Tip: Actually Using Coupons Helps Save Money

I've always considered myself organized and prepared. But when it came to using the coupons I clipped I was forgetting to use them before they expired or I would let them pile up and become overwhelmed.

About a month ago I entered a contest at One House Schoolroom to win a Couponizer. I figured it couldn't hurt...

Well, I won.
This nifty little kit included everything I needed to keep my coupons organized.

I admit to being skeptical at first, but I gave it a try. Each page in the Couponizer is a pocket. This is really handy. I now have a pocket for coupons to be used during my shopping trip and coupons that expire this month (so I don't forget about them). There is even a handy spot to hold my store savings cards.

The coupon sections are divided into categories so they are easy to find: baby, baking, canned goods, pasta, household, cleaning, etc. (Much more organized than my 5 sections) There are also pockets for those coupons I always forgot: fast food & restaurants, services, retail shops... And a refund/rebate pocket.

Until I got the Couponizer I didn't track my savings. Now I do using the handy CoupTracker that's included.

My only problem with the Couponizer? The shopping list is too small to fit all my purchases onto one list. ( Easily remedied by scanning two of the sheets and printing them on a single piece of paper.) Other than that the only other issue I have is (again) Why didn't I think of this?

If you're trying to use coupons and save money this is a great way to get started. Or, if you're like me and just want to be more organized, I can honestly say that this is a helpful tool. The Couponizer sells for $19.95 (which is less than I saved using coupons during one shopping trip).

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I'm Tired... Maybe That's Why I'm Looking at Beds Online

It’s going to be a long day. For some reason the girls were both awake at 5 am (!!) and climbed in bed with us. Let me just tell you that a king size bed doesn’t hold 4 people very well when two of them are toddlers who move about a lot while they sleep!

So I was up at 5 while the girls both snuggled back down and slept in my bed. Until almost 9am! Little turkeys.

So I left my very comfy bed and got online to attempt a bit of catching up. Instead I was drawn to look at beds online- probably because I was missing mine. Or maybe because I wondered if a fun bed would keep the girls in theirs and out of ours…

Anyway, I found some absolutely amazing kids beds in shapes of Cinderella’s carriage, “diggers”, pink Jeeps, racecars and more. And then I found the amazingly carved fairy, princess and pirate beds (available with dresser, armoire and under bed storage options) and fell completely in love. Forget the kids, I want the fairy bed for myself.

There are lots of adult beds in great styles, too. But, really, they just don’t have the same fantasy aspect!

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3 1/2 Shopping Days Til Christmas

Wow… Christmas is 4 days away. And Wednesday isn’t even a “whole day” if you’re talking about doing any Christmas shopping. So, basically, there are 3 ½ shopping days until Christmas.

Got all your gifts?

I don’t. I have to get a gift card to a certain coffee place for my coffee-loving babysitter. I’m still waiting for my mom’s custom gift to make its way to my door (should have been here Friday as it reached the local mail sorting station last Monday. Now I’m worried the USPS lost it.) And I still have my dad to buy for.

My dad is about the most difficult person on the planet to buy a gift for. He needs nothing, he doesn’t express a desire for anything in particular and his hobbies, well, I’m not entirely sure what his hobbies are although they seem to include fixing anything that may go wrong in my (and my sibling’s) homes.

Since I’m at a loss I’m checking out the last minute gifts from Kmart. Surely I can find inspiration online and since all 25,000 of their “Under $25” gifts are also available in stores I can find the perfect gift online and head out in this freezing cold weather we’re having to buy it. Maybe I’ll pick up some new thermals while I’m there, too.

If you’re still needing gifts check out a few of the great deals Kmart has for under $25:
• Craftsman® 23-inch hand tool box with comfort handle
• Martha Stewart Everyday tall nickel pillar candleholders
• Route 66 girls fashion hoodies and embellished jeans
• Joe Boxer men’s and women’s two- and three-piece cozy sleep sets
• Just Kidz® Deluxe soft-bodied 16” doll set with stroller
• LeapFrog Leapster Learning Games, various titles

And while you’re online looking into those last minute gifts from Kmart be sure to sign up for their email updates for special store hours, in-store deals and online-only sales to find the best value during their holiday shopping.

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Gifts Still to Buy?

