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Saturday, June 12, 2010
a New Way to earn Swagbucks!
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Dad's eat free at Spaghetti Warehouse
If you want to take Dad out to lunch for Father's Day, he can eat FREE at The Spaghetti Warehouse Restaurant. If you want to find a location near you, head on over here.(thanks, Penny Pinchin Mom)
Free Popcorn at AMC Imax theaters
UPDATED with NEW LINK:Go here for a free large popcorn at AMC IMAX Theaters. Coupon expires 9/16/10. Click here to find a location near you-- you may be surprised that your neighborhood AMC is considered an IMAX-- I was!
(thanks, Free Samples 411)
Free Moose Munch confection at Harry and David stores
If you have a Harry and David store near you, have your kids color the Father's day card here and bring it in to get a FREE box of Moose Munch Confection! You can print a coupon here for a FREE Moose Munch Confection with ANY Moose Munch purchase! Hurry- only good through Sunday, June 13th.(Thanks, Saving Everyday!)
Free 3 samples of True Citrus
Go here to request a FREE sample of 3 True Citrus products: True Lemon, True Lime, and True Orange! Uses: flavor water, add to tea, cooking, baking, seasoning! (Thanks, HookedOnBargains!)
Good deal on Pocket Camcorder
I've been looking for a good deal on a small Video Camcorder and I think this looks like a pretty good one. Today only at Dell get the Vado HD 2nd Gen 4GB 2X Zoom Pocket Video Camcorder for $59.99 down from $119.99. (It's also priced at $134.99 on Amazon.com! Also, it gets good reviews!To save even more, go through ebates!
- Sign Up on Log in to your Ebates account
- Search for Dell
- Do a product search for “A3694695″ (It is the part number)
- Order your Camera
This would make a great Father's Day present!
(Thanks, a few short cuts)
Blockbuster Free DVD if USA wins World Cup!
Get FREE Blockbuster Express Rental Codes:
If Team Usa wins the World Cup game on Saturday, Blockbuster will give you a Free 1-night DVD rental . You must register in order to get a FREE movie code sent to you if they win. You must sign up at least one hour prior to the start of a match to receive a promo code for that match. Sign up here!
(thanks, gooddealmama)
Friday, June 11, 2010
The Origins and Life of a Coupon
When I first began couponing, I was really curious as to what happened to my coupon was the cashier put it in her drawer. How and when did it get sent... and where exactly did it get sent to? Was there someone at each store in charge of counting all the coupons and matching them up with the transactions in which they were used? What if I returned a product? Does the store still get reimbursed for that coupon? And what about when I put a product back on the shelf but forgot to take the coupon out of my pile- was the store going to lose money from my mistake?
So, I began doing some research, and I was actually really fascinated by what I learned (I'll warn you- this may not fascinate you, but... well, I really dig coupons, so it did me!)
Did you know that the first coupon was actually created by Asa Chandler, one of the partners of the Coca-Cola company back in 1887? He began handing out handwritten tickets for a free Coca-Cola (the first freebie coupon!) Then his coupons began appearing in the mail and in magazines. By 1931, it is estimated that 1 in 9 Americans had received one of these free Coca-Colas! His ingenuity worked-- by 1895 Coca-Cola was being served in every state!
The next big coupon to hit the public came in 1909 when C.W. Post offered a 1 cent savings on his Grape Nuts Cereal! In the 1930's, many American clipped coupons out of necessity; they couldn't afford groceries without them! By 1965, half of all American households were clipping coupons!
In 1957, the Nielson Coupon Clearing House was started to maintain coupon redemption (more about that later!)
Nowadays, with the availability of Internet coupons, many new "couponers" are emerging. However, we still are not taking advantage of coupons like we ought to! In 2009 there were $528.5 billion dollars worth of coupons available; only $3 billion dollars worth of coupons were redeemed.
So, how is a coupon "born" and when does it "die"?
First, manufacturers decide what coupons they want to produce and usually has a design agency who creates the coupon.
Next, the coupon is sent to the public= either in the Sunday inserts, direct mail, or Internet.
Then, Savvy Shoppers (like yourself) clip the coupons and redeem them at the store.
Lucky for us, that is the end of the road for us and that coupon; now the hard work begins! The store will tally up the coupons at the end of the night and make sure their drawer balances by treating coupons like cash. The coupons are then all put together- usually in a pouch or bag- and sent to the corporate office. This is sometimes done once a week or once a month.
