Sometimes you want the ease of stamps delivered right to your front door. Other times, you may need stamps on the weekend. If you are looking for where to buy stamps, this list of the most convenient options will help.

Top Places to Buy Stamps

Best Range

Find bulk stamps, Forever stamps, as well as other postage stamps.

Visit Site

Best Online

One of the most popular sites for buying stamps online.

VISIT SITE

Best Local

No added service charges when you buy stamps from USPS.

VISIT SITE

Not all locations we discuss here allow you to purchase stamps at any time. However, there are enough options, and you should be able to find a place to buy stamps almost any time of the day.

1. ATMs

Many automated teller machines sell postage stamps. Better yet, you can often buy stamps at ATMs even if you don’t bank at the company that owns the ATM. ATMs are often available 24/7, making them a convenient option for buying postage stamps. 

However, nearly every ATM charges a service fee when selling postage stamps. In addition, if you’re buying stamps at an out-of-network ATM (an ATM that’s not fee-free as declared by your bank), you could pay a second fee.

Not all ATMs sell stamps, so you’ll have to check ATMs near you to find out if the machine carries stamps. 

ATMs That Sell Stamps

• Bank of America
• Key Bank
• US Bank
• Wells Fargo

Note: Not all ATM’s from these banks sell stamps, so you may want to check their website ahead of time to see if a particular ATM does

2. Banks

Similarly, some banks sell postage stamps. Again, you’ll get charged a fee if you purchase stamps at a bank. The fee will vary by bank and its service charges. 

It’s important to note that a limited number of banks sell postage stamps. For instance, you may not find postage stamps for sale at smaller, local banks. That said, many larger banks have some branches that sell postage stamps. 

Banks you might want to check with to see if they sell stamps include:

• Wells Fargo 
• U.S. Bank 
• Fifth Third Bank

Since not all branches of the banks named above sell stamps, it’s probably best to call before making the trip. 

Also, be aware of banks’ business hours before you go to buy stamps. You don’t want to arrive at the bank only to find it closed. 

3. Gas Stations or Convenience Stores

Many gas stations and convenience stores sell postage stamps. 

Some of the larger gas stations and convenience stores that sell stamps include:

• KwikTrip
• Circle K
• 7-Eleven

Holiday station stores, owned by Circle K, might also carry postage stamps. Again, no matter which store you choose to go to buy stamps, you’ll want to call first to see if that particular location carries stamps. 

Many gas stations and convenience stores are open 24/7, so they might be the best option for buying postage stamps. Also, it doesn’t hurt to check with smaller, local convenience stores and gas stations to see if they sell postage stamps.

4. Grocery Stores

Nationwide grocery chains may also sell stamps. You can check with the cashier at your grocery store or stop by the customer service counter. 

Some of the grocery store chains that might carry postage stamps include:

• Fry’s Foods (AZ only)
• Food Lion
• Food City (AZ only)
• Giant Eagle
• Albertsons 
• Hannaford
• Bakers
• Hy-Vee
• Kroger
• Publix
• Winn Dixie
• Safeway
• Wegmans
• ShopRite
• Meijer

Note that big-box stores like Walmart may also sell postage stamps. However, there’s a good chance that you’ll only be able to get them online from Walmart. You can check at the service counter at your local Walmart to see if they carry stamps in-store.

However, my local Walmart only offers postage stamps online, so please order them via their website. Buying your postage stamps at your local grocery store might be convenient, as you’ll be shopping there anyway. 

5. Office Supply Stores

Do you like to frequent office supply stores? If so, there are a few that carry postage stamps. Office Max/Office Depot and Staples typically carry postage stamps. Other local office supply stores may also carry stamps. 

As with other suggestions here, it’s best to call and check if the store carries stamps before you go, since some locations may have them while others may not. Expect a surcharge on top of the standard USPS stamp price. 

6. Stamps.com

There are hundreds of online stores that sell postage stamps and ship them to you. Stamps.com is one of the most popular sites for buying stamps.

With Stamps.com, you can print your postage and shipping labels in seconds. Using this site can help you eliminate trips to the post office. You can use the site to print correct postage for almost any package.

Then, simply give your package to your postal carrier, and you’re done. This service costs $17.99 per month, but a four-week trial can help you decide whether it’s worth the cost. Stamps.com membership is likely the most cost-effective option for people who mail many items.

7. Over the Phone

Another way to buy stamps is to place an order over the phone. The USPS has a phone number to request that stamps be mailed to you. The phone number for the USPS online ordering center is 1-800-782-6724 (or 1-800-STAMP24).

When you call this line to order stamps, you can specify the type of stamps you need, give your payment information, and wait for your stamps in the mail. Please note that this USPS line is not always available. Due to the pandemic, if staffing isn’t available to process phone orders, you may be redirected to order stamps online. 

8. eBay

Believe it or not, there are many sellers who sell postage stamps on eBay. All you need to do is head to eBay and type “postage stamps” in the search bar. You’ll receive a long list of sellers offering Forever stamps and other postage stamps.

When purchasing stamps on eBay, we recommend using a trusted seller with many good reviews and a high positive feedback rating. Checking a seller’s feedback ratings and reviews can help you avoid scams.

9. Post Offices

You might find that a local post office location is one of the best places to buy stamps. There are no additional service charges when you buy stamps at a post office; they’re always in stock. 

The one downside to buying stamps at a U.S. post office is that hours may be limited, depending on your location. Some post office locations in larger cities might have longer hours and be open on Saturdays.

However, post offices in smaller towns and rural areas may have limited hours, making it inconvenient to buy stamps. Also, post offices are closed on most major holidays. This fact can also make it inconvenient to buy stamps at the post office.

The post office is a convenient and cost-effective way to purchase stamps, provided you can visit during regular business hours. Check the USPS website for post office locations and hours near you.

Bonus tip: The United States Post Office is also one of the cheapest ways to ship packages.

10. Wholesale Clubs

You might think that shopping at your local warehouse club, such as Sam’s Club, BJ’s, or Costco, will save you money on stamps. You are right. However, don’t expect huge money savings when buying stamps at a wholesale club. 

When I checked prices for this article, Sam’s Club was selling a book of 100 Forever stamps for $72.75. The regular price for a book of 100 Forever stamps is $73.00, so you’re only saving $0.25. But frugal people will tell you that every penny adds up. 

Call or stop by the wholesale club where you have a membership and see if they have postage stamps available for you to buy. If you don’t have a warehouse club membership, check out our review article on Sam’s Club vs. Costco to see which option might be best for you.

Warehouse clubs can be a great place to save on food, cleaning items, and other household purchases. They can also be an easy way to save a little money on stamp purchases.

How Much Do Stamps Cost?

You might be wondering how much stamps cost these days. We’ll review the cost of a basic postage stamp or book of stamps. 

First-Class Stamps

First-class stamps cover the mailing of a basic letter up to 3.5 ounces. As of this writing, they cost $0.73 each. 

Forever Stamps

Forever stamps are first-class stamps with a twist. They cost the same as first-class stamps. However, if the price of a stamp goes up, say, to $0.80, you’ll still be able to use your Forever stamps for mailing items. 

They’ll be counted as usable first-class stamps no matter how much the price goes up in the future. If you buy basic first-class stamps that aren’t Forever stamps and the cost of postage increases, you’ll have to add more postage to make up the difference. 

Therefore, it’s probably in your best interest to always buy the Forever stamps. Keeping Forever stamps on hand can be a great way to save money on future postage costs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the best places to buy stamps. 

Where to Buy Stamps – Summary

There are many trustworthy places where you can buy postage stamps. However, it’s important to note that buying postage stamps at retailers, banks, or ATMs may cost more. This makes the post office the best place to buy stamps if you want to save money.

That said, if you are looking for convenience, you might find the fees you’ll pay when buying stamps from places other than post offices worth the money. To save money, plan ahead and get Forever stamps from your local Post office.

The post Where to Buy Stamps – 10 Great Places! appeared first on The Coupon Project.

You’re probably here because you need to cash a check. If you start a side hustle this year, local or online, you may have a client who pays you by paper check. Or grandma sent you birthday money. Regardless, you need to cash that check.

Where To Cash a Personal Check

Here is a list of the top places to cash checks, including handwritten checks.

1. Your Local Bank or Credit Union

Your personal bank or credit union is the best place to cash a check, including handwritten checks. Free check cashing may be one of your account benefits. You can instantly access your cash by visiting your local branch.

That said, depending on your local bank options, you might be better off joining a credit union. Credit unions usually charge fewer fees than banks.

Credit unions are a great choice if you don’t need access to a national branch network. A credit union might also have a lower minimum balance requirement to avoid monthly checking account fees. Many credit unions only require a $5 minimum balance to keep your account open.

Pick a local credit union or bank that offers free checking and is convenient. You should look for a new checking account if your bank doesn’t cash checks for free.

