I recently heard about a program called You Data. I decided to try it out, and am pleasantly surprised. I spent about 5 minutes setting up my profile and a minute or two looking through the ads and I made $5.50. I realize that's not a lot of cash but for this stay-at-home Mom looking for a few ways to bring in some extra income, it's a start.
They are still in the early stages of business and don't have a ton of advertisers, but I am hopeful they will grow their business, and in turn my paypal account :)
If you are interested, here's how you can start your own You Data account.
1. Follow the link in the ad above to sign up.
2. Setup your MeFile profile with your household statistics, interests and hobbies.
3. Look through your ads and start earning some money.
4. Check back every few days for more ad offers.
** You will need a Paypal account to use this program.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Getting Started
One thing that was difficult for me when we decided to go to one income was how we'd afford everything we needed for ourselves and our new baby. It's a big change adding a new life to the family as well as the family budget. One way we are able to make it happen is by using coupons. I did this before, but have turned up the savings a bit.
Here are my suggestions for getting started.
1. Don't be so picky about brands.
I used to be a Huggies girl just because CVS had been running such good deals. When Walgreens had their jumbo pack of diapers on sale for $5.99 with coupon savings of $4.50 per pack AND a $5 coupon off your next order when you bought three packages, I gave them a try. I used to spend about $0.15 per diaper. I now have 100 packages of diapers in a range of sizes that cost me an average of...Drum Roll, Please...$0.03 per package or $0.000625 per diaper.
The same philosophy goes for food. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a DelMonte girl for my green beans, but there are some places it just doesn't matter.
2. Don't wait until you run out to buy more.
Have you ever run out of something essential like toilet paper and had to run to the store in a hurry? At that very moment, stockboys within a 15 mile radius of your house are marking up the toilet paper in anticipation of your arrival. That's not exactly how it happens, but it sure feels like it. I hate to pay full price for anything I know I could get cheaper. When I find something on sale that we use regularly, I stock up. We could probably eat out of our pantry for months. We'd miss the meat (because there is something oh so wrong about canned meat), but it could be done.
The experts call this stockpiling and it comes in handy. During hurricane season everyone else was flocking to the grocery stores for toilet paper, water and canned goods while we were putting up plywood and preparing in other ways.
3. Don't buy something just to use a coupon.
I think this one is self explanatory. :)
4. Plan your shopping trips around store sales.
There are plenty of websites that will help you combine the sales ads with the current coupons if you don't want to put in the time.
The Krazy Coupon Lady - I love this website. There are matchups for most every grocery store and an entire database of printable coupons. Her whole site is free to use as well.
Refund Cents - I have used this site in the past but found I was wasting too much time reading the message boards (that's where I found the bulk of the info on savings). She has grocery and drug store match ups as well. It's $12 for a 1 year subscription and you will make that up in savings the first week.
Grocery Game - I have not personally used this site, but have heard good things. The only negative I can see is that you pay a fee per store you select. All that information is available elsewhere (KCL or RC sites mentioned above) but I believe you can select your deals and have it print a list for you. For some, that may be valuable information.
Here are my suggestions for getting started.
1. Don't be so picky about brands.
I used to be a Huggies girl just because CVS had been running such good deals. When Walgreens had their jumbo pack of diapers on sale for $5.99 with coupon savings of $4.50 per pack AND a $5 coupon off your next order when you bought three packages, I gave them a try. I used to spend about $0.15 per diaper. I now have 100 packages of diapers in a range of sizes that cost me an average of...Drum Roll, Please...$0.03 per package or $0.000625 per diaper.
The same philosophy goes for food. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a DelMonte girl for my green beans, but there are some places it just doesn't matter.
2. Don't wait until you run out to buy more.
Have you ever run out of something essential like toilet paper and had to run to the store in a hurry? At that very moment, stockboys within a 15 mile radius of your house are marking up the toilet paper in anticipation of your arrival. That's not exactly how it happens, but it sure feels like it. I hate to pay full price for anything I know I could get cheaper. When I find something on sale that we use regularly, I stock up. We could probably eat out of our pantry for months. We'd miss the meat (because there is something oh so wrong about canned meat), but it could be done.
