When you are doing coupon deals or following online deals (like Groupon or even high discounts with free shipping at Kohls.com) it is easy to get caught up in the trap of “that’s a great deal, I have to buy it!” It has happened to all of us I am sure.
I’ve made my motto,
“If it isn’t FREE, and you have a doubt, don’t buy it.”
Even if it is only $1.00 or $2.00.
This may seem ridiculous, but think of it this way. If you see a magazine subscription for $1.99 and get it this week, but then next week see a dish towel on sale with free shipping for $1.00, and then the next week buy a pair of jeans that you don’t need for $1.99 – within a year’s time you’ll have spent almost $100 that you could have saved.
And if you wouldn’t have spent the money, you wouldn’t have stuff that you don’t need.
I will admit this rule can get tricky when you are playing the drugstore game. You have a lot of other options to consider in this case. For instance, if I have enough coupons to get a product I won’t use, like eye solution, for FREE, plus I’ll get extrabucks or UP rewards back if I buy it, then to me, I’m making money! I then give the product to someone who I know will use it, or save it to donate to food pantries or half-way houses.
Exceptions and Smart Thinking
Now if you know you are going to need it, and use it (like diapers or food you are going to buy anyway) that’s another story!
I also think there is great value in thinking ahead. If you see an amazing deal in January for a Christmas gift that you won’t give for another 11 months, keep your options open. It might be worth it to buy your gifts ahead and store them, especially if you know the person will love it, use it, or need it.
