Time 2 $ave ~ Time 2 Give ~ Time 4 Hope

It's not just getting a deal, it's about making a difference!!

Those of you who have already attended a workshop know that Time 2 $ave isn't just about saving money.  God has spoken a vision of ministry in our hearts to teach people how to save for their family so that they can then turn around and make a purposeful committment to give to others.  Thus creating hope in the lives of hurting people.  We received the testimony below today and had to share it with all of you.  What an inspiration of a heart to bless others. 

I attended a workshop at the end of March @ Allen Elementary in Soddy Daisy. When I left I was so excited! Not only because I could help my family save money, but because I felt like I could do something else...something MORE!! I think it is awesome how you followed what God was leading you to do regarding giving, and am excited to say your workshop has been an answer to my prayers!!

My son Nikolas, who is 3 1/2 was diagnosed last year with Wilms Tumor. This is a form of kidney cancer. You can read his story at www.carepages.com/carepages/nikolas

On our year long journey I have come to realize how a cancer diagnosis, while not something you wish to encounter, can be a 'blessing in disguise' - we just have to ask God to pull the mask off and reveal the blessing to us!! I have become more patient with my children, appreciate the 'mundane' things, and am more quick to lend a helping hand. When Nik was diagnosed, he was admitted to TC Thompson and we were blessed with wonderful nurses and doctors. Not only that, the Ronald McDonald House Family Room was right there on the Oncology floor - not even 2 minutes away from our room. If you have never heard about the Family Room, go to RMHChattanooga.com. This small area was a great place for me to go get a cup of coffee, take a real shower, or just sit and get my thoughts together. While there I could also wash my clothes or get a snack - sometimes even a full meal. When we left the hospital, I knew I wanted to help Ronald McDonald House Charities, but wasn't sure how.

Nik started chemotherapy at TC Thompson Oncology Clinic and, again were blessed with wonderful clinic nurses and staff. Chemo days are not easy for anyone - The patient, for obvious reasons, and for me as a caregiver, the days were long. While OUR days were long, we were blessed because Nik had his chemo administered via a push, and was not hooked up to an IV for hours, some kids were there 8, 10, sometimes even 12 hours! The longest part of our 'chemo days' were waiting for the blood work to come back letting us know if Nik's counts were high enough to get his dosage. I am thankful to say he was able to get all of his chemo and was never admitted to the hospital - he even overcame the dreaded Swine Flu!! He has been in remission since October and just yesterday he had his port where the chemo was administered removed!!

Many times while we were in the clinic we would visit the kitchen for something to eat or drink. The kitchen was stocked with sodas, juice, Little Debbies, cereal bars, and some non perishables like microwavable mac and cheese, soups, and peanutbutter. This got me thinking how hard it is for a caregiver to be in the clinic over the lunch hour - while these foods are good, they don't really 'satisfy'. I have petitioned businesses, churches, and organizations to commit to supplying a full meal to the clinic - with zero luck.

The good news is though, with the gift of knowledge of how to save money by using coupons, I can make a difference at both the Ronald McDonald House Family Room AND the TC Thompson Children's Oncology Clinic!! I plan to take $20 each month and use it with my coupons, of course to get things that are needed - from food to laundry soap.

I began praying about 6 weeks into Nik's journey how I could 'give back' and am excited and thankful God lead me to your workshop so I can.

Thank you again for this great opportunity to share blessings!!

~D. S. ~ married 15 years with 3 children, working PT, saving money on my groceries and making a difference to cancer families!!!!

 Our vision is to inspire consumers across America by creating Hope.

Time 2 Save = Hope 4 your family’s finances

Time 2 Give = Hope for your community

Time 4 Hope = Hope for eternity

Strut Your Stuff!! Come share your testimony with us!!

From the moment we were asked to teach our first class God has given us favor and OPENED doors that we didn't know existed.  We know it's not us - we are incapable without Him.  We always want to honor God with what he has entrusted to us and a very big part of that is all of YOU.  We know there are money saving blogs all over the internet, but we want to thank you for attending our workshops, visiting our blog, and most of all passing on the message of hope to others through your heart to give.

 Come by and share your testimony today (Saturday April 10th) at 2:00pm at the Mountain View Inn at 2400 Executive Park Dr. Cleveland, TN 37312 (formerly the Holiday Inn).  Don't be shy...we really want to hear your story.  We want you to be a part of an incredible project we have in the works!!  Leave a comment & let us know if you'll be able to stop by. 

Share your Testimony.  Speak hope into the lives of others!!

Mission Control - We call it a Miracle in the Making!

Another Testimonial - Keep them coming!!

