Our Frugal Journey

Frugal folks are famous for their stories of just how far they can stretch a dollar.

Well, here’s one for the record books.

Two bucks will buy you a 2010 calendar at Whole Foods  loaded with $30 worth of coupons.

That same $2 will help create new lives for women living in poverty across the globe. Women such as those whose inspiring photos and life stories are featured in the Whole Planet Foundation calendar now being sold at Whole Foods.

Living in poverty in Peru, Bolivia, India, Haiti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Guatemala, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, the United States and East Timor, these women are the recipients of microloans of $200 or less to start businesses to support themselves and their families.

Last year, sales of these $2 calendars raised $72,000, which was loaned to 1,775 poor women and their family members to create or expand a home-based business. This year, the foundation is hoping to raise $75,000 to help 2,000 more women support their families and improve their lives.

Wow. It’s a bargain, a good deed, a thoughtful gift, all rolled into one.

Ben & Jerry’s, Kashi, Muir Glen and Oikos are among the companies offering coupons in the calendar. Click here to view the complete list of coupons included in the calendar.

And did I mention that 100 percent of the money raised will go to help these aspiring female entrepreneurs?

Two bucks that stretches all the way around the globe. Two bucks well spent.