I love to share info with others and started this blog as a ministry. The only request I have is that if you find info here that you want to share with others that you either link to the post or at least give credit to the author of the info you are passing along. Thank You for your cooperation.
Jul. 20, 2008 - Back to School Deals 7/20-7/26
It's that time of year already, time to stock up on School Supplies and necessties for the school year!!! Here is a rundown of the sales and deals this week from the stores that have the most notable sales:
Office Depot Ad
2 pocket Poly Portfolio .01¢ (limit 10 per customer)
150 ct sheets Notebook Filler Paper .15¢ (limit 5 per customer)
16ct Scholastic Crayons .25¢ (limit 5 per customer)
1" Vinyl Binder .50¢ (limit 5 per customer)
Fashion Color View Binders $3 each
Backpacks starting at $4.99 and up
Office Max Ad
12" Flexiable Ruler .01¢ (Limit of 3 per customer)
Sharpie Mini Pen .10¢ (Limit of 4 per customer)
Office Max Brand Glue Sticks 2pk .25¢ (Limit 3 per customer)
Poly Binders .25¢ (Limit 4 per customer)
Composition Books 100sheet .50¢ (Limit of 4 per customer)
2 sided Dry Erase Learning LapBoard $2.99
Staples Ad 5¢ Deals: 12pk Cap Erasers (Limit 2 per customer), Staples Plastic Protractor (Limit 2 per customer)
2 pocket Folders (Limit 10 per customer)
1/2" and 1" Plastic Assorted Binders .25¢ (Limit of 4 per customer)
3pk Scotch Tape .99¢
Walgreens Ad .5¢ Deals: 2 Pocket Folder, 5pk PaperMate Mechanical Pencils, Penway Single Highlighter, Mini Compostion Book
Penway Filler Paper 130 Ct. College Ruled or 150Ct. Wide Ruled .29¢
Scotch Transparent Tape 3/$1
.19¢ Deals: 2pk Pink Erasers, 12pk Eraser Caps, Wood or Flexiable Ruler, 10pk Penway #2 Pencils, 100ct Paper Clips
Bic Brite Liner Highlighters 5pk .39¢
3 Subject Notebook 120Ct Spiral Bound or 132 Ct Wireless .99¢
30pk Sheet Protectors 2/$2.99
Clear School Box 2/$1
50Sht Legal Pad 3/$1
3/$2 Penway® Dual Hole Sharpner, It’s Academic Clip-On Sharpner/Eraser, 3 pack Staedtler Erasers
Fabric CarryAll Case .99¢
Expo Dry Erase Markers 4 pack Chisel or Fine Tip, original or low odor ink. $1.99/pk
White PosterBoard .10¢ each
Kmart Ad
70ct Spiral Notebooks .9¢
Elmer School Glue or 2pk Glue Sticks .20 each
2pocket Folders .9¢
RoseArt 12pk Colored Pencils .25¢
Protractor, Erasers and assorted supplies 4/$1
Stretchable Book Covers or School Boxes 2/$1
Target Ad .20¢ Deals 2pk Elmers Glue Sticks, 2pk Pink Erasers, Wood Ruler, 1Hole Pencil Sharpner
12ct Crayola Colored Pencils .88¢
Kids Portifolio .50¢
(Target doesn't have much in Ad this week, but check the stores to see what they have unadvertised)
WalMart Ad
70Ct. Spiral Notebooks .5¢ (these have been on sale for a couple of weeks now. Go early in the morning if possible because they run out fast. Most stores have put a case limit on them, but they are still running out fast) .22¢ Deals Elmers School Glue or 2pk Glue Sticks 24ct Crayola Crayons
Crayola Classic Markers 10ct Thin or Broad Line or 12pk Colored Pencils .88¢
2pocket Folders .15¢
Composition Books .50¢
1" Economy Binder .99¢
PaperMate 2pk Pink Pearl Erasers or 24ct #2 Pencils .97¢
1" Durable View Binders $2
So there you it this weeks round up of some of the good deals for Back to School Supplies!! This is only the beginning. Next week there will be lots more good prices.
At these prices it is wise to buy enough for the entire year and maybe buy some to donate to a Back to School Drive if you can!!!
