Saturday, May 8, 2010

Frugal Tips

Here are some of my tips for having some fun, getting some freebies and saving money around Omaha!

Like to go to the movies? AMC Oakview has $4.50 movies before noon every day. That's the only way we all go to the movie! They don't have ALL the movies showing that early, but you're bound to find something when you feel like going to a movie.

Do you take your kids to the grocery store sometimes? (I avoid it, but sometimes they have to come along! :)) Most grocery stores that have a bakery will give the kids a free cookie, you just have to ask! (and some places even give one to mom! :))

Thinking of going out for fun? Check out this site to see if there is a coupon available. Also be sure to check the back of your receipt from many grocery stores to see what coupons are available there!

Have a few extra minutes while shopping? Browse the back end caps for clearnace deals! I have found many 50%-90% off deals by checking those end caps! Target and ShopKo are my favorite places to get clearance deals, but I have gotten lucky in other stores as well.

Sick of junky little toys? Break the Kids Meal habit! We have gotten the kids used to NOT getting a kids meal (unless the toys look REALLY cool, but it is very rare that we splurge!) If you happen to be eating out, it is cheaper to order off the dollar menu and get everyone water. Plus, you're not stuck with a toy you're just gonna throw away in a week.

Have CDs, DVDs, books or video games you don't use anymore? Take them to Half Price Books, CD Tradepost, Game Stop or other places that buy items. They don't give you a lot of money, but just being RID of unused junk is payment enough sometimes!! If you have kids, Bigwheels 2 Butterflies will buy gently used baby, kid and maternity items. While you're there, check the racks for things you kids need now. (I just found a white dress for my daughter's baptism day for $4.50!!)


Friday, March 19, 2010

Tips, Tricks & Lingo

Here is a list of abbreviations that I may use in these posts:

WYB: When You Buy
IAC: In-Ad Coupon
BOGO: Buy One Get One free
B2GO: Buy Two Get One free
OYNO: On Your Next Order
OOP: Out of Pocket
FAR: Free After Rebate
$1/1: $1 off one item
2/$3: Two items for $3
IPQ: Internet Printable Coupon
MFR: Manufacturer Coupon
RR: Register Rewards (Walgreens)
BR: Balance Rewards (Points at Walgreens)
ECB: Extra Care Bucks (CVS)
Cat: Catalina

Sometimes you get a "Catalina" when shopping at most grocery stores.  These coupons print after you pay, so maks sure you watch the Catalina machine to be sure you get any coupons there! 

When shopping at Walgreens, they often have "Register Rewards" which print out of the same machine as Catalina's.  Those are 'free money' coupons so be sure you get those!  If you don't get the RR after paying, verify that you purchased what was specified in the ad, and return the item if it was incorrect.

Walgreens also has a Balance Rewards program where you buy certain items and earn points.  Every 5000 points can be redeemed for $5 off your purchase.  Be sure to NOT redeem points if you are buying things that earn points!  The system won't let you do both redeem and earn.

When shopping at CVS, they often have "Extra Care Bucks" which print out at the bottom of your receipt.  They are also free money, so verify before leaving the store that you got all the ECBs you were supposed to get.

Work to get a 'stockpile' of the necessities when they are on sale.  Things like toilet paper, dish or hand soap, kleenex, toothbrush, etc are things that you will always need and never expire.  Watch for the sales, pair with coupons and never pay full price for those items again!

If you have any questions, let me know!!

Welcome!!!

Welcome to my blog!  I visit blogs daily to see what the best deals are at Target and Walgreens, what new printable coupons are available and other tips to save money.  I have yet to find one that highlights the deals for the local grocery stores we have here in the Omaha area.

Many friends have asked me where the good deals are each week, so I decided to start this blog.  Spread the word to anyone you know who loves to save money!

Check back often for the deals around town!  Enjoy!!