Is the Sunday Newspaper Worth the Cost?

I've been asked this several times lately.

I'll let you decide.

Here's my experience with The Boston Globe.

(I think) Regular Newsstand Price for the Sunday Globe (where the coupons are) is $3.00.

In my area, the Globe offers an introductory home delivery rate of $1.75 for 12 weeks (Oh- and you can continue to get a discounted rate. Just call to cancel when the intro rate is over and they'll extend your rate. They're onto me now though, but I still get a deal- I think it's $2.75 a week).

So assuming the intro rate, $1.75 a week, you get all of the best coupons- In the Globe, the first week of the month, there are 3 bundles (Proctor & Gamble, Red Plum, and Smart Source). Most other weeks, there are 2 bundles (Red Plum and Smart Source). Sometimes, there are none (this is rare though- like between Christmas and New Years). I'm GUESSING here, but I think on average, I pull $$25-50 of coupons in a week. Will I use every one before it expires? No. BUT, do I get at least my $1.75 back? Oh heck yes.

In Boston, the Sunday paper is a fantastic investment. My parents live about 90 miles away and get their local Sunday paper, and let me tell ya, there is NOT an impressive haul of coupons. So, not all Sunday Papers are created equal. I think your best bet is to call them up, and ask how many coupons are included. OR, buy one at the newsstand to check.

SO bottom line- Is the Sunday Paper worth it? Depends on where you live. But some good research is ABSOLUTELY worth it. If you find your local paper doesn't cut it, consider a bigger city paper- even if you never read it, the coupons inside could be worth a subscription.