The episode I saw featured a woman who brought her kids to the garbage dump to search for coupons. She had stockpiled years and years-worth of paper towels, laundry detergent and French's mustard. She was proud of teaching them how to save. I applaud her efforts at teaching frugality (though not at traversing garbage dumps) and couldn't help but wonder: Would I be up to the challenge? Could I ever organize myself enough to get $1300 worth of groceries for something like $23?
The answer is found in this little microcosm: I clipped a coupon for $1 off Neutrogena make up. In the two or so months' time I hung onto that coupon, I lost it 3 to 4 times and didn't have it in my purse on at least 10 Target runs when I could have used it. I finally decided it was getting personal: I would find that coupon (I think it's somewhere in the kitchen?) and use that damn thing if it's the last thing I do on this planet.
Finally, on August 25th, 2012, I used the coupon, which, incidentally, expired on August 25th, 2012. It would have gotten really personal if I had tried to use it on the 26th.
What drove this purchase? A score to settle. Frustration.
Was it worth looking for it each time I misplaced it? Was it worth all the effort and energy to save $1? For me, no. I am barely organized enough to save $1, much less $1277.
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| Dang make up. |
