Cheapskate Meet & Greet: Jenny Park!

Welcome to my weekly (or just plain “sometimes”) interview with different members of our local couponing community.  I think these “Meet & Greets” will be a good way to inspire one another by sharing our stories, our savings successes, and anything we’ve learned along the way.  Tonight, I’m happy to introduce you to Jenny- let’s all give her a warm Cheapskate Welcome!!

Q.) Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?  Also, where do you live?
A.) My name is Jenny .   I’m 25, I live in Chattanooga (in St. Elmo), and am saving to buy a house here.  I have two jobs- I work at the Creative Discovery Museum Science Theatre and also at Mellow Mushroom.

A.  I got into it seriously in March, just after you wrote that initial post on your other blog.  I started buying the Sunday paper, frequenting SmartSource and Southern Savers, and quickly became just as excited about that free cereal as you.

A.)  I remember my Dad clipping coupons every Sunday morning before church.  I would help look for coupons we might use and make sure he clipped those.  He kept his coupons in little paper-clipped stacks, a method I now employ, (although my stacks are sorted and kept inside my accordion file).

A.)  My most successful had to be yesterday’s trip to CVS and Kmart.  First off, this is the best week ever to shop at CVS.  My out of pocket was $14.26, I saved $71.14, and still went home with $7.44 in ECB, which makes me feel like I actually only spent $6.82.  Then I headed over to Kmart for the first time in about six years- I’m a Target girl, but I’m moving into a new house, and the double coupon week was just what my cleaning closet needed.  I spent $8.52 there, and saved $23+.  So, everything pictured (above) ultimately cost $15.34.

A. DONATE!  I enjoy the strategy of couponing, and I like shopping little financial consequence, but I don’t need everything I get for free.  There are plenty of organizations in the area needing donations, so find one that is convenient to you, and pick up a couple of items each week.  If you live or work in downtown Chattanooga, Community Kitchen really appreciates any food or personal hygiene items.  You can just drop off donations inside the front door 8-5, 7 days a week.