Using Internet Coupons

It used to be that thrifty spenders had to wait until Sunday to find out how to stretch the grocery budget. Coupons were available only when the Sunday morning paper hit the front porch. If you buy the newspaper just for the coupons it's time to give the comics a try. In 1994 the internet was launched to the public, changing the way the world does business. In the 16 years since, it is estimated that 25% of the world accesses the internet on a daily basis. One big business is the use of "internet coupons". Internet coupons are instantly available, and easy to obtain. If you choose to use internet coupons you need to be aware of a few rules.

1) Check with your favorite grocer to make sure they accept internet coupons.

2) Fully research your source.

3) Although coupons are a great way to save money only print what you will use.

4) Don't be tempted to spend money on something you don't need because there is a coupon available.

5) Make a list before you grocery shop and search the internet for coupons. Chances are you may find one.

6) Shop the ads and match up your coupons to enjoy even bigger savings.

7) Check your coupons frequently and remove expired ones

Like most things you should be somewhat cautious when searching for internet coupons. Fake "free" coupons are routinely distributed leaving both retailers and distributors somewhat leery. Counterfeit coupons are on the rise and they cost consumers a bundle each year. It's comparative to shoplifting from a store. Only you aren't being a willing bandit. Several medium and smaller grocery chains have had to refuse to accept internet coupons to avoid the risk of lost revenue. Another optional approach is to accept internet coupons, but refuse any coupon that is not accepted by the registers scanner.

So how do you know if you have a valid coupon without being embarrassed at the register? Compare the scan bar on the coupon to the scan bar on the product. They must match in order for the register to recognize the coupon. Often using this process won't be accurate. Counterfeiters are becoming clever enough to get around scan bars. One positive way to be sure your coupon is not counterfeit, always print coupons directly from the products official website. In addition there are several reputable websites on the internet that offer hundreds of coupons. These sites only accept coupons from authorized distributors. Coupons.com, smartsource.com and redplum.com are full of savings. In addition to grocery coupons you can find retail coupons, dining savings, and even magazine subscription discounts. Check these websites frequently for newly added coupon savings.

Kraft, Proctor & Gamble, Betty Crocker and many others will allow you to sign up on there website and become a member. Once you do this you can opt to receive e-mail savings, and occasionally an offer for a free item. Coupons can also be found on facebook.com. Search a product you enjoy and like it on facebook.com. Once you like it check to see if there is a button for offers. If there isn't one keep checking back. There could be one very soon. Target.com and Walmart.com also have exclusive savings coupons. Be sure to check Wal-Mart's savings site to see what free samples they are offering. You can find free samples of shampoo, toothpaste and many health and beauty products. Not only are they free, they are easy to sign up for.

Several communities have popped up on the internet that will show you the best way to save. They will point you to a printable coupon and tell you were to save the most money using the coupon. They are dedicated people whose only goal is to save money on everything from electronics to a box of Cheerios. They have a community blog where your questions can be answered. Check your town's news sources. They may have information on where to find a local website to visit.

Finding a way to save money is always beneficial. Knowing the right place to look and where to save will keep you on top. Remain diligent and cautions you will see a sizeable savings on your grocery bill

Saving on your Holiday budget

Like most people I love the holidays. I'll probably go over my budget like I typically do.  So anytime I can find a way to cut the stressful expenses I put them to good use.  If you are a big fan of gardening than I'm sure you've been saving some of those fresh goodies to set the holiday table with.  Let's see just how much I can save using my crops to prepare my feast.

A True Story

Water bugs are just uninvited guests 

It seems all of the wet weather in my region has manifested the insects as well as the weeds. I don't know what you call these things but I call them cock roaches on steroids.  They are large and hide out anywhere they won't be found.  These intruders can range up to 4" long.

American, or Oriental Cock Roaches, are also referred to as "water bugs". They acquired the nick name because of they tend to invade themselves into your surrounding through drains and small openings in dark cracks.  Like all roaches they multiply quickly and pop out whenever you don't expect them.  Having small animals indoors I wanted to find a resolution that was suitable to my environment.  One that didn't require the use of harmful chemicals and would be economically reasonable.

One Mans Treasure

I admit I was completely skeptical the first time my husband brought someones discards into our home.  It really wasn't my style.  Seemed a little unpractical in my opinion. Like most cities we have a monthly bulk trash pick up.  The curbs are lined with rows of tree limbs and old furniture for days waiting for their destination.  I figured if someone put it on the curb it was nothing but junk. Not my husband.  He sees a usefulness in nearly every item he passes.

Dining room area rug

I'll never forget when he made a true believer of me.  When we bought our home there was a formal dining room set with matching hutch that the sellers left.  It is beautiful and I enjoy it.  Problem was the floors in the home are ceramic tile.  I longed for an area rug to set the table and chairs on.  We were watching our expenses so purchasing one wasn't an option.  It only took a couple of days for my husband to show up with the most perfect rug (pictured right).  The colors, tone and design could not have been more compatible.  He found the rug rolled up and ready for disposal.  We cleaned it up and five years later it still sits in my dining room.

