ to be used in conjunction with a Twice the Value store coupon.

·         Market Basket coupons can be provided via US mail or email for loyalty, special events, or local relevance. Can be used in transactions where all/many items have manufacturer coupon since it is for total purchase. These may be “stackable” according to guidance in ad/redemption guidelines. Must meet minimum purchase requirement after all other valid coupon redemptions and customer card discounts. The store Point Of Sale system is programmed to limit or restrict coupons in accordance with the redemption guidelines.

Catalina Checkout Coupons/Rebates

·         Catalina is a third party vendor that partners with vendors and Albertsons to offer both manufacturer coupons and Albertsons in-store coupons. The coupons are triggered by purchasing qualified items at checkout which generate a coupon to print on the Catalina printer.

·         Albertsons delivers 3 types of coupons via Catalina:

1.       Manufacturer “cents off” – common type frequently distributed

2.       Store Coupon – clearly states “store coupon” in title (cannot be combined with Twice The Value)

3.       Market Basket – earned from prior purchase and not associated with an item, but rather the purchase. Can be used in transactions where all/many items have manufacturer coupon since it is for total purchase. These may be “stackable” according to guidance in ad/redemption guidelines. Minimum purchase requirements must be met after all other valid coupon redemptions and customer card discounts. The store Point Of Sale system is programmed to limit or restrict coupons in accordance with the redemption guidelines.

·         It is Albertsons’ policy that these coupons are to be used in a future purchase, not within the purchase in which they are generated. (“next purchase” is defined as a separate transaction)

·         Catalina coupons are provided to the intended customer based on that particular customers shopping experience or purchase, therefore, such coupons are non-transferable. If a customer does not want the issued Catalina coupons, it is Albertsons’ policy that the cashier or store associate destroys them immediately, including any Catalina coupons delivered at the Self Check Out lanes.

The Total Shopping Experience

·         In an effort to serve our all customers better than our competitors, and provide a timely checkout, Albertsons requests that customers do not exceed three (3) consecutive transactions.

·         Additional lanes will be opened to serve all customers in a timely manner if the current business and staffing level permits.

·         If you have questions or comments about your overall experience, please ask for the Store Director or Customer Satisfaction Manager. Customer’s having a highly satisfied experience is our priority!

Related posts:

1. FREE AUTO MAINTENANCE COUPON
2. Advance Auto Parts Coupons
3. Great deal on auto repair

I have a question on starting a stockpile. How do you get started and what do you start with. Do you start with what you can get free ? It seems that when Im able to get something at a realy good price, and for one I may  only have four coupons per item, I dont know how to get more but by the time a sale runs on the same item again, I have already used what I was able to get from the last time, I guess I feel that I cant keep a stockpile its always gone. How do you fix that problem. The only thing I have been able to get free is floss,and my family cant live on that And I also was wondering do you just take extra money and start your stockpile that way. If I had more of a stockpile it would be easier to add to it, but like I said when you only have a few of each item it doesnt last long in my house. Just wondering how and what you did to start your family stockpile .

What tips do you have for starting or maintaining a Coupon Stockpile?

Related posts:

1. How To Start a Coupon Stockpile- Q&A
2. Extreme Couponing – How to start a Stockpile
3. Extreme Couponing – Do you have a Healthy Stockpile?

Answer: Well I did go to the store once this week and posted that shopping trip to Albertsons in two posts (one on Monday and one on Tuesday).  I did not post a budget review as week, since I only went to the store once and did not use any coupons…. I was just going to list it with this weeks shopping trips (and do a 2 week budget review).  I made one trip to WinCo last week and just picked up some things I needed.  The store was crazy busy with holiday shoppers and I just wanted to get in and out.

Please know that I am just as excited about couponing as always….BUT I also do not want to fight the holiday crowds to get a free tube of toothpaste (when I have 5 on the shelf at home).  I have often said that couponing is part of my life, NOT my life.  It is so easy to get so involved in the sales that you miss out on other things.  This is one of the most stressful and busy times of year for me, just trying to get everything done.  So I am happy to say that my “stockpile” helps take the stress of running to the store away. Instead I can just “shop from my pantry”.

If you need items, and there is a good sale then by all means run out and coupon till your little hearts content.  BUT if you are feeling guilty about missing the deals… but do not really “need” those items, and you just do not want to miss a sale.  Remind yourself that another sale will always come.  But  this years memories can only be made once…. one of the best gifts you can give your family is the gift of TIME. And sometimes missing a few sales allows me a little more time with my family.

