Re-think coupons.
Remember those extreme coupon enthusiasts with meet-up groups and binders? These days are endless scroll of store apps and e-coupons. Don’t get me wrong - I am all for saving money. I am re-thinking the value of saved money vs. time spent.
A moment came when I was clutching several coupons about to expire, looking for items to save 50 cents but are out of my normal purchases. I stopped myself and realized these coupons had mapped my shopping trip instead of the other way around. Coupons are a way to save money, they are also a way for stores to advertise products.
With that realization, I recounted how many times I have scroll through the weekly promos only to find 2 things that are usable; but 5 minutes have been spent with my full attention on this store’s offerings. Repeat that over several apps and it’s become a small hobby. No, I said to myself, I will stick with the grocery list. If any printed coupons that came in the mail fit the bill, I will use them. Otherwise they are distractions.
Less distractions > money saved > more time.
That’s a coupon I could use.
