Porn for Cheapskates...

Years ago I would have used a computer for its correct purpose- ogling young nubile hotties in various states of undress and morally bankrupt situations, but in today's economy I have seen the true power of the Internet....its ability as a group mind to give out cool advice and experiential tricks for those willing to listen (unlike one Wife I know). The modern day oracle that is the Internet can give great tricks for surviving, as well as saving in the current economic climate.

So as things have gotten worse, one McFrugal (as the Wife likes to call me), has finally decided to take a real interest in just where all the money is going each month. The first thing I decided to start with was the grocery bill. From what most saving gurus have to say about the subject this is really one area that is often left until late in the budgetary equation because it is often difficult to see really large rewards when dealing with the important need that is eating...and tell the wife I'm not talking about that gnawing need to fill the closet with some of the one and done items she gets ...because gasp...it was on sale so it must be a necessity (yellow shoes anyone...I think you have worn them what...once!). The cool thing about the grocery game is that, like losing weight, you see immediate results which tends to keep you juiced about the whole I'm saving money idea.

In the past my attitude was to buy the store brand it is always cheap so I must be winning right!? Wrong. The key is to coupon these people to death and, like hunting, you have to know how your opponent thinks. As our fore bearers understood, all food is seasonal (a fact modern man in his comfy global cocoon has lost sight of). Grocery chains and, more importantly, the major food producing corporations have not forgotten this important standard. Everything revolves around the old idea of supply and demand. The key is to learn to demand or, more correctly, to purchase in the off season. You want barbecue sauce? Buy it when grilling season is coming to a close and double your fun by using coupons on already marked down items. Of course Wife probably does not want a pantry of 59 bottles of barbecue sauce come December as there will be nowhere for Christmas candy (bought at full price mind you...not this year lady, the cheap are taking a stand!), but you get the idea.

If not, you should check out the site http://www.southernsavers.com/ where Jenny can walk anyone to the light of clearer, cheaper thinking when it comes to paying for groceries. Oh and Wife? Make sure to let everyone know the Christmas cards they will get were all bought after Christmas on markdown...and they still relate the thoughts of the season, and remind our friends if they need barbecue sauce in January I should have plenty...you really need to clean out that pantry by the way.