Making Ends Meet: Living on one income

Easy $10 at a Coinstar Machine: $40 in change earns you a $10 gift card

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:26:00 +0000

Now through 12/6/09, take your spare change totaling $40 or more to a participating Coinstar machine. Dump your change in and so long as your total is more than $40, you will get a form to complete to send in for a gift card worth $10.

Tips for this awesome deal:

Make sure you have $40 worth of change. Your total must exceed $40 to trigger this promotion.
Keep a copy of absolutely everything before you send it in the mail.
Be mindful that it takes 6-8 weeks for fulfillment, so you won't have this extra money to spend on Christmas gifts.
This promotion is limited to one per person, address, household.
Make sure your machine is participating. Typically this has been the machines that advertise trading your coins in for gift cards (in past experience).

To see the full rules for this promotion, click here.

Noobie Kindle contest....win a Kindle! (Two part contest...)

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:31:00 +0000

One last Kindle contest to alert you to. Over at Noobie, they have a Kindle giveaway. The fine print is that by clicking the "I agree" you allow them to send emails. As with any emails, if you later on just can't stand them in your inbox, you can unsubscribe. The cool thing about this contest is that it is really two contests in one.

First, you enter the contest to win a Kindle... then you receive an email telling you about a second contest. Basically, you refer people to the contest and it counts as an entry toward a second Kindle. Most referrals in that contest will win that second Kindle. Plus, there's another drawing where the entries for the second Kindle (from the referrals...) enter you to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card. So there's a chance to win that even if you don't have the most referrals.

So, if you a) don't mind using a blatant referral link to enter the contest and b) want to win a Kindle and c) don't mind a stray email or two from Noobie, please enter the contest.

Enter to win a Kindle using my blatant referral link.

Fangs, Fur, & Fey - Enter to win a Kindle there too!

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:19:00 +0000

Ok, I might be getting a little obsessed... but I want a Kindle. I want to win it though (who wants to part with their hard earned bucks in this economy?) if I can. So, I am Googling to my heart's content and trying to enter any contest that I a) have a shot at winning and b) meet the eligibility requirements.

So, if you want a Kindle as badly as me, make sure you stop by Fangs, Fur & Fey and enter. You have until November 13.

Try to win a Kindle: Lisa and Laura Write

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:50:00 +0000

I just entered to win a Kindle (I really, really want one of those!) at Lisa and Laura Write. They are giving a Kindle away to one lucky person, so be sure to read all of the entry criteria. Hurry - they're choosing a winner on November 13!

Enter here: LINK to Lisa and Laura's blog

Walmart $20 Thanksgiving dinner for 8; hot electronics deals Nov 7-13.

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:24:00 +0000

Walmart is going all out for Thanksgiving grocery shoppers. A recent press release indicates that Walmart is offering the fixings for Thanksgiving dinner for 8 for a mere $20. A list of the items included for that 20 bucks is a 12 pound Grade A Turkey priced at .40 per pound, along with the normal Thanksgiving fare - Green Giant vegetables, stuffing, Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce, Sara Lee Rolls, potatoes, and even dessert.

Also announced this week, Walmart is offering some low prices on electronics items, including a laptop priced just under $300.

Read Walmart's press release here.

Printable coupon: .50/2 Libby's Vegetables - save on Thanksgiving dinner

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:43:00 +0000

Head over to Libby's site to get your printable .50/2 coupon that is good on their canned vegetables. Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away and if you are a lucky duck, your store may double that coupon to increase your savings.

While you are at the Libby's site, check out their Back to the Table promotion that seeks to help feed the hungry.

Link the Libby's site and to the .50/2 coupon (left side bar)

2009 Fancy Feast ornament - tree topper - order now for best chance of delivery before Christmas

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:34:00 +0000

This year's Fancy Feast ornament is a tree topper. It takes 12 upcs and a check for $2.99. In order to have a good chance of delivery before Christmas, they suggest you order by 11/9/09. I have gotten these ornaments in the past - one a few years ago after the loss of one of our beloved pets. That particular ornament had a place for his picture and it helped our daughter miss him a little less at Christmas (that cat loved Christmas trees).

