I'm Gonna Be Rich...or Disappointed

Much to the chagrin of my children, when I find a mistake on a receipt, I get my money back...before I even leave the store. I'll do it for a few bucks, a dollar, even a lousy nickel...it doesn't matter.

I march myself, sometimes leaving a mortified preteen a bazillion feet behind me, right on up to the customer service desk (or the register where I made my purchase) and point out the mistake. Although I do this with all the politeness I can muster, I do not think these stores or employees (or my kids) much like me.

Well, I don't give a hoot. Money is money...or maybe I'm just plain crazy.

Keep in mind that every store has a different price-guarantee policy and every employee of every store seems to handle things differently. More often than not I get the price difference refunded. Occasionally, I'll get the item free (this is rare, but it does happen). If it's my mistake, I either return the item or keep it and chalk it up to a learning-to-remember-better experience.

I do, however, have to warn you that my mistakes are few and far between. After being home with my family surviving on one income for so long, I am slow approaching expert level at bargain shopping. I can pretty much remember the price of ANYTHING. (Such talent, I know.)

That said, I thought it would be fun and educational to keep track of how much these mistakes can add up to...just how much money can be saved in a single year.

Here's where we stand today, February 26th, 2010 (Day 1): $2.58. I'll post updates periodically.

What's your guesstimate on the one-year total? Do you keep close track of your purchases, or could you care less?