5 Ways to Save Money this Winter!
It’s officially the new year, and this means that winter is fully upon us. There are lots of ways to save money in the winter, so check out our 5 ideas below. Then feel free to leave a comment below to let us know how you plan to save money this winter, as well…
1. Holiday Clearance Finds: Check your local retailers for savings on next year’s Christmas items. I know it may seem like such a long time away, but you will soon be able to find Christmas decor, gift wrap, clothing, candy and lots more at up to 90% off! Stores such as Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and many others have extremely deep discounts going on now and for the next couple of weeks. They also have toys that are perfect for upcoming birthdays, and many items that could be used throughout the year, as well. But remember, snatch that item up when you see it… these holiday clearance finds always go quickly!
2. Enjoy Cold Weather Activities & Indoor Activities: Sometimes it gets so cold that playing in the back yard or at neighborhood parks and playgrounds aren’t even an option. However, take advantage of the winter activities (such as sledding, sight-seeing, etc.) while you can. Also, most libraries and even your local YMCA or sports center offers winter sports programs and activities for children… and many times they’re even free! You can also take the time to do more indoor activities, such as a Family Game Night, crafts, or sewing!
3. Save on Heat: You can definitely save money on your electric and/or gas bill by making some smart decisions. Use your fireplace to heat your family room. Turn down the thermostat a few degrees. You can also close the vents in rooms that you don’t use regularly, because it’s not worth paying to heat the rooms that you never use. Also, make sure the damper is closed on your chimney when not in use.
4. Restaurant & Local Activity Savings: Be smart about saving money with dining out and other winter dinner parties & events.
- Restaurant.com periodically offers up their $25 gift certificates for just $2!… They will be offering up more deals throughout the winter (check our site regularly… we let you know about them all!)
- Daily Deal sites, such as Groupon or Living Social, offer up excellent deals on dining, activities & more at up to 80% off…. with a new idea each day!
- For more Daily Deal sites to check out for awesome deals on dining, entertainment, activities, winter clothing, and lots more, check out our Daily Deal Site Roundup series (Part 1 HERE, Part 2 HERE, Part 3 HERE.)
5. Use Your Crock Pot & Oven: Winter is the perfect time to stay in and cook in the crock pot & oven. Grilling is typically challenging for most with the snow or just plain ol’ cold weather outside. But you can warm your kitchen and enjoy piping hot soups, stews, casseroles, and more… and save or freeze the leftovers for even more savings! Take advantage of those grocery store sales and our links to Top Printable Coupon Sites for great savings on warm meals to cook in the crock pot, soups & stews, and easy oven-baked meals. For great casserole & oven-baking ideas, check out the FREE eCookbook: 27 Easy & Healthy Casserole Recipes, courtesy of FaveDiets.
Read MoreNow, what about you? How do you save money in the New Year and during winter? Share your tips with us!
Earn Extra Holiday Cash | Surveys.com is Now Accepting Applications for New Panelists!
If you’re looking for a way to earn some extra cash & rewards, there are some great Survey companies out there to help you do just that, from the comfort of your own home. Surveys.com is a great and reputable company, and they’re just opened up the application process to accept new panelists! Although I don’t personally belong to this popular survey company, I’ve heard excellent reviews. (I’ve also heard that when they open up the application process, it usually closes within only 1 day! They’re very popular, so act fast and apply if you’re interested!) 
Read MoreAbout Surveys.com:
Surveys.com is an Online Research Community operated by GFK. GFK is a top-ten market research company, uniting some of the most renowned US and European research firms into a single global organization. The purpose of the Surveys.com Online Community is to provide reliable and accurate information to business leaders and government officials about the products and services they provide consumers. By joining our Consumer Panel you will be in a position to contribute to the decision-making process, plus you will be rewarded for your thoughts and insight s with points & other rewards. All you need to do is provide a few details about yourself (it takes just a couple minutes) and periodically you’ll be asked to answer a questionnaire that will be sent to your email account. For each questionnaire that you participate in, you will earn points good towards a large selection of rewards. The more surveys you participate in, the more points you’ll earn!
FREE Credit Report from Credit Sesame!
