Couponing expert offers tips for savings in “Couponing 101”
The average American family spends about 13 percent of their annual household income on food, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and that percentage continues to rise as grocery costs go up.
“Food is a necessity, but by investing a little time and energy, you can reduce that percentage significantly, and that puts money in your pocket,” says Lombard resident Rachel Singer Gordon, couponing expert and author of the book, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Couponing."
Gordon is presenting a free seminar called “Coupons 101: Plan, Clip and SAVE!” as part of the 12th annual Money Smart Week® sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and more than 60 DuPage County partners. The seminar will take place on Tuesday, April 23 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Carol Stream Public Library, 616 Hiawatha Drive. Registration is required by calling the library at 630.344.6123 or emailing cstream@cslibrary.org.
Gordon says her goal is to save 50 percent or more on her grocery and drug store bills, but she says anyone can save significantly, even 20 percent or more, just by shopping sales and spending about half an hour a week on planning. She suggests using a local couponing blog or web site, such as her site, MashupMom.com, to do the work for you.
Gordon also advises, “Coupons become much more valuable when you wait to use them on sale items, so when you can combine a coupon and a sale and get an item at its lowest price point, stock up on enough of the item to last a few months.”
Gordon will also address myths around couponing, such as that there aren't coupons for healthy food. She will provide examples of how to find coupons for produce, meat, gluten free foods and more.
To learn more about the other events in your area, please visit http://www.moneysmartweek.org and click on “Find an Event,” then select Illinois and choose DuPage County from the pull-down menu.
ABOUT MONEY SMART WEEK DUPAGE
During the 12th annual Money Smart Week DuPage taking place April 20-27, 2013, DuPage residents can get money saving advice at more than 45 events. Money Smart Week is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. This is achieved through the collaboration and coordinated effort of organizations across the county including businesses, financial institutions, schools, libraries, not-for-profits, government agencies and the media. These groups come together once a year to stress the importance of financial literacy, inform consumers about where they can get help and provide free educational seminars and activities. For more information, visit moneysmartweek.org and click on Find an Event, click on Illinois and select DuPage County.