Confessions of a Former Coupon Snob

I guess for me it started when I was in high school.  My very first job was at a Food Lion supermarket.  I can remember how agitated I would get when these women, with stacks of unorganized paper clippings, would come into my line and attempt to sort through them as I tried to move them along swiftly.  Registers back then weren’t like the nice ones we see now days.  I would have to check the journal tape continuously to ensure that none of their coupons were missed or otherwise face a tongue lashing. The pressure was only multiplied with their usual three plus, screaming kids in the cart and my growing line.  Needless to say, that job didn’t last very long.  At any rate, I think that is where my preconceived notions began.

The thought of using coupons never occurred to me when I was in college.  Of course, I would use the occasional a Express or The Limited discount or promo but, that was different. Fast forward a few years and my first daughter was born.  I tried to pay attention to who had the best deals on Pampers, etc. but just going to Sam’s Club or BJ’s and buying in bulk felt like the best option.  I was a career woman and I did not see myself investing the time or energy into couponing.  I also secretly believed that they were for people who couldn’t afford to pay regular price.  I think it was working in retail management that helped me form that idea.  I became frustrated with people trying to haggle, reproduce coupons and so much more.  Honestly, my mood would change when someone presented a coupon.  I was a coupon snob.

Fast forward to 2007. Our second daughter was born.  My husband and I made the well meaning, albeit unplanned decision to become a one income family. Almost simultaneously gas prices were rising and the recession was crowning.  How were we going to maintain our lifestyle and all the luxuries we enjoyed with one income?  We had savings so it did not seem to be an immediate concern.  Then, our 2nd daughter suddenly took ill when she was 8 months old.  She was hospitalized for nearly a month (we were over two hours from home).  My husband did not work the entire time she was in the hospital so we were living off of our savings.  Then came the hospital bills!  Thank God for good health insurance.

At the beginning of every year we all make resolutions and 2008 wasn’t any different.  However, my resolution was.  I was committed to half-price living.  I decided I would enjoy all of the things that I used to for half-price.  We needed to rebuild our savings and figure out how this new lifestyle was really going to work out.  It started with diapers.  I enjoyed finding those $5.00 off Huggies coupons.  Then the baby wipes and other ancillary product coupons began to attract my attention.  Before I knew it I had progressed on to coupons for baby food and so much more.  I began to track how much I saved and I began to challenge myself to save more on the next shopping trip.  Eventually, I was saving over $40 a visit with in-store promotions and coupons combined.

However, I wasn’t completely cured of my stereotypical opinions of coupon users.  I just felt like I was an exception to the rule.  I refused to fumble through an envelope of coupons in the checkout line as my daughters wiggled in frustration with the whole ordeal.  My solution, I created myself a little nifty little binder to organize my coupons.  I began searching the internet and I found women that saved so much they took European vacations–on one income!  Boy, was I motivated and I was certainly cured!  I now consider myself a pro.

The rewards have been great.  We have saved a lot although we are far from frugal,. We have continued to tithe.  As a matter of fact, we actually increased our giving.  I get kind of excited about the Sunday paper in anticipation of the savings folded inside its pages.  The beginning of the month ushers in the new online printable coupons and I just can’t wait.  The moral of the story: never judge a book by its cover.  I wasted a great deal of money and time doing so.  But hey, when you know better do better.

Share your thoughts!

Retailers Selling Used Underwear?