If you want a FREE copy of your credit report, you might want to check out Credit Sesame. As we approach the end of 2011, it’s always a smart idea to get a plan in place for your finances, budget & credit for the new year. Just head over HERE to check it out.
Read MoreAbout Credit Sesame
Credit Sesame is a 100% FREE personal finance credit and debt management tool with no credit card required or trial period. It is always free and secure to use and is accredited by the BBB. Credit Sesame makes managing personal credit online, owing less in interest and saving on mortgage, loan & credit card payments easy!
Extreme Couponing… Questions to Consider! Your Thoughts?
This season’s next episode of TLC’s Extreme Couponing airs tonight (10/5). What are your thoughts on this show? I think there is definitely value in helping to teach individuals to save money for their families and increase awareness of the savings that can be had, but this show does seem a bit “extreme” to me… Here are just a few things to think about as you may (or may not) tune in, and I would love to invite you to share any thoughts or comments!
1. If you have gained the knowledge for couponing to this level… Extreme Couponing, what are you doing with it to HELP others who may be less fortunate than yourself?
2. How many tubes of toothpaste or sticks of deodorant does one person (or family) REALLY need? Is a stock room truly necessary for your family?
3. Many of these extreme couponers have spent additional money on purchasing coupons, newspapers and incredible amounts of time preparing to get these free deals… which is a hidden cost.
4. Are these “Extreme Couponers” truly following the rules of the stores and manufacturers for coupon usage? Will the stores actually get reimbursed for the coupon usage, or are the rules being “stretched” at times?
5. Have they left anything on the shelf for other customers that may want to purchase that same product? I know that I have gone to the store and been frustrated that an item that I personally wanted wasn’t there.
6. Remember that sales run in 6 to 12 week cycles. If you miss a deal, it will be back again. In my opinion, you ONLY need to “stock up” on a particular item long enough to last you to the next sales cycle, or no more than a few months’ worth of the item.
Looking for a way to give back? Head over to the Couponing for Community Facebook page for inspiration, encouragement and wonderful ideas on how to use your couponing deals & finds to give back.
Read MoreA few more thoughts to leave you with…
Psalm 112:5
“It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice.”Deuteronomy 16:17
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you.”Proverbs 22:9
“He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.”Phillippians 4:19
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
LearnVest: FREE Frugal Living Tips Daily Email!
Right now, you can sign up for the LearnVest Daily Email to get frugal living and financial tips delivered right to your email for FREE! I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for new ways to save money, and they seem to have some great advice. Such as:
- Discover the best places to travel on a dime
- Learn tips to help you build your wealth
- Plan the perfect dinner party for under $10 per person
- Understand and manage debt
- Get beauty tricks for any budget
Saving Money | 10 Ways to Save at Summer’s End: School Supplies, Toys, Clothing & More…
As summer winds down and the back-to-school bargains beckon, be on the lookout for these sales on a variety of items that can help you stretch your dollars!
Whether you’re shopping for pencils and paper, linens and lawnmowers, or pools and patio furniture, now’s the time to take advantage of some great sales.
Here are 10 end-of-summer bargains you won’t want to miss…
1. School Supplies
It’s first on our list and yours for the obvious reasons. All paper, pens, crayons, notebooks, glue, scissors, and a whole lot more are at their very rock-bottom price right now, for the next several weeks. Get what you need for the school year, but some of these items also are great for Christmas stocking stuffers. You can check out all of the latest Back-to-School Deals right here on Sweet2Save. And check back after school starts to find that the low prices on some items continue for a little longer, as well.
2. Swimwear and Summer Toys
Stock up on swimwear for your kids for next year, as well as more goggles, beach toys and even beach towels, if you need them. You’ll find these things already discounted to 50% in some stores but since there’s no rush, just keep your eye on the 75% reductions. Many Target stores just slashed prices to 75% this week!
3. Spring and Summer Clothing
Buy clearance/sale clothing at your favorite department stores for next spring and summer for your kids. Shoes and sandals, too. We keep you up-to-date on all of the best seasonal online deals & store deals!
4. Camping Gear
Look for tents and all other camping equipment to go on sale as retailers get ready for the change in seasons and want to clear their shelves. With the money you save, you may be able to afford a last-minute camping trip before school starts.