2. Visit the Issuing Bank

The issuing bank is the best place to start when you don’t have a bank account. It can be the cheapest and quickest option compared to the others on this list. Some larger banks might also have a higher cashing limit than other options.

The issuing bank’s name appears in the bottom-left corner of the check, above the memo line. Go to your local branch to cash the check.

For instance, if the check is issued by BB&T Bank, you can visit the local BB&T branch. The teller can then check the account balance to ensure there are sufficient funds to cover the check.

As with any of these check-cashing locations, you must bring your ID to verify your identity. Each bank has different cashing policies for non-customers. Don’t be surprised if you are charged a non-customer fee; not all banks and credit unions do. The best way to find out is to call the bank or visit its website.

If you must pay a fee, banks usually charge one of the following fees:

• $0 for any check balance below $50
• $7-$10 for check balances above $50
• 10% of the check balance
• $7 per check, regardless of the balance

Sometimes, non-customer bank fees can be more expensive than the other options mentioned here.

A few banks offer prepaid debit cards only to non-customers for cashed checks. This practice is relatively uncommon. These prepaid cards may include monthly maintenance fees and expiration dates. If you receive a prepaid debit card, read the terms and conditions.

Use the card as soon as possible to avoid expiration.

3. Walmart Check Cashing

Believe it or not, 90% of Americans live within 15 minutes of a Walmart store. You will likely pass a Walmart before you reach the issuing bank. And if you buy your groceries at Walmart, your cashed check can double as your weekly grocery money.

You can expect to pay the following fees for the Walmart Check Cashing services:

• $4 for each check, up to $1,000
• $8 for each check greater than $1,000

The daily cashing limit is $5,000. Between January and April, the limit increases to $7,500 for Christmas money and tax refund checks. However, note that Walmart does not cash personal checks for amounts over $200.

Walmart cashes your check for cash or a Walmart MoneyCard. They waive the MoneyCard reload fee for select payroll companies and government checks.

Walmart cashes all of these kinds of checks:

• Pre-printed checks
• Payroll checks
• Government checks
• Tax checks
• Cashiers’ checks
• Insurance settlement checks
• 401 (k), retirement disbursement checks
• MoneyGram money orders
• Two-party personal checks (limit: $200)

4. Your Local Grocery Store

Grocery stores are hit-and-miss with check-cashing services. You need to ask their customer service desk to find out. Some stores may only accept cash, payroll checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders.

These checks are printed and not handwritten with a pen. Sadly, check fraud discourages many stores from cashing handwritten checks. Very few grocers still cash handwritten personal checks, but some do.

Here are four national grocers that still cash checks:

• Albertson’s
• Kmart
• Kroger
• Publix
• Safeway

Check-cashing fees for grocery stores range from free to 2% of the check amount or $6 per check. Each store has a different cashing policy.

Some grocers waive the check-cashing fee if you choose store credit instead of cash. If you buy groceries at that particular supermarket, this is a better option.

5. Gas Station Travel Centers

Most gas stations no longer accept personal checks. It doesn’t matter if it’s handwritten, from your employer, or a government check.

The risk of check fraud is too high. You will have the most success at travel centers (truck stops) when driving along the interstate. A travel center accepts personal vehicles and has dedicated refueling lanes for semi-trucks.

Two full-service travel center brands to try are:

• Pilot Flying J 
• TravelCenters of America

Only a select few of their locations cash checks, so you will have to try your luck or call the closest location ahead of time. You can get free checking cashing when you buy fuel within two hours of cashing your check.

6. Transact by 7-Eleven

One of the few gas station chains that cashes checks is 7-Eleven. You must download the Transact by 7-Eleven app, which lets you cash a check by taking a picture of it with your phone.

Most checks clear within 48 hours, and the balance is deposited onto your reloadable 7-Eleven prepaid card. You can then use the card anywhere a Debit MasterCard is accepted, which is most online and retail stores.

7. Endorse Your Check to a Friend

You can also endorse your check to a friend who can cash it for free. After all, what are friends for? Endorsed checks are sometimes called “third-party checks.” Endorsing a check to a friend to cash is simple.

On the back of the check, follow these steps:

• On the top line, write “Pay to the order of Friend’s Name.”
• You sign the check underneath this endorsement

Every bank has different policies for cashing endorsed checks. To fight check fraud, you might have to accompany your friend to the bank branch to verify your identity, too.

Some banks require you to complete a form authorizing your friend to cash your check. Check online or call the bank before your friend can cash the check. Certain banks, including Ally Bank, Discover Bank, and Regions, do not accept third-party checks.

8. Cash Your Check Using an App

You can also cash your personal check online. Two apps that don’t require you to be a bank customer to cash a check are PayPal and Ingo Money.

Ingo Money

This might be the best online app for cashing personal checks. You can use Ingo Money to cash most checks, including hand-written personal checks. Once you download the app, you endorse the check and use it to take photos of the front and back. Then, you decide where you’d like the money to go.

You might prefer Ingo Money because of the multiple redemption options:

• Prepaid debit card
• PayPal account
• Amazon gift card
• Online bill pay for retail credit cards
• Cash pickup at participating MoneyGram locations

The check balance will be deposited in minutes with the first three options. When you use your check amount to pay a retail credit card, the bill payment posts the next business day. You can also split the balance between multiple redemption options.

Ingo lets you cash checks for amounts as small as $5 or as large as $5,000. This flexibility does cost a small fee. Handwritten personal checks under $100 incur a $5 cashing fee. Balances greater than $100 incur a 5% fee.

Pre-printed payroll and government checks cost $5 to cash for balances under $250. You will pay 2% of the balance when it exceeds $250. You can avoid the cashing fees by waiting 10 days to receive the balance for both check types. But, in that case, you can only deposit the balance into one account.

You can use Ingo Money to deposit your check into a Chime account. Chime is a financial technology company that offers free ATM access. You may also receive your direct deposit funds up to two days earlier than if you’d used a traditional bank.

PayPal

PayPal is one of the largest payment processors in the world. It also offers a way to cash a check. It’s partnered with First Century Bank and Ingo Money to provide this service.

As with Ingo Money, you’ll need to endorse the check first, then use the app to take a picture of the front and back. Once your check is approved, you can write “VOID” across the front.

You can then pay a fee and make your money available within minutes. The standard fee is 1% for payroll and government checks with a pre-printed signature and 5% for all other accepted checks, with a $5 minimum fee per check. You can also choose to wait 10 days to receive the funds, in which case the transaction is free.

Checks must be between $5 and $5,000. You can cash multiple checks up to $5,000 per day and $15,000 per month.

Once your balance is unlocked, you can access your PayPal funds in several ways. You can transfer it to another bank account in one day for free. Another option is transferring the balance to an eligible debit card or prepaid card in minutes.

Debit card transfers currently cost 1% of the transfer amount (up to $10).

Or, you can transfer it to a PayPal Debit Card, which you can then use at any ATM to get cash.

NetSpend

NetSpend offers online check cashing, too. You can also find a local NetSpend partner to cash checks too. The check balance loads to a prepaid debit card.

Standard processing is free. But for expedited processing, you pay 2% ($5 minimum) for preprinted government and payroll checks.

Handwritten checks have an expedited processing fee of 5% of the check balance, with a $5 minimum fee. It’s also possible to get $10 overdraft protection with their Premier Card Account feature.

Green Dot

Green Dot is another prepaid debit card option with in-app mobile check cashing. You can also cash checks at Walmart to reload your prepaid Green Dot debit card. It’s free to deposit checks with the mobile app if you can wait 10 days to access your funds.

Otherwise, you can access your funds in minutes by paying a 1% fee for government and payroll deposits. Handwritten checks have a 4% fee.

Green Dot has the following mobile check cashing limits:

• The minimum check balance must be $5
• Single check balance can’t exceed $2,500
• Can cash up to $5,000 in a single day
• Can only cash up to $10,000 every 30 days

If you need to write a check to someone, Green Dot will send you a book of paper checks. You don’t need to open a checking account, as the funds are debited from your debit card.

9. Check Cashing Stores

This should always be your last resort due to the high fees.

Most locations charge a percentage of the balance instead of a flat fee. For smaller check balances, this can be cheaper than other stores that charge a flat fee. But, fees for large balances are often lower at most other places, even if they charge a percentage of the check balance.

These check-cashing stores are easy to find in your local town. They will cash every type of personal check, including handwritten checks from family and friends. Sadly, this convenience comes at a high price. These stores charge the highest check-cashing fees.

When you put the balance on their reloadable debit card, you must also pay a monthly maintenance fee. Expect to pay a reload fee each time, too. Cash your checks at Walmart if you want a reloadable debit card.

