Whether by mail, newspaper, e-mail or Facebook, coupons are the old money savers revamped.
It seems everywhere you turn things are more expensive or you are just not making enough dough to keep up with the lifestyle you want or are accustomed to having.
Yes, there are sales that will save you money. By searching the Internet, local ads or television commercials, one can easily keep up with the sales happening around them. But once the sales are over, what is a person suppose to do to save money – cut back? Perhaps but a true money saver comes in the form of a coupon.
You may think that cutting coupons is something you are too cool for or even too young to do. So what if your mom cut them each Sunday and filed away in a neatly organized folder? She was saving money all the way to the bank.
“I like coupons. I like that they allow me to get something I need for less. I don’t like spending more money than I have to.” Nichelle Trulove, junior, said.
Some think that by using coupons you look like a tight wad or a cheapskate. You do not, except maybe if you have them falling out of your hands and are holding up a long line by questioning the cashier. But with digital coupons, which can be downloaded on your smart phone or printed out on a full sheet of paper, you are able to stealthily save.
Many stores allow you to sign up for money-saving emails. T.G.I. Friday’s has a rewards program called “Give Me More Strips.” This program allows customers to receive special deals and a free meal on their birthday. Currently, there is a coupon for a free entree with the purchase of two beverages. Take a friend out for a great meal and your taste buds and pocket book will thank you.
Bookstores such as Borders and Barnes & Noble send customers biweekly coupons for 15 to 30 percent off anything in the store. As students, this can be a useful money-saving deal.
MSN Money states that only 0.5 percent of the 285 billion coupons issued in 2008 were redeemed. It’s surprising that in this economy more coupons weren’t used. Stores like Target even give coupons to their customer at checkout. Some of the coupons that are printed while you check out can even be used at the same transaction. Saving 95 cents on a $1.02 pack of gum gives you the pleasure of spending less and saving more.
“They give them out, so why not use them?” junior Melanie Anderson said.
Stores are not the only ones that give you the opportunity to save. Many amusement parks have monthly coupons, which come out via the internet and hardcopy. Enjoy a fun day for half the price. Sea World, Six Flags and Knott’s Berry Farm are only a few of the parks which share the money-saving love both online and in print.
When given the option to sign up for e-mail or print coupons, do not hesitate. If you get bored or grow tired of receiving them every week, you can easily cancel them at anytime. Until then, enjoy your little money-saving barcodes.