5. Photo Gifts
The photo bargains just keep coming as we’ve been telling you about here at Sweet2Save. This month we’ve seen great bargains on a number of photo products that are perfect for telling your summer stories. Whether it’s a buy-one, get-one or even two free deal on photo books or collage posters, take advantage of these deals while you can. Those photo books and other photo gifts make great Christmas gifts, too.
6. Summer Berries & Fruit
We’re near the end of the season for sales on berries in grocery stores, so buy extra when you find a good sale and freeze some. They will last up to six months in freezer bags and will be great for fall and winter. Perfect for smoothies or just thaw and snack!
7. Linens & Organization Supplies
Just because you’re not headed off to college doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of all the great sales on bed linens, towels and organization bins. If you’ve been wanting to redo your bedroom or bathroom, or need some new bins for your kids’ rooms, check out the sales now. Walmart and Amazon are holding some deep discounts already.
8. Lawn Mowers
If your lawnmower is on its last leg, now is a good time to start shopping for a new one for next year. No one buys a lawnmower in the winter, so stores start to mark these down at the end of summer. Celebrate the end of summer and the end of weekly mowing by getting a bargain on a new one to make it easier for you next year.
9. Grills and Grill Accessories
Get your grill on with the great bargains you’ll find on grills this time of year. Watch for the prices to start falling even more in August.
10. Outdoor and Patio Furniture
I’ve already seen the prices drop on outdoor furniture at both Lowes and Target, so if you’re in the market, now’s the time to take advantage of the sales. You can get the greatest selection with the 25% off sale, or wait around for the deeper discounts.
Read MoreWe hope this gets you on your way to making the most of the deals available as we approach the end-of-summer! Now, please share with us… what are your secrets for saving this time of year?
*HOT* New Site Feature: FREE Sweet2Save Toolbar!
I’m excited to share with you a new Sweet2Save site feature… a Sweet2Save Toolbar! It’s quick, easy, and FREE to install the Sweet2Save Toolbar, and it’s available for Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers.
Never miss a coupon, deal, or freebie again! Download the Sweet2Save Toolbar and you will have instant access to all of our latest posts, as well as quick and direct links to printable coupons, store deals, freebies, and more. You will also be able to search Sweet2Save for any specific information that you need. The Sweet2Save Toolbar is powered by Alexa, so it’s completely safe, trustworthy, and FREE!
Just head over HERE to get the Sweet2Save Toolbar today.
Read More7 Sweet Ways to Save on Baby Items!
(This is my daughter, Emily, at 8 months. Hard to believe she’s already 2!)
Whether you have a baby on the way or one on your hip, today’s moms are looking for ways to save on all things baby, from formula, baby food and diapers, to clothes, toys and all the other baby accessories. All those expenses can really add up!
That’s why Sweet2Save is here to help you with 7 sweet ways to save money on all things baby:
1. Baby Rewards Programs: Head over to Pampers Gifts to Grow to sign up and start collecting your points! This is a Rewards Program that rewards you every time you purchase Pampers diapers, training pants and wipes! They also announce various codes that we share here on Sweet2Save, so often times you don’t even have to purchase diapers to earn points! You then redeem your points for rewards… including various gift cards to different stores! Just go HERE to join today!
Huggies also has a Huggies Enjoy the Ride program with rewards points, helpful tips, information about Huggies products, money-saving coupons and sweepstakes promotions. You can earn Huggies rewards from buying certain Huggies products, completing surveys and other activities at huggies.com, referring friends and looking for codes on printed products and elsewhere like here at sweet2save.com. Go HERE to sign up.
2. Become an Amazon Mom: This is a free membership program aimed at helping parents and caregivers, from the prenatal days through the toddler years, use Amazon to find all the products their family needs. To join, simply sign into your Amazon account and indicate whether you are a Mom, Dad, or other caregiver of a child. By providing information about your family, you can help personalize offers, e-mails, and product recommendations to help you find exactly what you need at just the right time.
Amazon Mom members receive:
- FREE 3-Month Subscription to Amazon Prime, which includes unlimited FREE two-day shipping on eligible orders with no minimum, plus an upgrade option to overnight shipping for $3.99.