Total Spent last week 11/27-12/3

Winco $26.19

Bountiful Basket $16.50

Final price = $42.69

Related posts:

1. Where is my weekly budget review?
2. My Weekly Budget Review 2/22-2/28
3. My Couponing Budget Review 7/1-7/9

To do this is very easy. Thanks to WikiHow,  Below are steps to take for each type of web browser.

Internet Explorer 9

1.  Open Settings > Safety

   Once your browser is open, click the gear at the top right to open the settings menu. Then, select Safety and Delete Browsing History… Or, optionally you may simply press Ctrl-Shift-Delete to open the Delete Browsing History window.

2. 

    Choose what to delete

   Select Temporary Internet Files. You will also need touncheck all the other boxes, especially Preserve Favorites website data. This option makes the window also delete objects from websites in your Favorites folder, which is necessary to completely clear your cache.

3. Click the Delete button near the bottom of the window to perform the operations (i.e. clear your cache by deleting temporary files).
4. Your computer will work for a moment, and then the process will be complete. You’ve successfully cleared Internet Explorer 9′s Cache!

Internet Explorer 8

1. 

    Click “Tools”.

   Once your browser is open, click the Tools menu. Or, optionally you may simply press Ctrl-Shift-Delete to open the Delete Browsing History window (and skip step 2)

2. 

    Delete Browsing History…

   Click on Delete Browsing History…

3. 

    ”Temporary Internet Files”.

   Select Temporary Internet Files.

4. Click the Delete button near the bottom of the window to delete your temporary files (i.e. clear your cache).
5. If you want the browser to automatically clear the cache whenever you close it, click theAdvanced tab. Click to check the box next to the Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed option (in the section labeled Security). Click OK. This will delete everything except cookies.
   • Note: IE8 has a “feature” which retains some cookies even after you clear your cache if you do not UNCHECK the “Preserve Favorites Website Data.” If you truly need to clear your cache, you will want to uncheck this!

Internet Explorer 7

1. 

   

   Open IE 7 and click the Tools menu. Click the Delete Browsing History link at the top.

2. 

   

   Under the Temporary Internet Files heading, click Delete files…

3. 

   

   Click Yes when you see the prompt asking if you are sure you want to delete all temporary files.

4. Alternatively, clear your cache for just the current page you’re visiting. Press and hold [Ctrl] on your keyboard, then Press [F5] or click on the Refresh button (square button on the toolbar with opposite-facing arrows).

Firefox

Firefox 4.0 / 5.0 / 6.0 +

1. 

    Firefox Menu

   Click the Firefox menu in the top left corner. Next, select the right arrow next to History >, and click Clear Recent History (or click on Tools then Clear Recent History if you don’t have the FireFox Menu) Or, you can press Ctrl-Shift-Delete to open the recent history window.

2. 

    Select ‘Cache’

   Make sure ‘Details’ is expanded, then select Cache from the list. Uncheck everything else.

3. 

    Choose ‘Everything’

   In the Time Range to Clear: drop down, select Everything.

4. Select Clear Now.
5. Your computer will work for a moment, and the process will be complete. You’ve successfully cleared Firefox’s Cache!

Firefox 3.5 / 3.6

1.  Tools > Clear Recent History

   Click the Tools menu, then select Clear Recent History.

   • Note: If you don’t see the Tools menu, hold down the Alt key then press the T key to access Tools.

2. 

    Everything

   Choose the time range of cache you’d like to clear.

3. 

    Cache

   Click on Details and make sure Cache is checked.

4. Select Clear Now.

Firefox 1.5 / 2.0 / 3.0

Below is the full method, although it is possible to simply go to Tools, and select Clear Private Data.

1.  Tools > Options

   Go to Tools and select Options… (on Linux, go to Edit thenPreferences).

2.  Privacy > Settings

   Go to the Privacy tab and click the Settings button.

3. 

    Clear private data

   Make sure Cache is checked on the list of options to clear.

4. Return to the Options menu and click the Clear Now button.

Firefox 1.0

1. Click the Tools menu and select Options (on Linux, go to Edit then Preferences).
2. Click the Privacy button and select the Cache tab.
3. Click the Clear Cache Now button.

Google Chrome

Chrome v10 +

1. 

