The Simple Dollar

This is another good site for some financial discussion and advice. Check it out.

The Simple Dollar

Make it Yourself....Laundry Detergent

One way to save money is to make items yourself. I found this great article on-line about making your own laundry detergent. Though I don't know if I would want to have a large bucket of sludge in my house, it might be worth i....

Here is the link:

How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Shopping for Kids Clothes

You all know that kids clothes can be very expensive, especially when they seem to grow out of them every other day. Here are my recommendations for saving money on this expense.

1. Make a list of basic needs. Create a list of basic wardrobe needs (number of pants, number of shirts, etc). These are the items that you HAVE to have to dress your kids. Don't be too stingy, but don't go overboard either. make sure the list includes items you need for your regular activities (school, sports, church, etc).
2. Keep a list of items you need. It helps to have a list of clothing items you need for the coming year. Start with your basic wardrobe list, and make sure the list has a quantity for each item. Keep this list in your purse or car, essentially carry it with you, so if you are ever out shopping and you find a good deal, you know what you need.
3. Shop clearance racks. Scour the racks at your local department and discount stores. You can find great deals here. This is where your "needs list" comes in handy. Make sure you aren't just buying stuff because it is on sale. It is okay to get extra items, or special items, that you don't really need, but make sure you don't go overboard.
4. Shop off season. Using your needs list and basic wardrobes list to decide what you need each season. You can save money by shopping off season clearance sales. Wait to buy your winter clothes until spring and summer, and vice versa. There may be slim pickings, but if you watch carefully, you can snap up some great deals and beef up those wardrobes.
5. Visit your local outlet mall. You can find great deals at the stores in these malls. Often these malls are home to regional stores, which means that they get the clearance from others stores in the area. These stores also tend to have "clearance" racks, with deeply discounted items.
6. Know your local stores. Talk to store managers and ask about scheduled sales, when they clearance items out, and any special offers they might have. Getting to know the staff and managment of your local stores can help you find the best deals.
7. Shop thrift stores and consignment shops. Most of these places offer special sales or coupons, which can lead to additional savings. You can often find brand new clothing (with tags still attached), or nice gently used clothing here. These are also great places to find gently used toys, books, and other kids items.
8. Start a clothing swap. Have a ton of boys clothes you don't need, but looking for some cute girl's dresses? Start a clothing swap in your neighborhood, church or other community group. Members can trade items they no longer need for items they are looking for. make sure that you check the quality of items you plan to swap...you don't want to be giving away spit up stained t-shirts.
9. Prowl E-bay and other like minded sites. Just like thrift stores and consignment shops, you can find great items for low prices on these sites. You can also sell your unwanted items there, and help finance your new purchases.

Happy Shopping!

Online Coupons

Considering that I am a big fan of online coupons, and I have been writing about them lately, I thought you might enjoy this article about them. The article includes references for sites where you can find some good ones.

The article originally appeared on MSN Money.

The Basics: How online coupons save you hard cash

Saving on a Shoestring

Saving is an important part of financial health, and one that in our culture, is often overlooked. This is an old article that I downloaded from MSN ages ago, but it still applies.

No matter how much you make, you can save money. You may start out small, but starting is the hardest part.

Here is the link to the article: 20 Ways to Save on Shoestring

Taking a "Money Day"

This was a good article. For those of us trying manage our finances, or those who may be trying to get started on that journey, taking a "money day" may not be a bad idea. Just think, we usually take time to do our taxes, go to the doctor for a check up, take our car to the mechanic, etc. So why not take (at least) an annual "money day" to take care of our financial health?

Here is a link to the article for those of you who want to take a look

Taking a "Money Day"

The Grocery Game

For those of you looking for ways to slash that grocery budget (and let's face it, it is a huge expense, that is getting bigger every day), coupons and sales are often an "easy" way to cut costs.

The problem for most people is that maximizing savings generally involves hours of looking through ads, clipping or printing coupons, and matching them up. Now some of us (me included) enjoy the hunt, and have no problem doing the tedious work of coupon clipping and sale hunting.

For those of you who do not want to spend your weekends planning, clipping, and hunting, there is another option.

You can go to The Grocery Game. This is a website that does all that work for you (more or less). Now this is a PAID site, so it will cost you a little to get results, but if you really despise the effort, it might be worth it.

I have gotten some great feedback about the site, and several friends have sworn by it. If you decide to try it out, please come back and leave a comment about your experience!