When the corporate office gets the coupons from all the different stores, they ship them to a third-party clearinghouse. The clearninghouse then has the job of separating coupons by manufacturer and between scannable coupons and damaged or torn coupons. Coupons that can be scanned are placed on a conveyor belt that scans the UPC codes and tallies the amounts. The total value of each manufacturers' coupons is tallied (the damaged coupons are tallied by hand) and then the coupons and an invoice are sent to the manufacturer.
Now, either the manufacturer will reimburse the clearninghouse and the clearinghouse will reimburse the store, OR the manufacturer will send a check directly to the store and then pay the clearninghouse. The stores get an addictional $0.08 per coupon for shipping and the clearinghouse is paid a certain fee by the store.
Whew!! A lot of work goes on behind the scene, doesn't it?
In most cases, No. They will get reimbursed for each coupon- even the damaged ones. The store doesn't have to send in any receipts or lists of what was purchased with the coupons-- they just send back the coupons. So, unless the store is submitting more coupons for a product than the number of product they ordered, they will most likely be reimbursed. So, even those times when you used a coupon for Tide but you accidentally bought Gain (and Yes, sometimes the coupon will scan and not beep even though you didn't buy the product), the store will still get reimbursed.
Same situation if you return a product. You never get the coupon back, right? And the store isn't going to go through all their coupons to find the one you used for the item you returned. They will still get reimbursed for it, even though you returned the product. (Which is why you should get the full amount back.) You should never make a habit of using coupons for products you didn't buy or buying things with coupons and returning them at full value, because that is considered coupon fraud and is punishable by law. But you shouldn't fret that the store will lose money.
The only times a store will "lose" money is when they choose to double your coupons. For example, my Meijer store doubles coupons that are $0.50 and less everyday. They choose to do that to get your business, but the manufacturer isn't paying for that extra $0.50-- Meijer is. The same thing is true with "store" coupons- no one is reimbursing the store for coupons they put out-- but they do it in the hopes that you'll spend your money at their store, rather than somewhere else. However, remember that the stores are getting the product at a very deeply discounted price and should they decide to pass some of those savings onto you (through a coupon), they are still making money on the sale!
I hope that was fascinating to you and didn't put you to sleep! Now you know the origins and life cycle of a coupon! Don't you feel better? :)
For more information, you can read here:
How Stuff Works
NCH (coupon clearing house)
Wikipedia
ConAgra Food Redemption Policy
So, I began doing some research, and I was actually really fascinated by what I learned (I'll warn you- this may not fascinate you, but... well, I really dig coupons, so it did me!)
History of the coupon:
The next big coupon to hit the public came in 1909 when C.W. Post offered a 1 cent savings on his Grape Nuts Cereal! In the 1930's, many American clipped coupons out of necessity; they couldn't afford groceries without them! By 1965, half of all American households were clipping coupons!
In 1957, the Nielson Coupon Clearing House was started to maintain coupon redemption (more about that later!)
Nowadays, with the availability of Internet coupons, many new "couponers" are emerging. However, we still are not taking advantage of coupons like we ought to! In 2009 there were $528.5 billion dollars worth of coupons available; only $3 billion dollars worth of coupons were redeemed.
The Life Cycle of a Coupon:
First, manufacturers decide what coupons they want to produce and usually has a design agency who creates the coupon.
Next, the coupon is sent to the public= either in the Sunday inserts, direct mail, or Internet.
Then, Savvy Shoppers (like yourself) clip the coupons and redeem them at the store.
Lucky for us, that is the end of the road for us and that coupon; now the hard work begins! The store will tally up the coupons at the end of the night and make sure their drawer balances by treating coupons like cash. The coupons are then all put together- usually in a pouch or bag- and sent to the corporate office. This is sometimes done once a week or once a month.
When the corporate office gets the coupons from all the different stores, they ship them to a third-party clearinghouse. The clearninghouse then has the job of separating coupons by manufacturer and between scannable coupons and damaged or torn coupons. Coupons that can be scanned are placed on a conveyor belt that scans the UPC codes and tallies the amounts. The total value of each manufacturers' coupons is tallied (the damaged coupons are tallied by hand) and then the coupons and an invoice are sent to the manufacturer.
Now, either the manufacturer will reimburse the clearninghouse and the clearinghouse will reimburse the store, OR the manufacturer will send a check directly to the store and then pay the clearninghouse. The stores get an addictional $0.08 per coupon for shipping and the clearinghouse is paid a certain fee by the store.
Whew!! A lot of work goes on behind the scene, doesn't it?
Does the store lose money?
