Use Coupons Coupons can save you a significant amount of money during the year. You can find coupons for almost any product or store/restaurant in a multitude of locations such as the Sunday paper, printable on-line coupons, magazines, email coupons sent to when you register with a manufacture or restaurant, coupon dispensers (in-stores), and coupon swap boxes in the library or workplace just to name a few places. You can definitely save well over $1,000 by using coupons on an every basis.

Go Green You can save money and the environment at the same time by practicing "green" routines. Some examples are conserving energy or water, walking instead of driving, using Reusable Bags (my supermarket pays 5 cents per bag), and recycle cans.

Savings Account If you don't already have a savings account, you should open one. There are a variety of savings accounts with different interest rates and rules. Shop around to find a savings account which will offer you a high interest rate and also allow you to access the account without a hassle or fees. A savings account is a risk-free, easy method to earn money. You can directly deposit your paychecks to your savings account and then transfer the money you need to pay your bills to your checking account. By doing this, you will be more aware of the amount of money you are spending and earn interest in between bill payments.

Create a Budget The main goal of a budget is to prevent you from overspending so figure out a budget which works for you. Ideally a budget will help you to achieve your short and long-term finical goals.

Create Realistic and Concrete Savings Goals The main reason people are unable to accomplish their goals is due to the fact that the goals the people created were unrealistic and/or intangible. When you are creating goals you should make sure to include specific numbers and timelines with measurable quantities. You should also have realistic expectations. Start out with achievable, short term goals which you can later turn into long-term goals. For example, "I am going to deposit $5 into my savings account every Friday"

I was offered a free pair of Stride Rite Early Walker Sneakers for my baby 8 month old girl. Of course I accepted since it was free and my baby girl needs her first pair of shoes. I had no idea what to expect since the shoes were free. I was pleasantly surprised when the adorable brown and pink sneakers arrived in the mail. My baby girl wears pink and brown almost everyday so her first pair of shoes would match nicely with her exisiting wardrobe!!! She loves her new shoes and can't wait to take her first steps. I love how her feet stay warm in the cold weather. Here are some pictures.

The holidays can be a strain on the wallet with gift giving, holiday parties and hosting the holiday dinner. Here are a few tips to help you save money.

Food Shop at Other Stores If you are hosting a holiday party or dinner, instead of shopping at your local grocery store, shop at drug stores and discount chain stores (i.e. Wal-mart, Target, etc.). You can find food and other items for free or almost free when you combine sales, coupons and rebates (Walgreens and Rite Aid have their own rebate programs).

Homemade Gifts and Cards Homemade gifts and cards are inexpensive and most of the time more meaningful than store bought gifts or cards. You can easily create gifts even if you don’t have any “crafting abilities”. Here are two easy ideas which anyone can do for little money. If you have younger children, place their handprints on a piece of paper, add a picture along with the date and frame it. Another idea is to create a CD mix which could have holiday songs or mix of music for exercising. There are a variety of free legal music downloads you can find on the Internet.

Create a Coupon Book Similar to the homemade gifts, giving your time can be more meaningful than a store bought gift. Create a coupon book with activities you are willing to do for or with the person receiving the coupons. My personal favorite coupon to receive is one for babysitting. Other suggestions include a car wash, cleaning the house, or cooking a meal.

Freebie Gifts You can get tons of freebies on the Internet or by shopping in the store when you combine sales, coupons and rebates. You can mix a bunch of freebies together and create a gift basket. For example you could create a travel gift basket and include a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, a razor, soap, gum, sleeping mask, ear plugs, and pain medication (yes I have received all of the listed items for free).

Use Rewards Points There are free rewards programs available for just about anything (i.e. travel, soda, diapers, etc). Cash in your rewards points for gifts for other people. Some gift ideas you could redeem with rewards points are magazines, gift cards, movies, and music.

Swap Toys Instead of buying all new toys for your child, swap toys with a friend or family member. Your child will be so excited about their new toys, they will not even notice the toy isn’t in a box and as an added bonus you will not have to put any toys together.

Recycle Gift Wrap Even though gift wrap is inexpensive, it is thrown away within minutes (along with the money you spend purchasing it). Some other suggestions for wrapping your gifts are sheets, towels (you could use ribbon to dress it up), reuse gift bags, the comics from the newspaper, boxes or a brown bag from the store decorated with handprints or paint.

Nothing pains me more than to realize my coupon is expired or forgotten at home. If you forgot your coupon or have an expired coupon, here are some tips to prevent or correct this situation.

Preventive Tips:

Mark your Calendar If you have a great coupon or rewards coupon (such as CVS Extra Bucks or Best Buy Rewards) mark the expiration date on your calendar. You can also make a notation to use the coupon at least a week or two before it expires.

Use the Coupon Immediately If you use the coupon as soon as possible you decrease your chance of forgetting or losing it. Also if you wait until the last minute to use the coupon you may be unable to make it to the store (if you get sick, etc.)

Coupon Organizer If you use a coupon organizer you can identify coupons which may expire soon by placing them in a certain location or using a sticky tab on the soon to expire coupons.

Coupon=Wallet Treat your coupons like dollar bills and bring them wherever you would bring your wallet. Using a coupon organizer makes it easier to transport your coupons in the car or store similar to a wallet holding your dollar bills.

Corrective Tips

Ask if Store Accepts Expired Coupons Some stores will accept expired coupons, especially if it is a store coupon such as Bed and Bath. If a manufactures coupon is only a day or two expired, some stores will also accept the coupon.