The experts call this stockpiling and it comes in handy. During hurricane season everyone else was flocking to the grocery stores for toilet paper, water and canned goods while we were putting up plywood and preparing in other ways.
3. Don't buy something just to use a coupon.
I think this one is self explanatory. :)
4. Plan your shopping trips around store sales.
There are plenty of websites that will help you combine the sales ads with the current coupons if you don't want to put in the time.
The Krazy Coupon Lady - I love this website. There are matchups for most every grocery store and an entire database of printable coupons. Her whole site is free to use as well.
Refund Cents - I have used this site in the past but found I was wasting too much time reading the message boards (that's where I found the bulk of the info on savings). She has grocery and drug store match ups as well. It's $12 for a 1 year subscription and you will make that up in savings the first week.
Grocery Game - I have not personally used this site, but have heard good things. The only negative I can see is that you pay a fee per store you select. All that information is available elsewhere (KCL or RC sites mentioned above) but I believe you can select your deals and have it print a list for you. For some, that may be valuable information.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Welcome
My family has been saying for years that I need to write a book on how to save money using coupons. I feared that I'd have little more than a pamphlet once all was said and done, so I decided to start a blog instead.
Of course I get a few impatient sighs from the cashier or the person behind me in the check-out line, but it's usually replaced by shock and disbelief when my bill "magically" cuts itself in half. Coupons are like gold to me and I rarely leave home without them.
Through this blog I hope to share my tips for maximizing coupon value and eliminate the confusion and embarrassment associated with this hobby of mine...couponing.
Stay tuned...
Of course I get a few impatient sighs from the cashier or the person behind me in the check-out line, but it's usually replaced by shock and disbelief when my bill "magically" cuts itself in half. Coupons are like gold to me and I rarely leave home without them.
Through this blog I hope to share my tips for maximizing coupon value and eliminate the confusion and embarrassment associated with this hobby of mine...couponing.
Stay tuned...
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Walgreens Explained
The Walgreens Weekly Sales Ad
This can be found in the Sunday paper in the coupon section, at the front of the store, and online. The sales paper has information on the week's sale prices, register rewards, and store coupons.
The Walgreens Instant Saving Coupons
This is a coupon catalog that Walgreens puts out every month. They are available at the front of the store along with the weekly ads.
To maximize your savings, these coupons can be combined with a manufacturer's coupon. Additionally, the register applies the Instant Savings coupon for all qualified products you purchase.
Example: You purchase 3 packages of Secret deodorant and have an Instant Savings coupon for $1 off 1. When the Instant Savings coupon is scanned, the register will automatically deduct $3 ($1 for each purchased) and any additional manufacturer's coupons that apply.
Register Rewards
A register reward is a coupon for a specific amount off your next order based on your purchase of qualifying items. They print from the small catalina machine near the register and are separate from your receipt. Register Reward deals are always limited to one per qualifying item per transaction.
Some of my favorite register reward deals have been for
- $4.50 off your next order with the purchase of Crest Mouthwash for $4.50 - $0.75 coupon
- $8.00 off your next order with the purchase of Crest Whitestrips for $19.99 - $7 coupon
- $4.00 off your next order with the purchase of Gillette Fusion razor for $8.99 - $4 coupon
Example: If you were interested in purchasing the Crest mouthwash, whitestrips, and razor you can purchase one of each item in a single transaction and get a register reward for each. If you were to add another bottle of mouthwash to the transaction, you would only get a register reward for the first. If you want to purchase multiple quantities, you will have to do it in separate transactions. I just make sure there isn't a line behind me and ask for the transactions to be rung up separately. As long as you are polite and fair to the cashiers and customers behind you, I've found they have no problem doing this.