    Click on the wrench

   Once your browser is open, select the Wrench icon (the settings menu, located in the upper-right corner) then,Tools, and Clear Browsing Data…. You can also access the Delete Browsing History window by pressing Ctrl-Shift-Delete, or clicking on this link: [chrome://settings/clearBrowserData].

2. 

    Check ‘Empty the Cache’

   Select the Empty the cache check-box. Uncheck everything else to avoid deleting data unintentionally.

3. In the Obliterate the following items from: dropdown menu, select the beginning of time.
4. Click the Clear Browsing Data button. Chrome will work for a moment, and then the process will be done. You’ve successfully cleared Chrome’s Cache!

Chrome v1 – v9

1. 

    Tools menu

   Once your browser is open, select the Tools menu (the wrench in the upper-right corner) and select Options (Preferences on Mac).

2. 

    Clear browsing data

   On the Under the Hood tab, click the Clear Browsing data… button.

3. 

    Clear cache

   Select the Empty the cache check-box.

4. 

    Select your time period.

   You can also choose the period of time you wish to delete cached information using the Clear data from this perioddropdown menu.

5. 

    Done!

   Click the Clear Browsing Data button.

Safari

Safari for Mac OS X

1. 

    ”Click Empty Cache”

   Once your browser is open, click the Safari menu and selectEmpty Cache….

2. Click Empty.

Safari for Windows

1. Once your browser is open, click the Edit menu and select Empty Cache….
2. Click Empty.

Opera

1. Once your browser is open, select the settings menu and click delete private data.
2. Click the details button.
3. If you do not wish to delete cookies, saved passwords, etc., remove checks from them in the list.
4. Press delete.
5. If you are using the browser, go to History (accessible from the start page (press start button) & extended toolbar) and touch Delete All.
6. Then go to the start page again and touch Settings.
7. Then scroll down until you find Delete Cookies and touch that.

Mozilla SeaMonkey

1. Once your browser is open, click the Edit menu and select Preferences.
2. In the left-side list, open the Advanced node and select Cache.
3. Click the Clear Cache button.

Konqueror

Related posts:

1. Cleaned your Cache?
2. Q&A – Printing Coupons
3. Trouble Printing?

So often we get emails or comments asking where to get a three ring coupon binder. Well there are a lot of different options. We use a Case-It brand binder. Right now there are some good sales on Amazon for Case-It binders and others:

Case-It binders as low as $17.95

No name binders for a few bucks

Vertical Photo Pages for 3-Ring Binders, Holds 6 – 4″x6″ Photos/Page, 10/Pack AVE13401 or you can get them
As low as $2.58 HERE

These are some great links to help get your self a pro-coupon binder

Related posts:

1. My Coupon Binder
2. Case It My Coupon Binder- AKA my number one tool to saving over $8000 in 2010
3. My New Coupon Binder!!!!!

Click here for Online
Couponing 101 Class

Related posts:

1. TLC Extreme Couponing
2. Does Extreme Couponing include milk and meat?
3. Extreme Couponing – Price Comparison Shopping – does it work?

Question from one of my readers…

I  have a question for every couponer out there. Do you ever get sick of couponing? I’m s a stay at home mother of 3 and I’ve been couponing for about a year now and I’m starting to hate it. I have two weeks of inserts not cut and I haven’t even looked through yet. Am I in a coupon funk? I use to love clipping and organizing and seeing all my savings but now I’m loathing going to the supermarket. Has anyone ever gone through this before?

Answer…

YES YES YES!!!!  As much as I love couponing even I get sick of it sometimes, here a few tips:

It’s ok to miss a sale-  If you are like me you get a little rush every time you get a Thrifty deal.   But it is best to take it slow, pick your top “Thrifty Deals” for the week and just try to snag those sale items.

Only shop 1 or 2 stores- It is FUN to get the hot item of the week at each store, but if you run to every store that offers a good deal you may have an awesome stockpile…but you WILL hit coupon burn out way to fast!

Don’t get behind on your clipping- I have to admit that clipping and putting away my coupons is my LEAST favorite job.  But it should only take  30-60 min each week to do this.  To view my video on how I clip my coupons  click here…the only thing I do different now is staple them together before I cut them.  If you do get really behind it is OK to just leave those weeks uncut…and start fresh ( you can always go back just clip the ones you need, but that way it is not so overwhelming)

Take a break-  Yes I said it is OK to take a break. (but still check in my blog…wink)  Before I wrote my blog I would  take a few weeks off from couponing when life just got too busy.  Live off your stock pile for a bit, that is what is there for right!  All it takes is one trip to the store and paying FULL price for a cart of things I know I can get for free to get me excited to coupon again…but the break is nice.

