Whit's Wisdom

Couponing Tips!

I am, by no means, an expert at this, but I have been pretty lucky in finding those people (on the net) who are.  Here are a few of the websites I use to save money on groceries, household cleaning items, personal care items, etc.

I check these websites two or three times A DAY for deals:

slickdeals.net

spoofee.com

pinchingyourpennies.com

totallytarget.com

couponingtodisney.com

These are used for various products - not just groceries.  Some of these are blogs - some are where tons of people share deals they have found.

For my weekly grocery deals I rely 95% on COUPONMOM.COM - this lady is amazing and has the easiest (for me) plan to follow.  In addition, I like southernsavers.com.  Again, totallytarget.com is a great source if you have a Super Target nearby.

I have learned that if I use too many websites I end up getting confused and frustrated.  There are so many deals to be had out there and, fortunately or unfortunately, most of these websites will post the same deals with a different "spin" on how to purchase.  I found myself reading ALL of the deals and getting so caught up in finding the BEST ONE that I just gave up for a while.  In my opinion, find one or two people you feel comfy with and go with what they suggest.  There is ALWAYS a better deal around the corner - but if you spend 20 hours saving $1, you aren't really making a profit, are you??

Don't get caught up in the AMAZING DEAL TRAP - I found myself buying EVERYTHING that was 75% or more off list price.  Stuff I didn't need.  Just because you can get it for a quarter doesn't mean you will USE IT.  Also, there is always a deal somewhere....if you don't get that free tube of toothpaste today - you will get it in two weeks - stay calm.  (These are all things I did when I started couponing {still do on some} and would love it if you could avoid the traps.

If you are shopping online (PERFECT WAY to do Christmas Shopping - avoid those malls!!) - ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS GOOGLE {store name} PROMO.  For example, if you are purchasing something from Victorias Secret - I will google Victorias secret promo ---95% of the time you will find a promotion code for free shipping, 20-30-40% off, free 'stuff' with purchase.  One great site I have found for promo codes is RETAILMENOT.COM - but don't limit yourself to this - there are some other good ones out there too. 

Shopping online takes time - but you can comparison shop in your pajamas in your house instead of walking the mall or driving from store to store.  I have save so much money by purchasing Christmas presents online.  A good website to subscribe to right now is BLACKFRIDAY.COM - they will give you info on the in-store and online sales coming up after Thanksgiving.  Don't forget CYBER MONDAY!

In regards to  online surveys - I have had great success with PINECONE RESEARCH (you have to be invited to do this one but let me know and, when they send out requests I will send you one); MYPOINTS.com, MYSURVEY.COM,  and SWAGBUCKS.COM.  However, here is a list created by couponingtodisney.com lady which SHE finds to be reputable companies:

Ispos I-Say – Each point is equivalent to 10c ea. 50 points needed for $5 payment.

Lightspeed - Each point equivalent to 0.008c . You need 575 pts to receive a $5 Paypal payment. All surveys are 75 pts or more.

Mindfield - Surveys are in $ amounts. You need $5 or more to receive a Paypal payment.

My Points - Click on links in emails for points. Pays in gift cards. Over 70 to choose from. One is $10 CVS for 1450 pts. Each point is worth 0.006c.

My Survey – Each point is worth 10c. You need 1,000 pts to receive a $10 check.

Opinion Outpost – Each point is worth 10c. You need 50 points to qualify for a $5 Amazon.com GC.

Reward Port – Click on links in emails. You need 4500 to get $10 to Amazon.

Send Earnings – Click on links in emails. You need a $30 balance to receive payment. Receive $5 sign up bonus.

Survey Head - Pays in cash amounts. You need $25 to cash out. You get a $5 bonus for joining.

Survey Spot – No screeners today. You need 1,000 points to get a $10 Paypal payment.

Valued Opinions –

* A screener is when they ask you questions to see if you qualify for the paid survey.

Since I haven't used all of these, I won't say whether or not they are worth your time; however, I do trust Kristen from couponingtodisney.com - so you decide.

Finally, I collect coke rewards and enter them into mycokerewards.com.  My husband brings home the 12 pack box tops from his work, AND we drink a LOT of Coke products around here, so this is pretty profitable for me.  It's definitely worth checking into if you drink coke products.

I'm not going to give you step-by-step instructions on how to use these sites because the people who own them do a fantastic job of explaining their personal systems.  If you need any help, though, I'm here for you!  I love when people save money!!