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MASTERING THE MAIL IN REBATE

It's no secret that shopping sales and using coupons are great ways to save money. But did you know that if you are able to add a rebate on top of those money savers, your savings can be even bigger.

So, how do rebates work with coupons? It's simple — just buy the item using your coupons and then submit your rebate.

For the most part manufacturers will reimburse the full rebate whatever the final price you paid.

Of course there are exceptions. Be sure to review the fine print of the rebate and as long as it does not say "minus the value of any coupons used" you should get the full rebate. You might even make money on the deal.

Here are a few things you need to know when using rebates:

» Keep all of your receipts for 4 to 6 weeks. Let's say you find a rebate in a couple weeks for something you bought yesterday. As long as the rebate window allows for your purchase date you have just made money back.

» Ask for a duplicate receipt. If you have purchased multiple items in one transaction, you will need a receipt to send in with each rebate form. Also things such as Blu-rays and DVDs have two UPC codes. They often will have multiple rebates going on at the same time and if you have more than one receipt you can submit for each of the separate rebates.

» Keep track of what you've submitted. I prefer to use a spread sheet, but a note pad works just as well. Keep track of date mailed, rebate value, requirements, processing time and contact info for questions.

» Always make a copy before you mail it. I usually scan a copy into my computer before sending it off.

» Look for rebates in the store and online. Manufacturer web sites often have rebates listed.

FUN FACT

» Beer & alcohol companies produce rebates. Most of which include an alcohol purchase and a food item purchase. In some states you do not have to buy the alcohol to get the rebate, just the food. These rebates will be in the beer and wine section of the store and will list the states where "no alcohol purchase required.

I will be submitting a few rebates this week for some of my Black Friday purchases.
LIVE FABULOUSLY FOR LESS 

Have you ever seen a purse or dress on TV that you just love, but figure you will never be able to afford it?
Guess what, that item may not be out of your financial reach. Here are some tips on how to get high-end merchandise for less:
» Earn free money: Use sites such as www.Swag Bucks.com help you earn gift cards that can be used at sites like www.Amazon.com. Some shopping also will give referral credits. You can earn as much as $10 for every friend you refer who makes a purchase.
» Buy high end at low prices: Try out sites such as www.Ruelala.com and www.Gilt.com. These sites offer daily deals from high-end designers for a fraction of the cost. Every day is a new sale and the prices are affordable for almost everyone.
» Travel like the stars: Check out www.LivingSocialEscapes.com. You can find exotic escapes and dream vacations with a savings of at least 50 percent. Sites such as this also do referral payments. In fact, if three of your friends buy the same deal, then your deal is free.
» Sleep like a celebrity: Instead of renting a hotel room on your next trip, look into renting a private home. Throughout the country, you can find fully furnished homes, sometimes with a pool, that rent for nearly the same amount as hotel pricing. Visit sites such as www.HomeAway.com to book yours.
» Eat for less: Want to eat out and not spend a ton? Check out www.ToucanSave.com to get some good deals at local restaurants and in other areas of the country. You might also check out www.restaurant.com and buy gift certificates to restaurants all over the country in advance. You can save as much as 80 percent.
» Decorate for Less: Want your house to look chic? Check out www.MamaPedia.com, which offers boutique deals at half price.
» Dress Your baby in style: Sites such as www.Zulily.com and www.GroopDealz.com have really cute, unique, boutique-quality clothes and accessories for the little ones at 50 percent or more savings.



COUNT DOWN TO BLACK FRIDAY
Can you believe November is almost over? Most people kick off their Christmas shopping season on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, when retailers showcase their heavily discounted items. Here are some tips to help you rack up on gifts for everyone at rock-bottom prices:
» Get leaked ads: By checking online at websites such as www.tgiblackfriday.com or downloading smartphone applications such as TGI Black Friday, you will be able to see the Black Friday advertisements in advance, compare prices and get the best deal. You'll be way ahead of the game, and you will be able to map out your plan of attack.


» Have a strategy: Know the coupon policies before you shop. Be specific, and look for Black Friday coupon policies. Many stores will alter normal coupon policies for Black Friday. Make sure you know what each store's price matching, layaway and price adjustment policies are as well.


» Do some recon: Visit the stores a couple of days ahead of time to scope out where the items you are looking for will be located. It wouldn't be good to be lined up at the door on one side of the store when the item you really want is on the other.


» Avoid the crowds: Many companies offer the same Black Friday deals online as they do in the stores.


Check www.coupon-chix.com for the latest deals and tricks to save you money this holiday season.
WHY NOT SHOP THE BIG BOX STORES
Recently, I was asked why I never mention the big-box stores on my website. If you have ever been to one of my Coupon 411 Workshops, you know how I feel about the big-box stores and how they cannot compete with grocery stores.
Obviously, since the parking lots are still packed, people still think that shopping there is the way to go. So I decided to do a little recon and compare the sale prices of Winn-Dixie and Publix to the prices at the nearby big-box store. Guess what? No comparison.


