Although the true tightwad saves up money before buying anything, that doesn't work for most of us all the time. Sometimes, a refrigerator breaks down before we have time to save for a new one, the couch of our dreams goes on sale two months before the bonus check arrives, or a retailer is offering … [Read more...] about ‘Pay later’ plans: The fine print may cost you thousands
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5 affordable photo gifts your family will love
We are a photo-loving generation, aren’t we? What’s often lost in our digital world of photo sharing via text or upload, however, are printed photographs. You remember those, right? The ones in frames, in photo albums, in your wallet? Because we tend to forget about all those great photos sitting … [Read more...] about 5 affordable photo gifts your family will love
5 ways to get discounted gift cards
Looking for a way to stretch your shopping dollars? Get gift cards for less than their face value. If you pay $80 for a retailer card that has a value of $100, it’s like finding $20 in FREE money. You should never have to buy gift cards at full price. Here are five strategies for finding them at a … [Read more...] about 5 ways to get discounted gift cards
Meat truck deals: How to tell a bargain from a bad idea
The idea of strangers peddling a side of beef, chicken cuts or maybe even bacon slices door to door isn't actually new. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says it has taken reports of meat vendors for "many years" now. But with the popularity of consumer items being sold from a moving vehicle … [Read more...] about Meat truck deals: How to tell a bargain from a bad idea
Grocery savings: Price book smacks down warehouse stores
A price book is simple, powerful cheapskate tool. You start taking notes of what particular items cost at different stores you shop. It does not have to be fancy; start by tracking items you usually buy, like this:PASTA Store brand: $0.89 (must buy 10 offer) Brand X: $1.25 Brand Y: … [Read more...] about Grocery savings: Price book smacks down warehouse stores
How to feed your book habit without going broke
With the younger generations headed off to school, it's natural to feel a tad nostalgic for No. 2 pencils and a backpack. Only hitting the books, adult style, is way more fun. As you send the kids back to the classroom, why not look into increasing your own reading time — and at a budget that can … [Read more...] about How to feed your book habit without going broke
Seniors save 20% at Rite Aid first Wednesday
It does really pay to a little older and wiser, especially when it comes to senior discounts. Walgreens has been offering its Senior Savings Day for several months now. Not to be outdone, Rite Aid has now joined the bargain bonanza for seniors the first Wednesday of the month. While the discount is … [Read more...] about Seniors save 20% at Rite Aid first Wednesday
Kroger stores offer free product coupon every Friday
Every Friday, the Kroger family of grocery stores (including Kroger, Baker's, City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Gerbes, Jay C, King Soopers, Owen's, Pay Less, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's) each offer a FREE product coupon, which you download directly to your respective shopper loyalty card. The … [Read more...] about Kroger stores offer free product coupon every Friday
Craft store smartphone apps save money on the spot
If you've ever tackled a do-it-yourself project of the crafty nature — or simply wanted to buy a cool picture frame as a shower gift — you know the frustration. You are face to face with that edge punch, that set of artist's brushes, that stem of artificial flowers, and the disappointment nearly … [Read more...] about Craft store smartphone apps save money on the spot
How to get a new gas grill on the cheap
Grilling season is officially here. The summer holidays and extra time spent with family and friends outside beg for meals cooked on a grill. If you plan to cook many meals on a grill, you may think it's time for an upgrade — and you've got your eye on one of those fancy gas grills with side … [Read more...] about How to get a new gas grill on the cheap
The Coupon Insider: Buy less, save more
Die-hard couponers know all of the tips and tricks to saving money that most shoppers overlook. Many think bigger is better, but that's not necessarily true. When you use a coupon, the smartest move financially may be to buy the smallest size possible. The savings are in the numbers: Using a $1 off … [Read more...] about The Coupon Insider: Buy less, save more
Wheel deals: How to save on a baby stroller
With so many to choose from, selecting the right stroller is no walk in the park, especially considering that you’ll use the purchase for years. To get it right, here’s the process I recommend for nabbing the right stroller at the right price. You'll want to make sure you avoid costly mistakes, such … [Read more...] about Wheel deals: How to save on a baby stroller
Where to buy and sell used kids’ gear
To save big on baby and kids’ clothes, why not buy someone else’s gently used stuff? Or put some cash in your pocket by offloading the kids' clothes you can no longer use? After all, babies and kids grow fast, often blowing through clothes before getting the chance to wear them out — or even at all. … [Read more...] about Where to buy and sell used kids’ gear
Prom savings tips from a money-savvy teen
If you have a son or daughter in high school, then you know prom season is upon us. I have two daughters going to prom this year, and they have already started prepping.As soon as they each bought dresses, they posted pictures in the Facebook group that the girls in their school created so no … [Read more...] about Prom savings tips from a money-savvy teen
5 ways to get the most from your baby registry
When you’re prepping for parenthood, a targeted baby registry or two can alleviate the guesswork for friends and relatives, help you get just what you need and avoid unwanted or duplicate items. But because you’re not paying the tab, it’s easy to ask for products you don’t need, stock up on the … [Read more...] about 5 ways to get the most from your baby registry