- 30% Off Diapers and Wipes with Subscribe & Save
- Exclusive Email Discounts and Special Offers
Just go HERE for all of the details and to join Amazon Mom!
3. Make your own baby food: Oh, sure it may seem difficult but the folks at Parents.com and other sites say it’s simple. All you’ll need is a food processor or blender and a saucepan to get started. Soon you’ll be making food that is healthier for your baby and it will cost less, too. Go HERE for some ideas and recipes to get started.
4. Baby clothes: Your mom said so, and now you believe it. It’s crazy to spend a lot of money on baby clothing because babies outgrow their clothes so fast. We agree. Here are a four ways to save money on baby clothes.
- Ask Your Friends: Find one of your mom friends who has a baby a year older than yours and ask what they do with the clothes their baby outgrows. Most moms are happy to find another mom who can use their great baby clothes.
- Clothes Swap: Get the moms from your playgroup and elsewhere together for a clothes swapping party. Or have your church or organization host a larger baby clothes swap. Get some ideas for a private party HERE. Or check out online swapping services HERE.
- Garage Sales: You just can’t beat garage sale bargains on baby clothes. Look for the sales where you see the clothing on hangers for the best finds. You can find bargains beginning for a $1 at most sales.
- Consignment Stores: These stores can work in two ways for you. You can find great bargains on clothes and toys for you baby or toddler and you can sell the items your baby has outgrown. I know a mom who trades in baby toys regularly for her toddlers at consignment stores, only keeping most items for several months.
5. Free Samples: Freeflys offers up lots of FREE Baby Samples of name-brand products. Everything from formula and food to American Baby magazine subscriptions. Just head over HERE to snag yours! Also, be sure to check the Baby Deals category here on Sweet2Save. We try to post about great baby deals, freebies, coupons + more whenever they’re available!
6. Join the Club: The Publix Baby Club. If you live in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama or Tennessee you can join the Publix Baby Club and receive newsletters and coupons specifically timed to coincide with your baby’s ever-changing needs. The store has had more than one million Publix Baby Club registrations. As your child grows, you can join Publix Preschool Pals. The club is also offering a FREE gift to first-time parents who register: Tthe American Academy of Pediatrics’ complete guide to raising a child, “Caring for Your Baby and Young Child”—a $20 value. It’s full of invaluable medical and child-rearing advice from birth to age five. Go here to start your baby savings.
7. Daily Deals for Babies: If you’re looking for great deals on baby clothes and products, check out some of the daily deal sites, like Zulily and Totsy.
Zulily is an online store offering daily sales events on clothing, gear and other goodies for moms, babies and kids with savings of up to 90% off retail prices. Sales events open at 9 am Eastern and usually last 72 hours (some are one-day sales).
Totsy is a site that caters to moms and moms-to-be, offering access to brand-specific sales, up to 90% off retail, just for them and the kids, ages 0-8. Includes prenatal care products, baby gear, travel accessories, bedding and bath, children’s clothing, toys, DVDs, and educational materials. Each sale lasts 48 to 72 hours. As a 100 percent eco-friendly company, Totsy will plant a tree in your child’s name with your first purchase. How sweet is that?
How do you save on baby items? Share with everyone in the comments below!
Read MoreWeekly Store Deals & Regular Post Schedule
Sweet2Save posts regular weekly sale & coupon matchups for national retail, drug, and grocery stores. Below you will find a post schedule of when you can expect to see these weekly regular posts…
Monday
- Target Deals (sales run Sunday-Saturday)
- Staples Deals (top deals only, sales run Sunday-Saturday)
- Office Depot Deals (top deals only, sales run Sunday-Saturday)
Tuesday
- Dollar General Deals (sales run Tuesday-Monday, with a new ad every 2 to 3 weeks)
Wednesday
- Publix Deals (sales run Wednesday-Tuesday or Thursday-Wednesday)
- Winn Dixie Deals (sales run Thursday-Wednesday)
- Sunday Coupon Preview (for upcoming Sunday newspaper)
Thursday
- Walmart Deals (weekly)
Friday
Saturday
- CVS Deals (sales run Sunday-Saturday)
- Walgreens Deals (sales run Sunday-Saturday)
- Rite Aid Deals (sales run Sunday-Saturday)
- Sunday Coupon Preview (for the next day’s Sunday newspaper)
Sunday
Read MoreDon’t see your favorite store or roundup? We’re adding new stores & deals all the time…. just send us a message, and we’ll be sure to add your favorite to our list!