I attended your workshop on Saturday at Westside Baptist in Warner Robins.Here's one of the deals I was able to get at Walgreens: Buy 4 Dayquil orNyquil @ $5.00 each. Use the $2.00 coupon off on each from Telegraph 1/17,making them $3.00 each. Then Walgreens prints you a $10.00 coupon on thepurchase. After, the first purchase they are practically free. I haveattached photos of my purchases! Dawn B.

~~~~Okay Gals, you middle Ga folks mean business!!~~~~~

Thanks for sending in your testimonial and pics.  A week ago that would have cost you at least $100.00!!  That is an amazing feat to tackle Walgreen's like that.  You Go Girl!!

Thanks to all of you for your patience last week.  For those of you who did not attend the workshop, Kelly was planning on teaching.  She was already in Macon, GA and had set everything up on Friday ready for the next morning.  THEN....... she was either hit by a virus or food poisoning.  She called me around 3:50 am to tell me that she had been up all night vomiting.  So I jumped up, got dressed as fast as I could and drove down to Warner Robbins which is about a 3 1/2 - 4 hour dirve.  I arrived at 9:10am with about 100 ladies waiting for me.  Thanks again for everyones patience, I enjoyed spending the day with you and am so excited to hear from each one of you how much are saving!!  (Kasey)

Testimonial ~ Just 4 Days after attending workshop!!

This is a pic of the groceries I just bought at Publix after attending your class last Saturday.

Total cost: $ 93.68

Coupon/Store Savings $48.52

Transfered Rx received gift card for: $25.00

Cash paid: $20.16

Total Saved: $73.52

Percentage Saved: 81.5%

Thank you!!!Trasee D. 

recieved via email 1/20/2010

WOW!!  It has only been FOUR days since the workshop and look at how much Trasee saved!!  Thanks for emailing us your pics and savings!  You guys are the best advertising we could ever have!  Thank you for supporting us, attending our workshops, and all of your kind words of encouragement.

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A word to those in desperate need of hope......

God is faithful, no matter where you are financially, there is HOPE!  We both have testimonies of God's goodness and faithfulness to us during extreme financial pressure.  Your hope will go far beyond cutting your grocery bill in half, which in itself is an incredible testimony.  This journey can take you to a place of radical giving out of your abundance.           

Ephesians 3:20 (New King James Version)

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think,

according to the power that works in us

Time 2 $ave in the News ~ Testimonial

Below is an article in The Herald-News.  Debby attended a workshop in Cleveland at Wesley Memorial Church this past July.  Then, she hosted a Time 2 $ave Workshop at her church, Dayton First Baptist, last month.  Wow!  Debby, you are awesome!  Looking forward to coming back to your church March 6th 2010!


The coupon craze: Local women taking hints from 'coupon queens,' use clippings to save cash.

Coupon-clipper Debby McCuiston of Dayton shows off a long receipt and a counter full of goods that cost a fraction of their original prices. Thanks to numerous coupons, McCuiston has saved close to $1,000 since July.

Shoppers shouldn't be so quick to toss those coupons in the trash; in the right hands, they could be as good as gold.  Dedicated coupon clippers from Rhea County have already saved thousands, and Dayton local, Debbie McCuiston, is one of them.

"It's just amazing," said McCuiston. "A couple weeks ago I spent $250 [at the grocery store] but walked out having paid $47."

McCuiston got started in huge coupon savings when she heard about a coupon workshop based in Cleveland, Tenn.  The coupon workshops were the brainchild of two Tennessee stay-at-home moms who, like many in the area, were struggling to make ends meet in the economy.

After heavily researching coupons, deals, online savings and common store policies, the two women started saving such significant amounts that others started noticing. Interest in coupon clipping grew so great that after a small couponing class drew a crowd of 200 people, their business, Time 2 $ave, was born.

These two moms, nicknamed the "coupon queens," now travel around the country teaching others the same strategies and techniques that have worked so well for their families.  In the workshops, people learn how to find good coupons, whether in-store, directly from the manufacturer or an online resource, then how to wait for the sales and put them to good use.

Many area businesses, such as Spring City's Piggly Wiggly and Dayton's Bi-Lo and Fred's, allow the "doubling" of coupons, where customers can use both the in-store coupon and the manufacturer's coupon on the same item up to a certain amount.

"Just make sure to monitor the expiration dates on the coupons before bringing them to us," said Bi-Lo manager Jane Draper. "If we take out-of-date coupons, the store loses money, and that loss will eventually lead to higher prices."

Bi-Lo also offers its own online collection of printable coupons, available to anyone with a bonus card, said Draper.  Some stores go so far as to accept coupons from any store:
"Publix in Hixson is wonderful," said McCuiston. "They take everybody's coupons as long as they cover the same brand. A lot of times you pay pennies for things."

The typical response from many people is that they don't have the time to deal with coupons, but after the initial setup and figuring out a good filing system, it's not that hard, said McCuiston.  "It's a ministry and a comfort to know I'm doing the best for my family," she added. "I can send my kids [who live out of state] $100 worth of stuff that cost me less than $25."

Avoiding the stingy, difficult stereotypes of coupon clippers takes some work as well, said McCuiston, who makes it a point to shop at less busy times and "stay nice."
"Some people [using coupons] are not considerate, but you've got to protect your testimony at all costs," she said. "Don't be demanding. They're doing you a service by taking your coupons, and we're doing them a service by [shopping with them]."

McCuiston hopes that more Rhea county vendors will become increasingly cooperative in their coupon policies.

"I would rather stay in Dayton and keep my money here," she said.

For those interested, Dayton First Baptist Church will host one of the couponing workshops in March. Unused coupons can be dropped off at the church as well. More information can be found at www.time2saveworkshops.com or by calling Debbie McCuiston at 775-6517.
Elisabeth Hollingsworth can be reached at elisabeth.hollingsworth@rheaheraldnews.com


Published: 5:03 PM, 11/06/2009
Elisabeth Hollingsworth
Source: The Herald-News

DATE CHANGE FOR WORKSHOP MARCH 6TH

Thank you Debbie, for stressing the importance of how we present ourselves to others.  As we tell anyone who attends our workshops ~ we are all a light and a testimoney everywhere we go, don't let it ruin your testimony.    