» Why only sale-price items? One, that is how I shop, and two, their claim, "Always Low Prices," meaning their prices are at their lowest. They will not run them on sale at a lower price.
After making my list of items, prices and sizes, I headed out, gathered the intel and returned to make the calculations. I first ran straight dollar-to-dollar comparisons.


» Publix $129.94; box store $186.90.


» Winn-Dixie $212.88; box store $252.54.


Then I took it a step further by price-matching the items that were the exact size match from the grocery sale items. That only dropped the totals by $8 to $12. Still a better savings at the grocery store.


I know big-box stores are convenient, but that convenience can also contribute to excess spending. Did you really need those new towels, CD or pet toy, or was it an impulse grab on your way to the grocery section? Sure, there are impulse items at the grocery store too, but the amount of other things at the big-box stores is what they depend on to make their money. You come in for one thing and say, "While I'm here, I might as well grab..." Next thing you know, you are at the register with a buggy full of stuff you didn't go in to get.


Hopefully I have been able to show you how much more you could be saving by bypassing the convenience of the big-box store and shopping your local grocery store instead.
 
Extreme Tips for Extreme Savings

So with tonight’s season premier of TLC’s "Extreme Couponing," let’s talk extreme reality here.

Here are five extreme couponing myths:

» MYTH: It is only possible to save money in stores that double coupons. 

» FACT: It is easy to save money even when a store doesn’t double coupons. The largest factor when it comes to couponing is strategically shopping. Learning store policies will help you figure out which stores work best with coupons. I primarily shop at Publix and CVS, neither of which doubles coupons. But between store coupons, sales and CVS’ reward program, I can get double or more savings.

» MYTH: You have to invest at least 25 or more hours a week to coupon. 

» FACT: Thankfully this is not true. When couponing, you simply match the sale to a coupon. Once you locate your coupon — either from your stockpile of coupons or online — clip it, make your shopping list and hit the store. My website, www.coupon-chix.com, does most of that for you. Once you attend a Coupon 411 Workshop and know the simple methods to strategically shop, it should only take about 45 minutes to and hour each week to prepare for a shopping trip 

» MYTH: Hoarding is taught at Coupon 411 Workshops. 

» FACT: I do teach you to stockpile groceries, which is extremely different than hoarding. You will not find food hidden throughout my house or on specially built shelves in the garage like you may see on the show. It’s in the fridge, pantry and freezer.

» MYTH: Groceries are the only thing you can save on. 

» FACT: The same techniques you use for food can be applied to anything retail from clothing to vacations to games or technology. For the past few years, my family’s vacations have been 50 percent or more off. By putting in a little more planning time and planning the vacation earlier, I’ve been able to find some great vacation deals. Using sites like LivingSocial Escapes and Restaurants.com you can get food and lodging at drastically reduced rates.

» MYTH: The average person cannot get extreme savings.

» FACT: I am as average as they come, and my savings are extreme for me. Realize that you have to learn the technique. Then apply the technique during shopping trips. Once you get it down, I guarantee you will be saving serious cash. Will you ever get to the level of the show? Well remember they spent a ton of time putting just the right trip together (for TV), at stores that had generous policies. And from what I have witnessed and have read about the show, many coupon policies were bent or disregarded. Plus these couponers were buying coupons to use in their trips, which was not factored into the bottom line of the trip.

Here is what I would like to call extreme: I save hundreds of dollars every month buying the things my family needs and uses. I also am able to do some extreme giving as well. Donating items that you are able to purchase at extreme savings is way cooler than hoarding them for yourself. I will happily bear the title of "Extreme Giver" over "Extreme Couponer" any day.

Join me Oct. 11 at our Saving for a Cure event, a Coupon 411 Workshop that is giving back to help the fight against breast cancer. 

Singles, small households can benefit from couponing, too
Think couponing isn't for you because you don't have a family? Think again. Everyone likes to save money, and it shouldn't matter if you are a family of one or a family of six. There is no need to pay more just because you have a small or single-person household.
Many singles might think that you have to buy in large quantities if you want to use coupons, and they worry about waste. Fortunately, most coupons do not have size limitations. You can use a coupon on any size, if it does not have a specific size limitation. A lot of times, buying the smaller size will get you a better deal. 
Let's use laundry detergent for an example. If your coupon states you can use it on any size, then you don't have to buy the super economy family size but rather the 50-ounce bottle for just a few bucks. 
And then there are the staples that everyone needs — shampoo, tooth paste, deodorant and razors, most of which you frequently can get for free. What would you think if I told you you're frequently able to get those for free? By pairing coupons with sales, you can often score great deals at stores such as CVS, Walgreens and Target. 
Bachelor, bachelorette, widow, widower, newlywed or family of five, you can make couponing work for you.


