Couponing 101: Quick Refence Guide to Coupon Lingo

In the month of January I spoke in regards to building a household stockpile after receiving inspiration from the highly talked about new TLC television series, Extreme Couponing. However, to create a household stockpile you need to understand how to save the hundreds (possibly thousands) each year through transactions with clipped coupons. As an avid and devoted frugalist I feel that my assistance should be given to you in reference to this way of life; one that allowed many, including myself, to save over $1,000 within 2010. You too can also save thousands by understanding the strategy that is couponing. Gearing up to start my Coupon 101 blogs, please be aware that this topic is scheduled Monday-Friday. Frequently asked questions will also be transformed into assistance blogs so please keep your questions coming. Let’s begin by understanding the detailed lingo of couponing.

Each week many of my readers send personal inquires as to the acronyms used in relation to couponing. In the past I believe I have provided a list in reference to couponing lingo however, I wanted to take the time to give definition to each; limiting any subsequent confusion. Please feel free to bookmark this page so that easily you can return when you need as this list will continuously be updated so to keep readers on the correct passage of frugality.

$1/1 – Coupon reference indicating consumers will save $1 off 1 specific product. Item amounts as well as monetary savings vary depending upon these coupons. [See Below]

2/$5 – Coupon reference indicating that consumers will save $5 on a specific products when they purchase 2 of the same items. Again, monetary savings and item amounts vary based upon these coupons

+Up Rewards – A monetary savings reward program found at Rite Aid pharmacy stores.

BOGO/B1G1: Buy One Get One – An indication that when one item is purchased the consumer will receive a second identical (or lesser value) items no additional cost. These amounts vary depending upon the coupon or promotional deal used. In other cases the second item may be offered for a percentage deduction after purchase.

CC: Competitor Coupon – A coupon specific to a store that can be used in another store for a deduction. Very few stores are willing to accept coupons for another store. In example: Target store coupons accepted at Walgreens for a deduction on the product indicated.

CRT: Cash Register Tape – A specific type of coupon that consumers obtain with their receipt that offers randomized savings on specific item. These coupons tend to vary greatly and may also indicate a percentage saved on the next transaction or a upcoming store promotion.

DND: Do Not Double – Small print found on some coupons prohibiting the store from giving double face value.

ECBs: Extra Care Bucks – A monetary savings rewards program found at CVS pharmacy stores.

ETS: Excludes Trial Sizes – Indication on a coupon, store sale, or additional form of monetary savings that informs the consumer that the specific savings is not applicable on trial/travel sizes.

EXP: Expires On/Expiration – A physical date chosen in advance by a product manufacture or store informing the consumer to when the savings on a specific item/coupon is no longer valid. No deduction will be provided subsequent to this date.

FAR: Free After Rebate – Indicates cash back will be given to the consumer when a form is mailed in, making the product purchase free. These rebates are subject to expiration

GC: Gift Card – A card similar in size to a credit/debit card that holds a certain monetary value that can be used in a specific store, only. Purchases will be debited from the total amount stored on the card. Gift cards commonly are provided, in the place of cash, when a consumer returns an item. Depending upon the card fee’s and restrictions may apply if the gift card is not used within an established period.

IR: Instant Rebate – A coupon found on the package of specific item or on the shelving close to the item that can be presented at the register for a deduction of pricing at the time checkout. Instant rebates are automatically given, instead of having to be mailed in.

MFR: Manufacturer Coupon – A coupon that is issued by the company making the product. These coupons can be used in any store.

MIR: Mail in Rebate – Indicates that a consumer will receive cash back through snail mail if all restrictions are met. Many mail in rebates provide a large amount and may provide the specific brand or product free after purchase. Typically, a consumer must first purchase the item and abide by set restrictions for cash back; mailed in form of a check. The consumer will be mandated to fill out a form and provide receipts. Time restrictions may also apply towards the product or brand rebated.

 OOP: Out of Pocket - The amount a consumer will pay after specific deductions at the time of the sales transaction.
OOS: Out of Stock – Indicates that a specific product is no longer available at the store due to a depleted inventory. In some cases the consumer may be issued a rain check and coupon validation.

OYNO: On Your Next Order – Indicates a specific amount or percentage will be deducted from the consumer’s next purchase. This deduction is can be from a specific store, online retailer, or company catalog. Many time these deductions will be given as a marketing technique that lures in a consumer so he/she will spend.

P&G: Procter and Gamble – Sunday newspaper insert and couponing resource, typically released at the first (or last) of the month with coupons valid for products made by the company. P&G coupons do not vary by region and usually are valid until the end of the month, when more coupons will be provided. Coupons are normally issued through cycles and can arrange from a few cents to a few dollars off.

Q: Coupon – A monetary savings method of deducting a specific amount from a product. Ten basic types of coupons exist. Each slip will be valid to a specific store, item, and date. These coupons may direct the consumer to purchase more than one item to receive a certain amount off.

