Book Review of “Find Another Checkout Lane, Honey”

I watched the show, read the books, attended the workshops, bought the multiple newspapers. I still do not understand. So far, I’ve wasted money on piling up papers, expiring coupons, and I’m frustrated that it doesn’t work for me. Who has five hundred friends who give you their inserts? I do not.

I know all the lingo and techniques, so this was a repeat for me. The only claim that I fully identified with was that young, clean-cut male tellers seemed to have the best pay lines. In my case, they are waiters in restaurants. When you read the rationale behind this, you will understand. Examine four lanes and observe the work habits of each personality and then choose which lane to enter. Unfortunately, we cannot choose in restaurants.

Although I have not mastered grocery coupons, I have always done well with clothing, cosmetics, and other items. Credit cards can cause you a lot of trouble, but if they’re only used for rewards and paid for right away, they can be good.

For branded cosmetics, I only buy during the gift with shopping promotions. Christmas outfits can be found in outlet stores if you’re willing to wait six months. The week after Christmas, what’s left of the clearance shelves and racks is affordable.

Since I stopped working to be a full-time grandmother, I have been exploring low-end cosmetics and have been pleasantly surprised. I have switched from going to the movies to renting movies and using the local library.

Memberships work best for me because I always have something to do, like the zoo, etc. Bringing food with me avoids the expense of hunger.

My latest entertainment is getting samples of fragrances and cosmetics from department stores. Like the grocery store checker illustration, it depends on where you go and who is working. I currently have a good stash of fragrance card swatches and enough base swatches to match a bottle.

Now let’s get back to coupons. One tip suggested in the book was to start hoarding. That is a technique that I think I will try. Even without coupons, focusing on one item at a time, I would start to see results. My budget for my entire adult life has always been fifty dollars a week for groceries and fifty dollars a week for gas. Fresh produce has always taken priority. We’ll see what happens. I still think it’s more entertainment to watch the shows and wish it was you.