This morning NBC’s Today Show shared a hidden camera investigation of numerous big name retailers like Victoria’s Secret, Macy’s Bloomingdale’s, The Gap, etc. selling “used” underwear.  The thought of wearing underwear that someone else had on is detestable.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

However, I worked as a manger for both the Gap and Victoria’s Secret for several years.  Returns were at the managers discretion unless the merchandise was in some way defective.  We would scrutinize returns to ensure that if they were accepted that any worn merchandise did not make it back onto the sales floor.  Needless to say, I was more than alarmed when I saw what these retailers were allowing.  Could it be that the slump in the economy has caused retailers to no longer be concerned with consumer protection laws?  To be on the safe side, following the following tips when purchasing your undergarments:

• Have a bra fitting.  Believe it or not, 80% of women wear the wrong bra size.  Allow the salesperson in the store to fit you in order to increase the chances that you purchase the correct bra size.
• Try on a few different styles.  All bras are not constructed the same.  Try on a few different styles to see what you are comfortable with.  You may only like a full coverage bra or maybe a demi or push-up style would suit you best.  You will not know until you try.
• Be practical.  Are you seriously going to wear a nylon or mesh thong every day?  Make practical choices, like cotton, for everyday underwear and save the others for “special” occasions.  Cotton underwear promotes genital health since it allows the vagina to breathe.
• Gently launder all undergarments prior to first use.  I use to hate to do this but after working in retail I make it a priority.  Someone trying on a garment is enough to spread infection so, do you due diligence and control the things you can control–wash it.

Following these tips can ensure we make more informed purchases and protect our health in the process.

Saving Money Online

Good day ladies!  I hope you are having a wonderful Monday.  I just wanted to offer to you some the sites we’ve found that will help you save money.  We are always trying to find ways to make our dollar stretch, as we know you are.  There are a number of online resources where consumers can print coupons, get rebates for certain online purchase, or receive coupon codes when purchasing online.  These sites have been used by us or they came highly recommended.

www.CouponMom.com

In addition to providing a host of printable grocery and dining coupons, the site lets you sign up to receive weekly coupon and deal alerts for any item on your shopping list. A page of sample and free trial offers yields coupons on diapers, free formula and deals on other baby and child-care essentials. 

Sample coupons: Save $5 on any Leapfrog Didj educational videogame (regularly about $30) with a print-out coupon. Expires March 28. Save $5 on one Huggies Gentle Care diapers product (regularly $14 for a 40-pack) with a print-out coupon. Expires April 12.

www.Upromise.com

Take five minutes to register your credit cards and store loyalty cards online with this free rewards program, and every purchase you make at participating retailers will earn you cash back that gets deposited into a 529 college savings plan. Link to The Children’s Place through upromise.com, for example, and 4% of your purchase will go into a 529.   It isn’t a ton of money, but think of the savings over time.  Every bit counts!  The site’s eCoupons feature lets you click on coupons to load them onto a grocery store loyalty card. Just swipe your card at checkout to redeem them.

Sample coupons: Save $5 when you buy any two 23-ounce containers of Similac baby formula (regularly $27 each) with a print-out coupon. Expires March 31. Save $1 when you buy any two boxes of Post kids cereal, like Honeycomb or Fruity Pebbles (regularly about $4 each). Expires March 31.

www.RetailMeNot.com

This free site allow consumers to access online coupon codes.  Just type in the name of the retailer and it gives you a list of current codes and those that are no good or have expired.  Readers can sign up for updates for the favorite stores.

Sample coupons: Save $10 on your next American Girl online purchase of $30 or more by using code 161357 at checkout. No expiration date noted. Get free shipping (regularly $10) on your purchase at BabyAge.com with coupon code FUNFUR3 at checkout. Expires March 31.

www.Coupons.com

This site puts you in the mind of clipping coupons in the Sunday paper (which is the “gold standard” for those faithful coupon clippers).  Chose the coupons you want and print.  Put in you zip code and coupons for local retailers are included.  Readers will have to download their software to be able to print out coupons.

Sample coupons: $20 off at H&R Block

www.CouponCabin.com

This is one of my favorites!  It combines printable coupons, coupons codes, and sales alerts in a very user friendly form.  Staffers check the validity of the coupons and it is updated 3x a day.

