Coupons...Friend or Foe?

I just went to the supermarket. I went with LF which usually saves me money because she does not allow any extra time to browse. (We visited the restroom once) This usually forces me buy what is on my list and nothing more. I spent $265.

I know to most of you that's peanuts. I never spend that much and I'm placing blame on the coupons.

I had a list and bought a ton of extra products because I had coupons. Oh and if it was on sale, I felt extra thrifty.

I work with a girl who buys extra papers on Sunday to clip more coupons. She does save a ton. But she does alot of research and drives from store to store chasing sales. Last week she bought 50 cans of Campbell's Soup for 10 cents per can. Crazy right!! Maybe that's why they were the only company that has made a profit this month.

I myself am done with coupons. I don't have time. Thinking about it now I probably spent an extra 25 minutes in the store sifting through my coupon box.

Here's some frugal facts:

1. The first reported coupons were given out in 1894, when Asa Candler, the druggist who bought the formula for Coca-Cola, gave out handwritten tickets for a free glass of his new fountain drink.


2. Studies have shown consumers who spend 20 minutes per week clipping and organizing their coupons can save up to $1,000 per year.


3. More than $350 billion of packaged goods coupons are offered annually.


4. I am not using coupons for any products I do not usually buy.