Coupon Myths and Reality

Still reading through my All You magazine - I found these coponing Myths and had to share them!

Myth: Dinky 25- and 50- cent coupons aren't worth the effort.

Reality: Maybe not on their own, but if you buy the item on sale/clearance or fom a store that doubles coupons, you could turn a 25-cent coupon into a dollar or more savings.  And there are fewer bitty coupons than you might think: The average coupon value for the first six months of this year was $1.37

Myth: Collecting and sorting coupons takes a lot of time

Reality:  Although reaping coupon rewards does require some effort, one survey showed that, per week, people who spend 10 minutes or less clipping and organizing save an average of $7.  That is like earning $42 an hour!

Myth: If I join a company's e-mail list, I'll be deluged by spam

Reality: Not always.  Read the privacy policy when you sign up.  Be wary of sites that say they'll share your data with affiliates or partners.  most sites allow you to opt out-uncheck the box at sign-up.  If you can't, you may receive e-,ail from unfamiliar companies.

Myth:  Programs you download to print coupons contain spyware

Reality:  The coupon printing program use by most major sites, including coupons.com, doesn't contain spyware, which can capture your keystrokes to find out your passwords.  But the program does limit how many coupons you can print (it's usually two) to avoid fraud.

Myth: Coupons are mostly for processed, packaged foods

Reality: In 2008, convenience foods were only the fourth-biggest coupon category - more coupons were issued for medications and other remedies, cereal and household cleaners.  If you avoid convenience foods, you can still save on ingredients such as eggs and cheese.  and everyone needs paper, health and beauty products, for which coupons are plentiful.

Regift without Qualms

Also from All You

As long as you follow some basic rules, regifting is thrifty and acceptable.  And, it's a popular practice - more than half of Americans say they've done it.

It's a Good Idea when:

• You know the Item will be appreciated
• It's brandspanking-new
• It's an heirloom you're passing along for sentimental reasons
• You're playing a white elephant game (where everything is regifted)
• You've taken the time to re-wrap it

It's a No-No when:

• You don't think it's a nice gift and would never want it yourself
• It has been even lightly used
• The gift was made or customized for you
• It's still in its original wrapping, or you've left on the old gift tag.
• You give it to someone in the same circle as the original giver

Money Saving tips

I found this in the All You Magazine.  I know a lot of it comes down to common sense, but it is always good to be reminded of these things from time to time.  Our lives are busy and we tend to stop and think about the little things we could be doing to make big changes!

1. Pay Less With Cash ~

It costs to process credit cards, so some merchants will discount products if you buy with cash.  Mom-and-pop stores and gas stations are good places to try, or use this strategy for big-ticket items, like TVs.

2. Go Without ~

For a week, engage your Family in a challeng.  Aside from your Christmas budget, no extra spending is allowed.  That means no coffee out, additional snacks or movie rentals.  Brown-bag your lunches, eat what you've stockpiled and make a dent in your pantry. You'll likely save enough to contribute a hefty sum to your Holiday fund.  Make it fun with a daily check-in and savings tally.  If everyone is still on board at weeks end, go for another round!

3.  Cash in rewards and gift cards ~

If you use your credit or debit card frequently, you may be due for a cash reward.  Some rewards expire at Year's end, so act quickly.  Check out your card's web page to see your options.  Some companies will double your cash value at some retailers; a $50 reward could be worth a $100 Target gift card, for example.  Next, dust off unused gift cards reather than laying out more cash for presents.

4.  Entertain for Less ~

Don't refrain from entertaining this season just because you're feeling pinched.  Throw a potluck!  Asking guests to bring a dish is perfectly acceptable and helps build community spirit.  Another cost saver: host a brunch, lunch or dessert party instead of a dinner to avoid purchasing alcohol.  In lieu of a gift exchange, ask everyone to come with a transferable holiday coupon to swap.

5.  Get the Inside Tweet ~

YOu don't need to be on Twitter to learn about the latest deals in the tweet-o-sphere.  Check out cheaptweet.com, which includes consumer ratings, so at a glance you can weed out duds and spot gems.  Or follow cheaptweet.com on Twitter to make sure you never miss a deal.

6. Give unto others ~

Getting in touch with your inner Santa can help your pocketbook too.  Donate items to a charity, such as the Salvation army or Goodwill, by December 31st and receive a deduction come tax time.

7.  Shop with a Buddy ~

Find a friend that has a child the same age as yours, a like-minded hubby or other similar gift needs.  Go to the mall togethr and take advantage of the volume sales, such as two-for-ones or BOGO discounts.  This strategy will also cut down on shopping time, since together you can divide and conquer more territory.

8.  Use LED lights ~

They can cost twice as much as regular Christmas lights, but they use 75% less energy (you'll save on utilities) and are built to last - up to 10 times as long as incandescents.  Plus, if one breaks, the rest of the strand still works.  (LOL!)

9. Travel Smart ~

Before your Trip to Grandma's, unplug appliances and lower the thermostat in your house and on your hot water heater.  To save gas, fully inflate tires, locate the cheapest fuel on your route at aaa.com or gasbuddy.com and check traffic.com for congestion.  Bring snacks for the ride, drive between 50 and 60 mph and pack light for greater fuel efficiency.