All Aboard!

Wow, gas prices are soaring...grocery prices are climbing, and we're all feeling the pinch in one way or another.  Remember I told you all to stay tuned, as there were some exciting things coming our way?  Well today I am excited to share an idea that our Coupon Diva Cassie introduced to me this past week...The Coupon Train!!   It's such an easy thing to do, and a fun way to help each other save lots of $$ at the store!  I often think about all the coupons in the paper that I won't use, and think it's a shame to throw them out if someone else could use them...the Coupon Train helps us do just that!

I'm trying to set up a Coupon Train today, as we speak.  I need about 2-3 more people to hop aboard my train, so if you live in my area, and would like to hop aboard, please send me an email at shelbarnhart@netzero.com.  We'd love to have you join us!  Here are the basics of the Coupon Train...if you'd like to start a train of your own, go for it!  What could be better than helping each other out?! 

Here are the basics, and the rules...(yes, even with the train, you need to have rules so it stays on schedule and doesn't "derail"!  lol!) 

A coupon train is an envelope filled with non-expired coupons that is sent between riders.  When you receive the "train", take the coupons out of the envelope that you will use and replace them with coupons from your personal collection that you won't use.  You then mail it to the next address on the list. 

Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth train ride:

*Pick a "Conductor"...this is the person who starts the train and sets up the route/rules.
*  Limit your group to about 5-6 riders to be sure the train doesn't have too long of a route.  This helps you share more often, and prevents lots of coupons that will expire soon.
*  The envelope should contain about 40 coupons, as well as a list of all the riders and rules.  Mail the packet to the person whose name is below yours, and they will do the same, until the packet makes it's way back to the conductor. 
*  Take only the coupons you need.
*  Replace the number of coupons you take.
*  Do not include coupons with an expiration date within 15 days unless you know the next rider can use them before they expire.
*  Provide enough postage as to not delay the train...a good rule of thumb is 40 coupons + packing list/rules = 1 stamp.
*  Each rider should remove any expired coupons in the packet when they go through it.
*  Please do not keep the envelope any longer than 2-3 days so that the coupons can be passed around before they expire.  We all know life happens, and there may be some weeks where you just don't have time to do the train.  If so, please mail onto the next rider on the list. 
*  The last person on the list will mail the envelope back to the conductor, who will sort through them, remove expired coupons, replenish the packet and start the train all over again. 

I don't know about you, but this sounds like fun, and a great way to maximize coupons!  Just last week, I  had several great coupons for products I don't use, and my sis was tickled to get them.  I hope you all have a great time with this, and be sure to comment here and let me know how it goes!  And feel free to contact me or Cassie if you have questions...we're all about helping each other save cash!!  :)  Happy couponing and saving!!!