JERSEY SHORE Making grocery dollars stretch further is a concern for most moms today. So the MOPS in Jersey Shore dedicated their last meeting to brainstorming the topic.
For the past 15 years, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) has been meeting at the Trinity United Methodist Church on Allegheny Street. In 1995, Janet Kryder and Sheree Ulsamer started the faith-based MOPS program to bring the mothers of young children together to discuss their unique needs in a fun and relaxing environment.
The children are cared for on-site by volunteers called the "Moppets" while the mothers meet in another room to enjoy refreshments and collective "mom time," according to group leader, Jennifer Branca.
MOPS member Sarah Tevis of State College spoke to the group about how to stretch grocery dollars by using coupons. She has made saving money her hobby and shares her knowledge with others on her blogspot.
"The average family can save up to $1,000 a year, by investing 20 minutes a week to clip and use coupons," Tevis stated.
"Always buy the local Sunday paper," she said, adding that purchasing the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia papers is wise because they have even bigger coupon returns because the cost of living is higher there.
Also, to save even more money, do not rely only on the paper to find coupons. Tevis suggests looking through junk mail, grocery store displays and blinkies, store receipts, writing companies, and searching coupon web sites.
Tevis calls her money saving tips, "Coupons 101."
First and foremost, incorporate an organizing system such as a trapper keeper or file organizer for coupons and notes, Tevis explained. Next become familiar with the average price for the items you normally purchase, you should write down the usual price of these items, so you know if you are getting a good deal or not.
Keep an ongoing grocery list of the items you purchase most often and write a "C" beside the ones you have coupons for. Then take the time to review newspaper ads, plan meals around the sale items, and make a shopping list and stick to it.
And seasonally, shop at farmers markets; they supply fresh fruits and vegetables which are generally less expensive when in great supply.
Inspired by the coupon savings subject, Heidi Miller clipped coupons for the first time and went shopping at a market where they offered double coupons.
Displaying her receipt, Heidi said, "My bill was $256.56 before coupons and $147.30 after coupons!"
"I saved $109.26 I am now a coupon user," Heidi exclaimed.
The group also discussed saving receipts for rebates and if you forget your coupons you have 48 hours to redeem them at the store.
Tevis wrapped up the meeting by telling the mothers to "take baby steps" and not get overwhelmed by trying to do everything. Just start by clipping coupons and sharing what you don't use.
"Enjoy the process and it will financially help your families," she concluded.
The group is now planning to swap coupons at their bi-monthly meetings and share their savings.
Michelle Fulmer noted that their MOPS also perform mission projects.
"We are making card kits right now for the children of deployed military parents," Fulmer stated, explaining that the kits contain eight cards and stamps for various holidays, so the children can keep in touch with their deployed parent.MOPS International will be holding a Leadership Summit on April 17 in Danville, several Jersey Shore members plan on attending, according to Jennifer.
"Twenty-seven moms are on our roster at this time," Jennifer continued. "I look forward to our meetings; it renews me and I go home a better mother."
Tracy Kemmerer, who lost her son, Kasey this past summer, said her friends at MOPS have been a blessing to her.
"This is the one place that I can come and feel supported," she said.
Another group member, Irene Brophy, said she didn't have family in the area and MOPS was a great place meet new people with whom she already had something in common with.
The Jersey Shore MOPS meet at 9:30 a.m. the second and fourth Mondays of each month; they are accepting new members as well as Moppet volunteers.