Link to the 2009 Fancy Feast ornament order form (picture of ornament also).

DenTek Floss Picks sample at Walmart

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:32:00 +0000

Get your free sample of DenTek Floss Picks through Walmart.com. These handy picks are great for keeping in the car for floss emergencies.

Link to free sample of DenTek Floss Picks

Disney Movie Rewards: watch video, get 100 bonus points (once)

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:18:00 +0000

If you are a Disney Movie Rewards member, be sure to get your 100 bonus points by watching a (relatively) short video. I received 100 points by watching a video on BluRays. Here's how you find it:

Go to the Disney Movie Rewards site
Log in
Click on the Member Benefits Tab
Click to watch the movie

That's it! So if you need that extra 100 points, watching a short clip is worth the time spent. If you don't need it, consider watching the movie and then donating those points to Toys for Tots. To do that, click Redeem and then choose the Toys for Tots prize. 100 points equals a DVD for a child for Christmas.

Good place to find Swagbucks codes

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:37:00 +0000

If you missed the Swag Blog post about a new place to find Swag Bucks codes, here's the scoop. Visit the Special Offers page and look through the offers... sign up for what you are interested in or just hit the skip button if you're not. At the end should be a Swag Code you can copy/paste into your account page for 1 Swag Buck! Now, you won't get this everyday but it might be worth checking periodically.

Also, Swag Bucks launched a new promotion tool that links Facebook with your Swag Bucks account... be sure to check out that post on the Swag Blog too!

Editing to add: The Special Offer page (found at Swagbucks.com under the Ways to Earn tab) now states you can earn a Swag Buck for viewing the no obligation offers once per week.

You may view the ones that require a sign up to earn Swag Bucks as often as you wish. Please see hotlinked blog post above - Swag Guy does warn that you shouldn't sign up just to get the bucks and then cancel right away.

CVS catalog - has $4/$20 coupon inside...

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:29:00 +0000

Look for a large (9" x 9") red catalog at your local CVS. It features a red cover with a red Christmas tree bulb on the front and is titled season to save. Inside at page 24 you will find a $4/$20 coupon valid 11/1/09-12/25/09. It does say that the Extra Bucks will print on your receipt immediately following qualified purchases. It is limited to one offer per household.

Kodak Million Thanks Giveaway still going - get your $15 code

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:39:00 +0000

Kodak's Million Thanks Giveaway is still going strong - be sure to snag your $15 code which can be used to buy a nice gift for free (except for shipping). I uploaded two pictures and made a nice 15 oz mug which came to $14.99 plus $5.99 shipping and handling. So a nice mug of my two kids grinning like fools for $6 isn't such a bad deal after all. Kodak's mugs are nice quality and I haven't broken one yet. I would caution, however, washing them in the dishwasher as I have had some fade as have relatives we have given mugs to as gifts.

The $15 Kodak codes are given out in phases (100,00o each phase) and the 2nd phase starts today, so the chances are good if you run to the Kodak Million Thanks Giveaway page and enter your email address. The code is good for about a week - be sure to note the expiration date and use it before then.

Cheap Christmas gift? Post a comment below and let me know what you decide to get.

Time sink - Club Bing - may be worth revisiting

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:02:00 +0000

Club Bing used to run under a different name - MSN Live Search Club, which I wrote about here. Still basically the same as MSN Live, this site is a time sink... albeit one that can result in prizes.

I wouldn't say the prizes have improved; however, I did recently redeem for a Net Ball Game that would have lasted longer if I had not let my 4 year old near it (he undid the intricate netting... think snow shoes.) At any rate, I have about 1,200 odd points now and am planning to save up for hammock. I have delusions of grandeur here - I don't think I have the wherewithal or luck to gather enough points up to get a Zune.

In the past, when under the MSN Live Search moniker, I did redeem for some nice techy prizes. It would be a disservice to say that those prizes shipped quickly. More like slower than molasses in January. But in all fairness, the Net Ball game came within a reasonable time frame (about a month).

