(This story took place many years ago when I first started college, long before I started couponing.)
As a poor-ish college student I always dreaded going to the store to get essential hygiene items. They add up so quickly and seem ridiculously expensive. So, one day as I was in the toothpaste isle, I stood there debating whether to get the toothpaste I liked or the toothpaste that was cheap. I decided on the cheap toothpaste.
When the time came to use the toothpaste, I was disappointed. It didn't foam. It didn't have a great flavor. My mouth didn't feel all that clean. After a few days of using the toothpaste I decided that I couldn't stand it and went back to the store to buy the toothpaste I liked.
In the end, I ended up spending MORE (wasted tube of toothpaste + good toothpaste).
This has happened with more than just toothpaste: shampoo, conditioner, razors, cereal, soup, and the list goes on. The toothpaste is one item that I could not make myself finish the inferior product before purchasing a new one.
This perspective gives me a somewhat different attitude toward couponing than many of the people I run into at the store. I love getting good deals. However, just because something is cheap does not make it a good deal. Also, a good deal for one person is not the same as a good deal for another. I try to limit my good deals to products I really want or need. I figure, just like my toothpaste, it's not a good deal to get something for really cheap if I'm going to end up going back to the store and buying something to replace it. It's also not a great deal to get something for cheap if I wouldn't have bought anything at all otherwise.
One of my best good deal shopping trips:
The total was ~$48. Some of the great items included were 2 space heaters, 2 big cans of toddler formula (heaters and formula accounted for ~$35), games, and food. Yay for getting good deals.
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