REGP: Regular Price – Indicates the price of a specific product prior to sale, coupon, or other form of pricing deduction. In the perspective of frugality, shoppers should never pay regular price for any item.

RP: Red Plum – Sunday newspaper insert and couponing resource. These coupons vary greatly due to city and region. Typically, the larger the city the more Red Plum coupons will be issued. Consumers can print from and utilize the website for additional coupons based upon needs.

RR: Register Rewards – A monetary savings reward program used at Walgreens Pharmacy stores.

SC: Store Coupon – A coupon that is specifically issued by a store for use on an indicated product within the store. Store coupons can be combined (stacked) with manufacturer coupons for a larger savings yielding pennies on the dollar; some items are free after the coupons are stacked. Store coupons may also be accepted by other stores for a deduction there, depending upon the store policy.

SS: Smart Source – Sunday newspaper insert and coupon resource that is most common to avid coupon clippers. Similar to Red Plum these coupons vary by city and region with larger cities obtaining the most inserted coupons. A full collection can be found and printed from the website assisting with additional savings on needs.

UPC: Universal Product Code – The barcode on a specific product. All coupons and products have barcodes which indicates many different things to the register at the time of check out. In example, barcodes will yield sale/clearance pricing or determine if the coupon used is still valid.

YMMV: Your Mileage May Vary – Indicates that consumers may find the item specific at one store but may not at another store within the same area. Typically seen in clearance type saving events where the products are discounted at random and rely upon the store inventory. This also applies for sales and at times coupons.

WFC: Weekly Flyer Coupon – Coupons found in a specific stores newspaper insert/tab that are clipped and brought into the store for deduction on the specific product or brand. Weekly flyers are found also within Sunday newspapers; however, these flyers can reach the consumer by snail mail, newspapers Mon-Friday, catalog, company tab, and electronic mail. Valid for a specific length of time, usually a week; also based upon store inventory. In some cases rain checks can be given with coupon validation, some stores do not issue rain checks; this will be declared within the store policy and/or tiny print in the flyer or under a item pictured.

Couponing 101: Save Thousands With Coupons

The primary measure in the passage to frugality is to accept the assistance provided through a wide variety of methods, especially the means of the Internet. The current economical times have forced many to give thought to reasonable ways in which expenditures can be reduced. Many have made the choice to begin couponing as you have. The choice to coupon may be different than choices made by family members, friends, and coworkers who surround you. Couponing is nothing you should be embarrassed about or ashamed of, in essence frugality is a lifestyle and a community. As a wise and common decision, the frugal action of couponing brings individuals together while helping to supply substantial monetary returns to bank accounts; providing betterment to those devoted to the tangible objectives.

Within the present day the Internet has allowed for various adaptations, strengthening understanding through the provision of endless resources. I have taken the liberty to put together the following ‘quick reference guide’ to frugality and couponing. Each of the following websites I incorporate daily into my savings methodology, allowing the key concepts and structured information to assist in my savings of $1,000 annually. As you will notice I have also included a brief description to yield additional assistance and reduce confusion. Like many avid frugalists, you will also be able to also save thousands.

1.  Grocery Guide – A nationwide collection of grocery sales that allows you to find the best grocery deals from all stores in an area local to you, including discount retailers and malls also. Grocery Guide provides a large regional and non-regional coupon database so to give users a chance to print additional coupons for free, differing from inserts.

2. Short Cuts – Extensive collection of regional and non regional collection of manufacturing coupons that can be printed and used anywhere, to save on the cost of ink and supplies members can also load participating reward cards with choice coupons from the large selection. With over 4,000 coupon codes for 1,200 grocery related stores Short Cuts also gives cash back to members who shop online.

3. Coupon Chief – Thousands of valid promotional codes from a wide variety of household items, non-grocery related; includes store discounts that will yield additional savings non-item specific. Coupon Chief provides digital coupons to seemingly every corporation that is shopped at today through the Internet. You can also use your eBates for additional cash back savings once you have the digital coupon code for the specific store.

4. Coupons.Com – The largest website of the current day that provides tens of thousands of valid coupon offers, regional and non-regional, for member printing absolutely at no additional charge. Avid couponers will be able to discover over one-hundred coupons available through print with Coupons.com; these coupons cycle when the expiration date is hit. The massive collection of coupons found here are typically grovery related but many more are needs for the average American household.

5. Smart Source – Free regional and non-regional website that allows for the online printing of a variety of coupons found in the very popular Sunday newspaper insert. You will find all coupons on this that are issued by Smart Source, this means coupons you did not obtain in your insert because of city, population, and nationwide location. This website allows you to print the diversity of your needs for grocery items.

6. Red Plum – Similar to the above website indication, Red Plum provides a smaller regional and non-regional collection of coupons printed by the popular Sunday newspaper insert company. These coupons will be a complete list and not segmented by region. Printing on this resource is free.

