Thread for frugalistas - Tips for saving money - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

RachelandSadie · 10-09-2009, 08:04 AM

we use coupons sometimes, but mostly just shop sale items and stock up when the gettins good.

auraal88 · 10-09-2009, 11:01 AM

if you do any online shopping you can use retailmenot.com to find coupon codes for discounts or free shipping. i use it all the time especially for victoria secret and other stores.

SladesMommy · 10-09-2009, 03:30 PM

I forgot to say that we buy coupon's online as well. On the coupon forum sometime I can see the ad for the nexts weeks sell. If I see something thats on good sale and I know I can get it for super cheap (or FREE) I'll order 10 or 20 coupons off eBay. Like this week BiLo has their Hartz Crunch and Clean treats on sale Buy one get one free making them $1.99 a box. There is a coupon for $2 off so I ordered 20 of the coupon. So after coupon they are FREE!! My dogs aren't really a big fan of crunchy treats so I'll probably only keep a couple boxes and donate the rest.

I got 20 bars of soap for FREE (hehe, I LOVE free!) at Walmart this week. I'll save about 10 since that will be enough to last me for awhile, then donate the rest. If its something that I know I will be able to get Free after coupon, I'll always get extra coupons so I can buy enough to donate. Coupons usually run about $2 for 20 unless its a really great coupon.

The only thing I pay full retail price on is meat and produce since I don't have a freezer to stock up on it.

I try to stock up on gifts when I find stuff on clearance I know my family will like .

My Walmart clearanced out the toys they are no longer going to carry today, so I got my nephew a neat shaded pool for $3.50 today (originally $20) and a toy piano for $10 (originally 50!). I've only got a couple more things to get and I'll be done Christmas shopping.

emilyann · 10-09-2009, 06:34 PM

My mom and I used to do the whole Grocery Game thing which is what you're describing. It was so much fun and saved so much money! Omg, I remember some shopping trips we would go to Walgreens with our binders loaded with coupons and our sale ads and come out with $70 worth of stuff that we spent $10 - $20 on.

I got lots of makeup items (haven't had to buy mascara in a longgg time), razors (also haven't had to buy yet) and lots of other goodies. We always got good deals on medicine too. It was awesome! The Grocery Game was well worth the money too, they did all the work for you so all you had to do was cut your coupons and organize them and go!

TXGirl · 10-10-2009, 06:28 AM

OK, I saw the recipe for making laundry detergent, so I'm going to share my recipe for fabric softener. It is extremely easy:

Ingredients:
1. Two cups of baking soda
2. Two cups of vinegar
3. 20 drops of essential oil (fragrance of your choice - I like lime or lavendar)

Pour baking soda into large shakeable container, then add vinegar (very slowly as it will creat a volcano effect), then add your essential oil. Put lid on and shake well. Note: You will need to shake the mixture before every load to remix the ingredients.

This not only saves money, but is so much healthier for you and your family. (Traditional fabric softener/sheets contain very toxic chemicals).

Great thread!

livingdustmops · 10-10-2009, 09:06 AM

By Ken and Daria Dolan, Dolans.com

Jamie Koslow, AOLMembership in warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club has doubled over the last six years. No wonder we can never find a parking space!

