Finding the sales on your front door or online

As the owner of a journalism degree, a former newspaper reporter and an overall news junkie, I think everyone should have a subscription to their local newspaper. All kinds of good stuff comes in the paper: investigations into how your tax dollars are being spent, coverage of nearby teams and events, witty insights on local customs.

And coupons. Don't forget about the coupons.

But -- due to the same credentials listed above -- I'm also a realist and keen observer. I know that many folks, including many of my friends, don't subscribe. That also means they don't get the Wednesday sales circulars telling them what's on sale at the grocery store or the Sunday circulars showing what's on sale at the drug store.

And that's a shame. How will you know what's on sale without a sales circular?

Well, you go online. Most stores post their sales papers online. Shoot, many retailers will email it to you if you sign up for their email alerts. Check the website of your favorite retail establishment and look for a link the says "weekly sales" or something similar.

Then save all your pennies from those great deals and buy a subscription to your local paper. Seriously.