Just in case any of you haven't discovered this yet, http://blackfriday.com/ is the go to website that compiles all Black Friday ads and deals. You no longer have to go out to get the newspaper to see the deals, like I did growing up! You can search by store or by product with details clear and easy to compare.
There have been a number of news stories lately about how some of the black Friday deals weren't the best deals of the year. I think that goes without saying. Of course, jewelry is going to be slightly cheaper in March when the holidays and Valentine's Day have passed, and of course winter coat prices will bottom out in June. However, if you're in the market for something personally or looking for a holiday gift, this is a great time to do it.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Friday, November 15, 2013
Free Thing Friday - CVS
Happy Friday, everyone! This morning I stopped by CVS and I was enticed by the big display near the Coupon Center.
Every good saver who lives near a CVS (or approximately 25 of them, in my case) knows about the merits of CVS Extra Care Rewards. It's a standard rewards program where you swipe your card at every purchase, and then quarterly you get a coupon on your receipt for money to spend at CVS based on how much you spent that quarter.
However, not everyone takes advantage of the new(ish) coupon centers. You scan your rewards card and it prints out customized (or sometimes not customized...) coupons for you to use that day. To me that's worth 60 seconds to see if it's something valuable. Even better, lately they've been enticing people to use the coupon center with an awesome coupon that everyone gets for a product for free or close to free. I've gotten a brand name 2-liter of soda for less than 50 cents, and today, the deal at this location was for Extra Strength Pain Relief Capsules (ie generic Tylenol) for free ($4.99 off the item which is $4.99). Totally worth a minute of my time.
Check out the coupon center on your next trip, or stop by a CVS when you're nearby. It's worth popping in to see if they have this (or another) free offer.
Every good saver who lives near a CVS (or approximately 25 of them, in my case) knows about the merits of CVS Extra Care Rewards. It's a standard rewards program where you swipe your card at every purchase, and then quarterly you get a coupon on your receipt for money to spend at CVS based on how much you spent that quarter.
However, not everyone takes advantage of the new(ish) coupon centers. You scan your rewards card and it prints out customized (or sometimes not customized...) coupons for you to use that day. To me that's worth 60 seconds to see if it's something valuable. Even better, lately they've been enticing people to use the coupon center with an awesome coupon that everyone gets for a product for free or close to free. I've gotten a brand name 2-liter of soda for less than 50 cents, and today, the deal at this location was for Extra Strength Pain Relief Capsules (ie generic Tylenol) for free ($4.99 off the item which is $4.99). Totally worth a minute of my time.
Check out the coupon center on your next trip, or stop by a CVS when you're nearby. It's worth popping in to see if they have this (or another) free offer.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Girls Weekend Trip
Where did October go? My apologies for falling off the blogging train (I have at least two readers, since that's how many friends mentioned to me that they missed my posts - thanks friends!). October was a great month, but a busy one with two travel weekends, a close friend's wedding, and a birthday celebration.
Through all of these trips and events, I didn't deprive myself, but I made deliberate decisions to make sure my finances didn't take a huge hit. The point of this blog is to explain how I'm able to live comfortably and happily within my means on a not huge salary and how everyone can do the same.
My best friend from growing up is super woman. She works full time, is an amazing mom to three, keeps her house spotless, and managed to get in great shape on top of all of this. Needless to say, there's some stress that comes with that schedule. Both of us were feeling this summer like we could really use a mini life break, and we live across the country from each other now and don't get to see each other as much as we would like, so we booked a weekend trip to Columbus, Ohio on somewhat of a whim.
Since we've both gotten into running these past few years (hilarious because we were the ones in gym class who thought running the mile was cruel and unusual punishment), and decided to do the Run Like a Girl 10k in Columbus. Other than that, we pretty much had no plans.
We had such a great weekend, and it was exactly what we needed. We stayed up late Friday night after getting in just talking sleepover style instead of forcing ourselves to go to sleep like responsible adults. Saturday we ran the race (and my friend had a 10k PR!), did a little shopping, and then ended up hanging out in the hotel room eating pizza (we discovered Donatos, which was amazing) and having a few drinks. It was seriously one of the best weekends ever.
How did we keep this trip reasonable from a cost perspective?