7. ValPack.com – Allows for the printing of a lengthy list of national manufacturer coupons that can be customized to your zip code; for a larger collection no zip code is required. Again, this website is free. Valpack.com has been around for quite a while and deals with a large collection of coupons segmented to various household products outside of the grocery realm.

8. Mambo Sprouts – Specific website that is dedicated to providing organic food coupons only. MamboSpouts also has options provides for recipes, contests, giveaways, articles, events, kids, as well as a form for those who consume organic.

Stockpile 101: Getting the Most from Buying in Bulk

Establishing a stockpile has many benefits, chiefly the large monetary savings reflected back into the household bank account. Extreme Couponing has brought out the reasons as to why I stockpile, a method of modern coupon-savvy frugality that I set out to achieve nearly five (5) years prior. Personally, I cringe when I see the concept manipulated into hoarding and without the television would have never thought of stockpiling as an addition. Hoarding is never justified in any situation, you should never be storing items for a year in advance; a healthy and long term stockpile has enough for three months. In earlier postings I have maintained that you should add to your stockpile little by little, always keeping in line with the budgeted amount you have set for yourself; based upon income and expenses. Never spend over your personalized budget. Looking forward to achieving in a new year, I saved just over $1,000 in 2010; even with overages and errors. If you are new to bulk purchasing with coupons for a household stockpile in 2011, I recommend budgeting ahead so to minimize mistakes at the end of the year. Do not expect to be perfect, this is not a perfect world; anticipate the learning experience that you will gain. While I have chosen to stockpile for five years I still make mistakes, small and large.

As an essential you should never pay full price for any item in your stockpile, once an item of need goes on sale you should always stock up; provided that you need to. You should never spend your whole weekly budget stocking up on one specific item. If you find that you are tottering close to your budget maximum on one item consider the reasons as to why; purchasing too much, pricing too high, savings too low, etc. Again, you should only stock specific items of need until the next sale in your area; know the stores you will shop at to acquire the greatest savings possible. However, not purchasing has risks such as running out and having to pay full price. This full price payout, even with a rewards card and/or a coupon, will be deducted from your annual savings.  Not for the faint of heart, stopping in bulk with coupons is an intensely detailed strategy that may involve many stores. You will always claim the advance of showing your child why he/she needs math in a single shopping trip.

When items your family use most go on sale ensure that you purchase as much as you can without going over budget, this methodology has been the key to my success. However, a great deal of my personal success has been accomplished by adjusting the store that I shop at; an action I took two-years ago. Do not be afraid to adjust large aspects of your personal savings, it pays in the end. Prior to making this adjustment I typically saved an annual $650, I have increased my savings by $300 just by making a single store swap to ascertain double coupons every day. Look for stores where you can double the value of your coupons as your stockpile will require that you have multiple coupons of variety. Multiple ways currently exist to obtain multiple coupons; purchasing coupons from online sources, swapping coupons at couponing parties, participating in coupon mail trains, buying multiple Sunday papers, and/or requesting inserts be saved by friends/family/coworkers that do not utilize them. You will also benefit by printing coupons from the Internet and stacking the coupons you have with store coupons. Personally, I stack coupons nearly each time I use coupons; by stacking coupons many items on sale are free or less than fifty-cents. Coupon stacks are highly recommended and will put a significant dent in your stockpile cost, increasing the budget. Who doesn’t love free? Lastly -

You must recognize times to stock up: O.N.O (oh no)
(up to) 34% savings – purchase only if you need the item
35% to 50% savings - purchase enough to replenish your stockpile
75%+ savings – purchase over the typical amount, mindful of expiration

Kroger Coupon Policy 2011

My favorite grocery store to shop with is Kroger, a regional name of the south east. Many stores across the nation are owned by those who maintain the Kroger name; just look for your local 10 for $10 sale or request information by phone or at the service desk. I receive a extreme amount of savings with this store that will allow unlimited double coupons, stacking, plus rewards, with the best grocery sales. I recommend this store or another named branded store for your grocer needs. Especially if you are avid with couponing! If you do not trade with this store and have another which you feel is the best for your household I recommend that you know the coupon policy, this is additionally true for each store you shop with. Please simply print store couponing policies and have them with you in your frugal binders in case problems occur.


