Savvy Dayton shopper clips coupons to cut costs

Barbara Manna, 60, keeps her spacious home in Dayton immaculately clean, just as she keeps her finances.

New to Nevada, Manna said she loves the area, and is looking forward to the new retail center planned for Dayton next to Smith's.

Manna has several family members working and fighting in Iraq, so she tries to purchase from countries that also support the U.S. coalition there.

Manna, a retired buyer/contract administrator for Bechtel Corp., shops for herself and her husband. She saves about $50 a month by smart shopping.

Appeal: What brands do you buy, and why?

Manna: I'm not necessarily a brand person. I'll try a nonbrand item, and if it's good, it'll stick with it. If I'm not happy with it I'll go to a name brand.

One thing I use is Rimmel makeup from England. We just spent the last year and a half living in England. We moved, but I can still get it here. It's good and is a reasonable cost, compared to L'Oreal and all the others.

Appeal: What's one great deal you've found this month?

Manna: Using my 10 percent coupons as a new home owner that I received from Lowe's and Home Depot. I got window coverings and lawn supplies.

Appeal: How far will you travel to shop?

Manna: Within 25 miles. I go to Carson City for the stores there.

Appeal: What is your strategy for bargain hunting?

Manna: Because I have time on my hands, I can read the paper, go to the stores, and take my time looking for bargains. Sometimes, I'm buying Christmas gifts six months ahead of time.

Appeal: Local or corporate - which do you prefer?

Manna: Corporate. I think you get the best buy at the corporate stores because they are dealing in volume. I try and support local businesses when it comes to services and restaurants.

Appeal: What is the most important thing for a business to do to earn your loyalty?

Manna: I think having a reasonable return policy is really important. The first question I asked when buying my tire chains was, "If they don't fit, can I take them back?"

Appeal: What advertisements catch your eye and your ear, why?

Manna: Probably the introduction of new products. I'll stop and pay attention to those. I do use coupons. I look for and use coupons in the Sunday paper.

Appeal: Who taught you how to manage your resources, and what's one piece of advice that you can pass on to others?

Manna: I learned by working for a loan company my first year of employment. I learned then to avoid debt and stay liquid - keep your own money in your own hand. So when there is a bargain, you can take advantage of it without borrowing. Stay out of debt. If you can't pay for it, you don't need it.

n To be featured as a Shopper, contact business reporter Becky Bosshart at 881-1212 or bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com.