I guess I didn't plan this out very well, but I am putting a hold on the daily tips for a bit. Hubs is starting a vacation from work tomorrow, and I will either be going out of town, working on the house, or just lovin' on my family a little more.
I will try very hard to keep the coupon matchups up-to-date.
I'll also be revisiting some frugal fashion at a later date.
So today's tip: IT IS OK TO TAKE A BREAK! :D
Showing posts with label Tip of the Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tip of the Day. Show all posts
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tip of the Day: October 15th
If I can get an item for FREE or I get paid to buy it, I'M BUYING IT!
Even if it's something me family won't use, I can donate it.
Pet items (and your newspapers) can go to pet shelters.
Diabetic testing supplies can go to retirement homes or homeless shelters.
Health & Beauty items can go to a shelter for abused women and children.
Diapers and baby products can go to a home for unwed mothers.
Gum, hard candy, drink mixes, crackers, granola bars, etc., can be sent to the troops.
As for my ridiculous collection of air fresheners, I'll be selling them at my garage sale.
Even if it's something me family won't use, I can donate it.
Pet items (and your newspapers) can go to pet shelters.
Diabetic testing supplies can go to retirement homes or homeless shelters.
Health & Beauty items can go to a shelter for abused women and children.
Diapers and baby products can go to a home for unwed mothers.
Gum, hard candy, drink mixes, crackers, granola bars, etc., can be sent to the troops.
As for my ridiculous collection of air fresheners, I'll be selling them at my garage sale.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tip of the Day: October 14th
There is a difference between stockpiling and hoarding. Especially when it comes to food items with a limited shelf life.
Sometimes there's a fine line and sometimes it's pretty obvious. And it differs for everyone based on their needs.
You can add another column to your Price List and write down how much of that item your family uses in a month and go from there.
You may think buying 25 boxes of mac & cheese is ridiculous if your family only uses one box a month. If my kids eat it 4 or more times a week, that'll only last 6 weeks. (Am I being a little transaparent here? hehe...)
Sometimes there's a fine line and sometimes it's pretty obvious. And it differs for everyone based on their needs.
You can add another column to your Price List and write down how much of that item your family uses in a month and go from there.
You may think buying 25 boxes of mac & cheese is ridiculous if your family only uses one box a month. If my kids eat it 4 or more times a week, that'll only last 6 weeks. (Am I being a little transaparent here? hehe...)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tip of the Day: October 13th
Creating a well rounded stockpile will take a few months. Sales usually run through 90 day cycles--especially at grocery stores.
When you come across as great deal on something that your family uses regularly, buy enough to get you to the next great deal.
You may feel like you're spending too much money at that moment, but when you don't have to buy the item at all for the next 3 months, you'll notice a difference.
When you come across as great deal on something that your family uses regularly, buy enough to get you to the next great deal.
You may feel like you're spending too much money at that moment, but when you don't have to buy the item at all for the next 3 months, you'll notice a difference.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Tip of the Day: October 12th
You've seen me talk about "Stockpiling" on here, but you may be wondering what that really is.
Stockpiling is buying multiple items at their lowest prices so that you never have to pay full price. Simple as that!
To know if something is at a "Stockpile" price, you'll have to use your Price List.
Stockpiling is buying multiple items at their lowest prices so that you never have to pay full price. Simple as that!
To know if something is at a "Stockpile" price, you'll have to use your Price List.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Tip of the Day: October 11th
Before you purchase your Sunday papers, check inside to make sure each one has all the inserts that should be inside. There may be variations from region to region, but you should still get everything you're paying for!
You can see the coupon preview HERE.
You can see the coupon preview HERE.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Tip of the Day: October 10th
Did you know that our military service members and their families can use expired coupons overseas? Those who have access to a Military Commissary can use coupons up to 6 months expired.
I first heard about this about a year ago, but the program I read about required a large amount of sorting, special packaging, and fees paid by the donor. I wanted to help, but I couldn't commit that time and money.
Luckily, I have since discovered Coupons for Troops, sponsored and created by The Happy Housewife. Her program is so simple. If you'd like to participate, just send her an e-mail. She assigns you to a family. Then you send your expired coupons to that family. THAT'S IT! You don't even have to pay international shipping--it's a domestic rate for service stations!
Read more details HERE and stop throwing away your expired coupons today!
I first heard about this about a year ago, but the program I read about required a large amount of sorting, special packaging, and fees paid by the donor. I wanted to help, but I couldn't commit that time and money.
