Monday, December 29, 2008

Free Redbox Movie Tonight

It's Monday, so that must mean it's free Redbox movie day.

Head to your nearest Redbox kiosk and enter promo code 545DZ9 to get a free one-night movie rental.

I'm thinking of seeing Mamma Mia. How about you?

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Borrow Wii Games for Free at the Library

If you got a new Wii system for Christmas or Hanukkah, you may be surprised at how expensive the individual games are (I was). Fortunately, you can now borrow Wii games from the library, just like you borrow books, DVDs, or CDs.

In the Rochester, NY area, many library branches now stock Wii games - search the online catalog here to find the one you want - but you'll need to visit the branch that owns the game in order to pick it up. You can also place an online hold on a copy of a game, but you'll have to travel to the branch that stocks it to pick it up, and perhaps to return it.

What a great way to try out a game before you decide to buy it, or just to introduce some variety into your current gaming, without a rental fee.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

If all else fails, try haggling

According to a news report on Monday, some desperate retailers are increasingly willing to haggle with customers as the holiday shopping season winds down. Check out this article to see what I'm talking about.

Although it sounds like this practice is more common at smaller stores, keep it in mind as you finish up any last minute holiday shopping today and tomorrow. Ask, "Can you do any better on this?" Or, "Do you have any promotions or special offers going on right now that might bring this price down a little?" If you ask nicely, you may find out that there's a sale starting Friday but that the store is authorized to give you that bargain price today. Or maybe a sale just ended, but they'll extend that price to you now.

You're in a better bargaining position with several items in your shopping basket, but I'd ask for a discount even if you have just one. As my mother often tells me, "It never hurts to ask!"

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Save $4 on a $20 CVS Purchase

If you're like me and have Extra Care Bucks from CVS to spend, here's a new coupon that will help you get even more for your money. Print out this CVS coupon and save $4 on your purchase of $20 or more through December 29th.

Free Redbox Movie Today

Enjoy a free one-night movie rental tonight (Wednesday) at Redbox using this code: 9WAG27.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

I'll be on Channel 13 on Weds. at 5:55 am

For everyone in the Rochester, NY area, if you're looking for more ideas for saving money, feel free to tune into channel 13 tomorrow (Wednesday, 12/17) starting at 5:55 a.m. until 7:15 a.m.

We're going to talk about helpful websites where you can learn about great deals and promotions.

If you miss it, or are not in Rochester, the clips should be on the station's website at www.13wham.com by noon.

Cheap (maybe even free) Reynolds Wrap

As you wander the aisles of your local grocery story this holiday season, keep an eye out for recipe booklets from Reynolds Wrap. I've found them on end-cap displays in the stores. I'm sure the recipies are delicious, but what whet my appetite even more were the coupons on the last page, including $1.00 off Reynolds Wrap. That's a great coupon in and of itself, but when you combine it with the current Reynolds Wrap rebate, you should be able to get three packages for next to nothing.

The rebate form, which you can find here: http://reynoldswrapsavings.com/rebate.pdf offers $10.00 back by mail after you purchase three rolls of 200 sq ft. Reynolds Wrap. Granted, that's a lot of foil, but if you can find it on sale, use the coupons from several booklets, and then submit for the rebate, you can do very well.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Softest socks ever at Bath & Body Works

If you're looking for an inexpensive gift that will be truly appreciated by the recipient, check out the "sweetest, softest socks ever" at Bath and Body Works.

They are currently on sale for $5 each - regular retail is $7.50 - and there is a printable coupon here that will get you a free item worth up to $13 when you spend $10. So buy two pairs of socks and get a free Signature item like lotion or shampoo.

I paid full price for them a couple of weeks ago and absolutely love them. Now that they're on sale I'm going to buy two more - one to give and one to keep!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Coupon Tips on The Today Show

This morning on The Today Show, Jean Chatzky offered tips for finding and using coupons more effectively. If you missed the segment, here's a link: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/28110664/

One of the best tips included detailed instructions on stacking coupons - how to combine store sales, store coupons, and manufacturer coupons to pay as little as humanly possible.