Rolling Register Rewards
To make the deals even better, you can roll or chain the register rewards. It is important to note that you will not receive another register reward for mouthwash if it was purchased using a register reward for mouthwash. However, you can use the register reward from the razor to purchase mouthwash and still receive a new register reward.
***Make sure the cashier gives you the register rewards. Sometimes the machines are turned off or broken, but a good manager will just re-ring the purchase on a different register. There is a 1-800 number to call if you don't receive them, but it is always best to try to get the situation resolved while in the store.
Walgreens $5 off $20 or $10 off $40 Coupons
If you sign up for e-mail updates, these coupons come via e-mail or are also posted on the Walgreens website. They have typically been for purchases made on a specific Friday or Saturday of the month and are only good for the days posted (typically 1-2 day span). These coupons are especially great when there are products that are free with register rewards. They're also great for families to stock up on diapers and formula.
The only rule is that the $20 and $40 purchase requirements are after ALL Walgreens store coupons. I usually hand the cashier my coupons in this order:
1. All store coupons (coupons from the weekly ad as well as Instant Savings coupons)
2. The $5 or $10 off coupon
3. Manufacturer coupons
4. Register rewards
Walgreens Coupon Rules
With all the coupon possibilities available at Walgreens, there is one rule you must keep in mind. Your number of items must be equal to or greater than the number of manufacturer's coupons and register rewards used. Walgreens store coupons do not apply to this limit. You can use as many of those as you'd like.
Example: If you have four $5 register rewards and want to use them to buy a $20 hair dryer. The register will accept the first one, but the rest will not be allowed unless you purchase 3 additional "filler items". These are simply items for which you don't have a manufacturer's coupon and that won't increase the price too much (candy bar, pack of gum, chapstick, or Walgreens soda for $0.50).
This can be found in the Sunday paper in the coupon section, at the front of the store, and online. The sales paper has information on the week's sale prices, register rewards, and store coupons.
The Walgreens Instant Saving Coupons
This is a coupon catalog that Walgreens puts out every month. They are available at the front of the store along with the weekly ads.
To maximize your savings, these coupons can be combined with a manufacturer's coupon. Additionally, the register applies the Instant Savings coupon for all qualified products you purchase.
Example: You purchase 3 packages of Secret deodorant and have an Instant Savings coupon for $1 off 1. When the Instant Savings coupon is scanned, the register will automatically deduct $3 ($1 for each purchased) and any additional manufacturer's coupons that apply.
Register Rewards
A register reward is a coupon for a specific amount off your next order based on your purchase of qualifying items. They print from the small catalina machine near the register and are separate from your receipt. Register Reward deals are always limited to one per qualifying item per transaction.
Some of my favorite register reward deals have been for
- $4.50 off your next order with the purchase of Crest Mouthwash for $4.50 - $0.75 coupon
- $8.00 off your next order with the purchase of Crest Whitestrips for $19.99 - $7 coupon
- $4.00 off your next order with the purchase of Gillette Fusion razor for $8.99 - $4 coupon
Example: If you were interested in purchasing the Crest mouthwash, whitestrips, and razor you can purchase one of each item in a single transaction and get a register reward for each. If you were to add another bottle of mouthwash to the transaction, you would only get a register reward for the first. If you want to purchase multiple quantities, you will have to do it in separate transactions. I just make sure there isn't a line behind me and ask for the transactions to be rung up separately. As long as you are polite and fair to the cashiers and customers behind you, I've found they have no problem doing this.
Rolling Register Rewards
To make the deals even better, you can roll or chain the register rewards. It is important to note that you will not receive another register reward for mouthwash if it was purchased using a register reward for mouthwash. However, you can use the register reward from the razor to purchase mouthwash and still receive a new register reward.
***Make sure the cashier gives you the register rewards. Sometimes the machines are turned off or broken, but a good manager will just re-ring the purchase on a different register. There is a 1-800 number to call if you don't receive them, but it is always best to try to get the situation resolved while in the store.
