COUPON BOOT CAMP

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Give Mom or Grandma a personalized photo card from Hallmark! Its FREE - including postage!!


Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10th!!


Send mom or grandma all your love in a paper card. Deliver big smiles in just 3 simple steps!


Visit http://www.hallmark.com/ and use code CARD4MOM in checkout to receive this totally FREE!!


I chose top reasons (shown)!! Can't wait!!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

My Channel 9 interview with Jenell Walton

The Top 5 Mistakes Made by Consumers When Shopping that Cost Them Greatly


5. Most consumers don't have knowledge of common store practices
I have found that many consumers do not know common store coupon, sale, raincheck, return policy or restocking schedule. Most stores have the same policies so you wouldn’t have to know them all, just the ones that differ. For example, which stores begin their new sales on Sunday? Also, which stores have a raincheck policy? Consumers would be surprised to learn that a popular super store does not issue rainchecks except on Black Friday. Check with stores that have a meat and/or seafood department to find out which day(s) they restock. Knowing this can help you gain the freshest food or best deal.

4. Consumers rarely price compare
My mama told me, you better shop around! And I am glad she did! By comparing prices and taking advantage of many price matching policies, I have saved tons of cash and countless time.

3. Too many consumers don't use a shopping list
Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” By not making a list and checking it twice, you can fail at saving money. Without a list you either overspend or spin your wheels, literally, making multiple trips to the store.

2. Consumers don't use coupons
According to the Federal Trade Commission “Coupons are big business: More than 3,000 manufacturers distribute nearly 330 billion coupons — worth an estimated $280 billion — every year in an effort to help consumers save money. Indeed, it is thought that 77 percent of American households use some eight billion coupons to save $4.7 billion on their grocery bills.” Coupons are everywhere, and not using them is quite frankly, wasteful.

1. Consumers don't realize the value of their time!
In every thing you do, do it on purpose! As reported in the March 12th Cutting Corners, Time is Money so make a plan, prepare a budget, get organized! Your wallet will thank you!


This column is provided by Tara Roark. Tara conducts Coupon Boot Camps training others to save hundreds on their groceries, shopping, dining and entertainment through couponing. To contact, please visit her on the web at http://www.couponbootcamp.webs.com/

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

God Bless my Husband!!

I called my husband twice today. Once to say, "There is not enough Calgon in the WORLD to take away this day". The second is to let him hear his daughter whining "I want my daddy" because she once again was in time out.

I had a rough night last night. I was feeling under the weather & had taken some Nyquil to help and was looking forward to a good nights sleep. Unfortunately, my 8 month old son was feeling under the weather too and he kept waking up about every hour to hour and a half crying. The only thing that would sooth him was holding him upright.

So I rushed through my day, got a million things done, including a Hosted Coupon Boot Camp then was looking forward to an afternoon nap. Of course my 3 yr old daughter was not. No sleep for me.

So upon the second call to my husband he asked if taking me out to dinner would help. And I said that is a wonderful gesture but I was already in my PJ's and would have to change and get the kids changed and drag them out in the chilly, damp air which would not be good for either of their very runny noses or mine. But I did say that him picking dinner up would be a tremendous help. So he offered to pick the kids up and take them in to town with him to pick up dinner while I "rested".

Well rest was not an option but I did get my floors swept & mopped, my bathroom cleaned, my countertops cleaned, my staircase swept and even managed to clean our bathroom toilet and have a moment to write this ode to my husband. Who is coming in the door now!!

Love him!!

Women Business Owners Wanted

Are you a woman who owns her own business (home or storefront) or is a partner in a business in or around Wilmington? Do you have a passion to develop that business? You are not alone! There is a professional businesswomen’s group now forming to serve and support you.

Brenda Sherwood, Cindy Rudd and Tara Roark have established a collaboration of businesswomen who are sharing their passion for business development. The group is founded on four principles: Business, Passion, Development/Growth and Sharing. Each member must be a business owner, be passionate about developing or growing that business and be willing to share their knowledge, contacts, and support with one another.

The group is currently meeting weekly in various locations and will be hosting an introductory luncheon on Sunday, May 3rd. For more details please contact me! tararoark@couponbootcamp.com

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

KMart Hillsboro Doubling up to $2 coupons

KMart SuperCenter Hillsboro doubling all coupons up to and including $2 Wed 4/22-Tues 4/28...downside Limit 25 coupons per customer per day : ( Well its a good thing Graham & Olivia will be shopping too! ; )

This is one of those RUN moments I teach about in my training. Register for Sat April 25th Coupon Boot Camp in Cincinnati Crowne Plaza 10 am - Noon...see www.couponbootcampstore.com for details and to register!!

