Beat the Recession » Search Results » grocery+coupons

Dealing With Debt

admin — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:52:33 +0000

The pressure of living with debt will always be there until they are all paid up. Dealing with debt can easily take over the lifestyle of an individual since the source of income will only be used to pay such debts. This can be very frustrating since the products and services sought after by an individual are not there anymore since the money is only spent to pay up outstanding loans.

The problem of debt could also increase especially when a person directly encounters the effects of recession. This type of economic trouble could lead to massive job loss and small businesses unable to deal with the dwindling demand for theirproducts and services. When this happens, it’s likely that the person would end up losing jobs and businesses.

Blaming Game as a Reaction

Unfortunately, there are individuals who reacted very badly to this situation. There are those that blamed the government and different institutions for causingrecession.

Of course, this is often seen as a coping mechanism because of the troubles we are experiencing right now. This is understandable since the frustration have to be let out so that emotional troubles would go.

But blaming the government should not be your consistent emotional reaction. Using blame to get out of recession is not a good idea. Blaming will never get you nowhere since it will make you think you don’t have any responsibility of getting out of debt.

While certain institutions have a great role in pushing recession, consumers who are having a hard time paying for their debt have a small responsibility as well. This might not have happened if they have prevented the pile of debts. Everyone had a clean start without any debt but, slowly, debts have been piling up and the solution is not easily seen. Even withoutrecession, there are consumers who would still have a hard time paying for what they owe.

Seeking Assistance

Blaming someone else for your financial trouble should never be permanent since this doesn’t provide any answer to your financial troubles. Seek assistance instead so that you’ll be able to deal with your finances fast.

Fortunately, the government and the lending institution are making some drastic changes so that they could provide assistance to as many consumers as possible. The government is now offering low interest rates on refinancing for those who are unable to cope with the current mortgage fees.Lending institutions on the other hand are now offering loan modifications as well as debt consolidation with relatively better interest rates.

Concentrated Efforts

Even though assistance from different institutions is now available, they are very far from easy. There are basic requirements that everyone who wants to be approved have to comply. It is even said that the screening process is very strict since millions are trying to be part of the program.

For that reason, you have to be dedicated in getting the aid that you need. Blaming someone else for your troubles without doing anything on your end will only do more harm than good.

Doing Everything

If there’s any consolation, everyone is doing what they can to help others. Helping others actually works for the advantages of those who are helping since they are actually their customers.

For example, the government is extending their hands in assistance with the lending institutions because the government would have a hard time managing a country without taxes and the lending institution will not survive without clients. Be sure to look out for opportunities offered by different institutions so that you do not just end up blaming everyone else for your personal financial troubles.
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Free Grocery Coupons, Product Samples and MORE!

18 Tips For Grocery Shopping Discounts

Tammy — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:35:31 +0000

Shopping is one of the necessary evils. One way I make it more fun is to save as much money as I can doing it. It is a challenge, so if you enjoy challenges, here are some ways to work the system.

1. Use sales flyers and shop for the best bargains. You can plan your menus around the bargains, or use your shopping list. Always use coupons.

2. Shop loss-leaders. These are the items the store loses money on but they draw customers. They are usually placed on the ends of the aisles. Again, you can plan your weekly menu around these items.

3. Shop at Wal-Mart. They will match the prices in the sales flyers and it is one stop shopping. Keep a notebook with prices of items you buy most often to help keep track of bargains and to compare prices.

4. If you shop in bulk, know prices. Just because it is bigger, doesn’t mean it is a bargain. And they don’t let you use coupons at Sams and Costco.

5. Know which stores use Rainchecks and use them for sales items. If they run out of the item during their sale, they may let you have that same item later when it is in stock.

6. I will repeat it. Use coupons, but use them effectively. Take a calculator with you if needed, but always work out if you are getting a better deal with the coupon or another brand without the coupon. Don’t use coupons just because you have them. If it is an item you don’t normally use, don’t bother with the coupon.

7. If you find refund/rebate coupons, these are also good. You can use them to get free items or free coupons.

8. Use a shopping list and stick to it. Plan a menu and take stock of what items you need. Clean out freezer and refrigerator before you shop so you will have room and see what items you have on hand. You might not need another chicken or package of hamburger.

