Oh, Bloggy Giveaways. How I’ve missed you! You’re the perfect opportunity for penny pinches like me to have some fun and (hopefully) bring home some goodies.
I’d like to give one lucky winner the chance to win one of my favorite thrifty and environmentally friendly items: Recyclable grocery bags from Target! The bags from Target are my absolutely favorite because they are big, sturdy, fold up nice and small, and have the perfect straps for carrying over your shoulder.
Just leave a comment with a penny pinching tip and you’re entered to win 6 Recyclable Target bags!
Since I ran into a snafu with my last winner and don’t like being called a liar, thief, and criminal, here’s the skinny: Giveaway is open until midnight, January 30, 2009. Winner will be chosen at random and announced on January 31, 2009. Winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to respond. Please use your real first name and a valid email address when entering. I am not responsible for incorrect contact information. You must answer the question above in your comment to be eligible to win! US entries only. Thanks, and have fun!
This is great. Now I have no excuse. Thanks.
I have switched to buying alot of generic brands. Plus I also use my on recyclable bags. The grocery store I shop at gives .05 back for every recyclable bag you bring in and use.
I just recently started using coupons. I love it! I think it is fun to find the coupons and search out the best deals. That is my penny pinching tip. Thanks!
We now use Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Borax instead of cleaning supplies!! It is so much cheaper! Washes our dishes in the dishwasher, our clothes in the washing machine, and even my husbands hair!!
We now buy the baking soda at Sam’s using a friend’s membership (we go together and I buy her lunch in exchange)
when really trying to eat healthy and buy leass junk circle the store- the outside circle is where dairy, produce and meat are- less boxed junk- less impulse
Using coupons.
I recently realized that instead of paying $3 or so for bagels or english muffins for breakfast breads, I could get a 79 cent loaf of french bread that lasts all week (for the two of us), and can also be used as a quick side for one dinner. I think little trims like that are really adding up for my grocery bill!
My tip is to find a true friend, even though it may not fit into this category. I believe that it is the best tip of all.A true friend is not a friend that you can see and know that they are there without a doubt. A true friend is a friend you truly have faith in without a doubt. True friendship is when you don’t see that friend but you know that they are there and you learn to trust and believe in them…that one day you will see them without a doubt! I wa t everyone to feel this way…I WILL make everyone feel this way. Runescape gave me that chance…to know what true friendship really is. Together, we flew in the sky , over the ocean , in a dream that lasted forever! With unbroken bonds of the new existence. I DECLARE THESE BONDS UNBROKEN. I will fly with them forever in a dream that turns to the new reality.I am a blinding light made new, emptied of all preexisting darkness, and I will guide those in the darkness.Believe me..when I say I will do something, I will most likely do it eventually. I live to be the very best, not fine, not decent, good, amazing or outstanding. I live to be the very best.I burned fires of infinitism down the longest path that existed for eternity shedding tears…with my friends in the most magical and legendary lake of all time.These friends are the light that shines in the distant…you are the one in the darkness…looking for that light! That light. Is the only thing there to trust, you leave it to chance. One day you find it but it disappears. You can only have faith. That the light is still there. I found that light and I constantly lose it but I learn to trust it even more. I WILL win THIS. I DECLARE IT!!!!!!!!!!! I JUST want to win a contest any! I WILL!!! I AM MOTIVATED!
I find that it really saves money to eat a lot less. I don’t buy new things, so food is really the only place I can cut back. I look for food that is “going off” and is marked down in orange at my local Kroger’s. It isn’t rotten by any means, it is just a few days from expiration, meaning I must use it faster. I’ve had no problems yet!
I’ve finally given up going out to lunch at work. Brown bagging it can be a lot cheaper!
I save a lot using CVS extra care bucks and coupons. I would love to try these Target bags.
I shop once a week, and that’s it. We make it work when the food runs low, we save money by not shopping.
I love to go to my Kroger early in the mornings and see what they have marked as Manager’s Specials. I get excited to find meat and dairy products that will be going out of date, but they are still edible.
This would be so awesome. I would finally have enough to get groceries with!
Freezer cooking has saved me lots of money. Many times when I’m cooking dinner, I’ll cook a double-portion and freeze the extra. I also cook all my ground beef at once and then freeze them –2c. of cooked meat in a bag. It makes dinner prepartion easy.