More Internet Coupons

Several individuals have given me other sites to get internet coupons from, so here are some new links!

Coupon Mom

Grocery Coupons

Mommy Saves Big

Cool Savings

My Coupons

Military Shopper

Your Money or Your Life

This is a great book. "Your Money or Your Life" by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin. Most libraries have it, and Amazon.com has it pretty cheap (about $10).

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for ideas about a financial plan for the future! We've been reading it at our house. A lot of it is common sense advice, but sometimes we need to hear that over again!

I disagreed with some of their "rhetoric" (they are decidedly environmentalists), but their financial advice was good. I liked the fact that their goal wasn't fame and riches, but a healthy relationship with money.

Truly if you think about it, what is more important, your money or your life?

50 Ways to Trim Your Budget

This was an article posted on MSN Money, and seems to have a lot of common sense advice about cutting costs. Sometimes its not easy!

50 Ways to Trim Your Budget

Online Banks

In this modern age of the the World Wide Web, the banking industry has kept up. In addition to banks offering on-line access to accounts, internet bill paying, and other modern conveniences, there has sprung up a large number of "internet only" banks.

These banks generally have no "brick and mortar" locations (traditional banking branches), and their services are totally linked to the Internet. while there is some trepidation in trusting you money to a "virtual" bank (they are not totally virtual, as they have "brick and mortar" headquarters and offices), they can offer great benefits.

Most of these banks offer the same conveniences as traditional banking institutions. They have on-line bill paying (which is such a convenience especially for regular and reoccurring bills). They offer checking accounts, with check services and ATM/Debit cards.

Most also offer credit cards (if you need another one) and other loan services. Some, such as ING Direct, also offer mortgage services.

They also offer savings accounts, which are perhaps the greatest benefit to this incarnation of the banking world. Where as most traditional "brick and mortar" banks are offering something in the range of 0.5-o.75% interest (my traditional bank is offering around 0.75% interest), these online banks are offering much higher rates. ING Direct (my choice for on-line banks), is currently offering 4.1% interest on their savings accounts. This means that your money is working harder for you.

While you will probably need to use a combo of both a traditional bank and an "Internet" bank, you can make great use of these services. My family and I keep our "working" money (the money we use for daily expenses such as groceries, gas, etc) in a traditional bank, to ensure easy access, we have chosen to put our long term savings in an Interent bank (after a lot of research and discusssion, we were a little uneasy at first about Internet banks, we chose ING Direct). This way, the money we don't need to get at fast is making us a ton.

ING Direct also allows you to link your traditional banking accounts to your ING account, so that you can easily transfer money between them.

At least ING Direct (and hopefully some of the other options), also offers incentives for signing up. They give you a certain dollar amount as a "gift" for signing up. You can also make more money by referring friends and family. ING offers a way for you to invite your friends (by sending them an e-mail), and if you friend signs up for an ING account using this invitation, they receive about $25 dollars in their account, and you will receive a $10 deposit in yours.

While these Internet banks can offer great benefits, make sure that you do research your options and understand the risks and requirements of doing your banking this way. I would recommend starting out with a small sum and seeing how your experience goes. I have also found it best to make sure that you have either made arrangements to get easy access to your funds, or only place money you don't need right away in this type of institution.

Here are the site links for two of the most popular Internet Banks. Ask friends and family for any recommendations they may have, since if you know someone who has had a personal experience with the bank, it might be easier to make a choice.

ING Direct

HSBC


Happy Savings!

UPromise

This a program that offers you a percentage (up to 5%) of money you spend back, into an educational savings account. Their site (UPromise) offers a list of qualifying products and purchases.

You have to sign up on their site to set up an account. You then have to register either your credit and/or debit cards or any Shopper Loyalty Cards you have with participating retailers. UPromise then tracks your qualifying purchases, and offers you quarterly statements on your balance.

Their site offers more information on the rules of the program, such as who can use the money you save.

Shopper Loyalty Cards

Nowadays many stores offer Shopper Loyalty Cards. They have cute names, but they really all have one thing in common...they can save you money.

These cards often allow you access to sales prices (most stores that offer these cards tie sale prices to their use, meaning if you don't have the card, you pay full price), special promotions, and other savings benefits.

The Downsides

There are downsides to using these cards. You often have to provide personal information (such as name, phone number, and home address), and unless you are willing to provide blatantly false information, the stores will be able to contact you. There is also a risk that this information will be sold to third parties, so by signing up for such programs, you run the risk of being the recipient of a ton of junk mail.