Luckily, I have since discovered Coupons for Troops, sponsored and created by The Happy Housewife. Her program is so simple. If you'd like to participate, just send her an e-mail. She assigns you to a family. Then you send your expired coupons to that family. THAT'S IT! You don't even have to pay international shipping--it's a domestic rate for service stations!
Read more details HERE and stop throwing away your expired coupons today!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Tip of the Day: October 9th
You can print most Internet coupons two times!
If it is a "Bricks" coupon, you will see the word "bricks" in the web address. After you print the first one, click the "back" button three times or follow the same prompts that got you to the first one.
If it is a coupons.com coupon, you can usually hit the "back" button three times after printing or go back to coupons.com and repeat your steps. Coupons.com will hide the ones you have already printed on the last page of choices.
For other sites like Smartsource.com, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, etc., I always have to go back to their homepage and repeat the same process.
When a coupon is offered by e-centives (look at the web address), you may only be able to print it once. I always try a second time, just in case.
Very very super rarely, a coupon will have NO PRINT LIMIT! Hallelujah! {Print, print, print, I need ink, print, print, more paper, print, print....}
If it is a "Bricks" coupon, you will see the word "bricks" in the web address. After you print the first one, click the "back" button three times or follow the same prompts that got you to the first one.
If it is a coupons.com coupon, you can usually hit the "back" button three times after printing or go back to coupons.com and repeat your steps. Coupons.com will hide the ones you have already printed on the last page of choices.
For other sites like Smartsource.com, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, etc., I always have to go back to their homepage and repeat the same process.
When a coupon is offered by e-centives (look at the web address), you may only be able to print it once. I always try a second time, just in case.
Very very super rarely, a coupon will have NO PRINT LIMIT! Hallelujah! {Print, print, print, I need ink, print, print, more paper, print, print....}
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Tip of the Day: October 8th
As many things as I get for FREE or cheap, there are always other items that I have a hard time finding a deal for.
One of such items is MEAT. And we are highly carnivorous! (Okay, I know that we are actually omnivorous, but we like our meat!)
I am not a blogger that will suggest a "Meat-Free Night" or using only dark meat chicken all the time. Uh-uh. We don't eat without meat, and I love steak and pork chops!
Meat is a commodity item and the price fluctuates based on location and demand. It is one of the best items to keep up with on your Price List, though you will rarely have a coupon for it.
One trick we use for well-priced high quality ground beef is grinding it ourselves {that's code for I make my Hubs do it}. I can usually find whole roasts on sale cheaper than the pre-ground beef. (We have a grinder because my husband is a deer hunter, so this may not work for you.)
I also buy a lot of Split Chicken Breast on the bone. I can usually get them for less than $1 per pound. We de-bone them and store them in freezer bags. Or sometimes I'll boil it first, then de-bone and store. Then I have a quick starter for a night when things get hectic, perfect for Enchiladas or a Chicken Broccoli Braid.
Also, you will almost always pay less per pound if you purchase the larger family packs. Just be sure to factor in the price of storage bags to figure out if it really saves you money.
However, if you do manage to have a coupon, like the .55 Pilgrim's Pride Printable coupon I often list in my coupon matchups, you may get a better price by buying the smaller pack.
One of such items is MEAT. And we are highly carnivorous! (Okay, I know that we are actually omnivorous, but we like our meat!)
I am not a blogger that will suggest a "Meat-Free Night" or using only dark meat chicken all the time. Uh-uh. We don't eat without meat, and I love steak and pork chops!
Meat is a commodity item and the price fluctuates based on location and demand. It is one of the best items to keep up with on your Price List, though you will rarely have a coupon for it.
One trick we use for well-priced high quality ground beef is grinding it ourselves {that's code for I make my Hubs do it}. I can usually find whole roasts on sale cheaper than the pre-ground beef. (We have a grinder because my husband is a deer hunter, so this may not work for you.)
I also buy a lot of Split Chicken Breast on the bone. I can usually get them for less than $1 per pound. We de-bone them and store them in freezer bags. Or sometimes I'll boil it first, then de-bone and store. Then I have a quick starter for a night when things get hectic, perfect for Enchiladas or a Chicken Broccoli Braid.
Also, you will almost always pay less per pound if you purchase the larger family packs. Just be sure to factor in the price of storage bags to figure out if it really saves you money.