1. When purchasing items that are B1G1, Kroger stores allow you to use two coupons since you are purchasing two items. You do not to buy two B1G1 items as if you buy one you will receive a discount 50% the B1G1 pricing.
2. At Kroger always combine the allowed sales, store coupons, and manufacturing coupon for rock bottom prices of grocery items. Depending on your location you should inquire by phone if your store allows store coupons to be coupled with those from the manufacture/brand. Most stores do accept this, not all.
3. When purchasing Kroger 10 for $10, you do not need to purchase 10 items; each item will be priced at $1 per item. You will be able to use coupons with your purchase for deductions on the $1 price, insure that if you are purchasing 10 items to use 10 coupons; one for each item. Kroger allows shoppers to mix and match 10 for 10 items also. Double check with your local store for restrictions, if any, on 10 for $10 and couponing; most times I will obtain free items by doing this.
4. Kroger doubles coupons. Many stores limit coupon doubling of coupons up to $.50 for $1 deductions, other stores double coupons up to $2.50 for $5 deductions. Some stores have no limitation and many stores are owned by Kroger, an indication is a 10 for $10 sale. You will need to check with your store if you are unfamiliar with your grocer’s coupon policy; simply you can call. Double coupons may also depend on having your free and much needed store reward card.
5. At the customer service desk of Kroger you will need to sign up to receive your free Kroger rewards card, provided that you have not already; limited one per household/name matching. The Kroger Plus Reward Card will yield $100 of deductions and can also be loaded with electronic website coupons from Cellfire, ShortCuts, and Kroger. Do not waste paper if you can simply add to the card. Note that many times these coupons that are loaded cannot be presented in a stack, you will need to stack coupons that are printed to be scanned. For long term savings the Upromise card can yield additional savings.
6. With the Kroger Plus Rewards Card for every $100 you spend you will be allowed a deduction of $.10 on any grade fuel, in your next fill up. One car only, up to 25-gallons maximum fill up. Must have your rewards card with you or receipt.

Free Digital Photo Printing at York Photo (1/31)

In addition to the digital photography deals published prior York Photo is offering 40 digital photo prints when signing up for a new account. Using the promotional codes below you will be able to print additional digital photos for $0.04 each, please limit your printing to 400 prints or 200 free prints. This offer expires on January 31, 2011. You can also take an additional 35% off everything in the York Photo store until the above date, through promotional code.

Promotional Code – B1G1PRINTS
Save 35% - 2011SAVE35
(case sensitive)

A Frugalist's Review of Television Reality

On December 29, 2010 a countless number of frugalists, many with scissors in hand, ceased regular activities to tune into the premier of Extreme Couponing. Nearly a month subsequent to its mainstream broadcasting media introduction, the reality-based couponing series continues to elevate conversations online; as well as arguments. It would be safe to say that if you have not set eye the program itself, you have heard a great deal as to the depiction. Highlighting the daily life and consumer savings of four modern frugalists; Extreme Couponing illustrated couponing, frugality, and the veracity of addiction.

Seemingly without limitation, to which many refer to as an obsessive compulsive disorder, the dependence rages in the separation from a healthy stockpile. The cravings represent not those of us to save normally, but those who hoard. As an avid and devout frugalist I have amiably been asked to provide my opinion with reference to Extreme Couponing and the savings that I personally know. Identifying with the perspective of frugality for more than a decade my household savings peaked to over $1,000 last year, a personal best. Looking to the television series I see a savings summit that few have even considered or thought possible, for the best. The principals of a household stockpile should never boarder or cross the boundaries into the mental path of a hoarder, due to the reality of mental illness.

In days proceeding to the reality show I would have argued that the coupling of frugality with psychological dysfunction could never exist; however, clearly this can be seen in merely a single shopping venture with those on the broadcast. While numerous concepts were included in the sixty minute program I find it nearly unbelievable that anyone could view this primitive method of household savings as a full-time job. I am without words as to the 70-hours a week allocated to clip coupons and trace local and semi-local store’s sales. Clearly, it is evident that employment outside of the home is non-existing and no children are involved. It would be impossible. In fact the monetary savings brought to attention could never be pulled off without such time allotment, making this a ridiculous extreme for any of us with any sense of normality in our everyday life to try to ascertain.
Alas, those new to couponing and frugality need should know that reality and television reality differ greatly; especially those desiring to save from Extreme Couponing inspiration. While the program revealed that savings are possible with the time allotment spoken about above, such savings are unfeasible. We would all highly desire to save 95% from a subtotal of over $5,000 at the grocer of our choosing; however, let me ask have you ever came close to spending $5,000 in a single weekly grocery transaction. Frugality has limitations, overspending in intolerably spoken out against; overspending in this case is both time and money. Having a forty year stockpile of toilet paper and devoting time to discover more can never equate our time, as individuals we will never be able to gain the time we devote back. Second, it is impractical to dream of such bulk purchasing since our stores have limits of how many products we can purchase; clearing store shelving and disregarding store guidelines is against frugal couponing etiquette. You could not purchase a whole pallet of an item as managers have the authority to restrict against depleting store inventory, I’ve had it occur to me with three items; purchasing over 350 at once is impossible. Third, a healthy stockpile is about stocking a particular item until the next time that item goes on sale at a local store; going after the items rock bottom price. Buying 1,500 boxes of cereal is unrealistic as grain will attract bugs and go bad before one can use half of this purchase; or a third. You may can purchase this amount for only $21 but it is $21 that has been lost when the product itself goes bad before it is used; I am not even store if 1,500 boxes of cereal can be used in a individuals lifetime. As you can see Extreme Couponing yields unattainable results, for frugalists such as myself these purchases are out of question.

