I used to believe that the quote from Benjamin Franklin, “A penny saved is a penny earned,” was about putting money into a savings account or other savings method so that my hard earned cash would earn interest. I agree with the principle of saving money in the traditional sense and work diligently to save money in order to grow it. Maybe that is just what Ben was trying to communicate to the people of the 1790s. However, in today’s consumer-driven society and with recent trends in the economy and the rising cost of food and gas I have gained a new understanding of this clever quotation.
By planning ahead for my daily errands, I can put everything I need by the door. On my way out, I will remember to get the library books for the library, a package to mail at the post office, and a bagged lunch so I can pick up my son for his dentist appointment before we end up hungry and turning to fast food to satisfy our grumbly tummies. If I can make one less trip to town in a day, that may be worth $3 to $5 in gas savings. That is like money in the bank.
My interpretation of this oft-quoted saying has helped me save money and resources as the primary buyer for my family’s food and necessities.
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