‘Misc.’ Articles
Written by Juli
on 16 September 2011
I just got this email from a reader that I wanted to share. Also, I did a previous post with many organic coupon links you can check out.
I shop organic and natural as much as possible so I've been rooting around finding some great deals on this stuff, too!
First off, Mambo Sprouts has AWESOME organic and natural coupons. Fry's has a great section of organic stuff that often goes on sale so you can double these up and save big. You can sign up for their emails and they'll send you the coupons once a week.
Second, Stonyfield! If you sign up to become a member, you can load coupons once a month for all their yogurts and other products. The Squeezers and YoBaby/YoToddler yogurts go on sale at Safeway frequently so I combine the coupons with the club price and get them cheap. I love that you can load them once a month, (they update them on the first of each month), just don't print til you're ready because they expire within 10 days.
(Thanks, Megan!)
Posted in Misc. | 4 Comments »
Written by Juli
on 05 September 2011
Don't forget ad matching at Walmart!
Their policy says you don't need the ad, but I'm skeptical about that one and always bring mine with me. If you don't have their ad, I would print their policy out and keep it with your coupons since you might save yourself a headache. (Here's a more printer friendly version– Thanks, Jess!) They won't match a per pound price if they sell it by the unit or vice versa. It's pretty simple. You just bring items to the register and tell the cashier what the prices are, right before they're scanned.
I save so much money ad matching my produce at Walmart. I like to go on Wednesdays since Sprouts has their double ad day (when two ads are active) and the little market ads near me tend to run one day produce sales which can be amazing prices. I use the ads from Food City, Pros Ranch Market, and an IGA near me.
Just a thought . . . click through all the items on the lists you see on Bargain Believer that you would like ad matched. (Remember, you can do all the stores at one time and bounce back and forth between lists.) Add the ones from your local markets. (I don't do these lists since markets vary so much by location. Plus, they're super simple to spot the produce deals on your own.) Bring in your list with your ads (just in case!) and you're set for an easy shopping trip.
Note: If the an item on the shopping list has an ending date, it probably means that I added it after going to the store, not from their ad. They will not match those prices.
Posted in Misc., Uncategorized | 8 Comments »
Written by Juli
on 02 September 2011
My beat up box and envelope. We've been through a lot together! :)
I just spent some time updating the website (finally!) with the different methods to organize your coupons. You can check out the links below. They will always be on the top menu bar under "Begin."
Cutting & Filing
Non-Cutting, File Whole Insert
Cut Some, Leave Some
I've never been a binder user, so I don't really address how to set up a binder. I'm sure if you do an Internet search, something good will probably come up.
Posted in Misc. | No Comments »
Written by Juli
on 28 July 2011
For those of you who don't know, eCoupons or digital coupons are coupons you load directly to your grocery card. That means you click on the coupons you want and, in most cases, the savings will automatically come off when your card is scanned at the register. (Below, I'm only talking about those . . . more on the other types later.) It's super simple! In Arizona, Fry's is the main store that accepts them.
Caution: If you've loaded an eCoupon, you will not be able to use a paper coupon. The registers at Fry's are set up to decline your paper coupon if an eCoupon is loaded. Usually, you will lose value because eCoupons aren't doubled. (Clarification: If you are buying two boxes or granola bars and you have a paper coupon and an eCoupon, you can use both — unless the coupon requires you to purchase two for each coupon, then you would need to purchase four boxes to use both.)
If you use paper coupons, make sure you want additional items or only load the coupons that you don't have paper coupons for.
Cellfire & Shortcuts are good sites for loading coupons to your Fry's card. (Other local AZ stores don't accept them.) When you sign up, you'll need your VIP card number handy for both sites.
You can also load coupons straight from the Fry's website. (Some are duplicates and you can't load the same coupon multiple places. The system will show you what is still available to load.)
Safeway has some on their site too, though I'm not as familiar with them. Some of them are for specific prices on an item, like the in-ad coupons.
Did I confuse you or does it make sense? Any questions? (I will talk about the non-instant savings eCoupon in a future post.)
Posted in Fry's, Misc. | No Comments »
Written by Juli
on 04 June 2011
I'm often asked if any stores take expired coupons. The answer for Arizona is, no. The exception are some restaurant or retail coupons. Check with the places you visit.
There are so many other manufacturers coupons that aren't used, but may have value to military families. They are allowed to use coupons past expiration dates on military bases. You can read more about the Overseas Coupon Program and determine if you would like to participate. There is an FAQ page and directions on how to mail your coupons. (Thanks, Chisa!)