I now purchase alot of my food from Angel food Ministries. It is across the USA. There is no income requirement. You just have to eat food.
It is currently $30 for about $70-80 worth of food. The items available change monthly. They have a set menu for each month. You purchase at the beginning of the month and pick up at the end.
Their website, so you can see where the closest church that is in the program is:
http://www.angelfoodministries.com
I hope this helps a lot of us.
I can’t usually buy generic because my husband has very specific tastes, but since most of the major brands offer coupons, I can save that way, plus I try to apply them to sales items. I also recycle my aluminum cans.
I can always use more bags. Thanks!
I’d love to win these bags!
Here’s my tip: Buy local when you can! I’ve started taking advantage of my local farmer’s market (when it’s in season) and I’ve been trying to buy direct from farmers in my area. Not only can it save money, but you can feel assured about the quality of the products you’re buying.
I’ve been bringing my lunch to work (almost) every day since the first of the year. It gets old, fast, but I’m saving money and the food at work kind of sucks. Plus they just raised the prices again so I really don’t feel like I’m missing out on much.
I also don’t spend my change. I might spend a dime here and there if something comes to like .07 and I don’t want an entire pocketful of change, but mostly it goes into the pickle jar on the microwave. mmm… pickle scented change! It’s not adding up a whole lot because I pull the quarters out for laundry, but every little bit helps and it’s a pretty painless way to save.
I have more bags than I need but I would love to have these to give to people who tell me they want to start going green!!
love_cats05@yahoo.com
My penny pinching tip is to leave the kids at home when shopping
gkstratos@yahoo.com
My tip is to stock the pantry when things are on sale. This sounds easy, but it’s not always convenient or easy to implement. BUT it makes a big difference! It also saves money by making sure that there’s always something available to cook for dinner instead of going out.
Thank you for the chance to win the recyclable bags; I love the Target design!
Coupons – ask neighbors for theirs. Or sneak out on recycle night and go through their bins.
My beat tip is bulk meat shopping atSam’s club and then coming home and dividing it up for multiple meals.
WITH A FAMILY OF 5 AND BEING SELF EMPLOYED I REALLY WATCH MY MONEY. I PURCHASE FOOD FROM SHARE FOOD CO-OP. I CAN GET $45. OF GROCERIES FOR 20. THIS ALSO INCLUDES FRESH FRUIT AND VEGGIES. I PACK ALL THE CHILDRENS LUNCHES. I BAKE COOKIES, CAKES, AND MAKE ENGERY BARS TOO. WE KEEP THE LIGHTS OFF IN THE ROOMS WE ARE NOT IN AND TRY TO WATCH MULTI TRIPS OUT IN THE CAR. WE CONNECT PLACES TOGETHER TO TRY TO CUT BACK ON THE GAS. LAST, WE TURNED DOWN THE WATER HEATER AND PUT IT ON A TIMER. AND THE WOODSTOVE IS PERFECT FOR ME TO HEAT THE HOUSE. I AM TIRED OF WRITING THAT CHECK TO THE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY. THANKS FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN!!!
My penny pinching tip has everything to do with snacks. At our house we have a snack drawer, so the kids can get themselves their own snack after they ask. But those prepackaged little bags of goldfish and fruit snacks can add up quickly, so I buy big packs of generic stuff and then make my own little bags of snacks using generic plastic snack bags. Saves a ton of money!
Coupons and more coupons are clipped. I have a coupon trade with my neighbors. Use generic if possible and buy on sale. If you can, buy only at one store. Saves gas, stress and time. Don’t go shopping more then once a week. Impulse buying will be tempting if you do.
I joined all the “clubs” and “newsletters” of all the major and local restaurants online.I now receive all kind of discounts,free meals,and promotions to save money when we do go out to eat,or enjoy a treat once in awhile.
Oh man, my penny pinching tip is for mommies. I make my own baby food. It’s a heck of a lot cheaper then buying it. You can get like 3 bananas and make enough pureed bananas to last for a while! It’s a heck of a lot cheaper than purchasing the baby food already made.
I love reusable bags, I have two big Aldi’s ones that I adore…but I’d like to get more!