Cabinet door before

Cabinet after refinishing

When I met my husband I wasn't aware of his passion for refinishing furniture. It wasn't unusual to come home from work and find something on the back patio.  One day there was a stand alone cabinet that was such a mess I was puzzled. What could he possible see in this thing? The cabinet had obviously been left outside.  The top was plywood with the layers separating, and the wood completely whitewashed.  You can see from the picture that it was a mess.  But the cabinet is solid wood and my husband was determined to save the piece. He sanded down the wood, applied a stain and added a ceramic tile top.  He also found two 3' stools he finished to match.  It now sits in his "trophy room" affectionately referred to as his office.

The number of items my husband continues to find sitting along the side of the road continues to amaze me.  Recliners, sleeper sofas, chest of drawers and so much more.  The list continues to grow.  A lot of the items we clean up and resell adding a little cash to our pockets.  Not only are we keeping these re-usable items from winding up in  an already overcrowded landfill, but my husband has found away to supplement our income.

Easy Money Saving Tips

I'm all for saving money any way I can   You've probably got the basics already.  We've all heard the scolding since we were young. Turn off the lights when you leave the room.  Close that door when you come inside.  Turn that thermostat back to 78.  How about a few everyday tips that may not seem so obvious?  Are you truly ready to reform to a few basics to help maintain the family budget?  There are a few easy tips that will help if you are willing to make the commitment.

Don't Throw Out The Produce

We've all been there.  You find a great sale on your favorite produce but you hesitate to take advantage of it.  A great sale isn't so great if you wind up throwing most of it into the compost.  Wouldn't it be nice if you could take advantage the savings and still use your purchase? 

Healthy Skin and Hair the Right Way

Home use beauty products

With the soaring cost of health and beauty aids have you ever wondered if there is a better way?  Did you ever tried using product right out of your own kitchen to help keep your hair and skin looking fresh and vibrant?  I was aware that several items in the cupboard could be used for beauty refinement.  As I did more research I was surprised at the number of staples that are beneficial for their allurement straight out of my own kitchen.  Not only will you find the results evident, but the economical value is exceptional.

Join A Manufacturers Website And Increase Your Savings

A lot of manufactures have website that offer savings in addition to distributed coupons.  Signing up for e-mail alerts will help you stay informed of any new opportunities as soon as they are available.  If you don't already have one obtain a free e-mail account strictly for this purpose to keep you primary e-mail from being flooded.  Free accounts are available at hotmail.com, yahoo.com and gmail.com as well as others.  This will save time sifting through the many offers .

Proctor and Gamble hosts a site at http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/ . 

Can You Save Money Shopping Online?

Shopping on-line is convenient and easy.  It can be affordable too.  There are several places in cyberspace that offer great jewelry, electronics clothing, and household items for a reasonable price.  I'm always on the lookout for Christmas Gifts that won't hit my bank account too hard.  There are several sites I visit frequently to make holiday shopping easier, and I start early to get the best deals.

Couponing Do's and Dont's

Today I want to discuss couponing in a little more depth.  I have been collecting coupons for more years than I care to admit.  It drives my husband crazy.  I won't go the grocery store without checking coupons first.

The most traditional and trusted source of coupons will be the Sunday newspaper.  Yes, you will have to pay for the paper, but the

Happy Valentines

Happy Valentines to everyone.  It is always a scramble to create something new and interesting for valentines day.  The rising cost of flowers can put them on the down side of possible.  I wanted to come up with ways to help keep the romance up, and the cost of celebrating love reasonable.

Creating an eddible arrangement is easy, pleasing and shows how much you care.  An appealing boquet of fruit really says "I Love You".  It doesn't need to be an elaborate, over poulated bouquet.  Simple is the key, being sure to collaborate the right combination of color.  Below is only a few suggestion.  Any combination of fruit you desire will be appreciated for the effort.

More Way to Save and Earn money

Today will be short and sweet (very sweet). I had an amazing experiece yesterday and wanted to share. Frequently I will participate in surveys to earn a little extra spending money. One of my favorite places to work from is http://surveyhead.com. I'm not saying it is a lucrative career, but it can been fun. A 20 minute survey will generally net $1.25 to $1.50. Some surveys can run up to $5 or even $10 dollars. Rewards are either in cash (through paypal) or one of the many gift card options.

What are your favorite ways to save money?

With today's economy so uncertain saving money couldn't be more important. I am always searching for new and productive ways to save. From grocery's to eating out and pet products when you know where to look it's easier than ever to save.

Canning

I thank my mother and grandmother for teaching me the technique of canning. Canning is not only an easy process, it is also a way to save on your grocery budget. In todays economy I'll bet that's a pretty high priority on alot of our minds. You won't need fancy equipment. Much of what you need may already be in your own cupboard.

It is not necessary to run out and purchase expensive canning jars. You probably have plenty of jars already. Old speghatti sauce jars, jelly jars, friut jars and most other jars with a metal lid are reusable. Not only are they reusable you won't have to worry about them laying around in a