Our Voices

Photo of Consumers are Crazy for Coupons

but there are some Caveats.

Terrell on July 14th, 2008 @ 04:26 PM 1 comment

Last week I asked readers what they were doing, if anything, to save money these days. On Friday, the Wall Street Journal asked its readers a similar question via an online poll, “In light of the economic downturn, have you cut your household spending?” Almost 65% of respondents replied that they have. One way they are doing this: coupons.

From the front page of the WSJ on July 11, 2008, “Consumers’ use of discount coupons is starting to rebound after a 15-year slide.” No longer will I peruse my QFC circulars in shame. Apparently, saving money is in vogue.

If you want to save money too, but are too shy to ask how (don’t think I didn’t notice the lack of comments on my last post!), here are a few websites I’ve run across where you can download coupons or borrow coupon codes.

Coupons.com: Coupons mostly for food and household items.

CouponMountain.com: Coupon codes for retail stores.

SmartSource.com: Grocery store coupons.

Restaurant.com: Buy discounted restaurant gift certificates.

Before you go coupon crazy though, I do have some caveats:

1. Make sure you clip coupons for things you really want or need. I got all excited over a coupon for Mother’s Circus Animal Cookies, bought a huge bag saving all of $0.50, and then realized they were gross after eating about five of them.

2. If you are single or have a small household, don’t buy in bulk. If a coupon offers a discount only when you buy two or more items, really think about how quickly you’ll go through the items and if you have enough storage space. If you do end up buying bulk, remember where you store your purchases so you don’t overbuy.

3. I like to eat mostly whole or organic food, but in order to save money I’ve been buying more conventional and processed food. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed a difference in the way I feel, so I’ll probably switch back to buying more expensive food and focus on ways to save on non-food items. If I don’t take care of myself by eating well, I’ll just end up spending the money I saved on doctor visits or sick days anyway.

Photo of Direct Mail: not totally evil

Terrell on Jul 7th No comments

At Verity, we have significantly cut down on the amount of direct mail we send out. I’m starting to wonder if we’re missing out on some opportunities here.

Photo of Volunteer At Business Week

Shari Storm on Jun 27th No comments

When I was a junior in High School, my plans for my life were pretty much to work admin out at “The Area” (aka Hanford, the nuclear reactor in eastern Washington) and marry my high school sweetheart.

Photo of Ack! Who Posts Fast?

Shari Storm on Jun 26th No comments

If you’ve got a Velocity Checking account, you probably know that we are paying a crazy 6.75% Annual Percentage Yield this month to celebrate our 75th anniversary.

Photo of Happy 75th Birthday, Verity Credit Union

Laurel McJannet on Jun 18th 4 comments
In these times of financial institutions merging, purging and some disappearing altogether, celebrating Verity Credit Union's 3/4 century mark is indeed worth celebrating.

Photo of Vote for Our Friends From the North

Shari Storm on Apr 28th 3 comments

Our good friends at Vancity in Vancouver, BC have been nominated for a Webby Award.

Photo of Quarterly Breakfasts

Dave Nelson on Apr 24th No comments

Coming together to eat really does create strong bonds.

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