Coupon was pot ‘o gold

Thank you, coupon fairy!

I had stopped by a local store to pick up a few items, and there, on top of the diaper boxes, was a $2 off coupon for the item I wanted.

Someone had shared from their own coupon collection, and though I’ve seen stray coupons scattered with products at stores before, today was my day to take advantage of the gift.

While $2 might not seem like much, it adds up.

Inspired by my daughter’s Lent sacrifice of all softdrinks, I decided to give up everything Starbucks and sweet tea.

These sugary drinks and the food I always bought to accompany them were becoming an addiction that was bleeding my purse of $3 here, $5 there and $7 from somewhere!

The tall, decaf, no-whip, peppermint mocha was my little reward  — and for “me” time. 

I’m not saying I’ll never drink one again, but I needed to put my “little” expenses into perspective.

Although I never saw my dad with a cigarette in his hand, he would tell a story of how he quit, cold turkey, once he realized he could have bought a car with the money he had spent on his habit.

I don’t think my beverage expenses will even come close to buying a car – but maybe a set of tires for a car.

With so many costs related to basic living needs, my children, their schools, doctor visits, etc. and the desire to be able to maybe afford another home someday, I’m taking a second look at my budget — one cup at a time.

Linda Lynn

llynn@opubco.com

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