June 2010
READY ... SET ... CLIP
There are many myths surrounding coupons. In today’s economic environment many consumers, who had not used coupons in the past, find themselves looking in the Sunday paper or online to find coupons for their shopping trips.
I’ve chosen a few myths to bust and give you the correct 411.
Myth: Collection and sorting coupons takes a lot of time.
Reality: Although reaping coupon rewards does require some effort, one survey showed that, per week, people who spend 10 minutes or less clipping and organizing save an average of $7 per shopping trip.
Tip: If you have older kids getting them to help clip the coupons could be fun for them and a time saver for you. If you don't have a helper, plan your routine to clip your coupons while enjoying your favorite cup of coffee or tea. Make this some well deserved "me" time.
Myth: Programs you download to print coupons contain spyware
Reality: The coupon printing programs used by most major websites, including Coupons.com, SmartSource.com and RedPlum.com, doesn't contain spyware, which can capture your keystrokes to find our your passwords. However, the program does limit how many coupons your can print (usually two) to avoid fraud.
Myth: If I join a company's email list, I'll be deluged with spam.
Reality: Not always, read the privacy policy when you sign up. Be wary of websites that say they share you data with "affiliates or partners". Most sites allow you to opt out, un-check the box at sign up. If you don’t have the opportunity to opt out, you may receive email from unfamiliar companies
Myth: Coupons are mostly for processed, packaged foods.
Reality: In 2008, convenience foods were only the fourth-biggest coupon category - more coupons were issued for medications and other remedies, cereal and household cleaners. If you avoid convenience foods, you can still save on ingredients such as eggs and cheese. And everyone needs paper, health and beauty products, for which coupons are plentiful.
Remember: When shopping at stores like Bed, Bath and Beyond or Dicks Sporting Goods you can check online for coupons as well.
Following are tips from 2 savvy coupon users:
Savvy Tip #1: "I write down names of manufacturers at the grocery store, look them up on the internet at home and contact them for coupons. Sometimes they send me free samples or a high value coupon.”
Savvy Tip #2: "I go through the grocery ads and make a list of things I want to buy. I see if I have any coupons for those items, then put a star by those products. I place whatever coupons I have left in my coupon organizer by category.”
Personally, I am blessed with a daughter who not only loves to clip coupons, but also reminds not forget to use them on the items she knows we need at the store!
It is true, a little bit of time can save you a lot of money!
To download a coupon for the NEW TENA Ultra Thins click here.
More Later ... Terri
Sources: Charles Brown, NCH Marketing Services and Mercedes Levy, commonsensewithmoney.com
_______________________________________________
March 2010
A Month of Luck
It’s March, and that means two things: spring cleaning and Saint Patrick’s Day! They say that everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day and I find that idea of unity so touching. Also, how can you not love a holiday where everyone wears green?
When I think about Saint Patrick’s Day I can’t help but think of that saying, “The luck of the Irish.” We all want to be lucky. We wish each other good luck whenever we set out to do something important, and for good measure most of us keep a lucky charm or two.
I have to say that I feel lucky; lucky for my family, my health, my friends and my job. Do you believe in luck or do you believe that we make our own luck?
I remember seeing a quote from the movie producer Samuel Goldwyn where he said, “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” I just love how that statement is both practical and whimsical at the same time! And what a truth it holds; because when you look back, you often see how you were responsible for whatever good luck came your way.
So put me down as someone who believes that we make our own luck. Still, I’m not saying that I wouldn’t welcome a bit of luck showing up the other way either. I’ll take my good luck however I can get it!
More Later … Terri
_______________________________________________
February 2010
Have an Olympic month!
I’m so excited as I write this blog entry … the Olympic Winter Games are almost here!
Like millions of people the world over, I’m a huge fan of the Olympics. My family and I simply can not get enough of it. We’re going to be spending some major time on the sofa at our house!
So why do I love the Olympics so much? Because it’s a time when people from all around the world can turn on their TVs and see people just like themselves experience real moments of personal victory.
As much as I enjoy the competitions, I equally enjoy the stories of the athletes and their triumphs. It’s easy to assume that every athlete we see has always been in perfect health and always been great at their chosen sport. But when you hear their personal stories you understand how they all had to work through significant emotional and physical challenges to get there. And what’s more inspiring than that?
The Olympics can’t get here soon enough for me! I’m looking forward to cheering on all of those spectacular athletes. I know that everybody won’t win a medal—but I also know that every last one of them deserves one.
Oh by the way ... YES, I am one of those people who stay up into the middle of the night to see the Curling event. Who knew it could be so exciting!
More Later…Terri