The average American household has at least one credit card and carries nearly $9,700 in credit. With interest rates in the mid-to-high teens, that family spends, on average, over $1,700 a year in interest and fees - and that's if they pay every bill on time!
Take control of your debt. Quit buying things you can't afford. Cut up your card and pay off the balance. Put the $1,700 a year that you would be giving the credit card company in an emergency bank account so that you don't have an excuse for keeping at least one card around.
Not carrying a credit card balance is like giving yourself a $1,700 a year raise. And who couldn't use that right now!
Need some help breaking the plastic addiction? Download the New American Dream Wallet Buddy, a cost-cutting catechism that you can print out and fold into an impulse-stiffling sleeve for you credit card.
Oh, yeah, it works for controlling your spending with debit cards, too.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
What's In My Mailbox Today?
Yeah, the mailman has been here today...
I got 2 magazines today - Motor Trend and Motorcyclist - both are free subscriptions that I ordered for The Roommate.
I also got a sample of Degree men anti-perspirant/deodorant. I'll stick that away with the other "mens" products and samples that I've collected over the past few months. I'm going to buy a toiletries bag and put together a travel kit with them for my oldest son for Christmas. He's going to be traveling over the holidays so it should make for a very practical gift.
There were samples of Pantene Pro-V shampoo and conditioner (maybe I should give my daughter-in-law a cosmetic bag with samples, too...), an Always Infinity feminime pad, and a sample of Kleenex lotion tissues.
The tissues included a .40¢ coupon that doesn't expire until 12/31/09. I'll be able to wait until one of the grocery stores that doubles coupons has a BOGO FREE sale on Kleenex to pick up a box for just a few pennies.
And finaly, there was also a $1.00 coupon for Charmin Ultra Strong. The coupon doesn't specify which size package, and doesn't expire until 4/30/09, so I should be able to combine it with a good sale and get a 6-pack of toilet paper for a couple of dollars. If you want to get a $1.00 coupon for Charmin, too, go to www.Charmin.com, click on offers and events, and register to receive a free toilet paper extender. You should receive it in about 3 weeks along with a $1.00 coupon.
Your mailbox can look like mine; just check out the freebie websites from some of my earlier blog posts. They are listed under the freebies label.
I got 2 magazines today - Motor Trend and Motorcyclist - both are free subscriptions that I ordered for The Roommate.
I also got a sample of Degree men anti-perspirant/deodorant. I'll stick that away with the other "mens" products and samples that I've collected over the past few months. I'm going to buy a toiletries bag and put together a travel kit with them for my oldest son for Christmas. He's going to be traveling over the holidays so it should make for a very practical gift.
There were samples of Pantene Pro-V shampoo and conditioner (maybe I should give my daughter-in-law a cosmetic bag with samples, too...), an Always Infinity feminime pad, and a sample of Kleenex lotion tissues.
The tissues included a .40¢ coupon that doesn't expire until 12/31/09. I'll be able to wait until one of the grocery stores that doubles coupons has a BOGO FREE sale on Kleenex to pick up a box for just a few pennies.
And finaly, there was also a $1.00 coupon for Charmin Ultra Strong. The coupon doesn't specify which size package, and doesn't expire until 4/30/09, so I should be able to combine it with a good sale and get a 6-pack of toilet paper for a couple of dollars. If you want to get a $1.00 coupon for Charmin, too, go to www.Charmin.com, click on offers and events, and register to receive a free toilet paper extender. You should receive it in about 3 weeks along with a $1.00 coupon.
Your mailbox can look like mine; just check out the freebie websites from some of my earlier blog posts. They are listed under the freebies label.
Friday, December 5, 2008
What's In My Mailbox Today?
I love going to my mailbox.
Since I don't have any credit cards or other debt, and all of my utility bills are received electronically, going to the mailbox is not a dreaded daily task. Most days I have a box full of freebies and other nice surprises. It's almost like Christmas everyday!
Today I got a rebate check for $2.50, the full purchase price of the Arm & Hammer Essentials I got on sale at CVS in October. CMS Rebate Services was kind enough to also include a $1.00 off coupon for my next purchase of any refill pack. The coupon doesn't expire until 9/30/09, so I have plenty of time to wait for a good sale to use it.
