Showing posts with label Bargains. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bargains. Show all posts

Monday, May 6, 2013

Low-Budget Mother's Day Ideas

Mother's Day is right around the corner, and believe it or not, there are some low-budget gift ideas out there.  You don't have to spend a small fortune on jewelry for your Mom.  You can find some great items for a low-cost.

For instance, many dollar stores are loaded with spring items right now.  I am not saying your only gift should be from the dollar store or that you should just give one gift that costs a dollar, but you can make a nice gift basket with items from the dollar store.  Right now, the Dollar Tree has a solar-operated flower that dances, wind chimes, colorful bowls, and pink flamingo glasses.  If your mother likes tacky stuff, well, she is going to love seeing many of those items in her basket.  As a matter of fact, you can even get a basket there!

If you are not willing to go that route, there are plenty of other options.  You can buy a nice potted plant at just about any store.  You can also buy flowers for fairly cheap if you know where to get them.  Farmer's markets, discount stores, and Trader Joe's are great places to purchase flowers and house plants.  You can even order flowers and plants online at Amazon if you live far away and need them shipped to your mother.

You also do have the option of getting an expensive item if you'd like.  This is especially the case if the gift is from more than one family member.  Some mothers actually appreciate electronics like Kindles, iPods, tablets, or a Nook.  The standard Kindle is about 70 dollars right now, but a Kindle Fire is a little under $200.  It might sound pricy, but if several people are chipping it in, it can be a bargain.

So don't worry too much about gifts for Mom this Mother's Day.  There are some really nice deals out there.  And if all else fails, cooking her a nice dinner is always appreciated.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Shopping at Payless is a Choice

It just recently occured to me that shopping at Payless Shoes has become less about saving money and more about being fashionable.  What an interesting twist for Payless shoppers.

There was a time when people shopped at Payless because they had no other choice.  There wasn't a lot of variety and some of the styles were not so cute.  I believe Payless gets better with each year.  Over the last ten years, things have really changed at Payless.

People now shop at Payless because they want to do so.  Sure, they could go to other stores to buy shoes, but given the choice, people actually like what Payless has to offer.  Yes, I will admit the prices have gone up a bit, but with the new Payless loyalty program and BOGO sales all the time, you can still find yourself buying 2 pairs of shoes for under $30.  That is a great deal in my book.

Payless actually sells a lot of designer brand names now at the store.  Aside from that, many cute brands like their American Eagle brand, Champion athletic shoes, or Airwalk shoes are available.  It is a great place to shop now and still save money.  If you haven't been in a while, I highly recommend it.  It is the first place I go for shoes, and honestly, it is usually the last since I always find something I like.  Shoes that are geniunely attractive and low-priced definitely get a "thumbs up" from me.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Payless Shoes New Rewards Program

In case you are looking for a great bargain, you might want to drop by your nearest Payless Shoes.  Payless now offers their own rewards program.  You can easily sign up at the register the next time you are in the store.  The sales associate will hand over a card to you immediately.  Once you confirm your registration online, you will have access to all sorts of deals.  This by far is one of the best rewards programs I've seen offered by a store.
Benefits of being a Payless Rewards member:

  • Instant 20% email coupon for next visit.
  • 5% off each time you go to Payless
  • Special birthday offer
  • Exclusive coupons and deals
  • Free shipping for online purchases over $50
Plus, membership is free!

If you shop at Payless Shoes anyway, this deal just makes a lot of sense.  Unfortunately, I joined 4 days after my birthday, so I can't tell you what the birthday deal will be this year, but the other offers are so good it doesn't even matter. 

For more birthday bargains and loyalty / rewards program offers, check out: Party On! Birthday Bargains!

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Highlight Your Own Hair at Home and Save Money

You may not realize it, but you really do not have to go to a salon just to get salon hair.  Not getting your hair professionally colored, cut, or highlighted will save money!  Through trial and error over the years, I've learned how to a number of tasks at home.  I cut my own split ends, and if I decide I want bangs, I can cut those, too.  I've also colored my hair numerous times at home.  I've never really had an issue doing coloring my hair ever.  It is easy and inexpensive.  My only hair issues I've ever experienced has been bleaching my own hair or adding my own highlights.

