Save a Buck

If you are like us, the economy has affected you and your family in some fashion. For us, many companies are laying off employees, daycare's are closing, businesses are closing, and many people are scaling back. One can scale back but you still need to spend money. For us, we still have to buy groceries, gas, toilet paper, diapers, etc. If you are going to spend money, why not save at the same time? I have found several ways to save money and I hope this is useful to you. Please share your money savings ideas with me. I would love to hear them!

• Check with your local radio station about discount gift cards to restaurants, spas, etc. Our local stations sells them for 50% off!
• Check out portrait coupons for JcPenney's and Sear's. They take decent pictures and you can save a bundle by using the coupons. Just don't get suckered into buying more!
• Check out your spa/hair schools for discount on services. We have a great one in our town.
• Sign up on retailers' website for online coupons and you don't have to have the retail company credit card either! My favorites are GAP, Carter's, Children's Place, and New York & Company
• Some flower shops has discount flowers - mine has Friday flowers - fresh bundle of flowers for $5!
• See if your employer has any discounts such as wireless phone and sporting events
• Use coupons! Check out online Target coupons at http://www.afullcup.com/?vbseourl=cmps_index.php&page=coupon_generator and/or check your local newspapers. And trust me - you can find coupons for more than just groceries!
• If you buy Pampers diapers like we do, you can log the rewards points at http://www.pampers.com/ and turn those points into merchandise like books.
• Sign up for the Imagination Library to receive a free children's book each month http://www.imaginationlibrary.com/
• Trade coupons with friends and co-workers. It is amazing how many great coupons go to waste. If you are already planning on shopping at a particular store then you should at least have a coupon with you.

Again if you have any great ideas on how to save a buck, please let me know!