I also got a pack of 4x6 Post-it Super Sticky Recycled Notes. There's about a dozen in the pack, and it couldn't have come at a better time... Finals start next week, and I have a lot of studying to do!
There were several magazines that I have free subscriptions to: Fitness, TV Guide, Seed, and Prevention.
One free Huggies Supreme Natural Fit disposable diaper (for my granddaughter). And, a sample of Zarbee's Children's Cough Syrup (also for my granddaughter) with a coupon for $2.00 off the online purchase of Zarbees.
I can't wait to see what I get tomorrow!
Since I don't have any credit cards or other debt, and all of my utility bills are received electronically, going to the mailbox is not a dreaded daily task. Most days I have a box full of freebies and other nice surprises. It's almost like Christmas everyday!
Today I got a rebate check for $2.50, the full purchase price of the Arm & Hammer Essentials I got on sale at CVS in October. CMS Rebate Services was kind enough to also include a $1.00 off coupon for my next purchase of any refill pack. The coupon doesn't expire until 9/30/09, so I have plenty of time to wait for a good sale to use it.
I also got a pack of 4x6 Post-it Super Sticky Recycled Notes. There's about a dozen in the pack, and it couldn't have come at a better time... Finals start next week, and I have a lot of studying to do!
There were several magazines that I have free subscriptions to: Fitness, TV Guide, Seed, and Prevention.
One free Huggies Supreme Natural Fit disposable diaper (for my granddaughter). And, a sample of Zarbee's Children's Cough Syrup (also for my granddaughter) with a coupon for $2.00 off the online purchase of Zarbees.
I can't wait to see what I get tomorrow!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Bi-Lo Follow Up
Ok, I did the Bi-Lo shop today. My subtotal was $15.24. Here’s the breakdown:
· Lipton Ice Tea - $0
Reg. $1.79
· Kraft Salad Dressing - $0
Reg. $2.09
· Pepperidge Farm Garlic Bread - $0
Reg. $2.50
· Pepperidge Farm Cake - $0
Reg. $4.15
· (2) DiGiorno Pizzas - $13.44
Price $6.72/ea.
· (2) Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate Mix - $1.80
Reg. $2.16/ea.,
Technically, I saved $13.05. Personally, I’m not impressed.
I wouldn’t normally buy this kind of stuff, and $15.24 is a pretty good chunk out of my budget for 2 dinners and some sides. I really would have been better off to stick to my regular shopping and eating habits, and purchased meat, veggies, and sides on sale. For $15 dollars, I could probably feed myself and The Roommate 4-5 meals. It would have been better for both my budget and my diet.
(As a side note, The Roommate is happy – he likes this kind of junk food.)
I met another avid couponer while I was at Bi-Lo. She says that she shops at Bi-Lo all the time and saves more money there than anywhere else. She has also saved a lot of money at the pumps with Bi-Lo’s fuelperks program.
The Bi-Lo fuelperks program lets you save .05¢ per gallon savings, up to 20 gallons, for every $50 you spend. It’s real easy to participate. All you have to do is get a Bi-Lo Bonus Card at the customer service desk and have it scanned whenever you shop. Your receipt will show you how much you’ve earned towards your reward.
The catch: Fuelperks are only redeemable at Sunoco, and they expire. Per the Bi-Lo literature, “Rewards expire after the current month they are earned in, plus 3 months. For example, earn fuelperks! On October 10th and they expire on January 31st.”
I’m not positive how fuelperks are calculated, but it appears as if it is based on your total plus the value of any coupons that you used, including the value of the coupons that Bi-Lo has doubled. Bi-Lo does not give you credit for the items on their Meal Deal specials.
I think I’ll keep an eye on the Bi-Lo fliers, and see what kind of deals they have, but I don’t have any plans to change my preferred grocery store at the this time.
