Squeezing Money from the Newspaper

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

20 Dec 2006 11:16 AM

I love the Sunday newspaper for its promise of thick colorful inserts of grocery coupons. I look forward to cutting the coupons and comparing grocery prices with the store sales flyers. Thanks to those coupons and flyers, the newspaper is certainly worth every bit of the money I pay for it every week. But, did you know that there are other ways to get more value out of the newspaper?

Here are some of my favorite ways to squeeze some extra savings out of our newspaper.

Store Coupons: In addition to the cents off on groceries, many stores also offer their own coupons. Where I live, there are two competing craft stores that rerun coupons every week. One is for 40 percent off and the other is for 50 percent off a single item. Since my kids are fanatics for foam crafts, those craft store coupons really come in handy. Department stores also offer one day shopping passes for anywhere from 20 percent to $20 a purchase. These passes can often be used for clearance items, making the savings really pay off.

Entertainment: The paper is chock full of great things to do. From free music concerts and art shows to a $3 breakfast with Santa followed by a $1 all-day ice skating session, our family has taken advantage of a lot of great events and activities in our area. You will be amazed at how much is out there to do for very little money.

Contests: Our newspaper offers a caption contest. My father has a great knack for this type contest and has won everything from baseball tickets to free gas. A family I know recently won a savings bond in a "cutest baby" photo contest.

Wrapping Paper: The comics make a great wrapping paper for gifts, especially birthday gifts for children. Why spend $4 a roll when you can have cute paper for free.

Crafts: The kids have made everything from paper trees to papier mache snowmen by reusing the newspaper.

Electricity: Turn off the TV, computer and video games and sit down to actually read the paper. Not only does this save on power, but it is a great way to spend a lazy Sunday as a family.

For another great idea about using the newspaper:

Frugal Gardening: Make Your Own Seed-Starting Pots

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger