434 – Using Coupons and Rebates
Torsten: What are you doing, clipping coupons? That’s a waste of time.
Cindy: You can think what you like, but these days, we have to cut corners wherever we can.
Torsten: No one actually saves much money using coupons.
Cindy: That’s what you think. The last time I went to the grocery store, I saved over $20 just by using coupons.
Torsten: How can you keep track of all of the expiration dates and the terms and conditions? It’s not worth the trouble.
Cindy: Do you feel that way about rebate offers, too? A month ago, I bought our new TV and saved 20 percent. And yesterday, I bought a pack of DVDs for just $2.
Torsten: Are you putting me on? A pack of DVDs for $2?
Cindy: Yeah, it was a great offer, but it was only for one day. I had to cut out the UPC code, fill out a form, and mail it in with the receipt to the manufacturer. Then, I sent a copy of the receipt to the retailer and got another discount. That’s how I got the DVDs for next to nothing.
Torsten: You might save money with rebates, but you have to sit around forever waiting for the rebate check.
Cindy: It’s true that the turnaround is often 8-10 weeks, but some of the offers are worth the wait.
Torsten: Do what you like, but I’m too busy to mess around with coupons and rebates.
Cindy: That’s why you married a penny-pincher. If I left it up to you, we’d be in the poorhouse by now!