Same situation if you return a product. You never get the coupon back, right? And the store isn't going to go through all their coupons to find the one you used for the item you returned. They will still get reimbursed for it, even though you returned the product. (Which is why you should get the full amount back.) You should never make a habit of using coupons for products you didn't buy or buying things with coupons and returning them at full value, because that is considered coupon fraud and is punishable by law. But you shouldn't fret that the store will lose money.
The only times a store will "lose" money is when they choose to double your coupons. For example, my Meijer store doubles coupons that are $0.50 and less everyday. They choose to do that to get your business, but the manufacturer isn't paying for that extra $0.50-- Meijer is. The same thing is true with "store" coupons- no one is reimbursing the store for coupons they put out-- but they do it in the hopes that you'll spend your money at their store, rather than somewhere else. However, remember that the stores are getting the product at a very deeply discounted price and should they decide to pass some of those savings onto you (through a coupon), they are still making money on the sale!
I hope that was fascinating to you and didn't put you to sleep! Now you know the origins and life cycle of a coupon! Don't you feel better? :)
For more information, you can read here:
How Stuff Works
NCH (coupon clearing house)
Wikipedia
ConAgra Food Redemption Policy
Free $10 to the Limited!
If you have time today, stop at The Limited Store and you’ll get a free $10 voucher which can be used on anything in the store. This is TODAY only. May want to call your local store first to confirm.
(Thanks, Mojo Savings!)
Free Things to do this weekend
Free Things to do this Weeekend:
Borders- Toy Story 3 event on Saturday at 11 am, Kids can participate in free crafts, storytime, games, and giveaways!
Lowes- Kids Build and Grow workshop, Saturday at 10 am. Make a free picture frame for Dad. Advance registration required.
Michaels- Saturday from 10AM-Noon. Kids can participate in a "Make-It Take-It" Father’s Day Camo Frame. You must purchase the frame.
Borders- Toy Story 3 event on Saturday at 11 am, Kids can participate in free crafts, storytime, games, and giveaways!
Lowes- Kids Build and Grow workshop, Saturday at 10 am. Make a free picture frame for Dad. Advance registration required.
Michaels- Saturday from 10AM-Noon. Kids can participate in a "Make-It Take-It" Father’s Day Camo Frame. You must purchase the frame.
CVS: $10 ECB's for buying Sears Gift Card-- use towards free $50 deal!
Wow! The Sears Buy $50, get $50 deal I told you about earlier gets even better!!Starting Sunday, June 13, you can buy a Sears Gift card and get $10 ECB's (limit 20! So, buy the gift card at CVS for $50, get $10 ECB's, then shop at Sears (or online) and use the gift card to purchse $50 worth of men's apparel, and submit for the $50 Come Back Cash rebate.
Your final cost for $100 worth of Sears Men's apparel-- just $40 after the $10 ECB's and $50 cash back rebate!
(Thanks, I Heart Saving Money!)
Walgreens: New text message coupons
Go here to sign up or text “GOMOBILE” to 21525!
Sears: Buy $50, get $50!
If your guy needs new clothes for Father's Day, check out this Sears promotion! Today through June 20th, when you spend $5 of more in men's apparel, you'll receive $50 in Come Back Cash by mail to use one your next purchase or men's apparel! Read all the details here and print the rebate form here. The rebate must be postmarked by 7/20.
You can even shop the Sears Clearance section to stretch your money further. And, don't forget to click through Ebates! New members get a $5 sign up bonus and you'll get 4% cash back from your Sears.com purchase! Just go here to login or register, then find "Sears" in the drop down menu.
(Thanks, Mojo Savings!)
Kroger stores: Instant Win Game!
Also, the Spin the Wheel Game begins today! I already won a free Crystal Light Pure Fitness! You can play everyday for the next 92 days, so odds of winning one of the prizes seems high! You prize will be loaded on to your savings card so you can redeem it next time you visit Kroger (or affiliates).
Here are the prizes you could win:
 | Bob Evans Side Dish |  | Lipton Iced Tea Jug | |
 | Tazo® Tea or Tea Latte Concentrate |  | SoBe Lifewater 20 ounce product | |
 | Smart Balance® Products including: Buttery Spreads, Butter Blend Sticks, Milks, Cooking Oil & Rich Roast Peanut Butters. |  | KOOL-AID FUN FIZZ Drink Drops | |
 | Angel Soft® 4 Regular Roll |  | CRYSTAL LIGHT Pure Fitness Drink M | |
If you haven't linked up your Kroger card online yet, it's quick and easy. Just GO HERE to get started.