Most new members join a warehouse club in order to save money. After all, prices on many of the items are pretty hard to beat. Warehouse clubs generally operate on much tighter margins than other "discount" stores and supermarkets, enabling them to offer much lower prices.
But that doesn’t mean everything’s a bargain. While you can find many great deals at warehouse clubs, you can’t assume that every price is lower than you could get elsewhere.
Below, personal finance experts Ken and Daria Dolan of Dolans.com warn you about some warehouse buys that might not be such bargains.
---------------------
We love shopping at our local warehouse club. We recently told you about some of the top warehouse club bargains. Some of our favorite items to buy include wine, olive oil, meat and vitamins.
But we've also made some purchases we later realized weren't such a good deal. You cannot let your guard down when it comes to being a diligent shopper!
Before we get into details on some items you might be better off buying elsewhere, remember two warehouse shopping basics: Always compare prices before you buy, and make a list just like you do for the grocery store and stick to it. And steer clear of impulse buys!
Here are some of the items you should think twice about buying the next time you visit the warehouse club:
Gasoline
When gas prices are falling, warehouse clubs offer some great prices. But when gasoline prices are on the rise, your warehouse club can quickly become a bad deal.
That's because warehouse clubs are among the first to reflect the increase in gas prices since the sheer volume of gas they sell requires them to replenish their supply more often than other gas stations. That rapid turnover means the more expensive gas gets pumped into the system very quickly.
Compare the price at your local service station before you buy at a club.
Fresh Produce
We have a few words of caution when it comes to buying fresh produce at your warehouse club.
First, if a fruit or vegetable is in season, you will likely find the same or better prices at your grocery store depending on that week’s sales. If you are lucky enough to have a farmer’s market, you can usually beat the warehouse club price on in-season produce.
Second, since produce is perishable and is sold in bulk, be sure you can actually eat all of what you buy before it goes bad.
Paper Goods
We compared the price per unit price on toilet paper and paper towels at our warehouse store and our local "big box" store (Target, Walmart, etc.). In both cases, the price at our regular retail store was the same as the warehouse price. And we didn't have to figure out where to store 48 rolls of toilet paper!
You can often find better bargains at your regular grocery or retail store on paper plates, paper towels, toilet paper and napkins -- especially if you have a coupon.
Jewelry
Be very cautious when buying jewelry at your warehouse club.
Even though some warehouse clubs will provide you with an appraisal showing that the jewelry is worth more than the "discounted" price you paid, many jewelry experts question those appraisals. As with any piece of jewelry you buy, be sure to get the quality of the item evaluated -- not all diamonds or gems are created equally -- and be sure to shop around.
Beware of "Gray Market" Products
Gray-market products include merchandise that was designated by the manufacturer for distribution in another country, but ends up being sold in the United States. Warehouse club stores often buy gray-market products, either because the goods are priced cheaply or because the manufacturer will not sell directly to the warehouse club.
Unfortunately, the warranties that come with gray products (some watches, for example) don't have to be honored in the U.S. Be sure to carefully check the warranty details on any product and the store's return policy on the item before you buy.
Products That Offer Coupons
Smart coupon shoppers save hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year.
Too bad most warehouse clubs don't accept any coupons except their own. If you are a diligent coupon clipper (or coupon "printer" these day with so many people finding coupons online), you may be able to beat warehouse prices by using those coupons at your grocery store.
This can be especially true on diapers, cereal and paper goods.
Designer Clothes
Don’t get too excited if you find brand name clothing at discount prices at your warehouse club. Most designers generate warehouse-only lines that may not be same quality.
Warehouse Store Credit Cards
Just because the warehouse club offers plenty of savings, doesn’t necessarily mean that the warehouse credit card does.
The interest rate on the cards we have seen is significantly higher than the average interest rate being offered elsewhere.
Big vs. Many
Just because an item is three times the size of the one you'd find in the supermarket, doesn't necessarily mean it's a bargain at the warehouse. In fact, many times that massive one gallon container of ketchup costs more than the shrink-wrapped bundle of six smaller ketchup bottles.
Not only can the multi-packs be the real bargain, they can also be much more convenient. Those smaller containers can be much easier to use, to store and to finish before they go bad.
In Conclusion
So keep finding great deals at warehouse clubs, just be sure you don't erase your savings by overspending on items you could buy cheaper elsewhere. Let us show you simple ways to save money at the supermarket and our top money saving web sites.
2009-10-06 13:02:35

urbnalbino · 10-10-2009, 07:08 PM

Wow!

Thank you for sharing that!! What useful information.

I have something I NEED to share with everyone.

I went to the Coach Outlet store in Sevierville, TN ... got THREE purses @ 75% off ... equaling $156! OMG OMG OMG OMG. I almost fainted.

Just thought I would share.

sugarmamma · 10-11-2009, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urbnalbino

Wow!

Thank you for sharing that!! What useful information.

I have something I NEED to share with everyone.

I went to the Coach Outlet store in Sevierville, TN ... got THREE purses @ 75% off ... equaling $156! OMG OMG OMG OMG. I almost fainted.

Just thought I would share.

What a steal

We have a coach outlet in Ellenton (1/2 mile from where I USED to live

) I need to go back...... Feel up to finding and shipping me one for my daughter's B-day?

