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GREENSBORO — At 4,133 square feet, Tameka Dumas' Greensboro home is pretty big.

Her electric bill? Not so big.

"My last bill was $142," the married mother of two young boys said.

Her highest gas bill last winter? Try $79.

Groceries and household odds and ends for the family? No more than $150 a month.

It takes work, time, patience and some know-how — Dumas didn't learn how to save a good chunk of change on everyday living overnight.

But if you're ready to save and are willing to put a little work into it, Dumas is here to help.

In November, Dumas began offering money-saving advice by holding in-home seminars. She named her company Financial Health.

Dumas will teach you how to shop for groceries, inexpensive quality furniture, dining on the cheap and cutting your utility bills.

Classes are $15 per person, and the host attends for free.

Dumas will even tag along for free during the host's next shopping trip, offering advice on how to save.

Dumas has always considered herself frugal-minded, recalling saving her allowance money as a kid instead of spending it right away like her younger brother.

But her frugal ways kicked into overdrive several years ago.

In 2006, she and her family were living in Texas when her husband, Calvin, was asked to transfer his job at Dell to the company's new Winston-Salem plant.

They moved into a cramped apartment and still had a house in Texas that was on the market. The Texas home didn't sell until three months later.

"We had to figure out how to keep our heads above water," Dumas said.

She began doing in-depth research.

"Every time I found one thing, it was like, 'Wow,' " she said. "If I can save here, I can save here and over here and over here."

Their next goal was to pay down their debt, which they decided to do before moving into their current home in March 2008.

Friends took notice of Dumas' frugal ways. They asked her for advice, wondering how a stay-at-home mom could afford not to be working full-time.

"So I'm taking them to the store, showing them how to shop, and they're spending $20 and saving a hundred," she said. "They're like 'Tameka, you've got all this knowledge in your head. You're spending your time helping people for free. So why don't you put something down on paper and start your own business?' "

One of her husband's co-workers was so impressed that she offered to host Dumas' first seminar.

"You're saving money in every facet of your life," she said, seated in a brown-leather sofa she got off Craigslist.

The response so far?

"I always pass around a questionnaire," she said. "I get at least one or two that say, "Thank you for changing my life.' "

Those interested in hosting a seminar can call her at (512) 630-8894.

Update: I forgot to mention you can also contact her via e-mail at tamekadumas@bellsouth.net.

Check out a slide show about Dumas below:

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Getting hitched? You might want to check out a free fashion event in Greensboro showcasing wedding, bridesmaid gowns and mother of the bride dresses.

The Divine Weddings and Beyond Workshop will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Emerald Event Center at 2000 E. Wendover Ave.

Other highlights include cake and a wine tasting, live music and a $1,000 prize for one lucky bride.

Prizes will also be raffled throughout the event.

RSVP by Sept. 30 at 691-2000.

Admission is free, although they're accepting donations for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Guests are encouraged to wear pink to show their support.

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Speaking of breast cancer, Belk stores in the Triad are hosting Fit for a Cure, a complimentary bra-fitting event sponsored by Wacoal.

You'll also be able to sign up to receive a monthly e-mail reminder to do a self breast exam.

Wacoal will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation for every woman who attends and another $2 for every Wacoal bra or shapewear item that is purchased.

The event is at the Belk at Friendly Center in Greensboro from to 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and the Belk at Hanes Mall in Winston-Salem from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

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Check out great buys on gently used and new household goods, tools, toys and other stuff during a rummage sale fundraiser in Winston-Salem on Saturday.

Our Lady of Mercy School at 1730 Link Road is having the sale from 8 a.m. to noon to raise money for a new computer for the school office.

Other items for sale include games, small appliances, holiday items, Halloween costumes, baby equipment, sporting goods, exercise equipment, ladies accessories and books.

From noon to 2 p.m., you can fill a paper grocery bag for just $5.

There will also be a bake sale, a 50/50 raffle and door prizes.

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Become Web savvy. Check out the Bargain Blog where you can also sign up to become a fan of the blog's Facebook page.

Also, subscribe to the weekly Bargain Bytes e-newsletter, which is free, at www.news-record.com/bargains. You can also sign up for my Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/bargainblog.

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Contact Mike Fuchs at 373-3465 or michael.fuchs@news-record.com