Mine is to do your research. Compare prices for anything and everything at local stores online before you go into the store (weekly adds can help with this too). You’ll not only find the best deals, but save on gas if you find things locally that you once traveled to buy. Thanks for the chance at the bags, I can always use more
the trick to saving on groceries is that you have to haul yourself to more than one store, sometimes 2-4 stores. sometimes walgreens, target, cvs have good sales on food items, then you’ll need an actual grocer for your meats and produce (stop n shop one week, maybe shaws the next depending on the sales/promotions) and then BJs’, Cosco’s or Sam’s clubs for bulk items at a good price. good luck!
Shop thrift and consignment stores! It is amazing what you can find for nearly nothing. We have found nice brand name clothes that still have the tags on for a dollar or two. A very nice laptop backpack that had obviously never benn used cost us $1. And a nice doggy bed cushion for $1.50.
Also if you frequent one thrift store a lot the operators will get to know you and point out good deals or things they know you might be interested in.
And when shopping at a thrift store, try always to be courteous and neat. I used to work in a library and cannot resist the impulse to straighten and sort when looking at books. (Or almost anything else.) More than once, I have gone to the counter to pay, only to have the manager tell me it was free because I had earned it by straightening up. Of course, this only happens a little community or church thrift stores where the workers have a lot of leeway in what they charge. The big chains like Goodwill won’t let employees do things like that.
I always buy in bulk if I can. And if there is a special on something, I buy a lot of it and store it.
Cute bags! My tip is to try to stock up on things when there on sale. And for big investments I make sure to price shop before buying a big item so I can get the best deal! Thanks for entering me!
unforgetable_dreamer_always AT hotmail DOT com
use coupouns
Coupons! And be sure to match the coupons to the sales. I never shop without a list and I also do meal planning based on the grocery ads.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Make a list before you go out shopping, so you won’t buy lots more
I GO FOR THE ONE DOLLAR CHICKEN SANDWICHES AT MACDONALDS–
I try to penny pinch every minute I can! Always clip coupons, and I shop thrift stores all the time!
Thank you for the chance!
heartnmaui(AT)gmail(.)com
stock up when your local grocery store offers double or even triple coupons!
my first tip is to read all of your comments on this post!!!
my other tip is to buy in bulk and buy when it is on sale. for items that we eat often i have a “buy it now” price that when i see it in a sale ad i stock up!
great giveaway!
We use coupons, look over the sales ads. We use energy saver lightbulbs. Grow a garden to help cut down on groceries. We stock up on items that are on sale plus have coupons for.
Try buy things when you have a coupon and the item is on sale.
Best wishes to every entrant. My best savings tip is to use discount coupons from Costco.
Thanks for the contest. Best wishes for a happy & prosperous 2009!
I love to stock up on canned goods when there’s a sale, so I can last until the next sale. For example, I have TON of canned tomatoes when Meijer had a terrific sale. These are so versatile I use them a lot
Thank you for offering this giveaway!
eyeslikesugar [at] gmail [dot] com
using coupons and buying generic helped our weekly grocery bill.
I try and save ground beef by only using a half pound in casserole, stroganoff, spaghetti, etc. It streches our meals and in those type of dishes you don’t really miss the extra meat.
Do an Internet Search for the Duggers Free Laundry Soap Recipe. Make your own homemade laundry soap. It will cost about 2cents for the detergent for a large load once you make it, instead of up to 40cents a load. You could also just do a search for Free Laundry Soap Recipes, there are many out there, but basically they are all the same. If you add scent to the soap it may just a tiny bit higher per load, but not much. If you have a High Efficiency Washer you can often use half the amount of laundry soap than listed. I am trying the recipe on the next load of laundry I do. I just made a batch yesterday. I found my supplies at King Soopers Grocery Store. I did not find the supplies at Walmart. The supplies are usually on the laundry Isle. Kroger and City Market are affliated with King Soopers Grocery store, so they probably have the supplies too, or you can ask your grocery manager to start stocking the supplies.
Bake and cook in bulk and don’t be too proud to peruse the marked down items at the grocery. I’m kind of afraid of most of the meat but I’ll buy the dairy, produce and bakery goods in a heartbeat.
