Time to Grow

Ignore for a moment the fact I have told you I have a black thumb, and think about the following:

You've planted a garden. Thinking of what you wanted to grow, you threw some seeds in the ground. But you didn't take the time to prepare the soil, or even find the right kind of seeds. As time passed you didn't water the garden often. The few times you went out to weed you were unable to tell the plants you wanted from the plants you didn't. As the growing season drew to an end you looked over your garden in dismay. The bounty you had anticipated was not there. The little effort you gave produced little results.

This passive way of gardening produces little, as does a passive approach to managing your finances. It can seem pointless at times to worry over every single penny in and out of your hands but failing to do so ensures that your financial dreams will be as disappointing as the garden mentioned above.

It's Called Extreme for a Reason

I have yet to actually see the show, Extreme Couponing, but I have seen tidbits on the concept on other programs. At first I watched in excitement, what did they mean by 'extreme'? Then I watched in horror as these people filled their homes with things they didn't need, didn't want and probably wouldn't use. And it was all in the name of saving money. But wait, if you don't need, want or use the product isn't it still a waste, regardless of price? In my book, yes. So here is how I coupon.

1. I have my favorite brands; some are the off-brand, others are the dreaded name brands. Perhaps it is the scent of the toilet cleaner, the feel of the dish soap on my poor old hands or how the laundry detergent doesn't make the kiddos breakout in a rash. No matter reason, I know there are a lot of items that I won't stray from the three or four kinds I call tried and true. That does not mean that I always pay top dollar for these. In fact, I never pay full price for them. Sure a coupon can be hard to come by for us non-extreme couponers. But I know I need, want and use these particular products, so when they are on sale I buy all I can. Sometimes the store has a limit, that's fine. But believe me, if there is no limit I will buy all that is on the shelf.....and sometimes then ask if there are more in the back.