FOR YEARS I HAVE ROUTINELY COMBINED THE USE OF COUPONS WITH SALE PRICES TO STRETCH GROCERY DOLLARS AND OVERALL SPENDING.
THIS IS MY RECORD PURCHASE MADE AT THREE STORES ONE WEEKEND.
AS OUTLINED IN MY BOOK AND FRUGALITY WORKSHOPS, THIS IS A SIMPLE PROCESS.
DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED IF YOU ARE A BEGINNER. I DID NOT MAKE THIS MASSIVE PURCHASE MY FIRST TRIP 30 YEARS AGO.
A FRIEND BEGAN COUPONING RECENTLY. SHE PURCHASED HER SUNDAY PAPER & COMBINED COUPONS WITH HER LOCAL STORE'S WEEKLY PROMOTION.
SHE SAVED OVER HALF OF THE BILL, PAYING $40 FOR $100 WORTH OF GROCERIES. IF SHE SAVED THAT MUCH HER FIRST ATTEMPT, THINK HOW MUCH SHE WILL SAVE NEXT MONTH AND A YEAR FROM NOW!
THE KEY IS KNOWING YOUR PRICES. JUST BECAUSE SOMETHING IS 'ON SALE' DOES NOT MEAN IT IS A GOOD VALUE.
I AM OFTEN QUIZZED ON THIS SUBJECT. INDUSTRY STANDARDS RECOMMEND 15% MINIMUM TIPPING FOR GOOD SERVICE.
FRUGALITY IS NOT A LICENSE FOR TREATING OTHERS WITH DISRESPECT. WAITERS AND WAITRESSES WORK HARD FOR THEIR WAGES AND ARE DEPENDENT UPON THE TIPS FROM THEIR CUSTOMERS.
I RECENTLY RECEIVED EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE FROM A WAITRESS (AMY) AT HER NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT. SHE WAS EXTREMELY PLEASANT AND MOST EFFICIENT WHILE KEEPING CHECK TO SEE IF MY NEEDS WERE BEING MET. I DID NOT FIND IT NECESSARY TO REQUEST A DRINK REFILL. SHE OFFERED AN ICED TEA TO GO BEFORE I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK FOR IT.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO LEAVE A TIP, IT IS MY OPINION THAT YOU SHOULD CHOOSE A RESTAURANT WITHOUT WAITER SERVICE OR EAT AT HOME!