FlDebra · 10-11-2009, 08:16 AM

That should Read -- Yard Sale Diva!

Take a Saturday morning and hit a few of the nicer subdivision Yard Sales! I went last weekend and found some amazing bargains -- and I only went to one subdivision -- sales were everywhere. I bought 3 like new kitchen bar stools for $30 (they were really nice ones that cost over $100 each!), a like new pet waterer and feeder -- 50 cents each (they said they had used them one weekend when they had to leave their cat) and a set of ProActiv, all still sealed for $5, and almost forgot ... several stuffed animals for my crew to tear apart -- at 25 cents each not so bad when they gut them on the first day!

urbnalbino · 10-11-2009, 03:51 PM

[QUOTE=FlDebra;2834366]That should Read -- Yard Sale Diva!

Oh man! I love good yard sale deals! Unfortunately, the good sales end about the beginning of August around where I live. End of august is way too hot and september and october is when it starts to get cooler. Best bet is to find Craigslist deals when the weather starts changing.

Yorkiekids · 10-12-2009, 03:37 PM

We're working on saving on our electricty bill. We make sure if we see something on that isn't needed that we turn it off. Saved $40 last month.

FlDebra · 10-12-2009, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkiekids

We're working on saving on our electricty bill. We make sure if we see something on that isn't needed that we turn it off. Saved $40 last month.

Great job! That is what we need to do! This is the only thing I do not like about having a big house -- just costs too much to cool. But thankfully the winter months are coming and the bills will go way down. Hopefully!

urbnalbino · 10-13-2009, 03:15 AM

My husband and I are going to buy a washer and dryer set today! HH Gregg has the Whirlpool Duet front loader washer AND dryer on sale .... for $888! Just the washer is normally about $800, so its like the set is BOGO. It was a really terrific deal and one to not pass up.

They are ultra efficient on water too, so we like that. And, I'll get to use the laundry soap recipe listed above!

dtrahan511 · 10-27-2009, 08:14 AM

I do a lot of shopping online, and never place an order without first looking for a discount coupon code online!!! Saves lots of $$$$$$$!

10-09-2009, 11:01 AM	#17
auraal88 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 31	if you do any online shopping you can use retailmenot.com to find coupon codes for discounts or free shipping. i use it all the time especially for victoria secret and other stores. __________________ Autumn & Bella "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."

10-09-2009, 06:34 PM	#19
emilyann Lovin' My LilBug! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 2,513	My mom and I used to do the whole Grocery Game thing which is what you're describing. It was so much fun and saved so much money! Omg, I remember some shopping trips we would go to Walgreens with our binders loaded with coupons and our sale ads and come out with $70 worth of stuff that we spent $10 - $20 on. I got lots of makeup items (haven't had to buy mascara in a longgg time), razors (also haven't had to buy yet) and lots of other goodies. We always got good deals on medicine too. It was awesome! The Grocery Game was well worth the money too, they did all the work for you so all you had to do was cut your coupons and organize them and go! __________________ love my lillybug! rags and ribbons!

10-10-2009, 06:28 AM	#20
TXGirl Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: McKinney, TX Posts: 166	Fabric Softener Recipe OK, I saw the recipe for making laundry detergent, so I'm going to share my recipe for fabric softener. It is extremely easy: Ingredients: 1. Two cups of baking soda 2. Two cups of vinegar 3. 20 drops of essential oil (fragrance of your choice - I like lime or lavendar) Pour baking soda into large shakeable container, then add vinegar (very slowly as it will creat a volcano effect), then add your essential oil. Put lid on and shake well. Note: You will need to shake the mixture before every load to remix the ingredients. This not only saves money, but is so much healthier for you and your family. (Traditional fabric softener/sheets contain very toxic chemicals). Great thread! __________________ Phyllis ( Gracie's and Toby's Mommie)