What she didn't tell you was where this will work. Unless a store offers its own coupons, it's harder to stack. Fortunately, Target, Tops Friendly Markets, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, and other grocery stores and pharmacies do. So look at the stores' websites and join their mailing list to be sure you're receiving all the store coupons they're issuing.

Another tip I loved was to hunt for coupons online before you walk out the door to shop. This is especially helpful at Christmas. If you Google the word "coupon" and the name of the store where you're headed, you may be surprised to find printable coupons you can use to save even more money at the cash register. Or you might discover an online coupon code that makes your trip out in the car unnecessary.

Watch for JCPenney $10 off $10 coupons

It's that time of year again - no, not the holidays - it's JCPenney's $10 off a $10 purchase coupon time.

For years I've heard friends talk about saving gobs of money by gathering these $10 coupons from friends and family who didn't plan to use them but until yesterday, I had never actually held one myself. Imagine my excitement!

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, let me explain quickly. JCPenney's $10 off a $10 purchase coupons are some of the best around and are generally only sent to JCPenney credit card holders. This time, however, the company has mailed them to a broader cross-section of buyers.

The coupons are so exciting because JCPenney often marks down their merchandise right before mailing the coupons, making it possible to grab some real bargains for next to nothing. The goal when shopping with one of these coupons is to find a marked-down product you need for as close to $10 as possible, so that you spend as little out-of-pocket as possible.

If you didn't receive one of the coupons, do a search on eBay for "JCPenney $10" to find people who have extras who are willing to mail them to you in exchange for a handling fee. They expire December 24th, so you have enough time to request them and still use them.

Happy shopping!

Friday, December 5, 2008

Great Amex Gift Card Deal at Walgreens

Through tomorrow, Walgreens is offering a $15 mail-in gas card rebate when you buy three (3)or more American Express gift cards. This is an attractive deal whether you intend to give the gift cards or simply use them yourself for some holiday shopping.

You should be able to buy three (3) $25 American Express gift cards, for example, and then mail in the rebate request for a free $15 gas card.

In addition, if you've snared any of the beer rebate forms - I think from Coors - offering a $15 cash rebate when you buy $100 in gift cards, this could be even more attractive. Just make sure you buy at least $100 worth of American Express gift cards if you intend to do that deal.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Free Movie Night Tonight

It's Monday again and you know what that means - a free movie rental at any RedBox machine.

The code for today, which is good through midnight tonight, is: CC67M4. Simply enter it at Checkout, after selecting your movie, by pressing Promo Code.

Sign up to receive your own email each Monday with a freebie code at www.insideredbox.com.

Another Tops $5 off $50 coupon

Before you recycle your Sunday Democrat & Chronicle here in Rochester, be sure and peel the $5 off $50 Tops coupon off the front. It's a yellow sticky square that will net you as much as 10% off your grocery bill.

Inside the Tops flyer is a coupon for a gallon of milk for $1.99 when you spend $15, which you also won't want to miss.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

My Kmart Disappointment

You have probably heard all the excitement surrounding Kmart's Super Doubles week this week at all Kmart stores. Through December 6th, Kmart is doubling up to and including $2 coupons. Sounds like some great potential savings, doesn't it?

I thought so and headed over this evening to grab some freebies. Unfortunately, just like the last time I tried to do this deal, there weren't many freebies to be had.

Granted, you could do fairly well on some products if you had a $1 or $1.50 coupon. For example, I bought two tubes of Colgate Total toothpaste for $.29 each with my doubled $1.50 coupons. But many of the cosmetic products I had hoped to get for a song were long gone. That is, the single packs of lipstick and eye shadow, for example, that would have been nearly free with my $2 off L'Oreal and Revlon coupons, were sold out.

Also, the products I buy all the time at the grocery store or CVS or Walgreens were more expensive to begin with at Kmart, so I decided to hold onto my coupons to use at another store during a good sale.

I wish you better luck than I had at finding bargains. I bet they're there, I just didn't find them.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Free shipping, no minimum order at Joann.com

For anyone contemplating making some holiday presents, Joann.com has just given you a gift.

