• New Upromise eCoupons for May 2011

    Upromise has posted their new eCoupons for the month of May 2011.  Remember to activate your eCoupons to get additional savings.  If you have not yet signed up for Upromise you can get more information regarding on our experience or directly at the Upromise website.

    This month they have 41 coupons you can activate for bonus savings.  Once you activate your eCoupons all you have to do is scan your rewards card or purchase the items at the store and the cash will be added to your account.  You don’t even have to carry any coupons to get the rewards!

    You can go to their website for more information on the Upromise program, it’s free to join.

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of March 23 – 29, 2011

    The Save A Lot deals are listed below for your convenience.   Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!

    Meats and Seafood

    Fresh Whole Chicken– $0.79 lb

    Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs (16 oz) – $0.99

    Schooner Fish Fillets (12 oz) – $1.99

    Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).

    Fridge and Freezer

    Hot Pocket Singles – $0.79

    Banquet Fruit or Pot Pies – $0.50
    Use $0.40/2 coupon found on packages (Expires 5/31/12)
    $0.30 each after coupon

    Fisher Boy Fish Sticks – $0.99
    Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Fisher Boy
    $0.24 each after coupon

    Fairgrounds Bologna – $0.99

    Frisby’s Shoestring Fries – $0.99

    Imperial Spread Quarters – $0.65

    Coburn Farms Lowfat or Light Yogurt – $0.50

    Household

    Pert Bath Tissue – $0.89

    Wrightware Foam Plates (40 count) – $0.99

    Axis Bleach – $0.99

    Angel Fresh Fabric Softener Sheets (40 count) – $0.99

    Being Well Body 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner – $.199

    Produce

    Fresh Green Cabbage – $0.39 per lb

    Fresh Express Salad Mix (12 oz) – $0.99

    Carrots (2 lbs) – $0.99

    Grocery

    Tuna Skillet Masters – $0.79

    StarKist Chunk Light Tuna – $0.50

    Prego Spaghetti Sauce (24 oz) $1.50
    Use $0.35/2 coupon from insert 1/2 Smart Source (Expires 3/31/11)
    $1.33 each after coupon

    Kaskey’s Chicken Noodle Soup – $0.53

    J. Higg’s Crackers – $0.89

    Kurtz Yellow Mustard – $0.69

    Kurtz Hot Sauce – $0.99

    Krutz Ketchup – $0.89

    Portemann’s Salad Dressing – $1.25

    Potatoes on the Side Scallop or AuGratin – $0.99

    Mantia’s Pizza Crust Mix – $0.49

    Mantia’s Pizza Sauce – $0.99

    Mantia’s Grated Parmesan Cheese – $2.55

    Tangy Original Sunny D – $0.99
    Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 1/16 Smart Source (Expires 4/30/11)
    $0.74 each after coupon

    Sundia Fruit Cups – $0.89

    Libby’s Pineapple – $0.99

    Gourmet Select Oven Baked Onion Rings – $0.99

    Jones Potato Sticks – $0.99

    Cactus Joe’s Hot Fries or Dipping Chips – $0.99

    Cheese Curls Cheese Balls – $1.29

    Mike Sell’s Kettle Chips – $1.79

    Vinter’s Multipack Chips (16 count) – $3.99

    So Cheezy Shells & Cheddar or Deluxe Mac & Cheese – $1.00

    Del Pino’s Beef or Mini Beef Ravioli – $1.50

    Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals!  Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.

    For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here.  If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.

  • Amazon Mom: March Savings (Avent, Lamaze Toys, & More)

    For the first few days in March Amazon Mom members only can receive additional discounts on select baby items via coupon codes.  It is free to join Amazon Mom and you can save up to 30% off of diapers, wipes and many other great baby and kid products.  The discount codes up to 15% savings are listed below.  You receive free shipping if you have a Free Amazon Mom Prime Subscription or on orders of $25 or more (otherwise shipping starts at $4.98)  These coupons are only valid on items sold by Amazon.com, for those with an Amazon Mom account.

    Several parenting magazines have been including 20% off and $10 off diaper coupon codes.  Make sure to check the magazines below if you have a subscription for additional savings:

    • BabyTalk – Sign up for a free subscription
    • American Baby – Sign up for a free subscription
    • Parenting – Early Years
    • Parents
    • Fit Pregnancy
    • Mothering
    • And possibly some more!