Stockpile 101: Storing Your Stockpile

The parsimonious assembly of a stockpile remains an essential concept, especially to modern and economical household penny-pincher. Characteristically defined as a pile or storage location; to the new-age frugal community this bulk collection typically becomes comprised of nonperishable grocery, personal care, and household items. A stockpile takes time, dedication, knowledge, and strategy; however, many frugalists discard the idea due to the space that is required to store purchases. Fortunately, even if you live in a small space you too can create a stockpile and save your family hundreds of dollars, annually. You will just need the investment of creativity and imagination when it comes to storing the items you purchase. 


Designate a place for your stockpile storage; be it the basement, kitchen pantry, laundry room, or simply a single closet. The trick to storage is to utilize every inch of the space you have to the best of your ability so that as you accumulate you will be able to keep a top notch organizational system. In the beginning, I recommended purchasing sturdy shelving and a variety of plastic storage containers and/or totes. Stockpile stacking comes in stages, in your first stage keep to your budget and do not go overboard when it comes to storage tools; it is recommended that your storage grow with your stockpile – in small sections at a time. To those in the first stage it is important to utilize coupons and find the best deals on storage needs; this can be easily done by recycling items you have and purchasing second-hand goods, at yard sales, or through an outlet such as Craigslist or eBay. Search and you will receive, as the old cliché goes; keep your imagination open, many times you can receive storage items free. My shelving wracks came from the dumpster and were nothing that spray paint, a few screws, and additional brackets for stability couldn’t fix. 

Do note that for the last several hundred years, householders have stored their foods below ground; your grandparents may have even had a cellar. Storing your stockpile in the basement where the temperature is cooler and much more consistent is ideal; this depends largely on the region you live too. Do take note that when storing items humidity is harmful to long term food storage, initially do your research on the items in your stockpile if you are unsure and purchase only until the next sales cycle. As a frugalist you will not receive a monetary gain if you’re the items in your stockpile are ruined by the weather or by the bugs that love items made from grain. Again, you do not need a large home to create a stockpile; in many ways the smaller the area you have will assist in your savings and keep you from purchasing insane amounts. An interior closet is typically the proper size for a small stockpile of household items; remember you will need to store items away from the heat source in your home. If you find yourself without many storage areas under-the-bed storage always remains functional; purchase plastic sweater boxes for this, which I find to be a nice fit for many items.

Your storage containers matter and should be sized properly for the size of storage that you are able to accommodate easily. The least expensive method to large storage containers is to obtain used buckets, which you can typically get for free by calling around to local eating establishments or bakeries; always know what was contained in the bucket before you put your items into it. Likewise, keep in mind the stale smell the bucket will hold even after being cleaned well; you do not want your flour or sugar tasting like dill. I personally prefer large square containers due to the ease of organization and fitting in their desired and intended location, you will need to purchase these; use your coupons and look for sales. When purchasing or acquiring containers for individual stockpile items steer clear from transparent containers as the light will degrade your food at a much more rapid pace. Organization is of high importance, especially in any event that you remove the original packaging to fit an item better into your stockpile area; insure that you label every container with the name, purchase date, and product expiration date – this is vital. Store items with these labels in view and insure that labels will stay affixed to the containers, instead of applying labels to the top, the side is much more practical so to be scanned easily. In addition you will desire to have plastic air-tight containers in all sizes for the items you will store; again, purchase these as your stockpile grows and pay attention to your budget.

Lastly, make certain that you rotate your items; newly purchased items should always go in the back or on the bottom. Nearly every item has a date in which it expires, except toilet paper; observe these dates.

BIC Triumph Pens Free at Walgreens

Through January 15, 2010 Walgreen's will have BIC Triumph Pens for $1.99. Simply add the $2 off 1 coupon found in the Sunday’s Smart Source insert and receive the pens for FREE. If you did not clip the coupon there is another coupon at the link above. You will always be able to price match in addition at Target and Wal-Mart. Please remember that you will need you coupons and your Walgreen's sales circular to price match. This can be done instantly at Wal-Mart stores at the register when you present your sales circular with the coupon, price match before you give the coupon. At Target stores you will need to pay for the items and present your Smart Source coupon at the time of your register transaction; to price match go to the service desk for cash back. All offers will have the conclusion date of 1/15/11.

