May 13, 2012
2:51 pm
by: coach97

Save on AudioBooks

If you enjoy reading, but don’t feel that you have the time to sit down and do it, then it’s time to purchase your favorite books on audio.

Ever since I became a fan of the Twilight Saga (which wasn’t until Twilight: Eclipse was released into theaters), I have started to actively read books again.  I found that there were quite a few books that I couldn’t wait to read.  Sometimes, due to keeping up with my Toddler, I find that I can’t dedicate that much time to reading as I would like, but I have found an alternative.

On Valentine’s Day, Amazon.com lowered the price of Kindle version of Twilight and emailed those of us on the Amazon list the offer.  I did look at the offer because I was extremely curious.  I don’t own a Kindle, but I did own an iPod Touch.  I knew that there was an app for that, an app that would let me read the Kindle version of the book on my non-Kindle device.  Of course, Amazon not only showed the price of the Kindle version of Twilight, they also displayed the price of the other versions of the book including hardcover, paperback and audio.

What?! I said to myself.  What?! I said again when I saw the offer, FREE.  I was intrigued.

Through one fitting recommendation from Amazon, not only did I purchase the Kindle version of Twilight at a rock bottom price, but I also downloaded the audiobook version of Twilight and Twilight: Breaking Dawn free.  Valentines Day 2012 was a great day.

If you have never considered purchasing an audiobook, just know that they are expensive.  I was already interested in investing in a few audiobooks so I looked some prices  on iTunes.  The prices were much more than I was willing to spend, so I waited and I’m glad that I did.  If you would still like to purchase some audiobooks, I will introduce you to my audiobook fix for less.

More to follow ….

Posted in Books, AudioBooks, Saving Tagged , , , , ,

May 13, 2012
1:39 pm
by: coach97

Save on Disney Movies

When I was growing up, my parents bought us VHS Disney movies that we use to love watching over and over.  Now that I have one of my own child, I see myself putting together a Disney movie library for him too.

The Disney movies that I have purchased so far have all been with coupons and discounts. Sometimes, Target will post coupons online and other times I have found Disney movie coupons in the oddest places like on the inside package of apple slice packs.  No matter where I find these coupons, I make sure to use them because Disney movies rarely drop in price.  Easter 2012 was a great time to purchase these movies because Target discounted them 25%, but again, this is rare.

If you are looking to build up your Disney movie library, but don’t have any coupons handy and retailers are not offering any significant discounts, there is one more option.  Every so often, there will an ad in the Sunday newspaper offering a deep discount on 5 Disney movies, if you join the Disney Movie Club.  I have always be weary of these clubs because if  you do the math, you either break even or don’t save enough to make it worth joining.  Today’s DMC offer is the best I have seen yet.

If you cut out the coupon and mail it back, you get to choose 5 Disney movies at $1.99 each, and shipping, handling and processing is free. If you include your credit card information, you will only pay $1 total for the 5 movies, still no shipping, handling or processing fees.  Right off the bat, you are saving at least $99 since most Disney movies tend to sell at $19.99 plus tax.  So, where is the catch?   There’s always a catch. The catch is that you have to order 4 more movies at their regular price within the next 2 years, plus shipping, handling and processing.  The other catch is that the Club leaves it up to you to decline the movies that they automatically send to you.  You must mark on your postcard that you are declining that movie and then send it back.  If you do not, it will be charged to you.  It is also up to you to cancel your membership once you have fulfilled your commitment.

If you do the math, you will find that you do save, so the Disney Movie Club sweetens the deal.   If you order an additional movie for $11.95 when you mail in your initial  slip, the Disney Movie Club will count it toward the 4 that you have to purchase in the next 2 years which means that you only have to purchase 3 more and that you saved at least $8 more.

If you can keep track of your membership and remember to send back your decline notifications, then this offer is worth it and a great way to save on  Disney movies.

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May 12, 2012
1:32 pm
by: coach97

P&G Coupons, May 13, 2012

If you were wondering whether or not to pick up a copy of your Sunday newspaper this weekend, you should.  P&G has just sent out an email letting followers know that they will be including their Brand Saver, which usually only releases once a month, in most major Sunday newspapers this weekend.

