So, I live in a state where the people seem overly…well, cheap. I won’t mention the state because I actually like living here, but let’s just say, it is the Jello capital of the US, was founded by pioneers, has all sorts of religious rumors surrounding it, starts with a “U” and ends with a “tah”.

Okay, this is a bargain blog, but I think sometimes the people in my blessed state take it to an extreme!

I went to a garage sale this last weekend and was blown away by the stinginess of the people running the sale. I saw a stylus for sale. A nice stylus as a matter of fact. Here’s a picture of it:

I’ve been looking for a stylus just like this! I want something fine point. But I digress…

I took it up to the lady in charge and she said, $50. I blinked then said, “How much?” She repeated, “$50”. I’ve done my research, and you can buy this exact same stylus from Walmart for $35. I told her that and she said, “Then go to Walmart.” She turned away from me and went to organize all the clothes she had spread out on the lawn.

Wow. Just…wow!

I’m all for making a quick buck, but come on lady! If you’re reading this, maybe you ought to consider the definition of a bargain.

Anyway, thanks for putting up with my rant.

What is the most ridiculous “bargain” you’ve run across? Comment below! Maybe I’ll buy the winner an overpriced stylus.

I remember when I was first married and my wife would cut coupons. And I mean a lot of coupons! I know for some they get a thrill. Heck, there have been entire reality shows devoted to it. But for us it wasn’t about having fun (and if it was, I would think we would need to look into other hobbies as newlyweds), it was about saving money. I was a part-time secretary at the time so money wasn’t exactly rolling in.

Anyway, the point of that little back-story is this: coupons can be a major way to save money and find some great bargains. The thing we subscribed to receive 4 or 5 copies of the Sunday newspaper because that is the one with all the coupons in it. Then, after we cut the coupons, we would organize them in plastic baseball card holders according to the aisle in Walmart, or Albertsons. For instance, frozen foods was one section in our binder, diapers and baby needs another, etc. It worked great and saved us tons. I remember several times when we would walk away from a grocery store visit having only paid $0.11. Those were great!

So, my questions are these:

What methods have you found helpful as you clip coupons?

Any resources you would recommend?

What’s the best deal you ever got using coupons?

So this nifty little app is useful when you are looking for a local bargain. You can buy and sell stuff in your neighborhood or nearby.

Here’s how it works:

• Free to sign up
• It’s easy! If you’re buying, it’s a lot like ebay, or craigslist. You simply scroll through and see what’s for sale locally. If you’re selling, simply take a picture of what you are selling and the price then post it.
• Other locals who have the app will get a message that you’ve posted and then they can check it out. Then you text each other within the app and set up a meeting place and time.

In essence, it’s kind of like an electronic garage sale.

I love that you can just find things locally without having to scan through lots and lots of people’s stuff.

I don’t love that a lot of what’s for sale in my local area is kind of junky. Like I said, it’s like a garage sale. And sorry to say, but people in Utah wear out their stuff then try to sell it. I mean, hey, I guess it’s good that we are using our stuff to its fullest, but come on! Don’t sell your junk man!

Deep breath…okay, I’m good now.

All in all, I’d say you ought to check out Close5. I’ve sold about $300 worth of stuff so far and have really liked using this app in conjunction with Craigslist.