OK, so I’ve been sharing a lot about the great stuff Sears has had going on lately. And it has made me recall their old slogan “The softer side of Sears”. Well, I gotta tell you that I think this is a cooler side of Sears than I’ve seen in a long time.

Yep, you guessed it- more great sale prices this weekend! The sale began on 12/7 and runs thru 12/13. The reason this caught my eye is because my camera has been being, well, a bit flighty lately. It doesn’t want to focus, the flash isn’t always working and the pictures just aren’t as crisp as they used to be. And I have loved my Canon Powershot. So when I saw that the Canon Powershot 8.0-megapixel 4X optical zoom digital camera is on sale for $149.99 I was pretty happy. And then I saw that it also has a $20 instant savings… Well, I’m practically giddy.

And, if you’re like us (meaning without cable and not planning to get it just to watch local channels) you might be interested in this Sylvania 20” class LCD HDTV for $199.99. You save $100 (while quantities last).

Of course these are only two of the many items Sears has on sale right now. If you’ve gifts still to buy you may want to check it out.

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Can 1-800-FLOWERS Redeem Themsleves?

I just had the most frustrating experience trying to order flowers for my grandmother. There is no excuse for this, in my opinion.

Yesterday I received a promotion from AAA for 20% off orders in December when you use the provided code. So I followed the link, picked out my flowers and began to place my order. All was going well until I put in the promo code- and it gave me 15% off. Now I know there isn't a big difference between 15 and 20% but the AAA savings was supposed to be 20% and that's what I expected.

So I called the help line for 1-800-FLOWERS. The first lady I spoke with was very nice when I explained my problem. She said right away that she couldn't help me and said she was transferring me to someone who could.

Somehow I ended up back at the main menu. The second woman I spoke to, well, that experience was awful. I could barely understand her and I don't think she was understanding me. She kept asking for the confirmation number for the order and telling me she couldn't find it. I had to keep explaining the problem and telling her that the order hadn't been placed because the savings wasn't coming up correctly. After about 10 minutes of this back and forth I began asking for a supervisor. She would tell me that he wasn't available or that he had "stepped out for a minute" and would go back to her previous line of questioning. I continued to be as polite as I could and ask for a supervisor. Fifteen minutes later she said she would connect me to a supervisor and disconnected my call.

I was actually relieved to be off that call and called the help line again. This is my 3rd try and I have been on the phone for a little over 30 minutes by this time.

I explain the issue to the third representative and ask immediately to speak to a supervisor. I get the run around again. I try to explain, rationally, that I understand that she can't help me and I need to speak to a supervisor. It takes me about 10 minutes to gt her to agree to transfer me.

I hold for 5 minutes only to have the representative come back on the line and tell me that she will give me 20% off if I place the order directly through her. Fine, let's just get it done.

It was tedious to say the least- spelling names, dictating the message... And then she gives me the total with the 20% off and it's $14 higher than the online total with only 15% off! She told me that shipping was $19.99 instead of the $9.99 that it was online. That is not acceptable to me and I tell her so. She offers to push the shipping date back, which won't work and I decline. Then she tells me it can be shipped for arrival tomorrow for $9.99. Fine. And she gives me the total- which is still higher than the online total with a smaller savings!

What is going on? It's the same product, same shipping cost, should have a higher savings and you expect me to pay more?

Well, by this time I had enough, apologized and said that I needed to cancel the order, that this was unacceptable and I couldn't continue. And I hung up. She took my credit card number- I hope nothing shows up on it.

I called AAA and explained what I had just been through. They took my concern and are forwarding it on to the person who handles that account.

And, yes, I will be contacting 1-800-FLOWERS as well and giving them a chance to make this right and try to keep my business. It's only fair. And if they do I will share it.

About an hour later...

Trying to get my complaint through to someone at corporate. Unfortunately it is difficult to do by phone. Still getting the run around for someone other than a rep. Will probably just email this to them and see what happens. Honestly, it shouldn't be this difficult.

15 minutes later...

Beginning to think there are no supervisors... At least was given a different phone number to call. Not sure what it's for. I asked 3 times and couldn't understand the response...

A little later...

Ahhh, priority support. Now speaking with Michael… Got through to someone who actually might have some power... His records show a 15% savings so something is messed up somewhere.

Comparing his info and the info on the website- they don’t match. His info is higher. Not sure why this is. His shipping is higher and not offered on the days I can get shipping online. Weird.