Office Depot Copy Center can create "tear pads" "legal pads" or "memo pads" for a very small fee.
I have a couple things that I have created on my computer or found printables of online that I don't want to hole punch nor have them scattered all over until use. I inquired at Office Depot Copy Center to see if they can "glue bind" them to make them into pads of paper like. You know how a legal pad is binded at the top and then as you use the page you can tear it off or flip the page over. Well, if you have pages, printables or paper, ODCC can "Glue Bind" them for about .1¢ a page. So 50 pages would be .50¢ or so.
I think that is an inexpensive fee for creating your own "tear pads" and keeping things organized!!
Here are some ideas of what I thought I might use this for: Menu Plans forms, Student Assignment Sheets, Sermon Notes, stuff for homeschool and much more!
A couple of friends even suggested that something like this can make an inexpensive gift idea!! This would totally be "frugal gift giving" with flair!!!
Call your local Office Depot or other office supply store to see if they offer this option!!
I love Back to School Shopping!! It is my favorite shopping season of the year! I will be using this space over the next month and 1/2 to post BTS deals!! Here is the first set of deals.
Just happened to find out that Office Depot will be having a few .01¢ items this coming week, beginning Sunday:
Office Depot Value™ Red Eraser Caps 12-PK Limit 5 per customer. Quantities limited.
Office Depot® Brand Semicircular 6" Protractor Limit 5 per customer. Quantities limited
Office Depot® Brand 2 Pocket Paper Folder (limit 20 per customer)
Office Depot® Brand Acrylic Ruler (limit 5 per customer)
I just found out from a couple coupon message boards that I visit about an awesome deal at Walgreens through Sat 6/28 for Dixie Paper Plates and Bowls. I headed over to a couple of Walgreens this morning and got in on the deal. Here is what the deal entails:
In this weeks ad they have a coupon for Buy 1 Dixie Traditional or Ultra Tableware and get 1 Free. The packages that it is valid on are:
Ultra Dixie 22 count 10in
Ultra Dixie 28 count bowls
Reg Dixie 28 count 10 1/4in
Reg Dixie 45 count 8 5/8in
Reg Dixie 48 count 6 7/8in
Purchase 2 packages and the catalina machine gives a coupon for $3 off the purchase of 2 Ultra Dixie Plates or Bowls.
I purchased 2 packages this morning and paid $4.13 for my first order and received the $3/2 coupon. So my next order I had another 2 packages, the coupon from Walgreeens ad(Wags coupon) and the $3/2 coupon from the machine(manufacturers coupon). My second order cost $1.13 for 2 packages. Each time you do an order with 2 packages it will give you another $3/2 coupon, even though you are using one on that purchase. You can use it right there on the spot on your next purchase.I did this deal 3x at the first location, leaving with 6 packages. I then headed over to 2 more Walgreens and did the deal 5 more times.
Here is what I got so far doing this deal:
7 packages of Dixie Ultra 10" plates 22 count
5 packages of Dixie Traditional 8" plates 44 count
4 packages of Dixie Ultra Bowls 20oz 28 count
Total Before Coupons: $62.17
Total After Coupons: $10.85 Total Savings: $51.32
Seeing that this deal is good through tomorrow and we have tons of Walgreens within a 2 mile radius of our apartment, I am going to get some more yet!! This is a good start though.
The thoughts and ideas for the article came as I did a post on a Mommy Board I am on. It is a small group of about 75 moms from all over the US and we have been together for about 7 yrs now. I am know as the "Resident Frugal Mom" and decided to give them some info on activities since the kids are getting out of school now. I posted this info for them:
Summer Time is here and time for family activities. Here are some pointers to save $$ this summer while having fun:
Get Family Passes/Memberships to places that you visit often. This is huge money saver.
Brookfield Zoo here in Chicagoland is a great zoo, only 5 minutes from our place. My parents get the boys a membership that cost $101 for unlimited visits and FREE parking. This would cost us $51 per visit otherwise. So this pays for itself in 2 visits and we visit at least 2x per month.
Check local papers and village events for FREE or lost cost events.