 Fight the sting of coupon rejection
Rejection is uncomfortable. This holds true even when it is just a coupon that is being denied.
So what do you do if your coupons are denied? Here are some tips to handling coupon rejection:
» Be nice — super nice. Don't be provoked into a rampage. No one responds well to yelling and screaming, much less when the argument is over 55 cents. You don't need to be a push over, but simply put the item back or move on before the argument reaches a boiling point.
» Make sure you are right. There is Nothing worse than having an argument with the cashier to find out that the coupon you were attempting to use is expired. Be courteous enough to admit it, and purchase the items without the coupons or go and put them back.
» Read the fine print. Is the coupon only for a particular size? Does it require a certain purchase amount? Some store coupons require you to checkout at a particular register.
» Know the store's coupon policy and be able to provide proof if necessary. Are you certain they accept coupons from certain competitors? Print the official coupon policy or have it bookmarked on your smartphone, so you can use it (nicely) as backup with a cashier or manager.
» Always ask for management. Don't take the cashiers word on coupon policy. Politely ask to speak to the manager. Most stores offer little to no training about coupons. And the ones that do, offer it on a voluntary basis. By cordially asking a manager to confirm the process, it will swiftly clear up the situation.

 Baby needs don't have to break the bank. . .
For those with little ones in the house, I don't have to tell you that diapers and formula are two of the most expensive aspects of bringing home that new bundle of joy. And, let's face it, no matter how many diapers you received as gifts, sooner rather than later they are going to run out and you are going to have to buy them.
Here are several ways to really save on those necessary items: 
» Ask for samples: Most pediatricians have formula samples. They also have coupons for diapers, formula and other baby items. Make a habit of asking when you go. 
» Sign up for store clubs: Most stores have baby clubs. Publix, Winn Dixie, Walgreens, just to name a few, all offer some sort of baby club. Diaper companies also have clubs. Pampers has its Gifts to Grow Program and Huggies offers reward codes. It is free to sign up and the companies send you coupons. Some stores even include coupons for things Mom might need.Check in stores or on company or store websites to sign up. 
» Call the manufacturer: If you use formula, call the company and ask for coupons and samples. Some companies allow you to call every two weeks to request more samples and coupons, so be sure to ask how often you can call. 
» Buy online: Diapers.com allows you to coupons to score even better deals than what they offer.. Right now you can get an additional $10 off your first order of more than $49 plus $5 off every case of diapers by using code BESTDIAPERDEAL at check out. Also, sign up for Amazon.com's Amazon Mom and get free two-day shipping plus an extra 30 percent off any diapers and wipes order.
 CAN YOU REALLY SAVE MONEY USING COUPONS? 
YES, YOU CAN!
For the past couple years I have been using my Coupon 411 Workshops to teach people how to save money. And I have been told one great savings story after another, but there are some-times I question whether the shopper really did save money. Sure the deal was great, but there are so many other factors to consider when it comes to saving.
Here are a few things to consider when you're trying to save money: 
Gas 
That's right. These days you've got to factor in the price of gas. If you are taking a 30 minute drive across town to save $5 or $6, most likely the savings just isn't worth it. So each time you go out to shop, be sure to factor in your gas cost. 
Time
How much time are you spending? The old saying "time is money" holds true when it comes to couponing. Once you know what your doing, couponing shouldn't take you hours or even days to prepare for a trip to the grocery store. Saving money shouldn't be a full time job. 
Most of my weekly preparation takes about 30 to 45 minutes. This is key, because like most of you, I don't have a ton of time to spare. By using the sales/coupon matchups onwww.coupon-chix.com and knowing what you're doing, by attending a Coupon 411 Workshops, you can strategically plan your shopping trips in less time. 
How do you buy? 
Are you an impulse buyer? Do you buy just to buy? Resist that urge. Buying an item just because it is a good deal, when no one in your family will use it, isn't saving money. Buy only if you are going to use it or you can donate it. Resist the urge to splurge. 
If you remember these few simple steps the next time you are planning your shopping trip, you will save money.
    

LEARN TO SAVE MORE WITH COUPON CHIX
     It’s funny how life’s little lessons will force you into things you never saw coming.

     My lesson came shortly after I lost a really great job due to cutbacks spawned by the recession in late 2008. I was forced to learn quickly how to support my family of four on a single income and a very modest budget.

     Through months of research I began to discover simple money saving techniques that added up to big savings at the grocery store. Before long, we had more food in our home for way less that what I had ever spent before. As my savings continued to add up, I started to share some of my success stories with friends. I realize quickly there were a lot of people who could benefit from my "been there, done that, got the T-shirt, not gonna do it again" frame of mind.

     And from this, Coupon Chix was born. I soon began sharing my money saving techniques through what is now known as Coupon 411 Workshop and Home Parties.

  Shortly after launching my workshops, my website, www.coupon-chix.com was born. It is here you can find weekly store sales matched up to coupons to help maximize your savings, along with ways to save on anything from hair cuts to vacations.

    So how can I help you save money? Here are a few tips to help get you started:

   » Use the weekly coupon match-ups on www.Coupon-chix.com to save you time and money.

     » Follow your favorite companies on Facebook or Twitter for awesome coupons.

     » Learn your stores coupon policies.

    » Check your receipts to make sure you received all of the sale prices and coupon reductions.

     » Get signed up for a workshop so you understand all the simple techniques that add up to big savings.
PNJ 8/24/11

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