However, you can add your own highlights at home.  You need to just consider it a challenge and give yourself a long time... maybe a couple of hours... to do the procedure.  Be careful, be patient, and expect a few imperfections.  What I've learned is even if you go to the salon, even the folks there usually make a mistake or two.  I haven't talked to anyone whose gone to a salon and walked away 100% satisfied with their highlights.  It is always a little uneven or a little too blonde or slight blotchy or whatever.  It happens no matter what.  So why not save your money and do it yourself?

Since your hair won't be perfect anyway, do yourself a favor and highlight it at home.  You need to just pay about $12 to get a hairpainting kit.  For more instructions and photos, check out this hub on highlighting your hair at home.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Finding Extra Money

It is that time of year when we all start to feel kind of bummed out because the bills are coming in from Christmas spending.  Many of us couldn't afford to buy gifts in the first place, so now figuring out how to pay for what was purchased is a pain.  It might be time to think of ways to bring in more money.

The first way many Americans think of bringing in more cash is by filing taxes.  If you are one of those lucky people that is getting a lot back from taxes, good for you.  If you are somebody that is going to have to pay your taxes, well now, you have a whole new problem.  So on to plan B.

For many of us, finding a new job that pays better than our current job is not even an option.  I've been looking for a better paying job for about a year now and still can't find one.  I am someone with a lot of experience and a college degree, and still no luck.  The best advice I can give is finding a second job.  It can be a real drag, but it can be done.

Luckily, due to tax season and refunds, many people start spending money again in the spring.  This means stores are willing to hire people.  I suggest taking a second job at the mall or at a store if possible.  You might not think you have the extra time to do it, but since you are so broke (I mean, you are reading this blog, aren't you?) you probably don't have the money to go out and do anything fun.  So I would suggest giving a second job a try, at least for a little while.

You also do not have to necessarily work outside of your home for a second a job.  Did you know you can make money blogging, or answering questions, or writing articles?  It is possible!  You won't get rich quick, but you can sign up for Google Adsense or Amazon Affiliates and start making money.  There are several sites like Blogger, HubPages, and WebAnswers that will allow you to earn money in your spare time if you enjoy writing.

Last but not least, don't give up on trying to make money just by looking around your home.  Is there an old couch you are not using?  Are you never going to drag out that old computer monitor to use again at your house?  What about making crafts and selling them?  There are plenty of items you can probably sell right now.  The weather is getting warmer and you can think about a yard sale.  You can also sell at a craft fair.  Even if you don't feel like doing any of that, you can still post items on Craigslist.  So don't give up hope!

There are ways to pull in extra money and we can sure all need it right now.  And never forget, always look for sales and coupons to help save extra cash at the grocery stores!  Every penny adds up!

Friday, January 20, 2012

Safeway Savings This Weekend

Right now (January 18 - 24, 2012) Safeway supermarket is having some amazing deals.  If you live an area with a Safeway grocery store, I highly recommend visiting them.  First and foremost, you need to get a Safeway sales paper.  Not only will it tell you all the sales items, there are a number of incredible coupon deals.

If you are like me, you are probably already clipping coupons from the packets that come in the newspaper each weekend.  What you may not know is you can use the manufacturer coupons you find in the Sunday paper along with the store coupons at Safeway.  Also, if the coupon is below 99 cents or less, Safeway will double it.  This equals unbelievable savings right now.  It is a great time to stock up. 

I just came from Safeway and I would like to share some of the bargains I got:

V8 Fusion Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Regular price: $3.99

Safeway Club sale price: $2.49

Store coupon: - .50

Manufacturer's coupon: .75 doubled (total -$1.50)

TOTAL PRICE PAID: 49 cents!

If you know anything about V8 Fusion, you know this is an excellent deal.  Even when it is on sale at stores like Target or Walmart, the price rarely goes below $2.50.

Another example is:

Prego Vegetable Smart Pasta Sauce

Regular price: $2.99

Safeway Club sale price: $1.99

Safeway coupon: - .50

Manufacturer's coupon: - $1.00 (However, 2 jars had to be purchased to get this price, so it was 50 cents off per jar.) 

TOTAL PRICE PAID:  99 cents!

Even if you ordinarily shop at another grocery store, or perhaps you go to a discount store like Walmart for juice, pasta sauce, and that type of thing, you should give Safeway a try this weekend.  It is important to have the Safeway coupons and the manufacturer coupons, too.  If you do that, you will save way beyond what you would save at a discount store this weekend.

