Tuesday, February 10, 2009

coupons

A few days ago, I received my March Real Simple magazine in the mail.  (I've always been bothered by receiving magazines entire months early, but I'll save that for another post.)  Embracing the slowing economy and turning it into something marketable, Real Simple's theme for the month is all about tightening the purse strings.  The cover promises various ways to save money, get more for your money, etc.  It's weird, but I immediately got excited at the thought of saving rather than spending my money.  Maybe slowing economies have some good effects, after all.

Anyway, inspired by my Real Simple magazine, I decided to buy the Sunday paper and clip coupons.  I clipped several coupons for items I use regularly, or items I'd be willing to substitute for the items I use regularly.  This week's coupon books were a wealth of potential savings!  Crest Pro Health toothpaste!  Whitening rinse!  Bounce dryer sheets, which I was almost out of anyway!

Armed with coupons, I headed to Wal-Mart on Sunday afternoon.  For the first time ever, I was disappointed by Wal-Mart's low prices.  Instead of using a coupon to buy Bounce dryer sheets, I bought Great Value dryer sheets at half the price.  Bounce dryer sheets for $4.50 after the coupon, or Great Value dryer sheets for $2?  Come on...that's a no-brainer.  Wal-Mart's store brand rendered my coupons virtually useless.  Sadness!

Note:  I did have better luck at Walgreens, but who really shops for groceries there?  The only person I know who shops there is my crazy grandmother.  I really don't want to go down that road!

In other news, Ross and I had engagement pictures made this past weekend.  We should have proofs in the next few weeks.  If I'm allowed to share, I'll post a link!

2 comments:

Michael said...

I'm going to go out on a limb here, but that may have been the perfect blog post. First, it served primarily as an outlet for your witty observations on life, and they were both witty and observant. We both know that that is the real reason you like having a blog. Second, you put just a little bit of your personal life into it, which we both know is necessary if you are to maintain this blog. Thus, your post perfectly balanced what you want (witty observations) and what you need (personal details). Kudos.

Emily said...

I've had the exact same thing happen at WalMart. Dang them and their everyday low prices.

You should read Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey if you want to get excited about saving money.

Oh, and thanks for the book ideas!!