Financial Fitness Task 21: Cut Coupons and Search for Deals #30DaysofGOOD

Things are easier said than done, or so the old adage goes, and we couldn't agree more. That's why we do The GOOD 30-Day Challenge (#30DaysofGOOD), a monthly attempt to live better. Our challenge for January? Financial fitness.

Cut coupons and search for deals.

There's nothing wrong with being vigilant and frugal. There are deals out there to be had, and if you can use them in your favor, it can pay off.

\n
• Sign up for geographic daily discounters like Groupon and LivingSocial.
• As long as they don't cost you anything, join points systems, Buy-10-Get-1-Free cards, and frequent-flier programs.
• At larger stores you frequent often, sign up for the mailing list. You'll receive coupons or other discount deals straight to your email.
• It's Sunday—time to bust out the scissors! Most manufacturers still produce coupons that are valid at many grocery stores. Take a look; you may find things you've been buying for years, or suitable substitutes.

This all may sound counterintuitively consumeristic. BEWARE: DO NOT USE THIS AS AN EXCUSE TO BUY THINGS YOU WEREN'T GOING TO BUY IN THE FIRST PLACE! This is for when your toaster breaks and you need to replace it, when your favorite piece of art shatters and you need to get it reframed, or simply to cut down your weekly grocery bill. If you're not careful, the temptation can overwhelm, and you'll start moving in the wrong direction.

Come back tomorrow for the next task in our financial fitness challenge.

Propose an idea here for a project or workshop to promote financial fitness in your community. The top-voted idea will win $500 to implement the project.

Photo via (cc) Flickr user osseous