Some other sale and coupon items that are a bargain:

  • Gatorade
  • Nature Valley granola bars
  • Hot dog and hamburger buns (Safeway brand)
  • Morningstar Farms frozen foods
  • Glad containers
  • Tide
  • Cheerios
  • Pantene
  • 7 Up
  • Colgate
  • Pop Secret popcorn
  • Duracell
 In the end, I saved a total of 40% on my grocery bill.  I would have probably saved more if I did not buy a couple of items I absolutely needed, but were not on sale.  Happy shopping!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Target Electronic Deals for December 11 - 17, 2011

Ah, Christmas is coming!  You can smell the lovely scents of gingerbread, pine, and desperation in the air.  Retailers are desperate to get your business.  Shoppers are desperate to save money.  Let the sales begin!

Although it seems as if Walmart was bringing in the most customers and desperation this holiday season with their Black Friday sales, never count Target out of the competition.  Target is going to have some amazing sales on electronics this week.

One incredible deal I would love to take advantage of if I were allowed to spend money on myself, is a Philips portable DVD player for just $42.  I have several items in my home from Philips and they are a great brand.  The DVD player regularly sells for $85.99, so $42 is an amazing deal.  Just yesterday, my electric was out for hours.  I sure wished I had a portable DVD player that ran on batteries yesterday!

Another super deal I wish I could have is a Compaq laptop for $233!  The regular price is $379.99, so once again, this is an incredible deal.  It even has a DVD burner!  Oh, how I want that laptop!  Target, why do you tempt me so?

So if you are in the market for a DVD player or laptop, looks like Target is the place to go this week.  For me, I will just sit and dream. 

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Best Electronic Black Friday Deals (I've Seen So Far)

For the last few days, stores have been going crazy posting their ads and a number of different sales papers have been included in newspapers.  Personally, I hate Black Friday and would prefer to never walk into a store during a Black Friday sale.  However, the deals are pretty good.  If you are a serious bargain shopper and every penny counts, Black Friday is going to be your day.  If you are looking for electronics this year, I've seen some pretty decent sales.

Walmart is really selling some great buys for Black Friday... you just have to get there at midnight or you are taking a chance they will run out.  I am most impressed with an HP laptop computer for $248 and a Philips 4GB MP3 player for $19.88.  Both of the items are excellent brands, and those are dirt cheap prices.  I personally have a Philips MP3 player just like it, but I would like to upgrade to more GB.  This is an excellent deal and I am honestly debating dealing with the torture of Black Friday to get one.  After, it even comes in a bright pink color!

A store I never get to usually shop at since it is not in the area is Kmart.  I do wish there was one nearby because they are also offering an outstanding electronics deal this Black Friday.  You can buy a Sylvania 7 inch netbook for just $79.99!  Now, I am no netbook expert, but I know a great price when I see one.  Even if it does not have all the awesome features so netbooks may offer, dude, it is basically 80 bucks.

An amazing deal HH Gregg is offering this Black Friday is a 32 inch Toshiba HDTV for basically $199.99.  Now that is pretty impressive!  It does look like you will have to mail in a $50 rebate to get that low price, but that is incredible for that brand and that size.  The ad states there will be a minimum of 50 per store.  However, something tells me you'd better be standing at the door at midnight for that one.

So to all of you that are willing to wake up at the crack of dawn, or just never go to sleep and hit the stores at midnight, some awesome electronics await you.  Happy shopping and good luck!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

The Baltimore Sun Weekend Flyers Nov. 5 - 6 2011

This weekend, everyone is starting to brace themselves for the Christmas shopping rush.  Considering how bad the economy is right now, many stores are doing whatever it takes to win over shoppers this Christmas.  Obviously, stores are going to have to use some desperate measures to bring in revenue.

One store that is not taking chances is Target.  Not only did Target include a sales paper, it also has a toy catalog or "wish book" included in the newspaper this weekend.  The book has nothing but toys.  Also, it features a number of coupons for many of the toys in the book.  The prices are good until Thanksgiving.  Who knows just how low those prices will go beyond that?

