You are the excited paper reviewer each morning, and love the sunday paper. You are really only getting the paper for the coupons. $1.00 off! Whoopie! Never mind that you never ever have had athletes foot in your life and the foot medicine is not on your shopping list. You can get a dollar off!
Do you have more shampoo than you can ever use in your lifetime? Do you try a brand, then use it one or two times, and then never use it again? You are not alone!
Coupons are Not Smart
OK, you can save money with coupons, you bet! But what good does this collection of coupons do you, if you are not going to really need them? Even if you think you are going to use them, and you do not, you are only doing some great distress to yourself. I for one, think having a coupon really does not save you money, and here is why.
You are more inclined to buy more on a coupon
Buy one get one free, free lunch with purchase, get a dollar off, are all great ideas, if you were on your way to the restaurant or grocery to buy that exact item. But, if you were not planning on buying that food item, or use that service in the first place, do you really need it? Often times, the thrill of the deal, is just the same effect as the shopping trip, collection process at a garage sale, or a unnecessary trip to the going out of business sale.
Really consider objectively, without your emotional “its a deal” thought process, if you would buy this at 200% of the cost it is at now. If you say, I have some of those, no I really do not like that kind of food, or I will never use it at that cost, you have your answer.
I believe many of us get sucked into the online coupon mom web sites, and really need to find good and effective ways to save money. But, coupons usually are just a way for you to buy what you do not need. If you find you really were going to buy the item, then congratulations! That is a bargain, and they are not always that true.
Toss those coupons
You will be better off with out the nag in your mind, of the stress of coupon cutting. Do you clip coupons, then organize them in envelopes or your wallet, and find that you are always searching and looking for your coupons and deal books? You are causing yourself undo stress. Your time is more valuable than 50 cents. You are entitled to buy what you need, and do it with the least amount of pressure and stress. You are worth the extra 50 cents.
What do you think? Do you think coupons clutter your life and your lifestyle? Or, have you saved a lot of money? Let me know!