Amy Hannold wants to let you in on a little secret. Prices are rising, but that doesn’t mean your shopping bills should do the same. A little research, networking and coupon clipping saves Hannold enough money each month to cover her car payment, and sometimes more.

“This is not just a coupon clipping club,” she said of her workshops on how to save time and money everyday.

In fact, Hannold enjoys teaching busy people tools to save them from financial headaches — the same lessons that she learned from her great-grandmother, grandmother and mother.

“Since I started earning my own money, I realized the value of money,” she said

“I’m a big advocate of teaching people to be wise consumers,” Hannold said. Not everyone is into clipping coupons, but a little research before a big purchase can add up to big savings, she said. And understanding consumer rights can spare shoppers from getting swindled by thieves and crooked business deals.

In addition to arming her students with money-saving strategies, Hannold distributes copies of the Consumer Action Handbook.

For all the people who say they just don’t have time for one more thing, Hannold said it’s a waste of time for consumers not to know their rights.

For networking purposes and to help others learn about the many money-saving resources available, Hannold created a Web site several years ago. Last year, she bought her own domain, www.savingcentseveryday.com, which offers a “good deal alert” email newsletter for local sales.

She also presents ways to keep organized, such as a car folder with different tabs labelled school, library and receipts. Hannold also keeps a notebook for home information. These tools, she said, are a great way to teach children how to spend wisely and stay organized.

Hannold shares her infectious love of saving with her 11-year-old son, Ben, and 4-year-old daughter, Grace, both of whom are picking up on her shopping habits.

“They learn through observation,” she said.

Learning to shop smart, spend wisely and live within reasonable means is a nation-wide trend, she said.

“It’s happening clear across the country.”

Before she married her husband, Rick, five years ago, Hannold was a single mom. Her need to spend wisely was borne out of necessity, she said.

The soft-spoken 36-year-old mother of two approaches her classes with an open mind.

“You can teach me something,” she said. “I’m not done learning and I’m not done changing.”

Hannold held two classes in November. Her next class will take place at the Coachman Inn, 32959 Hwy. 20, Oak Harbor, on Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m. For information call 675-2338, or visit www.savingcentseveryday.com.