Count your savings-  Keep track of how much you are really saving.  That is why I do my weekly budget review, it helps me see the big picture of how much I really save.  It makes me feel like my hard work is really paying off…and yes proud of what I have done. It gives me the energy to keep it up!

Save for something fun-  Take the money you are saving from couponing and put it towards something fun.  Like a surprise family trip.  Start out saving for something small like going to the movies,  or night out with your hubby… so you can reap the rewards of saving.

Get a coupon buddy- I know lots of people shop with a friend, it is fun to hang out with your girl friends and save at the same time.  OR I know some people coupon with a “buddy” ….you shop one week and your buddy shops the next week and share the weeks savings.  That way you never miss out on the sale, but you only have to shop every other week.

What are your feelings on this….and what tips do you have?   Would love to hear from you all!

Related posts:

1. Q&A- Are you in a coupon Funk?
2. How To Start a Coupon Stockpile- Q&A
3. TLC Extreme Couponing

As many of you know, we have been hard at work the last year trying to get our Coupon Class on DVD.  I will be honest my drive at first for making this class was sparked after talking to one of my fellow bloggers and hearing the huge success and financial gain they had from their own Coupon DVD.  I filmed our own class, found a marketing company and we were well on our way.  But then we seemed to hit one road block after another the whole plan was just put on hold for awhile.

In my heart, something never felt right.  I did not know if it was my own lack of self esteem and did not feel like “my class” was worthy of teaching others to save. Or if it was the fact that I did not feel what I had to share with others was worthy of a DVD…. so I drug my feet.  Then this summer we did our first big giveback event, “Save Lives Save Money”.  At this event we were able to gather over 50 units of blood for the American Red Cross, and 4 huge bins of food for the Idaho Food Bank.  This event we did it in honor of our son Matthew who was born missing the left side of his heart (hypoplastic left heart syndrome).  It was a blessing to do good in honor or him.

If you have attended my  coupon class I take a minute to tell you how and why we started our blog.  It was a way to give back to our friends and family and those “heart moms” who lovingly served and gave to us in our time of need.  Little did we know it would become our full time job and help thousands  of  families save money daily.

One night I was laying in bed not able to sleep, trying to solve all my troubles in the quiet of the night.  My little Matthew was sick that day and I was really worried about him.  I laid in the darkness with my hand on his little chest, so I could feel his heart beating…. praying to my Father In Heaven to once again watch over and protect my sweet little boy.  My mind raced with the many trips to and from the hospital and how blessed we are to have him well and at home.  All at once I realized that I  wanted to go in a totally different direction with my Coupon Class DVD.  I started my blog to give back, I teach my classes to the community for free to give back…. and this online coupon class should continue with the same spirit in giving back.

So, we decided to start a Non-profit Charity called “Save Lives Save Money.org”.  We hope to offer support for families with medical needs.  We also hope to be able to offer families both financial and emotional support as they care for their little ones.

I pray that most of you will NEVER have to  personally  know the heartbreak of almost loosing you child.  But, for those of you who have been there… you know that nothing else matters.  But often life makes you make those hard choices, like only one parent being able to be there for surgery because you can’t afford the extra plane ticket.  Or not being able to afford a medication to make your little one well.  We are in no means going to be able to “save the world” but we hope to make small differences in others lives one step at a time.

So we are excited to let know, on this Thanksgiving day we will  be able to share our full length coupon class (1 hr 15 mins) with all our readers.  You can watch it online,  Instead of selling our class on DVD we are offering it as an online video.  In order to access the online class we ask that you give a donation to Save Lives Save Money charity.  We know that budgets are tight so any donation is welcome, but we ask you to open you hearts and know that these funds will go towards helping others in time of need.

Like many donations, this too may be a tax write off for you. Please talk to your account or tax professional for more info.

After completing the Donation below, you will be taken to the Couponing 101 Class video

For a $5 Donation:

For a $10 Donation:

For a $15 Donation:

For a $20 Donation:

If you feel the need to donate more:

Related posts:

1. Save Money Save Lives- we are looking for 55 volunteers to donate blood on 6/17
2. Save Lives Save Money- save the date 6/17
3. Save Lives Save Money Charity is starting up

Don’t forget about the Couponing 101 class tonight. Seats are full, so come early to get a good seat. it is full for new entries unless you are are already on the waiting list. See you in a few!