FREE Jay Leno comedy show in Wilmington, OH May 10th!!

Read all about .... http://online.wnewsj.com/index1.php

Monday, April 20, 2009

Wilmington Ohio – DHL = Cutting Corners and Clipping Coupons!

The residents of Wilmington and surrounding communities are being very resourceful since the announcement of the areas largest employer departing. Many have started cutting back, cutting corners and clipping coupons.

When Tara Roark heard about the massive pink slips that were expected to be handed out to thousands of her neighbors she began offering her Coupon Boot Camp’s to the public. Coupon Boot Camp’s are basic training in couponing. Attendees learn to save hundreds on their grocery, dining, home needs, entertainment and travel expenses during a 2 hour hard core training session.

Tara has met a wide variety of trainees whose household budgets have in some way or another been affected by the recent economic crisis. Many that she talks to have never had to be concerned with saving or budgeting but now view it as a means of survival.

Since January Tara Roark has sold out most of her bi-weekly training classes and has booked most of May with Hosted Coupon Boot Camps as friends are inviting their family, neighbors, co-worker, etc to also learn from this money saving program. One recent graduate from her class was able to purchase $220 worth of groceries $68!! Another scored over $150 worth (mostly costly health and beauty products) for only $50! All done with minimal effort. Tara teaches how to maximize your savings while minimizing your time.

There has been an influx of requests from outside areas that she now offers to travel to wherever the need arises, such as Cincinnati, Dayton, Middletown, etc. She will be holding a Coupon Boot Camp in Dayton Ohio on Wednesday, May 6th from 9:30 am – 11:30 am at the Dayton Woman’s Club. This event is open to the public but you must pre-register. The cost is $20 for non-Dayton Woman’s Club members. Dayton Woman’s Club Members see club for discounted details. Each attendee receives a comprehensive manual with tips, tricks, insights and resources. They also receive a starter pack of coupons and FREEBIES, such as dish soap, cereal, paper products, etc – name brand products she has gotten either super cheap or FREE!

For more information, log on to www.couponbootcamp.com or call her at 937-728-3572.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

FREE PERSONAL IMAGE WORKSHOP MAY 7TH @ HANAFORD HOUSE-MUST PRE-REGISTER/SPACE LIMITED

FREE PERSONAL IMAGE WORKSHOP MAY 7th at HANAFORD HOUSE

It doesn’t matter whether you are a business professional maneuvering in a corporate world, or a mom in sweats, you can, and should look great in whatever lifestyle you function in. According to Brenda Sherwood, certified Image Consultant, “The three main misconceptions about image are that it is too costly for a consultant, that you have to look like you just stepped out of a fashion magazine, and that it’s only for women. Those ideas couldn’t be further from the truth.

The cost of a consultant is actually quite affordable. It’s also very justifiable when compared to the amount of mistakes hanging in your closet or lying in your makeup drawer! Image isn’t about fashion. It’s about putting the “best you” forward. It’s about conveying who you really are inside. That’s why men to need to pay attention to their image as well.”

With years of experience in the image business, Brenda can save you hundreds of dollars in mistakes by providing you with a personalized program that will give you all the tools you need to pull together your most polished look. Brenda can help you define the image you long to convey through color analysis, body typing, personality, and lifestyle wardrobing.

Projecting your best image is extremely important in today’s economy. Knowing how to put yourself together not only saves time and money, but it can help give you that edge when competing in this slow job market. Studies show that when two job candidates have the same qualifications, the person who projects the best image will land the job.

Brenda Rose Sherwood is certified with TEB Associates and also has several years experience as a certified image consultant in North Carolina. There, she had her own image business and provided personal consultations, professional image seminars to local businesses, organizations, and church groups. She has also had training in poise and charm as a former contestant in the Mrs. Michigan pageant.
Brenda will be hosting a free image workshop for the public on Thursday, May 7, 2009, 6:00 p.m., at the Hannaford House Tea Room, 200 E. Locust St., Wilmington. The Hannaford House will be serving free tea and cookies. Call (937) 725-7207 for reservations. Space is limited.

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call Brenda at (937) 725-7207 or email: yourcominuproses@yahoo.com

FREE 411 on your cell or home phone!!!

