Publication in the Latter-day Sentinel

Hayden family employs frugal, ambitious approach to successful business

By Gloria Warnick, Sentinel Staff Writer

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September 13, 2011 — Balance between a business, family and an active church life is sought after daily by the Tanner Family of Hayden, Idaho. They have blended the various aspects of their life in many ways but one that helps daily is something called "extreme couponing."

Tamara and Tom Tanner have a bustling LDS family and business, Hayden Valley Assisted Living. Their three children are 9, 11 and 13. Hayden Valley Assisted Living has 16 residents and is a full house. The Tanners are opening two more assisted living homes this year, Bristol Heights 1 and 2. Within a few years, they plan to open buildings 3 and 4 of Bristol Heights.


With a blend of smart spending, an emphasis on family and a consistent work ethic, Tom and Tamara Tanner have turned Hayden Valley Assisted Living into a successful venture. Contributed Photo.

Add this to busy weekends of camping and four-wheeling with family and friends while maintaining their home in a clean and orderly fashion. How is all this achieved? What is the secret to their balanced life?

"We put our family and living the gospel as our top priority and everything else seems to fall in place," Tom said. "Each member of our family is very involved and our family has grown closer together. My wife and I love being able to work with each other every day. We know we are here for a reason and we feel very blessed."

Tamara agreed heartily but she also talked about the practical division of duties they have agreed upon. She spoke about how she handles the grocery shopping, which can be daunting. It seems providing three meals a day, plus snacks, to 20 people can be a massive task.

"The best advice I've ever received was from a checker at Wal-Mart," Tamara said. "She saw the amount of food Tom and I were buying every week and she suggested CouponMom.com. I go there each Sunday, they have the latest coupons, and their coupons are listed by the area. I check a variety of resources, for example, the local newspapers, and I keep a binder."

Each weekend, Tamara sits down and goes through the print ads. The result is "huge savings."

"During the week when I do my shopping I go to the store that price matches," she said. "Not only does this help me and Tom but we are teaching our children smart shopping techniques that will serve them all their lives."

Everyone at the Tanner home is involved not only in being a part of extreme couponing, but in mowing the lawns and emphasizing service in their family and in their ward.

As a couple, Tom and Tamara feel lucky because they get to spend every day together.

"Our days are one continuous date." Tamara says. "Tom and I go to the movies and lunch together. Then when the children get home, they want family time. Because what they want is important to us, we incorporate this into our days, after homework, of course."

The Tanners acknowledge that saving, dating and grocery shopping do not comprise everything involved in running a business. Tom and Tamara find that dividing duties is important, not only between the two of them, but within the running of their business. They have hired a competent staff with a good administrator.

Balance within a family while running a business is a challenge and has to be worked at every day. Tom and Tamara Tanner say it is much like four wheeling - once you get the power on and the wheels moving, just keep steering.