FAQs About Cashing Checks

What to Look For When Cashing a Check

Cashing a check is easier than writing a check. In most cases, you only have to sign the back to receive payment. But, you should still verify several areas on the check front before you head to the bank. If any of the information below is incorrect, the teller won’t cash your check.

Pay to the Order Of

Make sure the check is made payable to the name that matches your legal ID. Only the person named on the check can cash it. If you want your spouse to cash your check, you must open a joint bank account.

The teller won’t necessarily reject your check if it doesn’t have your full legal name. For example, it’s acceptable if the check says John Doe, but your driver’s license says Jonathan.

Matching Dollar Amounts

Each check has two fields for the dollar amount. In one field, the issuer writes the check amount in numbers. This field is to the right of your name. On a $50 check, this box should read $50.00.

The second check amount field is underneath the “Pay to the order of” field, where your name goes. On a $50 check, this field reads Fifty and 00/100 Dollars.

The Check Issuer Signs the Check

The person who writes the check must sign it in the bottom right corner. Their signature verifies that the check is active and legitimate.

Correct Date

Some places may only cash a check if it was issued within the last 180 days. Some checks even state that you should void the check if you don’t cash it within 180 days. If a check is issued on January 1, you have 180 days to cash it. For this example, you have until June 30 to cash your check.

Incorrect dates are most common for handwritten checks in the new year. Some businesses might “future date” the check and give it to you early. If payday is on the 15th, but you get the check on the 12th, you must wait three days before cashing.

Things to Remember When Cashing a Personal Check

There are a few things to remember the next time you cash a check:

• You always need to bring a photo ID
• Some locations won’t cash handwritten checks
• Certain stores and banks charge more to cash a check than others
• Most places have a daily redemption limit

For the most part, cashing a check in person is extremely easy.

This is true when you have a pre-printed check from one of these issuers:

• Employers
• Government Agencies
• Your tax refund

All you need to do is sign your check and present a photo ID. You instantly receive the balance minus any cashing fees.

Summary

When you need money now, cashing a check is an easy option. There’s no shortage of options to cash a paper check locally. However, you may need to pay a fee at some locations to cash your check. Going to the issuing bank can be the cheapest option, but other places cash checks for free, too.

The post 9 Places to Cash a Check (Including Handwritten Checks) appeared first on The Coupon Project.

They are also a convenient way to pay if you don’t have a checking account or need to pay someone who doesn’t accept checks.

How to Get a Money Order

You’ll need to go to a place that issues them to get a money order. This could be a bank or other retailer that provides this service. You’ll need cash for the money order amount plus any related fees. The issuer (the bank) will receive your funds and issue a paper document for the stated amount.

One advantage of a money order is that it provides a receipt confirming payment, unlike cash. Money orders can be convenient, but they usually incur a fee. If you need to send money internationally, consider using Wise. They won’t sell you a money order, but they’re safe and about four times cheaper than other credit cards because there are no hidden fees.

How Much Do Money Orders Cost?

Different companies charge different fees for money orders. Some charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the amount you want to order. Some banks offer money orders for free if you have an account with them, but generally, you’ll be charged.

Where Can I Get a Money Order?

There are several places you can get a money order. Generally, only a few companies issue money orders. The two leading companies that produce money orders are Western Union and MoneyGram.

However, both companies allow money orders to be sold at several locations around the U.S. Here are some of the most convenient stores where you can purchase one. I’ve also shared what each store charges (when available).

1. Walmart

Walmart has over 4,700 locations in the U.S. alone.

• Fee: $1 max fee. Exact fees vary by location
• Limit: $1,000 max per money order
• Provider: MoneyGram

Note that you can cash a money order at Walmart only if it was purchased at a Walmart.

2. 7-Eleven

7-Eleven convenience stores have nearly 8,500 locations in the U.S. While many 7-Eleven stores sell money orders, the prices vary.

• Fee: 1-3% of the total amount, with a $0.65 min fee
• Limit: $500 max per money order
• Provider: MoneyGram or Western Union, depending on the store location

You can’t cash a money order at 7-Eleven locations.

3. CVS

CVS Pharmacy has over 9,800 locations in the U.S.

• Fee: $1.25
• Limit: $500 max per money order
• Provider: MoneyGram

You can find a CVS location near you by going here.

4. Publix

Publix operates over 1,200 grocery stores across the Southeastern U.S., including North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and more.

• Fee: $0.99
• Limit: not listed
• Provider: Western Union

It is worth noting that Publix does not cash money orders.

5. Meijer

Meijer supermarkets have roughly 240 locations in the U.S., Most of which are in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

• Fee: $0.65
• Limit: $500 max per money order
• Provider: Western Union

It does not cash money orders at any of its locations.

6. Kroger

The Kroger chain of stores has over 2,700 locations in the United States. Kroger operates under several different brand names. Some include Dillon’s, Fry’s, King Soopers, Smith’s, and Fred Meyer stores.

• Fee: $0.69, fees vary by subsidiary and location
• Limit: $1,000 or $500, depending on location
• Provider: Western Union

Some locations and subsidiaries do, and some don’t. Check with a location near you for more information.

7. United States Postal Service

Your local U.S. government post office, USPS, also sells money orders. With over 30,800 post office retail locations in the United States, one will be near you.

• Fee: $1.30 per money order up to $500, $1.75 for over $500
• Limit: $1,000
• Provider: USPS uses its own money-order brand

You can also cash a money order at the post office. Check with your location for rules, regulations, and fees for cashing money orders.

8. Western Union

Western Union has over 500,000 agents worldwide. You can get a money order from any Western Union agent that carries them.

If you’ve read the rest of this article in-depth, you’ll see that Western Union also provides money orders that other companies sell.

However, you can purchase them directly from Western Union.

• Fee: Varies by location
• Limit: $1,000
• Provider: Western Union

Note that Western Union will allow you to return your money order if you have the original money order or the purchaser’s receipt and the money order has not been cashed.

9. MoneyGram

MoneyGram has thousands of locations throughout the U.S. Its rules for money order purchases are similar to those of Western Union.

• Fee: Varies
• Limit: $1,000
• Provider: MoneyGram

The larger the amount of your money order, the higher your fee will be.

MoneyGram is a reputable company that provides money orders for large retailers such as Walmart.

10. Rite-Aid

Rite Aid is a pharmacy that has been in business since 1962 and has nearly 2,500 locations in the U.S.

They sell money orders at most locations.

• Fee: Varies
• Limit: $1,000
• Provider: Western Union

Check individual Rite Aid locations for hours, availability, fees, and more.

11. Your Local Grocery Store

Another place to get money orders is at local grocery stores. Many medium-sized chain grocery stores sell them, including:

• Fred Meyer’s
• Fry’s
• King Soopers
• Hy-Vee
• Cub Foods

Fees and the monetary limit for each money order vary based on the order amount. Call your local grocery store to learn more about money order services, fees, limits, and providers.

12. Your Local Bank

If you have an account at a local bank, like Chase, you can purchase or cash a money order there. Some banks will even sell or cash money orders for non-customers, but be prepared to pay a higher fee.

Every bank has different regulations about buying and selling money orders and accompanying fees. Check with local banks near you for more information.

FAQs About Money Orders

Summary

Using money orders to pay rent, utilities, and other bills can be helpful because they provide proof of payment. If you don’t want to pay by check or cash, consider using one of these providers to get money orders.

The post 12 Places to Get Money Orders (Near Me) appeared first on The Coupon Project.

Gas is an essential expense for most people, which makes it a tough one to trim. You probably need to drive your vehicle to work, to school, and to the grocery store.

And if you want to visit friends or family or just get out of town, you’ll jump in your vehicle to get there. Who wants to stay home all the time?!

How to Get Free Gas

If you put in a bit of time and effort, you’ll find that there are several ways to get free gas. You probably won’t be able to fill up your tank for free every time you’re at the pump, but you can still cut down on this expense.

1. Earn Free Gas Cards

You can’t just pull up to the pump and fill up with free gas, but you can earn free gas cards to help offset or even completely cover the cost of gas.

Swagbucks is a free website that rewards you for watching videos, answering surveys, signing up for special offers, and more.

The easiest way to earn rewards is by shopping through their online portal. It doesn’t cost you any extra, and you’ll rack up SB (Swag Bucks) for each dollar spent, depending on the retailer.

Once you have enough SB in your account, you can cash them out for free gas cards at national chains like Chevron. Or you can just cash out your SB to PayPal Cash and use that money to buy free gas.

BONUS: Right now, you can get a 1000 SB bonus ($10 value) when you sign up for Swagbucks and shop online through their portal!

Other sites that reward you with free gas cards include:

• InstaGC – complete surveys, watch videos, shop online, search the web
• PrizeRebel – answer surveys, sign up for offers, watch videos

You can also get free PayPal cash and use it to fill up your tank.