Incredible results in five weeks!

~Testimonial from recent couponing workshop~

Before we were married, my husband and I decided live on one income so I could be at home with any children we might have. The Lord has blessed us with 2 kids and I have been able to be home with them since birth. But doing this, financially, is not always easy. Even though I don't bring in any money, by spending wisely and saving, I am contributing. My family and I are on the Dave Ramsey system. For 3 years now, in every area of our lives, I have been able to stay on a budget. I have even cut back in some areas, but my grocery bill never seems to go down. With a 3 and 5 year old, it seems to go up every year. That is until I met you two. It has been 5 weeks since I took your first class and my grocery budget has gone down from 95 to 75$ per week. My goal is 45$ per week. The rest will go to my kids college fund (another way I can contribute).

I have always loved getting a deal and being frugal, so this was right up my alley. Now, I regularly save 50% or more on my stockpile items. I get to shop at Publix and Bi-lo and I don't have to buy great value!!! I love Wednesday and Sunday mornings, when I run to get the paper in the driveway. It's taken me a few weeks but I am not embarrassed to take my coupon binder into stores. I am in awe of the ladies with the binders too thick to close. My best shopping trip to date was to Publix. I spent 4.17 and saved 28.36. My husband was with me and when he saw the total, he was amazed. During that trip, I asked the manager for clarification on a sale item. Later, he found me in the store to see if he could help me with anything else. We about fell over from shock. Never would have happened at Wal-mart! The next day at Publix (a new sale week), I spent 7$, saved 21$ - on 14 items. I got cheerios for 40 cents per box. I can't thank you all enough for your ministry. God is blessing you two for being good stewards of his money.

Sincerely, Elizabeth
received via email 9/19/2009

Thanks Elizabeth!  We appreciate your sharing your $avings with us.  We know that without God's hand on us we are incapable of this.  He has been faithful to us to open doors, give us favor, and to send hurting people in need of hope in their finances.

~Testimonials~

Hey Girls, Wanted to tell both of you Thank You!!!!
The first thing I check when I get on the computer is your blog spot, to see what you have added I LOVE IT!
Just to share a lil bit of a few trips to the stores with you.
The week of 8/26-9/2 Publix had A-1 Steak Sauce BOGO, Woohoo $2 each! We love A1. You had typed "great Ebay" out by the A1 when doing match-ups for Publix that week. I broke down went to Ebay & searched it, I bought 10 A-1 coupons for $2.00/1 for $1.75 on Thursday. Guess what was in my mailbox on MONDAY!!! I went straight to Publix bought 10 bottles of A-1, 5 bottles were $2 each & 5 were $1.99 each. all for $1.75 and a little patience. This really works!!!

Bilo trip 9/12 this was exciting because it was the first time the cashier said to me "Wow that's awesome when you save more than you spent" That will put a smile on your face

Subtotal before savings was $70.20
My savings $42.75
Subtotal after savings $27.45
tax $ 3.28
Total $30.78

CVS trip 9/8
1 Cvgrl Foundation $4.99
1 cvgrl press powder $4.99
M&M's $0.67

Coupon for $1 off of Foundation
coupon for free product with purchase of foundation
$5 xtra bucks
Total paid OOP was .99

This is so much fun to see what you can get for CHEAP!!!!

Monday Evening my husband decided he wanted to take me out for dinner, I said well let me see where I have a coupon for, his statement was"Life is not all about a coupon" I dare him. I did not say a word. After dinner we take a little tip to Publix to pickup $10 worth of groceries to get our .1 item as he figured out we were paying .25 for Toaster strudels he asked "you have anymore of those coupons?" I politely said "life is not all about coupons". After actually going with me & seeing his already ask whats on sale this week!
I can't say THANK YOU enough for what both of you are doing.
God Bless
Melissa S.
received via email 9/17/2009

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I went to your seminar in Jasper last week. I went to Publix this week - not my normal store but it was 7 miles one way from my school. Using your recommendations I spent $43 and saved $26. The coupons saved me $10 and the reg. retail sales saved me $16. Thank you!!! I love couponing (and get cheap or free stuff!)


Beth Ake
received via email 9/17/2009

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The savings are going great. I don't know how I ever thought I was saving money before - but when I have to buy something without a sale and coupon -it kinda hurts my feelings, not to mention my wallet.

Do you ladies happen to know if there is a couponing group around here - a coupon round-robin if you will? I have lots of baby and make-up coupons that I know someone else could use - as I am sure there are people that may have coupons that I could use.

BTW - I followed up on your advice about the expired coupons and have discovered that you can actually adopt a military base over seas. I have adopted my husband's former base in Korea to send my coupons to. I recently recieved a letter from one of the families telling my how thankful they were that there are still people here who care about them. That just made my day!

Thanks for all of your help, tips and kind words. You have really turned my year around.

Thanks again,
Tiffany
recieved via email 8/28/2009

Okay, this is by far the best and funniest testimonial we have read in a while.  Kelly and I nearly laughed our britches off this morning when we got this email.  Coupon Lady, thank you for taking the time to send us your story.  To everyone else out there who has a "story," email us at time2save@hotmail.com. We are launching a new campaign - Time 2 $ave Time 2 Give and we want to hear from you.  Also, if you read our previous post HERE it might land you a spot on TV.

~The Coupon Lady~

I am a 31 year old man, with three kids...and now my nickname at work is "The Coupon Lady." You know what....I don't care. Neither do the other husbands from our church that all went on this little coupon class of yours. Here is our story.

"How much could this actually save us?" we asked. Spending hours disecting a newspaper to save $1.45 from a $2.00 Sunday paper did not sound like a good deal to me. Being the good husbands that we were, we all submitted and escorted our loving brides to this henfest. We were all expecting to be subject to the incessant babbling of a hundred women about the best place to buy candles, and why their husbands who didn't come were a bunch of dogs.

What we learned, changed our lives...and those of the ones around us. I've said a hundred times before "If it doesn't say Great Value on it...we don't need it!" Oh how mistaken I was. I now have two jam packed refrigerators, two packed freezers, and my wife has rearranged the kitchen three times to find room for our new found food wealth. The kicker is, that it is all BRAND NAME food!

