Some of you are experienced coupon shoppers and some of you are just getting started! This post will explain all of the deals and programs that Giant Eagle offers.
For me, Giant Eagle is just this grocery store that I have been shopping at for as early as I can remember. I remember as a child sitting underneath the cart (these were the higher up shopping carts that the cashier would open the end of the cart and pull things out right to the counter) and going through my mom's coupons trying to help her get the best deal!According to their website, they are one of the largest, privately owned and family-operated companies in the nation. They serve 5 million unique customers a year. That's huge.
I live in Pittsburgh, PA, so any prices I use on Giant Eagle posts may be regional.
Advantage Card
First thing when you start shopping at Giant Eagle, you will need an Advantage Card. The Advantage Card will give you the weekly special prices. You can sign up for an Advantage Card at the store.
Weekly Specials / Manufacturer Coupons
Giant Eagle's sales start Thursday and end Wednesday. They do double coupons up to 99 cents, which means if you have a 75 cent coupon, it will double to 1.50! (Most coupons that say "DO NOT DOUBLE" usually double, but you can't guarantee it. Buy one get one free (BOGO) deals allow you to only buy 1 at half of the price. If they are out of a sale item, ask Customer Service for a rain check, so you can buy it next week for the same price.
Giant Eagle does not accept internet printable coupons for FREE items, Buy One Get One Free, or for values over $3 . They only allow 12 of the same coupon in an order. They also can refuse to accept an internet coupon if they believe it is "counterfeit". These rules are in the coupon policy, so it is best to read over their policy so you know the rules.
FuelPerks
Using your Advantage Card at every trip is important, not only for the sale prices, but to accumulate FuelPerks. For every $50 in purchases, you will earn 10 cents in FuelPerks, which gives you 10 cents off of a gallon of gas at the GetGo gas stations. (Purchases at the store at the GetGo station also accumulate fuelperks.) From time to time, Giant Eagle also offers promotions that help you earn more fuelperks, like buying retailer gift cards, or in March during frozen food month, there were additional promotions.
FoodPerks
Getting your gas at GetGo will accumulate FoodPerks. For every 10 dollars of gas you purchase at a GetGo station, you will receive 1% off of your shopping order. This is one of my favorite deals. You can use up to (and including) 20% of FoodPerks, and the order total can be up to $300. This means on a $300 order, if you have 20% FoodPerks, you can save $60! FoodPerks come off on your bottom line order total, so this is after coupons.
EOffers
EOffers are like digital coupons that you load onto your Advantage Card on the Giant Eagle website. You don't have to do anything extra to redeem them, except for buy the correct product / size listed on the site. You "clip" the coupon and then load it to your card. You can have up to 45 eOffers on your card, but any more than that and none of them will work. You also need to load them to your card 3 hours before you shop, so it is best to try to do it at least the day before.
You can redeem a eOffer and a manufacturer coupon for the same item. If you know that you loaded your eOffer in time but it still didn't come off, visit Customer Service and they should be able to help you.
Other Offers
As mentioned before, Giant Eagle sells retailer gift cards, so you can purchase these with your Advantage Card and you will accumulate FuelPerks on this purchase.
Giant Eagle Pharmacies offer a limited number of FREE medication, including some antibiotics and diabetes medication. They also have a $4/$10 program, check the lists of medications on their site to see if you are eligible.
I think their policy is if something rings up incorrectly then you get it for free! So watch your prices at the register!
"Catalinas" are the register coupons that print out after you made your purchase. There are certain purchases that they advertise that will print a dollar off coupon for your next shopping order. The Catalinas make me laugh because a friend was learning about Giant Eagle deals and she said she ignored the Catalinas because she didn't like the dressing... that makes me smile!
Hopefully these tips will help you get the most for your money at Giant Eagle!
Is there any tips that I missed?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Freebies & Deal Roundup - 3/28
Freebies:
31 Cupcake Inspired Creations E-Book
Alaska Travel Guide - this is such a nice book! I received mine already.
Deals:
Restaurant.com - $25 dining certificates are up to 80% off! We have used these several times for discounted meals.
Vistaprint - They are offering 6 free products! (Just pay shipping) - I ordered my business cards here, a mug, a bag, and labels! Everything has been great so far... I will definitely be ordering some more this time!
Contests:
Dial for Men - Facebook Sweepstakes - 30 Days of Dirt Grimy Giveaway - Enter to win an ATV or 400+ other prizes
Farmer's Insurance Smack Attack Sweepstakes - Like the page on Facebook and be eligible to win $100/day and grand prize to see NCAA finals in Vegas in 2012
Dot's always Summer Sweepstakes - Enter online and get a $5 off your $25 purchase coupon
** This post may contain affiliate links. I do not promote offers that I don't do myself! **
31 Cupcake Inspired Creations E-Book
Alaska Travel Guide - this is such a nice book! I received mine already.