2. Use Credit Card Rewards

If you’re confident that you can responsibly use a credit card (as in, pay it off in full every month), you can use credit card rewards to your advantage and get free gas.

Typically, you’ll earn a percentage of what you spend as cashback to your account, which you can either apply toward your balance, transfer to your bank account, or redeem for a free gas card.

It’s important to note upfront that if you can’t pay off your credit card balance in full each month, it doesn’t make financial sense to get one just for the rewards. Any points you may earn toward free gas will easily be swallowed up by finance charges and interest.

That being said, it is very easy to earn points toward free gas when you use a credit card. And many credit cards have no annual fee, so you really are getting free gas when you earn rewards!

You could start small by just getting one credit card with no annual fee and just using it to pay for gas. Each month, you can use the rewards to help pay off the balance. Whatever rewards you earn will be like getting free gas!

Some credit cards that offer cashback with no annual fee include:

• Chase Freedom – $200 bonus plus 5% gas station cash back
• Discover It Cash Back – Earn 1%-5% gas station cash back

3. Ask Local Charities for Free Gas

If you’re really in need, reach out to a local charity near you to see if they give out free gas cards or gas vouchers. Charities do this to help people make necessary trips, such as driving to appointments, job interviews, and work.

Are you having trouble finding a charity near you? The Salvation Army is a great place to start. They have chapters across the country to help people in need.

Another place to start your search is United Way. Visit 211.org or simply call 211 for information about places near you that may offer free gas cards or vouchers. Calls are confidential and can be anonymous.

Otherwise, Community Action Partnership is a national nonprofit membership organization that has individual chapters across the country. These chapters help people with lower incomes navigate crisis situations, build stability, and lift themselves out of poverty.

4. Display Ads On Your Vehicle

Did you know you can get paid to drive around with advertising on your car? You may feel a little silly, and you definitely won’t be able to blend into traffic, but this is a legit way to earn free gas money.

One company that facilitates this advertising with brands and agencies is Wrapify. People who drive with Wrapify can earn up to $452 each month! To get started, download the Wrapify app and drive as normal. As you drive on your normal commute, you’ll start qualifying for campaigns and receiving offers.

Once you’ve accepted an offer, follow the instructions to start earning money, which you can then put toward free gas. You won’t have to wrap your vehicle yourself – they’ll give you instructions on where to take your vehicle to be wrapped (and later unwrapped once the campaign is finished).

Note that not everyone and every vehicle is eligible for Wrapify. You’ll need to pass a basic background check and drive a 2010 or newer coupe, sedan, SUV, pickup truck, or minivan without significant body/paint damage.

Understandably, they’ll want you to be a good driver with limited accidents and moving violations and no recent cell phone or distracted driving violations. A similar company is Carvertise. You can earn $100 – $300 per month by participating in their advertising campaigns.

5. Buy Discounted Gas Cards

No, this isn’t a completely free option, but it will help you spend less at the pump.

Some websites offer discounted gift cards that let you receive the full face value of the gift card but pay less.

For example, you may be able to buy a $25 gift card for $20 and still use the full $25 value to pay for gas. That’s like getting $5 worth of gas for free!

Be sure that you’re buying from reputable websites that ensure the value of the gas card and back it up with a satisfaction guarantee.

Here are some top-rated websites where you can buy discounted gas cards:

• CardCash – sells gift cards to BP, Gulf, Sheetz, Shell, Sunoco, and Valero
• Gift Card Granny – sells gift cards to BP, Marathon, Sheetz, Shell, and Speedway (also gives Granny Cash Back Rewards)
• Raise – sells gift cards to Chevron and Texaco, Gulf, Kwik Fill, Sheetz, and Speedway

RELATED: 12 Easy Ways to Get Free Gift Cards

6. Utilize Grocery and Gas Station Rewards Programs

Many grocery store chains across the nation partner with gas stations to offer a cent off per gallon for each dollar spent on groceries. Sometimes, the gas station pumps are right at the grocery store, so you can fill up and save on gas right away!

Also, gas stations can set up their own loyalty discounts that give you cents off per gallon for swiping a rewards card, scanning an app, or entering your membership number at the pump.

Some popular grocery/gas station rewards programs include:

• BPme Rewards
• Circle K Easy Rewards
• Exxon Mobil Rewards+
• Giant Eagle Fuelperks+
• Harris Teeter Fuel Points
• Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks
• Kroger Fuel Points
• QuikTrip QT Rewards
• Safeway for U
• Shell Fuel Rewards
• Speedway Speedy Rewards

7. Check Out GasBuddy

You’ve no doubt already heard of GasBuddy, but if you haven’t, here’s a quick primer.

GasBuddy is a gas price comparison app. Registered users (it’s free to join) update the current prices of gas at stations near them, and you can search by price and distance to find the cheapest gas near you.

But I’ve been using GasBuddy much more than usual since they introduced the Pay with GasBuddy feature. When you sign up, they’ll send you a free gas card that you swipe to pay for gas.

Browse the GasBuddy app before you fill up, then activate additional discounts via the app before you pay to save up to 25¢ per gallon. Your purchase will come out of your linked bank account, just like a debit card.

To me, using GasBuddy is a no-brainer! I’m already using the app to find the lowest prices, and I would have paid with a debit card anyway (most likely), so why not save a little more and get free gas while I’m at it?

RELATED: 18 Best Coupon Apps to Save Money

8. Use the Upside App

Upside is a free cashback app that rewards users with up to 25¢ per gallon. And yes, you can use BOTH GasBuddy and Upside!

Once you download the app, use the map to find cash-back offers near you. Once you’re at the gas station, just “Check In” before you fill up, and pay with a linked credit or debit card. (If you’d rather scan your receipt, you can do that instead.)

PS – Upside also gives cash back at restaurants and grocery stores.

BONUS: Use the coupon code AFF25 when you register for Upside to get a signup bonus of 25¢ per gallon. This stacks with your first offer of up to 45¢ per gallon to save up to 70¢ per gallon on your first receipt!

9. Enter a Free Gas Sweepstakes

OK, so this one’s a little wacky, but it’s worth a shot. Take a stab at winning free gas by entering sweepstakes!

There are lots of websites that round up sweepstakes, but my favorite is Sweepstakes Today. It’s free to join, and they give each sweepstake a star rating so you can quickly find the best ones to enter based on prize value and the number of winners.

You can save your favorites to “My Lucky List” to make it easier to enter.

Some current free gas sweepstakes include:

• Into the Wild Sweepstakes – enter to win a $400 Airbnb Gift Card, $150 Shell Gas Gift Card, HearHere 1-Year App Membership
• Miller Lite & Coors Light Gas for a Year Central Sweepstakes – enter to win a $4,800 prepaid card

Sure, there’s no guarantee that you’ll win free gas, but it doesn’t take much effort and you might get lucky. Keep in mind that by signing up for sweepstakes, you’re also giving your information to companies that may be used for marketing purposes in the future.

Ways to Save on Gas

It’s not always possible to get free gas, but there are ways you can cut down on your gas expenses. Some techniques involve using less gas, while others help you pinch your pennies and cut down on the dollar amount you spend at the pump.

1. Fill Up on Monday

According to GasBuddy.com, the day of the week with the lowest average gas prices across most of the U.S. is Monday. If you can’t fill up on Monday, the next best day is Friday. GasBuddy analyzed gas price data from its app to make this determination.

(Note that these results can vary by state; you can check the state-by-state results here.) Even if you don’t religiously analyze gas price data, you’re probably already aware that the price of gas fluctuates throughout the week.

If you have a favorite gas station, consider tracking prices for a few weeks to see which day of the week has the lowest price for you.

2. Take It Slow and Steady

This may not be a popular tip, but one way to use less gas is to improve your gas mileage by driving more slowly and keeping a consistent speed. According to FuelEconomy.gov, speeding, rapid acceleration, and braking can lower your gas mileage by 15 to 30% at highway speeds and 10 to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.

Doing the math on this…I have a Honda Civic that gets 33 mpg (city) or 42 mpg (highway). With the current cost of gas in my area, I pay 10¢ per mile for gas in the city and 8¢ per mile for gas on the highway.

But if I drive aggressively, my price per mile jumps to 17¢ per mile (city) and 12¢ per mile (highway). Yikes!

Stay in the right lane, give yourself plenty of following distance to slow down as needed, and avoid stomping on the gas to accelerate. All of these things will help you pay less for gas and probably help your stress levels, too.

RELATED: 9 Ways to Get Free Air for Your Tires

3. Consider Getting a More Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

It may seem a little extreme to buy a new vehicle to save on gas, but with gas prices on the rise, you may find that swapping your gas guzzler for a newer vehicle – or even a hybrid or electric vehicle – will pay off in the long run.

As technology advances, new vehicles are designed to maximize fuel economy and help you save on gas or even eliminate the cost of gas. Companies are even making electric trucks and SUVs!

