cover image The Frugal Shopper: Save Money on Everything with Coupons, Refunds, Rebates and Free Offers

The Frugal Shopper: Save Money on Everything with Coupons, Refunds, Rebates and Free Offers

Marion Joyce. Putman, $6.95 (124pp) ISBN 978-0-399-51278-0

Syndicated newspaper columnist Joyce claims that the average shopper can save $1000 a year by collecting coupons, clipping proofs of purchase (""a big part of what you used to think of as trash is actually valuable'') and combining rebate and refund offers with double- and triple-value coupons. Offering detailed information on manufacturers' marketing and promotional strategies, as well as a glossary of terms, Joyce recommends keeping refund diaries, joining coupon clubs and trading proofs of purchase and refund forms through the mail. One chapter is devoted to various free items and services. The book provides readers with a head start on shopping frugally: included are 50 coupons, mainly for household appliances and beauty aids. (January)