Cheap candy for trick or treaters

Rite Aid is having a good sale and rebate combo this week on bagged candy that you can use for trick or treaters. I usually hate buying candy to give out, but this is a great deal!

Purchase the ones on sale for $1.99 a bag (9-11.25 oz) of various Hershey brand. I bought Kit Kat, Reeses, etc.

For the current rebate, you must purchase these bags 10/28-10/31 only! Buy 5 bags and you get a $5 rebate back. Then, use the $1/2 Hershey candy snack bags from a few weeks ago and it is even a better deal. I had 3 coupons, so I purchased 6 bags. In the end I will have paid $4.18 for all six bags!

What a deal! I can handle that.

Check Rite Aid online for the specific details. It is rebate #138.

Cheap candy for trick or treaters

Happy

I purchased $9.15 worth of rebate items at Rite Aid this morning. I will be getting $10.99 in rebates back. I love getting paid to shop!!!

Happy

Goals

Do you have specific goals when it comes to saving money? If you really want to save money, your goals need to be specific, not general.

The first step is creating a specific budget and sticking to it. In order to save money you need to know how much you are spending first.

After that you can decide what more specific goals you need to do for your family. They might entail groceries, car expenses, frivolous spending, clothing, savings, Christmas spending, etc.

As this year is beginning to close, I encourage you to think about your money spending and money saving goals. Start musing different ideas and start slowly now, so that you can be all fired up and ready come 2008. Set some new specific goals for yourself. And stick to them!

In the meantime, does anyone want to share what has worked for them in setting money-saving goals? Here are some of mine:

1. In order to know where we are with spending money, I am always (daily) getting on our online banking, updating Quicken with receipts, etc. I don't want to take the chance of loosing track of money we spent that I don't know about. It does take time, but it is worth it to me.

2. I like to have a little competition with myself and see if I can spend less than the previous month in various areas (controlled expenses of course). That is always fun. I write it down in my planner so I can see it everyday, and I keep track daily so I don't mess up and go over.

3. If I know that I am going to need more money in a specific area this month than I did last month, I adjust my budget accordingly and spend less in another area.

4. And most important, I always pay us first! Putting money away to grow before we spend it. That way our money is working for us. Sometimes my husband will ask why we are so tight this paycheck...I just remind him that I put xxxx amount away this time, and I would rather be tight than waste my money. Then at least he knows I didn't go spend it all!

Any tips you want to share with everyone?

Goals

Want free stocking stuffers?

Use THIS COUPON at ToysRUs on Oct 18th-19th and get free playdoh or crayons!

Want free stocking stuffers?

Free pedometer & Slim Fast product

Here is a LINK to a quick survey for Slim Fast (it took me about 5 minutes) and in return you receive a FREE pedometer and FREE Slim Fast product!

NOTE: I have had several people mention to me they have been receiving lots of junk email after the fill out surveys. I recommend using a different email account for surveys and/or freebies.

Free pedometer & Slim Fast product

FREE medicine for cold season

RITEAID is having some really good rebates this week on various types of cold medicine and vitamins. There are also a few coupons out there to combine with it for better savings. Here are the details: (thanks to Rebecca on PYP for this list. Here is the LINK to that entire thread). This is a great opportunity to stock up on medicine for the winter and not spend extra money!


EDITED TO ADD: None of these are the medicines that have been voluntarily removed from the shelves for infants and children.

Little Noses Stuffy Nose Kit, 3.99
Less $3.99 Single Check Rebate Offer valid 10/12/07 - 10/18/07
Final Price: FREE

VICKS Early Defense Foaming Hand Sanitizer, 2.99
Use: Vicks Early Defense product, any $1/1 (10-31-07) P&G-9/30
Less $2.99 Single Check Rebate Offer valid 10/12/07 - 10/18/07
Final Price: -$1.00

Ayr Saline Nasal Rinse Kit +100 Refills 8.99
Less $8.99 Single Check Rebate Offer valid 10/12/07 - 10/18/07
Final Price: FREE

Ocean Ultra Nasal Mist 3 oz. 5.99
Less $5.99 Single Check Rebate Offer valid 10/12/07 - 10/18/07
Final Price: FREE

Zucol Coldcare Rapid-Dissolve Lozenges 18 ct. 4.99
Less $4.99 Single Check Rebate Offer valid 10/12/07 - 10/18/07
Final Price: FREE

