Grace Saved

End of week totals...

2013-11-15T11:00:00.001-05:00

With Black Friday so close, I've been a point earning fool.

Plink 26,705 points (equals $265 gift card)

Inbox Surveys $36.13 (Cash via Check)

Panda Surveys $51.07(Cash via Paypal)

Shopkicks 17,891 points (equals $60.00 gift card)

Swagbucks 453 points (equals $0 gift card)

Health Savings Account $174.35 ($10 paycheck contribution)

I've cashed in my Swagbucks for a gift for my husband. I've also cashed in my Locket cash since I met the minimum threshold of $10.00. I'm still working hard on all the rest, I won't cash them in until the day before Thanksgiving.

All I want for Christmas...

2013-11-14T12:50:00.000-05:00

My family and friends have been hounding me about Christmas gift ideas. My answer remains the same…Nothing! I’ve come to realize that there isn’t anything that I want or need. I don’t care about material things, the latest gadgets or fanciest phones (I’ve had mine for 4 years). I just want to enjoy the holiday and enjoy my family.

I want to curl up on the bed along with our cats on Christmas day and watch my favorite holiday movies. I want to watch my family open their gifts and see their smiles. Because they are stubborn just like myself, they’ve tried to go around me and ask my Husband. I’ve told him to give them the same answer or tell them something generic like a “pack of socks or a bottle of perfume”. They hate that answer, but it’s the truth.

When there is something I need or want, I usually go out and get it if the price is right. I don’t wait to trouble others for it. I refuse to let anyone spend more than $10 bucks on me, I feel like it’s just not right for others to spend their hard earned money. Believe me, I am gracious when someone gives me a gift, but I just want the intangible.

Black Friday Saving Strategies..

2013-11-12T12:48:00.000-05:00

Here we are, 17 days until the Biggest Shopping day of the year and I am ready. We have worked hard throughout the year to gain points from different rewards programs so that we would not have to spend much cash. I’m proud to say that with some hard work and determination, every gift we have purchased has been severely discounted or Free.

Earlier this year, I signed up for every store loyalty program I could think of. We also linked our debit cards to two verified rewards programs (only those we confirmed were legit and we were comfortable with). I’ve couponed my little heart out and we set our Christmas budget at $215.00 for 12 people. We made a layaway at Kmart and gained points and reduced our layaway total from $114.00 down to $66.00 after our items were marked for clearance.

As of today, we have spent $107.00 cash of our $215.00 budget and I am grateful to say we are completely done with our Christmas Shopping. The best part is that we have $108.00 remaining cash & $613.00 worth of gift cards. We are still going out shopping on Black Friday to see if we can score a new skillet and microwave with a budget of $35 dollars. I have been diligently reading all of the ads that are leaking out daily and comparing whom has the best deal. I am confident that we can find what we want and perhaps come in under budget.

We’ve also decided to leave our debit & credit card behind and just carry cash/gift cards so that we can avoid any ridiculous temptation to make a large purchase that we do not need. Also, we both signed up for Credit Karma (Free credit score, no gimmicks) so that we can keep track and ensure that no one is establishing any new lines of credit that we have not authorized in an attempt to steal our personal information. Unfortunately, it seems that scammers like to steal this type of information more as the holidays approach. Credit Karma has a handy app for Android and IOS devices. I also receive daily alerts of any changes so that I can remain on top of our credit profiles.

Because I do not want to carry around a bunch of coupons while I’m shopping, I’m relying heavily on my Smartphone and my favorite coupon app “Coupon Sherpa”. There are only two coupons that I must print and take along however Coupon Sherpa is doing most of the work for me.

Because we are serious shoppers, I know it sounds silly but we’ve decided that our wardrobe will be comfortable sneakers and sweat suits. We have to be quick on our feet, agile and have the ability to navigate without any restrictions.

We plan on shopping at Walmart, Kmart, CVS and Sprint. We may add a few more stores to the list, but this is our definite “must shop store” list.

End of week totals...

2013-11-01T12:30:00.000-04:00

Here we are, another Friday has arrived and it's time for end of week totals... Let's see how I fared with generating side income.