This week at church, a family in need was brought up that needed food to survive. Instead of blowing the dust off of that one can of Sourkrout in the back of the cupboard and a few other items I didn't think we'd ever eat, we were able to gladly supply this family with GOOD brand name food. We were able to give them what we would normally buy in a grocery trip for our family. Because of our newfound skill, we were excited to pick out things we knew this family would enjoy.

To all of us husbands at church now, gone are the talks of Football scores, and NASCAR races. We bring our receipts and brag of our savings, or finding the deal that they didn't. "You saved 70%...that's not to bad. I SAVED 80%!! TAKE THAT!!! Have you ever seen men that raced to the grocery stores on Wednesday morning before work....we do now!

I am such the nerd, that I have been keeping a spreadsheet of our savings. You will find it attached. In only three weeks we have filled our cabinets, eaten better than we ever have, and saved over $1,000 while doing it. Thank you for your classes, and we at Boynton Church of God are glad you will bring your class to our church.

Jay "The Coupon Lady"

Just Added New Workshop in Ringgold, GA

Boynton Church of God
1956 Three Notch Rd
Ringgold, GA 30736
November 6th (Friday)6:30pm - Couponing 101
November 7th(Saturday) 10:00am - Couponing 102
November 7th (Saturday) 1:30pm - Couponing 103

After some of the girls from Boynton Church of God attended the workshops at Bethel Baptist Church in Harrison, TN it created such excitement in their community that they decided to host a workshop.  One of the ladies called today to make sure that she had the workshop booked before attending church tonight so that she could share the good news!  See testimony below:

First of all thank you so much for introducing us to another world of savings...we are addicted!! I attended the workshop at New Bethel Baptist in Harrison on August 14th and 15th.  Can you see what dates you have available now? Our members, family, and friends are going crazy when we tell them about our deals and ask me daily if I have scheduled a workshop for all of them. My pastor's wife called me this morning and gave me the few dates that we have something on our calender. I am looking forward to getting you guys scheduled and seeing you both again!
J.M. via email received 9/8/2009

Dear Kelly and Kasey,
My sister, niece and myself attended your class this weekend. I've been couponing for quite some time and didn't really know if I would learn anything new at your workshops. To say the least.....I did! You both really know your stuff! I tried out all that I learned, by using the coupons that I had in my "stash". the store ads and your website! I was able to save a total of 53% on my one-day shopping spree! I saved more in some places, less in others, depending on my coupons and the store deals. My next goal is set at 70% Total Savings!

Thank you both for your ministry. I know that this will be a "life-saver" for so many people in these tough economic times.
Peace & Love to you both-
M. B.

Publix -
Spent $ 41.83 -
Saved $ 25.34
Saved around 38%
Biggest Bargain - $ 1.34 for Aunt Jemima Pancakes - Used Target coupon and clipped coupon totalling $ 1.50 - $.16 cents overage

BI-LO
Spent $ 70.73
Saved $ 49.86
Saved around 42%
Biggest Bargain- Budweiser Barbeque sauce - paid 25 cent bottle after coupon!

Walgreens
Spent $ 13.07 ($ 12.07 after RR)
Saved - $53.40
Saved around 80%

Still have $ 1.00 in rolling receipts (RR)
What I brought home- Tide Detergent, 2 Gillette Fusion razors Regular $ 9.00 each (Found.On Clearance - 57 cents each after coupon), 1 off brand razor set (free), 2 Colgate total toothpastes, 1 Rembrandt toothpaste Regular $ 5.00 (free)., Thera Flu Liquid nighttime cough syrup, feminine pads,

CVS
Spent - $ 16.81 ( $ 5.81 after extra bucks)
Saved - $ 29.37
Saved around 88% after extra bucks
Still have Extra Bucks to spend - $ 11.00
Total amount paid out of pocket after extra bucks $ 5.81
What I brought home - 1 bounce dryer bar ,(reg 3.99), 3 - 2oz. glade candles (free after coupons), 1 bottle head/shoulders shampoo (reg 4.99), 1 Fusion Razor, (reg 8.99) & 1 Large Glade Candle (reg. 6.99)

KMart
Spent - $ 38.28
Saved $ 27.85
Saved around 41%
What I brought Home - Axe shower soap, 2 arrid deodorants, q-tips, scrubbing bubbles toilet cleaner, scrubbing bubbles shower cleaner, Scott bath tissues - 2 - 4pkgs, all detergent, ocean spray juice,(not on sale and busted some of my budget) 2- 20lb tidy cat litter containers, bottle of novelty drink (not on my list either)
Total Shopping for the day -
Paid out of pocket $ 169.72
Saved - $ 185.82

Total Savings - 53%
recieved via email 9-1-2009

~Testimonials from recent workshops~

Thanks to all of you who have attended Time 2 $ave workshops. Your testimonials are awesome!! Keep sending us your savings and examples of your giving. Your hearts to give are such an inspiration, and will encourage those who have not yet attended a workshop the added benefit to saving is being able to give.

Let us know how you have been able to bless the lives of others through such an unlikely source,"couponing." You can be the hands and feet of Christ reaching out to a desperate nation.

~Time 2 $ave, and Time 2 Give!!!~
Email us your stories at time2save.hotmail.com

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I wanted to tell you both how much I enjoyed your class. I think I had a preconceived notion that this would not be a "fun" class to attend. I stand corrected. :) You both had a wealth of knowledge, you engaged the crowd, and kept it upbeat and positive! I was amazed that two hours had passed by so quickly. Thank you again for the wonderful service you provide our community, especially during this tough economic climate.

Tori M.
received via email 8/16
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I had my first transaction yesterday where they actually owed me money. At Walgreen’s I bought the Neosporin ($2.00 Activity Book coupon and $1.00 manufacturer coupon) and Baid Aids (50/1 coupon)and 2 of the Listerine Agent Blue (B1G1 coupon and $1.00 off coupon), total out of pocket was $6.57,and then I got RR’s for $4.00 on the Neosporin deal and $3.00 on the Listerine deal. I then turned around and bought 3 Huggies diaper wipes ($2.00 activity book coupon x3, 3- 50/1 coupons), 4 Velveeta cups ($1.00 Back to School book coupon, 2-B1G1 coupons), 1 3-pack Orbit gum at $2.00, 1 4-piece set of children’s squirt guns clearenced priced at $2.50, also got 2 free Sharpie Highlighter packs (2- 99/1 coupons)and 1 free Ecotrin (1- $2.25 coupons. I used a $3.00 off $15.00 money coupon then the $4.00 and $3.00 RR’s and then my manufacturer’s coupons then the Walgreen coupons and with that layout of coupons I had not problems and they owed me .14 cents, had to buy a sucker and give them .47 cents but what the heck. Ah the thrill of the deal…….GG

