Ebates: Get Paid to Shop Online!

I know I've talked about Ebates on the blog before, but with the holiday buying season fast approaching, I thought it couldn't hurt to just remind everyone what a great tool Ebates is!

Basically, instead of going straight to the website of the store you want to shop at, you go through Ebates, which will route you to the store.  Do your shopping as normal, check out as normal.  The difference is that Ebates will then pay you back a percentage of what you spent.  It can be as low as 1% and I've seen it as high as 50% when they are running a special. 

Here is an example of what Ebates is paying for cash back at a few stores right now: 

• Macy's = 6% cash back
• Lands End = 6% cash back
• American Eagle = 4% cash back
• Gap = 7% cash back

If you're shopping online already, you may as well get paid to do it! 

Once you have $5 in cash back, they send you a check at the end of the quarter.  You don't have to request the check, it just comes to you!  If you don't have $5 by the end of the quarter, it just keeps rolling in to the next quarter until you do.  It's a very easy system. 

Not every single store is supported through Ebates, but most are.  It can't hurt to check Ebates first before you make any purchases online. 

All you have to do is sign up here.  Then next time you shop online, search for your store in this little search box in the upper right hand corner:

It will bring you to a screen that looks like this:

 

Select the correct store (if I was shopping at Gap, it would be the top one) by clicking on "shop now".  And it will bring you to the website.  Then you just shop as normal.  Easy peasy!

I'll also put reminders at the bottom of posts with online deals, so you don't leave any money on the table!  Let's keep a little more money in our pockets this holiday season!

Five Easy Ways to Free Up Money in Your Budget

This is a re-post from last year, but I thought it was relevant as the holidays are quickly approaching:

 

I have some ideas and suggestions on ways you can trim your spending from now until the end of the year to help free up some extra money to spend on the holidays.  Not every idea will be for you, but hopefully you'll find one or two that may help!

I really tried to come up with ideas that wouldn't be hard to incorporate in to your normal routine.  Keep an open mind as you read on...

1.  Hair maintenance:  I've already talked about the free haircuts at JC Penney, but there are other ways to save on hair maintenance for your family.  If you don't have a very short hair cut, you could try going a little longer in between hair cuts.  If you normally would have gotten two haircuts between now and Christmas, could you get away with just one?  If your husband has a buzz cut, could he cut his own hair?  If you dye your hair all one color, you could dye your own hair with a kit from a pharmacy.  They also have highlighting kits that they sell at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens; if you're adventurous, you may try one!  Someone I work with has her daughter highlight her hair with a CVS kit.  Her daughter has no hair dresser training at all, she just follows the directions.  Whenever this woman told me her daughter highlights her hair, I couldn't believe it!  It completely looked professional!

2.  Groceries:  Can you spend just $5 less per week on groceries from now until Christmas?  There are ten weeks left until Christmas, that is $50 that you can either put towards a present or your holiday grocery bill.  $50 can go far when you're buying baking supplies and other holiday groceries. 

3.  Recycle bottles and cans:  If you live in a state where there is a deposit on cans and bottles, don't just put them on the curb for the garbage men to pick up; put them aside and recycle them!  They are worth $0.05 each!  We religiously recycle in my house and in my experience, three garbage bags full of cans (not bottles, as they take up more room) nets me about $20.  It takes 15-20 minutes to feed all the cans in to the machine, but $20 in 20 minutes is like making $60 per hour!  I'll take that any day!  Also, the people in my husband's office knows he recycles, so they regularly give him cans and bottles to recycle.  Every day my husband comes home a few extra cans and bottles to recycle - all those nickels add up! 

4.  Save the ones:  I've heard of people who put aside every single they get back as change.  If you use cash often, this could be a great technique for you to build up a little extra cash.  From the testimonies I've read about this technique, the people say they don't even miss the ones - it's an effortless way to save a little money!

5.  Eating out:  Depending how often your family eats out, can you skip just one meal out in both November and December and put that money towards your holiday expenses?  Conservatively, if you spend $30 on an average meal out and you skipped just two meals out between now and the end of the year, that's $60 to put towards a gift, travel expenses, entertaining, outfits for the holidays, etc! 

Even trying one idea should save you anywhere from $20-$50!

Stretching Your Child's Wardrobe: Gymboree Outlet

As I was going through my big pile of kids clothes to consign, I realized that some of my sons pants (from Gymboree) from last winter still fit him. I was excited that I didn't have to buy as many outfits for this winter, only... They didn't have the matching tops. 

Then this morning I had this brilliant (if I do say so myself!) epiphany - the Gymboree outlet sells last seasons clothes!  So off I went to the outlet and guess what!  I got the two tops I needed to complete these outfits!  Two tops for $11!  Two complete outfits for $11!  