Deals:
Restaurant.com - $25 dining certificates are up to 80% off! We have used these several times for discounted meals.
Vistaprint - They are offering 6 free products! (Just pay shipping) - I ordered my business cards here, a mug, a bag, and labels! Everything has been great so far... I will definitely be ordering some more this time!
Contests:
Dial for Men - Facebook Sweepstakes - 30 Days of Dirt Grimy Giveaway - Enter to win an ATV or 400+ other prizes
Farmer's Insurance Smack Attack Sweepstakes - Like the page on Facebook and be eligible to win $100/day and grand prize to see NCAA finals in Vegas in 2012
Dot's always Summer Sweepstakes - Enter online and get a $5 off your $25 purchase coupon
** This post may contain affiliate links. I do not promote offers that I don't do myself! **
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Free Samples and Deals - 3/27
Freebies:
Free Seeds from Tomato Heirlooms
Sign up for Vocalpoint If you are a member, from time to time they offer free samples
Free Sample of Miracle Whip
Coupons:
Arby's Free Snack with Sandwich Purchase (good until 3/31)
Kirkland's 20% off single item (good until 4/14)
Free Seeds from Tomato Heirlooms
Sign up for Vocalpoint If you are a member, from time to time they offer free samples
Free Sample of Miracle Whip
Coupons:
Arby's Free Snack with Sandwich Purchase (good until 3/31)
Kirkland's 20% off single item (good until 4/14)
Pampers Gifts to Grow - with Extra Point Codes!
Do you belong to the Pampers Gifts to Grow program? It's a great program, you collect points from Pampers products and redeem them for rewards!
Sign up now and get 100 points to start!
Don't have a child in diapers? It's ok! Sign up anyway! There are some sweepstakes entries for 10-20 points, and for 30 points you can redeem to donate to the P&G Children's Safe Drinking Water program.
Here are a bunch of promotional codes to use...
JOINNOW4REWARDS - 50pts
GIFTSTOGROW4MOM - 50pts
WELCOME2PAMPERS - 50pts
2BEGINEARNING50 - 50pts
CAREFORNEWBORNS - 10pts
GTGWELCOME10PTS - 10pts
GTGCOUPONPOINTS - 10pts
NEWWIPESPACKAGE - 10pts
FOLLOWPAPMPER10 - 10pts
WELCOME2VILLAGE - 10pts
10PTSFREECODE4U - 10pts
PAMPERS4MOMSOND - 10pts
PAMPERSGTG10PTS - 10pts
CONGRATS2NEWMOM - 10pts
GETSTARTEDNOW10 - 10pts
PAMPERS4MOMJFM1 - 10pts
** Disclosure - This post contains affiliate links **
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Freebies & Deals of the Day - 3/27
Freebies:
U By Kotex from Sam's Club (Member # is required)
Free Subscription to Runway Magazine (Beauty & Fashion Magazine)
Downloads:
Free Music Download from Elizabeth & The Catapult (in exchange for promoting on Twitter or Facebook!)
Misc:
Reward Calendars from Chuck E Cheese
Use these to motivate your kids to do something you're asking. When it is completed, they will get 10 tokens if they bring it to Chuck E Cheese!
U By Kotex from Sam's Club (Member # is required)
Free Subscription to Runway Magazine (Beauty & Fashion Magazine)
Downloads:
Free Music Download from Elizabeth & The Catapult (in exchange for promoting on Twitter or Facebook!)
Misc:
Reward Calendars from Chuck E Cheese
Use these to motivate your kids to do something you're asking. When it is completed, they will get 10 tokens if they bring it to Chuck E Cheese!
New coupons on Coupons.com
There are a lot of coupons available on Coupons.com!
Some of the ones I saw were below... they may have changed since I got this list.
$1.00 off Glade Premium Room Spray (9.7 oz.)
$1.00 off any (1) Vaseline 24.5 oz. product
$1.00 off Any Sally Hansen Beauty Tool
$0.50 off KRAFT HOMESTYLE Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
$1.00 off On Your Purchase of HEALTH Magazine
$2.00 off Any Aleve 40ct or larger
$0.50 off one (1) can of Diamond Crystal Sea Salt
$0.30 off (1) can Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
$2.00 off 2 bags Diamond Crystal Water Cdtng Salt
$3.00 off (1) package of HUGGIES Diapers
$3.00 off on any MONISTAT Product
$1.00 off Broadway Nails Artificial Nail Product
$1.00 off Kiss Artificial Nail Product
$2.00 off (1) package of HUGGIES Diapers
** Disclaimer - There are affiliate links in this post. All opinions are my own. **
Some of the ones I saw were below... they may have changed since I got this list.
$1.00 off Glade Premium Room Spray (9.7 oz.)
