Thursday, September 3, 2009

Last Saturday, August 29th, I had my Couponizer Brunch Seminar at The Tortilla Press in Collingswood, NJ. Like I mentioned earlier, I knew this brunch would be a great way for me to introduce the Couponizer system and how to get started saving REAL money using coupons in a fun and relaxed way.

So many people tell me that their coupons are a mess, they don't have the time to use coupons, etc. Yes, clipping coupons does take some time, as does learning how to use them effectively, but the savings you can realize *every week* makes that brief investment SO worth it!

At this seminar, first we got settled & ordered our brunch. The brunch specials at The Tortilla Press are awesome and a really great price (click here to visit their website!) Once we were enjoying the fresh squeezed oj and the delicious cinnamon nachos I went through the basics of how to save money with coupons, in general. Hint: Planning is #1!

After we enjoyed our meals, we got into the basics of the Couponizer system. Here I am going over how to use the Couponizer to keep organized while you are in the store:

Once I went over how to use the Couponizer, we talked about how to use coupons effectively. This included our local store coupon policies (such as who has the best coupon policies & what stores don't accept *any* internet coupons), where to find coupons and how to start saving BIG. This includes the beloved CVS, where you can combine Extra Care Bucks with Manufacturer coupons (like the one I'm holding below) to get your toiletries and household items for very little $!


Once everyone broke into her Couponizer, I fielded questions from the group:


My favorite was the question from Kat (far left, below) which had to do with buying things you don't need just because you have a coupon. Don't do it! That is one of the mistakes I made when I was a beginner, was to buy something because I had a coupon or because my coupon was about to expire. If it is not something you were planning to buy, or you could get an equally acceptable item for a lower price (like a generic), don't feel like you have to use the coupon. Coupons are tools to save you money, not an obligation! And, of course, good coupons come around every week! =)


Thanks to all of the attendees for coming out for my first seminar--I know that we all had a great time & I love your emails about your first shopping trip with the Couponizer! Don't forget you can always contact me with any questions.


And for those (many!) of you who wanted to come, but couldn't make this date I will be having more seminars like these in the future. If you are interested in having me speak for your group (women's group, MOPS group, etc.) feel free to contact me!
Special thanks:
To Chef Mark at The Tortilla Press for the delicious meal & giving us a great meeting place in your lovely restaurant!
And for Jamie at Ju'see Photos for taking a break from the seminar to capture these great pictures. In the Philly area and need a photographer? Click here to check out Jamie's website!

3 comments:

LDawson said...

This was so fun and so helpful! I hope you have another one soon! You explain everything in a way that everyone understands and can apply it to their life. Thanks!

Emily said...

Great reminder about not shopping according to your coupons... I fall into that trap of buying things I wouldn't have otherwise just because I have a coupon.

Kat Quarterman said...

Thank you so much for the seminar!! I forgot to tell you, I saved over $60 at the grocery store and I was so so so excited!! That was my first time ever using so many coupons...your system made it so easy for me!

Kat
www.pleasureprinciplesteam.com