The pants were an end of season clearance find earlier in the year but didn't have a top. Found the matching top at the Gymboree outlet for $6!

These pants my son wore a ton last winter and they still fit!  But the shirt didn't. I found the exact same shirt he had last winter in a bigger size for only $5!

I will note that the prices at the Gymboree outlet aren't always this low. Since it's a holiday weekend, they had a big sale and the whole store was 50% off.  

So if you have pieces from last seasons outfits that still fit your children, don't dismiss them!  Try the Gymboree outlet to complete your outfit for much cheaper than buying a whole new outfit!

A VERY Easy Way to Save Money this Year

Photo Credit

Here is a VERY easy way to save a good chunk of money this year that you can put in savings, put towards a vacation, pay off bills, etc. 

Do you or your spouse get paid every other week?  If you do, you get paid 2 times in most months.  In all of those months, you make your budget off of 2 paychecks and it covers the bills (we'll be talking budgeting soon if it doesn't :)).  With 12 months in a year, and 2 paychecks a month, that's 24 paychecks.  But if you're paid every other week, you actually get 26 paychecks in a year. 

This means that 2 months out of the year, you get an extra paycheck! 

Since you're able to live off of just 2 paychecks a month for 10 months out of the year, you should be able to do the same in the 2 months that you get 3 paychecks.  Having said that, you should be able to put those 2 extra paychecks in to savings, towards bills, etc without ever missing the money!

We do this each year and it's a very nice addition to our savings - and it's so easy to do! 

Gift Closet

photo credit

Do you keep a gift closet?  It can be a closet, rubbermaid container, spot under your bed, it doesn't matter.  But the concept is that you have a few gifts on hand, that you've purchased for pennies on the dollar, that you can give for birthdays, anniversaries, showers, etc.  A gift closet saves you from having to go out and buy a gift at full price when you get an invitation for an event.

If you have young children, you'll want to stock up on a few age-appropriate toys when you find them for a steal.  So when that next birthday party invitation comes home from school, you just pick out a toy from your stash, wrap and go.  Not only do you save money, but you save the time and (inevitable) last minute scramble to pick up a gift.

If you're in your 20's or 30's, you'll want to stock up on good bridal shower or baby shower gifts.  Both types of showers are easy to give gift baskets for, so when you see great deals on towels, home decorations, wine glasses, etc, pick them up and before you know it, you'll have a lovely gift basket to give.  The same goes for baby shower baskets - blankets, toys, outfits, etc all can make for a nice gift basket, so pick up those items when you see them for pennies on the dollar.

And no matter your age or stage in life, it's always a good idea to have a few items such as Yankee Candles or nice hand lotions on hand to give as a last minute gift.  Maybe you go to someone's house for the first time and need to bring a little house warming gift.  Maybe a co-worker gave you a Christmas gift you weren't expecting and you'd like to reciprocate.  These are good items to have on hand for those occassions so you aren't going out and purchasing something for full price.

If you don't already have a gift closet, keep this idea in the back of your head as you see great deals this year.  You may be able to pick up a few gifts for quite a bargain!

Subway: $2 Sandwiches All December Long!

For the month of December, Subway is offering their Cold Cut Combo and their Meatball Marinara 6" subs for just $2!  If you buy your lunch out frequently, this is a great way to save money during one of the most expensive months of the year!

Thanks, Couponing to Disney!

Cardstore: $0.39 Holiday Cards - Today Only!

After all of their great deals so far this season, it is no surprise to me that Cardstore came through again today with a great deal for Cyber Monday!

Today only, you can get your holiday cards for only $0.39 each!  Plus, if you have them send your cards for you, they pay your postage!

So let's think about this... stamps are $0.45, so even if you got your holiday cards for free, but still had to send them yourself, you'd pay $0.45 per card.  Cardstore however, is offering an awesome card, mailed for you for only $0.39!  It's almost like you're making $0.06 on every card!

If you haven't made your holiday cards yet, this is definitely the deal to jump on!  I'm sure you have some great photos to use from the long holiday weekend!

Just click the picture above to get started making your cards!

Groupon: $20 Toys R Us Voucher for Only $10

Through tomorrow you can buy a $20 voucher to Toys R Us for only $10 from Groupon!  If you'll be shopping at Toys R Us this holiday season, this is a great deal! 