Now through Wednesday, December 3rd, you can get free shipping with no minimum order. That's a great offer! Whether you're ordering $2 or $200, you'll pay nothing for shipping. When you check out, simply enter promotion code ECD338.

Two Freebies this week at CVS

While you're out doing your Black Friday shopping, swing by CVS and pick up a free 12-oz bottle of Complete brand Multi-purpose solution for contact lens wearers.

Normally $8.99, when you buy a bottle, you'll immediately receive $8.99 back in ECBs.

Maybelline Mineral Wear foundation is also a potential freebie, when you buy it for $8.99 and get $8.99 back right away. Use coupons and you'll end up making money on this deal!

Both offers are good through Saturday.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Free Redbox Rental for Today (11/24)

Here is today's free promo code at RedBox, which will give you one free overnight movie rental: 2MNC92

Enter the code at checkout by clicking on Promo Code,and you should see your total due go from $1.00 to $0.00.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Cheap Energizer Batteries at CVS

If you missed out on the very cheap Duracell batteries last week at CVS, you're in luck. You can still snag some Energizer batteries this week at up to 50% off.

The advertised offer is that when you buy $20 of Energizer batteries at CVS, you'll receive $10 in Extra Care Bucks (ECBs) at the register. The qualifying batteries are AAA, 16-packs of AA, or a 4-pack of rechargeable e2s.

But if you don't need that many batteries, many of the Duracell packs are now $2.99 this week. The packages on sale include 4-packs of AA and AAA, 2-packs of C and D, and 1-packs of 9 volt.

There is a limit of one ECB and the offer is good through this Saturday, November 29th.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Tops $5 Coupon

If you're a fellow Rochesterian, don't forget to use the $5 Tops coupon that came attached to the front page of your Sunday Democrat & Chronicle.

The sticky yellow square entitles you to $5 off your $50 grocery bill at Tops through Saturday. That's a 10% savings right off the bat!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Restaurant Gift Certificates for Pennies

If you're thinking of giving restaurant gift certificates to family and friends this holiday season, you may want to take advantage of some great savings at Restaurant.com during the next couple of days. Through November 20, you can snare an 80% discount off the price of gift certificates at the site, which are primarily to smaller, locally-owned establishments.

Simply search for restaurants at www.restaurant.com in your area by zip code or city. When you find one you'd like to try, choose what value certificate you prefer. Most restaurants offer at least a $10 and $25 certificate, but a few offer higher values, too. The everyday cost for the certificates is $3 for a $10 certificate and $10 for a $25.

Add the certificates you'd like to your cart and when you check out, type the word SURPRISE in the promotional code field near the top of the page. Then update your total to confirm that you've received an 80% discount before you click through and pay. After that, enter your credit card information and complete the purchase. Within minutes you'll receive an email with links to the certificates you bought, which you then print out and present at the restaurant.

A couple of things to watch: make sure you're comfortable with the total amount you are required to spend in order to redeem the certificate and with any other restrictions that may be stated. Your certificate is good for one year from purchase, so you have plenty of time to use it.

I bought a $25 gift certificate last night, normally $10, and paid just $2. Even if I'm required to spend $35 at the restaurant, I'm still getting a nice meal out for around $12.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

My fun Amazon shopping trip

Ok, it wasn't actually a trip since I was seated at my computer the entire time, but last night I managed to reduce my $89.12 purchase at Amazon.com to $10.47. How'd I do it? Through a combination of promotions you may want to look into.

First, because I spent more than $25 with Amazon, I was able to elect Super Saving Shipping and immediately cut $13.34 off my bill. Anyone can do this.

Next, I had purchased some magazines through Amazon a few weeks ago, when they were offering $10 back, and had a $10 credit in my Amazon account. There was also a mystery $5 credit, I think because they made a mistake on my last order.

With my checkout card indicating I owed $60.78, I applied my $45.19 ecertificate from Coinstar and ended up with an out-of-pocket cost of $20.47.

My order placed, I filled out the Coinstar $10 holiday rebate form and mailed it in, entitling me to $10 back on my order, leaving me with a net cost of $10.47. If only there were a rebate on the two games I purchased...