    What is Amazon Mom?  It’s a FREE program for moms or caregivers of children.  It give you an extra 30% discount on diapers and wipes when you combine the 15% Amazon Mom discount plus the 15% Subscribe & Save discount.  The savings is up to 30% off items that you use everyday such as diapers, wipes, formula and much more.  Amazon Mom members also get a FREE 3-month Amazon Prime membership as well as FREE 2-day shipping on anything that is Prime eligible at Amazon.

     

  • Savings with an “Amazon Mom” Membership

    Amazon Mom is a free membership program offered by Amazon for Moms, Dads, parents, and caregivers of children from pregnancy through the toddler years.  Amazon Mom gives members discounts on products for the family.  You can join by signing into your Amazon account if you already have one and indicating it you’re a Mom, Dad, or caregiver of a child.

    Some benefits to having an Amazon Mom account:

    • Free Membership
    • 30% off Diapers & Wipes
    • FREE Two Day Shipping with Amazon Prime
    • Exclusive Offers
    • Discounts & Special Promotions on Products
    • Automatic Additional 15% Discount on Subscribe & Save
    • No Fees, Risks or Obligations
    • Age Appropriate Product Recommendations

    You should receive a confirmation email shortly after you sign up for Amazon Mom, make sure to click the link in the email to confirm your subscription to Amazon Mom in order to start receiving benefits.  Any caregiver of children can qualify for an Amazon Mom membership.  The majority of savings are targeted to those who are pregnant through the toddler years although you can still join even if you have older kids!   You can often find additional coupons in magazines to stack on top of the Amazon Mom savings.

    For more information regarding the benefits of an Amazon Mom account click here.

  • Save A Lot | Rite Aid: Coupon Policies

    The following is information on Save A Lot | Rite Aid’s coupon policies.  As always check with your local store to see if they have any additional information.

    • Does Save A Lot | Rite Aid take Manufacturers Coupons?

    Yes!  They honor manufacturer coupons for the national brand items carried in their stores.

    • Does Save A Lot | Rite Aid honor expired coupons?

    No, the coupons must be used by the expiration date listed on the manufacturer coupon.

    • Can Save A Lot | Rite Aid give cash for Manufacturers Coupons?

    No, cash cannot be given in exchange for a coupon.

    • How does Save A Lot | Rite Aid take the Manufacturers Coupons off my order?

    The coupons are scanned into the computer or the UPC numbers are keyed in to give you the discount.

    • Does Save A Lot | Rite Aid give overage for Manufacturers Coupons?

    No – when an item is selling for less than the value of the coupon they will match the coupon to the price of the item. The coupon redemption cannot exceed the selling price of an item.  No cash back will be given.

    • Can I return an item purchased with a coupon to Save A Lot | Rite Aid?

    Yes, however, when making a return for a product that had a coupon used during purchase they cannot refund cash for the amount of the coupon.  They cannot return the coupon, only the final value you paid for that specific item will be refunded.

    • Does Save A Lot | Rite Aid have store coupons?

    Yes, at times they will offer store coupons to provide additional savings to their customers. You can sign up for their free UP Rewards program and get additional savings on your purchases.

    • Does Save A Lot | Rite Aid double the manufacturer or store coupons?

    No, they do not double any coupons.

    • Does Save A Lot | Rite Aid honor or match other store’s coupons?

    No, they currently do not honor or match other store’s coupons.

    • Does Save A Lot | Rite Aid allow me to use internet coupons?

    Yes, however, this policy does vary from store to store.  Some stores allow internet coupons while others do not.  Please confirm with your local Save A Lot | Rite Aid store before using internet coupons.  You can earn coupons by watching videos online at Ad Perk.

    • Can you use multiple coupons per items at Save A Lot | Rite Aid?

    Yes, under the following conditions:

    1. Coupons must match the item being purchased.
    2. The total amount of the coupons must be equal to or less than the selling price of the item before sales tax.
    3. Only one “48” Rite Aid Valuable coupon, one “49” Rite Aid Manufacturer coupon, and one “5” Manufacturer coupon can be used on a single item.
    • Can you purchase multiple items that are identical at Save A Lot | Rite Aid?

    Yes, you can purchase multiple items that are identical provided they are in stock.

    Please check your local Save A Lot | Rite Aid store for more specifics or if you need further information regarding their coupon policies.  They have the right to not accept any coupon if the validity is in question.