The fine print:
Limit 1 per person. In-store only. Not valid outside USA. Not valid until 11/23/12 at 5PM. Not valid toward Buyer Protection Plan, gift cards including those for digital content, photo studios, phone orders, special orders, assembly fee, breast-pump rental fee, delivery fee, or shipping & handling. Valid only on a purchase of $20 or more. Not withstanding anything above or below, vouchers not valid with Toys"R"Us after 12/24/12. Thereafter, Groupon will refund amount paid in Groupon credit for unredeemed vouchers.

FREE 8x10 from Walgreens!

Walgreens is offering up another FREE 8x10 enlargement.  Just opt to pick the picture up at your closest store and it will be totally free!  Use code FREE2THANK at check out through Saturday, 11/24.

Put your picture in a nice frame and this could be a nice holiday present for someone!

Starbucks 12 Days of Christmas

Any Starbucks fans out there?  Here are some pretty nice deals you will see during their 12 Days of Christmas this year:

• December 1:  Buy any tumbler or mug and get a free grande beverage
• December 2:  Buy one, get one free Starbucks VIA Ready Brew 12 pack or buy one, get one free Tazo Tea Tin
• December 3:  Buy the featured brewed coffee tumbler and get free coffee all of January
• December 4:  Get a stainless steel tumbler for $9.95 and any 1lb Christmas blend and a Red Stainless Tumbler for only $19.95 (normally $30)
• December 5:  Get a red, blue or gold acrylic tumbler for $5.95
• December 6:  Buy a Merry Moments Cocoa gift set for $12.95
• December 7:  Buy an y 1lb or Christmas Blend Coffee or K Cup 12 pk for $9.95 or buy a Starbucks VIA Christmas Blend 12 pack for $7.95 and buy one Christmas Verismo Pod Pack for $8.95
• December 8:  Buy a 16 oz Cold Cup Filled with Frappuccino inspired flavored chocolates for $10.95
• December 9:  Buy a Starbucks 12 oz Red Cup Collection Mug for $3.95
• December 10: Save 30% on gift packs
• December 11:  Save 40% off on Cold Cups and Cold Cup Straws
• December 12:  Save 40% on a Cranberry Bliss Bar Tray

December 3rd's deal is likely to sell out very fast, so if you're interested in that, get there early!

Thank you, My Frugal Adventures!

eReaderGirl: Resource for Free and Cheap eBooks!

Are you hoping to get an eReader for Christmas?  Or are you giving one as a present?  There is a new site, eReaderGirl that posts daily free and cheap eReader books. 

I love free eReader books.  I've read many books that I wouldn't normally have read just because they were free!  And many of them have been really good!

This is a great resource to have if you have an eReader or just the Kindle app on your phone!

Tiny Prints: 1 Free Greeting Card Through 11/20

Tiny Prints is offering a free greeting card through their newest company, Treat.  Create your card (birthday, get well, etc) and then use the code TREATFBONLY at check out! 

I love these free card offers.  I always take advantage of them, even if I don't have someone in particular in mind.  I find cards that look OK without the personalization for birthdays, get well or new baby (those are my go-to categories usually).  I now have a stash of really nice cards for those occasions that I can send out all year long!  Saves me on buying cards!

$5 off a $25 Purchase at Amazon!

You can get $5 off a $25 purchase on Amazon when you answer the question "When will you start your Black Friday Week shopping?" and share it on your Facebook wall!  The credit is good today through Wednesday.

I wouldn't hesitate to grab the credit though, as there are probably a limited number.

To start, just click here, answer the question and hit share on Facebook.  It will prompt you to log in to your Amazon account if you aren't already. 

With all the great deals they are offering this week, this is will make a great deal even better!

Thanks, Couponing to Disney!

CVS Black Friday Shopping

The only Black Friday shopping I ever do (besides online) is at the drug stores.  Seriously, you can get amazing deals on everything from toiletries to toys at CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid starting on Thanksgiving day.

This year though, CVS is starting some of their Black Friday deals early - starting this Sunday!  I'm so happy because this year I'm running (OK, that's a joke... walking) a 5k Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, which was going to interfere with my Black Friday CVS shopping!

CVS has split up their deals in to two different ads.  These deals posted below are only good from 11/18-11/21. 

This is the way I plan on doing my transactions.  I'll spend $1.62 out of pocket, leave with $6.23 in Extra Care Bucks (ECB) and purchase over $30 in merchandise.

Transaction #1:

Command Hook Sample Pack - $0.99
Buy 1, Get $0.99 ECB (limit 1)
Use $0.50/1 Command Product, exp. 12/16/12 (SS 11/11/12)
Or use $1/1 Command Product Printable
Final Price: $1 Moneymaker! 

Starbucks Refreshers - $1.50
Buy 1, Get $1.50 ECB (limit 1)
Use $1/1 Starbucks Refreshers Printable
Final Price: $1 Moneymaker! 

