|
They all seemed to have some hustle in their step like they were pressed for time and eager to get back on the road, which made having a gas station there very convenient. However, what was surprising to me was that all these guys who appear to be hard working people were willing to pay extra for the convenience of picking up their breakfast and other morning necessities on their way to work. Convenience-store sales are rising, even in the recession, according to Convenience Store News. The top sellers among the $166 billion they took in during 2008 were soda in individual bottles or cans, cigarettes, coffee and snacks like chips and pretzels, all typically highly profitable and often priced higher at convenience stores than elsewhere. We obviously spend a significant amount of our money at convenience stores, but how much could someone save if they prepared ahead of time instead of purchasing breakfast at the gas station? Here is a comparison: 1 Newspaper Gas Station Price: 50 cents OR Subscription Price: 14 cents The Pittsburgh Tribune Review offers a one year subscription with home delivery for new customers for $52.00. That comes to 14 cents per day. Savings per day: 36 cents Savings per week: $1.80 Donuts or Danish Gas Station Price: $1.99 for 3 donuts OR Grocery Store Price: $3.99 for 12 Hostess donuts Grocery Store along with coupon found online: Buy 12 Hostess donuts for $3.99 and pack 3 every morning. Savings per day: $1.00 Savings per week: `$5.00 Iced Tea Gas Station Price: $1.39 for 1 pint OR Grocery Store Price: 31 cents per pint Grocery Store along with coupon found online: 1 gallon of cold Scheniders iced tea is $2.49 at Giant Eagle Supermarket - pour 1 pint into a plastic mug or thermos every morning. Savings per day: $1.08 Savings per week: $5.40 16 oz. coffee Gas Station Price: $1.29 OR Grocery Store sale price: 5 cents per 2 cup serving Grocery Store along with $1.00 coupon found online: $4.88 for 34.5oz container Savings per day: $1.24 Savings per week: $6.20 Red Bull Gas Station Price: $3.99 OR Grocery Store sale price: $2.62 Grocery Store along with coupon Savings per day: $1.37 Savings per week: $6.85 1 pack Newport cigarettes Gas Station Price: $6.21 OR Grocery Store Price: $5.40 Grocery Store along with $3.00 coupon found online: $5.10 ($54.00 for carton at Giant Eagle Supermarket - $3.00 coupon for being fan of Newport) Savings per day: $1.11 Savings per week: $5.55 *Total savings per day: $6.16 Total savings per week: $30.80 *You can find coupons for things like cigarettes and red bull online (learn more here)
It was interesting to note while most items in the gas stations were marked individually I typically didn’t see any price tags at all on iced tea, coffee, and donuts. Finding prices on various brands of cigarettes was also spotty at best. One could argue that it was just coincidence, but I found it odd that the items which were the most popular didn’t have a posted price. Is that so you don’t think about how much money you are spending? For someone who is working hard all day long in order to do better for himself and his family these convenience costs are decidedly holding him back. In this case it isn’t necessarily about giving something up; you can still eat breakfast, read the news, and smoke cigarettes. However, get more for your money by planning ahead in order to reduce the cost of the things you enjoy and desire. What could you do with an extra $30 a week? Remember, convenience costs and planning pays. Learn more about stretching your money at BowmansMoneyCollege.com.
For more information visit BowmansMoneyCollege. You are invited to join me at LinkedIn! |
Have the same things as the rich for much less The secrets of getting the best deals
Doing better in 2010: 4. Reduce your tax liability
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE WAYS TO ENSURE MY FINANCIAL SECURITY IN 2010!!! |