OK, somehow we’ve been disconnected. What is going on? I keep calling and keep getting disconnected. This is getting stupid. I suppose it could be my phone… Even though it’s never done this before. And I have on a headset and my phone is just sitting on the table.

Now Kendis… Seriously… Disconnected again. My phone thinks I’m still connected. What the? I really don’t think it’s me… She called back… Their new phone system keeps dropping calls… Annoying…

Beginning the whole story again. It is now 1:19pm. Wait... disconnected again. Going to give up soon. Really...

And at 1:45 pm...

Spoke with Tanya. Went through the whole deal. Again. And... Finally got done. Correct amounts, correct discounts, correct shipping.

4 hours and 45 minutes. Completely unacceptable. I probably shouldn't have even placed the stupid order by this time, but I have a problem with giving up. I'm no quitter.

Until the final three (two of whom, through no fault of their own were of no help) the customer service was abysmal. There is no excuse for how I was treated and I certainly hope those calls were recorded and are used for reviews and/or teaching. Maybe they can learn how not to treat a customer.

Will I use this company again? Probably not. While they (finally) got my order taken correctly it took almost 5 hours. Unacceptable.

I sent an email to their customer service. And to their board of directors. I linked this post. I'll let you know if I hear back.

See the follow up here.

And the follow up to the follow up here.

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Super Saturday Sale at Sears

Have you been waiting for sales to begin your Christmas shopping? Are you anxious for that thick Thanksgiving Day newspaper to come out so you can browse through all the ads to plan your shopping attack? Why wait for Black Friday to shop when Sears is having a Doorbuster Sale this Saturday from 7am til noon?

It’s Sears Super Saturday Sale with sale prices throughout the store.

Check these out:
Need a new vacuum? The Kenmore Progressive vacuum will be at the lowest price of the season! Sale price $229.99, save $70.

Maybe you need to get new winter coats or warm sweaters? Save 60% off outerwear & sweaters for the family.

Or do you have a Mr. Fix It in your house who could really use a Craftsman C3 19.2-volt 3-pc combo tool kit? It’s on sale for $89.99, you save $50.

From digital picture frames to big screen TVs, cameras to DVD players there are amazing deals to be had.

You don’t want to procrastinate on this, though. The Sears Super Saturday Sale is one day only, this Saturday, November 22 from 7am until noon and quantities are limited. So if you’re after the Wii (on sale for $249) you’ll want to get yourself there early.

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With All of Target At Their Disposal

Brenna and Caelan both received $20 for their birthdays from Doug's grandmother. Coupled with the $5 they received from my cousin they were both able to have a little shopping spree.

Brenna got something she saw as we were checking out on Saturday:

Yep, it a Disney Princess game for the Wii. She's playing it right now with Daddy. We only have one nunchuck... I predict a few more controllers will be coming into our home sometime in the future.

And Caelan... With the entire toy aisle in front of her... She chose...


Really big coloring books. Granted, the Princess one (do you see a theme?) has sparkly paint. and very dull scissors. I predict many artistic endeavors to be added to my doors and walls.

The girls paid for their purchases themselves and took their change They were so proud.

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25,000 Gift Ideas Under $25

I’m being very frugal with my spending this year so I’m shopping in stores that haven’t stepped into in years. One of those stores is Kmart.

When I was growing up we were quite poor and as I got older the stores we shopped in when I was a child developed a stigma and I tended to avoid them as I began to shop for myself.

But now, with a tight budget and a few gifts left to buy, I can see why my mom turned to Kmart when I was a child.

Since I know many of you are also very conscience of what you are spending this Christmas I wanted to let you that Kmart has 25,000 gifts under $25.

Here are a few of my great finds:
Playskool Busy Ball Popper: this is for ages 9 months & up but, honestly, my 4 year old still plays with it. Great fun.
Leatherman Micra Multi-Tool: a great stocking stuffer for any guy in your life.
Nerf N-Strike Recon CS-6: my nephews (and their dad) could spend all afternoon in the yard with this!
Disney Cars Traffic Light: great for my other nephew who loves everything Cars!
Disney Hannah Montana Bath Set: How many girls love Hannah Montana?
Lots & lots of pajama sets!
Just Kidz Truck & Trailer Set with Diecast Cars: It’s like a dozen gifts in one!
Massaging Pig Slippers: I would so wear these!
HoMedics Bubble Bliss Luxury Foot Bubbler With Heat FB-30: Mmmm… Just the name relaxes me!