Tired of paying outrageous fees and using up your precious minutes to get a phone number you need, when you are away from internet access or paper phone book? Then the Jingle Network has the perfect solution!

Jingle Networks is providing an alternative directory assistance service — and it's free. Users who call the toll-free number 1-800-FREE411 (or 1-800-373-3411) can navigate a nifty automated voice recognition system that asks for a location (city and state), type of listing (business, government, or residential), and name. Once the service has located an entry for the requested number, it reads the information aloud and offers the caller the option of connecting to the number by pressing a single number on his telephone keypad.

How can Free-411 afford to offer free directory assistance service? It works sort of like commercial radio or television — businesses pay to sponsor it in exchange for presenting their advertisements to customers. The funding of Free-411 is typically explained thusly: The service is made possible by thousands of national and local businesses who sponsor this service with brief valuable audio advertisements that are played to callers who request businesses in their yellow pages category. - Thanks Snopes.com for this awesome report!!

I am an avid FREE 411 user. I actually have it set on Speed Dial on my cell phone and with my Verizon Wireless plan, I have added it to my Friends and Family so I don't spend any minutes retrieving phone numbers!!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Cutting Corners: Top 5 Mistakes

The Top 5 Mistakes Made by Consumers When Shopping that Cost Them Greatly

5. Most consumers don't have knowledge of common store practices
I have found that many consumers do not know common store coupon, sale, raincheck, return policy or restocking schedule. Most stores have the same policies so you wouldn’t have to know them all, just the ones that differ. For example, which stores begin their new sales on Sunday? Also, which stores have a raincheck policy? Consumers would be surprised to learn that a popular super store does not issue rainchecks except on Black Friday. Check with stores that have a meat and/or seafood department to find out which day(s) they restock. Knowing this can help you gain the freshest food or best deal.

4. Consumers rarely price compare
My mama told me, you better shop around! And I am glad she did! By comparing prices and taking advantage of many price matching policies, I have saved tons of cash and countless time.

3. Too many consumers don't use a shopping list
Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” By not making a list and checking it twice, you can fail at saving money. Without a list you either overspend or spin your wheels, literally, making multiple trips to the store.

2. Consumers don't use coupons
According to the Federal Trade Commission “Coupons are big business: More than 3,000 manufacturers distribute nearly 330 billion coupons — worth an estimated $280 billion — every year in an effort to help consumers save money. Indeed, it is thought that 77 percent of American households use some eight billion coupons to save $4.7 billion on their grocery bills.” Coupons are everywhere, and not using them is quite frankly, wasteful.

1. Consumers don't realize the value of their time!
In every thing you do, do it on purpose! As reported in the March 12th Cutting Corners, Time is Money so make a plan, prepare a budget, get organized! Your wallet will thank you!


This column is provided by Tara Roark. Tara conducts Coupon Boot Camps training others to save hundreds on their groceries, shopping, dining and entertainment through couponing. To contact, please visit her on the web at www.couponbootcamp.com

Saturday, April 11, 2009

WCH Kroger TRIPLE deals

First I found out that every day they double up to $.99 coupons. So my $.75 turned in to $1.50!! I had read the big banner on the way in and confirmed with the customer service desk!!! They do have kind of higher prices on ALOT of stuff (as usual) BUT here are the best deals I got & I am going back tomorrow for more mustard (for the coupons), butter and wipes!!

Item Price Coupon Tripled Final
French's Yellow Mustard $ 1.00 $ 0.30 $ 0.90 $ 0.10
French's Spicy Brown $ 1.00 $ 0.45 $ 1.35 $ (0.35) Plus I think because I bought 9, I got 3 $1 off coupons at checkout for Kroger
No Yolks Noodles $ 2.09 $ 0.50 $ 1.50 $ 0.59
Ragu $ 1.69 $ 0.30 $ 0.90 $ 0.79
Marzetti Cole Slaw Dressing $ 2.99 $ 0.50 $ 1.50 $ 1.49
Sesame Street Bubble Bath $ 2.59 $ 0.50 $ 1.50 $ 1.09
Uncle Bens Country Rice $ 1.59 $ 0.75 $ 1.50 $ 0.09 Just doubled
New York Croutons $ 1.79 $ 0.40 $ 1.20 $ 0.59
Country Crock (largest size) $ 2.91 $ 0.45 $ 1.35 $ 1.56
Betty Crocker Warm Delight $ 2.15 $ 0.50 $ 1.50 $ 0.65
Huggies Wipes 72 ct $ 2.60 $ 0.50 $ 1.50 $ 1.10
Land O Lakes Butter $ 2.19 $ 0.45 $ 1.35 $ 0.84
Betty Crocker Frosting $ 2.19 $ 0.50 $ 1.50 $ 0.69
Total $ 26.78 Paid $ 9.23

Happy Clipping!!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Kroger in WCH TRIPLING coupons thru Sunday!!!!