1. Used hotel points for the room
Tip - register for the rewards program any time you stay in a hotel or fly on an airplane. They add up. Consider getting a credit or debit card that gives you hotel points or miles (my credit card is linked to my favorite hotel chain).
2. Saved a little with a promo code for a discount on the race registration fee.
Tip - when there is a promo code box, take a minute to search for a code. Usually, it pays off, and it feels like such a win when it does.
3. Remembered what was important to us. Our goal was just to spend time together, just us, relaxing so that was the focus. The first night when we got in, we ate at Wendy's, and basically closed out the place. That was all that was right by our hotel, but we enjoyed the experience as much as if we would have found a real restaurant (no offense, Wendy's - we love you!). We took time to see Columbus, and listened to friend recommendations and hit up Jeni's for ice cream on our last day - totally worth the trip, and totally had ice cream for lunch:)
Tip - just because you're traveling doesn't have to mean going out to expensive meals all of the time. Make a big expense deliberate, even when you're traveling.
4. Always had deals handy. We ended up having lunch at TGI Fridays for lunch on Saturday, and I realized I had credit through their Give me More Stripes Rewards Program which I joined in college, and rarely use. We saved $8 on our lunch!
Tip - when possible keep your deals loaded through apps on your phone so they're always available.
5. Timing is everything. We considered going to the casino there on Saturday night, but because a round trip cab was going to be very pricey we decided to just stop by to see it on Sunday, when we could drive ourselves because we wouldn't be drinking at the casino.
Tip - keep in mind that you can adjust your schedule to do everything you want, and a few adjustments can mean big savings.
The icing on the cake? When I checked in at the airport for my return flight, it was overbooked. I immediately went to the gate agent once I got through security to see if they needed volunteers and what the new itinerary would be, and I was routed on different flights, getting me in earlier than my original flight schedule, and a $150 flight voucher richer:) It's always worth asking what the option for volunteers is when a flight is overbooked. I did get especially lucky on that one though.
Through all of these trips and events, I didn't deprive myself, but I made deliberate decisions to make sure my finances didn't take a huge hit. The point of this blog is to explain how I'm able to live comfortably and happily within my means on a not huge salary and how everyone can do the same.
My best friend from growing up is super woman. She works full time, is an amazing mom to three, keeps her house spotless, and managed to get in great shape on top of all of this. Needless to say, there's some stress that comes with that schedule. Both of us were feeling this summer like we could really use a mini life break, and we live across the country from each other now and don't get to see each other as much as we would like, so we booked a weekend trip to Columbus, Ohio on somewhat of a whim.
Since we've both gotten into running these past few years (hilarious because we were the ones in gym class who thought running the mile was cruel and unusual punishment), and decided to do the Run Like a Girl 10k in Columbus. Other than that, we pretty much had no plans.
We had such a great weekend, and it was exactly what we needed. We stayed up late Friday night after getting in just talking sleepover style instead of forcing ourselves to go to sleep like responsible adults. Saturday we ran the race (and my friend had a 10k PR!), did a little shopping, and then ended up hanging out in the hotel room eating pizza (we discovered Donatos, which was amazing) and having a few drinks. It was seriously one of the best weekends ever.
 |
| Run Like a Girl 10k - Great, well run new race with a sparkly medal and other great giveaways. |
How did we keep this trip reasonable from a cost perspective?
1. Used hotel points for the room
Tip - register for the rewards program any time you stay in a hotel or fly on an airplane. They add up. Consider getting a credit or debit card that gives you hotel points or miles (my credit card is linked to my favorite hotel chain).
2. Saved a little with a promo code for a discount on the race registration fee.
Tip - when there is a promo code box, take a minute to search for a code. Usually, it pays off, and it feels like such a win when it does.
3. Remembered what was important to us. Our goal was just to spend time together, just us, relaxing so that was the focus. The first night when we got in, we ate at Wendy's, and basically closed out the place. That was all that was right by our hotel, but we enjoyed the experience as much as if we would have found a real restaurant (no offense, Wendy's - we love you!). We took time to see Columbus, and listened to friend recommendations and hit up Jeni's for ice cream on our last day - totally worth the trip, and totally had ice cream for lunch:)
Tip - just because you're traveling doesn't have to mean going out to expensive meals all of the time. Make a big expense deliberate, even when you're traveling.