Honestly, the list of gift ideas is huge, and there is some really great stuff. And don’t forget to sign up for the email news letter for updates, in store deals and exclusive online sales.

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Lawaway Available at Sears for Christmas

As we work our way out of the debt we managed to bury ourselves in we have cut back on a lot of impulsive buys. And no time of the year is more impulsive than the holidays. With so many gifts to buy and the budget tight I have to be careful in what I select, frugal in it’s price and very observant of the quality of the product.

I also have to make sure I have the cash to pay for it. This can be tough, especially when I have specific gifts in mind that are just out of my cash allowance but can be saved for.

But I really want to make sure these gifts are available when I can pay for them…

Happily, Sears has just announced its Christmas layaway program. Beginning November 14 and running through December 23 you can put down $15 or 20% (whichever is greater) and have those perfect gifts on “hold”; to be sure they are in stock.

You’ll want to check the Sears Layaway rules for all the info but the fees seem reasonable to me ($5 layaway fee).

None of the items I have picked out for my family are all that expensive on their own, but to buy them at the same time would take more cash than I have now. With layaway I could buy Doug the Craftsman Clean & Carry Wet/Dry Vac (handy for indoors and out!), Brenna a new winter coat (complete with mittens and scarf!) and Caelan (since the poor girl gets hand-me-downs and garage sale clothing) a new outfit with her (current) favorite character: Dora!

Layaway is making a come-back and is a great option for cash-spending families like mine!

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Consider Kmart

Every year the holidays roll around and I begin cooking – more than usual. We usually host at least one large family event – and often host one party for friends. Whenever I am cooking for more than half a dozen people I find myself wanting new cookware. What I have is old, mismatched and not really handy for cooking for large groups.

Of course I don’t have the cash to just go out and buy the cookware I want. Or the roaster that would free up oven space. Or even the décor that my house is sorely lacking.

I can save for all these things, of course, but the money always seems to find another use. So I have begun considering the Kmart Layaway option. It’s like a forced savings plan that I can’t get at.

Kmart has been doing a lot to revive it’s reputation. With Martha Stewart adding her name to it’s line of housewares, great brands like Hamilton Beach, Anchor Hocking and Farberware the selection of brands speaks of quality. And the new “Mr. Blue Light” is pretty hip, too. Besides, who doesn’t want to save money right now?

From housewares to electronics to decorations for the holidays you can find it all at Kmart. Give Mr. Bluelight a try- he may just become your favorite holiday character this year!

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Amanda- Are You Looking for Wedding Jewelry?

OK, so I know your “big day” was a year ago but since you’re celebrating it on your first anniversary I think you might want some nice Wedding Jewelry. The Freshwater Pearl & Crystal set (available in a variety of crystal colors!) would look great with a simple dress… (What’s your budget for that, by the way & when are we going shopping? I’m going to Minneapolis on the 21st if you want to ride along!) Oh, and it’s affordable!

Are you sure you’re not in the market for a Unity Candle? I’m thinking a small lighting ceremony in the middle of karaoke would be great! You guys could sing “You’re The One That I Want” while you light it!

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A Place With Style

I think the thing I dislike the most about where we live is the total lack of style. Don’t take it the wrong way, people here have style… It’s called “comfortable”. Which is fine, I suppose. But that means that rarely does anyone dress up- for anything other than a graduation, wedding or funeral- and the few places that have designer clothing have limited styles and sizes.

Which means that I turn to the internet if I need something unique or rather funky. Not that it happens much as we are in a “comfortable” state surrounded by “comfortable” people.

During a recent clothing search I came across ShopGoldyn.com, a site with dozens of designers and clothes that haven’t yet reached my little part of the earth. Definitely unique and funky. And while some of the clothing is definitely too young and hip for me with so many designers to choose from I was able to find items that I loved.

If you’re looking for something new may I suggest viewing by francine. Her embroidered halter dress is absolutely adorable. Or American Retro for a modern take on retro styles like the swing coat and tied collars. Corey Lynn Calter uses bold prints and clean lines to make her designs really unique.

That's only three of the dozens of designers represented at ShopGoldyn.com. Really, if you want something noone you know will have check them out.

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