10 Tips for a Successful Yard Sale!
Summer is a perfect time to hold a yard sale! You’ve got extra time and the extra hands of your kids who are looking for things to do.
Go through clothes and other things as you prepare for the upcoming new school year and start gathering items for your sale. This is really a project for the whole family. You can even use the money you earn for your own back-to-school shopping!
With these things in mind, here are 10 tips for making the most of your next yard sale…
1. Combine Your Efforts: Join together with your next door neighbor or another family to make it a two-family sale. Better yet, get your whole street or subdivision to plan a huge neighborhood sale on the same day. This creates a lot of traffic and can help you sell more. Several neighborhoods in my city do this every year and you can hardly drive through the streets for all the shoppers’ cars parked throughout. This is the ultimate kind of sale for shoppers because it also saves them time and gas money.
2. Get the Word Out: Take advantage of free web listings like the one at yardsalesearch.com and any free listings available in local weekly shoppers or community papers. Classified listings in newspapers are cheaper than they used to be and some offer garage sale kits for just a few dollars. Don’t forget to advertise on Facebook, where you can even post a few photos of your big items. Make simple signs with your address and arrows and place them at strategic locations. Drive by to make sure the signs are readable.
3. It’s All About Presentation: Borrow tables so you have plenty to display your items. Group like items together like kitchen items, home decor, tools, etc. Put most clothes on hangers and use a clothesline to display them according to size. This will help you get a better price for clothing. No one likes to dig through piles of wrinkled clothing. Make sure big items and furniture can be seen from the road for all the drive-by shoppers. Have an extension cord ready for any electronics you have on sale so customers can test the items
4. Get Your Kids Involved: Have all your kids round of up some of the toys and things they no longer play with for the sale. Help them price it and let them set up their own table. An incentive for this would be to raise enough money from their sale to buy that new video game or something they have been wanting or perhaps pooling their earnings to buy something together.
5. Sell Cheap Refreshments: This is another opportunity for your kids and a good way to keep them busy at your sale. Let them learn about entrepreneurship by setting up their own lemonade and cookie stand during the garage sale. Cool cups of lemonade for 25 cents are sure to go fast on a hot summer day. All those quarters add up.
6. Price Everything: This makes it super easy for your customers. You can buy inexpensive preprinted price stickers at Wal-mart or elsewhere that will save you time. Or you can write your prices on masking tape. Write “firm” on those items that are not negotiable. Keep prices low because people are looking for bargains. Use initials or different colored stickers for joint sales. Need help with pricing? Click here for a sample pricing guide.
7. Cash is King: Have plenty of cash and change ( fives, ones and quarters especially) ready for your sale and keep it on one of those waist aprons so you always have it on you. Don’t accept checks. Keep a calculator or your smart phone on hand to add up your sales.
8. People Like Free Stuff: Offer a box of free items that you want to get rid of. Make sure people can see the free sign from the road. If you have lots of an item, like books or cds or doll clothes, offer a buy two or buy three and get one free sale.
9. We’ll Call You: If someone makes an offer on something you’re not ready to come down on, offer to take their name and number in case you don’t sell it at the yard sale.
10. Donate Your Unsold Items to Charity: Getting rid of unused items and de-cluttering your home is priceless.
Read MoreNow, what about you? What have you done that’s helped make your yard sale a success? Share your tips with us!
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Sweet2Save is written by Valerie Reed, a married mom of 4 young kids (ages 2 to 9), so she knows how important it is for moms to save money for their families. Sweet2Save brings you the latest printable coupons, freebies, money-saving offers, frugal deals, online bargains, and much more every day. We share the keys to cutting costs on your family's basic needs, extreme couponing tips and much more to help you stretch your hard-earned dollars so you can live the life you want!