As part of my union health coverage I’m entitled to eyeglasses every 2 years with a value of $100.00. Since I now wear reading glasses this was perfect.

I checked my health brochure for local participating optometrists. Quite a few were listed including Pearl Vision and Vision World. Both included the eye exam and I chose Vision World on the recommendation of my friend Eileen.

I took the exam, and found that I also needed glasses for distance, To solve the problem 2 possibilities were available. I could get bifocals that had both options (reading and distance) but there would be a visible line. If I wanted to avoid the line I could get progressives lenses.

With my $100 certificate, the progressive lenses were an additional $250.

At home I found a Pearl Vision coupon in a Sunday flyer offering Progressive lenses for $150, but they would not accept my insurance certificate as part of the payment.

I made the following decision. My distance vision is barely affected. I really just wanted the reading glasses and felt that in the future if I wanted to get a combination pair, I’d look for a special as in the case of Pearl.

I got my reading glasses, and realized how important being informed can be. Rather than being upset or disappointed because I had the $100 voucher, I felt I took the best advantage of the options available to me.

We all accumulate coupons. Most for products we need and use often. But in a typical Sunday flyer, or the give-aways at doctor’s offices I find myself with many coupons I can’t use. Starting a trading group is a great way to maximize coupon use. In Refundle Bundle we actually have about 30-40 people who trade their un-wanted coupons or other refund-related items. But it’s easy to do locally too.

If you work, check with co-workers about swapping coupons. If you’re a stay-at-home mom, check with the other mothers and trade during play groups. Check with your local librarian to organize a swap-remember the coupons have to be sorted and expired coupons discarded to keep the system viable. You can develop pen pals with friends and relatives in other communities and expand your trading.

One subscriber to Refundle Bundle set up a round robin with relatives. They traded coupons, but sent along family photos and stories about the family. What a great way to combine savings and family news.