Financial Honesty

I am so excited! I have decided to start using coupons. Yes, coupons. I actually even have a competition going with one of my friends on who can save the most. I will be honest I haven’t used one yet but I have them stashed away. Its a fun challenge you should try it with some of your friends. Last year I was introduced to the dollar store and yes I was that person who asked how much is this? Can you believe it! Bless that little clerks heart because he actually answered me. Lets pause and take a moment to laugh at me (laughing).

In no way am I saying that there was anything wrong with coupons or the dollar store I am just so amazed about the fact that coupons and the dollar store makes a difference in our pockets. If you were like me and had no clue, you better learn about it. You sir or ma’am are not too good for coupons, you should probably check your reflection.

Why do we even have to use coupons to get the same deals? Why do we need to carry around these little pieces of 1x1 papers to catch such a savings? Like us women do not have enough randomness in our purses. Men do you even use coupons? If not, you should! Just not on dates (laughing). Why can’t we just get the savings off top? Safeway however has gotten smart they now have electronic coupons through their website that’s associated with your phone number (check it out). Now that is what I call mega fresh.

Why do some of us not even think to use coupons? Is it an ego decision or simply just unaware. Mine was simply that I was just unaware. From the richest to the poorest why wouldn’t you want to save the smallest amount? I remember one time I was in the store and my change was like two cents and I didn’t even bother picking it up. Whoever I was with said you better pick that up you never know when you are two cents away from a meal or buying some shoes. That has surely stuck with me years later. Truth moment, when I clean up and mop and sweep and if there was change on the floor I use to just sweep it up and put it in the trash. I literally use to throw away money. (I am so shame). I have recently started collecting the random change around my house and have decided once its filled to the top I am going to buy me something shiny and pretty.

How many of us are financially honest with ourselves? Suzie Orman said try living BELOW your means, now that is what I call intense! Below? Like below, below and by choice. Do you think it’s possible for you to do so? Can you actually try living on the necessities of life at least for two months meaning cooking at home. No extra just because Wal-Mart or Target runs. No starbucks, no buying those shoes because they were 50% off and you just had to get them, because you NEEDED another pair of black shoes (yeah right). Men no more buying another pack of white tees. No more buying anything for that precious angel in your life because it was something that was so adorable (guilty).

 I wonder how many of us honestly live within our means. If you said you do I will reach out on the ledge and say that I doubt you. Yes, I said I doubt you. If you do live within in or below your means, is it by choice or because this thirsty economy has forced you to? Could you do it willingly? Why not try and save, what do you have to lose? I guess the question is how much will you be saving? After all, some of you give out all types of other coupons anyway, why not start cashing  in on the right ones? Some of you will catch that last sentence later, its ok go back and re-read it one more time (laughing).

2011 I am going to make a conscious choice to be more financially honest with myself, I encourage you to do the same. Please share some great sales or coupons that you know that's going on right now. Dont worry if you're a closet coupon user your comments are posted anonymously. No one knows who you are, after all this is just the digital world (smile).