Many people will tell you that the trick to saving money is shopping around, checking sale ads and going to the store with the best price. That just doesn't work for me. I shop at WalMart. Yes, I know it's the devil of the mass merchandising giants, but their slogan is right on the money... Save Money. Live Better. And Sam Walton and I were born in the same town, so I figure I get a bye on the karma.
Why WalMart?
1. When I've price compared, 9 times out of 10, they're cheaper. When their not, it usually isn't much different so if I factor in the gas and time, its not really worth it.
2. They price match competitor ads. So if it's on sale elsewhere, I can get it at the same price at WalMart and not have to go all the way to another store.
3. This is likely unique to my situation, but I do my grocery shopping at night, late at night when other stores are closed. If you're self conscience about holding up a line because you want to price match a competitor ad or have a stack of coupons, go after the kids are in bed. Your hubby can hold down the fort. When you get home put away only perishable stuff and save the rest for morning. Other benefits... This is when they're restocking and trust me, these are folks who know where stuff is so no more wild goose chases. Also, the isles are fairly empty so I don't feel bad flipping through my coupons if I see a good deal.
When to store hop?
1. When WalMart doesn't carry what I want (duh). I am brand loyal to some products that WalMart just doesn't carry so I have to get them elsewhere. When this is the case, I watch for a sale and stock up so I don't have to make a special trip each week.
2. When I have a store coupon that makes the item cheaper than what I can get at WalMart. Target and Walgreen's both offer a lot of store coupons. Sometimes on specific products and sometimes in the form of register rewards - those little tickets that print at the register for $X off your next purchase. WalMart won't match or honor these coupons. Even better, you can combine the store coupon with manufacturer coupons for even more savings.
3. When I can double my coupons for a significant savings over WalMart. In St. Louis, Schnucks and Dierbergs double coupons up to $0.40. The extra trip doesn't make sense if I'm buying one thing, even if the coupon is doubled. So, I wait until I'm stocking up on several things with coupons under $0.40 and go then. Periodically, Kmart doubles coupons up to $2.00. This is the time to stock up on lots of stuff, especially toiletries. Often items are free after the Kmart double.
A note about formula checks
When you register at the formula manufacturers' websites I've listed in the Save on Baby section, you'll receive "checks" good toward formula purchases. Present these when you would present coupons at checkout. You'll save a lot of money on a very pricey baby item.
These are treated like a personal check, except you don't have to present ID. So (Bonus) you can use the checks AND manufacturers coupons for even more savings.
A note about redeeming your checks - If you buy 2 cans and have 2 checks for $5 off one can, you can use both checks, but you cannot use 2 checks for 1 can. At least that was my experience.
These are treated like a personal check, except you don't have to present ID. So (Bonus) you can use the checks AND manufacturers coupons for even more savings.
A note about redeeming your checks - If you buy 2 cans and have 2 checks for $5 off one can, you can use both checks, but you cannot use 2 checks for 1 can. At least that was my experience.
Online Rebate Sites FAQs
FAQ's
Below are answers to the most common questions I've been asked about Rebate Sites. These answers are based on my experience with Ebates. For more detailed information about membership click here then click the "Terms and Conditions" link.
What is a Rebate Site?
A rebate site is a website where your online purchases are tracked and you are credited cash back for purchases.
How much money can I make?
The amount of cash back you will earn is based upon how much online shopping you do, and the cash back rebate offered by a particular online retailer.
What Rebate Site should I use?
I've been using Ebates.com for several years and have been happy with it. Other sites are out there but I haven't tried them.
Should I join more than one Rebate Site?
Some people advocate joining all the rebate sites and checking the store's cash back offering on each site since it can vary from one site to another. I don't do this because I don't shop online often and Ebates requires a minimum of $5.00 cash back credit in your account before issuing a check. If I spread my purchases between rebate sites I probably wouldn't accumulate enough cash back for a check to be issued.
How often to I get a check?
Ebates pays cash back quarterly, when the minimum cash back requirements are met, ie: you have at least $5.00 cash back credited to your account on the check printing date.
If you have other questions I haven't answered please post them below and I'll respond. Be sure to read the Terms and Conditions of any website before becoming a member.
Below are answers to the most common questions I've been asked about Rebate Sites. These answers are based on my experience with Ebates. For more detailed information about membership click here then click the "Terms and Conditions" link.
What is a Rebate Site?
A rebate site is a website where your online purchases are tracked and you are credited cash back for purchases.
How much money can I make?
The amount of cash back you will earn is based upon how much online shopping you do, and the cash back rebate offered by a particular online retailer.
What Rebate Site should I use?
I've been using Ebates.com for several years and have been happy with it. Other sites are out there but I haven't tried them.
Should I join more than one Rebate Site?
Some people advocate joining all the rebate sites and checking the store's cash back offering on each site since it can vary from one site to another. I don't do this because I don't shop online often and Ebates requires a minimum of $5.00 cash back credit in your account before issuing a check. If I spread my purchases between rebate sites I probably wouldn't accumulate enough cash back for a check to be issued.
How often to I get a check?
Ebates pays cash back quarterly, when the minimum cash back requirements are met, ie: you have at least $5.00 cash back credited to your account on the check printing date.
If you have other questions I haven't answered please post them below and I'll respond. Be sure to read the Terms and Conditions of any website before becoming a member.
Save $2 on The Fragrance Collection by Glade
Save $2 on
* One Reed Diffuser
* 3-Wick Soy Candle
* 4.9oz Soy Candle
OR
* Two 2oz Soy Candles
Print Coupon
I've tried this product and was very impressed with the 3-wick soy candle. An excellent value for the price. The fragrance was definitely as good as the Yankee Candles I normally burn, though it didn't burn as evenly. I had to scoop out a little wax to even it out.
I do not recommend the reed diffuser. I used mine in a bedroom and never smelled it.
* One Reed Diffuser
* 3-Wick Soy Candle
* 4.9oz Soy Candle
OR
* Two 2oz Soy Candles
Print Coupon
I've tried this product and was very impressed with the 3-wick soy candle. An excellent value for the price. The fragrance was definitely as good as the Yankee Candles I normally burn, though it didn't burn as evenly. I had to scoop out a little wax to even it out.
I do not recommend the reed diffuser. I used mine in a bedroom and never smelled it.
Introduction
After the encouragement of others, I'm dipping my feet into a monetized site for sharing information I've found on great deals, freebies, coupons and other ways I've found to either make money (nickles and dimes), save money or get stuff for free.
Presently, I'm pulling my information from a variety of sources. So, when I've gotten my information from someone else, I'll be linking to their site so they can get credit for their page views. As I get better at this myself, I'll be able to include the information directly on my site so you won't need to "jump through hoops" to get these great deals.
Please note, the ads on this page are how I make money doing this, but as of right now are not products I necessarily use or endorse. These ads are generated using Google's adsense.
Presently, I'm pulling my information from a variety of sources. So, when I've gotten my information from someone else, I'll be linking to their site so they can get credit for their page views. As I get better at this myself, I'll be able to include the information directly on my site so you won't need to "jump through hoops" to get these great deals.
Please note, the ads on this page are how I make money doing this, but as of right now are not products I necessarily use or endorse. These ads are generated using Google's adsense.
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