Dollar$

With the huge SPIKE in gas prices this week, here's my little insight on dollars. Okay, let's face it...it matters to all of us whether loaded or rubbing our pennies together. Nobody wants to be raped on the price of gas or anything for that matter.

I find it interesting that just recently, I have read two articles that hold to the same idea I have had for a long time regarding two things: coupons & dollar stores.

You see, one I am a fan of and the other...not at all. If you know me, you know I'm a fan of coupons. The coupon article had a few interesting points. One being that those that make $100K or more are twice as likely to use them as those who make $35K or less. So, people that make more money are interested in coupons too and statistically moreso than many others. On the flipside, if you are one that makes less than many, you can make your earnings go so much further than that person who makes twice as much but doesn't spend their money wisely. Making your dollar go further makes your earnings able to do that much more for you!

The other article I read was regarding the dollar stores. They have this thing down...
Go into almost any store and they have a $1 section. People, just because it is $1 doesn't make it a good deal!! Why are $1 stores and sections so popular? $1 doesn't seem to hurt very much and people will load up on tons of $1 items much to stores delight. The sizing is many times more expensive per ounce if it is something that is measured in ounces. If not more expensive per ounce, many times it is a lower quality item which doesn't last very long. In fact, I also read an article where one of the dollar stores is among one of those companies on a fast rise. I'm sure the economy has something to do with that. Don't be tricked...$1 doesn't make it a good deal!

While we are talking about dollars...they spend fast and add up fast. They quickly disappear at the local coffee shop, ice cream shop, fast food place etc...Those $3-5 purchases add about as quickly as a bad disease. On the flip side, getting or saving those dollars here and there also add up quickly. I realized this especially when selling stuff on Craigs list and FB pages. Those $1-$3 items quickly add up to hundreds of dollars! It's just as worth it to sell those as it is the other items. I have sold so many of my children's clothes, toys, and other things its amazing.

This post is just to remind you to be conscious of your dollar$ and not be tricked
into the dollar store mentality where it is easy to purchase way more than you need and it usually isn't a good deal anyway =). Put that money into an envelope instead and watch it quickly add up. Sadly, it may go into your gas tank, but you can also use it to pay a bill, buy groceries, or make a larger purchase that you have been anticipating.