Thank you so much for all you do to keep us informed.

Just wanted to post another deal I did at lunch in case someone wants to try it……..I bought 2 boxes of the character band aids (used the $2.00 coupon in the activity book and 2- 50/1 manufacturer’s coupons) and bought 2 Listerine Cool Blue rinses (used B1G1 manufacturer’s coupon, 2 $1.00 manufacturer’s coupons and the $1.00 coupon out of the activity book) Total out of pocket was $5.27, would have been $4.27 but she took off the free one before running the $1.00 coupons so it would only take 1. I received a $4.00 RR and a $3.00 RR for this transaction……I then bought 4 Huggies Wipes (used the $2.00 coupon in the Back to School coupon book and 2- $1.50 off Huggies Diaper Product that I found on Coupons.Com, they work for the wipes). I bought 4 Soft Soap pumps at 2/$2.79 (used 4- 2.00 coupons) and I bought 2- 3 packs of the Orbit gum at 2/$4.00. I gave her my $4.00 RR and the $3.00 RR and my manufacturer’s coupons and when all was said and done I owed them .03 that’s right 3 cents and got a $1.00 RR to use the next time. This coupon stuff rocks……….

GG -
received via email 8/13/09
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Just wanted to let you both know what a blessing you have been to so many people. Thank you ,Cennetta C.
received via email 7/27
************************************************************************************* Good morning!
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your workshop at Sherwood this past weekend. You have gotten me absolutely on fire for couponing!!!

I've got my 5 meals (with ingredients) planned out, my "must-haves", and bought 2 copies of the Sunday paper (it's a start!)..

I'm starting by checking out Publix's B1G1 and matching them up w/ coupons from some of the sites you recommended. My kids are SO excited about the future "gift boxes" we're planning to give to the local pregnancy center, and an in-patient drug rehab center that a friend of ours runs (looking forward to your class on CVS and Walgreen's for that one!).

I talked to 3 people already that missed your class and had wanted to attend.
Can't wait to hear back from you!!! You have an absolutely wonderful - and needed - ministry! May God bless you and your families a thousand-fold!

Best,
Pat F.
received via email 7/27
************************************************************************************* Hi Ladies! Thank you so much for all of the info you shared last week at the coupon 101, 102 and 103 classes in Cleveland – I really learned a lot. I have done back to school shopping and regular grocery shopping – using your tips – I have saved over $200. This is very exciting for my family! The past couple of years we normally would have bought the minimum and the off brand things to get started for school – but this year they will be starting with enough supplies that are known and trusted brands for a fraction of what I have spent in the past for cheaper items. Also – the pantry and my two freezers are beginning to fill – and this is thrilling for everyone in my home.

Thank you again – the rest of the year is already looking much brighter now. I think we are going to be okay.

Tiffany F.
received via email 7/23/2009
************************************************************************************* Hi, Thank you so much for yesterday's workshop @ Omega Harvest Church.
I really enjoyed it & all the information you shared. I hope to be able put it all to use.
You are doing a great service for a lot of families by sharing your knowledge.
Sincerely,

Amy M.
received via email 7/19

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Our 1st receipt when we saved more than we spent-yeah!
David H.
received via email 7/16


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Last week I found my 1st "find". My Publix had a display for Pepperidge Farm bread on sale for $2 per loaf. The vendor had placed a $1 off mfg coupon on it. I had target coupons for $.75 off for Pepperidge Farm bread. Before the $2 sale went off, I had bought a dozen loaves of bread for a quarter each! Thanks for teaching us how to do that!

I can't tell you how much I've saved already because I haven't taken time to add it up. But from my normal budget last week I had $20 leftover that I didn't need to spend!

Sharon D.
received via email 7/06/09
************************************************************************************* Hi Ladies,

I wanted to tell you again how much I enjoyed your Sunday PM workshop. I hope I can find a way to attend the first and third classes.

I've filled up my baseball card holders already and am anxious to get out and get more. I saw someone else from the class at Publix tonight, so your disciples are out and working!

I think you'd be proud of my trip. I bought a few items that weren't rock bottom, but that I really like anyway :)

Here's what I got for 21.53 incl. tax:
2 large coffee mate liquid creamers
4 boxes Kotex liners
1 Kraft and Shells meal
2 jars Claussen pickles (which are yummy--I'd never bought them before)
2 packages Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
28 pack Publix water
6 packs Athenos feta
1 Apple juice (penny item)
1 Pepperidge Farm Bread

So 21.53 OOP, 33.50 saved. This is the first time I tried to use a competitor coupon with a mfr. The cashier wasn't sure about it, but I swore I'd checked the policy and wasn't trying to do anything wrong.

Thanks again. I enjoyed meeting you both. Your personalities complement each other well and you make a good team!

Sharon M.
received via email 6/29/2009

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Wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the couponing classes. They are really coming in handy. I am saving a bundle. Thanks again!
-Kelly
received 6/22 via email

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Testimonial from the Wesley Memorial Workshop

Hey girls!

I really enjoyed your class this week! I came away with some great information that I can't wait to use! I just wanted to share my little bi-lo trip with you. I ordered me some sunny d coupons on ebay the other day and they came in today....couldn't wait to use them. I bought 10 bottles of sunny d and 1 box of pasta salad. After using all my coupons my subtotal was 19 cents and after tax it was 66 cents! My kids love sunny d! I'm going to try to get a few more sunny d coupons before the end of the month to stock up with a few more!:)

I went on Saturday to Publix bought 20 box of waffles for 19 cents each and got $10 in fruit for free...and also sent off the rebate for the kellogs products..so I will get back $10 too. That is just the greatest deal!:)

Thanks Again,
A.D.

WOW!! You are doing awesome. We can hardly believe that you just attended the workshops last week and you are already saving so much!! Thanks for sending us your savings.

Did you catch the article about Time 2 $ave in the Saturday Edition of Chattanooga Times Free Press?