Returns and Exchanges 30-day Limit Approaching

Ladies and gentleman it’s time for the annual post-holiday tradition that we all seemingly dread -- item returns, gift cards, and exchanges. Chances are pretty good that this year you received at least one item that you didn’t quite like or that failed to fit, perhaps you received a gifting double, or have gifts that were purchased with the intent to gift but for a variety of reasons did not. Those items need to be returned to the store prior to the 30-day purchase and exchange limit. As a reminder January 29, 2011 is quickly approaching, many items cannot be returned past this date; other items may require a receipt or limit your return total due to restocking fees. Get to those stores soon and put a bit of money back into your banking account.

Stockpile 101: How To Create a Stockpile

Beginning a new year with a clean slate you may be considering the establishment of a stockpile, purchased through determined couponing so to save money in your household budgeting. While relativity easy to build, based upon the items preferred by your family, constructing a stockpile takes a great deal of time to acquire the most in savings as well as strategic planning. With devout determination, in the end, your stockpile achievement will be well worth your attentiveness to couponing. To begin your household stockpile, you must pay close mind to the essentials of ‘Stockpile 101’.

1. Organize Your Stockpile Objectives – Primary to making your first stockpile purchase you must isolate your household objectives. You must ask yourself many questions and establish solid answers, pre-planning is grossly important and answers vital. It is highly important that before you begin you begin with a structured and organized plan. I use spreadsheets and keep them implicitly detailed as well as coupon organizers with all coupons in order by grocery isle.

 2. Consumer and Coupons – You much determine which local store(s) you will be shopping at for specific items, such as grocery related or household items. My suggestion is to research local stores and choose one as your foundation; a chief store should be selected based upon cost and savings. The store I determined for my stockpile offers double coupons, a reward card, store coupons, product availability, and amazing weekly sales. I encourage that you look for these features. In addition I also have secondary stores that offer me with additional savings.

3. Sales Cycles – Items in your store and coupons are included in a retail cycle. Typically you will receive your coupons before the items are lowered in price at your store, however this may not always be the case. You will have to statically plan to sync your coupons with the sales, paying close mind to the expiration dates on your coupons. To do this you must know when the retail sale cycle begins and ends for the items you desire to stockpile, to do this keep a spreadsheet and detailed track of the prices of items so to learn the sales cycle as well as a list of items from weekly inserts. You should only purchase items until the subsequent sales cycle or keep a limited month stockpile. I stockpile items with a supply always on hand for 3 months advance, I can always alter each time around my schedule or increase my advance based on the rough winter season.

4. Buying in Bulk – Familiarize yourself with the items that your family use on a daily basis, as well as items you seem to run out of first. A tip to determine what I should purchase is to write the date on each opened item and enter it into a ‘household item’ spreadsheet, once the item was depleted entered the information into another cell, and finally keep track of the second item to get an idea how quickly the household went through the first/second items. I did this for each item that I knew I would benefit from stockpiling and from this spreadsheet I was able to pinpoint each item. If I introduced new items I kept track as all grocery tastes will change throughout the month, make sure you keep a running list so you can make quick changes and have a solid source for updates. Typically, I purchase one item over what my family will use for those items that are used the most and schedule my next bulk purchase knowing what I have in my stockpile at the time.

5. Expiration Dates – You should stockpile items that are nonperishable, however, even nonperishable items have expiration dates. You will need to be careful to not over stock your pantry as doing so will decrease your savings. Keeping a short stockpile based on sales cycle or no greater than 3 months advance will keep you safe; you will need to use the oldest purchase first to insure your food stays fresh. Some items expire quicker than others, be mindful to this. If you find yourself with more items than you need, which happens, consider donating these to local churches/shelters/food banks/soup kitchens.

Following the above tips as well as the tips given to you in the weeks ahead a plentiful and educated stockpile to be proud of should result. Please keep in mind that when you start you must always have the proper determination of the amount you can safely spend, the items you have coupons for, as well as the items on sale; a mistake often made in stockpiles is purchasing too fast. Do not try to create a stockpile the first time you go to your grocer this year. You will want to stretch your purchases out based upon the coupons you have as well as the items on sale, to yield the greatest savings. Likewise do not use the amount you have budgeted as the gross amount you can spend on buying one item in bulk, instead by a few items with each weekly amount.

HP Ink from Amazon: B1G1 40% (1/15)

Until January 15, 2010 when you purchase any brand of HP ink for your printing needs, Amazon.com will discount the second by 40%. Your second B1G1 purchase of HP ink should be of equal of lesser value than your non-discounted product purchase. Simply select your products and place them in your shopping chart, prices will be adjusted to meet the promotion automatically; no promotional code is needed.  This offer is not valid on any HP ink product sold through Amazon.com by a third party seller. If you are a Amazon Prime member you will receive free 2-day shipping on this offer. Make HP your environmentally friendly printer ink choice at prices much cheaper than you would pay for other brand ink products. The printing is superb in quality.

