Local coupon expert Joni Meyer-Crothers is hosting a book signing March 23 at Sylvania Area Family Services. Her book, “Extreme Couponing: Learn How to Be a Savvy Shopper and Save Money … One Coupon At a Time,” came out March 5.
Meyer-Crothers started extreme couponing about five years ago after her husband was laid off from his auto-industry job. Since then, she’s appeared on TLC’s “Extreme Couponing,” the “Rachael Ray Show,” “Good Morning America,” “20/20,” “Today,” “The 700 Club” and Fox News.
The extreme couponer spends about $200 for $5,000 worth of groceries every month and donates about 80 percent of that to Sylvania Area Family Services.
“I’m very big into teaching people that you can save for your own family, but you also have to share. There are too many hurting people out there and we have to step up and help them,” she said.
TLC and Discovery Channel Publishing contacted Meyer-Crothers in December 2011 to pitch a book.
“Of course, I said, ‘Yeah!’” Meyer-Crothers said. “By the end of the book, it kind of walks people through how to make a successful shopping trip.”
She co-authored the book with ghost writer Beth Adelman. Adelman now uses tips she picked up from Meyer-Crothers — like saving coupons for when items go on sale, she said. She also started donating to a local food bank.
“Very few people are having a very fabulous time financially right now and this is a book that will help people stretch what they have,” Adelman said.
The book signing also includes an opportunity to win a coupon binder, a Kroger gift card and an upright freezer. Entrants must purchase a copy of the book for $13 and bring five nonperishable/hygienic items to donate to Sylvania Area Family Services.
The signing runs noon to 2 p.m. March 23 at 5440 Marshall Drive, Sylvania. For more information, visit Meyer-Crothers’ blog at www.freetastesgood.com.