Related posts:

1. Dont Forget to enter!
2. Dont Forget to Enter
3. Come to our FREE Coupon Class in Nampa tonight

I am excited to let you know I have teamed up with the Idaho Statesman again and will be offering a FREE COUPON CLASS on November 16th.  We have 215 seats (currently only 120 left)    but they will fill up quickly so you will need to RSVP to reserve your spot.

When: Wednesday, November 16th
Where: Courtyard by Marriott – 1789 S. EAGLE ROAD, MERIDIAN… Near Eagle and Overland Road

Time: 7-8:30 pm

Register online at
forms.idahostatesman.com/couponclass

Any reserved spots not filled just prior to
the start of the class will be
opened up for attendees that do not
have a reservation.

Adults only please

***If you are having a hard time registering you need to click the down arrow to select the event, the coupon class will pull right up.  If you are still not able to sign up you can call the Idaho Statesman to register.

Related posts:

1. FREE Coupon Class 10/16
2. A Thrifty Mom Coupon Class…it’s FREE
3. FREE Coupon Class 2/15 7pm

Thanks to Kelly for passing this along….

I wanted to send this to you and tell you THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! I have always used coupons BUT since reading your site daily I have learned soooo much more! Im sharing with you just a sample of what I am donating this week at our church. Every so often we are given paper grocery bags at church and asked to bring it back with items in it for our local homeless shelter and food pantry. I am always amazed how many people take them and saddened when I dont see very many come back. Times are so hard one everyone! We have an unemployment rate in our town of 12% (much of our area used to be manufacturing) and the recent numbers on how many people are using our food banks are astounding!

Today I took 2 bags. I know I have a fairly decent ( although nothing to call TLC about…not that I would ever do that! )  stockpile of many things. When I got home I was AMAZED and what I had. I was able to fill 4 paper bags AND a small plastic bag full of items! While pulling items they need I realized that with the exception of peanut butter and Ocean Spray Juice I paid less than $0.50 for each item and my entire donation of toothpaste, brushes and floss as well as Vicks were completely FREE!

Without your site I never would have learned how do coupon the right way and ultimately I never would have been able to give back this much to my community and pay so little for it!

I thank you from the bottom of my heart! See the attached pictures of what is being donated!

Im calling them my Coupons for Christ donation!

Related posts:

1. Extreme Couponing?- ONE COUPON PER PURCHASE?
2. Does Extreme Couponing include milk and meat?
3. Extreme Couponing vs. Grateful Couponing- Guest Post

Is your store stocked or cleared out?
I know some of you new coupon shoppers are feeling rather let down, as you put forth the effort to plan the perfect shopping trip. Only to get to the store and find the shelves empty. I wish I had the perfect answer but unfortunately I do not, but here are a few tips I have learned over the years.

Few reasons the store may not have the items in stock:

More coupon shoppers- TLC ‘s new show Extreme Couponing has really brought a lot of attention to couponing in the last month. I was talking with my local store manager and he said they have seen a dramatic increase. There are more coupon binders in the store than ever before, which they love. They are working hard to order in enough products but do not want to be stuck with overstock either. It is a balancing act, and they will get better at knowing supply and demand as time goes on.

Store has a limited supply- Many stores like Walgreens only get an allotted number of the hot promo items for that week. They are more of a quick-stop-shop store NOT a warehouse. This number is normally based on past sales and earning. Stores that get a limited supply are great to get a good deal at….BUT we do not encourage you to stock up or buy large quantities.

Stores do not know of sales that match with coupons- Most stores are aware of the upcoming sales and what their projected sales may be. BUT what many of them do not know is the coupons that may match up with these sales. Thus turning an “ok sale” into a stock up frenzy. For example a store may know that $.50 for a bottle of Propel water is a good price and they may sell 500 bottles, and order accordingly . But they may not know there is a $1.00 off 2 coupon making them FREE. Which means they now have more people wanting the item and the need goes from 500 bottles to 2,500. Most stores would love to move 2,500 bottles they just need to know ahead of time, so they can order in time. I encourage you to get to know your store managers, tell them about upcoming match ups and help them know what to order.