Walgreens $5 off $20 or $10 off $40 Coupons
If you sign up for e-mail updates, these coupons come via e-mail or are also posted on the Walgreens website. They have typically been for purchases made on a specific Friday or Saturday of the month and are only good for the days posted (typically 1-2 day span). These coupons are especially great when there are products that are free with register rewards. They're also great for families to stock up on diapers and formula.
The only rule is that the $20 and $40 purchase requirements are after ALL Walgreens store coupons. I usually hand the cashier my coupons in this order:
1. All store coupons (coupons from the weekly ad as well as Instant Savings coupons)
2. The $5 or $10 off coupon
3. Manufacturer coupons
4. Register rewards
Walgreens Coupon Rules
With all the coupon possibilities available at Walgreens, there is one rule you must keep in mind. Your number of items must be equal to or greater than the number of manufacturer's coupons and register rewards used. Walgreens store coupons do not apply to this limit. You can use as many of those as you'd like.
Example: If you have four $5 register rewards and want to use them to buy a $20 hair dryer. The register will accept the first one, but the rest will not be allowed unless you purchase 3 additional "filler items". These are simply items for which you don't have a manufacturer's coupon and that won't increase the price too much (candy bar, pack of gum, chapstick, or Walgreens soda for $0.50).
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Free Money
Saving money online isn't as hard as one may think. Here are just a few tips to help get you started.
1. Sign up for programs that give you cash back or money for college when you shop through their website.
- Upromise gives a percentage of your purchases back in a savings account for college when you shop through their website at participating retailers. You can also register your store loyalty cards and credit cards to receive a percentage back from participating products and retailers. I've been a member for 2 years and have accumulated $64.62. The great thing about this program is that you don't have to alter your shopping in order to save.
- Cashbaq , Mr. Rebates , and eBates are rebate companies that give you back either a certain percentage of your purchase or a set amount per purchase at participating retailers. The sites I've listed have coupon codes available through their program, but you can always check the web for better savings. Simply use Google to search using the store name and coupon/promotional code or go to RetailMeNot.com.
2. Change the way you search the internet.
- Swagbucks is an online search engine that gives points for using their webpage to browse the internet. You can then redeem these points for gift cards or merchandise. For a point of reference, 45 Swagbucks = a $5 Amazon.com gift card. I've been a member for 3 days and have collected 10 Swagbucks. That's not too shabby considering all I did was switch my homepage from Google to Swagbucks.
3. Check for printable coupons before shopping.
- The Printable Coupons Blog has coupons for many popular retail stores. Bath and Body Works, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby are just a few of my favorites. Simply type the name of the store in the blog's search tool to see if any are available.
I will post links to all these programs on the blog sidebar for quick and easy access. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions. I love helping others save and make money!
1. Sign up for programs that give you cash back or money for college when you shop through their website.
- Upromise gives a percentage of your purchases back in a savings account for college when you shop through their website at participating retailers. You can also register your store loyalty cards and credit cards to receive a percentage back from participating products and retailers. I've been a member for 2 years and have accumulated $64.62. The great thing about this program is that you don't have to alter your shopping in order to save.
- Cashbaq , Mr. Rebates , and eBates are rebate companies that give you back either a certain percentage of your purchase or a set amount per purchase at participating retailers. The sites I've listed have coupon codes available through their program, but you can always check the web for better savings. Simply use Google to search using the store name and coupon/promotional code or go to RetailMeNot.com.
2. Change the way you search the internet.
- Swagbucks is an online search engine that gives points for using their webpage to browse the internet. You can then redeem these points for gift cards or merchandise. For a point of reference, 45 Swagbucks = a $5 Amazon.com gift card. I've been a member for 3 days and have collected 10 Swagbucks. That's not too shabby considering all I did was switch my homepage from Google to Swagbucks.
3. Check for printable coupons before shopping.
- The Printable Coupons Blog has coupons for many popular retail stores. Bath and Body Works, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby are just a few of my favorites. Simply type the name of the store in the blog's search tool to see if any are available.
I will post links to all these programs on the blog sidebar for quick and easy access. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions. I love helping others save and make money!
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