ASHLAND — In the heart of the recession, America became a “coupon crazy” country. When TLC’s show “Extreme Couponing” premiered, Sunday newspapers were stolen, and manufacturers and retailers became frustrated. Clipping coupons became the newest sport.

Walking out of a store with free merchandise became a national craze. Yes, there is a right way to shop, and a wrong way. Example: Dollar Tree Garnier Fructis products are $1 each, and if you have a $1 coupon, they are free. Buy several newspapers and you have a coupon arsenal. Paying only tax on items is addictive.

Five ways

to save money

Lower your expectations of what is normal. Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses. The Joneses aren’t paying your bills, and they may be deeply in debt. You are responsible for your bills.

Could you make it yourself or repair it yourself? Visit YouTube for instructions to fix anything.

Use cold water when doing the laundry. It saves energy and the life of your hot-water heater. Use specially formulated detergents for cold-water washing; you will never know the difference.

Don’t buy clothing that must be dry cleaned unless absolutely necessary. Read labels before buying.

Cut your spending by $13 a day and save $400 a month. If you start saving today, there is a nice summer vacation in your future.

TIP: Here is a real money-maker for a handyman. Using a clothesline is the hot new trend. Everything old is new again. If you can install a sturdy clothesline, you will have steady work for the next several years. Higher electricity rates are projected, but some people just want to go green.

Reminders

Sabra’s Coupon Club will meet at 5 p.m. Monday in the King’s Daughters Medical Center cafeteria. It’s free; bring unused coupons to trade.

Register at Ashland Community and Technical College for March classes in couponing and frugal living. We know how to have fun. Yes, men also come to class.

Wigs and tea

The Cosmetology Program at ACTC will give a cancer patient a free wig, tips about how to care for it and advice about hair loss. And it’s all done with privacy and dignity. Students are trained to clean, color and style donated wigs. To make a donation, call Belinda Bradley at (606) 326-2460. The service is run entirely by donations.

Also, let’s support our area businesses. There’s a beautiful tea room/café in downtown Ashland called the Frame Up Gallery. If you must eat out, this is the place. Joetta Lynch makes lunch an experience.

Can we afford to eat out occasionally? Yes, by saving elsewhere. Girl time is important. So keep your friends and sisters close. And patronize our special downtown eateries.

Remember, save for what you want and pay cash.

CVS

Gold Emblem Jelly Beans: 99 cents; 99-cent Extra Bucks; free; limit one

Kellogg’s cereal: two for $4; $1 coupon from coupon machine equals two for $3. Look online for a coupon to stack.

Purex: Buy one, get one free; $1 coupon on each; use two

Febreeze Set and Refresh Car Vent Clip: $2.99; $1 coupon in today’s Independent

Puffs: 99 cents; 25-cent coupon off three

Old Spice: $3.99; coupon $3

This is Procter & Gamble week. Buy extra newspapers and use them for couponing all month.