I go through my cookbooks on the weekends and pick out about 5-6 dinners for the week (or have my family each choose 1 or 2), make a master shopping list, add in breakfast and lunch items and voila, you’re done for the week and spend much less than spur of the moment shopping trips. Oh, and using the resuable grocery bags is a pennysaver as well – many stores give you as much as $.25 credit per bag! Thanks!
I buy more basic food items and make things from scratch. This saves a lot of money and provides quality family time cooking and not going out to eat over-priced meals or lowering the bar and eating heavy processed foods.
I shop at yard sales for kids clothing and always find nice things.
I make a grocery list with only the things we NEED, then I stick to it. If I go into the store not knowing what I want to get I always buy too much.
I buy generic whenever I can. I also stick to a very strict grocery budget. When the money is gone for the month, it’s gone, so I have to shop very carefully. I also shop from a menu; that helps a lot!
Use coupons whenever possible and buy in quantity when things go on sale and stock up. Also, I no longer throw out leftovers. I just refrigerate or freeze the meal and eat it later in the week. I save as much as possible. The only eating out we do is when we have a coupon for a discounted meal.
To save as much as possible I usually try only to buy things that are on sale or clearance AND use coupons. My sister-in-law and I trade our coupons too so get maximum usage out of the newspaper ads too.
I’ve been wanting some new bags, mine are all Shaws. These Target ones are cute! My best tip is NEVER take hubby or kids with you…it always costs more for less with them along! Thanks
Rhonda hondaray6 at hotmail dot com
We use ebates.com when shopping online to get blessed rebates with each purchase!
I research the heck out of things before buying them, checking freecycle or craigslist and waiting for that great deal on items like furniture or building materials
foreign territory to my husband but I wash and recycle plastic bags. I grew up with recycyling in a family of 10…learned mucho about how to stretch monies to make ends meet
use coupons
These are awesome! I have a little collection of recyclable bags. BTW I had a winner of one of my giveaways that says they didn’t get their prize. I ended up ordering another one for them, but it definitely takes the fun out of it.
I search Freecycle ad Craigslist for something first… and I am always making things from scratch (food) and by hand (clothing, gifts, etc).
Make an effort to learn where each grocery store puts its not-so-fresh, but not yet expired food. You can get some wonderful bargains this way- be it half-priced, sandwiches, subs, desserts. I even saw Eli’s Cheesecake half off in one grocery store!
use coupons off the internet
We now only use reusable water bottles. I love saving money on water and creating less waste.
meg
onourwayonline.com
I love starbucks coffees, but I love making my own at home and taking them with me and saving $3 a coffee!
always go shopping with a list! never go when you’re hungry!
Make your own jewelry cleaner, fabric freshener, window cleaner and facial masks from items you already have in your cupboard. They cost pennies to make and save you a bundle!
I use all the coupons I can find and buy when the items are on sale.
My tip is I have found a local produce market that I can get $25 worth of produce for $10-12.
i buy with coupons and split bulk items with my elderly neighbor which i give her for free. I’m having so much fun making friends and blog-hopping again this year.
Thanks for such a generous giveaway! I hope I’m chosen as the lucky winner!!!
We buy in bulk and use bogo coupons alot. We then share with family.
Review the weekly grocery and store ads for sales (often Walgreens, CVS and Target prices can match local grocery store). Use coupons. You can save money by not buying sodas and coffee while shopping; bring your drink from home.
I cook a week’s worth of meals on the weekend so during the week there is no excuse to stop at fast food.
I clip coupons to help me save money. I buy lower brand items, like WalMart brand to help me save money too.
I use coupons, recycled bags, use compact florescent lights and wrap the hot water heater. Thanks for the opportunity.
We try to stay stocked up enough that we only buy things when they are on sale, mostly cherry picking all of the stores in the area.
I use baking soda and water as a clarifying shampoo. When I notice dandruff or have an itchy feeling scalp, I use a mix of apple cider vinegar, honey, & water as conditioner. Works very well and doesn’t have all the chemicals in the regular shampoos/conditioners have.
elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com
My best penny pinching tip is to use coupons and match them with sales. Another good tip is to check out the clearance deals at Target and the rebate program at Walgreens.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Refill your water bottles.
I love Target. One of my best money savers is having a bargain buddy. My best friend and I are bargain shoppers. We seek out bargains and inform each other when we find them, often picking up items for each other. It is amazing what you can find when you have two sets of eyes helping you out
.
