Making every cent count -- join our blog

In this tough economy, it pays to make every cent count --- that’s what I have learned from coupon experts I interviewed for Sunday’s story.

I must admit I felt a bit envious when I learned that Vince and Debra Bower have actually gone shopping and had the store pay them for the purchases they bought. By judiciously matching coupons with buy-one-get-one-free specials and in-store reward coupons, the Bowers actually got money back instead of having to spend their hard-earned cash.

For Julie Murphy, the freezer she and her husband bought when they were first married has more than paid for itself with the savings earned by buying family-sized packages of meat and vegetables and then freezing them in individual meal packets.

What impressed me the most about the coupon hunters I interviewed was their discipline. Every week they clip coupons. Every week they read the grocery ads and flyers. Every time they go shopping, they have coupons in hand.

They don’t buy on impulse. They plan their shopping trips around the coupons and specials. Then they stick to that plan.

I didn’t find one who shops on impulse.

They track every penny. Find every bargain. They have fun.

Most of all, they share their tips. They learn from each other --- and that is why the Bradenton Herald has started the Bargain Blogger. The more bargain hunters who share their secrets, the more all of us will save.

Jump in and join the fun. We invite you to share your unique methods of bargain shopping, ways to get great deals and any interesting tips to save us money.

-- Donna Wright