It used to be that when you went out shopping, you needed only a few things. A driver’s license, keys, some money and one or two credit cards were all that was required. Now it seems you need to load yourself with an arsenal of cards and coupons before you head out the door. Rewards are being offered by most major retailers. Leave the house without these necessary cards, and you will pay more than you have to. I have had more than one minor panic attic thinking I left that coupon, card, or email notice home. Usually I find it in my wallet, purse, or pocket before I get to the checkout. It is getting to the point of being stressful and tiring. Do we really all need to walk around with this little item we get for free?
It started with the supermarkets. You only get the sale price if you have the card. Of course we all have to eat, so saving money here is a big lure. For the longest time I got by with just these cards and 2 major credit cards. I avoided credit cards from stores since I didn’t see the advantage over a major card. I also paid with cash most of the time. That was years ago when coupons and extra discounts weren’t given. I now have 4 cards from various retailers that I frequent. All give me an extra 5 to 10 percent off my purchases. If I wanted, I could probably have a dozen more from stores I shop in maybe once or twice a year.
I have approximately 12 rewards cards. Ones for supermarkets, craft stores, drug stores, and retailers who I do not have credit cards with. There is only one reason for this and the stores don’t know what it is. I save money. In fact I am making money off of them because I pay everything off when it comes due. I have not fallen into their little trap of buying something on credit, and then carrying a balance which is accruing interest by the second. I have also not fallen for the gimmick of shopping in their stores every time they have a sale. I especially like the ones that offer you “bucks” towards your next purchase. They give you a time period to use it, and that is usually when there is no sale going on. If I don’t have the money, or I don’t need the item, I don’t buy it.
My wallet has become so stuffed that I have to carry another little pouch to hold all these cards. I have to look through too many to find the correct one, and gets even more confusing if I have gift card. It looks comedic at times. Retailers have created a game of making people feel like they are losing out if they don’t shop in their stores. The only stores that don’t seem to have this option are the local independent small businesses. They have their sales, they welcome you in without a rewards card, and they give you a nice shopping experience. Maybe the time has come to start shopping in these stores more, and start supporting small business as we are all being encouraged to do. It just might be the better deal.
Simple Sensibilities 