Big cheese of coupons

WOODRIDGE | Savvy shopper finds bargains on everything but Roquefort

Brenda Bromfield of west suburban Woodridge has become such a skilled shopper, she can come up with a coupon or a bulk bargain buy on nearly everything.

Her grocery bill is $40 a week to feed herself, husband Jim, 9-year-old daughter Madison and 6-year-old son Ian.

Bromfield, 41, posted a notice in the newsletter of her church, First United Methodist in Downers Grove, asking fellow parishioners to give her unwanted coupons.

She was invited to join the Illinois Good Deal Loop, a Yahoo group of 200 bargain hunters who share tips and use Web links to online coupons. She also uses CouponMom.com to find particular items. "I can type in 'Johnsonville brats' and find a coupon," she said.

Bromfield stocks up on gifts, candy and other items she can use throughout the year.

"I have 28 boxes of cereal right now. That will hold me until the next time there is a really great sale," she said.

She buys candy when it's 75 percent to 90 percent off, toys right after Christmas, and anything on sale that might make a good wedding present, shower gift or birthday surprise.

She hides her stash in the crawl space of her house, and she has three freezers and other storage space for food.

The stay-at-home mom, who previously taught grade-school music, said she has more time and storage space than many people. "I understand when people roll their eyes and say they just don't have time."

Does Bromfield pay full price for anything?

"Sometimes you can't get a Roquefort [cheese] on sale," she said.