Old Navy Discounts

Good day ladies!  I know many of you are preparing your spring wardrobe.  Whether it  be for yourself, the husband, or the kids, you are looking for deals while remaining “fashion forward.”  Old Navy has a great resource for their coupons.  Go to www.OldNavy.com and click on www.OldNavyWeekly.com in the upper right hand corner.  It will allow you to “hunt” and click on various deals, with are constantly changing.  They vary from dollar or percentage off coupons that are to be used in the store that week.   The coupons can either be printed out or sent to the email address of your choice.  It’s just that simple!

Recession Busting Tips: Part One

Well Sisters,  I have spent the last few days pondering more ways to tighten my family’s belt.  I like to think that for the most part I can be pretty frugal although my husband and I both have our guilty pleasures.  We had a tremendous lifestyle change after I stopped working near the end of my second pregnancy.  We suddenly snapped from two incomes to one.  We did not prepare as well as we probably could have but we certainly learned the difference between necessity and desire.  At any rate, here are a few tips to help us all ride the economic wave.  And, of course, please share any tips you have with your SISTERS!

Recession Busting Tips: Part One

1. Buy whole chickens. All of the poultry eaters out there have already noticed the rising prices.  A great way to combat this is to stop paying for convenience.  Instead of purchasing chicken parts or whole cut-up chickens, purchase whole chickens and cut them yourself.  In most cases, you will save between $.75 to $1.00 per pound!  That is savings that can add up!  You’ll need freezer bags and a good pair of poultry shears to do the job, but it’s worth it.
2. Make your own cleaning supplies. Not only is this better for the environment, but you can save a ton.  There are several websites dedicated to do-it-yourself cleaning supplies and tips.  We even have several articles dedicated to it.  You can check them out here.
3. Bye-bye acrylic nails. I know a great deal of women just refuse to cut back in the area, however doing so can save a bundle.  On average, acrylic nails will cost $22 (plus $4 tip) every two weeks.  That’s a cost of $676 a year!  Many women attempt to do it themselves at home but that increases the risk of infection and fungus even more.  Try a healthy diet with vitamins and at-home manicures or barter with a friend.  It’s worth it!
4. Turn off that fan. Use the kitchen and bathroom ventilating fans sparingly during cold weather. In just one hour, these fans can blow away a houseful of heated air. Turn them off just as soon as they have done their jobs.
5. Have a garage sale! I admit I’m still getting my nerve up to try this tip, but from what I’ve seen the benefits are great.  You clear out unwanted or underused items and make a little cash in the process.  Alternatively, you could schedule a pick-up with Goodwill or the Salvation Army and tax the tax write-off.  Either way, you save.
6. Clip those coupons. Use coupons whenever you can.  They are especially great in combination with in-store promotions.  You can save as much as 80% on some items and more if you catch a BOGO.  Sign-up with websites like CouponMom.com and SmartSource to get a heads up on the coupons that will be featured in Sunday’s Paper.

Stay tuned for more tips….

Business Spotlight: February 2009

Okay Sisters, as promised we have chosen the first business for our Monthly Business Spotlight.  I recently had the pleasure of meeting a lovely young woman who has used her God given talent to create an educational board game for children.  Robin Walker has an infectious smile and her face just glows when she begins to describe The Continental Whiz, Jr.  Robin says her daughter was the inspiration for the game.  “I wanted to  help make learning fun for her,” Walker says.  During the developmental stages she was able to test the game at different public and private schools.   “It was designed to stimulate children’s minds“, she adds “so many parents and educators often become frustrated with different learning styles of their children.  That’s why The Continental Whiz, Jr. is customizable.”

“The Continental Whiz is a board game that will not only provide children with hours of enjoyment, it is also an extremely powerful tool that puts the fun back into learning. The game is interactive and fun for ages three to adult.   It’s available in three age groups.   The Continental Whiz is the ideal learning companion that will grow with a child’s level of intelligence and/or level of maturity in the classroom or the living room. The game comes packaged with a timer, game board, die, pencil, score pad, and question cards,” Robin explains.