Plink 26,000 points (equals $260 gift card)

Inbox Surveys $35.79 (Cash via Check)

Panda Surveys $49.20(Cash via Paypal)

Shopkicks 17,825 points (equals $60.00 gift card)

Swagbucks 5,900 points (equals $55.00 gift card)

Health Savings Account $104.00 ($10 paycheck contribution)

We've been working hard on ramping up our Plink & Shopkick points. I have the week of Thanksgiving off for my vacation and the week of Christmas off, so I plan on using these points to do some serious shopping.

Fuel Rewards and beyond...

2013-10-31T11:30:00.000-04:00

Last year I signed up for a promotion from Shell Gas/Circle K stores. They handed me a card and I put it in my purse and forgot about it.

This year I started using Plink, the offline rewards program that earns gift cards for different merchants (i.e. dining, gas, clothes). Well, I just learned that I could link my Fuel Rewards Network card to my debit card since Plink now offers Circle K/Shell Gas as one of their featured companies. I was also able to link my Winn Dixie card and Kmart Shop your way rewards card.

Each time I make a purchase, I earn Plink Points, I earn fuel points and I earn cents off of my fuel purchase. When I use my “FRN” card, I’m making money and saving money at the same time. My husband and I each have our own card tailored to our own debit cards so that we can rack up double the points and double the savings. I saved .03 cents per gallon yesterday just for signing up.

You can order your card online at Fuelrewards.com or stop by your local Shell/Circle K gas stations and start earning/saving money. They also have a handy app for Android and Apple phones.

Kmart Layaway...Update!

2013-10-29T12:20:00.000-04:00

Early last month I told you about my putting a layaway down at Kmart with some Christmas gifts for our family. Well, we finally paid it off!

Our total was $114.00. I had been monitoring the prices of the items we purchased to see if the prices may have dropped. After we received our box, we stopped by the customer service desk and inquired if anything had been price reduced.

Boy did we get a big surprise! Everything was reduced and we received $69.16 back. We earned $11.00 in Shop your way rewards and 625 Plink points ($5 gift card). We used the $11.00 plus an additional $5.00 in free Shop your way rewards money they sent via email towards (2) 24 pack of Angel soft bathroom tissue and (1) pack of 8 pack Sparkle paper towels which we got for free with our points.

At Kmart, you have the option of an electronic receipt or a paper receipt. We always opt for the paper receipts because they provide coupons each time. We received two coupons for $5.00 off shoes and immediately used them for two pairs of slippers and only paid $1.02 for tax. Since August, we have saved over $300 at Kmart by receiving the free Kmart bucks and coupons and with our accrued points for our purchases. It’s one of the best programs that we have used in our efforts to save money.

Weekly shopping trip...

2013-10-29T10:30:00.000-04:00

It was a great week for shampoo/conditioner, bodywash and deodorant.

Everything pictured here that is layed out totaled $8.91

Total retail price $65.05

I had a surplus of coupons that were about to expire and decided to go for an evening trip to CVS and Dollar General. I wasn't prepared, but I took my time and found lots of hidden deals.

Target discount schedule

2013-10-28T15:45:00.001-04:00

Monday: Kids clothes, stationary and electronics

Tuesday: Womens clothes, Domestics

Wednesday: Mens Clothing, Toys, Health and Beauty

Thurs: Lingerie, Shoes & Housewares

Friday: Cosmetics

Check out the number in the right hand corner…

The small number located in the top right corner is the amount that the item is discounted. For example, 30, 50 or 70. So if you see a sticker with a 15 in the right corner, you may want to wait to see if it becomes discounted even further.

*If the price ends in 8 (like $14.98), it will be marked down again.

*If the price ends in 4 (like $4.54), it’s at the lowest price.