Papa John's Pizza Promotion $11.11

Papa John’s will be offering two large one topping pizzas for $11.11, today only. If ordering dinner online, simply use the promotional code below for an update in pricing. Please be aware that this current promotional deal is valid at select Papa John’s locations only; to ensure the above price call ahead to your local pizza delivery chain to confirm participation. Other select Papa John's are honering this price for pick-up only. Speciality pizza's will be charged at $10 each.

Promotional Code: TU11111

Free Kleenex Tissue For You and a Friend

Sign up with Kleenex and mail a FREE pack of America’s softest tissue to a friend; in addition you will receive a FREE travel size box of Kleenex tissue for your gratitude. Let a friend or family member know you are thinking of them this season by sharing more than just germs. This offer is limited to supply. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Free Sample Crest 3D WhiteStrips

Receive a FREE sample of Crest Advanced Seal 3D Whiting Strips from Wal-Mart. Professional teeth whiting is an exceedingly expensive process, with Crest you can try their reformulated express application at no cost. Be advised that this offer is limited to supply. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.   

National Consumer Panel Scam

There occurs a variant of times in which I must warn others of impending malice, regarding a consumer agency referenced within the past. While I hate to bring negative attention with reference to any corporation I do feel that it is my responsibility to bring forth an alert to poor business practices.

In late October 2010 I signed up as a consumer for National Consumer Panel (NCP), a company baring the Better Business Bureau accreditation.  It was to my understanding that the aforementioned company was approved to survey consumers nationwide with relation to their store purchases. Also to my understanding National Consumer Panel was comparable to many other consumer research agencies that I currently work with; in concept, members complete pre-qualified surveys for a small monetary payout. Two weeks after signing up I received a package from this panel via Fed-Ex shipping that I was not expecting. Labeling on the package indicated the medium sized box indicated the sender and prompted me the package contained “important” information as to my membership. Contents of the box contained a rather large and peculiar electronic device, further investigation revealed that I was to take the device to the stores with me and scan barcodes of various items; as well as utilize the object to scan purchased products UPC labels that I had within my home. I was indeed confused in regards to why I was sent a barcode scanner when I signed up to only complete surveys, with no other interest.

Once the package was received I begin to receive phone calls from the National Consumer Panel and on many days received more than two phone calls per day, some of these phone calls were well after 8pm. Daily phone calls of this nature are still occurring to date. I allowed voice mail to pick up many of these extreme calling due to the fact I was just too busy with daily life. I did speak to a female representative on several occasions and explained that I was not interested in the scanner and would return the device so not to be charged. This female pushed me to keep the scanner so that I could transmit a minimum of one purchase and after I could return the barcode scanner if I didn’t think its use would fit into my schedule, I would still receive surveys for reward amounts via e-mail. Desiring to rid myself of the device I did entertain the idea of scanning barcodes with was difficult, if not impossible for the scanner; I also could not transmit the data, nor could I access my account through member identification. Catching the next daily phone harassment I relayed this information to the female who I had spoken with prior. In all phone calls I made the point to inquire as to the surveys and tell the call center employee that I signed up with no other interest. She pushed me again to keep the device, which frustrated me deeply. I boxed up the item and inquired various times for a postal label and a return address. By the time I was pressing my own issue for a return prepaid label and location for a return, National Consumer Panel was threatening to charge me hundreds of dollars ($200+) for the scanner if I did not send the device back, I had no indication of where or to whom.

I am now being threatened by an attorney in regards to the barcode scanner from National Consumer Panel, a device that I returned. Frustrated and desiring to return the device and being harassed by the excessive phone calls I wanted to ensure no charges were made and that the scanner would get to whom I was to send it to. Results were finally made in December when I emailed the company and requested the information; I received the prepaid label two weeks later – near the Christmas rush. Subsequent to the holiday I returned the package in original packaging. Fed-Ex supplied me with a shipping ticket with the information as to the return. This data and proof I have now sent to the National Consumer Panel, the male who I received the return shipping label from, and I also have given the information to the agency by phone. I received legal notification, January 4, 2011. The letter does state it is not to collect a debt yet threatens in three legally typed paragraphs that I have failed to meet qualifications of the company and I must return the device or charges will be filed for monetary reimbursement for a kept, lost, or stolen barcode scanner. Again, I signed up to complete surveys as to my purchases with no additional interest. I have yet to receive a survey. I did not indicate I would scan UPC labels and transmit such intimate data, in fact I opted out of the electronic membership form.

Please be warned that the National Consumer Panel has what I believe to be very poor practices of business and fails to adhere to members who opt out of household barcode scanning. Members will be harassed via mobile and/or landline phone calls daily for the duration of membership, at duration of 1-4 phone calls each day; some after 8pm and prior to 8am. Opting out is at times ignored and many complaints can be verified online through Google search. Legal action may occur and credit scores will be endangered, even with compliance.

eBates Rewards Now Double Your Cash Back

Ebates.com shoppers are now receiving double the cash back on hundreds of stores just by shopping through the rewards site. If you are not currently a member of Ebates.com, what are you waiting for? You could be receiving cash in your pocket from every online purchase through the Ebates.com secure purchasing server and additional savings not found on regular retail websites. When you sign up you will receive a gift card at Target, Home Depot, or your choice favorite applicable store, you just will need to make your first purchase for this card; within 45 days of signing up. If you’re still a skeptic please read my Ebates testimonial in reference. 