$1.00 off any (1) Vaseline 24.5 oz. product
$1.00 off Any Sally Hansen Beauty Tool
$0.50 off KRAFT HOMESTYLE Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
$1.00 off On Your Purchase of HEALTH Magazine
$2.00 off Any Aleve 40ct or larger
$0.50 off one (1) can of Diamond Crystal Sea Salt
$0.30 off (1) can Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
$2.00 off 2 bags Diamond Crystal Water Cdtng Salt
$3.00 off (1) package of HUGGIES Diapers
$3.00 off on any MONISTAT Product
$1.00 off Broadway Nails Artificial Nail Product
$1.00 off Kiss Artificial Nail Product
$2.00 off (1) package of HUGGIES Diapers
** Disclaimer - There are affiliate links in this post. All opinions are my own. **
Cheap Entertainment - Redbox!
I love watching movies! Although about 95% of the movies I watch are kids movies. When I don't feel like watching another kids movie, or I want a different kid's movie, I like Redbox! They are everywhere, there are no late fees, and you can return them at any location!
I just got an email from them that said that you can earn a free rental the first time you use their online reservation. I have used it before, but I plan to try again and see if it works!
Here are some codes for free movies! Remember, you can use the codes once per credit/debit card!
DVDATWAG - Walgreens only
DVDONME
BREAKROOM
DVDKROG - Krogers Only (We don't have Krogers in PA, but someone might have one!)
Also, sign up on their website for texts and you will receive a text for a free movie the first Monday of each month. That's free movie night in my house!
Also - keep your eyes open for Groupons for Redbox - last time they offered it, it was 3 Redbox movies for only $1!
I just got an email from them that said that you can earn a free rental the first time you use their online reservation. I have used it before, but I plan to try again and see if it works!
Here are some codes for free movies! Remember, you can use the codes once per credit/debit card!
DVDATWAG - Walgreens only
DVDONME
BREAKROOM
DVDKROG - Krogers Only (We don't have Krogers in PA, but someone might have one!)
Also, sign up on their website for texts and you will receive a text for a free movie the first Monday of each month. That's free movie night in my house!
Also - keep your eyes open for Groupons for Redbox - last time they offered it, it was 3 Redbox movies for only $1!
How to make Money Online - Synovate
Synovate is a survey company I have belonged to for a few years now. I don't do many surveys anymore, but I am on my way to another $5 check with them. I received $15 from them last year.
My favorite part of their surveys is that they are short and fun to do. I was just accepted to do a product test for them, I am waiting to receive the material.
Sign up here!
My favorite part of their surveys is that they are short and fun to do. I was just accepted to do a product test for them, I am waiting to receive the material.
Sign up here!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Save $5 on Advil & Thermacare!
I love high value coupons! Sign up to receive a coupon for $5 off when you buy Advil and Thermacare together.
5 off $25 from Dollar General - 3/26 ONLY!
This Saturday, 3/26, use this coupon at Dollar General to get $5 off a $25 purchase.
There are also other printable coupons on this site.
Happy Shopping!
There are also other printable coupons on this site.
Happy Shopping!
HURRY! Free Uncle Ben's Ready Rice
Free Samples of the Day - 3/24/2011
Get a free Womens Day® Magazine
Free PowerBar® ProteinPlus bites
Free sample of Dove® Men+Care body and face wash and deodorant
3 free issues of Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade® magazine
Free sample of SOYJOY®
Free sample of Eucerin®
Free Sample of Nicorette Mini's Lozenge (Sam's Club) Member # required
Free Glad Force Flex Trash Bag Sample (Sam's Club) Member # required
Free John Frieda Precision Foam Color (Facebook)
Log in, like them, take the survey. If you "qualify" you will receive a coupon in the mail
** Disclosure - This post contains affiliate links **
Free PowerBar® ProteinPlus bites
Free sample of Dove® Men+Care body and face wash and deodorant
3 free issues of Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade® magazine
Free sample of SOYJOY®
Free sample of Eucerin®
Free Sample of Nicorette Mini's Lozenge (Sam's Club) Member # required
Free Glad Force Flex Trash Bag Sample (Sam's Club) Member # required
Free John Frieda Precision Foam Color (Facebook)
Log in, like them, take the survey. If you "qualify" you will receive a coupon in the mail
** Disclosure - This post contains affiliate links **
Pampers Gifts to Grow
Do you belong to the Pampers Gifts to Grow program? It's a great program, you collect points from Pampers products and redeem them for rewards!
Sign up now and get 100 points to start!
Don't have a child in diapers? It's ok! Sign up anyway! There are some sweepstakes entries for 10-20 points, and for 30 points you can redeem to donate to the P&G Children's Safe Drinking Water program.
What are you waiting for?
** Disclosure - This post contains affiliate links **
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Freebies & Deals today - 3/22/2011
Retail Coupons:
Use this printable coupon good for $10 off $25 at JCPenney stores this weekend, March 25-26, 2011.
