Dorothy L. Jones

To tell the Truth…I have never been a person to shop solely based on bargains, but instead according to my needs and especially my wants. I also have to admit that my shopping habits have not always been as reasonable as they should be. Relentlessly searching for the latest and greatest deal, the hottest bargains, the (BOGO) buy-one-get-one and the holiday based sales schemes was not my (MO) modus operandi.

However, something drastically changed my entire view of spending and saving money. The weakening and unhealthy economy robbed me of my ability to spend as I please. Living conditions in the Washington DC metro area are to say the least very “expensive” and people are losing jobs, paying extremely high mortgages, and struggling to maintain dwindling bank accounts, while prices are increasing on a regular basis.

Grocery shopping has rapidly evolved into a massive scavenger hunt of trying to purchase the majority of my necessities for the least amount of money possible. Additionally, the primary rule of the game is to hunt for very colorful sales tags that say “buy me I am on sale this week”.

It is interesting to note how quickly I had changed from the scornful consumer/shopper who somewhat turned her nose up at generic brands, to the newly developed coupon clipping, discount seeking, (“is that free?”) frugal shopper that frets over a one day old expired coupon that I missed at the Giant Supermarket.

As economic conditions continued to decline by the day and my financial situation began to feel the crunch, I realized it was time to rethink my customary way of handling my personal finances. It was time to research and develop more effective ways to save money and improve my (personal) financial future. What were the options?

As stated earlier I had never been an avid coupon clipper so that appeared to be a valid way to start the process. A financial wizard was the featured guest on the Oprah Winfrey show one day so I watched after work. She shared many helpful tips about saving money and one of her ideas talked about how coupon clipping was highly beneficial.

Moreover, she discussed how the internet has a wealth of discounts/coupons just waiting for the needy consumer. As a result of performing a local coupon search for my area, I located a 30-day free trial of the old faithful “Entertainment Book” and it allowed me to retrieve (print) a 30 day supply of highly valuable coupons for many products and services at popular stores featuring brand names. I must admit the selections were extremely impressive and diverse; in fact some of the buy-one-get-one free deals were located at my favorite places.

The coupon buzz proved to be so practical and convenient; I wondered why the notion had not hit me before. According to a recent news special on CNN Live “Valpak” (discount coupons) with its signature (blue) envelope, now reaches over 50 million homes annually and the usage is up by 10% compared to last year. Overall continued coupon usage has increased in areas such as groceries, clothing items, take-out (food) orders and retail stores. It is interesting to note that prior to the latest economic decline coupon usage was a quickly decaying habit.

A couple of important questions to consider are: why are we as seemingly educated consumers so reactive with our financial situation verses being proactive? Why did it take a national financial meltdown and the potential for adverse modifications to my (somewhat) comfortable financial circumstances, for me to realize the value of researching ways to save money?

In addition to the new found saving’s methodology and other helpful information, I must admit to learning an extremely valuable and lasting lesson for my future (financial) endeavors. My money should forever be regarded as a valuable commodity, opposed to just something trivial and easily expendable. Remember: smart spending and saving are a significant part of your financial well being, even if your financial standing is seemingly secure and comfortable.

What do you think? Are you going to use that coupon?

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