Posted in Misc. | 1 Comment »
Written by Juli
on 03 June 2011
Coinstar added Amazon to their list of merchants that you can cash coins in without paying a fee. (There is a long list of other merchants on the left, if you want to check other possibilities out.)
If you select your payout in the form of a gift card, you don't have to pay the service fee. We use Amazon a lot and always find great deals there. It never expires, so you could wait to do your Christmas shopping with it.
I'm not sure how many coins we actually have around here, but it might be a great time to clear them out since we always find good buys there. We've even been getting pool chemicals on Amazon recently. Most orders over $25 ship for free.
Posted in Misc., Uncategorized | No Comments »
Written by Juli
on 30 May 2011
As I was waiting at Knott's Berry Farm yesterday for those in my family who don't get sick on rides (not me!), I was attempting to leave a comment to a Bargain Believer post. I couldn't from my phone. I grabbed my sister's and tried without any luck either. A couple of you have emailed me during giveaways saying you couldn't leave a comment. I'm guessing (now!) that you were all on cell phones. I'm slow, I know! I mentioned my frustration to my husband and he's already fixed it.
For all of you who access Bargain Believer from your phone or other mobile device, it's now new and improved! :)
** All the side ads won't load, so it should go faster.
** You can leave a comment.
** It shows only a portion of each posting. Click on what you want to see for more details.
If you are searching for something specific you can use the search box or click on the arrow on the top right:
** "Menu" will get you to the coupon database and all items that are on the menu bar.
** "Categories" will get you to a specific store or other category.
Test it out and let us know what you think. I'm a computer & email gal, not a proficient phone user, so I'd love to hear your feedback. I can't guarantee what can be changed, but leave any suggestions and we'll see what we can do. (Okay. . . what "he" can do!) :)
Posted in Misc. | 1 Comment »
Written by Juli
on 13 May 2011
Some of you have been following Bargain Believer since the beginning (just over a year ago) and realize that it's turned into more than I originally imagined. I sent an email out to family and friends and planned on "tossing up" a few grocery deals each week. Over time, more people came and I kept adding things, until it is what it is today.
That's great . . . mostly! It's just becoming too much for me to handle alone. It is too time consuming for me, though I love so many parts to doing this. There are times when it's completely overwhelming and feels like a job.
To be blunt, I don't want a job. I want a hobby and to help people. Honestly, we don't need the money that it generates. (Think small, here!) :) We are frugal and have always lived below our income level. I don't dream of a bigger house, nicer car, new furniture, or even cable TV. I'm simply a happy, homeschooling, stay at home mom and that's where my heart is.
I know I will never look back and say, "Gosh, I sure wish I spent more time on Bargain Believer." Or, "Why in the world didn't I go get two more free bottles of body wash." :) I also know I won't look back and say, "If only I spent less time with my kids or made less effort to show love to my husband, family, friends, etc." I need to get the proper balance back in my life.
So, all that said . . . welcome Gina! :)
I "cyber-met" her through Bargain Believer and just met her last week face to face, when I drove up to train her in Prescott Valley. She lives there with her husband and three young children. She found Bargain Believer awhile back as she was trying to save money after her husband's pay was cut again. She says she's excited to find bargains for all of you and I believe it!
So far, I'm absolutely thrilled with her personality and work. She has learned an amazing amount of details in a short period of time. Gina has even done much more than I have officially asked her. Before this, she has consistently left comments or emailed me with deals she has uncovered and her input has already helped you save more.
Gina will be taking over the Target, CVS, and Walgreens weekly match ups. She will also put up some deals related to those stores from time to time. She's even agreed to help with the grocery ads if I go on vacation. Good news for you! She's already done with the Walgreens and CVS lists for this week and they look good. Watch for them to appear about 7:00pm tonight (Friday).
Please, help her and leave comments or email when you find a deal at one of these stores. Or, just leave her a comment thanking her or giving her a "like" over on a Facebook post. I still love seeing that you are all out there alive, through comments, emails, and "likes." It really is motivating and many comments help everybody save more. Thanks for leaving them for her and for me!
Welcome, Gina!
Oh, did I mention she's a fellow redhead?
(Remember? I reluctantly added a picture of myself recently . . . you can see for yourself. ) :)
(I will forward her any email or comments regarding these lists.)
Posted in Misc. | 6 Comments »
Written by Juli
on 12 May 2011
I wanted to clarify what this blog/website is. I've been asked in the past and I've pondered it more as I've shared bits and pieces with that gal I'm hiring to help me out (more on that tomorrow). If you've been around awhile, this is probably all stuff you know, so save your time reading it and go get your laundry folded! :)
First of all, where I'm coming from . . . Most would probably call me an extreme couponer, but the extreme couponers out there would probably call me more moderate to weak. That's alright with me! I feel like I use my coupons effectively, but I don't go insane doing it!