Freebies of the Week 11/30 - 12/9
· GE 24-hour Timer of 6 Outlet Surge Protector ~ FREE after $5 Rite Aid Mail In Rebate
· Gillette Fusion or Fusion Power Razor ~ FREE after $4 Newspaper Coupon and $5 Rite Aid Mail In Rebate
· Philips Ear Buds with Hard Case ~ FREE after $4.99 Rite Aid Mail In Rebate
Walgreens Freebies – week of 11/30 – 12/6
· Bald Guyz Moisture Gel or Head Wipes ~ FREE after Easy Saver Mail In Rebate
· FreeStyle Blood Glucose Monitor ~ FREE after
CVS Freebies – week of 11/30 – 12/6
· Extreme Energy Drink ~ FREE after $4.99 Extra Bucks
BiLo Freebies ~ week of 12/3 – 12/9
· FREE (1) Pepperidge Farm Garlic Bread
· FREE (1) Pepperidge Farm Cake
· FREE (1) Kraft Salad Dressing
· FREE (1) Lipton Tea
With Purchase of (2) DiGiorno Pizza’s
*I looked for coupons for this items, but couldn’t find any - not printed or online – but it’s still a really good deal, and I plan to take advantage of it.
Limit 1 Deal per Shopping Trip
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
It Pays To Know - Target's Coupon Policy
· Target accepts two kinds of coupons: Target-issued coupons and manufacturer-issued coupons.
· Target will accept one Target coupon and one manufacturer coupon for the same item, unless either coupon prohibits it.
· Target can't give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the item; in that case, Target will adjust the value of the coupon to equal the price of the item.
· Target doesn’t accept competitor’s coupons from other retailers, or coupons for products not carried in their stores.
· All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier at the time of sale.
Have questions or want more information about using coupons at Target? Check with a Guest Services Team Leader at your Target store. You can also give Target a call at (800) 440-0680, or visit them on Target.com.
Also, Target doesn't price match with other competitor stores. Target prices can vary between stores and the Target website because of the market value of the item.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Walgreens - A Shopping Bust!
I received a Walgreens coupon via email the other day. It was good for $5 off $25, Monday 12/1 and Tuesday 12/2. I sat down with the Walgreens flier and planned my shopping. I was going to buy (1) Bald Guys conditioning lotion, (2) Glade Wisp candles, (2) Scotch Magic Tapes, (3) Soft Soaps, and (1) Gillette Shave Cream. Subtotal before coupons - $25.32. Subtotal after coupons - $7.44.
So armed with shopping list and coupons I made my way through the drugstore aisles. At the air fresheners section I was thrilled to find a sign that said that there was a $2 rebate on the Glade Wisp's. I did a quick calculation and determined that after coupons and rebates, my shopping subtotal would be (-)$1.51. Fantastic!
The cashier rang up all my purchases, and before deducting any of my coupons, informed me that I would not be able to use the $5 off $25.
What? My purchases came to over $25!!!
It seems that the small print on the coupon read "Purchase amount of $25 or more must be before taxes and after all manufacturer and Walgreens coupons and discounts."
I was quite surprised because I've never seen that on a coupon before. Well, I wasn't prepared to buy more stuff so I told the cashier to void everything but the Glade Wisp candles - we're talking $3.99 each, $2.00 rebates each, and $3.00 off coupons each. I left with considerably less than what I had originally intended, but the $2.02 profit I was going to make on the candles almost made up for it.
That was until I got home and looked at the Easy Saver catalog...
Despite what the sign in the store said, the Glade Wisp candles were NOT included on the December list of rebates! So, my trip to Walgreens was a complete bust. (I know, .99¢ for a Glade Wisp candle is a good price, but I would not have made a trip to any store just for that.)
Now I'm not telling you all of this to bash Walgreens, although in the past couple of months they have gone from being one of my favorite stores to being my absolute least favorite store. No, I'm telling you this to remind you how important it is to read the terms of the coupons, and to double-check store promotions with the corporate fliers. Otherwise you could end up at the register with coupons you can't use, or buying things that don't qualify for rebates.
It's all in the small print!
So armed with shopping list and coupons I made my way through the drugstore aisles. At the air fresheners section I was thrilled to find a sign that said that there was a $2 rebate on the Glade Wisp's. I did a quick calculation and determined that after coupons and rebates, my shopping subtotal would be (-)$1.51. Fantastic!
The cashier rang up all my purchases, and before deducting any of my coupons, informed me that I would not be able to use the $5 off $25.
What? My purchases came to over $25!!!