If you’re in the market for a new-to-you vehicle, consider factoring in the cost of gas as you determine how much you can afford. You may be surprised to find that opting for a hybrid vehicle is worth the extra cost.

4. Walk, Bike, Carpool, or Take Public Transit

I know I’m guilty of hopping in my car to take short trips with the justification that it’s faster. And if the weather isn’t great and/or you have lots of passengers, it often does make more sense to drive.

But if the weather is decent and you have the time, why not walk or ride your bike to the post office/grocery store/friend’s house that is close? You’ll get some exercise in and save on the cost of gas, too.

Another option is setting up a carpool for work, school, extracurricular activities, or a night out with friends. You can either split the cost of gas if you’re driving/riding with others, or swap with another parent or guardian to bring the kids to and from sports practice or music lessons.

Need help setting up a carpool? The Rideshare Company, Ridesharing.com, and Waze are all websites you can browse to help you get started finding riders or drivers that are headed the same way as you.

It’s also worth a look into your city’s public transit – bus, train, subway, etc. – especially for commuting to work. Check out possible routes and compare how much you’d spend on public transit vs. buying gas.

Plus, by hopping on public transit, you can spend your time reading a book while you ride instead of fighting traffic.

Summary

Unless someone else is paying your bills, you won’t be able to get free gas all the time.

But by using these methods to earn free gas cards, maximize rewards, and even display ads on your vehicle, you can defray the cost of this necessary expense and continue to hit the road without wincing at the price of gas at the pump.

The post 9 Ways to Get Free Gas appeared first on The Coupon Project.

Coupon Organization: What NOT to Do

You want to get more serious about using coupons. Great! The first step is to avoid these not-so-helpful strategies. Are you guilty of any of these?

#1: The Clip ‘n Forget Method. You have good intentions, so you clip your coupons, but then don’t have a plan of where to put them, so they tend to end up in a forgotten pile that goes into a junk drawer somewhere.

#2: The Bottom of the Purse Method. You find a good coupon at a store or get one at checkout, so you put it in your purse for “safe keeping” only to discover it three months later when you’re cleaning said purse – and the coupon has long since expired.

#3: The Forgotten Folder Method. You decide the best place for your coupons is in a neat and tidy folder in your home office. The only problem is that you never consult this folder before making your grocery trip.

While a bit tongue-in-cheek, the point I want to drive home is that coupons will not save you any money if they are not organized or easy to retrieve. On the flipside, it’s entirely possible to create an overly complicated system that stresses you out every Sunday when new coupons arrive (I know because I’ve been there, done that).

Your goal will be to create a system that both keeps your coupons organized and is easy for you to maintain.

Three Basic Coupon Organization Ideas

Over the years, I’ve identified three different organizational methods that work well for most couponers. The one that’s right for you will gel with your style, how you like to shop, how many coupons you intend to use, and how much time and effort you wish to devote.

Organizational Idea #1: The Coupon Binder

Even if you’ve never clipped a coupon in your life, chances are you’ve seen someone carry around one of these puppies at the store. You may have been inspired by them, or sworn you’d never be that crazy.

Let’s chat a little bit about how this method works and why you’d choose to go this route.

• Supplies needed: a large binder and plastic inserts (Amazon links)
• Clip your coupons and file away weekly
• You can also add coupons you find in stores and get in the mail
• Don’t forget about coupons you can print, too – head to the “Print Coupons” tab above for legitimate, free coupons
• Keeps your coupons at the ready, should you find deals in stores
• Organize by category or alphabetically
• Keeps them neat and tidy

I personally have used coupon binders for the better part of four years now, and I have to say I like the feeling of finding a deal and knowing I have the coupon right then and there to use. However, I found clipping and organizing EVERY coupon from my insert was a huge time waster. These days, I ONLY clip the handful of coupons I think I’m likely to use (or may want to use if I find a deal). I spend about 20-30 minutes every Sunday this way, and my coupons stay neat and tidy. I carry mine in the store in a reusable grocery bag, so it’s discreet.

You’ll need to purchase some pocket sleeves such as these ones (Amazon link). I’ve used both the sports card and business card sizes, and I definitely recommend the sports card – your coupons will require less folding and stay tidier.

I also recommend a good quality binder, preferably one that zips up like the one pictured here (Amazon link). I also like a binder with pockets for couponing essentials, such as scissors, a calculator, pens, rebates, and receipts.

What are the disadvantages of this system? You must stay on top of pulling the expired coupons out! A good time to do this is at the start of the month, since many coupons expire on the last day of the month. If you use lots of food and products with coupons, you could easily spend more time clipping and filing into a binder than my 20-30 weekly minutes.

Organizational Idea #2: Folders/Filing

If the binder method is not for you, you could simply file your inserts away each week. On the spine of each insert in tiny print is the week date. You can use a sharpie or thick marker and write the date across the front, or put the inserts into file folders. (I have some I picked up for $0.09 around back-to-school time a couple of years ago.) 

I have stored the folders in one of these super cute, durable Bungalow bins before. Here’s a similar one, selling for $20 on Amazon right now. I definitely recommend something sturdy like this to support all those folders and coupons!

Here’s how to retrieve the coupons you need, under this system:

#1: Use my coupon matchups as a guide! When I share the deals I’m finding at the stores with you here at The Coupon Project, I tell you which date and insert you’ll need. For instance, if I say the $0.50 off soup coupon is from the 10/14 SmartSource, you can refer to your 10/14 file or folder, find that SmartSource insert and flip through to clip the coupon.

#2: Use a coupon database. There are several online FREE coupon databases you can use. I prefer the one at Hot Coupon World, but there are others at Deal Seeking Mom and Hip2Save as well. Suppose you’re looking to see if there is a coupon for Bic razors. You could go into one of these databases and type “Bic” or even just “razors” to see what comes up. Use the results as a guide to refer back to your inserts.

IMPORTANT: coupons and their values may vary by region, so just because the database says a coupon was issued on a certain date, it does not mean your local paper received it.

This method has its pros and cons. On the plus side, once you’ve created your folders or filing system, managing your coupon inserts is a breeze each week. It’s perfect for the couponer who has limited time and/or gets many inserts, and clipping all those coupons would be very time-consuming.

A couple of disadvantages to consider: you’ll be thumbing through a lot of coupons when you need them, which can be tedious. Also, this method is not very portable. If you find an unexpected deal in a store, you’re often out of luck.

Organizational Idea #3: Coupon Box

One method I’m seeing used more and more is the coupon box.

I’ve personally dabbled with this and love how portable the system is! Reader Sarah also shared with me how she uses the coupon box method to keep her coupons tidy.

Here’s what she has to say:

“When I first started couponing many years ago, I started with a binder and baseball card pockets. After a year, the binder became too heavy, too large, and too awkward. You could never fully see what the coupon was for or the expiration date. I switched to a box and have loved it ever since.  I have a box that is wide enough to store the weekly circulars (on the left side) and the coupon policies (on the right side), as well as the coupons in the smaller envelopes, #6 3/4 business envelopes (which you can find at the dollar store!). I fold the envelope flap in and tape an index card vertically to the back of the envelope.  This allows me to color-code and categorize the coupons.

In front of the box, I keep an empty envelope box that stores scissors, a calculator, a pen, pulled coupons, paper clipped by the store, and any rainchecks I may have. Target has its own set of envelopes filed by category in the back of the box. The box is locking and has a handle for easy carrying. It’ll fit at the top of the shopping cart, or, if you have little ones, at the bottom. It is made by Snapware, which you can find at Walmart or Fred Meyer. Mine is 13.5” D x 9.5” W x 6″ H.

If you’re interested in trying this method, I found a Snapware Smart Store System on Amazon with many box sizes, including the size Sarah mentions (14 x 9 inches).

Thanks, Sarah!

How I Manage My Quick Coupon Trips

I want to share one additional layer of coupon organization I do.

See this cute little “purse?” Well, inside, it’s not really a purse!

It’s an accordion-style coupon organizer! I’ve used one of these for several years now, and it’s great for those quick shopping trips when I don’t want to lug my entire binders around. What I do is designate a store for each section. This way, I can easily manage my rebates and store coupons/rewards.

When I’m planning a shopping trip, I can also gather all the coupons I need from my binders, filed inserts, printables, etc., and place them into the appropriate folder. I even have a couple of sections for high-value/favorite and freebie coupons that I want to keep tabs on.

If you are a light coupon user? You could potentially use this as a standalone method for organizing your coupons. What is the advantage of this organizer? It’s easy and cute and doesn’t scream, I’m a crazy couponer! 

Here’s one example of a super cute coupon organizer I found on Amazon. It’s neat and tidy and fits perfectly into your purse.