I get two sets of coupons, one from my dad and one from my own $1 newspaper subscription. A couple times a year, I will buy one additional paper if the coupons are great so that I have three sets. (I do that since that's the number of like coupons stores will double, in AZ.) I have more than enough basic food items and toiletries for my family of five. There are leftovers to give away.
I just can't get more consumed by it, making multiple trips to the same store or hitting every store each week. I realize I am giving you the tools to get your life out of balance and let it consume you, but I hope you're not letting bargains do that to you. I don't get/do everything I post about!! There really are many more fun, fulfilling, and worthwhile things to fill your days with. At the same time, you can have more financial freedom to do some of those things if you are careful with how you spend your money. It's a balancing act, like all of life!
Obviously, (hopefully!) you can tell that I want to help you save money. I try to be available for the average person. When I do the coupon match ups, I assume you have one set of coupons and one computer. (I may make a note to use more coupons, if you have them, on certain deals.) I want this to be a site that a newbie can come to, but can also be helpful for the seasoned couponer. I put little notes (like the value of the coupon on the match ups) in an attempt not to confuse people. (There is a list of abbreviations on the menu bar for some clarifications.) I really attempt to make it simple, though I know it can be overwhelming.
I like to focus on the grocery and drug store deals since that's a reoccurring cost and a great way to consistently save. I also include some fun, frivolous things too. I realize those deals aren't for everybody. If you're struggling to put food on the table, first of all, know that I pray for you. Secondly, please skip those! I don't mean to tempt you into spending money you don't have. I have a mixture of readers. Some need to save in whatever ways they can and get by on the bare minimum. Others enjoy saving on some things, when it's convenient, and love the savings on all types of things.
I post deals that are appealing to me. I realize that's not very concrete, but I can't exactly pinpoint it. If you've been around awhile, you've probably figured it out better than I have. I have families in mind — with younger and older children, when I post a deal. I also consider the effort it takes to get that deal. If there are too many hoops to jump through, it's rare that I'll post it. If it's a sweepstakes or something you have to be online for at a certain time and will it likely be gone, I skip it. Samples . . . well, sometimes. People like them, but I just can't bring myself to post about a free little packet of Miracle Whip. Most deals have to be something I would appreciate . . . with the exception of coffee. I hate the stuff, but know so many of you love it! :)
If you're new, that's what you'll find if you stick around. Old Timers . . . if I forgot something or am misleading people, please leave a comment to set me straight. :)
I just posted this recently, but in case you missed it.
Click on an image below to get started . . . .
I'm often asked what the best way is. That depends on what your personal way of getting information most consistently is. Personally, I would do Facebook and email, but that's just because I'm on Facebook often and then I deal with my email all the time — after I've forgotten something I scrolled past on Facebook when I didn't have time. If you do email, don't forget to come to the site for updated shopping lists. New emails do not go out if I change or add something to the list.
Posted in Misc. | No Comments »
Written by Juli
on 04 May 2011
I often get emails asking where to find a certain coupon that isn't included in my weekly match ups. For instance, you saw a coupon for XYZ, but you can't remember where. Or, you need XYZ and want to see if there is a coupon available. I now have the answer . . . right on Bargain Believer's website!
On the top menu bar, there is a new tab called "Coupon Database." Click on that, type in the name of the coupon you're looking for, hit "enter" or click on "Search," and hope it shows you what you want. :)
It will pull up all kinds of coupons, mostly from the Sunday inserts or various printable coupons. (It will sometimes list specific magazine coupons that are available. The link will take you to the place to purchase the magazine, not the coupon.)
Remember, many coupons are regional, so it may not have everything in the database or amounts may vary slightly.
A couple suggestions: What do you think of conflicting advice? :)
- Be vague — If you want a Honey Nut Cheerios coupon, you might try "General Mills."
- Be specific — If you want rice, you might have to type in "Mahatma."
This is perfect for all of you out there who don't clip and file your coupons. I think you're going to like using it. I suggest that you bookmark this link, though it will always be on the menu bar too.
http://www.bargainbeliever.com/blog/coupon-database/
A couple abbreviations to remember:
- SS = Smart Source Sunday coupon insert
- RP = Red Plum Sunday coupon insert
- P&G = Proctor & Gamble Sunday coupon insert
- GM = General Mills Sunday coupon insert
If you want to start getting Sunday Arizona Republic coupons for only $1 a week, click for more details. You won't regret it since you'll save so much more!
Posted in Misc. | 3 Comments »
Safeway