NORMAL - Kimberly McCormick pushed her grocery cart down an aisle at the Jewel-Osco store on Normal's Cottage Avenue and stopped in front of the cereal. She checked her grocery list and picked up six boxes of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes and four boxes of Raisin Bran.

Normally that much cereal would cost about $35 but the Bloomington resident paid about $8 by using coupons and store promotions.

She recently channeled her knowledge into a business, Retire With Coupons, and now teaches others her money-saving techniques.

"If your grocery bill is $100, it should be $50," she said. She has been using coupons for about 16 years and now teaches monthly workshops at Normal Township Hall. She plans to expand to Bloomington's Mid-Central Community Action in May.

According to a survey by ICOM Information & Communications, in today's recession 67 percent of U.S. shoppers say they are more or somewhat more likely to use coupons.

Central Illinois grocers have noticed the increased interest.

"From a personal standpoint I think it (using coupons) is a good idea," said Lou Schick, a manager at Kroger in Lincoln, who counts himself among coupon-clippers.

Aaron Matej, the assistant manager at the Cottage Avenue Jewel, said he began to notice more coupon use about the time the recession began late last year.

Although using coupons can be as simple as clipping discounts in the newspaper, good organizational skills can also help maximize the benefits, McCormick said.

For instance, McCormick comes into grocery stores armed with several coupon organizers, including one organized by store and another by product.

Shelly Hart, a Bloomington mother of four, attended a workshop in April.

Hart learned, among other things, about sales, store rebates and online coupons. She got a number of tips, including making grocery lists before going to the store and leaving children at home, which both cut down on impulse buys.

"I started doing coupons on my own in January and it definitely is worth the time and energy," Hart said.

McCormick's two-hour workshops are $20 per person. Registration is available by calling (309) 846-0415 or online at www.retirewithcoupons.com.