Couponing for a cause

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There is more to couponing than meets the eye. For one Bellville resident it is not only a way to save money, it is a lifestyle.

Cassandra Baughman has spent the past few years couponing at a professional level, if such designation existed, racking up savings every store she sets foot in.

“I looked into it (couponing) after our finances got tight. We used to spend $400 to $500 a month in groceries,” said Baughman. “I’ve gotten down to about $60 a month now.”

Baughman employs a savings method typically referred to as extreme couponing, in which she collects enough coupons to fill several binders dedicated to savings. On a good trip to Wal-Mart or similar stores, the Bellville resident spends next to nothing on her purchases and can even get cash back.

“They’re (Wal-Mart) is actually good about honouring coupons,” she said. “People don’t even realize how much they can save. Your average shopper thinks that just because something is on sale they won’t let you use a coupon but that’s how you can get cash back.”

From her ample savings, the Bellvillle couponer is able to donate large quantities of school supplies to various organizations throughout the community.

“We love her,” said Bellville Safety Town Director Debbie Altman as she loaded supplies donated from Baughman into the community’s storage area. “She is always willing to help us out with supplies that we give to the kids.”

Among the horde donated by Baughman this year, are notebooks, folders and pencils that will be given to students at next year’s safety town program.

“I donate anything that I can,” she said. “Whenever there is a good deal on school supplies, I try to get them and get enough to give away.”

Baughman does not stop with Bellville Safety Town, she has donated everything from water bottles to pens to her children’s elementary schools.

The Bellville super-shopper even offers classes dedicated to the craft of extreme couponing and helps everyone from beginners to experienced couponers hone their saving skills.

“You’ve got to start small,” Baughman advises novice couponers. “The most common mistake for beginners is to buy too much. They end up getting overwhelmed and discouraged.”

However, the plethora of savings can come at a cost for Baughman and similar shoppers, as she has been harassed for using her mass of coupons and has even seen customers arrested for fraudulent couponing tactics.

“You have to be careful with what coupons you’re using,” she said. “I always tell people they have to read the fine print. Using coupons that are expired or using them wrong is considered fraud.”

Along with the legal threat that comes with incorrectly applying coupons, Baughman explains that store employees often carry negative assumptions about using a large number of coupons

“They think you’re trying rip them off,” she said. “But what they don’t understand is companies actually make money off coupons. The best thing to do is to try to establish a relationship with clerks and explain exactly what you’re doing.”

To learn more about her savings techniques, Baughman offers small-group couponing classes. For more information email her at [email protected].

Zach Jones | The Star

Among the horde donated by Baughman this year are notebooks, folders and pencils that will be given to students at next year’s safety town program.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2015/10/web1_IMG_5234.jpgZach Jones | The Star

Among the horde donated by Baughman this year are notebooks, folders and pencils that will be given to students at next year’s safety town program.

Zach Jones | The Star

The Bellville resident even offers classes dedicated to the craft and helps everyone from beginners to experienced couponers hone their skills.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2015/10/web1_IMG_5235.jpgZach Jones | The Star

The Bellville resident even offers classes dedicated to the craft and helps everyone from beginners to experienced couponers hone their skills.

Zach Jones | The Star

From her ample savings, the Bellvillle couponer is able to donate large quantities of school supplies to various organizations throughout the community. “We love her,” said Bellville Safety Town Director Debbie Altman as she loaded supplies donated from Baughman into the community’s storage area. “She is always willing to help us out with supplies that we give to the kids.”

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2015/10/web1_IMG_5236.jpgZach Jones | The Star

From her ample savings, the Bellvillle couponer is able to donate large quantities of school supplies to various organizations throughout the community. “We love her,” said Bellville Safety Town Director Debbie Altman as she loaded supplies donated from Baughman into the community’s storage area. “She is always willing to help us out with supplies that we give to the kids.”

Bellville resident gives as well as saves

By Zach Jones

[email protected]

Reach Jones on Twiter @Bellville_Jones or via email at [email protected]

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