So, if you find yourself wasting time on Facebook apps, think about Club Bing instead. At least if you play games there, you can earn tickets... making it a time sink worth revisiting if you haven't been there in a while.

As always, read the rules. Some prizes are limited to 1 per household. Read before you redeem!

LINK to Club Bing

P.S. My kids love Chicktionary - they find all the 3 and 4 letter words and I finish the rest. Easy tickets! Though for more bang for your time, I recommend Flexicon... particularly if you are good at crossword puzzles. Be sure to sign up for emails as they have been having double tickets day regularly and that is an awesome way to build tickets faster. Club Bing is also free to join.

Boost Kid Essentials Taste Guarantee

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Boost Kid Essentials is offering a taste guarantee. Designed to compete head to head with PediaSure's chocolate, Boost Kid Essentials is offering parents the opportunity to try their brand against PediaSure's backed by a kid taste guarantee. This offer runs through the end of November, and be sure to try for a $5 coupon to help defray the cost. If you have registered previously, you will not get the coupon (I got a screen telling me I was not eligible).

LINK to Boost Kid Essentials taste guarantee information

Veterans/Active Military eat free at Applebees on Veteran's Day (11/11/09)

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:45:00 +0000

Veterans and active military can dine for free at Applebees on 11/11/09. You will need to show ID, such as your military card or VFW/American Legion uniform. Heck, they'll even let you bring a picture of you in your uni!

Link to acceptable forms of ID

What can you get for free? Your choice of:

Three Cheese Chicken Penne
Fire Pit Bacon Burger
Fiesta Lime Chicken
Chicken Tenders Platter
7 oz Sirloin
Oriental Chicken Salad

Beverage and tip for your kind waiter/waitress is not included. Still, it is a nice freebie and a well deserved one for those who have fought for our freedom in the past and are fighting for our freedom now.

Know a vet or military member? Thank them by sending them a link to this post so they can get the free meal they deserve!

Free Pampers Extra Protection diaper sample

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:40:00 +0000

Hurry - this one is while supplies last and is available at the Walmart.com site. You have the choice of either a size 4 or size 5 diaper - be sure to read the weight restrictions on each size.

LINK to Free Pampers Extra Protection diaper sample.

GoodNites are Flexible Spending Account Eligible *

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:50:00 +0000

Note the asterisk in the title. Having recently received an email stating that GoodNites were now Flexible Spending Account (FSA) eligible, I zipped on over to my FSA's website to check their jukebox of eligible items. It wasn't there, so I shot them an email to ask if it was true that GoodNites were now FSA eligible. I received a reply back a few days later stating YES, but... you need a doctor's letter of medical necessity to be able to submit GoodNites receipts for reimbursement.

So, if your big boy or girl still needs some kind of diaper for overnights, and you have a FSA plan, be sure to check it out.

By the way, I also received this email recently:

"...And GoodNites® is always on the lookout for ways to help you save too. For a limited time, you’ll receive a $5 Target GiftCard™* when you purchase two (2) GoodNites® Sleep Pants Mega Packs. OFFER VALID 10/25 - 10/31/2009 in store only." I know that there's $2 off 2 blinkie coupons out right now; perhaps a home mailer would have better coupons.

Food Lion clearance - YMMV - Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:58:00 +0000

My local Food Lion had some Huggies Pure & Natural diapers on clearance for $7 and change. There's a $3 coupon in this Sunday's paper, so mommies with babies may want to scout their Food Lion to see if it is chain-wide. In my store, the 1s and 2s were clearanced.

Free Sample - Oregon Chai

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:56:00 +0000

I spotted this in my Sunday inserts: get a free sample of Oregon Chai by going to GiveMeOregonChai.com. While supplies last! It said the free sample would come in 2-4 weeks.

Free KFC Grilled Chicken Piece on Monday, October 26, 2009

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:14:00 +0000

Another food freebie - 5,000 KFCs around the country will be giving away FREE Grilled Chicken pieces on Monday, October 26, 2009. According to the press release on the KFC site - found here - these are limited to 1 per person and of course, the manager gets to choose. There is not supposed to be a problem like there was last Spring when KFCs were inundated with folks with their free coupon, only to be turned away and given a raincheck eventually. So Monday is the day to grab your free Grilled Chicken piece at your local KFC.... spread the word!