Ministry of coupons
Saturday, June 27, 2009

By: Clint Cooper (Contact)

When Cleveland stay-at-home moms Kasey Trenum and Kelly Thompson started a ministry and business in February teaching the art of couponing, it wasn't to pass the time between manicures.

For both women, whose husbands' jobs were affected by the downtown in the economy, it was out of financial necessity.

"Being two stay-at-home moms with five children (among them), this is our job," said Mrs. Trenum.

And while it's a job for both women, it's also a ministry. Both believe the roots of their work -- called Time 2 $ave -- came from a Beth Moore Bible study they were taking on the biblical book of Esther.

"We believe God called us for such a time a time as this," Mrs. Trenum said, citing a passage in Esther. At few other times has there been a time, she said, "where people would be so hungry."

The two women teach three different two-hour couponing workshops, covering everything from why it's important to use coupons to the importance of stockpiling to the secrets of getting the most out of drug stores.

When more than 200 people came to a free February session at a Cleveland church when they were helping out a friend, Mrs. Trenum said she and Mrs. Thompson realized they could make a difference in their families and in the lives of other people.

Since then, they have offered a dozen or so workshops at churches in Chattanooga, Cleveland and the surrounding areas and have additional ones scheduled from Ohio to middle Georgia.

Their workshops offer common sense on dollars and sense, but they also bring in people who may not have set foot in a church in years.

"We're meeting people where they are," Mrs. Trenum said. "We share testimony throughout the whole thing."

More than half of the 150 people who attended a workshop at their home church of North Cleveland Church of God, for instance, didn't attend church there.

"In our economy," Mrs. Trenum said, "people are desperate."

Some 45 people attended a couponing workshop earlier this month at Dallas Bay Baptist Church.

"I thought the response was wonderful," said Amy Phillips, director of women's ministry. "We had nothing but positive feedback. Just last week, somebody shared with me how they had implemented some of the (suggested) practices on a recent shopping trip" and saved 50 percent off their grocery bill.

What she liked, she said, was that consumers can take small steps and don't have to implement every piece of advice at once. It builds on itself, she said. You learn as you go.

Jennifer Butler, wife of John Butler, pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church, said she previewed a couponing workshop before her congregation decided to host one in August.

"They're very careful about how they present this," she said. "It's not just about saving money, it's about honoring the Lord with our finances. (He wants us) to be good stewards over whatever given us."

Mrs. Trenum said she and Mrs. Thompson, who had grown up very frugally, had done couponing before their economic problems. Now, she said, the grocery store doesn't determine her shopping. A trip to the grocery store that once cost several times as much now might cost her $30.

"It's a completely different lifestyle," she said. "The additional benefit is more time at home with our families."

Mrs. Trenum said things had gotten so out of hand with their constantly eating out that when they began to eat at home, her children would state what they wanted to order.

"We needed to retrain them," she said. "This is teaching them self-discipline and self-control instead of instant gratification. It's teaching them lifelong lessons."

SAVINGS EXAMPLE

A recent trip to Publix for Mrs. Trenum yielded nearly $150 worth of savings for her family from coupons and in-store bargains when she purchased the following:

1 gallon milk

8 individual Publix spring waters

14 4-pack canisters of Crystal Light

4 boxes of 10-packet single servings of Crystal Light

1 gallon Hawaiian Punch

4 Chef Boyardee Micro Dinners

2 bottles of Kraft BBQ Sauce

2 bottles Lawry's marinade

1 6-pack spring water

1 can Duncan Hines frosting

1 package fresh ground chuck

6 boxes Ritz crackers

6 boxes Wheat Thin crackers

1 package Hefty OneZip gallon freezer bags

1 snack size Ziploc bags

1 package Oreo cookies

1 package Chips Ahoy cookies

1 fresh pineapple (peeled and cored)

3 6-pack bottles of Diet Coke

1 box Capri Sun Sunrise juice

Total before savings: $177.82

Savings (82 percent) from coupons and in-store bargains: $146.80

Final total: $31.02

UPCOMING LOCAL WORKSHOPS

* Omega Harvest Church, 4904 Dayton Blvd. -- 10:30 a.m. July 18 (Couponing 101), 2 p.m. July 18 (Couponing 102).

* New Bethel Baptist Church, 8740 Harrison Bay Road -- 7 p.m. Aug. 14 (Couponing 101), 10 a.m. Aug. 15 (Couponing 102), 1 p.m. Aug. 15 (Couponing 103).

NOTE: A Times Free Press representative is available at each local workshop if attendees are interested in subscribing to the newspaper for its coupon savings.

COUPONING WORKSHOPS

* Couponing 101, $10, covers: Why coupon, how to get started, where to find coupons and how to organize coupons; matching coupons with sales to get lowest prices; introduction to saving 50 to 90 percent off grocery and household expenses.

Couponing 102, $15, covers: Strategic shopping tools, the purpose of stockpiling, incorporating a meal plan that coincides with sales and pulling it all together/using online resources to match sales.

Couponing 103, $15, covers: Untangling the wild world of drug stores, CVSing -- how to earn and roll ECBs, Walgreen's -- the rules of register rewards, Rite-Aid -- single check rebates, and restaurants, Internet, birthdays, rebates, freebies and more.

For information, visit www.time2save.blogspot.com.

Here is a testimonial from Jamie, who attended the first coupon class that we were asked to help teach. After that class we started Time 2 $ave and have been "busy as beavers" teaching workshops ever since. (That's what my dad always said)

Since attending the workshop Jaime has not only been extremely successful in saving her family tons of money,but has also started her own website. Go over to chattanoogacheapskate.com and check out her money saving tips. The gals got a good thing going:)

TESTIMONIAL FROM COUPONING WORKSHOP