Grocery Coupons:
Coupon for Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn Pop Up Bowl
Glade Coupons
$1 off Purex Softener
Freebies:
Free Sample of Dove Men Care from Walmart
Free Digital Subscription to Women's Day (If you "qualify")
Plackers Grind-no-more (First 10,000) Add to cart, proceed to checkout
Use this printable coupon good for $10 off $25 at JCPenney stores this weekend, March 25-26, 2011.
Grocery Coupons:
Coupon for Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn Pop Up Bowl
Glade Coupons
$1 off Purex Softener
Freebies:
Free Sample of Dove Men Care from Walmart
Free Digital Subscription to Women's Day (If you "qualify")
Plackers Grind-no-more (First 10,000) Add to cart, proceed to checkout
Check out Saving with Lori!
My friend's sister, Lori, has a great site Saving with Lori!
Apparently she and I are on the same wavelength because we both did posts this past week about Clutter, not knowing that the other was doing one! Her post, The Cost of Clutter, really made me think about how bad clutter really is!
Apparently she and I are on the same wavelength because we both did posts this past week about Clutter, not knowing that the other was doing one! Her post, The Cost of Clutter, really made me think about how bad clutter really is!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Freebies for 3/21/2011
2011 Wildflower Reference Guide
2 Free Issues of Wood Magaizine (for Woodworking)
12 Free Issues of Ski Magazine
Free Issue of Bridal Guide Magazine
Free Carefresh Lesson in a Box Small Animal Pet Care Classroom Kit (For TEACHERS only!)
$5 Tool Cash Coupon from Craftsman
Miralax Sample
Taster's Choice Coffee
Fanah Face Wash
Shout Color Catcher
Free Red Gold Apron KS, MN, MO, OK, TN, or TX ONLY
2 Free Issues of Wood Magaizine (for Woodworking)
12 Free Issues of Ski Magazine
Free Issue of Bridal Guide Magazine
Free Carefresh Lesson in a Box Small Animal Pet Care Classroom Kit (For TEACHERS only!)
$5 Tool Cash Coupon from Craftsman
Miralax Sample
Taster's Choice Coffee
Fanah Face Wash
Shout Color Catcher
Free Red Gold Apron KS, MN, MO, OK, TN, or TX ONLY
Target Shopping Brag!
I stopped at Target on Saturday afternoon to use some of my Target Coupons... For those of you who don't know, Target has a ton of printable coupons on their site. If they print with "Target Coupon" at the top, you can use it PLUS a manufacturer coupon!!!
I spent more than I wanted to, but here are some of the deals I got!
Sprayway Glass Cleaner (The only kind I like!) 2.39 - 1.00 mfr coupon = 1.39
Up Dishwasher Detergent - 2@ 2.74 = 5.48 - 2 x 1.00 target coupons for Up cleaning supplies = 3.48
Dentyne 3 pack - 1.66 - .75 Target coupon - .35 manufacturer coupon = .56
Garnier Skin Care Wipes - 4.99 - 2.00 Target Coupon - 2.00 Mfr Coupon = .99
Nivea Body Wash - 3.04 - 2.00 mfr coupon = 1.04
Dove Men's Deodorant - 3.99 - 1.00 Target Coupon - 2.00 mfr coupon = .99
Aquafresh Trial Size - .97 - 1.00 coupon (no size restriction) = FREE
Secret Clinical Trial Size = 2.49 - 2.00 coupon = .49
Suave Deodorant (in Trial Size section, but larger) - .97 - .50 mfr coupon = .47
Up & Up Floss = .89 - 1.00 Target Oral Care coupon = FREE (bought 2)
Physician's Formula Concealer = 4.94 - 3.00 Target coupon (from a magazine) - 1.00 mfr coupon = .94
Pantene Trial Size = .97 - 1.00 mfr coupon (no size restriction) = FREE
Up & Up Ibuprofen = .99 - 1.00 Up & Up Pain reliever = FREE (bought 2)
Halls Cough Drops = 1.19 - .50 Target coupon - .50 mfr coupon = .19
Always Pantiliners, double pack - 6.99 (bought 2). With purchase of 2, get $5 Target Gift Card back. Used 2 mfr coupons = 6.99 for 2 double packs!
As usual with Target, I spent more than I planned but I got some good deals for stock up. The best time to use the Target coupons is when you have a manufacturer coupon to pair it with!!
I spent more than I wanted to, but here are some of the deals I got!