ABC Family's Christmas movie schedule

2013-10-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

Sunday, December 1
(7:00–8:30 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS
(8:30–10:00 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S TWICE UPON A CHRISTMAS…
(10:00 AM–12:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA BUDDIES
(12:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) THE FAMILY MAN
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(7:00–9:30 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

Monday, December 2
(6:00–6:30 PM ET/PT) WINNIE THE POOH AND CHRISTMAS TOO
(6:30–7:00 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
(7:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE

Tuesday, December 3
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) SCROOGED
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMASVACATION
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) THREE DAYS

Wednesday, December 4
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) SCROOGED
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) DECK THE HALLS—ABC Family Premiere
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) A VERY BRADY CHRISTMAS

Thursday, December 5
(6:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL

Friday, December 6
(6:00–6:30 PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
(6:30–8:30 PM ET/PT) THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
(8:30–11:00 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) PRANCER

Saturday, December 7
(7:00–8:30 AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER AND THEISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS
(8:30–10:30 AM ET/PT) HOME ALONE: THE HOLIDAY HEIST
(10:30 AM–12:30 PM ET/PT) PRANCER
(12:30–2:30 PM ET/PT) ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
(2:30–4:30 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
(4:30–7:00 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(11:00 PM–1:00 AM ET/PT) DECK THE HALLS

Sunday, December 8
(7:00–8:00 AM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)
(8:00–10:00 AM ET/PT) CHRISTMAS CUPID
(10:00 AM–12:00 PM ET/PT) SNOWGLOBE
(12:00–2:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA BABY
(2:00–4:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA BABY 2: CHRISTMAS MAYBE
(4:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) THE MISTLE-TONES
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) HOLIDAZE—ABC Family Original Movie Premiere
High powered executive Melody Gerard (Jennie Garth) returns to her sleepy hometown to try and convince everyone to let her company build a giant new discount store. But she’s unexpectedly met with resistance by the townspeople—led by her childhood sweetheart, Carter ( Cameron Mathison). Desperate to get out of town and back to her “real” life, Melody takes a spill and wakes up in an alternate universe where she never took the job and is married to Carter.
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFS

Monday, December 9
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) HOLIDAZE
(8:00–10:30 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(10:30–11:00 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ THE GRINCH GRINCHES THE CAT IN THE HAT
(12:00–2:00 AM) 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS

Tuesday, December 10
(6:00–6:30 PM ET/PT) A CHIPMUNK CHRISTMAS
(6:30–9:00 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(9:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(10:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) SNOWGLOBE

Wednesday, December 11
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFS
(8:00–8:30 PM ET/PT) Melissa & Joey – All New Christmas Special
Jaime Pressly drops by as Mel’s sister Meredith, who comes homefrom prison on furlough to celebrate Christmas with the kids and Mel, and seems unruffled by Joe’s obvious animosity towards her. (Live Action)
(8:30–9:00 PM ET/PT) Baby Daddy – All New Christmas Special
Ben takes drastic measures to get Emma a much sought after toy for her first Christmas. (Live Action)
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION

Thursday, December 12
(6:00–6:30 PM ET/PT) BABY DADDY – All New Christmas Special
(6:30–7:00 PM ET/PT) MELISSA & JOEY – All New Christmas Special
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) SCROOGED
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

Friday, December 13
(4:00–4:30 PM ET/PT) WINNIE THE POOH AND CHRISTMAS TOO
(4:30–6:20 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY
(6:20–8:20 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY 2
(8:20–10:30 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY 3
(10:30–11:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY OF TERROR!
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) CHASING CHRISTMAS

Saturday, December 14
(7:00–7:30 AM ET/PT) WINNIE THE POOH AND THE BLUSTERY DAY
(7:30–8:00 AM ET/PT) WINNIE THE POOH AND TIGGER TOO
(8:00–9:30 AM ET/PT) WINNIE THE POOH—ABC Family Premiere
(9:30–10:00 AM ET/PT) WINNIE THE POOH AND CHRISTMAS TOO
(10:00–11:30 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS
(11:30 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S TWICE UPON A CHRISTMAS
(1:00–1:30 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
(1:30–2:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY OF TERROR!
(2:00–3:50 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY
(3:50–5:50 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY 2
(5:50–8:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY∙PIXAR’S TOY STORY 3
(8:00–9:45 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID—ABC Family Premiere
(9:45–11:30 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID
(11:30 PM–1:30 AM ET/PT) THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL

