My family went shopping together over the weekend in order to combine errands and save money on gas. We needed to return some items and make other purchases, and we went to 6 stores. Thanks to the Deal Finder at the Life Takes Visa website, got a coupon for $10 off a $25 purchase at Lowe's Home Improvement. Additionally, I had received a coupon in the mail for $5 off a $50 purchase at Target. Because of these coupons and others from the Sunday paper, we saved $19 on items we would have purchased anyway.
I love coupons!
Showing posts with label Frugal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Frugal. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Kroger & Sears Offer 10% Bonus on Tax Rebate
Starting May 2, Kroger will offer customers an extra 10% when they purchase a gift card with their tax rebate money. For example, if you purchase a $300 Kroger card, $30 will be added to your balance. If you received a higher federal or state tax refund, you can use that amount instead of your rebate. You do not have to bring the paper IRS or state check in order to take advantage of this offer. If you're already a Kroger customer, you can earn a quick 10% on money that you are going to spend anyway.
Sears is offering a 10% bonus as well; however, as of this writing, you will need to bring your check to the store in order to receive the bonus. Blogger Lisa Everitt thinks that Kroger is more likely to be successful. Why Kroger Will Get Your Tax Refund (and Sears Won't)
What about you? Do you plan on buying gift cards to receive the bonus?
I will probably buy some gift cards at Kroger. I shop there anyway, and it's hard to pass up 10% on my money! If we needed an appliance, I would take advantage of the Sears offer as well.
Sears is offering a 10% bonus as well; however, as of this writing, you will need to bring your check to the store in order to receive the bonus. Blogger Lisa Everitt thinks that Kroger is more likely to be successful. Why Kroger Will Get Your Tax Refund (and Sears Won't)
What about you? Do you plan on buying gift cards to receive the bonus?
I will probably buy some gift cards at Kroger. I shop there anyway, and it's hard to pass up 10% on my money! If we needed an appliance, I would take advantage of the Sears offer as well.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Rain Barrels - Recycling and Saving Money
Most of the state of NC is in an exceptional drought, and forecasters are predicting lower than average rainfall for 2008. So what are we doing to help conserve water?
We bought two rain barrels that we will use to water our garden and potted plants this year. The town where we live sells 60-gallon rain barrels for $87 each. We were planning on buying one. Luckily, before my husband left to purchase it, I googled "rain barrels Raleigh." We found that the city of Raleigh sells recycled plastic pickle barrels that have been converted to rain barrels for $37 each. So for $13 LESS than the price of ONE from our town, we have TWO rain barrels that will hopefully cover our outdoor water needs. Last year, our water bill was $10-$20 more per month when we had to water, so the barrels should pay for themselves in about 6 months. In future years, we should save at least $90 per year on water costs.
In addition to saving water, we are reusing something that would have normally gone to the landfill. The barrels hold 55 gallons, and they come from the Mt. Olive Pickle Company in Mt. Olive, NC.
It's supposed to rain here on Friday. We are looking forward to seeing how much rain it takes to fill the barrels.
We bought two rain barrels that we will use to water our garden and potted plants this year. The town where we live sells 60-gallon rain barrels for $87 each. We were planning on buying one. Luckily, before my husband left to purchase it, I googled "rain barrels Raleigh." We found that the city of Raleigh sells recycled plastic pickle barrels that have been converted to rain barrels for $37 each. So for $13 LESS than the price of ONE from our town, we have TWO rain barrels that will hopefully cover our outdoor water needs. Last year, our water bill was $10-$20 more per month when we had to water, so the barrels should pay for themselves in about 6 months. In future years, we should save at least $90 per year on water costs.
In addition to saving water, we are reusing something that would have normally gone to the landfill. The barrels hold 55 gallons, and they come from the Mt. Olive Pickle Company in Mt. Olive, NC.
It's supposed to rain here on Friday. We are looking forward to seeing how much rain it takes to fill the barrels.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Happy Presidents' Day!
I did my part to help the economy today by spending about $70 on new towels at Kohl's. They were having a sale, and I had a 20% off coupon. I replaced the towels that my husband and I use, and I also bought new guest towels. Some of our old guest towels will celebrate their 15th birthday in August--I think we were way overdue!
I also spent $74 at the grocery store. I went over budget by $75 last month. Hopefully I'll be able to come in under budget for the next few months to make it up.
I also spent $74 at the grocery store. I went over budget by $75 last month. Hopefully I'll be able to come in under budget for the next few months to make it up.
Monday, February 4, 2008
2007 Taxes are done!
It's a new record--I filed our taxes on February 1st. That is the earliest I have ever finished! I used TurboTax this year, and it was FREE, thanks to State Farm Insurance. If you're a State Farm customer, you can use this service through their website; you have to first sign in at the State Farm website and link to TurboTax Online from there. I liked the TurboTax interface, probably because I am a long time Quicken user. Importing my husband's W-2 made the process even easier. Last year I paid $16 to e-file, and this year it was FREE!
We should receive our state and federal refunds by February 15. We are getting back about $2,400 this year, combined. Yes, I know, change the withholding. We have done that, and for regular income, we are right on target. However, my husband receives a substantial bonus each year, and the taxes deducted from that income account for the majority of our refund money. Does anyone have any ideas of how to change the W-4 so they don't overwithhold for an "extra" paycheck?
We should receive our state and federal refunds by February 15. We are getting back about $2,400 this year, combined. Yes, I know, change the withholding. We have done that, and for regular income, we are right on target. However, my husband receives a substantial bonus each year, and the taxes deducted from that income account for the majority of our refund money. Does anyone have any ideas of how to change the W-4 so they don't overwithhold for an "extra" paycheck?
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Freecycle and save the earth
I love Freecycle! What is Freecycle, you ask? There are local groups on Yahoo where you can post items that you no longer need and that you don't care to sell. You can post an OFFER, and group members will email you with a time when they are willing to pick up your stuff. So far I've offered kids VHS tapes and a cordless phone. I've gotten quick responses and fewer hassles than selling because it's FREE, who's going to complain about that?
This service gets things into the hands of people who want and can use them, and it keeps the items out of the landfill, for a little longer, anyway. It's interesting to see what's available, and it changes constantly. Today's offers include everything from underwear (new!) to a mattress and box spring set.
Once you have confirmed that someone is picking up your OFFER, you post a TAKEN message to the group. It's that easy! Check out your local group for specific rules.
This service gets things into the hands of people who want and can use them, and it keeps the items out of the landfill, for a little longer, anyway. It's interesting to see what's available, and it changes constantly. Today's offers include everything from underwear (new!) to a mattress and box spring set.
Once you have confirmed that someone is picking up your OFFER, you post a TAKEN message to the group. It's that easy! Check out your local group for specific rules.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)