Bargain Hunting, Kids, and Genetics

I used to think that through careful parenting I could raise a couple of kids who were just as frugal as I am. What I’ve come to believe, however, is that like so many other things – thick thighs, unibrows, a penchant for sarcasm – there is a gene for parsimony. Those born with the nature of thrift will pinch pennies no matter how many they have to spare, and no amount of nurture will transform the imprudent child into a tightwad. How else can I explain the fact that my daughter comparison shops at the school carnival and my son can find a $6 loaf of bread at Walmart?

I’ve tried to provide my kids a decent financial education. When I worked in retail we used to hang the things that appealed to kids – stuff like Dora socks and anything made entirely out of sugar – at eye level. Kids’ eye level. Once they saw it, they had to have it and once they started screaming, they’re parents happily paid the cashier for the $10 pair of socks or the $5 lollipop shaped like a pretty princess. Aware of this evil genius, I vowed early on not to buy my children anything when they were at the store with me. When they got older I showed them how to seek out the store brands and head to the clearance racks first.

With one of my children, all my training paid off. She finds coupons for things we actually buy and knows when her favorite store is having a sale. She’s careful with the money she earns and, at nine, is already saving for her prom, her car, and her cell phone. Then there’s the other one who believes there is a fairy who sprinkles sporting equipment, Nintendo games, and Ralph Lauren polo shirts around his room at night.

I’m hoping those genome project people can figure out just which gene is responsible for the tendency to scrimp because parents need support. Even if we can’t do a thing about it – sure would be nice to know in advance who’s going to be able to care for us in our old age.

This post is part of a Parent Bloggers Network Blog Blast.

**Don’t forget to check back Thursday for the contest!

Got Coupons? Three Great Money Saving Websites

With the weird economy and holidays approaching, I’m looking for new ways to save money every day. Coupons are back! I’m hoping that one good thing to come out of all this financial uncertainty is that I create some good and efficient habits for saving money on gifts and groceries. I won’t commit to hours on end of coupon clipping, but these days we don’t have to. Others have worked out systems and scoured the world for good deals. All we have to do is follow their lead! Here are three great websites to get you started on your savings adventure:

Money Saving Mom – This site is a blog format. I like it because I can scroll through and take one tip at a time. For example, she’s got this great post on making your own household cleaners which I love. I’ve been trying to do that myself for some time. AND the picture she used shows the exact bottle I use for my homemade brews! She’s also got a direct link to Smart Source coupons, which you can print from your home computer. (Note: I hear Wal-Mart won’t take these.)

Coupon Cravings – Here’s another great blog format. If you want timely advice about deals you can get NOW, check out this site. She’s also got quick print coupons on the side bars. I’d never heard of the great deals at Restaurants.com until I read about it on Coupon Cravings. What a great idea for Christmas gifts!

Coupon Mom – This is the woman who was on Oprah a couple of weeks ago. She claims to have saved something like $75,000 over the last 15 years. This is the old school coupon-insane method. I personally wouldn’t buy into the system whole hog, but there are certainly good tips everyone can use to one degree or another. The site is a little overwhelming to me. If you’re going to check it out, I suggest using a timer because you can go off in a lot of different directions if you’re not careful. But if you want to implement full-on coupon mania, this may be your best resource.

So – did you find a deal? Let us know!

Note to the locals: Harps (but not Price Cutter) doubles coupons up to half the price of the item. I haven’t tried it yet, but that’s what they told me at Price Cutter last week!

Save Money: Play Outside