However, if you do manage to have a coupon, like the .55 Pilgrim's Pride Printable coupon I often list in my coupon matchups, you may get a better price by buying the smaller pack.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tip of the Day: October 7th
Keep your eyes peeled for coupons for FREE gift cards when you transfer a prescription.
Walgreens, CVS, Target, and Rite-Aid all put out these glorious coupons from time to time. If you need to fill/refill a prescription anyway, why not get paid to do so? I love having these gift cards on hand to reduce my out-of-pocket expenses, and the prescription is tax-deductible.
Brookshire's also honors these competitor offers, and that has bought me many groceries.
If you're really lucky, you might come across one for a NEW prescription, but that's a little rare.
Walgreens, CVS, Target, and Rite-Aid all put out these glorious coupons from time to time. If you need to fill/refill a prescription anyway, why not get paid to do so? I love having these gift cards on hand to reduce my out-of-pocket expenses, and the prescription is tax-deductible.
Brookshire's also honors these competitor offers, and that has bought me many groceries.
If you're really lucky, you might come across one for a NEW prescription, but that's a little rare.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Tip of the Day: October 6th
Did you know that you can use 1 "Store" coupon and 1 Manufacturer's coupon together on 1 item? This is called "stacking", and it's totally legit!
Walgreens, CVS, and Target are really great about this. They offer lots of store coupons in booklets, in their ads, on receipts, online, and more.
In the event that you may be getting an item FREE or even earning overage on the item, make sure you give the manufacturer's coupon first. The store coupon actually adjusts the price like a sale, and it would make the manufacturer's coupon "beep" (which might make a cashier not accept it...).
Walgreens, CVS, and Target are really great about this. They offer lots of store coupons in booklets, in their ads, on receipts, online, and more.
In the event that you may be getting an item FREE or even earning overage on the item, make sure you give the manufacturer's coupon first. The store coupon actually adjusts the price like a sale, and it would make the manufacturer's coupon "beep" (which might make a cashier not accept it...).
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tip of the Day: October 5th
If you buy two products on sale "Buy 1 Get 1 FREE", how many items are you purchasing?
You are still purchasing 2 items and therefore can still use 2 coupons.
This is a generally accepted rule, but it is not necessarily hard and fast. {Situation may vary with an incessantly beeping register or an overcritical cashier.}
Same goes for things like "Buy 1 Get 1 50% off" or "Buy 1 Get 1 for a Penny".
You are still purchasing 2 items and therefore can still use 2 coupons.
This is a generally accepted rule, but it is not necessarily hard and fast. {Situation may vary with an incessantly beeping register or an overcritical cashier.}
Same goes for things like "Buy 1 Get 1 50% off" or "Buy 1 Get 1 for a Penny".
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Tip of the Day: October 4th
Want the ULTIMATE freebie?
Go to church today and praise God for giving us Eternal Life in Heaven through His only Son, Jesus Christ. If you're not sure you have this GREAT DEAL, please talk to a pastor, a friend, or e-mail me.
No coupons required!
Go to church today and praise God for giving us Eternal Life in Heaven through His only Son, Jesus Christ. If you're not sure you have this GREAT DEAL, please talk to a pastor, a friend, or e-mail me.
No coupons required!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Tip of the Day: October 3rd
10 for $10!
How many times have you seen that advertised? (Um, can you say Kroger?)
Did you know that you don't usually have to buy 10 items to get the items for $1 each?
My Hubs didn't believe me on this one! When he was at the store one day, he bought 1 "10 for $10 item" just to prove me wrong. He was entirely unsuccessful. :D
Just make sure you read the fine print. If it says "Must buy 10" or something like "$1 each/2 for $1.75", then you have to buy that number to get the lower price.
Walgreens is one place where you have to buy a certain number to get the lower price, but most places fall into the other category.
How many times have you seen that advertised? (Um, can you say Kroger?)
Did you know that you don't usually have to buy 10 items to get the items for $1 each?
My Hubs didn't believe me on this one! When he was at the store one day, he bought 1 "10 for $10 item" just to prove me wrong. He was entirely unsuccessful. :D
Just make sure you read the fine print. If it says "Must buy 10" or something like "$1 each/2 for $1.75", then you have to buy that number to get the lower price.
Walgreens is one place where you have to buy a certain number to get the lower price, but most places fall into the other category.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Tip of the Day: October 2nd
In yesterday's tip, I told you to create a Price List that would break items down into units.
