September is the start of the fall coupon season here in Washington DC. Coupons are mailed in mass to consumers across the region as we stock up for winter.

Many of these discounts , 20% of this week only as one example, are very compelling. And I used to fall for these, well, fall offers. What if I need one later? I sure would regret having to pay full price later on!

It took me years to understand a basic principal I first read about on the Frugalwoods Financial Independence Site. And that approach is to not purchase the item in question at all. This is the quickest and most effective way to save money. And you always save 100%. Do nothing. Say no. Recycle the coupon and go about your business.

Think about it. After all, even 50% off a $100 dollar you bank account balance is lower by $50 dollars.

I have become better (not perfect, but better) at resisting the mad dash of coupons falling from the sky into my mailbox and the internet into my inbox each fall. Brace yourself as more coupons are headed our way as we approach the holidays!

Five Ways You Save!

What I have learned is that by taking the risk of avoiding a sale and perhaps needing to buy that item later at full price is I actually save in five ways.

  1. First, I save the 100% purchase price of the item.a
  2. Second, I often don’t need the item. Ever. I just thought I did when I saw all the money I could “save”.
  3. Third, I save on the shipping, care, upkeep, storage and eventual replacement of items I never buy. This is roughly about 20% of the item for semi-durable goods .
  4. Fourth, I save the taxes I would have paid on the income I needed to earn to purchase the item.
  5. And finally, I save on the ecosystem “stuff” tends to have and all those related purchase for the ecosystem.

The secret life of stuff

I have now observed first hand that many items I purchase appears to have a secret life of it’s own. A laptop needs electricity, software, updates, my time to operate it and eventually replacement. Even a door mat needs water, electricity and detergent for the occasional wash.

The point here is not to do without – just to be ok with just enough. By doing nothing when handed an amazing limited time offer you will often save 120% of the purchase cost and have a simpler life. The funds saved can be redirected to tuition payments.

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