Kroger in WCH is TRIPLING all coupons up to $.50!! Their only limit is that you can only use 10 per item!! I'll be clipping like crazy tonight!!! Will post my awesome deals tomorrow!!

I got some GREAT deals @ Target too!! Dunkin Donuts coffee $4.99, used $1.50 mfr + $.75 Target coupon=Total $2.74 a bag!!!!!!!! Gillete shave gel $1.49 - $1 mfr = $.89 can!! Hershey Bliss $2.99-$1 mfr + $1 Target = $.99 a bag!!!!! Cheetos 12 single pack (they also have Family Size for $4 & other for $2.50 but I chose the single packs for portion control) $2.54-$1=$1.54!! Cheezit 17 oz $1.75-$.75=$1 box!! No coupons to accompany but they have Kelloggs Spongebob & Nemo Fruit Snacks (only) for $1 per box!!

What a day!!

Dunkin Donuts Coffe @ Target $3.75 a bag!!!

Dunkin Donuts coffee $3.75 a bag @ Target. Use $1.50 off RP 4/5 + $.75 Target http://tinyurl.com/cbm2uc - Ends Saturday!!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Nursing Cover!! Retails for $32 - only $7.95!!!

Get a nursing cover (Retail $32) for only $7.95!! I got mine! While supplies last, go to www.uddercovers.com and use the promotional code 'onefree' to order a FREE nursing cover--retails at $32! (pay $7.95 in shipping)!!

Thank you all!!

Thank you all for following me and supporting me through this journey! I am SOO excited about the future of this business and truly believe it will come to pass! If you think of it, please send up a quick prayer for wisdom and self control.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Today

Well I was a little bummed that Channel 2 cancelled the interview today which left me scrambling to let everyone know but no biggie! I know God has better timing so I can wait!

Went to Springboro anyway so Olivia could play with her cousin. Had a wonderful time! Came back to town to play @ McDonalds. Purpose was to let her play so I could clip coupons but I ran in to someone I hadn't seen in a long time & talked to her most of the time & then struck up a conversation with the lady on the other side of me. Gave both of them my business card. I was SOO disappointed that McDonalds has SUPER raised their prices!! I am almost certain they raised the meal I usally get at least $.50 or MORE!! I ended up just getting a sandwich! Can't believe it! With so many people out of work in this town, of all places to raise prices. Shame on them! I understand everyone has a profit to make and if their only choice was to lay off someone or raise the price, can't there be an alternative? Like don't give out 15 napkins for 1 small hamburger in the drive thru. Errgg!

Great deals @ Wal-Mart though!! LOTS AND LOTS of rollbacks!!! Got my fav cereal Special K for $1.50 a box!! YUM!! Got a lot of great stuff for my family project (going to supply a family in need with everything they need for a whole week from sun up to sun down for $100!!). Stay tuned!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Free reusable bag from Krogers

Go to http://www.designareusablebag.com/?banner=kroger. Design a bag for their contest and you will receive the following message!

You've Earned a Free Bag!

Thanks for submitting a design! A credit for a standard reusable shopping bag ($0.99 value) has been loaded to your Shopper's Card. Pick up a reusable bag at your local store, use your Shopper's Card at checkout, and it's free! This offer is limited to one bag per Shopper's Card holder. Your credit will expire in 30 days, and bag selection is based on your store's availability. Get yours now and go green with us.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Super Great CVS & Meijer news!!

I got a HOT tip from my wonderful CVS cashier yesterday!!! First, they run 2 sales at the same time. Per the cashier, since the new ad starts on Sunday and the employees that put the sale items and signage out only work on Saturday, they honor both the current weeks ad and the one that starts on Sunday!!! Super Cool!

And she also showed me that it does not matter which order you give your CVS coupons, Extra Care Bucks and manufacturers coupons. For example, If you have a CVS coupon that is for $4 off $20 purchase and you have her ring all your items up and you know you have coupons & ECB's that will bring your total way below the $20, in the past you would have made sure she rang off the $4 first then everything else. But I saw it with my own 2 eyes!! Their registers know you met the requirement before discounts!!! AHA!!

