September is National Coupon Month, and Valpak and Savings.com are sponsoring a campaign called “10,000 Reasons to Save.”
The idea is to highlight the “tangible, long-term impact” that coupons can have on our lives.
Coupons have made a major difference in my life, especially when I was a broke single mother and a broke middle-aged college student. Maybe they’ve made a big impact in your life, too – and if so, you can share your story for a chance to win up to $10,000.
That would be a pretty big impact, too.
The Reasons to Save website invites readers to contribute short essays (250 to 500 words) about their specific reason to save – buy a house? have a baby? put an existing baby through college one day? – and how smart coupon use could support that long-term goal.
(My own reason is stated in the photo that accompanies this post. Not a particularly flattering snap, but the goal is heartfelt. Many thanks to my niece for lettering the sign and taking the picture.)
Five finalists will be chosen on Sept. 25 and the public gets to vote on their favorite story. The winner gets $10,000 and the other four finalists will receive $500 apiece.
I double-dog-dare you to enter. It would be so exciting to have a reader chosen as one of the finalists – and if you were, I’d throw as much support as possible your way via social media.
As I’ve noted on MSN Money, coupons aren’t just for groceries. When I needed dental work, a Valpak coupon got me a heck of a deal. If you need to rent a tux for prom, Savings.com has discount codes. Interested in an oil change, a vet visit, a pizza delivery? More than likely, there’s a coupon.
A truly dedicated couponer can save up to $10,000 per year, according to Valpak. That should make you rethink the way you use (or don’t use) both paper and virtual Qs.
Now that you’ve double-dog dared me to enter I just think I might do just that.
I have only been using coupons (and coupon codes, and cash back sites) for a few years but I feel like I’m the Poster Child for the kind of savings one can obtain.
I thought the picture was cute!
I sure hope you will, because I know that you do have a compelling story. Knock ’em dead!
(And thanks for your kind words about the photo.)
Yep, since you double-dog dared me, and I won’t leave home without my coupons I entered the contest.
I also pledged to donate part of my winnings (hahahaha) to my favorite local charity.
I would just love to see the look on their faces at the church’s women’s mission if I actually do win the $$$ and hand them the check!
Thanks again!
Thanks for the heads-up Donna. From the picture it looks like life in Alaska agrees with you. As for the contest….MAN…250-500 words…this feels like work….
I just wrote and submitted an essay! Hope I win 🙂
Me too! If you — or anyone else reading this — are selected as a finalist, please let me know. I will use social media to ask people to read your essays and vote.
Good Lord! I’ve followed your blog for a while now and I have to comment…what do you mean ‘not a particularly flattering snap’??? The first thing I thought when I saw it was, ‘wow her cheeks are so rosy! Alaska must do a body good!’
I enjoy the blog, and your daughter’s too. I love your articles on MSN.
Thanks, Jen. Alaska has done me good, but the coloration is probably due to rosacea. 😉
I appreciate your comment, and your readership.
I’m with Jen, you are hot. And no being mean about your looks! Sometimes you are meaner to yourself than the trolls.
Oh….My goodness…I did NOT mean to bring attention to your rosacea. I really was just thinking, look at that fresh dewy skin….So sorry and embarrassed.
Nah, I’m not offended. Some days I’m rosier than others, if you know what I mean. Right now I’m bright red because I was building a fire; other days you can’t tell at all.
Ooooo. Thanks for the heads up on the contest. I started couponing a couple years ago. I dig it. I dig your sign too. Funny funny.
Thanks for the info about the contest. I just submitted my entry, so keep your fingers crossed! Oh, and don’t be so hard on yourself; I think you look fabulous in your picture!!
Aw, thanks. Good luck to you on the contest.
Donna,
I have been meaning to comment on your picture. You look rasdiant & so much more happier than in your original photo with MSN. Alaska agrees with you!
Thanks! I appreciate the vote of confidence.
Hope you entered to win the contest.