Monday, November 17, 2008

Free RedBox Movie Monday

Here is the Monday promo code that will let you rent a movie free tonight at RedBox - those red kiosks inside grocery stores, restaurants, and pharmacies.

When you select the movie you want to rent, click on the Promo Code button and enter: 57DRW3 through midnight tonight, Monday 11/17. Your cost will drop from $1.00 to $0.00, though you'll still have to swipe your credit card in case you decide to keep the movie longer than one day, and you'll be charged for subsequent days.

But if you return it before 7:00 pm Tuesday night (9:00 pm at some machines), you will not be charged a cent.

To receive a free Monday promo code each week, sign up at www.insideredbox.com.

Double Play on Wall-E Movie - Final Cost $4.99

If you're thinking of buying the Wall-E DVD, here's how to get it fairly inexpensively this week, thanks to CVS and Minute Maid.

First, CVS is having a special offer, starting tomorrow, 11/18, that will get you the DVD for $9.99. The deal is that when you buy $20 worth of Coke products - including Diet Coke, Sprite, etc. - you can buy the Wall-E DVD for $9.99 if you purchase it in the same transaction. Currently two-liter bottles of Coke products are $1 each and the 12-packs are 3 for $10, both of which are decent prices.

If you have Extra Care Bucks from previous purchases you can use them, too.

Next, after you buy the DVD, you can get a $5 rebate from Minute Maid to further reduce the cost of the movie to $4.99. To qualify for that rebate, you need the form that was in yesterday's Sunday newspaper insert, the receipt and purchase tab from the movie, and the receipt and UPCs from two Minute Maid juices. The sizes that qualify are 64 oz cartons or the 10-pack or 15-pack of juice boxes.

A new release movie for $4.99 is a terrific deal if you were going to be drinking orange juice or soda anyway!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Upcoming Super Doubles at Kmart

Some of you have been enjoying Kmart's Super Doubles promotion, where they double coupons up to and including those worth $2. The savings potential is substantial if you can find products in stock (that's been my challenge).

While it appears the promotion is on hiatus this week, it will return from November 12 - 16 at Super Kmarts and from November 30 - December 6 at all Kmart stores (Super Kmarts, Big Kmarts, and even little Kmarts, apparently).

So stock up on those great $1, $1.50 and $2 coupons now!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

FREE Thanksgiving Turkey

If you love "free" like I do, you're going to love the current offer through Office Depot (www.officedepot.com).

When you spend $100 on office supplies, you will receive a coupon worth $15 off a fresh or frozen Butterball turkey if you enter the appropriate coupon code to your shopping cart - the code is 58226915.

Yes, $100 is a lot to spend at one time, but if you have a computer printer, you probably need toner cartridges every once in a while. Or copy paper. Or holiday cards. Or pens, cleaning supplies, or envelopes. Once you think ahead to what you may need in the next few months, I bet you won't have a problem finding $100 worth of office supplies to order.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Save $5 at Walgreens 10/17 and 10/18

Once again, Walgreens is graciously offering us $5 in savings on a $25 purchase. For the coupon, go here.

If you haven't already, stock up on their October freebies, listed in their October Easy Saver Rebate form, and shave an additional $5 off with the coupon.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Coupon Usage on the Rise

Have you seen some of the news reports about coupon usage in the last couple of weeks? As the stock market has plummeted, the number of folks willing to take the time required to clip and use coupons has risen dramatically. Just skim this CNN story from early October to get a sense of the newfound popularity of coupon clipping.

So what does this mean for you and me? If we're lucky, it should mean more coupons in the very near future. Hopefully, just in time for the holidays.

As companies recognize that coupons have become a deciding factor in how cash-crunched consumers are spending their money, the smart ones will start using them to attract customers away from their competitors.

Want buyers to give your product or service a try? Offer them a coupon. Want them to drive a couple extra miles to shop at your store? Offer them some coupons. Want to increase the frequency with which consumers buy and/or consume your product? Send them a coupon. Want to try and convince buyers your product is superior? Offer them a coupon.

Chances are now better than ever that consumers will actually clip and use them. I know I will!