It seems that the small print on the coupon read "Purchase amount of $25 or more must be before taxes and after all manufacturer and Walgreens coupons and discounts."
I was quite surprised because I've never seen that on a coupon before. Well, I wasn't prepared to buy more stuff so I told the cashier to void everything but the Glade Wisp candles - we're talking $3.99 each, $2.00 rebates each, and $3.00 off coupons each. I left with considerably less than what I had originally intended, but the $2.02 profit I was going to make on the candles almost made up for it.
That was until I got home and looked at the Easy Saver catalog...
Despite what the sign in the store said, the Glade Wisp candles were NOT included on the December list of rebates! So, my trip to Walgreens was a complete bust. (I know, .99¢ for a Glade Wisp candle is a good price, but I would not have made a trip to any store just for that.)
Now I'm not telling you all of this to bash Walgreens, although in the past couple of months they have gone from being one of my favorite stores to being my absolute least favorite store. No, I'm telling you this to remind you how important it is to read the terms of the coupons, and to double-check store promotions with the corporate fliers. Otherwise you could end up at the register with coupons you can't use, or buying things that don't qualify for rebates.
It's all in the small print!
Be Green - and Save Green - By Bottling Your Own Water
Love your bottled water but feel a little wasteful every time you toss that empty bottle in the trash or recycle bin?
Use water filters instead. Home faucet-mounted and pitcher filters, like Brita and PUR, cost about $120 a year per person to use. Bottled water or home bottle water services cost nearly $400 in the same time frame!
The home water filters are also the best way to ensure a clean supply of drinking water. They get rid of the contaminants normally found in tap water, such as chlorine, benzene, lead, and pesticide runoff. (Tap water might contain contaminants, but bottled water isn’t always cleaner. About 40% of all bottle water comes directly from city water systems, just like yours.)
Filling your own water bottle at home and carrying it with you also helps to reduce the 1.5 million tons of plastic generated each year from bottled water alone.
Go to www.waterfiltercomparisons.com to the compare cost and performance of the top ten drinking water filters.
Personally speaking, I picked up a Brita-like pitcher and two filters for free at Walgreens a few months ago. I love it! The water tastes so much better than the water straight out of the tap that I drink almost nothing but water now. It's had the duel benefits of reducing my beverage expenses and my waistline. (Yeah!) And my doctor is happy with me because water is definitely much better for me than all the carbonated beverages I used to consume.
Use water filters instead. Home faucet-mounted and pitcher filters, like Brita and PUR, cost about $120 a year per person to use. Bottled water or home bottle water services cost nearly $400 in the same time frame!
The home water filters are also the best way to ensure a clean supply of drinking water. They get rid of the contaminants normally found in tap water, such as chlorine, benzene, lead, and pesticide runoff. (Tap water might contain contaminants, but bottled water isn’t always cleaner. About 40% of all bottle water comes directly from city water systems, just like yours.)
Filling your own water bottle at home and carrying it with you also helps to reduce the 1.5 million tons of plastic generated each year from bottled water alone.
Go to www.waterfiltercomparisons.com to the compare cost and performance of the top ten drinking water filters.
Personally speaking, I picked up a Brita-like pitcher and two filters for free at Walgreens a few months ago. I love it! The water tastes so much better than the water straight out of the tap that I drink almost nothing but water now. It's had the duel benefits of reducing my beverage expenses and my waistline. (Yeah!) And my doctor is happy with me because water is definitely much better for me than all the carbonated beverages I used to consume.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Publix Savings - Part 2
At first glance, my trip to Publix today didn’t appear to have netted me a good savings:
- (2) Oral B Advantage toothbrushes - $2.00
Reg. $3.69/ea.,
- (8) Knorr Side Dishes - $2.60
Reg. $1.35/ea.,
- (6) Crystal Light drink mixes - $14.07
Reg. 4.69/ea,
- (1) Publix pinto beans - .73¢
- (1) Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn - .23¢
Reg. $2.45,
- (1) Lindsay sliced black olives - $1.29
- (2) McCormick chili mix - $1.39
Reg. $1.39/ea.,
- NY Strip - $6.71
Reg. $11.99 lb.,
- (1) McCormick chili powder - $2.09
Price $2.59, Coupon .25¢ (doubled)
- (1) Hills Brothers instant cappuccino - $3.59
- (1) Publix milk - $2.49
- (1) Maxwell House coffee - .01¢
Price $3.51, Mystery Coupon $3.50
Publix Coupon - $5.00 off $35.00
My Total Savings:
Regular Price $76.52
Store Coupons* $8.75
Manufacturer’s Coupons $5.65
Advertised Specials $29.52
*Store Coupons include the doubled amount of manufacturer’s coupons
Total Savings $43.92
Order Total $32.60
But after reviewing the numbers, I determined that I did save a total of 57.4% off regular retail prices. About two-thirds of that savings was through store specials and the rest was in coupons.
