Savvy Shopping Mom Pays It Forward At Christmas
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FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - A Wylie mom is paying forward six months of hard work, donating $10,000 worth of gifts to families in need this holiday season.
Tina Klein is the self-proclaimed Super Coupon Woman. The mom of three began couponing in 2008.
Earlier this year she challenged herself to use her savvy shopping skills to pay it forward, by purchasing $10,000 in retail items on a budget of $1,500.
"It was a lot of work, but rewarding too," Klein said.
Klein started in April, searching the clearance racks for off-season items.
60-70% discounts were the minimum, and she never allowed herself to spend more than $10 on any one item.
She searched online,too. Many of her purchases came from retailers like Macys, Kohls, Walmart. She also scored finds from Half-Price Books and Gilly Hicks.
By November, she'd amassed more than 700 items, including toys, books, clothing and shoes, for a grand total of $1,450.
"I searched just when I had time. The $1 for ten items or searching in the $1-$10 price range to see what they've have. When I thought it was acceptable, I would get it," Klein said.
A single mom raising three daughters, Klein works as a server at two restaurants. She says couponing started as a hobby, but she enjoys sharing what she's learned with others.
"Paying it forward makes you feel good," Klein said.
Several years ago, she says, there was a time when she found her own family in need during the holidays. Someone stepped forward to help, and this mother never forgot.
"I think most people that have been helped, always want to find a way to pay it forward. If they get that opportunity, they'll do it," Klein said.
To that end, she hopes to give away all her shopping finds this holiday season. She's just looking for the right charity or non-profit in need.
"I'm hoping that it brings some single moms a little more peace, and just helps them out," said Klein.
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