9. Write a list on an old envelope and keep the coupons that go with it inside the envelope.

10. Don’t shop for groceries while you are hungry. You will buy more and most of it will be junk.

11. Shop with a notebook, listing clothing sizes. Carry swatches of color samples and measurements for decorating projects. This would be handy for when you come across unexpected sales or go out to yard sales.

12. When shopping for a large item such as a house or car, take Polaroid’s of your options to review at home, when you’re not under pressure.

13. When shopping for pre-bagged produce, always weigh and choose the heaviest ones. The weight marked is the minimum weight required, so always try to get the most for your money. If you are buying a head of lettuce or broccoli, for an example, for a set price, weigh to find the largest one.

14. Buy pasta sauce in cans rather than in glass jars. They weigh the same and the cans are cheaper than the glass.

15. Buy bags of frozen vegetables instead of boxes. You will get more for the money.

16. Avoid high prices for small containers of spices and herbs. Buy large containers and share with your friends.

17. Buy large turkeys when the prices are low. Ask the butcher to cut them in half for easier storage and less waste for non-holiday meals.

18. Contact manufacturers with complaints or compliments. You may be rewarded with coupons for free or discounted products.

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10 Ways To Save $50 A Month

Tammy — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:15:33 +0000

From the Desk of Penny Pincher
1. Save up to 50% per month on convenience cleaner
cloths by cutting them into half, i.e. dryer softener
cloths, face cleanser cloths, etc. Savings: $5 per month

2. Find more thoughtful gifts and buy when the item is
on sale, shop for birthdays and holidays throughout the year not at the time of the events. Savings: $10 per month

3. Bring your lunch to work once a week instead of
eating out. Savings: $7 x 4 weeks = $28 per month

4. Don’t go to the coffee shop on the weekends.
Savings: 2 visits @ $2 = $4 per week x 4 weeks = $16 per month

5. If you carry a balance on your credit card, and
you’re only able to afford paying the minimum monthly
amount, pay weekly installments instead of one monthly
payment. For example, if you owe $100 per month, pay $25 per week. Because credit card companies accrue interest daily on your balance, paying only once a month is a huge detriment to your fiscal health. Savings: $10 – $100 per month (or more!)

6. Instead of a family night out, consider having an
old fashion picnic together or a bike ride. Curbing
entertainment costs doesn’t mean curbing the fun savings: $25+ per month

7. Spend a day cooking meals that can be frozen for
later use for your family. Once a Month Cooking, a book by Mary Beth Lagerborg and Mimi Wilson, features grocery lists and recipes to prepare and freeze a month’s worth of
food for you and your family. Not only are you able to
purchase the food in bulk, this method prevents having to
throw away any spoiled food. Savings: $50+ per month

9. Use less expensive gasoline. If you live in NorthAmerica and have Internet access, you are able to search for the cheapest gas price in your neighborhood with Gas Buddy,www.gasbuddy.com. Savings: $5 – 15 per month

10. Use two-for-one coupons when dining out; search for
these in local newspapers, flyers, and in your “junk mail.”
If you are a group of four or more people, consider buying
dining certificates at Restaurant.com,ww.restaurant.com
After choosing your city and state on the Website, you will be presented with a listing of restaurants vying for your dining dollar! Savings: $5- $50 per month

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10 Ways To Save $50 A Month

Tammy — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:25:15 +0000

From the Desk of Penny Pincher:
1. Save up to 50% per month on convenience cleaner
cloths by cutting them into half, i.e. dryer softener
cloths, face cleanser cloths, etc. Savings: $5 per month