$15 Kodak Gift Code - link inside to get yours!

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:14:00 +0000

A friend sent me a link to get a $15 gift code for Kodak. Holidays mean lots of picture taking, so this is superb timing!

Get yours too!

Disney Rewards codes/plea for donation for Toys for Tots

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:05:00 +0000

A friend passed these along to me:

EN9FNF93N2-- 5 points

graveyards-- 40 points

tina--20 points

light-- 10 points

gobloon-- 30 points

Another new code (well, new to me...) heart -- 50 points

Please note that this totals 155 points. The folks at Disney are offering a promotion tied in with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. 100 point donation = free Disney DVD for a needy child. They also offer a plush toy donation for 200 points and a plush/DVD combo for 250 points.

I know money is tight for lots of folks, but this is an easy way to donate something to charity if you are otherwise unable to do so. Even if you aren't a Disney Rewards member, please consider signing up, putting in the codes and then donating them to make a child's Christmas brighter.

The backs of receipts can mean money!

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:35:00 +0000

Do you look on the back of your receipts? You really should... especially these days! Taking a peek on the backs of your receipts can mean significant savings. Here's a few places you should look.

Wawa - Some Wawas have store coupons printed on the reverse of their receipts. Last summer, I got several free Mentos this way. Also, there are cents off coupons off of pop, candy and their baked goods.

JC Penneys - Take a look on the back of your JC Penney's receipt the next time you purchase something there. For just a few moments of your time, you can complete a survey and get a 15% off coupon. These are time-sensitive, so don't wait too long to cash in. With Christmas coming up, this could be an excellent way to save some change with little effort.

Burger King - Did you like your burger? Were the fries hot? Take a look on the back of your Burger King receipt to see if there is a satisfaction survey phone number to call. Calling in within the specified time frame could net you a free burger. Who doesn't love free?

Giant (or other grocery stores) - Take a look on the backs of some grocery store receipts and see what local businesses are offering. A recent receipt contained a coupon off of a long overdue oil change!

Readers: If you have anything more to add to this list, please comment! Let's help each other find these coupons.

$5 printable rebate - Aunt Jemima, Hungry Man & More

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:26:00 +0000

This link came courtesy of my friend Kheli:

The Real Meal Deal - printable form to get $5 in coupon savings

Buy 5 frozen items, get $5 in coupon savings. Brands include: Aunt Jemima, Hungry Man, Lender's Bagels, Duncan Hines (frozen only), Mrs. Paul's and Van De Camps fish sticks.

Links to interesting things I want to share...

IClipCoupons@gmail.com (Pinching Abe) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:08:00 +0000

I've been a little behind in updating (sorry) but things have eased up around here a bit so I can finally catch my breath. My email overfloweth with wonderful links to share (mainly courtesy of my friends Mona and Kheli, who can pinch Abe even harder than me!) Here are a few links they've sent my way:

Kraft $10 rebate: If you plan on buying lots of snack crackers, then this is the rebate for you. Be sure to download the coupon to go with to save some extra money. These will probably go on sale b1g1 before the rebate expires too. Kraft $10 rebate link

$1 Cheerios printable coupon: This coupon can be printed once per week. Link to coupon

BJ's 60 day trial: Get a 60 day free trial for BJs. I did this last summer and let it expire (my bad) but they did send me an enticing offer in the mail after they noticed I didn't renew. BJ's trial offer (good til 12/31/09)

$2 Healthy Choice Internet Printable Coupon - save on your frozen dinner! Link to Healthy Choice Coupons

Marie Callender's Pasta Al Dente taste guarantee - try it and if you don't like it, ask for your money back. Link to printable rebate form

Got kids? Get those stains out with Shout. Give it a try and if it doesn't work for you, get your money back. Link to printable rebate form (good til 6/30/2010)

Off to dig up more money saving links!