Organizing Your E-Coupons

I’d like to end this post with a quick section on organizing ecoupons because it’s fast becoming a way that more and more people are using and redeeming coupons.

By e-coupons, I mean the coupons you load onto your store reward or loyalty cards that are redeemed at checkout. Now, when you go to a site like Fred Meyer, you can see many coupon offers you can easily load to your card.

It can be tempting to want to load all of them – after all, why not? My problem is that when I do this, I often forget what I’ve loaded. Instead, I prefer to take a look at the e-coupon sites of a store JUST PRIOR to making a shopping trip out. I add just the ones I think I want to use (or the ones I think might make a good deal!), and then either print the list of coupons I’ve loaded (most sites give you this option) or jot them down, usually on the grocery shopping list I’ve created.

I find that by being more deliberate with the e-coupons I’m loading and loading them just before shopping, I’m actually more apt to use them!

The post How to Keep Your Coupons Organized appeared first on The Coupon Project.

I’ve found myself change my opinion on certain topics, shift some of the deals I share here, and adjust my own shopping.

Therefore, I wanted to put out a new series of “lessons” that provide realistic expectations and instruction of what you can achieve by using coupons.

In case you missed them, you can go back and read the prior posts:

• Introduction
• Your New Approach to Grocery Shopping
• Stockpiling & Food Inventory
• Understanding Store Sales Cycles

After several posts of lead up, yes, today I’d like to dive in and talk about how coupons work and how you can use them correctly.

Store and Manufacturer’s Coupons

First, it’s important to draw a distinction between store coupons and manufacturer’s coupons.

1. Store coupons are issued from the store and can be only used at that store. The store is giving you the discount.
2. Manufacturer’s coupons are issued from the manufacturer and can be used at any store that accepts them. The manufacturer is giving you the discount, and agrees to reimburse the store for giving you the discount.

Understanding Store Coupons

Above are images of store coupons. Store coupons usually have the logo and/or store name plainly printed on them and may also say “store coupon.” It should be very clear the coupon is intended for use at a particular store.

You can generally find these in the weekly circular or in-stores, and on occasion, store websites or Facebook pages. Other times, you might find store coupons in the newspaper inserts. For instance, Target often releases store coupons in the Sunday paper.

A few important things to note about store coupons:

• Store coupons can only be used at the store they are intended for. (With few exceptions as some stores *may* accept competitor’s coupons. Joann Fabric and Lowe’s immediately come to mind.)
• Store coupons often have a short window of time to use them. The “good through” dates often coincide with weekly store ad cycles.
• Store coupons sometimes will let you buy more than one item. For instance, the above Walgreens candy coupon reads “limit 6.” This means I can buy up to 6 candy bars and get them at the $0.49 price with this single coupon.
• Most stores allow you to stack a store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon. (Hang onto that thought a minute – I’ll explain that further!)

One comment I often hear is this: “but there are no coupons for things I need!” One of my replies is this: “try store coupons!” A perfect example is Fred Meyer.

They’ve put out store coupons for potatoes, peanut butter, milk, canned beans, and meat before! For that reason, I do recommend getting on the mailing and email lists of stores you are apt to shop at.

You can sometimes get coupons sent in the mail from the store you would not get otherwise.

Locating Manufacturer Coupons

Above are just a few examples of manufacturer coupons. Most coupons you will find in your Sunday newspaper or online are going to be manufacturer’s coupons. Manufacturer’s coupons usually state “manufacturer’s coupon” right on them.

If there’s any doubt, look at the fine print. A true manufacturer’s coupon should have a note to the consumer on how to redeem the coupon (that’s you!) and a note to the retailer on where to submit for reimbursement (that’s for the store you end up using the coupon at).

The most common source for manufacturer’s coupons is the Sunday newspaper. You’ll find them in inserts that look like these:

There are three main inserts you’ll find: SmartSource, Red Plum (sometimes referred to as Valassis), and Procter & Gamble (also referred to simply as P&G).

On any given week, the combination and amounts of the inserts will vary. Some weeks you might find a single SmartSource, other weeks you might find all three. Other weeks still you might find two SmartSource and two Red Plum inserts.

One thing I can say with certainty: the first of the month tends to have better coupons and holiday weekends often have no inserts.

Other reliable sources of manufacturer coupons include:

• Trusted coupon printing sites: Coupons.com, SmartSource.com, RedPlum.com
• Manufacturer websites and more often, Facebook pages
• In-stores on specially marked displays as tearpad coupons or “blinkie” coupons
• In magazines (family & women’s lifestyle type magazines are good bets)

Remember, you can use manufacturer’s coupons at any store that will accept them! This means that you can decide where to redeem them for the best value. I’ll speak on leveraging your coupons in tomorrow’s post.

A Word About E-Coupons

One thing we are seeing more and more is stores going to electronic methods of couponing. Safeway, Fred Meyer, QFC, Albertsons, and Target all offer some form of coupon program where you can load coupons to your phone or loyalty card.

To access these coupons, visit the store’s website and look for the coupon center. Register your card or phone, view the offers, and “add” them.

These discounts will come off at the point of sale when you buy the correct items and use your card or phone at checkout.

These coupons may be store coupons or manufacturer coupons. Even if they are manufacturer coupons, in many cases you’ll only be able to use them at the particular store your loyalty card is associated with.

Using Coupons Correctly and Confidently

Is there a learning curve to couponing? I think there definitely is a learning curve to finding a way of using coupons and sales that makes sense for your family, but understanding the basic mechanics shouldn’t be a huge time investment.

In fact, I recall distinctly the first week I learned to use coupons. I probably spent a couple of hours or so just getting my head around everything and then planning my list, but I was able to save over 50% on my first couponing shopping trip! I have found that many new coupon users are able to experience a similar experience very, very quickly in.

So what do you need to know to get started? Here are the basic ground rules, taking into account new rules and recent changes:

1. Always read the fine print of every coupon! In most scenarios, you are able to use one manufacturer’s coupon per item purchased. This means that if you have four coupons that read “save $1 on 1 cheese” you should be able to buy four cheeses and use all four coupons. However, I’m noticing more coupons that now have fine print that states things such as “limit 4 like coupons in a transaction,” “limit 1 per shopping trip,” and even on occasion, “limit 1 per customer.” Make sure you’ve taken the time to read through the fine print to ensure you’ll be able to have a smooth checkout.
2. Always buy the correct items specified on the coupon! If the coupon is for Life cereal, no, you cannot make a substitution for Quaker Oat Squares. If it says it’s for the 11 oz can of tomatoes, no, you cannot buy the 8 oz can. On the flip side, pay attention to a coupon that states it can be used on ANY of a given product. For instance, if I have a coupon that reads, “Good on ANY of our yeast products,” I’m apt to find the least expensive version of the product possible!
3. Never use copied, altered, or expired coupons! This should go without saying, but please, don’t ever photocopy a printable coupon 20 times and then try to redeem it at your store. That’s no good. Don’t try to pass a coupon in November that expired in August. I have sometimes heard from readers that have done things improperly simply because they were given misinformation. Please, if you have a question on any of these topics or any kind of “is this OK” scenario, feel free to leave a comment here or email me at angela @ thecouponproject dot com. The truth is coupon fraud (intentional or not) hurts everyone.
4. Get to know your store’s coupon policy! Most stores have a coupon policy available on their website. I’ve compiled some local ones on my Store Coupon Policy page. Each store will vary on how they handle coupons, so I cannot emphasize this enough! Knowing the ground rules of couponing at each store means you’ll be aware of all the possible ways you can legitimately save there as well as avoid snafus at checkout.
5. Use only one manufacturer’s coupon per purchase! Suppose you found a great frosting coupon in the paper. And then you later found one online. And then you got a third one in your mail. Score, right? WRONG! There is a limit of one manufacturer’s coupon per item, so choose which one you want to use.

The post How to Use Coupons: understanding how they work appeared first on The Coupon Project.

Amazon has announced that it will start its Black Friday sales on November 16th this year – the Friday before the “actual” Black Friday event of Friday, November 23rd.

There will be an entire week of hot sales and deals.

I personally adore Amazon for holiday shopping. In many cases, you can snag prices lower than you’d find at the big box stores, and without having to leave the comfort of your home!

