Friday, June 29, 2012

Lessons from Kids


True story.  I made a chore chart for my kids.  I thought I’d teach them responsibility this summer.  Each chore has a corresponding reward for a job well done.  $2 or $3 for tougher jobs.  My 7 year old thought this was wonderful for the first few weeks of summer.  She’d earn enough money to buy a small toy she had been eyeballing each Friday on pay day.  This past week, she said, “I’m not going to be doing all these jobs anymore, “  I was surprised to hear this.  She went on, “I’ve decided I’ll do a few, then just get a coupon off the internet so I don’t have to work so hard.”  


I have taught my children a lesson!  Why pay $10 for a toy if you can use a coupon and only pay $5?  Especially if couponing is that easy?  This seems like a good topic to discuss at our club meetings this week too.  Many coupon users will clip from the newspaper, and shop the sales, but do not see the big coupon picture.  There are thousands of coupons at your finger tips.  You can save more of your money, and get the things you want buy finding the right coupons and using them every time.  


Follow these steps:
1. Identify what you want to buy.  What is the one thing you’ve been wanting, but have been reluctant to purchase?  Search for that coupon specifically online.
2. Search for a free coupon off printable sites.  Use the Coupon Database to find it faster.  If there is no lisitng, check the company website.  The coupons may be “off” for that brand at this particular time, and maybe coming up again soon. Send them an email to ask.
3. Join their home mailer program to get the coupon by mail.  Just a simple sign up form is usually available online.  If not, send a nice email requesting a mailed coupon. 
4. Utilize coupon services.  The clippers will get you what you need.  If you’re buying coupons, take a look at the items you need long term.  Like trash bags, or peanut butter.  Stock up when you know you’ll save money.
5. Now take a look at the things you regularly buy, and pay full price to get.  Yes, even the best coupon users have something they love and do not have a coupon to get.  Request one!  Look for a rebate that would include this item, or ask your club members if they have any tips on buying that item.
6. Always look for long term food deals.  Items with a longer shelf life can fill in a meal in a pinch.  Canned fruit, frozen rolls, or even boxed side dishes can help you to feed the family for less.
7. Finally, forget the groceries!  Take a look at all the things you plan to buy.  Can you get a coupon to help with that purchase?  A new garden sprinkler, tennis shoes, or a toy?  All money saved helps.  Think outside the grocery store this week and apply a child’s logic to your shopping. 


For additions Print N Save Coupons:
Print N Save Section of this Blog
County Market
CouponNetwork.com
Coupons.com
Coupon Clipping Services:

Lynn’s Coupons and Refunding Service Put COUNTY MARKET FREE SHIPPING in check out for free shipping on your first order. This offer must be for a purchase greater than $5, and can not be combined with any other offer. She provides newspaper, non newspaper, coupons and rebate forms.
Kuntry Klippers This service specializes in newspaper coupons. Their fees vary but are between 10% and 15% of face value. They also run specials on products. They ship a bit slower, allow for 3-4 days in Illinois. All coupons are sold in sets of 20 like coupons. County Market shoppers also get Free Shipping with “First Time County Market” in check out box.

Coupons by Dede This site sells full inserts, and clipped coupons. All of these coupons are newspaper coupons. The price is generally 15% of the face value of the coupon. You can buy 1 coupon, or 100 coupons. Shipping from this site is fairly fast. Very reliable service. She will run “Specials” on coupons when they get within 10 days of expiration.

The Coupon Clippers is the largest clipping service in the country. They provide newspaper, non newspaper, coupons and rebate forms. They have good service, and a large selection. Being the largest, the hottest coupons disappear fast. However, they do get LOTS of coupons.


The Coupon Master has a mix of newspaper and non newspaper coupons. They ship quickly. Their handling fees are 10%-12% of face value. Shipping is quick, usually arrives in 3 days. They do carry rebate forms on the site.

All internet coupon print limits are subjective. At the time of this email coupons were available for print. If the daily or weekly print limit has been reached, the coupon will be automatically pulled from the websites. You can try to print again tomorrow. All coupons listed are not available in our stores. We list them so you can order or find them to save you money. Check with clipping services, trade boards, or ebay to find coupons not in your store. It is our intent to help you find as many savings opportunities as possible. Enjoy!