Sunday, December 15
(7:30–9:00 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS
(9:00–10:30 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S TWICE UPON A CHRISTMAS
(10:30–11:00 AM ET/PT) DISNEY’S PREP & LANDING
(11:00–11:30 AM ET/PT) DISNEY PREP’S & LANDING: NAUGHTY VS. NICE
(11:30 AM–12:00 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
(12:00–2:00 PM ET/PT) – I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
(2:00–4:00 PM ET/PT) ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
(4:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) DECK THE HALLS
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) SCROOGED

Monday, December 16
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) SNOW
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 2
(11:00 PM–1:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(1:00–1:30 AM ET/PT) DISNEY’S PREP & LANDING
(1:30–2:00 AM ET/PT) DISNEY’S PREP & LANDING: NAUGHTY VS. NICE

Tuesday, December 17
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) THREE DAYS
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) UNLIKELY ANGEL
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) PRANCER
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) – I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 2
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS

Wednesday, December 18
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) HOLIDAZE
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) SECRET SANTA
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) THE MISTLE-TONES
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA BABY
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA BABY 2: CHRISTMAS MAYBE
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(7:00–7:30 PM ET/PT) WINNIE THE POOH AND CHRISTMAS TOO
(7:30–8:00 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
(8:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) MARY POPPINS

Thursday, December 19
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) ELOISE AT CHRISTMASTIME
(9:00 AM–12:00 PM ET/PT) MARY POPPINS
(12:00 –2:00 PM) 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS
(2:00 PM–4:00 AM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFS
(4:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE FAMILY MAN
(7:00–8:30 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER AND THEISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS
(8:30–11:00 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) DECK THE HALLS

Friday, December 20
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) CHASING CHRISTMAS
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) CHRISTMAS DO-OVER
(1:00–4:00 PM ET/PT) THE FAMILY MAN
(4:00–5:30 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER AND THEISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS
(5:30–6:00 PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
(6:00–6:30 PM ET/PT) A CHIPMUNK CHRISTMAS
(6:30–9:00 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION

Saturday, December 21
(7:00–7:30 AM ET/PT) NESTOR, THE LONG-EARED CHRISTMAS DONKEY
(7:30–8:00 AM ET/PT) THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
(8:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) PINOCCHIO’S CHRISTMAS)
(9:00–10:00 AM ET/PT) THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF SANTA CLAUS
(10:00–10:30 AM ET/PT) ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
(10:30–11:30 AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
(11:30 AM–1:30 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY
(1:30–2:30 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(2:30–3:30 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(3:30–4:00 PM ET/PT) A CHIPMUNK CHRISTMAS
(4:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 2
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) THE MISTLE-TONES

Sunday, December 22
(7:00–8:00 AM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(8:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) UNACCOMPANIED MINORS
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 2
(5:00 PM–7:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(7:00–9:30 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

Monday, December 23
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) A DENNIS THE MENACE CHRISTMAS
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONE: THE HOLIDAY HEIST
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) DECK THE HALLS
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
(5:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)
(6:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(7:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) SCROOGED

Tuesday, December 24
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) A VERY BRADY CHRISTMAS
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) SCROOGED
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 2
(9:00 -11:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION

Wednesday, December 25
(7:00–7:30 AM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
(7:30–8:30 AM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(8:30–9:30 AM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 2
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION

Things to do while watching the tube...

2013-10-18T12:30:00.000-04:00

Enter Points into Your Accounts

Many of my co-workers drink cokes, as does my Father. Fortunately for us, they save their bottle caps for me each day. Because of their help over the past year, we have been able to score $50 in e-gift cards to various stores (Dominoe’s, Footlocker etc) by inputting the codes found on each plastic cap and in 24 pack boxes. I find that saving up a bunch of them and then inputting them a chunk at a time while doing something like watching TV makes it worthwhile. If you’re buying the products anyway, might as well rack up some points, right?

Get Your Drugstore Game List Ready

Have you tried out the CVS Drugstore Game yet? Our household has saved over $2,500 in the last two years by doing so. TV time is a perfect time to sign onto your favorite blogs for free match-ups of specific coupons and sales for the week.

