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Recently, using a $25 coupon for a local restaurant, Colvard and his parents split a 22-ounce steak dinner, which included a baked potato, salad and dessert. He let his parents split the potato and ordered two additional salads. Total price: $14.96, plus tip.

"One of the reasons for the epidemic of obesity in our country is the inappropriately huge portion sizes served in restaurants," he said. "The easiest way to lose weight and save money is to just half the portion size. Try it."

* Margaret Doyle of Raleigh suggested finding the 800 numbers of the manufacturers on packages of products you like and telling them so.

"I call the Nestle Purina PetCare Co. and they send me at least four coupons," she said. "These coupons are at least $1 to $2 off. I have called many times, so I always have a coupon for my pet food."

* And there were more Web site recommendations, including:

www.fatwallet.com (coupons, chat room and cash-back offers)

www.couponmom.com (grocery coupons, how to organize them and best grocery deals by state)

www.savingsmania.com (printable coupons, special offers and online deals)

www.ebates.com (a free subscription that rewards loyalty by offering cash back on purchases made by linking from the site to mainstream online retailers)

www.wow-coupons.com (printable retail-store coupons and online coupons)

Now the best part: You have a chance to put your new knowledge of coupons to good use.

Lowes Foods is tripling coupons this weekend at Triangle-area stores.

The caveats: up to 20 coupons per order, up to 99 cents face value, as long as you spend $35 or more.

But like all good deals, you've got to move fast. Today's the last day.

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