Stores like Sam's and Costco have led people to believe that buying in bulk means saving money, but that is usually not the case when you start shopping sales and using coupons.
When a coupon is good on any size, it is usually more effective to buy the smaller size. It gets even better when you have multiple coupons and your stores double or triple coupons.
The .55 off Mahatma Rice coupon from the 8/30 Red Plum insert is a great example. It is good on any size white, brown, or basmati rice. The smallest bag of Mahatma rice at Brookshire's is $1.23, and they will triple my coupon up to the item price and I will have FREE rice.
By buying mulitple papers/inserts, I'm able to multiples of the smaller FREE bag.
I think FREE sounds better than cheap, don't you?
Stores like Sam's and Costco have led people to believe that buying in bulk means saving money, but that is usually not the case when you start shopping sales and using coupons.
When a coupon is good on any size, it is usually more effective to buy the smaller size. It gets even better when you have multiple coupons and your stores double or triple coupons.
The .55 off Mahatma Rice coupon from the 8/30 Red Plum insert is a great example. It is good on any size white, brown, or basmati rice. The smallest bag of Mahatma rice at Brookshire's is $1.23, and they will triple my coupon up to the item price and I will have FREE rice.
By buying mulitple papers/inserts, I'm able to multiples of the smaller FREE bag.
I think FREE sounds better than cheap, don't you?
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Tip of the Day: October 1st
How much do you pay for a bar of soap? Do you know? How do you know when something is a its rock-bottom price if you don't know how much you pay for the item normally anyway?
Whenever I speak at an event or teach a class, the absolute most important information I can give is to create a "Price List" or a "Price Book".
Grab a piece of paper and make four columns.
Column 1: Item Description (This can be very generic, like "Bar Soap". If you're brand loyal, write that down, like "Lever 2000 Bar Soap".)
Column 2: Unit Size (How is your item measurable? Meat would usually be by the pound, other things could be by the ounce, by the bottle, or by the bag. For things like bar soap or sandwich baggies, it would be by the individual piece.)
Column 3: Regular Price (This is where you fill in normal everyday prices--especially if you're knew to frugal shopping. Lever 2000 soap 8-packs are $4.64 at Wal-Mart. That makes each bar cost 58 cents.)
Column 4: Stockpile Price (You might want to use a pencil in this column. This is where you look for sales and/or coupons. If your local grocer puts the soap on sale for $2 per 4-pack, then each bar is 50 cents. If you have a .50 coupon that doubles, then each bar is only .25! That's a stockpile price--buy a bunch!)
Take your newly formed price list throughout your home and write down the items that you buy regularly: groceries, toiletries, cleaners, paper goods, pet items, and baby stuff. Then start filling in the columns.
The best thing about creating a "Price List" is that it's still very effective for people who don't use coupons! If you want to save money on your groceries, toiletries, and household items, you need to start by knowing how much those items cost. Then you can monitor "sale" prices and know if it's actually on sale or just being advertised.
I'll share many of my "Stockpile Prices" soon!
Whenever I speak at an event or teach a class, the absolute most important information I can give is to create a "Price List" or a "Price Book".
Grab a piece of paper and make four columns.
Column 1: Item Description (This can be very generic, like "Bar Soap". If you're brand loyal, write that down, like "Lever 2000 Bar Soap".)
Column 2: Unit Size (How is your item measurable? Meat would usually be by the pound, other things could be by the ounce, by the bottle, or by the bag. For things like bar soap or sandwich baggies, it would be by the individual piece.)
Column 3: Regular Price (This is where you fill in normal everyday prices--especially if you're knew to frugal shopping. Lever 2000 soap 8-packs are $4.64 at Wal-Mart. That makes each bar cost 58 cents.)
Column 4: Stockpile Price (You might want to use a pencil in this column. This is where you look for sales and/or coupons. If your local grocer puts the soap on sale for $2 per 4-pack, then each bar is 50 cents. If you have a .50 coupon that doubles, then each bar is only .25! That's a stockpile price--buy a bunch!)
Take your newly formed price list throughout your home and write down the items that you buy regularly: groceries, toiletries, cleaners, paper goods, pet items, and baby stuff. Then start filling in the columns.
The best thing about creating a "Price List" is that it's still very effective for people who don't use coupons! If you want to save money on your groceries, toiletries, and household items, you need to start by knowing how much those items cost. Then you can monitor "sale" prices and know if it's actually on sale or just being advertised.
I'll share many of my "Stockpile Prices" soon!
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