The stores also track what you purchase. While this can be good for you (as often it allows you to receive special coupons, rebates, or other store benefits), it can also mean that someone is watching. Stores use this information to base marketing programs, new products, and their purchasing patterns. As long as you don't mind companies knowing what you brand of toothpaste you buy, then this isn't much a downside.

The other downside is that you often have to have the card on you when shopping. This means that if you lose the card or leave it at home, you lose the benefits. Stores will usually allow you to replace the card (normally you can get a new at the customer service desk), but if you had built up any benefits on the other card, you lose them.

The Upsides

These cards certainly have a lot of benefits. The biggest one being that often times you cannot get the sale prices at your store without one, so they offer you immediate savings on your items.

Many stores also offer frequent buyer programs, that track overall purchases or purchases of certain items, and give you points . These points add up and then often can be redeemed for special savings (such as a percentage or dollar amount off your next purchase, free items, or sweepstakes entries).

Other programs include clubs for certain groups. The most common one that I have found is tied to baby products. Most stores have some savings gimmick for individuals who frequently purchase baby products. My favorite one is from SuperFresh (and east coast grocery store), which tracks your baby purchases (crediting they purchase price to your account), and when you have spent $200, you get a certificate for $20 off your next purchase.

Some stores (such as Weis Markets) also offer clubs for those who purchase pet products and other frequently bought items.

Another benefit to using a store Shopper Loyalty Card, is found in UPromise. This is a program that offers you money for college for buying certain items. Companies sign up to participate, and select some of their products to offer. You receive 5% of your qualifying purchases, which is placed in an account for you. Your purchases can be tracked in two ways: through your credit/debit card(s), which you have to register, or Shopper Loyalty Cards which you also register. Once you register your Shopper Loyalty Card, UPromise starts to track your purchases, and will send you a quarterly statement about your account balance.

You should check with your local store to see what Shopper Loyalty Card they offer (if any), and what the requirements of their program are. Often they will have a brochure or other information regarding the requirements and benefits of their card. Only you can decide if you want to utilize this service, but if you are looking to save money, these cards can offer you plenty of ways to do it.

Rebates....

There are several ways to get rebates, through manufacturers, stores, or third parties.

Manufacturer Rebates

Manufacturer rebates are usually found on packaging of their products. Rebate forms are printed on product packaging, and usually require the submission of receipts and UPCs (you want to check and make sure that you know whether the company wants the original receipt or just a photocopy). Sometimes rebate forms are found in the ad sections of the Sunday paper (usually in the same sections that contain coupons and store ads).

Even if you aren't sure that you'll use them, it can't hurt to cut them out, and save them. I have had it happen several times that I didn't think I would use a certain rebate (wasn't planning on buying the products), only to find a great deal and realize that I would meet the criteria.

You can also find rebate forms on the websites of certain manufacturers. They usually follow the same requirements (receipts, UPC's and form), but may be easier to find, and if you have favorite manufacturers, you can easily check their sites to see what is available.

Store Rebates

Store rebates can be a great way to save money on products. Many stores offer them now, either on their own products, certain brands, or on many brands. Several stores like Rite Aid and Weis Markets, offer monthly rebate programs. These programs are tied to receipt information or information from the store's Shopper Loyalty Cards. Some of them require more active participation on your part (like Rite Aid), and others simply handle themselves (weis).

Keep in mind that many of these programs offer you the rebate, regardless of what you paid for the item. So if you combine it with store sales and coupons, you can get items cheaply (or if you are really good..FREE), and then get the rebate, which makes them FREE or sometimes even BETTER THAN FREE!!

Sometimes these store programs are not widely advertised, but you can check on the company website for information, or sometimes, there will be signs posted in stores. If all else fails, you can inquire at your favorite store's customer service. These are some of the ones that I have used in the past.

Rite Aid

On Rite Aid's website you sign up for an account and then enter information from each of your receipts during the qualifying rebate period. The site then processes the information on your qualifying purchases, and keeps a tally of how much of a rebate you have earned. You then request your check at the end of the month, if you don't request it, then you lose the money.

Weis Markets

You sign up for an account on Weis's website, using your Shopper Loyalty Card information. The site then tracks your qualifying purchases through your shopper's card. You can request your rebate check at any time, or they will automatically mail it to you at the end of the rebate period. Remember though, if you request you check before the end of the period, you cannot receive another one. This means that if you buy more items which qualify for the rebate program, you will not receive the rebate for them.