Sprayway Glass Cleaner (The only kind I like!) 2.39 - 1.00 mfr coupon = 1.39
Up Dishwasher Detergent - 2@ 2.74 = 5.48 - 2 x 1.00 target coupons for Up cleaning supplies = 3.48
Dentyne 3 pack - 1.66 - .75 Target coupon - .35 manufacturer coupon = .56
Garnier Skin Care Wipes - 4.99 - 2.00 Target Coupon - 2.00 Mfr Coupon = .99
Nivea Body Wash - 3.04 - 2.00 mfr coupon = 1.04
Dove Men's Deodorant - 3.99 - 1.00 Target Coupon - 2.00 mfr coupon = .99
Aquafresh Trial Size - .97 - 1.00 coupon (no size restriction) = FREE
Secret Clinical Trial Size = 2.49 - 2.00 coupon = .49
Suave Deodorant (in Trial Size section, but larger) - .97 - .50 mfr coupon = .47
Up & Up Floss = .89 - 1.00 Target Oral Care coupon = FREE (bought 2)
Physician's Formula Concealer = 4.94 - 3.00 Target coupon (from a magazine) - 1.00 mfr coupon = .94
Pantene Trial Size = .97 - 1.00 mfr coupon (no size restriction) = FREE
Up & Up Ibuprofen = .99 - 1.00 Up & Up Pain reliever = FREE (bought 2)
Halls Cough Drops = 1.19 - .50 Target coupon - .50 mfr coupon = .19
Always Pantiliners, double pack - 6.99 (bought 2). With purchase of 2, get $5 Target Gift Card back. Used 2 mfr coupons = 6.99 for 2 double packs!
As usual with Target, I spent more than I planned but I got some good deals for stock up. The best time to use the Target coupons is when you have a manufacturer coupon to pair it with!!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Giant Eagle Deals this Week - 3/17-3/23
What a beautiful morning today! I have a baby shower to attend and a party tonight, so in between those two events I think I'll stop and get my Giant Eagle deals!
Cherry Picker has the Giant Eagle deals this week.
The best deals that I am going to use are below, but you can visit her site to see all the deals.
I can't find the pillsbury eOffers but if some of you have them it makes for a great deal!
Happy Shopping!
Cherry Picker has the Giant Eagle deals this week.
The best deals that I am going to use are below, but you can visit her site to see all the deals.
I can't find the pillsbury eOffers but if some of you have them it makes for a great deal!
Franks Red Hot $1.00
Use $.50 from 3/13/S
=FREE
Use $.50 from 3/13/S
=FREE
Blue Diamond Almonds $1.75
Use $.75/2 from 12/5/S or 1/23/S
= $2.00/2
Use $.75/2 from 12/5/S or 1/23/S
= $2.00/2
Muir Glen organic tomatoes $1.50
Use $.75 printable no longer avail (bummer! But I printed it beforehand)
= FREE
Use $.75 printable no longer avail (bummer! But I printed it beforehand)
= FREE
Wisk 2x Laundry Detergent $4.99
Use $2.00 from 3/6/R
=$2.99
Use $2.00 from 3/6/R
=$2.99
Best Life Butter $1.00
Use $1.00 from 2/27/S
= FREE
Use $1.00 from 2/27/S
= FREE
Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls $1.00
Use $.40/2 from 1/2/S and 2/13
40¢/2 EOffer
= $1.20/2 after coupon – $.80¢/2 with loaded EOffer
Use $.40/2 from 1/2/S and 2/13
40¢/2 EOffer
= $1.20/2 after coupon – $.80¢/2 with loaded EOffer
Pillsbury Crescent Roll 4ct $1.00
Use $.40/2 from 1/30/S – 1/2/S – 3/13/S
50¢ EOffer
= $1.20/2 after coupon – 70¢/2 with loaded EOffer
Use $.40/2 from 1/30/S – 1/2/S – 3/13/S
50¢ EOffer
= $1.20/2 after coupon – 70¢/2 with loaded EOffer
Crest toothpaste $1.50
Use $.75 from2/27/PG
=FREE
Use $.75 from2/27/PG
=FREE
Old spice High Endurance $2.33
Use Buy deo Get body wash from 2/27/PG
$1.00 Deodorant EOffer
$1.00 Body Wash EOffer
= $2.33 for both – 33¢ with loaded EOffer
Use Buy deo Get body wash from 2/27/PG
$1.00 Deodorant EOffer
$1.00 Body Wash EOffer
= $2.33 for both – 33¢ with loaded EOffer
Happy Shopping!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Decluttering - Toss, Sell, Donate
Welcome to all of my new readers! I hit 59 Facebook followers today, and 11 on Networked Blogs, and if I knew more about blogging I would know how many are following me in Google Reader... I am so excited that you all are reading the blog!
Most of you know me... and you know that I love to organize things! My dream job is to be a professional organizer, but since I have a decently "lucrative" full-time day job, there's not much time for organizing other people's stuff. Which leads me to my own!
This year my family has been trying to reduce our debt and improve our financial situation. What does this have to do with clutter, you may ask. Well, my opinion is, that the more stuff you have, and the less organized you are, the more time you spend maintaining your items. The more stuff you have, it is harder to find the things you really need, and you spend time and effort managing these things. If you can't find something, you may buy something you already have! (This is why I need to organize my grocery stockpile!) And long term, when you run out of space in your house, you upgrade to a larger house to hold more things! (This is the most expensive of them all!)
So I have been on a mission... to declutter our things, and organize what we have. I have been going room by room, and finding things we really don't need.