Coupons are my biggest $ saver
Use coupons, and save change!!
I clip coupons and try to use them when the items are on sale. That way, I double dip on the savings.
Make window cleaner with vinegar, alcohol, and water.
I joined a wholesale club and buy in bilk when I can. I also switched from 4 wheels to 2 for my morning commute and went from 15mpg to 70mpg.
These bags would be very helpful, too!
We don’t buy unnecessary foods (ice cream, chips, etc). and we are eating more healthy on less money. For small non-food things we would like, we garage sale.
We carry our own bags to the store….doesn’t save us money but helps the environment.
If you time it just right you can get away with buying all of your staples on sale. Publix has their BOGO on a rotation. Buy enough BOGO so it will last you until the next time it’s on sale.
Always check sites like retailmenot.com for coupon codes/promos for better deals when purchasing products online!
Sorry about your snafu, people need to learn to be gracious about their freebies. I’ve found that the internet is a big money saver when having to buy that bigger ticket item. With shopper.com and the dozens of sites that offer coupon codes, etc. I have sometimes saved 30 to 50 percent on my purcheses, Just need to google. Thanks for a great giveaway!
I price match at Walmart. I get the Sunday ads and match up what I need to where it’s cheapest (diapers are the big one right now) and I make only one trip to one store then. It takes a little longer at the checkout, but it’s well worth it.
I always check out the sale papers before I shop and hardly ever purchase anything unless it’s on sale (this drives my kids nuts!).
Thanks for the great giveaway!!
Go shopping alone so that your not convinced by kids or hubby to put the extra sweets etc in the cart.
kamlchap(at)gmail(dot)com
Buy the grocery store brand. Lots of times its the best price even when the name brand is on sale and you have a coupon
Make your own tea bags! I brew loose leaf tea at home, but while at work I prefer the ease of tea bags. I just buy the bags bulk and mix some of my loose leaf tea. Use about 1 teaspoon for a good 2 cup brew.
Check for sales and then USE COUPONS!
I use empty kleenex boxes – stuff them with the plastic grocery bags – and keep them in my bathrooms so that I have garbage can liners for the little garbage cans.
Great giveaway!
The biggest help to me is I don’t go browsing in stores.I just go in and get what I need cause if I look around I’m gonna buy! monk5@charter.net
My penny pinching tip is to plan ahead! I do much better with avoiding impulse purchases when I have a list and a plan! Thanks for the contest!
I have been doing most of the things that many people use as tips for more years than many of them have been alive. But one that I haven’t noticed too much in these comments is this: I am an avid reader, and have enough books to stock a small library. Few of them are ones that I want to keep and re-read, so I have joined an online swapping group. You list the ones you have to swap and the ones you want, the computer matches them up, and basically all it costs you is the postage. To make it even cheaper, I don’t think I have used any purchased wrapping since I started. Scrap paper does well as wrapping for most paperbacks, and I reuse the packing envelopes that the books I have received come in. Considering what I used to spend to buy books, this is a real saving!
Make a list of meals for the week based on the sales at the store and the coupons you have. Shop with list and coupons in hand and do not impulse shop!
Thanks for the chance to win such great bags!
we get all of our cd’s, dvd’s and books at our local library for free!
Reusable bags are the way to go. They hold more grocery’s and more durable. Every bit helps.
For food purchases, I try to plan ahead, always look for those coupons and cook menus where I can freeze a good portion for extras meals for another day. It saves me money in the long run and helps me out on my food budget.
Make a list before you shop and be prepared to buy only what is on the list.
Always use coupons and buy when the coupon item is on sale. Stock up when shampoos and toothpaste are on sale and you have coupons for them. They are always needed.
Menu planning has really helped us save money. I was amazed how it helped. Plus I keep a running total while I am shopping, that way I won’t go over budget.
I do a lot of things to save money on groceries. One of the best tips is to never grocery shop when you’re hungry.
I also use coupons and stock up on sales, but find sometimes the store brand is cheaper even when there’s a coupon for the name brand. I also plan my menus around what is on sale and in season. Thanks for the giveaway!