Take Online Surveys and Read Emails for Extra Income

During our goal of paying cash for our purchases with extra income earned on the side, I racked up $41.00 my reading my daily emails. Since joining Inbox Dollars and Panda Research in January 2010, I have cashed in thousands of points for gift cards. To save time and energy and earn as many points as possible, once a week while watching television, do a search in your email inbox of “Inbox Dollars” or whatever program you sign up for in order to stack that weeks’ worth of point-earning opportunities one after the other. Then zip down the line of emails. When I was using Panda Research heavily, there were usually 3-8 emails to go through. I would read the email, click the link, then delete the email and move down to the next one using the arrow buttons. Half of the offers are points just for reading the email and clicking on a link.

Life Updates...

2013-10-17T13:06:00.000-04:00

There hasn’t been much going on in my world, just about everything has been status quo. I did have a medical emergency this past week, but by the Grace of God, I am feeling 70-30. Work has been good, family life is peaceful and the bills are paid. Each week is a day closer to my 9 day vacation in November (woohoo, I can not wait). Overtime opportunities have been available and I have been taking them as they come. The cats are healthy, our cars have been serviced this month and we’ve even been able to fit in a couple of date nights too.

As the holidays approach, nostalgia steps in and I am immediately taken back to my youth. Usually at this time of year, I get pretty home sick. Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. I have so many wonderful memories from childhood that still resonate with me today. My Father surprised me this week when he announced he will be cooking a Thanksgiving meal, the first in 5 years. It brought such a rush of joy to hear him say that.

This month we received quite a surprise. My Father in law came to visit us (This was very unexpected). We spent some great quality time with him and my husband was thrilled to see him for the first time in 8 years. This was my first time meeting him, so I was quite nervous, but he and I clicked right away. We were very sad to see him go, but are hopeful he will return for the holidays.

Recently while on a shopping trip to Kmart, I witnessed some pretty horrible customer service. There was a customer in front of me whom disputed a price for a pair of boots. The cashier requested help from a supervisor whom decided that it wasn’t a high priority and used filthy language in front of children and adults. I was so disgusted at how she treated this customer so I called the customer complaint line. The next day the store manager contacted me and apologized profusely for the experience and asked that I meet him in person. A week later, I stopped by and met with him and after an insightful discussion and a heartfelt apology, he gave me a $10 gift card. I certainly did not expect or request anything in return, but it was a thoughtful surprise.

Like I said, life is pretty much about the same, but I am grateful for the mundane. Routine's for me feel great :)

End of week totals....

2013-10-11T10:00:00.000-04:00

Here we are, another Friday has arrived and it's time for end of week totals... Let's see how I fared with generating side income.

Plink 22,500 points (equals $225 gift card)

Inbox Surveys $34.60 (Cash via Check)

Panda Surveys $46.18 (Cash via Paypal)

Shopkicks 17,588 points (equals $60.00 gift card)

Swagbucks 5,881 points (equals $55.00 gift card)

Health Savings Account $144.00 ($10 paycheck contribution)

CVS Weekly Shopping Trip 10/6/13

2013-10-08T12:10:00.000-04:00

I often purchase candy to keep at work to share with my co-workers (a bunch of hungry mechanics). We scored a bounty at CVS this week after we paired a manufacturers coupon with a CVS coupon.

Everything you see in the photo came out to $9.17 OOP

Total retail price $36.48

Value, it's a heart thing...

2013-10-01T12:11:00.000-04:00

Almost 3 years ago when I was laid off of my job, it was a turning point in my life. I had always used coupons, but never really focused my attention to save money the way I do now. I had a green plastic tote laying around that I wasn’t using and decided that I would fill it with items that I purchased throughout the year. I would constantly find items on sale or on a clearance rack. I would sometimes add items that were given to me as gifts that I planned on re-gifting.

I asked my husband this past weekend to bring out the box so that I could begin to sort and label particular gifts for the intended recipient. I was tickled when I came across a purse I bought 2 years ago still sitting there. I bought it from my local Goodwill store for $2.85, it is brand new, never used and still had the tag on it. The retail price was $97.99. It got me to thinking, too often we place the value of gifts that we receive in monetary form, rather than from the heart.

Who has to know that this purse only cost me $2.85? Just because I saved $95.14 doesn’t make the gift cheap. It doesn’t make the recipient less valuable to me. Why is there so much emphasis placed on the money? It’s pretty disheartening to see that many people go outside of their means to buy a gift they can not truly afford just to appease someone.

