Saving Even Fifty Cents Is Worth The Effort!

The Story Thus Far
Two recent experiences lead me to state out loud: Saving even fifty cents is worth the effort! 

The First One
I was with a friend when I stopped by a supermarket to pick up some items on the shopping list. As it happens, I had a coupon to save 5% off the total, and when we get one of those we like to stock up. As it happens, the total that day was somewhat more than $70.00.

When the friend saw I was using the coupon, she remarked about how saving a small amount of money on a big bill was not worth the time or effort. I was shocked and dismayed by her attitude, for more than one reason. One because IMHO savings are important, and two, because I know she lives mostly paycheck-to-paycheck. To me, saving 5% on staples whenever I can is a big deal. The only deal that would be better is if the percentage was larger.

The Second One
One of the utilities that I use at my home has a standard rate of $39.95 per month, and recently I found another company who can supply the same service for $34.00 a month, which is approximately a $72 per year reduction. When I mentioned my plan to another friend and how much it would reduce my costs, he replied, “I never think about about doing that.” Namely, he does not think about reducing costs by changing a vendor.

Where I Stand
Now, I am not flighty, flitting from here to there to save three cents. One can easily burn more gas by running around chasing three cent differences than it would be worth. But in the scheme of things, I do watch prices and do aim to keep costs low. It has become an ingrained habit. I tend to stay away from high-priced establishments if I can get the same service or product or equivalent for a lower price.

Prices Vary, Or Not
For some products, prices vary. For others things are stable. While I assume prices are mainly a result of a company’s cost structures, there are market forces at play as well. How is the competition? How many competitors are there? How easy or difficult is it to switch providers?

I do prize some local businesses who seek to thrive in the face of larger competition. So I tend to patronize them, even if my cost is a little higher.

Some things are easy to change. Some are not. I keep an eye out for gasoline prices when driving around; I need to fill up the gas tank periodically. On the other hand, I don’t compare real estate taxes for different locales; I won’t be moving to get a cheaper real estate tax rate.

Perhaps we’re all acquainted with the famous saying ‘Take care of the pence; for the pounds will take care of themselves’–Lord Chesterfield, 1747, attributing it to William Lowndes, the British Secretary of the Treasury, 1696–1724.

What I find is keeping costs down allows me to have enough later when important events occur. In my view, those pence add up.

Do you aim to reduce costs? How? Comment here.

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