Sale. Discount. Half price. 10 for $10. Who shies away from a good bargain? One WHS teacher has used this advantageous shopping method to not only save herself money, but to also provide perishables and toiletries for charities in need.

“I started using coupons in January this year,” history teacher Rebecca Herbst said. “I get two St. Louis papers and also look for coupons on sale items on the internet.”

Couponing has grown in recent years to a sizeable trend. Most convenience or super stores such as Wal-Mart and Aldi provide podiums where customers can grab the next discount ad on their way out the door. Couponing online is also growing in popularity and many sales establishments offer apps that notify consumers of deals and rebate prices. The growing trend of couponing has grown so much that it has been turned into a television show, which is what inspired Herbst to further develop her saving plan.

“I watched an episode of ‘Extreme Couponing,’” Herbst said, “and I couldn’t believe the stories were true. For the most part people who use coupons don’t get thousands of dollars of groceries and household supplies free, but it is realistic to save anywhere from 30 to 60 percent.”

Herbst said that when couponing and deciding what to donate she looks at local need and price.

“On my last trip I bought noodles, cereal and some toiletries,” Herbst said. “I got eight bottles of shampoo and conditioner for almost nothing. Deodorant was only 25 cents.”

Donations are always needed and appreciated no matter where you go.

“I’ve donated to churches and they send the food to Warren County or Washington food pantries,” Herbst said. “I’ve also heard of a group that gives abused women and children supplies. I plan to donate to them and the Humane Society.”

Couponing is a useful and simple technique that any age group can benefit from. It saves money and can also be a learning opportunity for college students trying to balance a budget.

“It [couponing] is time-consuming, but it would definitely save college students money,” Herbst said. “If saving money makes you happy, go for it.”

Herbst enjoys doing her part to give back to her community and believes we all have an important, simple role to play.

“If everyone couponed once a month, think of all the donations needy charities would get,” Herbst said. “If you have the ability to help, do it.”