10-10-2009, 09:06 AM	#21
livingdustmops Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,728	Worst Warehouse Club Buys By Ken and Daria Dolan, Dolans.com Jamie Koslow, AOLMembership in warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club has doubled over the last six years. No wonder we can never find a parking space! Most new members join a warehouse club in order to save money. After all, prices on many of the items are pretty hard to beat. Warehouse clubs generally operate on much tighter margins than other "discount" stores and supermarkets, enabling them to offer much lower prices. But that doesn’t mean everything’s a bargain. While you can find many great deals at warehouse clubs, you can’t assume that every price is lower than you could get elsewhere. Below, personal finance experts Ken and Daria Dolan of Dolans.com warn you about some warehouse buys that might not be such bargains. --------------------- We love shopping at our local warehouse club. We recently told you about some of the top warehouse club bargains. Some of our favorite items to buy include wine, olive oil, meat and vitamins. But we've also made some purchases we later realized weren't such a good deal. You cannot let your guard down when it comes to being a diligent shopper! Before we get into details on some items you might be better off buying elsewhere, remember two warehouse shopping basics: Always compare prices before you buy, and make a list just like you do for the grocery store and stick to it. And steer clear of impulse buys! Here are some of the items you should think twice about buying the next time you visit the warehouse club: Gasoline When gas prices are falling, warehouse clubs offer some great prices. But when gasoline prices are on the rise, your warehouse club can quickly become a bad deal. That's because warehouse clubs are among the first to reflect the increase in gas prices since the sheer volume of gas they sell requires them to replenish their supply more often than other gas stations. That rapid turnover means the more expensive gas gets pumped into the system very quickly. Compare the price at your local service station before you buy at a club. Fresh Produce We have a few words of caution when it comes to buying fresh produce at your warehouse club. First, if a fruit or vegetable is in season, you will likely find the same or better prices at your grocery store depending on that week’s sales. If you are lucky enough to have a farmer’s market, you can usually beat the warehouse club price on in-season produce. Second, since produce is perishable and is sold in bulk, be sure you can actually eat all of what you buy before it goes bad. Paper Goods We compared the price per unit price on toilet paper and paper towels at our warehouse store and our local "big box" store (Target, Walmart, etc.). In both cases, the price at our regular retail store was the same as the warehouse price. And we didn't have to figure out where to store 48 rolls of toilet paper! You can often find better bargains at your regular grocery or retail store on paper plates, paper towels, toilet paper and napkins -- especially if you have a coupon. Jewelry Be very cautious when buying jewelry at your warehouse club. Even though some warehouse clubs will provide you with an appraisal showing that the jewelry is worth more than the "discounted" price you paid, many jewelry experts question those appraisals. As with any piece of jewelry you buy, be sure to get the quality of the item evaluated -- not all diamonds or gems are created equally -- and be sure to shop around. Beware of "Gray Market" Products Gray-market products include merchandise that was designated by the manufacturer for distribution in another country, but ends up being sold in the United States. Warehouse club stores often buy gray-market products, either because the goods are priced cheaply or because the manufacturer will not sell directly to the warehouse club. Unfortunately, the warranties that come with gray products (some watches, for example) don't have to be honored in the U.S. Be sure to carefully check the warranty details on any product and the store's return policy on the item before you buy. Products That Offer Coupons Smart coupon shoppers save hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year. Too bad most warehouse clubs don't accept any coupons except their own. If you are a diligent coupon clipper (or coupon "printer" these day with so many people finding coupons online), you may be able to beat warehouse prices by using those coupons at your grocery store. This can be especially true on diapers, cereal and paper goods. Designer Clothes Don’t get too excited if you find brand name clothing at discount prices at your warehouse club. Most designers generate warehouse-only lines that may not be same quality. Warehouse Store Credit Cards Just because the warehouse club offers plenty of savings, doesn’t necessarily mean that the warehouse credit card does. The interest rate on the cards we have seen is significantly higher than the average interest rate being offered elsewhere. Big vs. Many Just because an item is three times the size of the one you'd find in the supermarket, doesn't necessarily mean it's a bargain at the warehouse. In fact, many times that massive one gallon container of ketchup costs more than the shrink-wrapped bundle of six smaller ketchup bottles. Not only can the multi-packs be the real bargain, they can also be much more convenient. Those smaller containers can be much easier to use, to store and to finish before they go bad. In Conclusion So keep finding great deals at warehouse clubs, just be sure you don't erase your savings by overspending on items you could buy cheaper elsewhere. Let us show you simple ways to save money at the supermarket and our top money saving web sites. 2009-10-06 13:02:35 __________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products!