My 2-day totals - $132.61 in groceries for $50.78! That’s a savings of $81.83, and I only went over my budget by .78¢. I bought a few items that I needed to add to the food that I already have in order to feed me and my roommate for the week, and I stockpiled several things so that I won’t have to buy more of them until they are on sale again.
Where Do You Get Your Coupons?
"Where do you get your coupons?" is a question that I am frequently asked by people when they first hear about my super savings with coupons. They seem to think that there is some secret coupon clearing house that only I am privy to.
The truth is I get most of my coupons from the Sunday paper, just like everyone else.
I do get some coupons with the free samples that show up in my mailbox most days, and they're usually pretty good coupons in that they normally don't expire as quickly as the ones in the paper do. I also get some coupons online, but really, these are only a small percentage of the coupons that I use every week to save big at the grocery and drug stores.
I buy two copies of the Sunday paper every week. Yes, it costs me an extra $1.50 to that, but by doubling the amount of coupons I have I double my savings. And the extra savings from those extra coupons more than makes up for the extra expense.
Another source of coupons that is available to everyone, at no cost, are the store fliers.
Walgreens puts coupons in their Easy Saver Catalog every month, and it's not uncommon to be able to combine these store coupons with manufacturer's coupons to get something for free.
Publix publishes several fliers that contain store coupons: Publix Health & Beauty circular, Greenwise magazine, a seasonal Family Savings circular, Fresh Flavorful Frozen & More, a seasonal Traditions flier, and Family Style Magazine. All of these publications are available in the stores, however you must subscribe to the Family Style Magazine to get the version with coupons. (The subscription is free.)
All of these sources are great for picking up some additional coupons to create savings that I might not otherwise get, but again, they only make up a small portion of my overall savings.
The real "secret" of my super savings is not in where I get my coupon, but rather in how I use them.
The truth is I get most of my coupons from the Sunday paper, just like everyone else.
I do get some coupons with the free samples that show up in my mailbox most days, and they're usually pretty good coupons in that they normally don't expire as quickly as the ones in the paper do. I also get some coupons online, but really, these are only a small percentage of the coupons that I use every week to save big at the grocery and drug stores.
I buy two copies of the Sunday paper every week. Yes, it costs me an extra $1.50 to that, but by doubling the amount of coupons I have I double my savings. And the extra savings from those extra coupons more than makes up for the extra expense.
Another source of coupons that is available to everyone, at no cost, are the store fliers.
Walgreens puts coupons in their Easy Saver Catalog every month, and it's not uncommon to be able to combine these store coupons with manufacturer's coupons to get something for free.
Publix publishes several fliers that contain store coupons: Publix Health & Beauty circular, Greenwise magazine, a seasonal Family Savings circular, Fresh Flavorful Frozen & More, a seasonal Traditions flier, and Family Style Magazine. All of these publications are available in the stores, however you must subscribe to the Family Style Magazine to get the version with coupons. (The subscription is free.)
All of these sources are great for picking up some additional coupons to create savings that I might not otherwise get, but again, they only make up a small portion of my overall savings.