Now for the Meijer tip - thanks to one of my past Coupon Boot Camp attendees! In order to "beat the 2 double coupon limit" all you need to do is use coupons that have different barcodes (last few digits will differ by week/month). For example, you have seen that Pillsbury roll coupons are in almost every week. Well if Meijer ran a sale on them, you could only use 2 in one transaction that would double. However, if you had 2 from last week, 2 from the week before & 2 from the week before that - you could in essence double up to 6 times for the same item!!! AWESOME AYE?!! Wish I could have caught her name, I would thank her proper like! ; )

Big plans for CVS today! Will post when I get back!!! Happy Clipping!!

Friday, April 3, 2009

Awesome submission to Rachel Ray! THANKS LORI!!!

Lori H. went to Rachel Ray's website to submit her request for my being on Rach's show. Here is what she submitted! So flattering! THANKS AGAIN LORI!!

We have a local woman named Tara Roark that holds coupon "bootcamps" to teach people how to maximize their paychecks using coupons. She scours the web, local ads, and news looking for great deals and plans her shopping trips with the coupons she clips. She has great coupon organizing tips and really knows her stuff. She is amazing. I follow her on facebook just to hear what she got for free or almost nothing each week. She is SO passionate about what she does and she TRULY loves to help you save money. She makes cutting back fun. She is a firecracker with a great spirit and a caring heart. And honestly, as the circulation director for the local paper, I love what her couponing has done for our business. We are selling record numbers of papers on Saturdays... IN THIS ECONOMY!!!... due to the response from her bootcamp graduates. It is amazing. Our community has been devastated by the loss of a major employer, DHL, and literally thousands of households in our community have lost one or both sources of income, not to mention the loss of health care and other services they once had. Our local soup kitchen is serving up more and more meals everyday. Tara is helping anyone who will listen get through this tough time with finding ways to maintain what normalcy families can by still being able to keep food on the table and other household items at home with reduced or lost income. We all could learn from her tips.

GOOD LUCK TARA!!!!!
Lori

Please help me get on the Rachel Ray TV Show. Click on this link and tell her why you think I would make a great guest. http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show-info/be-on-the-show/ THANKS!!!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

The FUN of being a Work From Home Mom!!

UUUGGH! Teething diapers! You moms know what I mean. Nothing like doing business in between your kids "business". LOL

Work a little-website & blog editing
Kids are up
Work a little-replying to emails & facebooking
reakfast & movie for kids
Work a little-working on materials to printer
Changings and teeth brushing
Work a little-phone calls
Snacks/feeding baby
Work a little-organizing hosted boot camp contacts
Baby down for a cat nap
Work a little-ordered supplies (great price on ink for inkjets http://www.inkjetsuperstore.com/)
New movie for daughter
Work a little-printing/planning/scheduling
Stopping for lunch - for all of us! and watched Rachel Rays 500th episode!! Way to go girl! She was barely holding back the tears!!
Played chase around the house with the kids-burned off that lunch and now I am ready for a nap!
Work a little-putting testimonials on websitecontacting printer to confirm receipt of emails
Little bit of Barney to settle em down for OUR (I hope) nap!!
Praise the Lord! A whole hour nap!! Now outside for a little play!!
What a great time outisde with the kids!
Getting everyone ready to head to the New Vienna United Methodist Church to speak about my Coupon Boot Camps!
Praise the Lord! All went well with the presentation at the church. They have booked a Coupon Boot Camp!
----> Please pray for the little girl who had a seizure scare during the evening.
Home to wind down and off to bed!!
Tomorrows another day!!

Channel 2 interview & FREE BOOT CAMP!!!

Ok...Channel 2, a Dayton station, called me yesterday responding to my email months ago. The anchor, Dan Edwards wanted to shoot the interview during one of my trainings but wanted it closer to their area. We talked about 9 am. By about 9:45 am I had it booked!

Now I need attendees! This one is totally FREE and is only open to 10 people. I only have 5 spots left. This is a regular Coupon Boot Camp with all the fringe benefits. You may be on TV and interviewed! If you know anyone who is interested, please email or call me ASAP. I only ask 1 thing. If you/they commit, PLEASE be there!! It would not be an impressive TV spot if there are only 4 people there, ya know?

Thanks!! customerservice@couponbootcamp.com