Here are a few tips for shopping Amazon’s Black Friday (and holiday) sales:

• Create a Wish List. Did you know you can create a “Wish List” of your favorite products on Amazon? I do this regularly so I can monitor if the prices are going up or down. They’ve even expanded this free offering so you can now add items on ANY website.
• Keep an eye on Gold Box and Lightning Deals. In the thick of holiday shopping season, Amazon will be updating their site with new deals daily – and hourly. Some of these discounts are SO hot they will sell out fast. Pay attention to what’s up and coming, and know your price points so you can move to score a great deal if you find one. You can also subscribe to receive a daily email for the Gold Box deals.
• Pad your account with Swagbucks. Earn Swagbucks by doing everyday web searches – and then redeem them for items such as Amazon gift cards. Amazon gift cards are stackable and never expire, so it’s nice to keep your account padded with credit and ready to go for the hot sales! (For more information or to get started, visit Swagbucks.)
• Consider adding Priceblink. I don’t usually make add-on endorsements, but I really, really stand behind Priceblink. (And for the record NO, they are not paying me to say this. I really do HEART them!) Priceblink has on many occasions helped me understand if a deal is truly a deal on Amazon….or not. When you’re shopping online and Priceblink finds a better deal or coupons you can use, it will alert you. Otherwise, the toolbar stays hidden. It’s been an invaluable help to me as a blogger too – many times I’ve been swayed by the 50% on Amazon only to see Priceblink popup and I realize Amazon had inflated their “regular retail” price to make it seem like a bargain. (Watch my short YouTube video on how Priceblink works.)

A quick heads up: once Black Friday and holiday shopping season hit, you may see an uptick in Amazon deals I share here. I do this in an effort to help people find good bargains and cross off items on their holiday shopping list. Once the holidays are over, my posts will go back to the normal schedule.

As far as Black Friday goes in general? I don’t have a plan yet for this year, but I will say I think Black Friday is largely a gimmick to get you to part with your hard-earned money on stuff you hadn’t planned on buying. I do know many of you enjoy shopping the sales (and are smart about it!) and I will likely share some notables for you. As for me? I’m thinking of sleeping in on November 23rd!

I’d love to hear from you: what other tips do you have for scoring the best deals on Amazon around the holidays? Do you shop Black Friday or prefer Cyber Monday? Any ideas or suggestions for what you’d find helpful on The Coupon Project for Black Friday?

The post When Does Amazon Black Friday Start? appeared first on The Coupon Project.

Would you believe I’ve never canned?

Oh, I’ve had intentions of canning. I have a decent-sized garden and I even bought a couple of books about canning.

But quite frankly, I was a little overwhelmed. So many steps, so many things I needed (or so I thought), so many warnings such as “follow instructions exactly or your food could be contaminated and you could DIE and everyone who eats your food could DIE.” (Well, maybe not that bad, but you get the gist.)

I had one more post I needed to fill in for this series and deep down I knew I needed a post on canning. After all, this whole series is called Adventures in Homesteading, is it not? So I put on my big girl pants (er, apron?) and got down to business.

And I was delightfully surprised to find I’d made the thing way more complicated in my head than it ever turned out to be.

I dusted off the canning book I bought on Amazon last year:

(If you’re interested, the book currently retails for about $15 on Amazon).

Now this seemed particularly fortuitous, but Tacoma Boys just so happened to have Fuji apples on sale for $0.50/lb this week or $10 for a half bushel. I’ve never purchased apples by the half bushel, but it sure sounds like a good amount to can, doesn’t it?

As far as equipment goes, for some reason I had it in my head that I’d have to spend at least $100 on stuff to get set up. There again, I was so wrong!

Here’s what I discovered: there are high-acid foods (fruits, tomatoes) and low-acid foods (think meats, vegetables). The high-acid foods? They only need what’s called a boiling-water canner. This is basically just a large pot with a rack inside. In some instances, a pot you have at home could work. You would just want to make sure that about 3-4 inches of water could cover the tops of the jars. (The low-acid foods do need a pressure canner, but that’s another post for another day.)

I didn’t have a boiling-water canner, so I picked this one up for just $24.95 at Bed, Bath and Beyond. If you head to the store, note that you might not find it or other canning supplies on the shelf. Just ask, they should have some in the back (or phone your location ahead of time). Even better if you have a coupon of some sort – and I noticed on my way out the door that they take competitor’s coupons, too.

(If you wanted to go the online route, the same canner is about $20 now on Amazon).

I also picked up this Ball Canning Kit for $9.95. I wasn’t sure how essential these items were, but they were all mentioned in my canning book. Turns out, I used EVERY item in this kit today and I highly recommend it!

(If you wanted to go the online route, this kit is $12 on Amazon today)

The jars I ended up paying $12 for 12 quart-size at Fred Meyer. Also note that we are not in the prime of canning season (late summer/early fall), so it’s possible we’ll see better deals and even coupons for these in a few months here.

The first step was to prep my apples. I started by rinsing them out in a bath of cold water.

I then peeled, cored, and quartered them.

Threw them in a deep pot with just enough water to keep them from burning on the bottom (about 1/3 cup) and a healthy splash of lemon juice to prevent them from browning.

I brought to a boil and let them cook until soft, about 20 minutes. Next, I pureed them in small batches using my Vitamix. You could also mash them by hand or use a food processor.

From here, you want to keep the sauce hot while you prep your jars, lids, and rims. I decided to keep my sauce unsweetened as I intend to use a fair amount of it in dairy-free baking recipes. I figure I can always heat, sweeten, and season a batch as I desire. But you could certainly add sugar and cinnamon or whatever else you wish at this point.

Next, you’ll want to process your jars. Separate the jars, lids, and rims and wash in hot soapy water. You don’t need to worry about drying them.

Now you’re going to want to place the jars in the boiling-water canner, fill each jar about 2/3 full of water and bring the level of water up in the canner to match. Simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes, but don’t boil. This will ready the glass for the processing.

While that’s happening, take the lids (which are just the round parts, not the bands), and simmer them in saucepan of hot water over the stove too. Here again – you don’t need to boil them, but the idea is to have all your elements hot before processing.

Funnel your sauce into the jars leaving just 1/2 inch of space at the top (also known as head space). My canning kit came with a funnel, or you could pick one up inexpensively to use. I do recommend this!

In my canning kit I also found this fantastic magnetic lid grabber stick (I’m sure that’s the technical name). I used it to pick up a lid after each jar was finished.

From here, put the bands on, and place back in the boiling-water canner for processing. Cover with water. Do follow the instructions for your recipe as different items will require different amounts of time to process. Applesauce only takes 20 minutes of boiling and then you let it sit for 5 minutes before removing.

Now probably the tool that was THE most helpful in my canning kit was this jar grabber tool. I couldn’t imagine how I would’ve otherwise pulled glass jars out of a pot of boiling water! Recommend.

Now you just let them cool. Make sure to just let them sit with plenty of space between them. Remember they’ve just been through a lot, so be gentle. Don’t toss or roll them, place them in a freezer, let your two-year old play with them, or stand them upside down. Not only could these things damage the jars, they could prevent the lids from sealing properly, and that would be sad indeed.

The next morning, test the seal by pressing down on the lid with your finger. If it does not pop back up at you and you cannot lift the lid up, congratulations! You successfully canned!

According to my books, you can safely store home canned food for up to one year. Your jars of yum will be best stored in a cool, dark place.

I know that this is a really long post, so I thought I’d sum up just a few key points for anyone wanting to can something for the first time:

• Read the instructions first. As in ALL of them. While canning is easy, there are a few steps and nothing should be omitted for safety’s sake.
• Give yourself plenty of time. The day you have several errands to run plus soccer practice and ballet is probably not the best day to can. I’m sure this will not take so much time in the future, but this project took me about three hours from start to finish.
• Make sure you have everything you need first. Gather all the supplies, equipment, and food you’ll need ahead of time so you don’t run into unexpected uh-ohs.
• Give it a try! Don’t be intimidated by canning. I promise, you CAN do it! I’m so proud of myself for doing this and I can’t wait for my next canning project!

Now I’m a bit bummed but I’d spend extra time and effort making a short video of my process yesterday, but my FlipCamera is erroring out and I have no idea what’s going on. If I can figure it out, I’ll make sure to come back and share it with you….wish me luck.

EDITED TO ADD: fixed the video! Enjoy!

For more resources, I recommend Ball’s website. I also adore the blog Food in Jars for stunning recipes and practical help.

Missed a post in this series? Head to my Adventures in Homesteading page to catch up!

The post Adventures in Homesteading: Canning Applesauce appeared first on The Coupon Project.

My friend Mike is what I’d call a true Disneyland expert! He’s been there many times and plumbed the park for all kinds of fun experiences. He has written a number of Disney posts for me over the past several months (see this page for all of them!) and today, he’s back at it again!

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“How do I get Disneyland tickets cheap?” This is the most common question I get asked. But the second most common is, “Why use a travel agent?”

For most, we have all booked a plane ticket before. The mechanics of figuring out how to travel don’t seem too complicated. Many wonder why they would even need a travel agent. I thought the same thing as well once. Not too many years ago, I was planning my first Disneyland trip with my kids as a single dad. I thought for sure I could do it by myself as a former Southern Californian resident and Disneyland annual pass holder. But though I can sing you all the words to “Grim Grinning Ghosts”, that didn’t help me too much when figuring out which hotels would be right for my me and my kids. Nor did it help translate which Disney info on the internet was current and which was no longer true (or always an urban myth). And it certainly didn’t give me the power to think of the aspects of my vacation I didn’t know that I didn’t know.