  • Gift Giving: Twice as Nice

    Buying used toys that are in good shape works well for those of us who are on a tight budget.   My girls love books and we rarely buy them new.  Same goes for toys.  If you can find good quality toys and books for an inexpensive price used why not get them as a gift for your kids.

    Recently, Goodwill did a 50% off day on everything in the store and if you got the red tag you received an additional discount.  I picked up a whole stack of books for $0.25 and some clothes (shirts, pants, skirts, dresses) for as low as $0.50.  I was thrilled because the books and clothes will make great Christmas gifts for the kids.  That day the following two purchases were the most fun:

    Princess Baby Doll Bed

    I know a little girl who will LOVE this bed for her babies!  It is in excellent condition and it only cost me $4.

    Lizard CD Holder

    The Lizard CD Holder was a lot of fun.  I have been looking for a place to put their CDs so they can access them without making a mess.  It is going to be hilarious seeing their faces when they unwrap this one.  The best part is I paid $3 for it.

    Both the Princess Baby Doll Bed and the Lizard CD Holder were a hit with several other people at the store that day too.  I was beginning to wonder if I would to make it out of the store with the two items.  I was asked how much they were numerous times, one person took them out of my basket to look at, another person told me that she needs them more then I do, and a guy tried to take them from me while I was paying.  Guess my excitement for finding the treasures made everyone else think they really were special, ha.

    If you are on a tight budget this year, check out some of the local secondhand stores.  You might just find a treasure with a bargain price tag on it that’s the perfect gift for your kids.

  • Date Night on a Budget – Dinner

    Going on a Date Night with your spouse can be just what the whole family needs.   It is important to take time to relax and be a couple, whether you have little ones or not.   Your kids may enjoy a night away too.   One way to open the door of communication is by having a quiet meal together.

    Here are a few ways to save on the cost of eating out so you can relax when you go on your date:

    1.  Free Dinner Options

    • Gift Certificates – if you have a gift certificate to a restaurant use it when you go on your date.  Occasionally we get gift certificates for our anniversary so we save them for Date Nights.  It may be something you want to ask for your birthday or anniversary as well.   You can earn gift certificates by doing surveys or through accumulating points too.
    • Coupons – use a coupon to a restaurant that you and your spouse are wanting to go to.  If you plan ahead you can often find discounts or coupons online prior to going to a restaurant.  We have even shared a free dinner at a nice restaurant by using a coupon.  Sometimes you have to pay but if you look you can often get a meal for free.
    • Join the Club – many of the large chain restaurants offer special discounts if you sign up for their emails or newsletters.  You may get free food when they introduce a new menu item.  Even your local family owned restaurants give you special offers when you join their club.  Many restaurants offer free meal if you visit them around your birthday. If you have a favorite restaurant check and see they have a club you can join for extra savings.

    2. Discount Dinner Options

    • Restaurant.com – you can get discount restaurant certificates.  We have tried many new restaurants using Restaurant.com that have since become our favorite.  You can often get the certificates at a discount.  The best is when you can get them at 80% to 90% off.  We stock up when they are at a deep discount and it allows us to have plenty of options to chose from for Date Night.  The certificates last for one year so you have plenty of time to use them.  Try it out and see how you like it!
    • Barter – there are many barter programs available such as Tradebank or you can work something out with the owner of a restaurant or chain.  If you have services or products that they can use.  We have friends that provide a service for a restaurant and they get coupons for free meals. It is worth checking out.
    • Groupon – has daily deals that you can get between 40% to 90% off.  Many times Groupon will offer great discounts on restaurants.  When you purchase a certificate you have up to a year to use it.  Select the area closest to you to find out the  deals in your area.
    • Pack a picnic for a nice dinner at a park together.  You can pack a really wonderful romantic picnic for a great price.  Pick out a favorite food you know your spouse will like for an extra special treat.  It shows your love.  Some of our best Date Nights have been relaxing over a picnic at a park.

    You can have a wonderful dinner with your spouse without breaking your budget.  It is important to take time to talk, relax, and enjoy each other.  Take turns planning where you are going.  One month you plan the meal the next month your husband plans, it allows for some great surprises and extra romance!

    Jake and I try to have at least one date night a month because it is important to us to maintain and grow our marriage.  Communication around the typical family meal is more about the kids and the events of the day then on us as a couple.  Although we may be in a season when the finances are tight we can still have a terrific date night together.  The laughter, deep conversations, and a time of relaxation is worth finding ways to make it work logistically and financially.