Guest Interview: Saving to Give

I would like you to meet a wonderful mentor and friend, Alisha. She is a young wife and mother of 3 spunky, beautiful girls. Alisha is one of my "coupon buddies"! I'd like to share Alisha's insights on how she lives frugally and teaches her girls to love giving.

Is saving money (especially on things like food, toiletries, and clothing) a priority for you and your family?

Like everyone (whether college student or mom), you find yourself trying to balance LOTS of priorities! But yes, it is a priority, and I have been able to find great deals, learn to coupon, and know which stores I can get the lowest prices on particular items. There are certain things (like shampoo and toothpaste, for example) that I haven’t had to buy in two years because I got them for free with coupons. But another priority for me is to use my time wisely, and so that shapes which deals I go for. I am not going to drive to a store 15 minutes away because I can get a tube of toothpaste for free. The gas expense certainly comes into play here, too! I try to do what I can, using both money AND time wisely.

How do you teach your girls how to use money and/or save?

I hadn’t realized that my “shopping style” had rubbed off at all. But one day at the store, my daughter (who was four at the time), saw a man grab a product off the shelf and walk up to the register to pay for it. She gasped aloud, grabbed my arm, and said, “Mom! That guy bought something, and he didn’t even LOOK at the price!” I laughed a bit, and then felt badly for my kids for all the minutes they have had to stand there while I price compare, etc. On a more serious note, I am burdened that my daughters learn the difference between a “want” and a “need." I also want to teach them to balance frugality with JOY in giving - to find ways to give to others in a way that is within their reach. It could be as simple as making a card for an elderly person or bringing flowers or a small gift to brighten someone’s day.

Do you believe trying to save money by finding good deals and couponing is biblical?

Having a good business sense and using both time and money wisely certainly fits with what we learn about the woman in Proverbs 31. The Bible also has lots to say about debt and seeking to avoid it. But God’s Word has even more to say about giving - to others and to God. Balancing frugality without becoming a “tightwad” is a necessary priority. Being frugal is good. Being a giver is better. Balancing those two things is challenging.

If you could give any advice to college-aged girls and young families on the topic of saving money, couponing, and/or budgeting, what would it be?

I think it is an absolute must for everyone to have a budget. There are lots of resources out there to learn the best way to do that for your particular family. Without a budget, you have no visual accountability for how you are spending your money. As for saving money/couponing, how each person does that will vary. Find a good resource/website (such as Dave Ramsey, or Crystal Paine’s moneysavingmom.com) and learn all you can. Establishing a budget and learning how to use your money wisely in college is great training for the future. Do what you can with the time you have, and have fun doing it!