The real "secret" of my super savings is not in where I get my coupon, but rather in how I use them.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Publix Savings - November 30, 2008
I went to Publix today to grocery shop. I only needed a few items for this week’s meals, so I was able to stockpile several items without blowing my budget:
- (1) 5 lb. bag Red Delicious apples - $1.99
Reg. $5.99,
- (2) Gatorade drink mixes - $1.49
Reg. 2@$6.97,
- (2) Crystal Light drink mixes - $4.69
Reg. 4.69/ea,
- (1) Old
- (1) Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn - .23¢
Reg. $2.45,
- (2) Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn - .85¢
Reg. $2.45/ea,
- (1) Tomato - .41¢
Reg. $2.99 lb.,
- (2) Fresh Express salad blends - $3.50
Reg. $3.49/ea.,
- Chicken breast cutlets - $3.63
Reg. $5.49 lb.,
- (1) Yoplait Fiber One - $2.09
Price $3.09, Coupon $1.00
- Eggland Best large eggs - $1.79
Price $2.49, Coupon .35¢ (doubled)
- Taco
- Publix supreme pizza - .01¢
Price $4.69, Mystery Coupon $4.68
Bonus Publix Coupon - $5.00 off $35.00
My Total Savings:
Regular Price $56.09
Store Coupons* $12.83
Manufacturer’s Coupons $6.65
Advertised Specials $14.95
In-Store Specials $3.48
*Store Coupons include the doubled amount of manufacturer’s coupons
Total Savings $37.91
Order Total $18.18
I have another “Mystery Coupon” and “$5.00 off $35 Coupon”, so I will be making a 2nd trip to Publix tomorrow to buy additional groceries in order to take use them. I will be primarily buying “stockpile” items, so check back for my savings posting on that visit.
CVS Deals - Sunday, November 30, 2008
I just got back from CVS, and even though there weren't as many deals today, I have another bag full of goodies for next to nothing out of pocket. Here's the breakdown:
(1) Pantene Shampoo – Net Cost $1.99
Reg. $4.99,
(1) Pantene Conditioner - Net Cost $1.99
Reg. $4.99,
(2) Febreeze Air Effects - Net Cost .50¢
Reg. $3.29,
(1) Febreeze Pet Odor Eliminator - Net Cost $1.75
Reg. $5.99,
(1) Febreeze Extra Strength Fabric & Air - Net Cost $1.75
Reg. $5.99,
(1) Extreme Energy 2 pk. - Net Cost $0
Price $4.99, Extra Bucks $4.99
^ Actual coupon - $1.00 off 2 products
*Extra Bucks Deal – Spend $10 & Get $5 Extra Bucks
My total purchase came to $24.25 before coupons. The total after the $4.00 in coupons was $20.25. I then used the $8.99 Extra Bucks from last week’s Complete Contact solution, the $8.99 Extra Bucks from last week’s Maybelline Mineral Power foundation, and $2.00 Extra Bucks from something else (I only got credit for $1.99).
Total Out-Of-Pocket - .28¢
Plus I got back $11.99 in Extra Bucks to use in the future!
Buying Less to Save More?
Zipping through the express line might save you a couple minutes and a couple of bucks right now, but if you fill up your cart, and consequently your fridge, you'll make fewer overall trips to the store, and save money, energy, and time in the process - proving that less isn't always more.
The benefits to shopping one or less times per week include:
Personally speaking, I know I spend less money overall by buying more groceries with fewer trips. I will plan my meals around store specials, check my grocery needs, purchase items that are on sale, and use coupons to reduce my costs. (Refer to my posting on Nov. 23rd) If I am just running in to grab a couple of items I am more likely to buy something on impulse, and less likely to shop for the better bargain or use coupons.
The benefits to shopping one or less times per week include:
- Reduced pollution. Half the pollution created in getting your food comes from driving to and from the store (the other half comes from farm to distribution center to store).
- Reduced gas use. Making extra trips to the store increases your gas consumption. (If you absolutely must go to the store to pick up a few extra items, try to do it when you’re already out running errands or on your way home from work.)
- Reduced electric bill. Your refrigerator and freezer operate more efficiently when full (but not so full that cold air can't circulate). In a power outage, they'll even hold the temp for twice as long as half-full ones.
- Less time at the checkout. Even the time you spend parking going to the store for just a couple items eats into the valuable time that you could spend doing other things.
Personally speaking, I know I spend less money overall by buying more groceries with fewer trips. I will plan my meals around store specials, check my grocery needs, purchase items that are on sale, and use coupons to reduce my costs. (Refer to my posting on Nov. 23rd) If I am just running in to grab a couple of items I am more likely to buy something on impulse, and less likely to shop for the better bargain or use coupons.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