4. Always had deals handy. We ended up having lunch at TGI Fridays for lunch on Saturday, and I realized I had credit through their Give me More Stripes Rewards Program which I joined in college, and rarely use. We saved $8 on our lunch!
Tip - when possible keep your deals loaded through apps on your phone so they're always available.
5. Timing is everything. We considered going to the casino there on Saturday night, but because a round trip cab was going to be very pricey we decided to just stop by to see it on Sunday, when we could drive ourselves because we wouldn't be drinking at the casino.
Tip - keep in mind that you can adjust your schedule to do everything you want, and a few adjustments can mean big savings.
The icing on the cake? When I checked in at the airport for my return flight, it was overbooked. I immediately went to the gate agent once I got through security to see if they needed volunteers and what the new itinerary would be, and I was routed on different flights, getting me in earlier than my original flight schedule, and a $150 flight voucher richer:) It's always worth asking what the option for volunteers is when a flight is overbooked. I did get especially lucky on that one though.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Not "Just For The Taste of It"
The theme of this post is basically that doing little things can result in big savings. I love points. Hotel points, airline miles, give me an opportunity to earn them and I'm there and tracking. This has resulted in rarely paying for hotel rooms and often avoiding high air fares by using miles. Those should really be two other posts, but this one is about a less utilized source of points by most people. Coke Points. My coke rewards, if we're being formal.
To encourage loyalty, all Coke products have a code in the cap (for bottles) or on the cardboard (for packs of cans). I got into saving and tracking these in college with my then roommate (who is an amazing deal finder and saver) and still close friend. In the rewards catalog at that time, there was this red ball gown we joked about saving for.
While the dress sadly disappeared from the catalog, never to be worn by either of us, we have both gotten a number of great things we would have paid for otherwise. I've gotten numerous magazine subscriptions - I used to order Oprah's O magazine every year for my mom, and I currently have Real Simple. I have gotten a $10 livenation.com voucher which I applied towards concert tickets I was already buying. I have gotten Nike giftcards and free movie tickets. All just for the limited amount of time it takes to enter those codes.
A lot of people don't think entering codes for things is worth it. I completely understand that time is valuable. However, all it takes is a few minutes (often while watching tv) to enter in the pile of codes that have accumulated. In return I've saved money by getting things for free I would have paid for otherwise. I encourage you to visit mycokerewards.com and give it a try.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Website Wednesday - Retail Me Not
I don't know about you, but my one of my pet peeves is making a purchase online and seeing a promo code or coupon code box and having nothing to input into it, knowing that I'm missing out on a saving opportunity.
Typically in this event, I'll google "Company X promo code" and see what I can get. One great consolidated resource is Retail Me Not. This site is the most comprehensive list I've found of current promo codes for a variety of retailers. You can search by store or just view the top deals of the day (currently 15% off at Kate Spade, 20% off at Old Navy, and 20% off at Bed, Bath, & Beyond just to name a few) or enter the retailer you're looking for in the search field. They have a list of deal options from a number of stores including the overall success rate by users.
There is a separate section for all free shipping deals, printable in store coupons, and printable grocery coupons that can be searched by category.
Next time you stumble across a promo code box, and have nothing to enter, give Retail Me Not a quick visit and see if you can get in on whatever deal opportunities are out there.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Pottery Barn Deal- 15% Off
Investing in quality pieces can actually save money in the long run. Pottery Barn is a great place to do just that. They currently have a special where you can get 15% off everything online from now through Thursday, September 19 , including sale items, with Promo Code 4WPF-66QV-X8NT.
Here are a few of my dream items:
Here are a few of my dream items:
PEARCE UPHOLSTERED LEFT-ARM 2-PIECE SECTIONAL WITH CHAISE, DOWN-BLEND WRAP CUSHIONS, EVERYDAYSUEDE™ in NUTMEG
A good couch can really make a living room. I miss my old roommate's sectional, and this one is one is classic and comfortable.
GABRIELLA TIERED PLATTER STAND
This would be great for entertaining.
REED RUG IN STONE
I like how has both a modern and a classic look at the same time.
I'll likely hold off on purchases this time, but it's still fun to look and get ideas. If you've had your eye on something and planned for it in your budget, this is the time to go for it with the extra 15% off.
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