So I reached out to a travel agent who specialized in Disney destinations. At first I was a bit afraid I would be wasting my time. Or that they might roll their eyes when they saw my meager budget. But what I found was a delightful experience that made my feel empowered when the vacation finally came.

Years later, after many more vacations to a bunch of different places, I became a travel agent myself. It’s great to help people to travel. Some folks know exactly what they want to do and just let me handle all the details so they don’t have to. Others know a date or a budget but need some help with the rest to figure out what vacation is perfect for them. No matter where you are starting from, here are a few reasons why you should book your next vacation with a travel agent.

Reason #1: Knowledge.

Society today has more access to more information than ever before. The internet is full of information. But quite often that doesn’t always give us knowledge. For instance, it’s easy to look up on the internet the price of a cruise. Or to find a 4-star hotel in Paris. But that information may not be enough. Because not every cruise line might fit the expectation you might have for your vacation.

And a 4-star hotel in Paris is not a 4- star hotel in America. A travel agent has this type of knowledge. They are happy to assist you with your own research and help clarify some of the remaining questions. A good travel agent can share knowledge, because they have probably already had the experience from their own travels. This is quite different than a salesperson or a discount website. They probably have lots of useful information, but many not have the knowledge of all the ins and outs of what you want to get out of your vacation.

Reason #2: Access.

One of the great perks to a travel agent is the access you have to a personal vacation planner. No long waits on hold to talk to a representative that may or may not have your best interest at heart. When you have a travel agent, it won’t feel like a chore to get the answer to all those smaller questions. A travel agent is ready and happy to answer any concerns you might have. Big or small. They are just an email, phone call or even a text away. They welcome your thoughts because a travel agent is there to better your traveling experience.

Reason #3: Savings.

Who isn’t looking to save money? Great travel agents have access to deals not found to the general market.  And if they can’t find you and unpublished deal, they are always keeping their eyes open for new offers they can apply to your vacation. One of the best parts of my job is when I get to email a client letting them know they qualified for a new discount and they’ll be saving even more money on the trip they’ve already booked. That type of experience isn’t something you are likely to get anywhere else.

Reason #4: Peace of Mind.

As we all know, occasionally things don’t always go as planned. But when you book with a travel agent, you have an advocate to help when things go south. If your room isn’t what the hotel promised, or perhaps your tour is significantly different than what was advertised, a travel agent can be your first call. They are ready to do what they can to be your voice when you may not be able to. Travel agents can use their knowledge and experience to rectify situations and try to get your vacation back on track.

The best part of a good travel agent is the price. They offer their services with no fee. There’s no hidden extras to get all the perks. Big or small, whether it’s your first vacation or your yearly visit, a travel agent is there to make sure you have the best trip possible.

You probably have your next vacation in mind already. Contact me today and let’s discuss your ideas and start making them a reality! Email me at mike.rinehart@mei-travel.com or visit me at https://www.facebook.com/MikesTravelThoughts/

The post 4 Reasons to use a Travel Agent for your next Vacation appeared first on The Coupon Project.

You might have heard the term foraging before, but have you heard of the term wildcrafting? Wildcrafting is the harvesting of wild plants (uncultivated) for food or medicine.

Learning how to do so in a sustainable and ethical way can be a very frugal and natural way to support your health. (Not to mention, it’s entirely enjoyable just to be out in nature, especially here in the Pacific Northwest!)

Of course, there are some considerations when it comes to wildcrafting that differ from gardening:

1) Proper plant identification. Are you confident you have the right plant? Have you located it in a habitat that it typically grows? Have you observed the plant in multiple seasons?

2) Ethical harvesting. Are you harvesting from a protected area, such as a park or private land? Are you harvesting from a large, healthy stand of plants? Can you harvest just what you need without causing damage or a noticeable effect to the plant? Are you harvesting with a purpose in mind?

3) Edibility/medicinal purpose. Are you preparing the part of the plant that’s edible/medicinal? Are you harvesting the plant in the correct season? Are you aware of dosages? Risks?

While this topic has become more and more interesting to me, I also knew I wanted the sound advice of an expert. So last weekend, my son and I decided to take a Medicinal Plant Walkabout offered through Cedar Mountain Herb School (the same place I took the dandelion intensive on a couple months back). I completely recommend that you learn how to identify and use wild plants from an expert, such as Suzanne from Cedar Mountain Herb School! She has over 25 years of experience as an herbalist and instructor and is well acquainted with many wild plants from our area.

I wanted to share just a few things we learned from our 4-hour  plant walkabout in Discovery Park last weekend.

This was one of my favorite plants we talked about – Miner’s Lettuce! It often grows along trails and….

It’s totally edible! It tasted like a light and refreshing lettuce and my son enjoyed it very much. (In fact, he was asking for some again yesterday!)

Suzanne didn’t race through our walk – instead she spent about 15 or 20 minutes talking about each plant. This is a stinging nettle which is an amazingly iron-rich and nutritious wild green that many of us would consider a bothersome weed due to its “sting”. When cooked, it can be used much like spinach and it can also be dried. When processed, it will loose the sting and is actually quite tasty! Suzanne also explained that once the flowers start forming on this plant, you don’t want to harvest it as it can be hard on your body. (See, this is why learning from an expert is a good thing – not all plants are beneficial or edible at all times of the year!).

By the way, see those plants sticking to her sweater?

Those are called cleavers! They are edible, but not incredible.

These is Pacific Bleeding Heart and it’s also a medicinal plant. Perhaps you’ve seen it? Suzanne explained that it is a rather powerful pain reliever and should be used with caution. Just because something is “herbal” or “natural” does not mean it is safe! Some plants may pack a more powerful punch than others and some should only be used sparingly or taken in small doses or for particular ailments. (Another good reason to learn from an expert. Note to self: I probably do not need to be harvesting Pacific Bleeding Heart, so I’ll just take some pretty pictures of it!)

This plant is Western Hemlock – one of our region’s most poisonous plants! I’ve heard about it before and its ability to kill you. As the name implies, it grows in damp areas. We found this one in a really moist, boggy area growing alongside skunk cabbage. If you don’t know a plant, the best advice is to not touch it. Leave it alone! Some plants may cause skin irritation or you may unintentional ingest it (such as rubbing your nose or mouth after touching the plant).

Here’s a plant that’s just cool to look at: skunk cabbage! It’s my son’s favorite forest plant and we found a ton of it at Discovery Park! You can find it growing in marshy areas or near streams.

Did you know we have a native rose? We do and it’s called the Nootka Rose! Turns out you can use it topically for a skin toner. I often think about plants I can eat, but this talk also got me thinking about plants I could use for salves, creams, and natural skin care. (And now I’m thinking I want to plant a Nootka rose in my landscape!)

Isn’t this a gorgeous plant? It’s a Hawthorne and Suzanne calls it the “everything’s going to be OK” plant because the elixir she makes using the leaves, flowers, and berries helps bring calm and soothe a troubled heart. The hawthorn can also be used topically for skin care and is surprise – in the same family as the rose!

Since taking this class, my son and I have taken to yelling “Hawthorne!” when we see one in passing. If you are interested to make remedies with Hawthorne, Suzanne will be offering up a one-day intensive Hawthorn class in the fall and you will make your remedies right there alongside her (much like I did in this dandelion intensive class).

The day after taking this class, I was walking through a forested path near my house and was able to identify dock, saxifrage, red alder, cleavers, and miner’s lettuce (my son will be excited). I can also now identify several native berries including salal, salmonberry, thimbleberry and red huckleberry! Right now my goal is to get as familiar and confident as possible in identifying these plants in a number of seasons and locations. One book that’s been very helpful (and that I’ve mentioned a few times now is this Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast book – currently about $15 on Amazon). The pictures and descriptions are very clear!

If you are interested in learning more about wild plants or to go on a similar plant walkabout, make sure to check out the schedule of classes at Cedar Mountain Herb School or locate a foraging or wildcrafting expert in your area.

Did you like this post? You might also want to read….

• Using Dandelions for Food & Medicine
• 7 Lessons the Forest taught me about Gardening
• My Visit to the Beacon Food Forest (Seattle)
• Urban Weed Foraging

Disclosure: the goal of today’s post was to share some of what I’ve learned with you. I am not an herbalist or expert in this topic – merely someone who is hoping to gain knowledge in this area. Please do take care before harvesting or eating any wild plant – make sure you’ve properly identified it and taken the time to educate yourself about ethical foraging. Thanks, friends!

The post What is Wildcrafting? (Plus, my Medicinal Plant Walkabout at Discovery Park!) appeared first on The Coupon Project.