Coupons... Cha Ching!

As food prices continue to rise, many of us are pinching pennies and looking for ways to make our money go farther at the checkout counter. With wise purchasing practices and proper planning, you can prepare nutritious meals that your family will enjoy eating while saving money at the grocery store. Planning is the key.

Elizabeth Creed, Marion County Extension Agent

Families across the United States are facing economic challenges and are looking for ways to reduce costs without sacrificing the needs of their families. Basic food resource management tips such as planning meals, using a grocery list, and comparing prices have been shown to improve the nutrition of families and reduce the risk of running out of food before the end of the month. In addition, manufacturer coupons can add savings to the household budget. Knowing how to purchase particular items can save both time and money as well.

Many people have been couponing for years, while others are just getting started. No matter what group you fall into, "Couponing 101" could be for you. The one-hour free class will provide the knowledge and skills base for participants to be able to plan a menu, identify food resource management techniques, locate coupons to save money, organize coupons, and create a plan for savings. The Marion County Extension Office is partnering with The Lebanon Enterprise to help you save money!

Currently, two different times are available to take the class: Thursday, Aug. 18th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Marion County Extension Office (the class will be held upstairs - if stairs are a problem for anyone, please call the Extension Office to let them know and the location could be moved) and Friday, Aug. 19 at noon at the Marion County Public Library.

The Extension Office will provide many resources for couponing as well as couponing "goodies" and The Lebanon Enterprise will provide its money-saving Smart Source coupons for the class. Participants are encouraged to bring items they are already using (such as a binder, coupon box, etc.) or other resources to share with others in the class. For more information, contact Elizabeth Creed at the Marion County Extension Office at (270) 692-2421.