Bed Bath & Beyond went in a different direction and focused on all the Thanksgiving products one might need.  Their flyer includes a 20% off coupon.  There are some basic items for the home featured in the flyer; however, the focus is on cooking utensils, pots, pans, roasters, plates, and other items needed for a nice Thanksgiving dinner.

Still, there were the usual sales papers and coupons.  Nothing too out of the ordinary as far as coupons go.  Were the sales papers a little thicker this time?  You bet.  Are they going to get even thicker and offer more deals soon?  You know it.  Everyone is going to compete for customers this year.  The stores with the best bargains will surely win.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Stop Shopping So Much!

Do you like to shop?  I have to admit, I am guilty of shopping too much sometimes.  Sometimes I just feel bummed out and shopping cheers me up.  Other times, it can be part of the quality time I spend with friends or family.  However, being a shopping addict, which I daresay I have been in the past, can cause a number of issues.

I will admit my credit cards are not so great.  My financial situation could be better.  So I realized I needed to start spending differently, but it does hurt sometimes.  There are times when I just want or need to go shopping.  So I've creating some tips on shopping less.  Please click to read more!

http://hubpages.com/hub/Tips-to-Help-You-Stop-Shopping-Too-Much

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Superfresh is Closing! Get Your Cheap Groceries Now!

I will be the first to admit I always feel a little guilty when a store is closing and I run in to buy cheap stuff as fast as possible.  In all honesty, it is cashing in on someone else's failure.  It is really sad.  It almost feels like a loved one has died and I am combing through their stuff looking for valuables.

Sadly, I do feel like this when it comes to the supermarket Superfresh closing.  It was once A & P and has been opened for decades.  Slowly, the stores have been closing one by one.  Now, one of the last in this area is closing.  If you live in the Baltimore area, start looking around at the Superfresh stores and ask when they are shutting down and when the Going Out of Business Sale will begin. 

No matter how sad I am about it closing, the store now has 30% off on practically everything.  In some areas you may only see 10% off or even as much as 50% off, but for now, most items are 30%.  Even though it is sad - 30% off!  Come on, if you don't buy it, some other bargain hunter will.  So for now, it is the right time to scope out the last remaining Superfresh stores and get a good deal. 

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Making a Deal with Comcast

OK, let's face it, we all like cable television.  Especially now with digital cable, there are so many channels - who can stay away?  Also, the fact is that cable is expensive.  Have you ever just called Comcast and refused to pay a high price?  Because you can!

There is a lot of competition out there now and Comcast does not want to lose you.  Quite frankly, no one can afford their prices when it is at the regular rate.  Don't just sit there and pay high prices when your deal ends.  You can call Comcast and simply ask them to lower the price.  Don't believe me?  I have not paid full price for cable in 7 years.  As soon as my deal ends, I call them and ask if they are running any promotions.  Need some ideas on how to start the conversation?  Here are several examples:

"I just got my bill and I simply can't pay this every month.  Is there anything you can do for me?"

"I need to cancel my cable if we can't figure out a better price."

"Are you running any current promotions?  My bill is too high, but I do not want to cancel my cable."

All of these are great ways to begin the conversation.  Every now and then, you will get a sales person that wants to play tough.  You are going to have to either threaten to cancel, threaten to switch to Verizon, or cancel a premium channel or two to show them you mean business.  I recommend calling back about 6 months later to see what type of deal you can get if you are forced to get rid of something and want it back.  However, you may determine you don't even miss HBO.  I discovered that myself a few years ago.

It is important not to annoy the hell out of Comcast on a regular basis.  Remember to only call once one of your promotions end.  This is usually anytime from 6 months to a year.  Also, if you have Dish Network, I've heard they are willing to negotiate as well.  Let's face it, companies do not want to lose you as a customer and they know they are overpriced anyway.  Most are willing to work with you when it comes to cable.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Dorm Shopping - For You!

It is that time of year again.  As soon as summer begins, the stores start thinking about fall.  Most specifically, they start thinking about college kids going away and the sales it will bring them. 

Anyone going away to college for the first time needs a lot of items.  As more college students get tired of dorm living or do not have that option at all, students are finding they need to live in an apartment.  As everyone knows, whether you live in an apartment or a dorm, you need lots of items.  This is when stores see a great opportunity to make some extra money. 