Once you do this, what do you do with it all?
Toss - Face it - some of what you have needs to be tossed. Food past its expiration date, broken toys, some things are way past their usefulness. Toss it. (Excluding anything made of paper! We'll get to this in a second)
Sell - Try to make some money off of what you are getting rid of. Although don't fool yourself by trying to get a ton of money for your stuff. Remember - you are trying to get rid of it.
There are lots of ways to sell your stuff!
Ebay
Yard Sale
Craigslist
Half Price Books or Record Exchange for Books / CD's/Media
Consignment stores or sales
Swap - Your trash could be another's treasure! Organize a clothing swap - for children's clothes or yours! Trade with a friend. Sign up for Paperback Swap and trade books you've read before for new ones. The possibilities are endless.
Donate - For the lazy, like myself, donate. Donate to Salvation Army, Goodwill, etc. I just scheduled a pickup for the Vets to come to my house to get our donations. Woo! No wasted gas or time taking it to the donation place. You also get a tax form or your donation, so you can use it for your taxes.
Recycle - Yep, recycle glass bottles, plastic containers, and paper. My favorite thing to do with newspaper, flyers, old magazines, etc, is to take it to the Paper Retriever Bin! You know, those green and yellow bins that a lot of churches and schools have? The organization actually gets money for the paper, so we recycle every shred of paper in this house.
What are you waiting for? Get to decluttering!
Do you have any ideas that I didn't mention?
Most of you know me... and you know that I love to organize things! My dream job is to be a professional organizer, but since I have a decently "lucrative" full-time day job, there's not much time for organizing other people's stuff. Which leads me to my own!
This year my family has been trying to reduce our debt and improve our financial situation. What does this have to do with clutter, you may ask. Well, my opinion is, that the more stuff you have, and the less organized you are, the more time you spend maintaining your items. The more stuff you have, it is harder to find the things you really need, and you spend time and effort managing these things. If you can't find something, you may buy something you already have! (This is why I need to organize my grocery stockpile!) And long term, when you run out of space in your house, you upgrade to a larger house to hold more things! (This is the most expensive of them all!)
So I have been on a mission... to declutter our things, and organize what we have. I have been going room by room, and finding things we really don't need.
Once you do this, what do you do with it all?
Toss - Face it - some of what you have needs to be tossed. Food past its expiration date, broken toys, some things are way past their usefulness. Toss it. (Excluding anything made of paper! We'll get to this in a second)
Sell - Try to make some money off of what you are getting rid of. Although don't fool yourself by trying to get a ton of money for your stuff. Remember - you are trying to get rid of it.
There are lots of ways to sell your stuff!
Ebay
Yard Sale
Craigslist
Half Price Books or Record Exchange for Books / CD's/Media
Consignment stores or sales
Swap - Your trash could be another's treasure! Organize a clothing swap - for children's clothes or yours! Trade with a friend. Sign up for Paperback Swap and trade books you've read before for new ones. The possibilities are endless.
Donate - For the lazy, like myself, donate. Donate to Salvation Army, Goodwill, etc. I just scheduled a pickup for the Vets to come to my house to get our donations. Woo! No wasted gas or time taking it to the donation place. You also get a tax form or your donation, so you can use it for your taxes.
Recycle - Yep, recycle glass bottles, plastic containers, and paper. My favorite thing to do with newspaper, flyers, old magazines, etc, is to take it to the Paper Retriever Bin! You know, those green and yellow bins that a lot of churches and schools have? The organization actually gets money for the paper, so we recycle every shred of paper in this house.
What are you waiting for? Get to decluttering!
Do you have any ideas that I didn't mention?
Bath & Body Works - Free Travel Sized Item with Any Purchase
If you are planning a trip to the mall, stop by Bath & Body Works with this coupon for a FREE $5 Travel Item with ANY Purchase!
I usually buy something I need anyway - like a $1 emery board, or a tiny antibacterial.
I usually buy something I need anyway - like a $1 emery board, or a tiny antibacterial.
P&G Coupon Books
Proctor & Gamble offers free coupon books occasionally. These books have $35+ worth of coupons for their various brands and they usually have decent expiration dates. I have even received coupons for free products in mine before.
Rumor has it that you can sign up for books under all of the links below. I'm not 100% sure if it will work since the page looks the same - but the links are a little different.
Rumor has it that you can sign up for books under all of the links below. I'm not 100% sure if it will work since the page looks the same - but the links are a little different.
Buy 2 Johnson's Bedtime Baby Products, get $2 off
There is a new coupon on the Johnson's baby website, save $2 on the purchase of 2 Johnson's Bedtime baby products!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Lowe's Creative Ideas Magazine
My mailbox was full of goodies today. One of my favorite things that I get in the mail came today! The "Creative Ideas" magazine, free from Lowe's, is one of my favorites.