A braile version and several different translations including Spanish, German, Latin, French, and Japanese are available.   Anything can be incorportated into The Continental Whiz, Jr.  For, example if you are a home schooler or a teacher you could place a special order and have a custom board designed per your specifications.  “We are willing to do anything to further a child’s education,” say Walker.  Studies have shown that the learning process of the game board is enjoyable and the retention rate and interest level of the user will increase dramatictcally.

It comes in history, math, social studies, english, geography, science, chemistry and a Bible version is currently in development. Walker adds that, ” The Continental Whiz can be customized to each individual state school curriculum.“  I was especially impressed with the Black History version of The Continental Whiz, Jr.  I haven’t seen anything quite like it.  What an awesome way for my children to learn about their heritage.

For more information about Robin Walker and The Continental Whiz visit Bright Horizon, Inc. or call (910) 470-9168.   Turn the Globe with Knowledge with the Continental Whiz!

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Avoiding the Dollar Menu

Food is quickly becoming the number one concern of cash-strapped Americans according to a recent study from the International Food Information Council.  With the economy in a downward spiral many Americans are opting to eat from the dollar menu at many fast food restaurants to save money.   Unfortunately, the couple of dollars saved today will cost much more later in regards to healthcare costs.

As households struggle with falling incomes and with food prices expected to jump 6 percent this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, families are scrimping on groceries. Nearly six in 10 Americans said they’ve cut back on the quality or quantity of the food they buy, according to an annual hunger survey released this week by Hormel Foods Corp.

The good news is that we can still eat healthy on a budget.  However, it does take some effort. Try these tips for getting your diet and budget to agree.

• Save on staple items:  Watch for sales on milk, bread, eggs, pasta, cereal, rice, dry beans, etc.
• Buy in bulk, but don’t buy more than you will use because waste is costly, too.  Check out wholesalers like Sam’s, BJ’s and Costco.  Some of them even accept coupons so your membership will pay for itself!
• Use coupons.  Check out weekly sales at all of your local grocers.  Combine what is on sale with your coupons for extra savings.
• Plan meals around what is on sale.  (This has been especially challenging for me, but I have seen the fruit of my efforts, so I will stay at it.)
• Say no to processed foods.  Processed foods usually cost more and have less nutritional value.
• Do not pay for convenience.  For example, buy whole carrots instead of pre-cut ones.  You will save yourself over a dollar depending on what store you are in.
• Focus on the perimeter of the store for most of the items on your list instead of the aisles.  The majority of fresh foods are found on the perimeter and more processed foods on the aisles.

Stay tuned for more dollar stretching tips and please share some of your own.

Is Bottled Water Safe?

Buyer beware.  Sales of bottled water in the United States have exploded in recent years, largely as a result of a public perception of purity driven by advertisements and packaging labels featuring pristine glaciers and crystal-clear mountain springs. But bottled water sold in the United States is not necessarily cleaner or safer than most tap water, according to a four-year scientific study recently made public by Natural Resources Defense Council.

Under the FDA’s (Food and Drug Administration) bottled water regulations, bottled water is not required to be any safer than tap water.  In fact, the chemical pollution standards are much more relaxed.  Recently, Environmental Working Group tested 10 brands and found an alarming array of contaminants, including cancer-causing byproducts of chlorination, fertilizer residue, industrial solvents and even caffeine. 

You can download Environmental Working Group’s guide to safe drinking water for some great tips. 

Giftcard Contest Countdown!!!

Time is winding down for our September contest.  But, there is still time to enter.  The contest details are listed below.

Each month we will awarding two $25 Amazon.com giftcards! Entering is as easy as leaving a comment here (or any post) on SistersoftheFaith.com or in our Forum.  Enter as many times as you like.  If you would like to be entered to win just leave a comment before 11:59 p.m EST on September 30, 2008.

• A valid email address is required as that is how you will be notified if you win.
• The winners will also be announced on  October 1st in our Forum.
• From the comments entered over the previous month, a winner will be randomly selected using Random.Org.

Happy Commenting!!!

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