Integrity is a word used often. But what does it mean? And, more importantly, what does it mean to have coupon integrity?
Most dictionaries define integrity as having high moral standards or the practice of strictly adhering to guidelines. But a look at a secondary meaning for the word reads, “state of being whole or undivided.” Hmm, that’s curious. Further, I note that integrity comes from the same root word as integer. Now, how did a math term pop up here? Well, an integer is a whole number like 1, 2, or 3 and not a fraction like 1/2, 5/8, or 2/3. So a person with integrity doesn’t just follow rules that are convenient or make “sense.” A person with integrity lives in a way that is wholly in line with his or her values and ideals.
To shop or coupon with direction means to shop with coupon wholeness. In other words, coupons should be used the way they were intended by the manufacturer and grocery store. Some ways to practice integrity include using coupons:
- before they expire
- within limits specified by the store or coupon (e.g. one coupon per household)
- according to the size and variety specified (e.g. NTS – no travel sizes)
Find other examples at CouponIntegrity.com.
I hear your arguments. The grocery stores are making all this money and not passing enough savings down to us. What about my family? Couponing is a game; and, I plan to win! All these considerations are fine within reason. But consider this: couponing with integrity WILL help your family. Furthermore, it not only helps your family; but other families too. Manufacturers will be less likely to issue coupons if they’re being abused. And we’ve all suffered because some store decides to change its policy and stop allowing shoppers to double or triple coupons. One of my fave grocery stores will NOT accept Internet coupons. That is so annoying. My grocery budget sometimes suffers because someone else decided to abuse the store’s previous policy.
So, ask yourself how much do you want to save? Do you want whole savings, which you’re more likely to get if you practice coupon integrity? Or do you want fractions of savings, which are sure to follow a couponing approach that lacks integrity? I’d love more wholeness in my savings. Let’s all pledge that our cents of direction will center around couponing with integrity.
