Is It Worth It?

To steal a line from Missy Elliott (although I'm quite sure she meant something, umm, entirely different), when it comes to saving money can you say "Is it worth it? Let me work it"? Are you willing to go out of your way or do something others wouldn't to save your family some money?

Imagine this scenario: It's Saturday morning, your family is all snug in their beds, and you sneak away to the grand opening of a local store, because they are giving away $10 gift cards to the first 50 people, a $5 off $20 purchase coupon, and gift bags to the first 200 people. Do you stay in bed or do you jump up (even if it resembles dragging yourself) from the bed saying, "Is it worth it? Let me work it" to see how far you can stretch the $5 that you would actually have to spend?

I've said before that I live out in the sticks, so opening a Dollar General 'round these parts is big news. This morning, when I told Financial Guy I was going to the grand opening because of all the goodies I mentioned earlier, he looked at me like I had lost my mind. His words literally were, "you're going to wait in line for nearly an hour for $10?"  Well, let's look at it like this: If you found a $10 bill on the ground, would you step over it or pick it up? Let me sweeten the pot-- you've just found $15. I can't answer for YOU, but right after I did my Girl Scout duty of looking around to make sure some sweet little ol' lady hadn't just dropped it, but then after that quick spurt of good deed, I'd pocket the booty.

When the doors opened this morning, I made my way around the store with way more than 50 other early risers to gather the loot I was after.

After the $10 gift certificate, $5 coupon, and other manufacturer's coupons, I ended up paying $7.58. However, at checkout, I also received another $5 coupon toward a future purchase, along with a goody bag with cleaners and other 'stuff' (water bottle, calculator, etc-- basically anything you can put a logo on). If you take that additional $5 into account, I will eventually only end up spending $2.58. Woot! You're looking at a snapshot of things my family needed. Could I have stretched that money even farther, if I purchased other things? Probably, but in my opinion, it's about saving money on the things you need at the time and getting deals on things you can stockpile.

It doesn't have to be Dollar General. This idea of the early bird getting the worm can apply to any store that offers a promo or crazy good sale. Which brings me back to Missy's question and hopefully will have you singing, "Is it worth it? Let me work it." Make your money work for you and save on friends!