There is a local magazine here called Chicago Parent that lists all events in and around Chicagoland and the suburbs. It has tons of free stuff listed. I get a copy free each month from the library and go through marking down events that would be fun for the kids and I to do.
Go to events with a group to try to get a group discount.
This is also a great way to have fun with others.
Some places offer discounts a few hours before closing, especially amusement parks. Kiddieland here in Melrose Park does this. Checking for discounts near closing is also good for working parents. You can still have some summer fun and save money in the process.
Libraries and Park Districts are a great source for Summer Fun.
Most libraries have a summer reading program. Park Districts have Free Movies in the Park and other special events for summer.
Check online or in local papers , grocery stores, or restaurants for coupons for local attractions.
I purchased some Lunchables a month ago for the boys(a rare treat), they had Buy 1 Adult Ticket, Get 1 Child Ticket free for Great America. My sister is using these this weekend when they go. White Castle usually has coupons for Kiddieland here.
Check for local festivals like Art Shows, Book Fairs, and Music Festivals.
This is not only a great fun event, but also a nice way to expose the kids to the Arts. Usually admission is FREE or very cheap.
Check your Forest Preserves and Nature Centers for Summer Fun.
I was a city girl my entire life, living within the City of Chicago limits, until I got married. I never knew how much fun stuff the Forest Preserves and Nature Centers had for kids and adults until 18 months ago. Summer time is a great time to have fun with nature and be outside.
Find out if local museums or other kid places have a FREE day or time when they are FREE.
Many of the museums here in Chicagoland have a FREE week coming up or some FREE days this summer.
Take the Kids Bowling for FREE this summer. Brunswick Bowl which has locations all across the country offers a card for children entering Kindergarten and older that allows them 1 free game per day. Also, Kids Bowl Free has a listing of other bowling alleys in selected states that offer 2 free games per kid per day.
FREE or $1 Summer Movies for the Kids Blogger Raising 4 Boys has an awesome list of movie theatres across the country that are offering free or $1 movies on Wednesday and Thursday through the summer.
Here is a great website that lists FREE Attractions in all 50 states!
The Chicago Sun-Times has been running articles about readers who are saving money anyway they can in this economy. After I posted to the message board, I kept going back to it and finally decided to submit it to the Sun-Times and they liked it a lot!! They did a phone interview on Friday and sent a photographer out and then ran the story today!!
I went to WalMart tonight and scored a good haul of FREE or really cheap stuff. I used lots of printable manufacturers coupons and a couple from the Sunday paper.
Here is a pic of my haul:
The list of what I got:
2 Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner Starter Kits (On sale for $12 had 1 $10/1 coupon from the paper and 1 $7/1 printable coupon)
3 Scotch Brite Disposable Toilet Bowl Scrubbers ($4.54, had 3 Try Me Free printable coupons)
2 boxes of Kashi Heart to Heart Cereal (on sale for $2 and had 2 printable coupons for $2/1 making them FREE)
12 8oz jars of Vlasic Sweet Relish ($1.12, had $1/1 printable coupons making them .12¢ each)
2 Huggies Clean Team Flushable Wipes ($2.34, had a $3/2 printable coupon, making them .84¢ each)
2 Johnson Buddies Soaps (.94¢ each, had $1/1 printable coupons, so I profitted .06¢ each)
Box of Elbow Macaroni .88¢ (no coupon, needed for dinner)
Womans World Magazine (no coupon, just wanted to read it)
Total Before Coupons: $64.19 Total After Coupons: $14.01 Total Savings: $50.18
I am giving 10 of the relish jars to my church and one of the Automatic Shower Cleaners is for my dad!!
I had fun at Wal-Mart and can't wait for more savings this coming week!!
Apr. 12, 2008 - AWESOME Thrift store bargains this week!
This morning I got up and went to the Economy Shop. It is basically a thrift store in a really cool Victorian home. Each "department" is in its own room in the house.
The first department I hit was the Childrens Dept. Everything was on sale for 50% off. The prices are already cheap, so today I paid .25¢ for short sleeve shirts and .25¢ for some shorts others were .50¢ a pair. I ended up with 16 pieces of clothes for $6. Everything is in superb shape and even got some Talbot Kids and Izod, Old Navy and American Eagle stuff.