Sambucol Immune System Booster Syrup 4 oz. Lozenges 30 ct. 8.99
Less $8.99 Single Check Rebate Offer valid 10/12/07 - 10/18/07
Final Price: FREE

Breathe Again Nasal Spray 3.3 oz. 7.99
Less $7.99 Single Check Rebate Offer valid 10/12/07 - 10/18/07
Final Price: FREE

Simply Gargle Salt Water Rinse 4.8 oz. 4.99
Less $4.99 Single Check Rebate Offer valid 10/12/07 - 10/18/07
Final Price: FREE

Cold-Eeze Immune Support Complex 10 20 ct. 6.99
Less $6.99 Single Check Rebate Offer valid 10/12/07 - 10/18/07
Final Price: FREE

Orajel Medicated Cold Sore Brush $5.99
Less $5.99 Single Check Rebate Offer valid 10/12/07 - 10/18/07
Final Price: FREE

Simply Saline Nasal Mist Cold Formula 3 oz. 4.99
Less $4.99 Single Check Rebate Offer valid 10/12/07 - 10/18/07
Final Price: FREE

Simply Gargle 4.8 oz. 4.99
Less $4.99 Single Check Rebate Offer valid 10/12/07 - 10/18/07
Final Price: FREE

Healthy Relief Cold Reduce 24 ct. 6.99
Use: Healthy Relief Cold Reduce $1/1 (2-29-08) SS1-10/7
Less $6.99 Single Check Rebate Offer valid 10/12/07 - 10/18/07
Final Price: -$1.00

LypSyl Lip Balm 0.08 - 0.3 oz. 2.99
Less $2.99 Single Check Rebate Offer valid 10/12/07 - 10/18/07
Final Price: FREE

Halls ProHealth Defense, b1g1 with in ad mfg coupon on page 6
Less $2 Single Check Rebate
Final Price: Varies

FREE medicine for cold season

Book Review

I finished reading this book last week. Wow. I saw them on the Today Show awhile ago, and immediately wanted to read their book. I am all over learning new techniques and reading about how they live so frugally. They are truly amazing. And very very disciplined.

A few amazing things about them:
* paid off their first house in 9 years on an average income of $35,000
*they spend $350 a month on groceries for a family of seven
*have never had debt of any kind, except for a home mortgage

That is a only small bit of info on their amazing habits. I thought I was organized and disciplined. After reading this book I realized that they are on a level all their own.

While their techniques will not work for everyone, what I found helpful were the chapters on grocery shopping and budgeting. I plan on implementing some of their techniques soon. Currently I do budget, but I could be better. I keep track of my finances on Quicken (I am sooo anal about all that) but I have some frustrations with that, and doing it the way they do, all on paper, might be a better route for me. Who knows. I also really liked how they taught their children about money. There were many similarities with that and how I grew up being taught about finances. They stress responsibility from the start, and I agree completely. It is never too early to start that with your kids.

I felt like they missed some key points in their book, like utilizing such websites as Freecycle and Craigslist for many free and cheap items. Those two websites, especially Freecycle, have done wonders for my checkbook. Being LDS, I also appreciated their opinion of having a stockpile and planning ahead. I have a passion about that myself.

This book is definitely worth the read. Check it out from the library before you purchase to make sure you like it first. Here is their website with info and where you can sign up for a free email newsletter with lots of money saving tips.

Read the book and let me know what you learn!

Book Review

And the winner is....

Here are all the names of people that got in on the contest:

Bethany

Tonya

Tara

April

Janner

Tami

I put all the names in a jar, and Braden drew a name. And the winner is: TONYA!

Here are the cards I am sending you. Aren't they cute? :) :) Be watching for your little "good mail" package! Thanks to all for participating. I appreciate all your comments, and I will be revising the blog in the near future and may be also asking for some help as well.

And the winner is....

$5 coupon for cold medicine, plus rebate = almost free medicine!

Follow this LINK for a $5 printable coupon good on any Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl, Sudafed, St. Joseph, or Immodium product.

Combine with THIS REBATE for an even better deal!

