Clipping costs

The holidays tend to put a dent in consumers’ pocketbooks, but the tips offered in Ashley Dougherty’s new book, "Couponing in Hawaii" (Mutual Publishing, $9.95), can put dollars back into your wallet.

Written to complement her website Hawaiishopaholics.com, Dougherty provides information on where to find coupons and how to organize and use them at local stores.

Although Hawaii has the nation’s highest cost of living, she says she has walked out of stores with free merchandise or even made some cash by using coupons. She claims that after three months of diligent couponing, households should be able to reduce grocery spending by 30 percent. After six months, spending can be cut in half. By the one-year mark, grocery bills can be cut down to $100 per person per month, and $50 for kids ages 4 to 12, she says.

Dougherty grew up watching her mother and grandmother clip coupons. Although she found it annoying and embarrassing when her mother encountered problems cashing in coupons at the checkout line, she now understands the benefits of bargain hunting.

She began clipping coupons in 2005 when she moved into an apartment with her husband, Kevin. Although they were both working full-time jobs, she said she was unable to save much money without putting some time and effort into it.

"It’s possible to make couponing a part of your normal routine," she said. "It’s possible to live a frugal lifestyle in paradise."

Because she buys multiples of the same item to make the most of the discounts, Dougherty maintains a three- to six-month stockpile of groceries and household goods at her Ewa Beach home. "Anything beyond that and it feels like hoarding," she said.

Dougherty shares her expertise in classes that cover the basics such as coupon etiquette, organization and terminology. An advanced class examines reward programs and "stacking" and doubling coupons. A third course is designed for military consumers who shop at exchanges and commissaries.

Her classes are on hold for now as she takes time off after giving birth to her daughter on Thanksgiving. Dougherty plans to resume the sessions in February.

"I teach your daily average couponing, not extreme couponing. If you can put in 15 to 30 minutes daily to couponing, which is a hobby, you can save your family money," she said.

"Clipping coupons can become a fun family hobby. It teaches kids the value of money."