Here are the other stores participating:
List of 16 retailer websites:
www.bakersplus.com/summerofsavings
www.citymarket.com/summerofsavings
www.dillons.com/summerofsavings
www.food4lessfremont.com/summerofsavings
www.fredmeyer.com/summerofsavings
www.frysfood.com/summerofsavings
www.gerbes.com/summerofsavings
www.hilander.net/summerofsavings
www.jaycfoods.com/summerofsavings
www.kingsoopers.com/summerofsavings
www.kroger.com/summerofsavings
www.owensmarket.com/summerofsavings
www.pay-less.com/summerofsavings
www.qfc.com/summerofsavings
www.ralphs.com/summerofsavings
www.smithsfoodanddrug.com/summerofsavings
Thursday, June 10, 2010
GREAT deal on Huggies- beginning 6/20 at CVS
If you are running short on diapers, I have great news! The $3/1 Huggies diaper coupon has reset, so hurry and print 2 more (per computer). If you can hold out on buying diapers until June 20th, you can get a great deal at CVS!
Huggies BIG boxes of diapers will be $19.99, and you'll get $10 ECB's when you buy 1!
Use the $3/1 diaper coupon
Use the $3/1 CVS CRT printing at the magic coupon machine this week (I got one the other day- make sure to scan your card every chance you get!)
Pay: $13.99, but get $10 ECB's
Final cost: $3.99 for a BIG BOX of diapers! Depending on what size you get, that's just $.04-$.07 a diaper!
If you have a $5/15 CVS coupon, that would sweeten this deal further or if you have some ECB's you can "roll".
(thanks, AFC)
Remember, this deal doesn't begin until 6/20!
Free sample Nivea body lotion
Request a Free sample of Nivea Happy Sensations body lotion by going here . These small sample sizes are great to have in your purse, car, or travel bag! There is also a Playtex sample on the same page!
Summer Reading Programs!
I posted this last month, but thought it was worth re-mentioning now that schools are getting out! I love to read and there is nothing I enjoy more right now than watching my 5 year old learn to read! If your child loves to read (or even if he/she needs some motivation) try some of these rewards programs!
Summer Reading Program at Barnes & Noble
Read 8 books and track them in the "Passport to Summer Reading", and at the end, you can pick a FREE BOOK! Open to children in grades 1 - 6. Click HERE for full details and free book list.
(thanks, Savings&Stewardship)
Borders Double Dog Dare Reading Program
Read 10 books, get 1 free. This is for kids 12 and under. You need to pick from a list of books in the program. Download the form and take it in to your Borders store.
Half Price Book Feed Your Brain
Kids ages 14 and under can earn a $3 Half Price Books Shopping Card for each week they read at least 15 minutes per day. Only available in stores; not online.
National Amusements Bookworm Wednesdays
Earn free kid movies and prizes. Accompanying parent/guardian and children under 6 get in free as well and don't need to submit a book report. This includes Showcase Cinemas, Multiplex Cinemas, Cinema DeLux, and The Bridge.
(thanks, Saving Dollars and Sense)
TD Bank
I mentioned this one a while back, but I thought I'd add it to this list. Your child can get a free $10 deposit after they read 10 books!
Your Local Library
Our library has a GREAT rewards program for kids. They usually earn some free prizes and a free book for completing the reading requirements. I love that our library even allows little kids who "listen to books" participate. Check out your local library for these programs!
More Freebies 6/10
*You can print the free coupon for a Limeade Sparkler at Taco Bell again- it has reset! Just go HERE to print yours. This offer is valid through 7/11 or until 500,000 coupons are redeemed.*Go here to request a free sample of EOS Shaving Cream.
(thanks, Hip2Save)
(Thanks, Hooked on Bargains!)
*PetSmart has the 14.1 oz packages of Science Diet Dog Treats on sale for 2 for $4.99 (you have to purchase with a Pet Perks card). Use the $3/1 coupon here to get them for free. On sale until 6/21.(Thanks, Bargain Blessings!)
Canton Liberty Fest: All You Can Ride Wristbands Giveaway!!
One of my family's FAVORITE summer events begins just ONE WEEK from today-- The Canton Leisure Services LIBERTY FEST! This is seriously an event like none other- Canton is outstanding at putting on family events, and this is one is the best!