Children's Advil 1oz - $2.37
a.       Buy 1, Get $2.37 ECB (limit 1)
Use $1.50/1 Advil coupon
Final Price: $1.50 moneymaker

= $1.36 (+tax) out of pocket, get back $4.86 in ECB

Transaction #2:

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese - $0.99
Buy 1, Get $0.99 ECB (limit 1)
Final Price: FREE

Scooby-Doo Fruit Snacks - $2.00
Buy 1, Get $2 ECB (limit 1)
Final Price: FREE 

Powerade - $1.00
Buy 1, Get $1 ECB (limit 1)
Final Price: FREE 

Thin Mints or Nips - $0.88
Buy 1, Get $0.88 ECB (limit 1)
Final Price: FREE 
Use $4.86 in ECB from Transaction #1
= $0.01 (+tax) out of pocket, get back $4.87in ECB

Transaction #3:

Hot Wheels - $1.00
Buy 1, Get $1 ECB (limit 1)
Final Price: FREE 

Advil 10ct - $2.99
Buy 1, Get $2.99 ECB (limit 1)
Final Price: FREE 

Use $0.99 ECB from Kraft, $2 ECB from fruit snacks & $1 ECB from Powerade from Transaction #2 (I'm not using the $0.88 ECB from the Thin Mints right now)
= $0 OOP, get back $3.99 in ECB

Transaction #4: 

ThermaCare Lower Back & Hip Heat Wrap 1ct - $1.99
Buy 1, Get $1.99 ECB (limit 1)
Final Price: FREE 

Cepacol Sensations 4ct - $1.00
Buy 1, Get $1 ECB (limit 1)
Final Price: FREE 

Charmin Basic Toilet Tissue Single Roll - $0.99
Buy 1, Get $0.99 ECB (limit 1)
Final Price: FREE

Use $3.99 in ECB from Transaction #3
= $0 OOP, get back $3.98 in ECB (I'm still not using the $0.88 ECB from the Thin Mints)

Transaction #5:

Right Guard Total Defense 5 Deodorant - $2.99
Buy 1, Get $2 ECB (limit 2)
Use $2/2 Right Guard Total Defense 5 Deodorant, exp. 12/2/12 (RP 11/04/12 R)
Or use $2/2 Right Guard Total Defense5 Deodorant Printable
Or use $2/2 Right Guard Total Defense 5 Deodorant Printable
Final Price: 2 for FREE

Glade Plugins Scented Oil Warmer 1ct - $1.25
Buy 1, Get $1.25 ECB (limit 1)
Use $1/1 Glade Plugins Scented Oil Warmer or Starter Kit, exp. 11/24/12 (SS 10/14/12)
Or use $1/1 Glade Plugins Scented Oil Warmer, exp. 12/1/12 (SS 11/04/12)
Or use $1/1 GladePlugins Scented Oil Warmer Printable
Or use $1/1 GladePlugins Scented Oil Warmer Printable
Final Price: $1 Moneymaker 

Use $3.98 ECB from Transaction #4 (I'm still not using the $0.88 ECB from the Thin Mints)
= $0.25 (+tax), get back $5.25 in ECB

Transaction #6:

Select Carmex Lip Balm - $1.00
Buy 1, Get $1 ECB (limit 1)
Use $0.30/1 Carmex Lip Balm, exp. 12/31/12 (SS 10/21/12 R)
Final Price: $.30 Moneymaker!

Air Wick Scented Oil Warmer 1ct - $0.99
Buy 1, Get $0.99 ECB (limit 1)
Final Price: FREE 

Coke 1.25L - $0.99
Buy 1, Get $0.99 ECB (limit 1)
Final Price: FREE 

(2) Kleenex Slim Pack Facial Tissue 3pk or Sparkle Paper Towel Single Roll - $1.00 each
Buy 1, Get $1 ECB (limit 2)
Final Price: FREE 

Use $4 ECB from Right Guard from Transaction #5 and $0.88 ECB from Thin Mints from Transaction #2
= $0 out of pocket, get back $4.98 in ECB

I'll have the $4.98 ECB from Transaction #6 and the $1.25 Glade ECB from Transaction #5 for a total of $6.23 ECB left to use on the ad that starts on 11/22!

This is just what I'm doing.  There are other items free after ECB, which you can check out at My Frugal Adventures!  Any of the printable coupons listed above I just printed tonight, so they should all still have prints left.

I'll be at CVS when the doors open on Sunday to hopefully pull off my plan without a hitch!

I almost forgot to mention - if something you wanted wasn't in stock, CVS does rain checks and they never expire!

FREE 8x10 from Walgreens!