Discount Diapers and Wipes from Pampers & Amazon

Parent’s I felt that I needed to update and offer a bit of clarification in relation to a daily deal posted earlier on diapers. Several viewers are reporting prices as low as $7.49 from Amazon.com for the Pamper’s Swaddler’s 84-count Newborn Dry Max. Other viewers are reporting purchases at $9.15. All readers reporting prices followed the instructions in the earlier daily deal and received the lower than advertised diaper prices; this appears to perhaps be discounted to Amazon Mom purchases and new membership. You will also receive free 2-day shipping. These diapers regularly sell for $26.99 a box. Follow the link above.

In addition, Amazon.com is also cutting the price to wipes to go with the above Pamper’s super saving deal; it is absolutely time to stock-up for the little one in your home or womb for those still expecting. Simply follow the link to receive Pamper’s Soft Care Scented Wipes for $15.19, per 720-count or $0.02 per wipe. You will want to be a member of Amazon Mom for the 30% discount mentioned in the earlier blog and above. Amazon mom is free to join and gives you an absolutely free membership to Amazon Prime’s 2-day shipping. Shipping on both offers will be through Amazon Prime and free, so you cannot go wrong on stocking up with your little bean.

Sales Ends Today 11:59 EST

New Balance Women's Running Shoes 50% off

Look no farther than the Joe's New Balance Outlet if you have made the resolution for better health or weight loss. Currently you can receive the woman’s running shoes pictured above for only $29.99; a savings of 50% off the original price of $59.99. I absolutely love the shoes, which I just purchased, and the additional $30 in my pocket. At prices like this you can easily purchase two pairs for what you would regularly pay for a single pair, a double delicious deal for women! Please know these prices are subject to change based on stock with many common sizes beginning to sell out for this absolutely hot deal. Other designs and colors can be purchased, saving 40% to 50% per pair.

Pampers Swaddlers Diapers $11.44

If you are currently expecting or know someone who is, stocking up on diapers when the price is low is an essential key. Currently you will be able to obtain Pampers Swaddler’s for just $11.44 per box. The count per box is 84 diapers, sized for newborns and priced out at $18.49 per box. First, use the $1.50 coupon on the product page by clicking clip coupon. Second, receive 15% off the discounted price by becoming a Amazon Mom if you are not currently a member and an additional $15 I’ve discovered by subscribing and saving the product. Don’t worry you can cancel your subscription at any time after the transaction, even moments following. This will result in your diapers being just $11.44 a box with free 2-day shipping.

Please note that various readers are reporting additional savings from $7 for this item, regular price correction $26.99 per box.

Pampers Swaddlers Dry Max Diapers, Size N, 84 Count

Babies R Us Tote Promotion 40% Clearance Items

Through January 23, 2011 you will be able to score immensely at Babies-R-Us, with an additional 40% deducted from all clearance apparel and footwear; as well as snag a reusable spring tote absolutely FREE. Mom’s only a single condition applies in this promotional event, your savings depend upon how much you will be able to fit in the tote! So fold, roll, and stuff for your little ones at this store sale. You must have the printable coupon below with you at the time of your purchase; coupons are limited to one per guest. 

40% Clearance Prices at Babies-R-Us + Tote

SeeHere Photo Books 40% Off

All custom photo books are currently 40% off at SeeHere with FREE shipping, when using the promotional code below. Please note that this hot offer expires January 12, 2011.  Per the current offer you will be able to choose from some very affordable customizable photo books for your holiday photography, starting just $4; for a 6x8, soft cover book of 20 pages.

See Here Promotional Code – book-33
(code is case sensitive)

Free Product Mom Made Simple

If you shop with Whole Foods or Super Target you have probably saw Organic Mom Made Food, perhaps you have purchased these fantastic products. Currently, you will receive a free product for simply taking the Mom Made Food Healthy Pledge. Simply, that’s all you need to do for a bit of health betterment this year. This is a great offer for those who have been thinking of trying a product from Mom Made Food, no monetary loss will be involved if you dislike the organic brand.

New ING Checking Account Holders $50 Free

 ING Direct is currently offering a $50 bonus for those who establish and sustain a free checking account. To get started at no cost, fees, or monetary minimums establish your checking account through the ING website. You must make three purchases within your first 45 days, these purchases need to be made via ING debit card credits; pin purchases do not apply. Obviously, this will require a specific monetary deposit. With sustainability of this account the company will deposit $50 on day 50. Ensure that you research your banking facility thoroughly.