The Coupon Was Born in 1887-More Than 100 Years Of Saving Money

Cost Coachette

Did you know that the coupon was "born" in 1887? Neither did I until recently. Let's see, that's more than, well, more than 100 years of savings to the public -- if you're smart enough to use them, that is. Actually, you may be interested to know (or not, and that's not smart!) that it was the Coca-Cola founder, John Pemberton, who conceived of and was the first person to offer savings on his company's product to the public. Today, manufacturers issue more than $350 BILLION worth of coupons EVERY YEAR!

Smart Coupon Tips

Are you one of the smart, savvy consumers who regularly use coupons? If not -- get on board, Einstein! But here's a couple of really effective coupon tips:

1) Only use them to purchase products you're actually going to use! No sense getting a good deal on gefilte fish if it will sit in your cupboard for years;

2) Some stores offer double and triple coupon days. Gather your coupons ahead of time, wait for the "double or triple" coupon day and go for it!

3) Be a good sport and organize your coupons ahead of time so you're not one of those people who spend a half hour sorting them when they're IN the check out line. That just tends to piss off everyone. And I mean everyone! Of course, if you don't care about that, then just throw them in a box and ask the others in line if they want to help you solve your puzzle;

4) Not every coupon is worth it's salt (pun intended). Some stores actually have everyday lower prices on many items and using a certain coupon at a higher priced store may not be all that smart. Comparison shop and know your store's general prices!

If $350 BILLION is available every year, be smart and go get your share of that coupon bailout! Let's see, a half of one percent of $350 BILLION is, um, well, you get the picture.