Ask about Coupon Reimbursement If you forget your coupons, ask if the store will reimburse you the next time you shop. Most stores will reimburse you the coupons amount if you bring the coupon and receipt to customer service the next time you shop.

Call Customer Service If you let a rewards coupon expire (such as CVS Extra Bucks or Best Buy Rewards) and the store will not accept the coupon trying calling customer service. One time my Best Buy Rewards coupon expired and the store would not accept it. After calling customer service, I was sent a “one time re-issue” of the rewards coupon.

Other Suggestions

Donate Expired Coupons U.S. military families stationed overseas are able to use expired coupons on base for up to six months after the manufacturer's expiration date. You can adopt a base. Here is a link Ocpnet.org

Organization is a key component to saving money. Here are some tips to help you get organized.

Bills In order to avoid late fees, you have to pay your bills on time. Create a designated bill in-box in your home office or any area you frequent, as a reminder to pay your bills. Order the bills with the most recent due date on top. You can also mark your calendar to remind yourself to pay the bills. You should mail your bills at least one week before the bills are due or if you pay your bills on-line through your bank sometimes you only have to pay the day before. Another option is to pay the bill on the business website (i.e. a credit card company) which usually allows you to pay the same day the bill is due. Automatic bill pay is another option to avoid fees when paying your insurance. You also should mark the date on your calendar of when the automatic bill pay is deducted to make sure you have the money in your account otherwise you may incur fees for insufficient funds in your bank account.

Coupons You can use a coupon organizer (see my blog post) or any method which works for you. It is important to organize your coupons in order to use the coupons before they expire and to remember to use the coupons when shopping. If you do forget to bring the coupons with you to the store, the next time you are at the store ask customer service if they will reimburse you for the coupons.

Price List Create a price list of items you shop for on a regular basis. Include the size/weight of the item along with the price and store purchased. This way you will know when you see a great deal. You can keep this sheet in your coupon organizer and take it with you when you shop. I have attached a sample of the price list for you to download and use.

Shopping List Create a shopping list with items you shop for on a regular basis. You can add or delete item before you shop. You can also make a notation if you have a coupon to use for the item and attach the coupons to the list. You can keep a copy of the list in your coupon organizer. I have attached a sample of the shopping list for you to download and use.

Plan your Meals When you plan your meals for the week, especially before you go grocery shopping, you will avoid impulsive spending at the grocery store and you will avoid ordering a meal out or eating at a restaurant.

Gift List Create a gift list of people you purchase gifts for and possible gift ideas. Include the person’s birthday or occasions you purchase the gifts for the person. When you are shopping or browsing through store circulars, keep the list in mind and purchase the gifts when they are on sale or if you have a coupon for the item even if the person’s birthday or other occasion is months away. Most stores allow you to return an item 3 months after the purchase. Check the stores return policy before making the purchase. I have attached a sample of the gift list for you to download and use.

Walgreens and Rite Aid 12/1/08

Colgate Max Fresh toothpaste
$2.99, Get $2 Register Rewards
$1 off coupon from Smart Source 11/16
FREE after coupon and Register Rewards

Wrigley's Gum
.59 per pack with in-ad coupon
BOGO from Smart Source 10-5 (Use 2)
FREE 4 Packs (the math is confusing on this one but it works I did it)

Excedrin Express Gel 40 ct
3/$15
Buy 3, Get $8 Register Rewards
$2 printable coupon (Use 3)
$1/3 or 33 cents each
$6.99 Mail in Rebate 10/19 Smart Source
EARN $5.99 after main in rebate, coupons and register rewards

Dawn Dish Liquid 10.3 oz
$2 for 2 with in-ad coupon
$1 off from 11/2 P&G
$1 for 2 or 50 cents each

Duracell Batteries (AA, AAA 4-pk., C, D 2-pk., 9V 1-pk.)
$2.99 with In-Ad coupon
$1.50 off coupon from 10/26 Red Plum or
$1.50 off couponf from 11/30 P&G or
$.75 off coupon from 11/16 Red Plum
$2.49 each Extra Bucks and coupon
$1.49 after coupons


Reach Products
Toothbrush, 30 yard Floss
2/$6
Buy 2 Get $6 Register Rewards
B1G1 coupon (Up to 3.99) from Red Plum 10/12
$1 off any Reach Ultraclean Dental Floss Red Plum 10/12
FREE Register Rewards
EARN $3.99 after coupon

DayQuil, NyQuil, Vicks 44 Liquid
$5.99
Buy 2 Get $4 Register Rewards
$1 off Vicks from P & G 10/12 or 11/2 (use 2) or
$1.50 off Day/Ny Quil 11/30 P&G (use 2)
$4.98 for 2 or $2.49 each (with 2 $1.50 coupons)

I used my $5 off $25 purchase coupon. After coupons, register rewards and sales I got $61.35 worth of items and I EARNED $6.55 to get it!!!

Rite Aid

GE 24 hour Timer or 6 Outlet Surge Pro Power Strip
$5.00
FREE after Rite Aid Rebate (Rebate Valid only 11/30 - 12/6)

Philips Ear Buds with Hard Case
$4.99
FREE after Rite Aid Rebate

Gilette Fusion or Fusion Power Razor
$9.00
$5 Rite Aid Rebate
$4 off Coupon P& G 11/30
FREE after Rite Aid Rebate and coupon

Aleve-D Sinus & Cold 12 hr 10 caplets
$3.99
$2 off with in-ad coupon
$1 off from 10/26 Smart Source
99 cents after coupons

After coupons, register rewards and sales I got $34.06 worth of items and I paid 99 cents.

Total $95.41 worth of items and I EARNED $5.56!!!