The images and stories of the devastation and loss of those affected by Hurricane Katrina are heart wrenching.

Security and prosperity can be taken away in a heartbeat. We all need to take a serious and hard look at where we stand in our own personal emergency plans.

If you or a spouse lost your job, could you survive financially? Would you have food to eat? If a natural disaster occurred here in Utah County, would you have the necessary food and water to subsist?

I often talk about the fun side of couponing -- how addicting it can be, how excited I get when I find a great deal --- but, there is also a very serious side to couponing.

Using coupons can help you prepare for the future and provide security and peace of mind. Following the Savvy Shopper grocery saving program will help you build up a usable pantry or food storage and save you a significant amount of money at the grocery store.

Gas prices are outrageous and the economic ramifications of the disaster wreaked by Hurricane Katrina may be far reaching and long lasting -- now is the time to consciously work on preparing for the future and for unforeseen emergencies.

For more information on my free program, to sign up for free Weekly Deals e-mail, or for pricing on our Coupon Subscription Package, call 344-2923 or e-mail