10-10-2009, 07:08 PM	#22
urbnalbino Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 498	Wow! Thank you for sharing that!! What useful information. I have something I NEED to share with everyone. I went to the Coach Outlet store in Sevierville, TN ... got THREE purses @ 75% off ... equaling $156! OMG OMG OMG OMG. I almost fainted. Just thought I would share. __________________ Glory (Yorkie) India (Biewer) and Callie (Yorkie)

10-09-2009, 08:04 AM	#16
RachelandSadie No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 5,748	we use coupons sometimes, but mostly just shop sale items and stock up when the gettins good.

10-09-2009, 03:30 PM	#18
SladesMommy Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ATX Posts: 4,513	I forgot to say that we buy coupon's online as well. On the coupon forum sometime I can see the ad for the nexts weeks sell. If I see something thats on good sale and I know I can get it for super cheap (or FREE) I'll order 10 or 20 coupons off eBay. Like this week BiLo has their Hartz Crunch and Clean treats on sale Buy one get one free making them $1.99 a box. There is a coupon for $2 off so I ordered 20 of the coupon. So after coupon they are FREE!! My dogs aren't really a big fan of crunchy treats so I'll probably only keep a couple boxes and donate the rest. I got 20 bars of soap for FREE (hehe, I LOVE free!) at Walmart this week. I'll save about 10 since that will be enough to last me for awhile, then donate the rest. If its something that I know I will be able to get Free after coupon, I'll always get extra coupons so I can buy enough to donate. Coupons usually run about $2 for 20 unless its a really great coupon. The only thing I pay full retail price on is meat and produce since I don't have a freezer to stock up on it. I try to stock up on gifts when I find stuff on clearance I know my family will like . My Walmart clearanced out the toys they are no longer going to carry today, so I got my nephew a neat shaded pool for $3.50 today (originally $20) and a toy piano for $10 (originally 50!). I've only got a couple more things to get and I'll be done Christmas shopping.

10-11-2009, 08:16 AM	#24
FlDebra Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: FL Posts: 7,651	Become a Yrd Sale Diva! That should Read -- Yard Sale Diva! Take a Saturday morning and hit a few of the nicer subdivision Yard Sales! I went last weekend and found some amazing bargains -- and I only went to one subdivision -- sales were everywhere. I bought 3 like new kitchen bar stools for $30 (they were really nice ones that cost over $100 each!), a like new pet waterer and feeder -- 50 cents each (they said they had used them one weekend when they had to leave their cat) and a set of ProActiv, all still sealed for $5, and almost forgot ... several stuffed animals for my crew to tear apart -- at 25 cents each not so bad when they gut them on the first day! __________________ FlDebra and her ABCs Annie, Ben, Candy Promoting Healthy Breeding to the AKC Yorkshire Terrier Standard

10-11-2009, 03:51 PM	#25
urbnalbino Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 498	[QUOTE=FlDebra;2834366]That should Read -- Yard Sale Diva! Oh man! I love good yard sale deals! Unfortunately, the good sales end about the beginning of August around where I live. End of august is way too hot and september and october is when it starts to get cooler. Best bet is to find Craigslist deals when the weather starts changing. __________________ Glory (Yorkie) India (Biewer) and Callie (Yorkie)

10-12-2009, 03:37 PM	#26
Yorkiekids Piper & Sebastian Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: florida Posts: 14,495	We're working on saving on our electricty bill. We make sure if we see something on that isn't needed that we turn it off. Saved $40 last month. __________________ Susan, Piper ,Harley & Suiki

10-13-2009, 03:15 AM	#28
urbnalbino Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 498	My husband and I are going to buy a washer and dryer set today! HH Gregg has the Whirlpool Duet front loader washer AND dryer on sale .... for $888! Just the washer is normally about $800, so its like the set is BOGO. It was a really terrific deal and one to not pass up. They are ultra efficient on water too, so we like that. And, I'll get to use the laundry soap recipe listed above! __________________ Glory (Yorkie) India (Biewer) and Callie (Yorkie)

10-27-2009, 08:14 AM	#29
dtrahan511 ♥ Spoiling Sophie ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New Iberia, LA, USA Posts: 1,340	I do a lot of shopping online, and never place an order without first looking for a discount coupon code online!!! Saves lots of $$$$$$$!