Monday 31 December 2012

Coupon/Savings Books

There are many different types of coupon or savings books available in for purchase. Depending on your location, they range in price and usually have discount coupons for venues, restaurants, and attractions in your area. The books are usually between $15-$40, depending on which one you buy, and have deals like buy one get one for products, services, and admission prices. I have never purchased one of these for myself, as we live in a smaller city that I haven't found has an appropriate one yet, but I'm wondering if people find this saves you a good deal of money or not?! Usually they are sold as a fundraiser, so at least you're supporting a local organization, but what value do you really get? Please share your thoughts if you've ever purchased one of these books. Do you use a good chunk of the coupons? Do you feel you get your money's worth? Or does it get forgotten about until the coupons are all expired anyways? We were recently back at my parents for Christmas, and My mom let me take a few of the coupons that she would not be using. Which brought me to thinking, what about if you were to buy a book like this and share it with a friend: each would use the coupons most applicable to them and you could split the cost. Good idea- what do you think?!

Happy Saving!
- C

Thursday 20 December 2012

Lists lists lists!

Now I know I've said it before, but having a list truly is a smart thing to do when you're heading out shopping. And not just for groceries!

Although I am a gold personality type, lists are the money saver for anyone in this day and age, as well as during the holiday season. There are so many sales, gizmos, and gadgets that are strategically placed to catch your eye. Know who you need to buy for and have a good idea of either what you're buying them or of what you want to spend on them. That way, you won't be as likely to go over budget, or carry on buying for others that you've already bought for. Better yet, pay in cash, and only take the amount of money you want to spend. That way, you really are thinking about each and every purchase, and not wasting your money on impulse buys.

Also, watch that last 'home-stretch' before the till! All those cool little smaller priced items are out to get you, and they can really add up. They're usually great ideas for sticking stuffers, but unless you really still need them, keep your eyes on the prize (your item and the till!).

Happy Savings!
- C

Tuesday 18 December 2012

Check Your Receipts

Have you ever really looked at your grocery receipt? Or is it something you just toss into one of your bags and might need again if you need to return something? Well, you could be cheating yourself out of a few bucks here at there.

Most major grocery stores have policies to credit you if you were improperly charged for items. That is, if an item rings through for a different price than it has marked on the package or on the shelf, they will literally pay for it. For example, Safeway will return the full price of the item incorrectly charged for and give you the item for free. Superstore has a similar protocol, but will give you up to $10 back, or if it is worth more, $10 towards the total of that item. These are the two that I am familiar with, but I'm sure the other major stores would probably honour a similar policy. So not only should you be reading the fine print on the sale sign (limit 2, buy in groups of 4), but you should also be making sure the price is correct on your receipt. Who knows, a quick skim over your receipt could be saving you a couple bucks a month!

Happy Saving!
- C

Friday 14 December 2012

Weekly Deals

When shopping, especially around the holiday season, check for any deals happening in the stores where you're purchasing goods. Sometimes the deals are for rewards points, or bonus gift cards back if you spend over a certain amount, or even free items (BOGO). But asking or reading up is sometimes the only way to know! If you think you've heard about a certain deal, ask!!! Even if you've missed it by a few days, sometimes, and only if you're pleasant about it, they may go our it anyways, or give you another deal. So it is worth inquiring, for sure.

Perhaps you can save a couple extra bucks while putting smiles on a few more faces this season 😄

Happy Savings!
- C

Wednesday 12 December 2012

I Haven't Vanished!!

Wow, have I failed at keeping up with the blog these last few weeks!?! I feel like a chicken with my head cut off, and finally I was able to get it put back in place to resume the blogging. My apologies, hopefully you can forgive me!

As a justification, or rather even just an update, I have picked up a second job to help bring in a little more cash flow. Double money saver: you are increasing your income and you have no free time to spend your newfound dollars anyways! It is really great, and I'm loving the three ladies I work with. Small department, but super fun environment :)

So whether it be a paper route, a hobby that you sell your makings for a few bucks, or something completely different, a second job or income helps you to save. a little more each month, helping you reach those financial goals a little sooner.

Happy Saving!
- C

Wednesday 5 December 2012

Pay In Advance

Quick tip today! Check with some of your regular services, as some small shops will offer a discount if you pay in advance. I dropped off some dry cleaning to be done today, and the little lady offers a 15% discount if you pay when you drop off, as opposed to when you pick up. Hello! That is great! Even just a few bucks, but still makes a difference!

Happy Saving!
- C

Sunday 2 December 2012

Ladies Night... IN!

So I spent tonight with my two closest and long time girlfriends, celebrating one of them's birthday. We had a ladies night, but instead of a night on the town, which add up in cost very quickly, we made dinner for her, we had fancy girly drinks, ate cake, played games, and had more painful laughs than could be counted. And it was the perfect night! Cheap, good company, and good times all around. However!! They did point out to me that they like to correct my spelling mistakes on the blog when they're checking it out! In my defense, I am a very good spelled, but on my iPhone or iPad, sometimes autocorrect likes to make me say the wrong word. Like a few posts ago, I was talking about the Monty's, when really I was trying to say monthly! Fail! But it all came with good comedy, so it was a funny thing to point out!

In the end, we saved way more money and had a way better visit than if we would have gone out. And besides, they wouldn't be able to laugh at me for dancing into the cabinets if we were out at a restaurant!! Try and switch up your date nights. Bust out the board games, dust off the Wii, and save yourself some cash by entertaining in your home.

Happy Saving!
- C