San Antonio residents looking to make their grocery dollars stretch further have a new resource: Brenda Anz, a self‑described “coupon educator” who has been teaching coupon classes for the past 15 years. Anz runs both in‑person workshops and online sessions, sharing proven strategies that have helped tens of thousands of shoppers reduce their out‑of‑pocket costs.

Teaching families to save

“I come into the household and help them learn how to save by using more coupons and less cash at the register,” Anz explained. Her classes attract a wide range of participants, many of whom are coping with tighter budgets and rising living expenses. “There’s so many people that are coming to me, and they’re telling me, ‘Listen, I haven’t had a raise in two years. I’m having major problems,’” she said.

Personal impact beyond the price tag

For some attendees, couponing has become more than a budgeting tool—it’s a source of hope. Nicole Thrash, a former student, described how the practice helped her out of a “dark place,” providing both financial relief and emotional encouragement.

Reaching younger shoppers

Recognizing that good money habits start early, Anz also targets college students. Jordan Etta, a senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio, noted that many of his peers lack basic knowledge about couponing. “I feel like a lot of people my age aren’t really focused on saving money, or they don’t 100% know what to do when it comes to couponing,” he said.

Practical tips from the classroom

Anz emphasizes three core habits for successful couponing:

• Read coupons carefully. Check whether a coupon applies to clearance items, whether it can be used multiple times, and what restrictions may apply.
• Stock seasonal items after holidays. Many products are marked down once a holiday ends, offering an opportunity to buy in bulk for future use.
• Plan ahead for holiday shopping. Setting aside a dedicated budget before the season begins can prevent a large, one‑time financial strain.

Technology also plays a role. Store apps, digital coupons, and social‑media pages allow shoppers to track current deals and store‑wide promotions in real time.

Upcoming class and how to join

Anz’s next session is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 322 El Paso Street in downtown San Antonio. The class is open to anyone interested in learning how to stretch their grocery budget throughout the year.

Why it matters for families

In an era of rising food prices, practical savings strategies like couponing empower families to keep more of their hard‑earned money at home. By teaching residents how to navigate coupons, digital deals, and seasonal sales, Anz is reinforcing the community’s commitment to responsible stewardship of resources—a value that aligns with the traditional family principles cherished throughout San Antonio.

For more information about upcoming classes or to register online, visit Anz’s website or follow her social‑media channels.

Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.