Other Rebates.....

Occasionally, you will see that stores and manufacturer's team up for rebates. Many stores now have the "coupon" printers at the checkout, so that store coupons and manufacturer's coupons will automatically print out at the end of your purchase (usually based on the items you have just bought). These printers can also print out rebate forms.

These forms are usually a collaboration, and are often based on special programs (such as Superbowl promotions, Christmas, etc). Sometimes the rebate forms are printed, triggered by the items you are buying. Make sure you check out everything that is printed from these machines to ensure that you haven't thrown away or disregarded valuable rebate forms.

Stores can offer rebates in other ways. One chain in our last duty station (SuperFresh), offered $20 off a purchase, when you made $200 dollars in qualifying baby related purchases. Other stores have similar "baby club" promotions. I know it sounds steep, but when you consider the cost of baby diapers, food, formula, and other products, that $200 is easily surpassed. The program is tied to a Shopper Loyalty Card. The nice thing about the program at SuperFresh, is that the qualifying dollar amounts for items, was before coupons (and sometimes sale discounts) were taken into account. So if you time the sales and coupons right, you can get the items for little or nothing, and yet still bulk up your qualifying dollar amount.

Make sure to check with all the stores you shop at to insure that you aren't missing out on great and easy rebates.

Internet Coupons

There are tons of great sites out there for internet coupons. Most of them are related to grocery items, but there are some for other items. I've listed some of my favorites below.

Most sites allow you to print only two copies of each coupon within a certain time period (usually about a month).

Remember to check with your local stores to make sure that they accept these coupons. Many do, but some may require a dot scan barcode beneath the expiration date.


Coupons.Com
This site provides a variety of coupons, for a range of products.

Very Best Kids
Sign up for their newsletter, and they will include coupons for several Nestle products (usually totaling about $8) a month.

Betty Crocker
Some great coupons for products we buy often, especially cereal and baking products. Also a great source for recipes.

Pillsbury
This is run by the same company that produces Betty Crocker, so you'll find some duplicate coupons on this one, but they are still good!

Box Tops for Education
This site is also run by General Mills, and duplicates some of the coupons from the Betty Crocker and Pillsbury site. The nice thing about this one, is that by signing up, you can earn Box Tops, which can be given to the school of your choice to provide them with additional income. All the products which have coupons on this site also have boxtops on their packaging, so remember to clip them and give back to your schools!

Smart Source
Like Coupons.com, this is a general grocery coupon site.

Baby Food

If you have kids, then you have probably been through the fun of buying cases on cases of intriguing combinations of fruits, vegetables and meats, otherwise known as baby food.

Considering most children on baby food for at least 6 months, the expense can be quite large. Several of the large manufacturers offer lots of coupons and other incentives through their websites. These include postal mailings and internet coupons (you'll have to check with your local store to find out if they accept these).

Gerber also offers special offers when consumers mail in UPC's from their products. You can find the .pdf form on their web site, under the special offer links.

Gerber

Beechnut

Baby Formula

If you are like me, and you have to use baby formula, it can get EXPENSIVE! With all of my kids, I have been looking for ways to save money on this burgeoning household expense.

Several of the formula companies offer free samples to new parents (sometimes more than one), and they also offer checks or coupons for significant savings on their products. These checks come every couple of months, and range from $11 to $1 dollar off formula products.

You generally have to sign up for their "baby" club, which includes mailings, special offers, etc. So if you don't mind having your name on some mailing lists, it is a worthwhile venture.

Here links to all the sites I've found.

Parent's Choice (available at WalMart Stores)

Enfamil

Similac

Nestle Good Start

You want in?

If you would like to contribute to this blog, just leave your e-mail address in a comment, and I'll send you an invite!

Getting Started.....

Whether your rolling in the dough, or like me, looking in consternation at the balance in your bank account, we can all use ways to make our dollars stretch. So in the spirit of sharing, I have started this blog.

You are welcome to post ideas and suggestions on cutting down expenses; tips on boosting savings; websites you have found that are helpful....pretty much anything that makes that dollar work harder!

If you choose to post, please use labels (e.g. "baby products", "groceries", "savings tips") so that people can target posts specific to their wants or needs. Also, if you are sharing an article that others might find useful, please include a link and NOT the entire text of the article, if possible.

With all the sharing, maybe we might just find our dollars stretching!