My name is Jamie Miles. I have been married to my husband Matthew for almost 10 years and I have 4 beautiful boys. I am so lucky to be able to stay at home with my family, but it doesn't come easily. To make ends meet, I started selling Vintage clothes on eBay about 4 years ago to supplement our income. It wasn't enough. We had to go on food stamps and WIC, because we had no room in the budget for food. But despite our monthly stipend and extra income, we still ended up putting groceries on the credit card a couple times a month. We were digging ourselves in deeper and deeper. I started looking into part-time work, just hating that things were coming to this. That's when I started hearing the buzz around the grocery about a coupon class.Here's the thing. I am a thrifty person. I was raised to be a thrifty person. I take pride in being able to make do on very little. I consider it an art- the Art of Making-Do, and it is one of the few talents I have. Besides that- I am exceedingly cheap in a way that offends my husband's generous nature to the core. All that to say: I didn't think I needed anyone to tell me how to save money. When I heard about this new coupon class, I dismissed the idea at first. A 50¢ coupon seemed a sad reward for all the clipping and organizing and planning it takes to actually use them. Okay, yes, I will collect dryer lint and egg cartons and stuff old candle remnants in the cabinets for months just so I can make Boyscout campfire starters..... So maybe the coupon game was something this make-doer should look into after all. When I heard that there would be free child care (The Holy Grail of the stay-at-home-mom!) it sealed the deal- I signed up right away.I walked in about 10 minutes late, as usual. The room was packed with women of all ages. I slid into a seat at the end of a table and glanced down at the packet of papers in front of me. It correlated to the PowerPoint presentation being given at the front of the room- and it was...... Daunting. There were rules, lingo, several different store policies, organizing options - in short, ALOT of work! Then again, what worthwhile thing comes easily?I looked around at rows and rows of housewives who had their eyes glued to the instructors, hanging on their every word. An exciting atmosphere of subversion hung in the air- it felt as if we were being initiated into some sort of underground, anti-establishment movement. We were a veritable army of hunters and gatherers struggling to protect our families from uncertain times. We were a frugal sisterhood.I left that meeting with a thrilling sense of purpose. I called my mom, I called my friends, and I talked to my husband about it until his eyes glazed over. I dove into couponing headfirst and I'm not sure I've come up for air yet. Besides the occasional meat or produce purchases that I cannot wait on a sale to buy- I generally save 50-75% off every receipt nowadays. This shift in spending has allowed me to take our inadequate monthly food stipend and stretch it far enough to not only cover our grocery expenses without using the credit card, but I even have enough food stamps left over each month to pick up essentials for a single-mom friend of mine. If this seems like a loaves and fishes story, it's because it is. God blessed what was meagre and it became more than enough. We are not out of the woods yet, we have a lot to learn about spending and discipline and a lot of debt to shed in the long years ahead. But what I took from that class back in February has been a huge blessing to my family in just helping us make it paycheck-to-paycheck. I'm thankful. I love that this movement is a serious thing- that there are tenets for success, efficiency guides for storage and usage, coupon “lingo”, and real need behind it. I love the thrill of finding an amazing deal! I love that even though it’s time consuming, it is of real value to the family budget. I might not be able to make my family recession-proof, but I'm confident that I can do my part to ease the strain.

Many of you have asked how we started teaching couponing workshops. We wanted to share a short version of how God's faithfulness brought us here.

~ Our Story ~

WELCOME!!!
We are excited you have expressed interest in our company, Time 2 $ave and the world of couponing. We’ll start with a brief introduction. Time 2 $ave was started by Kasey Trenum and Kelly Thompson. We are two stay at home moms who started couponing out of financial necessity. Both of our families are involved in construction and with the housing bubble bursting, we needed to find a way to contribute to our household income and still be able to stay at home. We did some research and started with a few coupons. After seeing that we could make a difference by keeping more of our money through savings on our grocery bill, we dug in deeper. We spent many, many hours researching blogs, deals, coupons and store policies. As our knowledge increased, so did our savings. Currently, we save around 75% on our weekly purchases from what we used to spend. Then, interest came from fellow shoppers and store employees. Just as we had seen people in the news that could save hundreds, so had they. But they’d never seen it in person. People began stopping us in the store and asking us questions about our coupons or store deals. We were surprised when others began following us to our cars wanting to know how we’d accomplished so much with so little. Finally, requests started coming in from people wanting to go shopping with us or meet us during our strategy planning. While all this attention was a little embarrassing, we decided to humor them (and ourselves) by teaching our first couponing class. We’d hoped 25 people would come and were shocked when over 200 attended. We realized there was a much greater hunger for our information and people were looking for hope during a struggling economy. We spent time in prayer about what the next move should be and finally felt it was time to step out on faith…thus Time 2 $ave was born. Were we ready for what lay ahead? Only by the Lord leading us and directing us have we been able to move forward. He has opened many doors that were impossible to us. We have found favor and been humbled all at the same time. It is so exciting to hear the story of a first time coupon user who has saved twenty or thirty dollars on their grocery bill. We rejoice with them and feel our family has expanded. There continues to be many benefits that we did not anticipate, but are honored to be chosen to bring a message of hope…”for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

Keep in mind that we are two stay at home moms with a 5,4,3,2 & 1 year old between the two of us. We can teach you how to "save more by spending less."

What a blessing to know that learning to coupon is a guaranteed lifetime investment. Wouldn't you like to have just 1/2 of the money that you have already spent this year on grocery / household items back? Think of the difference it would make, and how many bills it might pay. In the month of January and February I (Kasey) kept all of my receipts and saved my family over $1,600. Praise God that he made a way when there seemed to be none.

~ Our Story ~

WELCOME!!!
