Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Spending Money to Save Money


I had a coupon I wanted to use yesterday, one where I got $5 off if I spent a certain amount at the grocery store.

Since I’d already told my husband what I wanted as a birthday present and it happened to be for sale at that store (yes, I tend to be practical even for my birthday!) I figured we’d easily be able to hit the designated amount.
 
Which we did, but we spent some time at the store figuring out what to buy.  Now, when our sons were young and living at home we had no problem hitting that amount monthly.  These days, as empty nesters except for the dogs, it’s a bit more problematic.  And the dogs are both on special diets and their foods aren’t available at a regular grocery store.

So, we anticipated what we would be needing as well as what we needed now.  I counted the amounts we were spending in my head as we picked things up, calculating generously.  Of course I also bought things that were on sale, plus I planned on using additional coupons.

And, lo and behold, we did spend over the amount we were attempting to reach and got our additional $5 discount. 

I actually had time for that shopping expedition.  I finished a rough draft of my upcoming Harlequin Romantic Suspense story that I’ve been working on and have it in the hands of a critiquer friend while I work on other stuff for a while so I can approach it fresh in my own mind once again when I receive her comments.

How about you--do you spend money to save money?

7 comments:

Chrystle Fiedler said...

I really admire your productivity! It's really amazing! Kudos!

Linda O. Johnston said...

Thanks, Chrystle. I'm always trying... in more ways than one!

Betty Hechtman said...

It is great that you are writing in so many different directions.

Betty Hechtman said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Linda O. Johnston said...

I've got more ideas than time, Betty!

Unknown said...

Those $XX coupons are tricky, Linda. I agree. I always end up spending more than I mean to and then the discount is sort of meaningless. But I guess the stores have figured that out and that's why it works for them. I'm also a sucker for buying two of something on sale, instead of one.
When I don't even need one of the darn things.

Linda O. Johnston said...

I try to buy stuff that's on sale and that I know I'll need eventually when I use those coupons, Anne. Then, even if I spend more than I initially intended, I still feel as if I got a bargain... and sometimes I'm right!