Every time southeast Michigan residents can save money on their everyday purchases, we’re using our own resources to stay on top of this economic mess.

But if you aren’t in the habit of reading a daily newspaper, you might be tempted to just buy the Sunday paper and think your bargain shopping is done.

No, it’s just begun. You really need to get a daily newspaper. And I don’t care if my local readers get The Monroe Evening News, the Detroit News, the Detroit Free Press, the Toledo Blade, the Ann Arbor News or the Adrian Telegram. You are missing too many opportunities to save money if you just see the Sunday sales fliers.

Today’s edition of The Monroe Evening News came with a lot of opportunities to save money. There are fliers from Meijer, Toys R Us, Walgreens and Elder-Beerman in my home delivery newspaper today – and most of those deals are only good for a VERY short time!

• Meijer has a two-day sale Wednesday and Thursday that includes buy one get one for $1 men’s and women’s athletic shoes; buy one get one free on selected video games; and 30 percent off Grand Gourmet bakeware. There also are short-term, on-line shipping deals and in-store promotions if you use your MasterCard (see flier for restrictions, the bank debit pin-based transactions are not eligible).
• Toys R Us has a half-off sale Wednesday (with preview today) on selected DS, PS2 and PSP games; half off Crayola Nostalgia crayon tin; half off all Intex airbeds. Buy two get third free all Just Like Home Play food sets.
• Walgreens has four-day coupons in its flier that include Walgreens Gold Seal Vitamins, Wal-itin, Kleenex and Angel Soft. Spend $15 in participating products that include Coca-Cola, get $5 in Register Rewards coupon.
• Elder-Beerman has a 50-percent off sale Wednesday only. Seniors age 55 and older will get additional discounts. The half-off items in the flier include Laura Ashley separates, Studio Works sweaters and men’s sportswear. The furniture department also has a sale. Selected jewelry is 75 percent off.