Jaclyn Smith: Even Angels Clip Coupons
Author: Jan Leasure
Who could ever imagine a beautiful celebrity clipping coupons or creating a personal budget? Well, the lovely and talented Jaclyn Smith has a refreshing attitude about saving money and a healthy respect for staying on a budget.When Jaclyn spoke with me recently about her views on personal budgeting and lifestyle she made the comment, "Coupons are Like Pennies from Heaven!" Although I am a huge proponent of anything that saves consumers money, coupons are not our only money saving tool. However, Jaclyn's comment made me envision coupons (and dollars) raining down on me right into my bank account! Since I always use the analogy of coupons being my "Monopoly Money" I just loved Jaclyn's analogy of "Pennies from Heaven!" Although Jaclyn uses cents off coupons, she doesn't have a system. I have shared my system with her by sending her a copy of my Coupon Encyclopedia! (Free Download e-coupon encyclopedia @ www.janleasure.com
Jaclyn's daughter, Spencer Margaret, and her son, Gaston are close to the ages of my own adult children. When I shared the anecdote about my older daughter, Jordan, bragging to me that she snapped up $1700 worth of designer jeans for $52 at a going out of business sale, Jaclyn could relate. "My daughter is a smart shopper. She loves wearing vintage clothing. By going "vintage" Spencer can purchase three dresses for the cost of one! She has a great eye and is able to spot quality as well." Spencer is right on target with her vintage shopping. In fact, shopping "vintage" or in our world, "resale" is becoming so popular that you have to comparison shop and barter the price down in some cases. One of the great things about vintage sweaters, dresses, scarves, coats and handbags is the detail that you can find on them. Jaclyn's son, Gaston, also in his 20's, is also conservative with his money. Jaclyn said, "My son, who has worked through high school and college, is very aware of how far a dollar goes and spends his money as wisely as his sister, Spencer." Jaclyn is a lot like the rest of us, she believes, "When you work and are accountable for spending your own money, you realize the value of a dollar!" I reminded Jaclyn that although in the eyes of fans she is famous and may or may not have to cut corners. However, I wanted to know if there was anything in her daily or weekly routine that she sticks to religiously in order to save. She said, "I do a lot of cooking and create a lot of recipes. Therefore, we try to buy in large quantities when we shop for food and household items. In addition to bulk buying in some cases, we are extremely conscious of the way we use water and energy!" Jaclyn likes to make "comfort food" for her family and she isn't shy about being a great cook! "I'm excellent when it comes to cooking enchiladas, pancakes, sweet potatoes with marshmallows (one of my personal favorites), baked apples and veal piccata, just to name a few of my children's favorites." Of course, all readers know that Jaclyn is a clothing designer. With her sense of style, background and visibility I am certain that she could have designed clothing for any high end store such as Neiman Marcus or Bloomingdales. Instead she chose K-Mart. Having talked with Jaclyn, I feel that she has a very human side and considering her circumstances isn't at all pretentious, But I still thought K-mart was an interesting choice. When I asked, "Why K-Mart?" Here is what she says on the subject, "I loved the challenge. It's easier to create when you can put an expensive price tag on an item. But I wanted to enable more than just a select number of people where fashion was concerned. At Kmart we have more than 200 designers for apparel and home who travel the world looking for the best design and quality at an affordable price. Together, we are able to truly help women get both style and value." To be honest, I hadn't really thought about the creation of fashion at stores that aren't department stores until I interviewed Jaclyn. She has designed for Kmart for over 25 years. "My line has always stood for quality, value and timeless classics in fashion. We know our customers and we have never lost sight of what she wants for 25 years." I am impressed that there is someone in our corner so that we can feel like Cinderella (at the ball--not scrubbing) and maintain an affordable clothing budget. Thanks Jaclyn! I will close by envisioning Jaclyn filing her coupons while thinking that they are, "Pennies from Heaven!" while reminding readers that Jaclyn has shared some fabulous family recipes with me that I will post soon! We are all in this together, even those of us with Celebrity Status! If you ARE a celebrity or know of one who would like to be a featured $uper $aver, please contact me! If you have something to report or want to share your money saving tips, drop me an e-mail at jan@janleasure.com If your letter is chosen for $uper $aver of the day you will receive a free copy of How to Save $1000 a Year at the Supermarket! I did send one to Jaclyn thanking her for her contribution!
