As the title suggests, I am now a coupon clipper. I can't put my finger on why but using coupons was always slightly embarrassing for me in the past. Maybe it was those times when I was a child and I went shopping with my mother and we'd get stuck behind the lady with the bag full of coupons and it would take ages for the clerk to enter them in. All the while my mother was bitching because she couldn't wait to have another cigarette. Maybe it's because they seemed similar to food stamps and I was too proud.
Well, it's not 1986 anymore (now the clerk just scans them in in seconds) and I've got better things than pride to spend my money on (I need to eat). Also, you know that crappy colored four page newspaper you get in your mailbox from the local grocery stores every Tuesday (the one you immediately throw in the trash)? It lists all the deals for the end of that week and it has coupons! By shopping for the items on sale in that paper in addition to the coupons I've consecutively saved at least $30 on every shopping trip. I go shopping about once a week so that means I'm saving $120 a month! Holy crap! Why haven't I been doing this all along? $120 is a third of my car payment!
So, keep an eye out for that big piece of colored newspaper that shows up in your mailbox on Tuesday, pull the manufacturer coupons out of the Sunday paper and check your local grocer's website for printable coupons (they mostly suck but you never know).
We're in (or just coming out of) a recession people! I don't know about you but I could use the 30 bucks.
Comments (2)
I still don't like to take the time to find coupons, but when I shop I don't buy anything this isn't on sale unless I have to. Generally I just look for the Savers card member deals and buy those. If pasta isn't on sale that week I just don't buy it. The other trick, is still rock the Costco, $8 for the worlds largest jug of Artichoke hearts! I guess once I know what our monthly spending actually is perhaps I will have to take another look at coupons.
Have you thought about using Mint.com or the like to track you spending and know where your costs and spending really are?
Posted by Dan | September 26, 2009 8:16 AM
Posted on September 26, 2009 08:16
Too bad I didn't clip coupons starting when you were just a little
guy. I probably wouldn't have those PLUS loans now.
Posted by Dad | October 8, 2009 9:32 AM
Posted on October 8, 2009 09:32