2. Find more thoughtful gifts and buy when the item is
on sale, shop for birthdays and holidays throughout the year
not at the time of the events. Savings: $10 per month
3. Bring your lunch to work once a week instead of
eating out. Savings: $7 x 4 weeks = $28 per month
4. Don’t go to the coffee shop on the weekends.
Savings: 2 visits @ $2 = $4 per week x 4 weeks = $16 per
month
5. If you carry a balance on your credit card, and
you’re only able to afford paying the minimum monthly
amount, pay weekly installments instead of one monthly
payment. For example, if you owe $100 per month, pay $25
per week. Because credit card companies accrue interest
daily on your balance, paying only once a month is a huge
detriment to your fiscal health. Savings: $10 – $100 per
month (or more!)
6. Instead of a family night out, consider having an
old fashion picnic together or a bike ride. Curbing
entertainment costs doesn’t mean curbing the fun.
Savings:$25+ per month
7. Spend a day cooking meals that can be frozen for
later use for your family. Once a Month Cooking, a book by
Mary Beth Lagerborg and Mimi Wilson, features grocery lists
and recipes to prepare and freeze a month’s worth of
food for you and your family. Not only are you able to
purchase the food in bulk, this method prevents having to
throw away any spoiled food. Savings: $50+ per month

8. If you are a regular monthly book buyer, stop the
habit and visit your library instead! If you insist on
buying books, buy it used at your local store or online at
merchants such as www.half.com or www.amazon.com. Even a
better idea, how about selling the books you have that you don’t
need! Savings: $5 – 15 per month
9. Use less expensive gasoline. If you live in North
America and have Internet access, you are able to search for
the cheapest gas price in your neighborhood with Gas Buddy,
www.gasbuddy.com. Savings: $5 – 15 per month
10. Use two-for-one coupons when dining out; search for
these in local newspapers, flyers, and in your “junk mail.”
If you are a group of four or more people, consider buying
dining certificates at Restaurant.com, www.restaurant.com.
After choosing your city and state on the Website, you will
be presented with a listing of restaurants vying for your
dining dollar! Savings: $5- $50 per month

BEAT THE RECESSION RECOMMENDS:
Win a Free Year of Child Care when you Register with Care.com!

Saving Money On Your Grocery Bill

Tammy — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 01:07:44 +0000

Your grocery bill is likely one of the largest parts of your living expenses. If you were to rank them from largest to smallest, it would probably fall just after mortgage (or rent), energy and car payments. You can’t do much to lower a mortgage payment or car payment, so trimming as much as you can from your weekly food bill makes a lot of sense.
The problem is that we have seen food prices skyrocket, about as much as fuel prices over the past year, and it’s taking an ever bigger bite out of our budgets. Here are some supermarket savings tips I’ve collected over the years of raising a family of four on a single income. Don’t fret, they should work regardless of the number of mouths you feed or the income you have.
Know the numbers
Much of our supermarket spending is influenced by sneaky marketing tactics. But you most likely already knew that. The good news is that if you arm yourself with the facts, you can shield yourself and nullify these tactics. Comparison shop, so you know you’re getting the best price. Don’t buy everything at one store. Most locations have at least 2 or 3 supermarkets clustered within half a mile of each other. Pick the 2 that most constantly have low prices or the best sales on the items you buy. Once you have your target destinations, make sure you make heavy use of coupons and buy expensive items when they’re on sale.
Speaking of sales, make sure it really is a sale. Do the math. If you need to buy 2 items to get 1 free, it’s only a sale if you can use all 3. Another marketing trick is the incredible shrinking portion size. This is a relatively new phenomenon, caused by the recent return of inflation. Food producers are facing a dilemma: do they pass along the increased cost of production, or cut costs? Many companies are opting for the latter. The result is you pay the same price for that half gallon of ice-cream, only now it’s not quite a half gallon anymore.
Know the system
Be prepared and have a plan. Make a list and stick to it. That way you maintain control, and don’t fall into the impulsive shopper traps. Most grocery stores charge more for items that aren’t on sale, hoping to lure you in with the sale items and make up the difference on the non-sale items. These sale items are known as “loss leaders” in the biz because the store often loses money on them in the hopes it will lead you to spend more on the non-sale items.
Loss leaders are your friend. Take the store up on their loss (sale items), but don’t follow their lead and buy the higher priced non-sale items. Wait and buy non-sale items at other stores where the price is better. Once you know you about this trick, you’ll make out like Bonnie and Clyde (except you probably won’t get shot by a Texas posse).
Buy right
The cheapest price isn’t always the lowest. You read right. Sometimes you think you’re doing the right thing by comparing 2 similar items, and buying the one with the lowest price. But it’s not the price that matters for some items – it’s the price per unit. This is usually displayed on the shelf above or below the item, right next to the total price. The unit price is like a price per volume, and it’s helpful in deciphering the best price for items from cereal to potato salad. Unit price is particularly obvious when comparing the brand name product to the store brand (generic) product. Buy generic when you can for most items. Substituting store brand antacids for Tums, probably won’t make a difference but you’ll spend a lot less. Some things however just don’t work as generic. Mayonnaise comes to mind – there is just no substitute for Hellman’s.
Don’t overlook the basics
You’ve read them before, but they bear repeating: Never shop hungry and stock up on non-perishables when they’re on sale. You can save a bundle on stock piling non-perishables. I constantly tease my wife about having enough shampoo to last until the next millennium, but she’s constantly getting them buy 1, get 1 free and using a coupon to boot. The result is 2 bottles of shampoo for about 75% of the cost of 1 bottle.
Do your homework
Another great way to save on groceries is to plan a menu of meals for the week based on the items on sale that week. For example, if chicken breasts are on sale, plan a meal around chicken breasts. This is especially effective when you can apply coupons toward the sale items. But your homework goes beyond menu planning. Keep a price book. A price book is simply a list of common items you buy and the average price of those items at 2 -3 grocery stores you frequent. This way, if you are tempted to buy something that is not on sale, you can do quick look-up in your price book to see if it’s still a good price or if you can get it cheaper at another store.
Use the corner store
I know some people say you should avoid the corner store, and this is largely true, but if they have a better price for staples like milk or bread – go for it. For example, Stewart’s is a regional convenience store where I live. There’s a Stewart’s on just about every corner and they consistently have the best price on milk. Not only that – their milk is produced on local farms and is constantly voted the best milk in the state by the leading university of agriculture. Buying milk from Stewart’s also supports the local farm community. Couple that with a milk club card, which gets you a half-priced gallon of milk for every 5 you buy, and you’d be a fool to pass this by.