I then headed to the Toy Department. I found this 2nd Grade Software for only $3. It is BRAND NEW in box, never been opened. We are going to install it on our old computer, now the boy's computer. I am sure Josh will be able to do a lot of the stuff on there already. I also bought a mini Etch a Sketch for $1.
Was browsing a few more departments happened upon the electronics department where they had 2 Dell computers(entire package: CPU, Monitor, Keyboard and a Scanner). One was priced for $35 and the other was priced $45. Both were up and running and had XP on them. A couple of ladies snatched up the $35 system. Both were nice systems and I am sure will sell, if not today but by their next sale. I am very happy with our brand new computer system though, but if one is still there at the next sale, my sister might buy one for my niece and nephew to use.
After Electronics, I went to the book department and I am sooooo glad I did. I happened upon 25 books from the BoxCar Children series. Since kids books are only .25¢ I bought all 25 for only $6.25!!! I even found a website a few weeks ago that has lesson stuff to use for school/homeschool BoxCar Lessons I think now we have about 30 or so of these books as I have been buying them at thrift stores and resales in the past couple of months. I also bought book 1 & 2 of the Hardy Boys.
Last stop was Housewares Dept. I found a French Fry Cutter, brand new in box for $2. Also, an old fashioned Tupperware Bowl for $1.
I spent $23 there today, and totally got my $$ worth.
This afternoon, we all headed out to Villa Park to go to GFS and the Salvation Army Thrift store there. The very first thing I spotted when we walked in was a BRAND NEW in the box, never been opened full sized Globe for $4.25. I snatched that up really quick and we bought that. Found a few other bargains there and spent $14 total there.
Earlier this week Josh and I stopped at the a different Salvation Army Thrift store and we scored big time on stuff for him. He has so outgrown all his jeans and there is still about 2 months more of jean wearing here. He is now in a size 8 jeans (mainly for length) we ended up getting him 5 pairs of jeans(varying prices), 3 pairs of brand new, never been worn PJ's in size 8 also. They are top and pants style and are perfect for spring/fall weather. Each pair was only $2. He also got a brand new, never worn IZOD zip up hoodie for $3. Picked up a couple of shirts for him also. Total for all this was $20.
I love thrifty, bargain shopping!! It has been awhile since I have been to a Thrift store 'cause I haven't been up to going, I am so glad I went today!!
Mar. 18, 2008 - 2008 Stimulus Package Payment Schedule
I was just at CNN.com and they have the 2008 Payment Schedule. If you had your 2007 Tax Refund Direct Deposited, your rebate check will be direct deposited. Here is the news story:
Also, here is the schedule: WHEN YOU'LL GET YOUR REBATE
The order in which the IRS sends out payments will be based on Social Security numbers. If your return is processed by April 15, here's what you can expect.
Direct deposit payment
If last 2 digits of your SS# are: Your rebate should be sent by:
00-20 May 2
21-75 May 9
76-99 May 16
Paper check
If last 2 digits of your SS# are: Your rebate should be sent by:
00-09 May 16
10-18 May 23
19-25 May 30
26-38 June 6
39-51 June 13
52-63 June 20
64-75 June 27
76-87 July 4
88-99 July 11
Also, here is a calculator to help determine if and how much you will receive. Econmic Package Calculator
Enter info from your 2007 Tax Forms to see if and how much of a rebate you could expect.
Need furniture but don't have a large budget and don't want to finance it? I have a great solution for you:
Hotel Furniture Liquidators.
These Liquidators are contacted by hotels when hotels are getting new furniture to come and pick up the furniture and then they take it back to their warehouses and sell it to the public. Most hotel switch furniture every 2 to 3 yrs, so the furniture is in excellent condition. The Liquidators sell the furniture for 25-75% off regular retail prices. I have been to a couple of the liquidators warehouses and the furniture is very inexpensive and in EXCELLENT condition.
You can buy bedroom sets for about $300 that includes the headboard, mattresses, frames, armoires and more. Large chairs and ottomans for about $75 the set. Lamps for about $10-15.
Here are a couple of websites from around the web to show what you can get depending on the liquidator:
If you are need of some nice, but inexpensive furniture check to see if there is a Hotel Furniture Liquidator in your area. Do a google search for Hotel Furniture Liquidator, (your city) or check the yellow pages.
