Founded in late 1994, the PMA Coupon Council is an advocacy group that focuses on providing education on, and promoting the use of, couponing. Every September the Council pulls out the party hats and streamers to celebrate a most festive occasion-National Coupon Month. While the party only lasts a month, the organization celebrates year-round by pointing consumers to couponmonth.com, the Council's Web site which offers tips, education and resources for consumers to "shop smart" using coupons.

Coupons are a happening medium. In 2002, shoppers saved $3 billion dollars by redeeming 3.8 billion coupons for a variety of product categories, including household cleaners, prepared foods, detergents and health remedies. In fact, 79% of all people in the U.S. use coupons, making it one of the most popular components of shopping in America. The Council advises that "smart shopping" means clipping coupons not only for packaged goods, but also for discounts on a variety of products and services including fast-food restaurants, apparel, accessories and home electronics-these businesses are beginning to offer more and more coupon discounts.

September is definitely a month for celebration. The news coming out of the PMA Coupon Council is good-coupon use is definitely on the rise, and savings are rolling in. So be sure to stock up on party favors every September and celebrate with the wild revelers at the Coupon Council-but don't forget to clip your coupons first.