Don't let the dorm sales fool you - you don't have to be a student or the parent of a student to find some awesome bargains.  Do you need a new rug for your livingroom?  Do you need a new low-priced vacuum?  Maybe you need a new full size comforter?  Right now is the time to shop for all of those items.

College students shopping for the fall means you can get great bargains, as well.  This is the perfect time of year to buy something cute and new.  Because these sales are geared towards college students, not only are the prices lower than normal, but the colors are usually brighter and the patterns more vivid.  If you are a fun person and you want your home to express that, this is time to start shopping.  Don't let those college students have all the fun.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Start Clearing Some Stuff Out

Of course, anyone that knows me knows I am all about a bargain.  If you know me, you may know I am all about going on a vacation, too.  For years I have not been able to afford to go on a "real" vacation.  It has been all about day trips for me.  Well, I am trying to change that. 

One of my friends is going to the beach next month and she has invited me to come with her.  This means I need to come up with some cash and I need to do it fast.  So you might ask, "How can a person come up with cash as quickly as possible?"  The answer is: sell some stuff. 

I am trying to determine if I want to participate in a community yard sale this weekend.  Quite frankly, I work in customer service and I do not feel like dealing with people trying to bargain hunt at a yard sale.  I've determined a better course of action is to sell stuff to stores.  In my area, there is a music store that buys DVDs and CDs, and there is a book store that buys used books.  The time has come to start clearing some stuff out.  I need some cash and I need it fast! 

I highly recommend cleaning out your own closets and seeing if you can sell items.  Don't forget - you can always sell clothes at consignment shops, too.  I don't seem to have luck with that, but books always seem to bring in money.  If all else fails, you can post items on Craigslist.  People are usually willing to buy the craziest things on Craigslist. 

The time has come!  I need to start clearing out and cashing in.  I hope you do the same!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Atlantic City Day Trips

I've been thinking a lot about vacations lately.  Mostly because I think I really need to go on one!  If you are looking for a bargain trip, I would like to recommend Atlantic City.  Now I know what you are thinking.  You think Atlantic City is all about gambling and that is just not true. 

Atlantic City has a beach, an amusement park, an aquarium, arcades, games, an awesome boardwalk, beautiful mall, outlet stores, and so much more!  It is possible to be entertained in Atlantic City for an entire day without ever going in a casino.  So why not take a day trip there? 

Plenty of states that surround New Jersey offer low budget bus tours.  People travel to Atlantic City on day trips often for only $25 to $40 for a round trip.  Part of this is to promote the casinos.  You pay for your bus trip and you usually receive a voucher for about $25 or $30 to spend in the casinos.  Sometimes you will even get a meal voucher.  It is a great deal.  If you don't like to gamble, give the voucher to someone else.  Personally, I usually spend just the voucher and go on my way.  One year, I actually won $200 and never even spent the entire voucher.  Yes, that was a good trip. 

So if you want to go on a day trip and you do not want to spend a lot, you should consider Atlantic City.  If you live in Baltimore, here is a helpful article: http://hubpages.com/hub/Baltimore-to-Atlantic-City-Trip



Saturday, April 16, 2011

Baltimore Sun Coupons - April 16th & 17th, 2011

If anyone out there has a subscription to the Baltimore Sun, you are in luck this weekend!  There are a ton of coupons this weekend.  Instead of just the usual 2 or even 3 packets, there are actually 4 packets this weekend.  This is the most I've seen so far.  Even if you do not subscribe to the Baltimore Sun, if you live in Maryland you should pick up a weekend newspaper.  If you do not live in Maryland, check out your state's newspaper this weekend.  Chances are, they have plenty of coupons as well.

When you check out the coupons, you can expect to find really practical, helpful coupons for cereal, detergent, beauty products, and much more.  It is a great weekend for bargain hunters!



Saturday, March 5, 2011

Being Broke is Not Cool

Allow me to introduce myself.  I am Jeannie and I am super thrifty.  I was not always this obsessed with saving a buck.  I've always liked a good bargain or a sale, but since the economy went down the tubes, I am all about taking saving money to the next level. 

In this blog, I want to discuss a number of ways you can be stingy.  Naturally, I will not discuss ways to steal items or services, but I do want to point out ways you can save money.  If there is a bargain to be found, I am on it.  If I find coupons, I will find a way to get them doubled or even tripled.  I am all about saving money and I am here to help others do that same.