Shopping example: The rebate is $5 back when you buy 3 products. So....
Say I purchase 1 Sudacare, 1 Motrin and 1 Tylenol. My total price with tax comes to $16. (This is a ball park figure, but I do know it is close to being accurate)

$16.00
-$10.00 (the two $5 printable coupons)
-$5.00 (the rebate you will end up getting back)
________
Total cost: $1 for all 3 !!

Now, of course prices will vary, but if you watch the sales and prices at your stores, you can even end up making money on this deal!

SWEET!

$5 coupon for cold medicine, plus rebate = almost free medicine!

Contest #2

Okay. I am trying to encourage more participation on here, if you can't tell.

Our last contest in August was won by Nora, who received a wonderful package of samples and other goodies! :) :)

For this contest, I want you to post a comment. Tell me why you like this blog and the changes you would like to see. Is there a certain topic you want me to address? Is there something you know that I don't? What is your passion when it comes to saving money and getting deals?

Everyone who posts between now and Thurs night (10/8-10/11) will be entered to win a handful of fabulous handmade greeting cards by me! :)

Let's get going!

Contest #2

Target's Markdown Schedule (approximate)

I love Target! I have been markdown shopping at Target for 5 years. They can be predictable on their schedule, but each store kind of has their own way of doing things. For example, maybe at your store they start the women's clothing on Monday instead of Tuesday. No matter in what order they do it, they usually stick to the same routine. Always call before you go in, especially on holiday markdowns. Some stores mark down more quickly that others, so call before you go to make sure you don't waste a trip. I have noticed our stores here seem to vary each year.

Disclaimer: Please don't take this list literally. Use it as a reference point. Not all Targets mark things down in the same time frame. So don't blame me if you follow this list and it doesn't happen. Just take note of your store and watch what they do.

YEAR-ROUND: (note: this may vary from store to store, but this is the general rule)
Monday -- Infants department, Kids clothing and Electronics (maybe food also)
Tuesday -- Women's clothing, Domestics
Wednesday -- Men's clothing, Garden, Toys, Health and Beauty
Thursday -- Lingerie, Shoes, Housewares, Sporting Goods, Luggage
Friday -- Cosmetics, Hardware, Auto, Home Improvement and Jewelry

HOLIDAYS: All holidays except Christmas follow the 3-3-2 rule:
The first 3 days after the holiday are 50% off.
The next 3 days are 75% off.
The next 2 days are 90%.
After that it goes to salvage (Goodwill, Big Lots are two main places)

Valentines 3-3-2
Easter 3-3-2
4th of July 3-3-2
Halloween (since it's always on Oct. 31, the schedule stays the same) Nov 1st = 50% off Nov 4th = 75% off Nov 7th = 90% off
Thanksgiving 3-3-2
Christmas - varies.

Target's Markdown Schedule (approximate)

Vinegar

I plan on implementing these tactics as soon as possible. Why buy expensive cleaners when you can use vinegar? It is better for the environment, safer to use, sanitary, and CHEAP. I have used vinegar to clean out my washer recently and it did an amazing job! Here are a few quotes from the Vinegar Institute.

"From the kitchen to the bathroom and beyond, vinegar is the most flexible of products sure to have a daily use in your home and life."

"We invite you to learn how vinegar has been around for more than 10,000 years and how today's vinegar represents the best elements of that product of long ago as well as new products to keep up with the changing times. We offer the latest news on vinegar, recipes that use different varieties of vinegar and numerous uses and tips for vinegar, including using it in your laundry, to clean your kitchen and bathroom and kid's stuff too, such as making "naked" eggs!"

Tips and Tricks printable (pdf file)
Uses of vinegar around the home, cleaning, etc

Vinegar

How do you do it?

What are some ways that you try to stretch your dollars? Here are a few that I do on a regular basis. Hopefully everyone will have some great info to share with us all!

1. I shop for holidays AFTER the holiday is over when everything is on clearance. Things like decor especially. Target is a great place to go, their schedule of clearance is very predictable.

2. I love to frequent Target's clearance items. Almost always they combine with current coupons to make the deal sweeter!

3. Rarely do I pay full price for my kids clothes. I will get brand new clothes on good clearance sales, but I also frequent consignment shops, garage sales, etc. And, thanks to great family and friends, hand-me-downs are perfect! (I got a really nice winter coat for Lacy last weekend at Other Mother's .25 sale...for only a quarter!!!)

So, how do you try to save money?

How do you do it?