I am sure many of you have heard about the lastest trend of cooking for the busy family are businesses like Dinner By Design or Super Suppers. These are Meal Prep Kitchens where they do all the shopping for you according to the meal plan you choose. A 12 meal plan is on average about $220. That to me is way too much money for 12 Dinners.
This past weekend I was at a Homeschool Mom 1 day retreat and the speaker was Karen Ehman. She spoke about how a group of her friends and herself had been doing a Supper Swap for quite some time now. I thought it was a cool concept so I came home and did a google search about Supper Swap and came across info about an author who wrote a book Great American Supper Swap.
QUOTE: Supper swapping is a simple way to solve your 4:30 and nothing's in the oven panic. It's moms helping moms.
You simply make 1 meal in bulk (like 4 baked spaghettis) one day a week, keep one meal for your family, and deliver the other 3 to the moms in your group. Then the rest of the week someone delivers supper to YOU!
I have been a supper swap mom for over 5 years now with different girlfriends, and love it so much, I even wrote a book on it called The Great American Supper Swap.
Moms can swap with 1 girlfriend, 2, 3 or 4. If there are 2 of you, you simply double a meal one day, give one to her, and then on anoethr day, she doubels a meal and gives one to you. WIth left overs, there's 3 weekday meals in a snap!
Supper swapping is simple to start and can be tailored to meet the needs of the moms in the group - working moms can swap daily or one day a week to simplify life.
It cuts your cooking by 80%, adds deeper friendship to your life and can save you $4000 a year or more.
My desire is to help moms simplify motehyrhood, and supper swapping is one great place to start!
I provide free downloads for moms to get swapping on my website at www.TrishBerg.com.
Like meal calendars forplanning, and recipe instruction cards. I also have new recipes each week atht work well with supper swapping moms can print for free.
And you can always e-mail me from my website to ask me swapping questions or get advice as you become a supper swap mom.
Blessings- Trish Berg
Author, Mother of 4, and most days, sanity seeker! www.TrishBerg.comEND QUOTE
I thought this was such a great idea after doing my research, that I am in talks right now with a group of ladies from my church to begin a Supper Swap Club. Here is a great article from Trish Berg's website about Meal Swapping, Trish Berg.
This is the frugal way to do "Dinner by Design". The cost of cooking 5 or 6 of all the same meals is much less then the cost of these "gourmet dinner kitchen prep kitchens".
I have been hearing much in the news lately that America is probably heading into a Recession in '08. I have been worried about the economy now for about 9 months since prices have been steadily climbing, especially for Groceries and Gas. We don't own a house, but I am very aware that the housing market has been in trouble for some time also.
Here are some news articles about the possible Recession for '08:
Our family has been a frugal family for 10 yrs now, although we have also went through financial changes since then so we are really needing to tighten up even more now then ever. The climbing prices for groceries and gas have really hit us hard. We are paying on average about $3.15/gallon for gas.
I am really going to be buckling down even harder and making sure we can still survive a possible recession. DH works as an overnight auditor at Hampton Hotel near us and that is the only income we have. I am really thinking about doing some crafty things(what little craftyness I have) and selling them on the side to help our family. I have always been creative when it comes to saving money so I am sure we can survive the next few months or so of a financial recession and I will be blogging about all this to help out others who visit here.
Let's join together and make '08 a good year financially even when times are looking bleak!!
Jan. 7, 2008 - $15 off $15 Lane Bryant In-Store purchase
Bargain Shopper Lady has a link to a coupon for $15 off a $15 or more purchase in store at Lane Bryant. There are also some other printable coupons and also Amazon has a Britax Booster seat for $60.
Some good deals to be had from Bargain Shopper Lady blog!
I am writing about this topic because I plan to expand my horizons in this area in 2008. There are many different possibilites about making money from home, but there are alot of scams out there also.