Instead of buying boxes mixes and prepackaged dinners, make your own from scratch with healthy ingredients (such as steel cut oats instead of quick oats.) You’ll save money and get better food. I used online survey points to buy myself free stuff including an egg cooker and a rice cooker. I use them and my bread maker often to help cut down on my prep time.
My tip is a $ saver for your community. Glean your pantry for food (and your house for items) that you no longer want. Donate the items to your local shelter or charity. This way you can recycle and help your community.
Our local shelter (JAC) holds a giant garage sale once a year to sell anything they couldn’t use. Perhaps you can find bargains there too!
Shop with a list (made out after planning your menu) and try not to vary. I could use another bag, especially with the shoulder strap, convenient.
Every once in a while, I will boycott the grocery store for a week or so. I make myself eat whatever is already in the house/freezer, no matter if it doesn’t go together.
Thanks for the giveaway >^..^
I plan my menus for 2 weeks at a time and only shop every 2 weeks for groceries, household supplies and pet needs. This saves me lots of money because I live 30 miles from town and with gas being so expensive cannot run to town for 1-2 items. If there is a bargain between shopping trips for me I have my husband stop and pick up those items. He does not mind using coupons and buying only sale items.
Best way to save – shop at Target
I cut my dryer sheets in half and they work just as good and saves money!
I find that if I plan my meals out for a week or even just come up with 3 or 4 big meals to make and buy the supplies all at once then I don’t go to the grocery store as often and don’t make as many impulse purchases. Definitely saves money!
I can not advocate enough menu planning. I know it is a pain and just not fun at all, but it helps save hundreds of dollars. I also make sure to not buy prepackaged things so much. Why pay more for cans of biscuits when you can make them yourself? Or pre seasoned meats. That is crazy. I can season my food much better than anyone else can. They can pay me to season their food:)
My suggestion is to use reusable shopping bags!! My local grocery will take 3 cents off per reusable shopping bag that you use every time you shop. If you are like me, that can add up! When you add that to the savings from combining coupons and sales, it’s very helpful!!!
I have become a coupon horder over the last couple of months. It has already saved me a bunch of money
I dilute my fabric softener to half water and half fabric softener
I can always use a few more of these bags..I find that on big shopping trips I end up using all of my reusable bags but still have to get plastic, too.
i re-use water bottles, and also anything else i can.
no need to buy sandwich tubs, just re-use the ones from lunch meat
thanks ! hope i win !
luckymatt5 AT gmail DOT com
My tip (well, 2
) – use cloth diapers and eat vegetarian at least once a week!
One way we save money is to bake our own bread. I’m just starting to do it, but it’s fun and yummy too!
double coupons.
We have a large store here that does comparison prices. So my tip is do your homework. Make a list of things on sale at all stores, write down the price and what store has the sale and take it with you to the store offering comparison prices. That way you get everything you need at the sale prices and you only go to one store.
Using coupons. we save hundreds every year
This tip probably sounds a little off the wall, but I wanted to suggest something you might not have thought of trying. A lot of radio stations will have contests, may of which are either concert tickets or restaurant gift certificates(usually $20 to $25). If you use speed dial, and pay attention and learn the timing of the giveaways, you can generally do pretty well. The smaller radio stations are easier to win from. You can generally win once every 30 days. Listen to several stations and you can do pretty well. About 90% of my eating out budget and about the same for my summer concert budget come from radio station wins.
We prepare our favorite restaurant foods at home. They are a fraction of the cost when you prepare at home. Even a great steak dinner. I can get a 4 pack of huge steaks at Costco for under $20. In a restaurant those meals would be $18.99 each.
THank you for the great giveaway. I like to use coupons whenever I can.
I would love to win.
Thank you
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
I’m like everyone else, it seems.
I use coupons and buy in bulk.
Plus I have a few of the cloth bags but can always use more
You can never have to many reusable shopping bags
I use coupons to buy only those items already on the grocery list. And I stick to the list.
only buy cereal on sale with coupons!
margelina@comcast.net
i make my own pump hand soap useing soap bar shavings and water. works great and makes a bunch.
