Shop, Save, Share

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Summary: A practical and humorous guide to shopping & saving wisely.
Review: Ellie Kay presents a straightforward, practical and humorous guide to saving money in almost every area of life. As an Air Force wife, and mother, I found a kindred spirit in Mrs. Kay. She made me laugh at all those, "Been there, done that!" events in life, while she taught me in easy to understand ways, how to wisely use what God has given us, and how to share the bounty. I saved over $42.00 in coupons in the first 30 days, and cut my grocery bill even further by shopping more wisely on each isle. I recommend Ellie's book to everyone, from the newly married, to the elderly. All of us love to save money, and Ellie's suggestions are easy to follow.

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Summary: A whole new revolution to saving!
Review: I am so thankful to find such a Treaure! Ellie Kay has really done a work in educating the beginner to the novice shopper on saving and sharing!
My first jaw dropping moment was when I went to Wallie World and my total was $111.09 and after my coupons my total was $46.97! WOW.... I felt like doing the running man right there at the checkout! The cashier looked at me and said, "I want to go shopping w/you!" It was a really GREAT moment! I would've saved even more money if I had went to Meijer where they double coupons up to .50. But at the time Wal-Mart was my comfort zone. Even though Wal-Mart redeems your coupons at face value, Shop, Save, and Share teaches you to use your coupons in conjunction. For example, I had 3 coupons for Huggies: two $5 OFF coupons for diapers [got these by simply calling Kimberly-Clark and telling them what I thought of their product, Ellie teaches you this too] and 1 coupon for free wipes with the purchase of 2 packages. I never thought to do this.
Another thing I incorporated from this book was to call every manufacturing company and gave them feedback on their product, I received so many coupons, coupon booklets [all at higher price value and longer expiration dates - if any], put on their mailing list and received samples - just by calling! My shopping time has been cut in half, because she also teaches you to make your grocery/shopping list in aisle order of your store. My family has also incorporated giving to local charities, neighbors, and our local church on items that I receive free w/my coupons and items that only cost me a few pennies. For example Dog treats were on sale for $2, I had a coupon for $1 that doubled to me getting them FREE! I gave them to my neighbor and it blessed them and me too!
Although, I am a much better saver now, I still refer back to the book.
Thank you Ellie so much for all the help! You've helped me save money, spend more time w/my fam - instead of in the store and to simply bless others!

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Summary: Entertaining reading while learning how to cut daily costs.
Review: I laughed often while I read about a "half-wit," as Ellie calls herself in her most comical moments. I could relate to her life she so openly shares and thus found that she was a normal mother. This gave me encouragement that I could save money like she did. Even though I have been couponing for over a year now I learned new and important information. I have already shared her coupon exchange box suggestion and was very excited to learn how every dollar I saved was infact worth a dollar and thirty since because I did not have to pay the taxes as I would if I had earned it on the job! I look forward to her next book as she does have the gift of story telling!

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Summary: How a Mother of Six Has Been Helped
Review: In March of 2001, I "just happened" to be listening to a radio station to which I normally do not listen at that time of day. I heard Ellie Kay being interviewed about how she saves money on groceries. My ears perked up, because up to that time, I had been struggling to stay within my food budget. I am a mother of six children (ages ranging from 2-20). After hearing Ellie on the radio, I purchased Shop, Save, and Share. This book has been very instrumental in helping me save money on my grocery bill. Since I have been using Ellie's suggested methods of saving, I have had enough to occasionally share with two single moms, as well as sending a variety of items to a children's home. I am very thankful for being led to hear about Shop, Save, and Share.

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Summary: Anne's Book Commentary
Review: The first book I am excited to feature in ABC is Shop, Save, and Share by Ellie Kay. I ran across this book in the library a few months back and read it overnight. We all know what the Bible says about stewardship. However, few us of know how to use our money wisely. This is absolutely the BEST book I have ever read on stewardship and by far the most PRACTICAL book on the topic. Ellie (a national MOPS speaker) is married to an air force pilot and has 5 children. She masterfully uses coupons and organizational techniques to spend only $200 a month on food and toiletries. Her average weekly bill is $120 before coupons and $50 after. Ellie gives a Master's level course on the different types of coupons available and how to effectively use them to lower your monthly food budget. She shows you how to get organized and get results. She also gives insights on other ways to save money in every aspect of family needs. Ellie has a fun, witty sense of humor. Her heart is that by learning these principles it can mean the difference between a mother having to work or being able to stay home with her children. Also, Ellie teaches that by following these principles we have plenty to share. With a $200 monthly budget for her family of seven, Ellie had enough left over to donate 100 bags of groceries a year to local food shelters. I challenge all of you moms to read this incredible book that will make you laugh as you learn to do the best with all God has given you.

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Summary: This book saved my life!
Review: We are a family who has always had hard times financially. My husband barely makes enough to keep us fed and some weeks we panicked because we didn't have enough money for food. Then I heard this seminar and read the book called "Shop, Save and Share." Ellie showed my, step by step, how to cut my food bill and save money in other areas, too. Within the first two months, I cut my food bill in half and have a ton of extra food! Now I can afford health insurance for the first time in many years. I have a medical condition that we couldn't afford to get medication and tests to treat. We didn't feel that morally we could go on government assistance. But now, we have health insurance and can pay our own way thanks to Ellie Kay. She is really a God send. Last week, we had no money for food (again) but we didn't panic. because of this book, I had extra groceries in my stock. God used this book to improve our lives, get me the medical help I need and maybe even save my life. Thank you, Ellie Kaye.

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Summary: Fabulous, easy read with great ideas
Review: When you're facing financial difficulty, the last thing you should be doing is buying consumer products like books, right? Except maybe this one and one by Mary Hunt on managing money. I remember my mom cutting coupons but I never exactly studied the science of it. Ellie Kay breaks it all down for you. you get taught about ways to save money I had no idea existed. It's a quick, easy read that you can gain skills from and immediately apply. It is the kind of lesson where you can use the tools you gain slowly then apply on a larger scale after you master some steps. It is definitely worth owning, reviewing, and referring to. I actually was directed to this book by another of Ellie's books I received upon becoming engaged--The New Bride Guide. That was a surprisingly refreshing, honest, and useful book--and believe me I read dozens of them! That one was not cliche either. Anyways, definitely pick up Shop,Save,and Share. It is worth your money and time--I promise whether you plan on cutting brand buying out of your habits or not. The beauty of learning the actual science is that you can apply it to your lifestyle at a level of stringency that is comfortable for you and your family.