You can sign up here to receive Lowe's free publications:
Lowe's Creative Ideas for Home and Garden (bi-monthly)
Lowe's Creative Ideas for Outdoor Living (semi-annually)
Creative Ideas for Woodworkers (three times annually)
I'm not sure my hubby likes these magazines as much as I do, because usually there is a project in it for him to do!
You can sign up here to receive Lowe's free publications:
Lowe's Creative Ideas for Home and Garden (bi-monthly)
Lowe's Creative Ideas for Outdoor Living (semi-annually)
Creative Ideas for Woodworkers (three times annually)
I'm not sure my hubby likes these magazines as much as I do, because usually there is a project in it for him to do!
Free Samples of the Day - 3/9/2011
I don't know about you - but I love to come home to a mailbox full of Freebies! Anything is better than bills!
Sample of Miracle Whip
Free "For the Love of Lasagna" Cookbook
Free Pledge Soft Microfiber Dust Cloth by Libman (First 3,000)
This is a "Right at Home" Gift pack. If you are one of the first 3,000 to respond you will receive it.
Free Sample Sachet of Shona Shampoo & Conditioner
Pork Recipe Booklets
Sample of Miracle Whip
Free "For the Love of Lasagna" Cookbook
Free Pledge Soft Microfiber Dust Cloth by Libman (First 3,000)
This is a "Right at Home" Gift pack. If you are one of the first 3,000 to respond you will receive it.
Free Sample Sachet of Shona Shampoo & Conditioner
Pork Recipe Booklets
Shopping Tip - Watch out for Peelies!
Peelies are the little coupons that are ON your packaging when you go to buy a product. Recently I was at my parents house and noticed that they bought something from the store and the Peelie coupon was still attached!
Cashiers usually don't notice these peelie coupons, but to maximize your savings, make sure you point out any product that has peelie coupons! Also, if the cashier forgets, but you remember before you leave the store, make sure you stop by customer service with your receipt and the product!
Cashiers usually don't notice these peelie coupons, but to maximize your savings, make sure you point out any product that has peelie coupons! Also, if the cashier forgets, but you remember before you leave the store, make sure you stop by customer service with your receipt and the product!
Couponing Tip - Be Careful Opening Packages!
Be careful opening packages? What?
Tonight I bought several packs of Minute Rice microwaveable brown rice. After coupons they were $1 each... still expensive for a convenience food but they are great to go with lunches!
I tore open the package, forgetting that the last few times I bought these there were coupons on the inside! And... I ripped the coupon!!!!! (OH NO! lol!)
So here I am, taping the coupon back together, and now warning all of you to look inside your boxes and packages before you tear into them like I did!
Tonight I bought several packs of Minute Rice microwaveable brown rice. After coupons they were $1 each... still expensive for a convenience food but they are great to go with lunches!
I tore open the package, forgetting that the last few times I bought these there were coupons on the inside! And... I ripped the coupon!!!!! (OH NO! lol!)
So here I am, taping the coupon back together, and now warning all of you to look inside your boxes and packages before you tear into them like I did!
Free Hardcover Photo Book from Picaboo
For first time customers only, Picaboo is offering a free hard-cover photo book!
The code is FREECC and the offer ends 3/22/11.
Shipping for the book is around $8... but the book value is around $40, so this is an amazing deal!
This would be a great mother's or father's day present!
I ordered one of these books the last time they had a promotion and it turned out really nice, I was impressed with the quality of the book. You have to download their software to your PC to create the book, but I found the software so easy to use.
I liked Picaboo's books so much that I ordered the Groupon when it was for sale, $35 for $100 credit. Now, if only I had the time to make the books!
What are you waiting for!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Grocery Store Tip - Bigger is not always better!
Shopping at the grocery store, if you had the choice between a small sized item and the same item in a larger size, you would automatically assume that the larger size should be a better value, correct?
I assumed that, until the other day I saw an example that proved that wrong!
I was at the Giant Eagle Market District and remembered that I needed to buy Peanut Butter. Peanut butter is the only thing as a family, besides Heinz Ketchup, that we are brand picky about. So I headed towards the Jif. There were two options - Large 40 oz for 5.79, and smaller 28 oz for 3.39. I almost grabbed the larger size automatically until I looked again at the shelf.
If you look closely at the shelf tag, at most stores, it will actually tell you how much per unit (ounce, etc) that the product is. The 40 oz size said 14.4c and the smaller size said 12c. So ... which one to choose? Of course the one with the smaller per unit cost! And to add to it, the smaller size was on sale! 2/3!
So the lesson is, check the shelf tag! To get an accurate savings - factor in any store deals and coupons that you may have as well to get the true per unit price. Using per unit price will help you to get a better deal!
I assumed that, until the other day I saw an example that proved that wrong!