We are excited you have expressed interest in our company and the world of couponing. We’ll start with a brief introduction. Time 2 $ave was started by Kasey Trenum and Kelly Thompson. We are two stay at home moms who started couponing out of financial necessity. Both of our families are involved in construction and with the housing bubble bursting, we needed to find a way to contribute to our household income and still be able to stay at home. We did some research and started with a few coupons. After seeing that we could make a difference by keeping more of our money through savings on our grocery bill, we dug in deeper. We spent many, many hours researching blogs, deals, coupons and store policies. As our knowledge increased, so did our savings. Currently, we save around 75% on our weekly purchases from what we used to spend. Then, interest came from fellow shoppers and store employees. Just as we had seen people in the news that could save hundreds, so had they. But they’d never seen it in person. People began stopping us in the store and asking us questions about our coupons or store deals. We were surprised when others began following us to our cars wanting to know how we’d accomplished so much with so little. Finally, requests started coming in from people wanting to go shopping with us or meet us during our strategy planning. While all this attention was a little embarrassing, we decided to humor them (and ourselves) by teaching our first couponing class. We’d hoped 25 people would come and were shocked when over 200 attended. We realized there was a much greater hunger for our information and people were looking for hope during a struggling economy. We spent time in prayer about what the next move should be and finally felt it was time to step out on faith…thus Time 2 $ave was born. Were we ready for what lay ahead? Only by the Lord leading us and directing us have we been able to move forward. He has opened many doors that were impossible to us. We have found favor and been humbled all at the same time. It is so exciting to hear the story of a first time coupon user who has saved twenty or thirty dollars on their grocery bill. We rejoice with them and feel our family has expanded. There continues to be many benefits that we didn’t anticipate, but are honored to be chosen to bring a message of hope…”for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

COUPONING WORKSHOP TESTIMONIAL

Hi Kelly and Kasey!

Just wanted to send you some photos for the blog. I went to Kroger in Dalton (Walnut Ave. location) on Saturday June 13. Again thanks for doing all the workshops!!

For the first time I used my Kroger Plus card loaded with the newer E-coupons from Cellfire.com, Shortcuts.com, P&G Saver, and the Kroger eSaver. (I waited 24 hrs. for them to load.) Also took my Internet printables and manufacturer's coupons. Based on the information on your site and Southern Savers, I picked out the items that were on sale and of course items we could use at home.

I purchased

2 - Kroger Frozen Vegetables
2 - Knorr Sides - Rice
3 - Hot Pockets
1 - Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner
1 - NY Croutons
2 - Oikos Yogurt
6 - Yoplait Yogurt
1 - Betty Crocker Cookie
1 - El Pato Salsa

Total before savings (with tax) = $27.37

Total after savings (with tax) = $3.33

E-Coupons used:
40¢ off 1 Hot Pockets from the eSaver
50¢ off 1 Betty Crocker from Cellfire
50¢ off 6 Yoplait Yogurts
IPs used:
2 - 45¢ off 1 Knorr product
1 - 50¢ off 1 Oikos yogurt
Manufacture Qs:
3 - 50¢ off 1 hot pocket
1 - 50¢ off 1 NY croutons
1 - 50¢ off 1 Lysol toilet bowl cleaner
1 - 50¢ off 1 Betty Crocker Dessert
1 - 40¢ off 6 Yoplait Yogurt

Hopefully I didn't miss any Qs - I used quite a few. I'm not sure exactly how to read the Kroger receipt correctly - but it does seem that all my Qs were in fact doubled and that the e-coupons that applied were used. Maybe other e-coupons were applied - but they are not listed well in the receipt.

Also got 2 Catalinas:
1 - $1 off 5 Oikos yogurt
1 - 75¢ off 4 Hot Pockets or Lean Pockets

- Elizabeth S.

Kroger Trip 6-13

Total Savings: $24.04 88% YEA!!!!!!

KMart Catalina $10 gift card with a New or Transferred RX

Thanks Elizabeth S. for sending us pics with your grocery details. You are doing awesome!! Savings of 88% way to go, and its only been a couple of weeks since you attended Time 2 $ave Couponing Workshops. You are officially a SAVVY SUPER SHOPPER!!

Coupons Helping Families In Troubling Times
Time 2 $ave In the News



News Channel 9 Publix Trip with Candace
Click HERE for Video

LIST OF GROCERIES
1 Box Ziploc Freezer Bags (Gallon size)
2 Tubes Colgate Max Fresh Toothpastes
2 Tubs of “I can’t believe its not butter”
1 Box Hefty One Zip Evolve Gallon bags (keeps produce fresh longer)
2 bags of Chex mix
1 Digiorno Pizza
1 Pint Fresh Strawberries
½ Gallon Publix Orange Juice
Softsoap Hand soap
1 Jar Lg. Ragu Spaghetti Sauce
2 Bottles of John Freidea Shampoo
2 jars Mt. Olive Pickles
1 Clorox Green Works Toilet Cleaner
2 ½ gallon Silk Soy milk
1 Wishbone Ranch dressing
2 Bottles of Dial Body Wash
1 pk of Dixie Disposable Dora/Diego Bowls
1 pk of 16 oz. Publix Mozzarella Cheese
2 Boxes Kellogg’s Special K Cereal
1 pk. fresh chicken tenders
2 pk. fresh ground beef
Pepperidge Farms Hamburger Buns
2 boxes Kraft Shells Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese
1 Pillsbury Brownie Mix
1 Box Special K Multi-Grain Snack Crackers
Fresh Cantaloupe
4 pk. Knorr Sides
2 pk. Oscar Myer hot dogs
1 box of Publix spaghetti noodles
1 bottle of Hunt’s Ketchup
2 pks. M&M
___________________________
TOTAL BEFORE SAVINGS: $122.83
TOTAL SAVINGS: $96.47

AFTER COUPONS & STORE SAVINGS
SUB-TOTAL : $21.54
TAX: $4.82
TOTAL: $26.36
PERCENTAGE OF SAVINGS: 79%

UPDATED TIME

We will be on News Channel 9
tonight June 12th at 5:30

Coupons Helping Families In Troubling Times

Candace Goff is part of a family of four, her grocery bill easily runs over a hundred dollars. "Probably in a week, about $150," she says.

She's teamed up with Kasey Trenum and Kelly Thompson of Time2Save Coupons. With binders full of coupons, a grocery list, and a trip to the Publix in Ooltewah, the ladies were up to the challenge, and a chance to save Candace some money.

HOW MUCH DID WE HELP HER SAVE??

If you miss the news tonight, we will have a link on our blog under media coverage.

Couponing Workshop Testimonial

I wanted to tell you about my shopping this Saturday and Sunday. I received $20 for dog sitting and decided to give my self a little $20 Challenge to see how much I could buy.

Saturday - Walgreens
Transaction 1
1 Edge Shaving Cream + 1 RR - 75¢ Q
Transaction 2
1 Bic Razors - 1 RR - $3 Q
subtotal = $2.56 ($3.06)

Saturday - CVS
Transaction 1 and 2 included
1 - Colgate TP ( got 1 ECBs i think; used $1 Q)
2 - Right Guard Deodorant (got 2 ECBs; used $1 Q and 75¢ Q)
2 - Bic Razors (used ECBs and 2 - $3 Qs)
subtotal = $9.62 ($10.91 w/tax)

Sunday - CVS
Transaction 1
1 - Revlon Nail Polish (got 3 ECBs, used $1 Q)
1 - Colgate TP (got 1 ECB, used $1 Q )
subtotal = $4.98 (5.47)
Transaction 2
1 - 12 pack Cottenelle TP (used $1 Q and 4 ECBs)
2 - Popcorn (filler LOL)
subtotal = $2.49 (2.61)

I really could of gotten the TP just with ECBs, but had to have the snacks too.
Grand Subtotal = $19.65 (22.11)

With all my purchases since Thursday, I've spent just $40 on soooo many things - I think average overall savings of 80%

Thank you! thank you! thank you!

Elisabeth S.