Through 11/24, Walgreens is offering a free 8x10 enlargement with the code FREE2THANK at check out!

Put this in a nice frame and you could have a holiday gift to check off your list!

Thanks, Hip 2 Save!

Cardstore.com - $0.29 Cards Today Only!

Cardstore is at it again!  Today only they are offering all of their holiday cards for $0.29, PLUS they will mail them for you - for free!  That's right, you won't even have to pay for the stamps! 

So many of my readers have already taken advantage of some of the great deals at Cardstore this season and have literally saved hundreds of dollars on their cards! 

This is probably their best promotion yet, so if you haven't bought your cards yet, today is the day to do it! 

Just click the picture above to get started!  Then at check out, enter code CCN1629.

FREE (or cheap) Sponge Bob or Dora Wrapping Paper

Coupons.com is currently offering a coupon for $1 off one roll of American Greetings Sponge Bob or Dora Christmas wrapping paper.  If you don't see the coupon, change your zip code to 77477.

Use this coupon at Dollar Tree to scoree FREE wrapping paper.  They have 20 ft rolls for just $1 and they now take coupons, so they will be FREE after coupon!  I just bought Princess and Toy Story wrapping paper there a few weeks ago and I can verify that I definitely saw Dora paper there. 

You should be able to print two copies of the coupon.

Need help changing your zip code on coupons.com?

1.  At the top, click on local coupons

2.  On the left hand side, towards the top (just under the coupons.com icon) you'll see a spot to put in your zip code

3.  Put in 77477

4.  Hit enter or hit the little orange arrow next to the zip code box

5.  Now your zip code is changed!

Come back here and click this link and it should bring you right to coupons.com with the wrapping paper coupon clipped for you.  Now all you have to do is print it!

If you don't have a Dollar Tree near you, or don't find this wrapping paper there, both Target and Walmart sell Sponge Bob and Dora Christmas wrapping paper for $3, so it would just be $2 after coupon!

Thanks, Hip 2 Save!

140 Return Address Labels for Under $4 Shipped!

On top of the 6 free items from VistaPrint that I told you about last night, they are also offering free return address labels - just pay shipping!

If you aren't ordering your holiday cards through Cardstore and having them send your cards for you, these would be great labels for your holiday cards.  I made some with little Santa's on them a few years ago and they are adorable!

Other ideas for the labels:
- A house-warming gift
- Labels on school supplies
- Labels on toys
- Gift tags (make them to say "Merry Christmas!  Love, Katie")

You don't just have to put your address on them, so get creative!

If you haven't yet ordered your Christmas cards through Cardstore, I really would encourage you to think about it.  They will send them out for you (and pay your postage!), so you don't need to worry about address labels! 

Thank you, My Litter!

Oriental Trading: Free Shipping - No Minimum Purchase!

Oriental Trading is offering FREE shipping through November 16 on every order, no minimum purchase!  Just enter WCE3688 at check out.

Take a good look around their site, you'll find crafts, scrapbooking supplies, holiday costumes (elf, santa, snowman), and much, much more!

Check out their sale section as well.  You may be able to find some nice scrapbooking supplies for a scrapbook-er on your holiday list.  Or some craft supplies for your children.

Take a look around!

Vistaprint: 6 Free Items - Just Pay Shipping

Vistaprint is offering 6 FREE products right now, you just pay shipping.  I just ordered all 6 of the FREE items and my shipping was $11.83.  So for $11.83, I got:

- 250 Business Cards (pictured above)

- 10 Holiday Cards

- Personalized Photo Calendar

- Personalized Mug

- Personalized Tote Bag

- Personalized T-Shirt

You can pick one or all of the free items, that's up to you.  Here are a few tips for you:

- For some reason whenever I picked a photo card, it charged me $2.75 for photo upload.  So I ended up just picking a card without a photo.

- The mug and tote bag have "vistaprint" printed on them in small printing, so that would be up to you if you want to use it as a gift.  I opted not to use the mug as a gift, but I am using the tote bag as a gift bag.

- I've seen on other blogs that their shipping was less.  Maybe it was the part of the country I'm in, I have no idea.  But I would venture to guess that your shipping wouldn't be any higher than mine.

- Always pick the slowest method of delivery, in my experience the products always come faster than advertised.

- I found the best way to order all 6 items was to click here, order your first item, put it in your cart, then come back to the blog and click here again to go back in, order the next item and so forth. 

If you don't have a need for business cards, one cute idea I've seen is to make "mommy cards" with your contact information to give to other moms to set up for play dates, etc. 

Don't forget to order through Ebates (I totally forgot!  Bummer!) to get 5% back.