When Saving Money- Costs More Part 2

Tammy — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:58:23 +0000

Part two in our series about when saving money actually costs you more. If you find yourself chasing after bargain deals you will relate this post.

Not only that, but the inexpensive stores tend to be further away from my house, thus I end up having to use more gas to shop at a cheaper store. This can nullify my savings quickly with today’s gas prices the way they are. This also pertains to driving out of your way to find the least expensive gas station, thus using more gas in an attempt to save money on gas. It doesn’t make much sense, but I admit that I’ve done it in the past. The amount I actually pay for a tank of gas seems to register more in my head than the specific amount of gas I’m using to go somewhere, so it can actually seem logical if I’m not careful. And while you’re at the cheapest gas station saving money on your purchase, you can blow it by going inside the convenience store to pick up snacks. Saved $5 on gas, spend $6 on candy and soda. And the gas stations hope it happens that way.

Surprisingly, coupons can also cost you extra money if you’re not careful. I’ve fallen victim to the “Spend $50, get $10 off” coupon. If I find what I want to buy and it only costs $35 then I’ll be running around looking for something that costs $15 so I can get $10 off. After all, that $15 item will really only cost me $5, but that’s $5 too much when I didn’t even need or really want the item in the first place. And when grocery shopping, I’ll sometimes pick up the name brand item because I have a coupon, when the generic brand without a coupon would have been cheaper. Or worse — I didn’t even need the item and only bought it because I had a coupon. It’s usually because I didn’t want to waste my coupon — but instead I end up wasting my money.

Another way you can end up spending more when you are trying to save is by buying a cheaper product and then having to replace it soon after because it broke. Usually when this happens you end up getting the better quality one after all because you don’t want to replace the item once again. I’m not advocating buying the most expensive option of everything you buy, but do consider the quality of what you are buying and how often you plan on using that specific thing. If you plan on having that item for a long time, then you might want to spend a little more for something that will last you longer. This could be true for a variety of items, including appliances, cars, clothing/shoes, and many others.