The Brand Saver will be a condensed version with at least $37 in coupon savings, but some savings is always better than no savings.  The bonus Brand Saver is P&G’s way of thanking Mom on Mothers Day, so it’s safe to assume that the coupons will be good for items that Mom may use.

I appreciate that P&G has found an extra reason to give us consumers some additional savings.  If P&G is releasing coupons on Mothers Day, then it may be safe to assume that others will be including coupons, deals and discounts in this weekend’s Sunday newspaper too.

Posted in Saving Tagged , , , , ,

May 10, 2012
7:48 pm
by: coach97

Save at Fresh and Easy

Fresh and Easy has finally opened stores in and around my City.  For those who feel that they don’t have time to cook, but want to eat healthy, Fresh and Easy is a great alternative.  My purchases at Fresh and Easy consist of pre-made meals, snacks and appetizers.  I also like to purchase the fruit that they carry.  Taking into consideration the time I save on cooking (especially with the Summer heat that is already here) and the fact that the food is fresh as opposed to frozen (good bye additives), Fresh and Easy is a great deal all the way around.

Fresh and Easy does not take manufacturer coupons, but they do offer a variety of other ways to save including:

  • Rewards Program: This is where the saving starts.  As soon as you sign up, you are given 250 points.  From there, each $1 you spend earns you another point.  Once enough points are accumulated, the points can be redeemed for dollars off your next purchase.
  • Store Ad: The store circular will always be packed with the discounts of the week.   This will be your guide as to what items to purchase when.  For example, 1 lb of strawberries were $2.50 last week, this week they are $1.50 … cha-ching.
  • Email: When you sign up for the Fresh and Easy rewards program, you start to receive emails.  These emails may include store coupons, additional deals, or both, so open the email and don’t mark it as spam.
  • Extra points: Once you sign up for the Fresh and Easy rewards program, you will have access to your account online.  There, you will be able to load coupons for selected items that earn you bonus points.  Bonus points means that you will accumulate points faster getting to your dollar discounts sooner.

 

Personally, I’m a big fan of Fresh and Easy, but you don’t have to take my word for it.  If you have a Fresh and Easy in your area, stop in and see for yourself.

Posted in Saving Tagged , ,

May 10, 2012
7:18 pm
by: coach97

Save at Kroger

Depending on where you live, this grocery store chain may be called Kroger, Food 4 Less, Food Co or some other variation.    This grocery store chain has locations throughout the US.  No matter where it is located, they will carry Kroger brand items at competitive prices equaling more savings for you.

The Kroger chain has been running a Mix and Match special for a few months now, sometimes in consecutive weeks.  If you purchase 10 selected items, at the register, you will be given a $5 discount which is simply 50 cents off per item.  To get the discount, you must purchase 10 of the selected items.  You will not receive the discount if you purchase 9 or 5, it must be 10 total, mix and match if you wish.  If you miscount, some cashiers will even point out to you if you are 1 or 2 selected items short of the discount.

I personally have taken advantage of the Mix and Match promotion because the promotion saves money.  The timing on the promotion has worked out well for me.  When apple juice is apart of the promotion, I usually end up buying 20.  I use the promotion to stock up on items like apple juice so that I don’t have to kick myself if I run out too soon and then have to pay full price because I didn’t plan properly.

If you are looking to save on your grocery bill and have a Kroger related grocery store in your area, it is worth picking up their store circular to check it out.

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May 6, 2012
12:18 pm
by: coach97

$5 Gift Card from Raleys

If you live in or around Sacramento, CA, then you can earn a $5 gift card from Raleys just for purchasing at least $20 in qualifying items in a single transaction.

$5 Gift Card Offer from Raleys Picture

Receive a $5 Gift Card from Raleys for Purchasing at least $20 in Qualifying Purchases

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May 6, 2012
10:57 am
by: coach97

Save at Target for Mothers Day

I can’t express how much I love purchasing something and getting a free gift card or a free gift.  Sure, we all know that there is no such thing as a free lunch, but if you use tact and are organized, yes, those free items are truly free for you.