Some may consider me cheap, but I believe that a true gift comes from the heart, not from the pocket. And the person receiving it should not want to see me struggle just to make them happy.

End of week totals...

2013-09-27T13:00:00.000-04:00

This week we received $12.00 in free bucks from CVS. We've almost completed our Christmas shopping and still have plenty of time to find more bargains and deals.

Swagbucks 5,165 points ($50 Gift Card)

Shopkicks 17,488 points ($65 Gift Card)

Plink 21,640 points ($215 Gift Card)

Inbox $34.34 (Via Paypal)

Panda $45.30 (Via Check)

Coke Rewards 889 points

Health Savings Account $124

Locket $11.92 (Via Paypal)

Mid week shopping trip...

2013-09-27T11:57:00.000-04:00

This week's ECB's afforded us 6 free bottles of body wash at CVS.

We paid .06 OOP

Total retail $17.54

Not a bad haul this week.

Ebates a plenty...

2013-09-26T12:33:00.000-04:00

A few years ago I heard about a website called Ebates as I was making an online purchase from Old Navy. I didn’t know that it would turn out to be a great source of money savings. Generally I do most of my online shopping in the months leading up to Christmas and I have saved so much.

Ebates is a program that offers cash back for your online purchases. You can earn anywhere from 1%-35% cash back off popular retailers. You even have a choice of how to receive your cash back via check or paypal every quarter. My favorite perk is that I can still use other coupons codes for even more savings (i.e. free shipping etc.).

Each day they also have double cash back savings for a variety of retailers. I’ve signed up for their daily emails and I made a list of my favorite stores so that I don’t have to dig around for them in a time crunch.

Since it’s just the start of my online shopping season, I’ve only earned $1.84 cash back, but by the end of December, I will see a decent sum to spend on myself.

Click here to sign up!

I heart Shop your way rewards...

2013-09-25T12:31:00.000-04:00

A week ago I shared our story about utilizing Kmart’s layaway service, and I’ve discussed how we receive free Kmart bucks via their Shop your way rewards program. In the past two months, we have unexpectedly earned $51 dollars to spend on anything in store.

We decided to purchase necessities such as toiletries and cleaning supplies, but on one occasion, we splurged on a new pair of tennis shoes for my husband that we matched with an in store $5 off coupon.

I normally did not shop at Kmart because of the distance, but located one close to my job. Each week if we receive more free Kmart bucks, my husband and I meet for dinner then head off to Kmart to grab our freebies. I signed up for Shop your way rewards 2 years ago and have seen great rewards as a result. I recently downloaded their app which also allows me to add instant & exclusive coupons that can also be used for layaway.

I also enjoy using my rewards card at Sears to earn points and to get a freebie or two. All told, the benefits of shopping at Kmart have become much more enticing then shopping at my local Walmart.

Which rewards programs are your favorites?

CVS Weekly Shopping Trip 9/22/13

2013-09-23T16:35:00.001-04:00

Off to CVS for great deals this week.

Total OOP $1.98

Total Retail $23.77

The majority of our purchase was paid for with ECB's from weekly emails for customer loyalty. We paid .66 cents per bottle of Dawn Dish Liquid.

Just today we received another $12 in ECB's, I haven't quite decided how to spend those bucks yet. Stay tuned!

Christmas on a budget...

2013-09-23T10:30:00.000-04:00

Each year my husband and I set a goal for Christmas spending. This year we set it at $215.00 which includes 12 people as gift recipients.

At first I thought this would be an unattainable goal, but while armed with my coupons, a nose for clearance sales and fighting for what is right, we are right on task.

After a trip to Kmart, we opened a layaway filled with Clearance items that we plan on giving as gifts. We spent $107.00 of our budget and need to purchase only 4 more gifts and we’ll be done. We plan on coming in significantly under budget.

We decided that many of the gifts we plan on giving will be home crafted. However, for those that we are spending money on, we’ve used a number of methods to keep our spending under control. Below are just a few money saving tips that we’ve used that may also help you keep your budget in check for the holidays.