One legit oppurtunity I have been doing for a while now are Focus Groups. Focus Groups are a group interview where they gather consumers/participants together to discuss a certain product or activity or such and get their opinions on that. Focus Groups usually are about 30minutes to 2hrs of time. The compensation is $25-$200 depending on the topic and such. Some things I have done Focus groups on are: Diapers, Baby Wipes, Kids Video programs, product packaging, health issues and much more. I have a 11 yr old nephew and 13 yr old niece who also participate in focus groups and they love it. I am in Chicago, a MAJOR market for everything, so there are probably 30-40 companies here. I have lots of oppurtunity to participate in Focus Groups monthly. I do realize Focus Groups do take me out of the home, but it is usually only for about 2-3 hrs max and only 1x a week. I sorta fell into Focus Groups be accident about 6 years ago, and was only doing them for one company here in Chicago until about 2 years ago. Then I discovered Craigslist has them listed. On the Chicago Craigslist they are listed under the Job catergory and under ETC. You can check Craigslist for the city you live in; Craigslist
If you do a Google Search for Market Research for the city which you live in you should come up with some companies. Also, check out this site to see if you see any companies in your area to sign up for: Volition
Another option is to check out Mystery Shopping jobs. They don't pay as much as Focus Groups, but they do pay anywhere from $10-75. EASY money!! Volition Get Paid
This year in 2008 I plan on expanding my horizon and looking into more options of making money from home. I have a few ideas including craft ideas, making money from blogging. Money Saving Mom has a 6 part series so far about making money from blogging.
Hope that helps. I know it has been helpful to our family to participate in Focus Groups!! I will continue this discussion tomorrow with getting paid via Survey sites and a few other options.
I am a daily reader of a great Frugal blog called Money Saving Mom. Crystal is hosting a year long challenge to help "encourage families worldwide to live on less than they make and take personal responsibility for their finances". The first step in this challenge is to commit to getting on a workable budget.
I have decided to participate in this year long challenge as our family is in super need of a budget. We had one at the beginning of last year, but in August of last year we got hit with a huge unexpected budget breaker and we haven't been able to recover from that. We really need to get ourselves on a budget, which I have been working on for the past week. I just haven't completed it yet. I am using the Mint site I referenced yesterday. We don't have any major debt as we are renters and we don't have any credit cards. I would like for us to have a workable budget, stick to it and get ahead this year. We took the Crown Biblical Financial Study in the fall of '06 and it really helped us get on track. We need to get back on track and this challenge will be a great tool for our family to get back on track.
If you would like to join the Financial Shape 2008 Challenge check it out at: Money Saving Mom. Crystal is the host and she will be very helpful in this financial challenge.
I will update my budget as soon as I get it all pulled together. May you be blessed abundantly for those who are participating!
Jan. 2, 2008 - Free Tax Preparation and Budget Helpers
It is almost that time of the year, time to make things even with Uncle Sam, either via refund or a payment. I have found a few resources to help this time of year much easier.
First of all, now is the time to start getting any paperwork(receipts, bills, interest etc) ready by Feb 1st. Federal Law states that all W-2 Forms must be in your hands by Feb 1st.
We personally have not paid anyone to prepare our taxes for us since 2001. In the spring of 2002 I discovered a great website called TaxAct. It is 100% FREE to file your Federal Tax return. I have used it since the Spring '02 and it is very easy to use. The site takes you step by step in preparing your taxes. Another FREE option is TurboTax online. These sites are FREE for your basic Federal tax returns and charge a nominal fee for State Returns(usually less then $15). They also both offer direct deposit and e-file, so you can usually receive your refund within 15 days. you can also check the website for your State Dept of Revenue, as many states now offer FREE e-file Direct Deposit directly with your State Dept of Revenue. Just do a google search for (state name) Dept of Revenue and check out their site for more info. For more info about FREE e-file and tax preparation visit IRS E-File , this info will be available after Jan 15th.
Just recently I have discovered a great website that will be useful throughout the year, but also next year at time tax. Mint is an online budget tracker and money manage system and is 100% FREE. I did some research on Mint and it comes highly recommened by many organizations and financial gurus. It is based on the envelope system of budgeting. Another site similar to Mint is My Spending Plan. They are both great sites and I would recommend them both. Living Like No One Else is a great message board based on the book Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. The message board has lots of financial hints and tips, forms and much more.
I hope these resources will help you to have a very good financial year in 2008!