Saving money doesn’t have to cost you more if you are smart (and most importantly, disciplined). It’s easy to write off those small extra purchases, but if you are really trying to spend less and conserve your money, you have to be aware that those extra purchases can add up and make your saving efforts seem insignificant. So next time you reach for that candy bar or magazine at the checkout counter, think of how many coupons and savings you are nullifying by making that one purchase. It might just help you make the decision to say no.
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Emailing Companies For Coupons

Tammy — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:33:40 +0000

I hadn’t even thought of this concept prior to today! This tip is exciting for everyone out there looking to use coupons to save money.

Pick Your Favorite Brands

Go through your cupboards and write down the names of the producer of your favorite brands. Sometimes it’s obvious and on other items its not. So look carefully.

Make Your List
Once you have your list of your favorite brands ready at the computer. Using a search engine type in the name of the manufacturer of your favorite brand

Send an Email
After you locate the customer service email on the website or using their own web form here is a sample letter ( feel free to copy and paste).

Dear So and So,

I have been a customer and fan of your product ( insert item name here) for many years.
My family is currently experiencing difficulties like many of our fellow citizens and we are tightening our belts in the grocery aisles.
While we use the printed coupons and discount card, I was hoping I could request a coupon direct from your organization. Your product is always a treat and I would love the opportunity to brag to all my friends that I received a response and a coupon from this email.

Thank you
Your Name
Your State

Will it Work?
Surprisingly YES! It does work. The companies are responding with an astounding reply, FREE COUPONS!

Does it Always Work?

No. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t keep trying, just think if you have two coupons for the same item and walk away from the store knowing you are getting a great product at a HUGE savings!

Any Other Ideas?
Yes! Did you know that the majority of companies will send you a coupon as well for sending a compliment? I have actually done this with Snapple. I loved the new design of the bottles and let them know. They sent me a coupon for not only a discount, but a FREE bottle of their Iced Tea.

So, get to the cupboards, get online and start asking for discounts!

Free Food Ideas

Tammy — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:50:13 +0000

Grocery prices are up and chances are your paycheck isn’t. Here are some tips and tricks to get a meal on the table – free of charge!

Mystery Shopper
Sign up to be a mystery shopper in your area and you’ll be able to dine at a number of local restaurants. You pay up front for the meal, and then submit for reimbursement once you’ve submitted a review. It’s a free meal out – can’t beat that! Just remember to follow the instructions for the assignment or you may end up not being reimbursed fully.

Forage
Although not necessarily applicable to city-dwellers, a great option for those who live in more rural locales is to learn how to identify edible foods in the wild. You should do your research well, as some plants are harmful to eat.

Coupons
Keep your eyes open for coupons that offer you 100% discounts on specific products. Follow specific blogs that track these types of offers daily or weekly for the best deals.

Request Freebies
Sign up for every promotional offer you can find – cereal, snack bars, etc. Spending an hour or so online may pay for itself – in food!

Barter
Do you have a special skill that is useful to others? Try exchanging some labor for food and your special skill may turn into your next meal!

Buddy up to Gardeners
Know any gardeners that have a surplus of fruits, grains or vegetables? Ask them if they have leftovers – and you may end up with some free and delicious ingredients for dinner.

Free Meals
Keep your eyes peeled for local events that offer food – such as church functions, grand openings, meetings, receptions, etc. You’ll be able to eat for free and you may meet some new people to share frugal tips with!

Grocery Leftovers
Large grocery stores often toss food that doesn’t look appealing enough to sell but is otherwise completely edible. If you aren’t too picky about what your food looks like, try hitting up your local grocery chains and finding a great deal!

Clip Coupons Like a Pro

Tammy — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:15:24 +0000

Looking to cut costs on groceries and household supplies? Besides sticking to a strict shopping list when you’re at the store, the best thing you can do is to start clipping and using coupons! New to the process? Here’s a beginner’s guide to help you get started.

Where to Look

Newspapers
The best coupons show up in the Sunday papers, so start there. Instead of paying for a paper you might not read, try heading to your local coffee shop and grabbing the coupons from someone else’s paper – many people simply throw these away.