Use Amazon price check app
Use Ebates for all online purchases for cash back rebates
Use Retailmenot.com for coupon codes for free shipping etc
Use Coupon Sherpa app for in store and online coupons
Use Swagbucks to earn virtual bucks & cash them out for gift cards.
Use Shopkicks to earn points & cash them out for gift cards.
Use mobile coupons & combine with paper coupons for extra savings.
Use Plink to earn points & cash them out for gift cards.
Shop Clearance racks
Take advantage of layaway programs (Kmart & Walmart)
Shop at your local pawn shop
Ask for a discount (Use your negotiating skills)
Use loyalty rewards cards (Never leave home without them)
Sign up for emails from your favorite stores for money saving coupons
Don’t be afraid to walk away from a “deal”.
Use price comparison tools like “Invisible Hand” on your PC
Use Ad Match guarantee @ Walmart, Toys R’ Us & other popular retailers.
Shop yard sales & consignment shops for unique gifts
Visit a craft fair for home made gift ideas
Give a baked gift
Give the gift of time (donate your Friday night to babysit for a friend)

If you have a tip you'd like to share, feel free to comment.

End of week totals...

2013-09-20T09:30:00.000-04:00

This past month we have received so many free bucks from CVS & Kmart. We've used those funds to increase our stockpile but also to help with our Christmas Shopping. We have also racked up quite well on our points.

Swagbucks 5,107 points ($50 Gift Card)

Shopkicks 17,184 points ($65 Gift Card)

Plink 20,490 points ($200 Gift Card)

Inbox $33.79 (Via Paypal)

Panda $44.41 (Via Check)

Coke Rewards 879 points

Amazon Credit $0 (Spent on gift for Dad)

Health Savings Account $139

These points do not include my husbands points that he has worked hard on earning.

Fun Fall ideas...

2013-09-19T12:29:00.002-04:00

This year in my local area there are many community events that I’d like to participate in. High on my list is a hay ride and visiting a pumpkin patch. Most metropolitan and small towns have wonderful fall events that are free or nominally priced. Check out your local community calendar for fun ideas for the family. Below are just a few to help get you started.

· Corn field maze

· Church fall harvest festivals

· Pumpkin Patch

· Hay Rides

· Scary movie fests

· Christmas light display tours

· Craft fairs

· Mini Carnivals

· Botanical garden tour

The point is to get out and get active with a fun event with family and friends.

A great way to shop...

2013-09-17T13:00:00.000-04:00

As far as I can remember, Layaway has always been a wonderful resource for my family when I was growing up. That of course translated into adulthood as it has been a lifesaver. Now with the holidays ramping up, and the restart of Walmarts Layaway program from 9/13 through 12/13/2013, it got me to wondering if there were many folks still using this great method of purchasing.

With Kmart, not only do I get to put the items I want on layaway for $5 with the flexibility of paying over three months, I also earn points when I use my Shop your way rewards card each time I make a payment, and I earn Plink points. I absolutely can not find a reason to live without such a great program.

Growing up in Chicago in the 80’s, my parents relied heavily on layaway from different stores for myself and sister’s school clothes. It was great to know that the kids in my class also boasted about their wardrobe with the help of layaway. As I reached high school, there was a stigma attached to it and I often found myself among the ranks of the unpopular. Now wiser and carefree about what it takes to survive, I find that there is no shame is using such a practical and useful service.

Customer Service Update...

2013-09-16T14:30:00.000-04:00

So after a week of arguing for what is right, I was able to purchase the sweatpants I intended to buy last weekend as Christmas gifts for my sisters in law for $4.99 each. It took a lot of effort, patience and common sense to get them to understand that the photograph does not lie and the customer was right. I wish they would have simply honored their price from day one, but perhaps they needed to be reminded that customers can find other retailers to spend their money with.

Weekly Shopping Trip 9/16/13

2013-09-16T13:11:00.000-04:00

Another great week of deals. All told, we spent $45.46 out of pocket and saved $234.19

We happened across a mega clearance sale at Kmart and scored some shoes for $4.98 and shorts for $10.98.

At CVS we picked up some dish liquid, soda, snickers and deodorant for a total of $9.54.

And finally we stepped over to Aeropostale and got (4) sweat pants for $4.99 each.

Not a bad weekend for deals!