A Year in Review

I am ready to begin 2012, but before I get too excited about the future, I would like to take a moment to enjoy our successes of 2011.  The Savvy Simple Savers began in June of 2011 and I am truly amazed by all that we have accomplished.  Whether you have already viewed these posts or it is your first time, I encourage you to take a look back at these great things our group accomplished in 2011:

• Multiple donations to help families in our community.  Our first donation was just one month after our group began. 
• The first blog post.  Although it was nothing fancy, it was a start.
• The addition of recipes.  So many great recipes and resources!  I look forward to trying new recipes as I take on the Meal Planning Challenge for 2012.
• A special email from a local family.  A wonderful thank you note reminding us that The Savvy Simple Savers has an amazing opportunity to make a difference in our community.
• The continued growth of our group and creation of a Frequently Asked Questions page.  As of today (January 2, 2012) , we have 212 fans on our Facebook page!
• The first annual Savvy Simple Savers Christmas Giving Tree.  Such wonderful stories of giving!

2011 was also a very good year for my family.  We created a great stockpile and we were able to save a total of $5,436.97!  Our family has saved and given back to our community more than I could have ever anticipated over a years time.  We are very blessed.  I certainly had my share of mistakes, failed transactions and deals that didn't turn out like I planned.  However, the amount of learning and end results was worth it all.

Now it is time to get excited for what lies ahead in 2012!  I look forward to another great year full of savings, more opportunities to give back to others in need and the continued growth of The Savvy Simple Savers.  As we begin a new year, here are a few things I am working on for our group and I encourage you to share your suggestions on what you would like to see in 2012:

1. Information about how to get free samples.
2. More recipes and meal planning ideas.  Sharing menu plans.
3. Provide classes on specific subjects or stores at our meetings.
4. Invite local businesses/stores to speak at our meetings about their coupon policies and other information that may to help us save money. 
5. Educate businesses on what our group is all about.  Look for more community connections.
6. Invite local charities to speak about how we can help them and the items needed by their organization.
7. Invite a financial planning speaker to talk about saving and investing for the future.
8. Ask other Savvy Simple Savers for ideas for blog posts and offer for them to write or co-author the post. 
9. Look at doing a coupon swap closer to the Olympia/Lacey area once a quarter.