Liberty Fest is held June 17 (from 4-10 pm), 18 (1-11 pm), and 19 (11-dusk) at Heritage Park in Canton, Michigan. To see everything that will be going on during these 3 fun-filled days, GO HERE to see the complete schedule. Here are just a few of the fun things for ALL ages and interests:
- great food-aside from all the yummy carnival food like cotton candy and elephant ears, there will be a pancake breakfast, a spaghetti dinner, a pulled pork dinner, and the "Taste of Canton" with area restaurants.
- music and dance- too many great bands and performances to list!
- carnival rides and bouncers- there are rides for the young and older.
- arts and crafts- crafts for the kid and an art show for the adults.
- Live performances in the amphitheater- just a few you will see are: Nelson the Wild Animal Guy (your kids will LOVE this), So You Think You Can Sing competition ($1000 cash prize), a World-Record making candy attempt, America's Most Wanted Car Show, Magic Shows, Frisbee Dog shows, and the grand finale: one of the best fireworks displays you'll ever see on Saturday night!
To enter to win 2 wristbands that will get you (or your kids) on ALL THE RIDES on whichever day you choose, here is what to do:
1) Required: You must become a fan of Canton Leisure Services on Facebook. Go HERE to "like" them. Leave a comment telling me that you did! - for an extra entry, become a follower of Savvy Spending (on right side bar). Leave a comment telling me that you did! (if you already are, that counts too)
- for another entry, subscribe via email (on right side bar)- you'll get one email a day of all the hottest posts. Leave a comment telling me that you did! (if you already do, that counts too)
- for another entry, share this giveaway with your friends- either by facebook, twitter, text, email, or word of mouth! Leave a comment telling me that you did!
That's a total of 4 possible entries per person- make sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry (increases your chances of winning)! Please be sure to leave your email address with each entry so that I can contact you if you win!
This giveaway will end next Tuesday night, June 15 and I will pick a winner using random.org and I'll email the winner with how to get their wristbands. GOOD LUCK! :)
Free Redbox Rental on Facebook!!
(Thanks, Mojo Savings!)
Free Sample Dove Conditioner
Just go here to request another FREE sample of Dove Daily Treatment conditioner from a new link. (Thanks, Chi-Town Cheapskate!)
Free Photo Card for DAD from Walgreens
Here is another completely free Photo card offer! Walgreens Photo is offering up a FREE Folded Photo Card with coupon code DADCARD at checkout. Just go here and create before Saturday, June 12th! If you choose in-store pick up you won't even have to pay for shipping!
PS: if you already have your Father's Day cards, create any card!
If you are going to Kmart Super Doubles...
With hitting 4 stores in one day today, I didn't have a chance to do any Kmart matchups. But, if you are planning on shopping the Super Doubles event at SELECT Super K's in Ohio and Michigan, Kate has put together a list of some matchups. Prices may vary by location, but these coupons should get you some free or cheap items!Remember, you'll need a Shop Your Way rewards card. Go HERE to see my post with restrictions and participating locations.
To see Kate's matchups, GO HERE.
(thanks, Kate!)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
You can still get free Ice Cream at CVS!
Update: Some of the Skinny Cow $1 off coupons have reached their limit. Last I checked, you can still print one from their Facebook page. Just click on the “Fan Exclusive” tab and hit your back button after the first prints to get 2 coupons total..
Then take your coupons to CVS:
Free can of hairspray
Sebastian is giving away 100 Cans of Re-Shaper Hairspray a day for the next 4 days, they are all out today, but “like” them here now, so tomorrow you are ready to get one of the next 100!(thanks, gooddealmama)
Old Navy: $2 tanks on Saturday 6/12
(Thanks, Clippin' With Carie!)
Free NeilMed Sinus Rinse
NeilMed has a new freebie on their Facebook Page. Just “Like” them and you'll get a FREE NeilMed Sinus Rinse with 2 FREE mixture packets! Click on the “Free Sinus” tab and then on “Click here for your FREE Sinus Rinse Bottle with two Packets”. Fill out the form and then watch the mail!If you already requested freebies from NeilMed through Facebook, you won't be eligible for this one... but your spouse may be!
(Thanks, gooddealmama)
New Swagcode in the Toolbar!
Free Fresh Express Salad!!
UPDATE: This coupon is only good at Farm Fresh Store Locations-- find one here! That is why the coupon has no bar code, its a store coupon. No good at the grocery store- sorry!
This is a rare coupon, so hurry and print it now! Go here to sign up for the Farm Fresh Newsletter ~ Use code: FREESALAD, after clicking the link in your confirmation email, it will give you a coupon for a Free Fresh Express Salad!
(Thanks, gooddealmama)
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