For Mother’s Day, Target has packed their weekly store ad with tons of freebies mostly in the form of gift cards.  If you purchase a white 8GB iPod Touch, Target will give you a free $25 gift card.  That’s a GREAT deal considering that Apple products really don’t ever go on sale. If you were considering purchasing this device, now is the time to do that.

Now, I remind you, if you are not necessarily in the market to purchase a gift for the Mom in your life at Target, it’s still a great opportunity to save on items you were going to purchase anyways.

My top picks besides the iPod are:

  • Movies: Recently released and classic favorite movies range from $5 to $25.  Included in this price range are also books and CDs.
  • Cameras: There is a large selection of cameras that are on sale, are bundled with accessories and may include a free gift card.
  • Kitchen items:  If you are in the market for a new Kitchen Aid product, they are discounted this week.  Need a new toaster? It’s a good week to buy.  Other various brands are on sale too and some include a free gift card.

Target has also taken the opportunity in this week’s ad to remind you that they do price match.  Just bring in the ad to their customer service desk and they will discount the difference.  The competitor’s ad must be for the sale week you are making your purchase in.  From experience, it’s best to take the item and the ad to the customer service desk before you make your purchase.  The attendant will have to do a return and then you will have to repurchase the item otherwise, so I have learned it’s easier to just take care of these transactions at the desk than at the register.

Posted in Saving Tagged , , ,

May 6, 2012
10:19 am
by: coach97

Save at Sports Authority for Mothers Day

Good things do come to those who wait.  In today’s Sunday newspaper,  Sports Authority has included a 25% off coupon off a single item under $100.  Sure, they have capped the coupon, but that’s still $25 off a $100 item.  So, if your Mom needs a new pair of running shoes, this is the time to purchase them. Maybe your Mom is not the workout type or maybe you feel that purchasing a gift for her from Sports Authority is not the best way to show your appreciation for her, that’s OK, you can use that coupon to purchase a more expensive item that you were holding off purchasing for yourself.  There may not be another opportunity for large of a discount soon.  As people begin to crowd the gym again to get back into swimsuit ready shape, there is no way to know if these discounts will continue to be available much longer.

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May 6, 2012
10:03 am
by: coach97

Save at Ulta for Mother’s Day

In today’s Sunday newspaper, you may find Ulta’s ad for the week.  Included is a coupon for $3.50 off a qualifying $10 purchase or more.  If you are searching to purchase a beauty gift for Mom, it makes sense to shop at Ulta.  This ad features various fragrance kits and free gifts with purchase.  If do decide to purchase a fragrance of at least $30, Ulta will throw in a free tote.

Not only can you save on a gift for Mom, but you can also save on purchases for yourself.  If you need to stock up on razors for example, Ulta will give you a free lotion gift.  If you purchase select shampoos or conditioners from Pantene, Ulta will throw in a free styler.

To sweeten the deal, for every $20 you spend this week (offer expires May 13th), Ulta will give you $5 in bonus cash to redeem on every $20 you spend May 14th through May 19th.  The deal is worthwhile if you are stocking up on beauty items and are willing to make the two trips to the store.

Whether you are shopping for Mom or you need to stock up on beauty items for yourself, shopping at Ulta this week makes sense.

 

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May 6, 2012
8:58 am
by: coach97

Save for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is next Sunday, May 13, so retailers are hoping that this week you will go into their stores and purchase something special for the Mom in your life.  As a Mom, I hope that my child will appreciate me everyday of the year, not just on Mother’s Day.  By the same token, it’s pretty great to see many Moms being appreciated by their loved ones on the same day.

Since retailers are competing for your dollars, today’s Sunday newspaper is stacked with deals, discounts and coupons, including:

  • Ulta
  • Walmart
  • Target
  • Sports Authority
  • Fry’s

There’s even a few others that are jumping on the band wagon including Michael’s, Staples, and Office Max.

By looking over these savings, I see a pattern.  What I see is an opportunity to save on products that are geared toward women such as cosmetics and beauty products.  If you are purchasing them for your Mom or just for yourself, it’s still a great opportunity to save on everyday use items.

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