A few months ago, we became preferred customers at our local Family Christian Store. We were there buying Veggie Tales for Olivia’s birthday present. When they asked, I almost said no, thank you, I have enough “Preferred Member” cards in my wallet.

But it was late and my resolve was weak. I thought maybe some good will come of it. At the very least they’ll send us a catalog of their sales.

Well the very next week we did get such a catalog in the mail. It advertised their sales and even included some coupons. I enjoyed flipping through and daydreaming what I would do if I had the money to spend on their sales.

And then they sent something else: A $10 coupon, welcoming me as a preferred customer!

I read that thing, back and front, up and down, a dozen times. There was NO MINIMUM PURCHASE REQUIREMENT. What they had given me was, in fact, a $10 gift card.

I grabbed their catalog again, this time with gusto. The one thing I had wanted to buy more than any other was a children’s bible for Olivia. They were on sale for $10.

I paid a dime in tax.

My frugal advice for the week: Go become a preferred member at your local Family Christian Store. And not just for the $10 gift card, either. Their Christmas catalog has several Veggie Tale coupons. Guess what Olivia’s getting for Christmas?

For more frugal tips, visit Crystal’s blog.