Magazines
Some magazines will have manufacture’s coupons, especially those like Good Housekeeping and Women’s Day. If you already have subscriptions you’re set. If not, try clipping them from your doctor’s waiting room!

Your Mailbox
All that junk mail you always throw away usually contains a set of coupons. With a little bit of savvy, you don’t even have to leave your home to find the bargains!

In Stores
You often find coupons in the aisles of your grocery stores, or at the front entrances of other retail outlets. Make a habit of looking for more in-store deals, as these can often save you additional dollars as you’re headed to the checkout lines.

Online
Once you’ve exhausted all of the above locations, try one of the many free coupon sites online. Boodle.com is one of the most user-friendly I’ve seen, and allows you to enter your zip code for access to local deals. Is there an item you love but don’t want to splurge on? Try visiting the manufacturer’s site to see if they have any special coupons available there.

Organizing

Now that you have all these coupons, it may seem a little unwieldy and hard to find what you need when you need it. Some tactics to keep you organized and to prevent coupon overflow are here to help!

Try clipping on an as-needed basis, leaving your weekly pile of coupon booklets intact so they are easier to sift through. Or try clipping everything that interests you and keeping them sorted by type of product or perhaps alphabetically. Find a filing system that works for you and stick to it.

Expired coupons won’t save you any money and will just add to the clutter. Ensure that you are throwing away unused coupons as they expire.

With these tips, you should be able to save at least $5 every time you head to the store. That adds up, so happy saving, intrepid shopper!

Coupons- Not Just For Your Grandma Anymore

Tammy — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:51:55 +0000

Discount coupons have gained in popularity during the last six months in the marketplace. Gone are the days of sitting at the table with the Sunday paper, planning meals for the week, using coupons for the most economical meal for the family- or have they?

With just a little legwork, you can purchase many common household items for pennies on the dollar, if not entirely free. The trick is discount layering; using manufacturer’s coupons combined with individual store rewards and coupons deals.

Begin shopping frugally in your Sunday and Wednesday newspapers. Valuable tools are the coupon books and advertisements found inside. Match up the manufacturer’s coupons with the sales and rebate offers at your local grocery and drug stores.

By far, Walgreens has the easiest and most comprehensive rebate program, so it’s is a great store to get your feet wet! As you are going through the weekly advertisements, you will notice in the ad that there might be a mention of “Register Rewards” or a “Free with Rebate” deal.

“Register Rewards” are instant refunds that print at the register when you buy an item or a certain mix of items. For the rebates, you can stop in the store or view the rebate catalog online to save yourself a trip and get one so you can plan your purchases ahead of time.

With the ad and rebate catalog in front of you, see if any coupons match up to the deals and rebates.

For example: Recently Walgreens had Revlon cosmetics as a free-with-rebate deal, but there was also a manufacturer’s coupon for a Revlon product that was in the paper recently. So not only was the item free, you also made a dollar or two on the coupon. But that’s not the best part. When you submit your rebate, Walgreens offers you the choice of receiving your purchase price back in a check or in a Walgreens gift card (essentially store credit). If you choose the gift card option, they give you a 10% bonus. By taking advantage of this too, they covered your sales tax and then some.

Rite Aid’s rebate program is similar to Walgreens, but it’s a lot more complicated. There are only certain days you can purchase products to receive the full rebate amount. You must read the rebate catalog carefully, since it’s really easy to make an error.

But they do accept manufacturer’s coupons like Walgreens, and they offer the 10% bonus as well. The key to discount layering is to read the fine print, and realize that not everything is a great deal!

CVS also has good deals on occasion, but their free products are refunded in the form of “Extra Care Bucks” that expire within a few weeks of issue. These are similar to Walgreens’ “Register Rewards.” It’s nice that you don’t have to wait for the gift card to arrive in the mail, but if you miss the expiration date, the money you originally spent is lost forever.

We here at www.Beattherecession.com will be continuing this in a series of articles, for coupon clippers everywhere! Be sure to sign up for the newsletter to be informed of new articles and helpful tips and tricks for you to Beat The Recession.