A Rebate & Coupon Chat

Another way I use to S-T-R-E-T-C-H my dollars is using coupons and rebates. Now granted buying store brand or using an alternative is cheaper, but there are many times I can get name brand for either Free or much cheaper than the store brands. If you can then why not. Another really great tip is not to be brand loyal. I do have certain brands I like more than others, but trying new brands can help save money. There are times that I liked the other brand more than my usual fave. I don't buy too much convienance food or condiments. They aren't healthy and it's usually cheaper to make your own scratch version. This is just something I do, and I don't have access to really great supermarkets like Kroger's, Albertson's, Save-A-Center, and many more. I have 3 local family owned stores and a Super Wal-Mart. So not a lot of choice but I still manage to do pretty well, but no double coupons except for Fred's Dollar Store. They are only up to 65 cents and 1 coupon per item. I find I save more with CVS and Walgreens.

So where do I get all these coupons other than the Sunday paper? I buy certain coupons off ebay, I post on coupon forums, and other coupon clipping sites where you pay for their time to clip them. You can also trade them on these coupon/rebate sites. There are lots of sites but I have a few sites that I like to frequent and get coupon previews so I know if I should bother buying the paper or save my money. I also get coupon inserts from the paper recycling bin. It's easy access (no digging in dumpsters or climbing) and free for anyone. I take a couple which are usually right on top when I'm dropping off my papers already. It's right down the road from my house. I can't always count on it, but I usually get extras each week. Some stores will even give you the coupon inserts on old papers if you ask. This will depend on the store and area.

I don't save hundreds of dollars off a single shopping trip, but I do save enough to make it worthwhile. To save the most is to combine a rebate with a coupon. Walgreens and CVS will allow you to use one manufacturer coupon along with one store coupon per item. I also shop at Rite-Aid and do their rebates each month. It's a great way to earn some free stuff which I also use as presents or donate the extras. Listed below are some great websites and just copy/paste the links into your browser. Enjoy!

http://www.mycoupons.com/boards/

http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/index.php

http://www.fatwallet.com/

*This is a great coupon clipping service. They are fast and have a great variety.

http://thecouponclippers.com/

*This is an online site or you can also join to get a paper subscription but I am a member of the online only. Lots of great deals/info posted here.

http://www.refundcents.com/