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Spending Money to Save Money?

January 7th, 2012 at 02:44 pm

I admit that last week we found some good deals at Walgreens on things we use and there were manufacturer's coupons besides. I spent money to hopefully save money down the road as I added some of these items to my pantry.

Yet, I am still a bit confused with some friends who claim they are saving money as they buy things on sale. One person bragged how they saved money on cereal at this one place, but then said they spent the savings and then some on some other item, but still, they saved money! This friend is the first to complain about being low in cash, yet is so excited about buying things and thinks a buy one, get one free sale is wonderful, even if that item isn't wanted or needed. Sigh.

Another friend has been participating in a program where you can buy stuff half off. What a great savings, right? Except some of these items are things this friend doesn't like or even want, but hey, they got half off! Yet another person who complains about not having enough money. Double sigh.

Maybe I'm too pragmatic. I don't buy something on sale or with a coupon just because it is on sale or I have a coupon just to save money. I figure by not buying it in the first place I'm saving money.

All this sighing is giving me a headache!

4 Responses to “Spending Money to Save Money?”

  1. creditcardfree Says:
    1325948025

    I agree with you...some of the coupon savings can be a problem if the person doesn't have the cash for the initial outlay or won't even use the products!

  2. DeniseNTexas Says:
    1325950958

    I'm with you, too. If I'll use an item and it's really a good deal, cheaper with a coupon, etc that's one thing but I don't buy things just because they're on sale. Buying for the sake of buying, no matter how cheap something is, isn't saving!

  3. laura Says:
    1325951749


    This applied to me in two senses this week:
    Walgreens had Triaminic on sale, 2/$10 with an additional $5 off coupon on a future purchase. I had a $3 off of two, so I did this twice. Are we sick presently? No, but with five kids, Triaminic is a staple. I was able to buy four different varieties (fever and sickness/day cough and cold/night cough and cold/etc). I spent $14.40 OOP, and got $10 for future purchases. These aren't exactly needed items right now, but will be used in the upcoming season. Had I bought as I needed, I might have had to pay $7 for one if they weren't on sale.

    Winter boots for my boys. The oldest one needed a new pair of snow boots. I tried the resale stores and ended up spending $4 on a nice pair that was too small (but younger brother will get). At Target the $29.99 boots were on sale for $8.08 (or something odd like that). I wasn't sure if my son needed a 3 or 4, and I bought both. The smaller pair fits, and I'm keeping the 4s for next year.

    I guess that I'm spending now so I can save time and money in the future on needed items.

  4. Maismom Says:
    1325954533

    I think it is ok as long as the person knows what he/she is doing. Like Laura said, I too sometimes buy things we don't need now, but will use eventually. I stockpile school supplies when they're dirt cheap or free. Same for cold med. Do we use them right away? No, but we will use them eventually when the time comes. I don't think I paid full price for cold med for a long time.

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