Some stores value coupon shoppers others do not- Not all stores understand the benefit of having coupons used in their store. I have met personally with some store managers that are clueless as to how coupons work, and the fact they they do in fact get paid by the manufacturer for the full face value of the coupons PLUS an $.08 handling fee. They see it as a hassle, choose not to stock up for sales, and really wish you would shop somewhere else. If this is the case, the only advice I have is to try and educate them with a smile, or if you are a chicken like me shop somewhere else

When to shop- You need to be aware that there are better times to shop than others. The first day of the sale, or the day they restock is normally the best time. Early morning is often a good time, because they restock at night at many stores. Don’t hesitate to ask when the next shipment comes in and plan accordingly. Also do not get upset if you walk in the last day of the sale and find empty shelves, as much as the store would love to have every product you want….. do not take it personally if others get to the items first.

Place and order- Many stores will allow you to place an order, if you are buying in large quantities. This will allow you to get what your family needs but not take away from others. Most of my local stores do NOT do this, but I know many other areas do.

Other coupon shoppers clear the shelves - Yes it is sad but not everyone’s Mommy taught them to “play nice” and some couponers will clear the shelves, and buy many more than they really need. BUT getting upset at others actions, really does not help anything. Do not spend hours mourning the loss of your “could have been deal”. Try to lead by example and show the better way to shop. Also do not be to quick to judge, many people will say all I wanted was one…. and that lady took 6. What you may not know is that lady has 10 kids, and she drove 45 minutes to get to the store. Everyone’s needs are different, and if they really are just being greedy then shame on them… but it does us no good to judge others

Most important rule of all THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER SALE- do not let coupons rule your life. Getting a good deal is fun, and helps me provide for my family….. it needs to fit into my life but not take over my life. If you try to hit every sale, and shop every store you will in deed get lots of good deals but at what price? Freebies or good deals are never worth it, if it means my kids do not have time with Mommy. If you miss out on a sale it is ok, another one will roll around……

What tips do you have? I would love to hear them

Related posts:

1. Extreme Couponing- How to find the hot coupon items in stock
2. Extreme Couponing – The right way
3. Extreme Couponing – Price Comparison Shopping – does it work?

When: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6
Where: Courtyard by Marriott – 1789 S. EAGLE ROAD, MERIDIAN… Near Eagle and Overland Road

Time: 7-8:30 pm

Register online at
forms.idahostatesman.com/couponclass

Any reserved spots not filled just prior to
the start of the class will be
opened up for attendees that do not
have a reservation.

Adults only pleas

Related posts:

1. FREE Coupon Class 2/15 7pm
2. FREE Coupon Class June 5th…Save your spot now!
3. Come to our FREE Coupon Class in Nampa tonight

I am excited to let you know that I have teamed up with the Idaho Statesman in a Support Our Troops Coupon Drive.

I will be at their expo booth collecting expired coupons to send to Military Families. They can use these coupons in the over sea commissaries up to 6 months after they expire. For more info on this program check out TroopCoups.

Just for stopping by you can enter to win a Case-it Coupon Binder and a $50 Albertsons Gift Card!!!! 

Date: Friday 9/23/2011

Time: 3-6pm

Place: Woman’s Celebration in Boise, Idaho Statesman Expo Booth

What: Bring your clipped coupons sorted into two groups “food” and “non food”

We will also have information about our upcoming FREE  COUPON CLASS  on October 6.  Come by the booth and be the first to sign up!

START GATHERING THOSE EXPIRED COUPONS!!!! (please only bring newly expired coupons within 45 days)

****************************

For our national readers we want to invite you to be part of this event as well.  You can ship your recently expired coupons (clipped sorted into two groups “food” and “non food”) in a flat rate priority mailer to this address:

Related posts:

1. Support Our Troops coupon drive ~ Woman’s Celebration
2. Support our troops for free!
3. Use coupons and support National Breast Cancer Foundation

MLB Ultra Pro 9 Pocket Pages “Silver Series” (100 pages)

$16.95 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25, or $.17 per page

20 (Twenty Pages) – Pro 6-Pocket Coupon Page (Tall Vertical Slots)

$8.56 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25, or.42 each page

BCW Pro 4-Pocket Page (100 Ct. Box)

$19.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. that is $.20 a sheet

Case-It Locker 3-Inch Q Zipper Binder, Black (LKR-Q-03 BLK)

$19.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25

While this binder is not exactly what I currently use for my coupons, if  I needed to replace mine this is what I would consider.

Related posts:

1. My New Coupon Binder!!!!!
2. My Coupon Binder
3. Supplies for your coupon binder