I was at the Giant Eagle Market District and remembered that I needed to buy Peanut Butter. Peanut butter is the only thing as a family, besides Heinz Ketchup, that we are brand picky about. So I headed towards the Jif. There were two options - Large 40 oz for 5.79, and smaller 28 oz for 3.39. I almost grabbed the larger size automatically until I looked again at the shelf.
If you look closely at the shelf tag, at most stores, it will actually tell you how much per unit (ounce, etc) that the product is. The 40 oz size said 14.4c and the smaller size said 12c. So ... which one to choose? Of course the one with the smaller per unit cost! And to add to it, the smaller size was on sale! 2/3!
So the lesson is, check the shelf tag! To get an accurate savings - factor in any store deals and coupons that you may have as well to get the true per unit price. Using per unit price will help you to get a better deal!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
How to Get Started with the Savings...
So you've decided to start saving money? Yay, you!! Yes, I know it seems overwhelming, but, fortunately with the internet there are tons of resources out there for you!
You may be asking yourself - how can I get started with couponing and see the savings?
My first suggestion is to start collecting coupons! They come from many sources...
1. The Sunday newspaper (I almost always buy 2!)
2. Online sites - the main ones are Coupons.com, Redplum, and Smart Source. I look here about once a week for any new coupons.
3. Manufacturer's websites - look on any sites for products that you frequently purchase. Many companies have printable coupons right on their site!
4. Writing to companies. Saving Toward a Better Life has a feature called "Contact Us" where you contact companies with compliments/comments, and usually you are rewarded with a coupon! I got a free coupon for Domino's sugar this way...
5. Coupon clipping services - a good way to get specific high-value coupons. Recently the newspaper had a coupon for $3 off of Gain softener, which resulted in free deals for a lot of people. This was a coupon in high demand for the clippers, I'm sure!
6. Coupon trains - This is where you swap coupons from around the country. I used to do this a few years ago, but stopped now that our local stores take online coupons. For a long time it was in their store policy not to accept them. If you want to try this, just Google "Coupon train" and you will be sure to find one!
My personal rule on collecting a coupon is - if I use it regularly, of course keep it, if not, would I use it if it was free? or give it away? Then I keep it.
I started "hard core" couponing about 6 months ago. I've always used coupons but lately have been crazier about it.
One tip I did not know is that you can combine store coupons with manufacturer coupons for bigger savings! CVS/Rite Aid/Walgreens, Target, etc. Target even has a site with their own store coupons!
Stacking coupons together gives you great savings!
In the coming weeks I hope to share more tips with you!
You may be asking yourself - how can I get started with couponing and see the savings?
My first suggestion is to start collecting coupons! They come from many sources...
1. The Sunday newspaper (I almost always buy 2!)
2. Online sites - the main ones are Coupons.com, Redplum, and Smart Source. I look here about once a week for any new coupons.
3. Manufacturer's websites - look on any sites for products that you frequently purchase. Many companies have printable coupons right on their site!
4. Writing to companies. Saving Toward a Better Life has a feature called "Contact Us" where you contact companies with compliments/comments, and usually you are rewarded with a coupon! I got a free coupon for Domino's sugar this way...
5. Coupon clipping services - a good way to get specific high-value coupons. Recently the newspaper had a coupon for $3 off of Gain softener, which resulted in free deals for a lot of people. This was a coupon in high demand for the clippers, I'm sure!
6. Coupon trains - This is where you swap coupons from around the country. I used to do this a few years ago, but stopped now that our local stores take online coupons. For a long time it was in their store policy not to accept them. If you want to try this, just Google "Coupon train" and you will be sure to find one!
My personal rule on collecting a coupon is - if I use it regularly, of course keep it, if not, would I use it if it was free? or give it away? Then I keep it.
I started "hard core" couponing about 6 months ago. I've always used coupons but lately have been crazier about it.
One tip I did not know is that you can combine store coupons with manufacturer coupons for bigger savings! CVS/Rite Aid/Walgreens, Target, etc. Target even has a site with their own store coupons!
Stacking coupons together gives you great savings!
In the coming weeks I hope to share more tips with you!
Discount on Memberships to the Carnegie Museum
One way that I love to save money is to get a membership to the museum, zoo, etc. You get to visit the attraction an unlimited number of times in the year. I love to go to these places, but it is hard to get your money's worth out of the admission when you are paying full price!
For a limited time, the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh are offering a discount on their memberships.
A family membership (regularly $130) is $115!
A Premium membership (regularly $200) is $175!
Also you will receive a $10 gift card good at the museum store!
Use promotion code WINTER11.
*Must join at the Family or Premium levels to qualify for the gift card offer. Discount offer expires May 15, 2011. New membership purchases only.
For a limited time, the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh are offering a discount on their memberships.
A family membership (regularly $130) is $115!
A Premium membership (regularly $200) is $175!
Also you will receive a $10 gift card good at the museum store!
Use promotion code WINTER11.
*Must join at the Family or Premium levels to qualify for the gift card offer. Discount offer expires May 15, 2011. New membership purchases only.
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