I have been using coupons, and doing ok, but this week I went to Aldi and I was pleasantly surprised. Great prices, there was plenty of selection, not as much as a usual grocery, but alot of that extra causes you to buy things you wouldn’t normally. Their brand names ( the ones I have tried so far), are very good. I will be limiting my grocery store trips now and checking out Aldi first, then using my coupons on what I can there.
thanks for sharing
ceashark at aol dot com
i am in supermarkets on a regular basis so i scour for the specials and combine with coupons thanks for the giveaway
I shop at these amazing bent and dent store nearby. Everything is a fraction of the price. So my tip would be to really look around for good deals. I never would have found the store otherwise because it’s in the middle of nowhere and doesn’t advertise at all.
Those Target bags look great! I scout out for the sales, buy generic brands, and use coupons!
When you use resuable shopping bags at my supermarket (Ralphs), they pay you 5 cents for each bag used. Pretty good, huh
Cute bags! I’m sure everyone else has said this, but: Buy on sale, use coupons, buy only what you need. Also, we’ve chosen to forgo cable TV and traditional cell phones which saves us TONS of money.
Instead of buying plastic containers, I save all the yogurt, butter, sour cream, and cottage cheese containers and reuse them to store leftovers.
Nothing earth shattering here, but I use coupons and shop the sales. I have scored lots of free things this way. And free is always good!
I look at the Sunday ads with my coupons in hand so I can combine deals!
karmen_316(at)yahoo(dot)com
Cook an extra portion of dinner and you have your next days lunch instead of having to scramble in the morning looking for something to eat and then you end of buying you lunch and spending money!
Thank you
We have switched our household cleaning supplies to homemade with vinegar, baking soda and other cheap agents.
I also use the wrappers from sticks of butter to butter pans–just save the ones you don’t need right away in a bag in the freezer!
Thanks for the chance to win!
My penny pinching tip is price matching – (if you’re not shopping the end caps at Target that is!) – for example our grocery store had Skippy Peanut Butter on sale for 99¢ today….pricematched that at Wal-mart, so I didn’t have to make two trips out in the cold!
Buy in bulk,use coupons, and try the generic/store brand products. Some of them are pretty close to the originals.
I make all my own cleaning supplies. Google some recipes and you’ll see how easy and inexpensive it is! I save tons!
When I go grocery shopping I ask the produce manager if he has any vegetables marked down. I got a perfect pack of potatoes the other day for $1.
Thank you!
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I like to save 20% of my paycheck for emergencies.
My best tip is to plan meals around what’s on sale each week at your favorite grocery store.
I buy in bulk and rarely buy processed food.
I have been eyeing these at target
keep snacks in the car so you aren’t tempted by fast food
Penny pinching tip? Have your Suburban battery die so you can’t go shopping? Ok – maybe not a good tip afterall lol. Planning a menu and then shopping to the list using sales and coupons as much as possible seems to help.
Also, if I’m tempted to buy something (not food lol) and there is plenty on the shelf, I’ll make myself wait. If I really want it, I’ll go back and get it, but usually, it was just an impulse buy.
I try not to use paper towels by using re-usable cloth rags.
Thanks for offering it!
princesslimey (at) gmail (dot) com
My penny-pinching tip: Keep a price book for groceries and household items you typically buy. Track the price of each item at various stores and during stores, and in time, you will know what a rock-bottom price really is. Thanks for the giveaway!
Penny pinching tip….USE coupons combined with sales and get products cheap!! Thank you
Unless I absolutely need something that can’t wait (like toilet paper), I only buy what’s on sale and stock up. Every store has it’s loss leaders to draw you in so I’ve gotten some amazing deals that way. Thanks for the giveaway!
lmillitch (at) gmail (dot) com
Since I drive a lot, I continually look for the least expensive gasoline.
I buy generic.
We save regulary on meat by changing to chicken as our basic meat most of the time…..there are lots of great ways to fix it so it does not become boring. We buy boneless, skinless chicken breast for $1.99 lb. We grind some of it and use it for all the dishes we once used ground beef for….chili, meatloaf, spaghetti sauce…we even make chicken sausage. It is healthful and delicious. I always pound out the chicken breasts when making recipes…it cooks more evenly and it looks like a really big piece of meat for being just one chicken breast. I usually cut each piece into two pieces.
This is a great giveaway!
Tip: just because your buying all natural, or organic, doesn’t mean it has to cost a lot, buying in bulk or making it yourself is a great way to get the natural stuff you want.
Latte
Buy on sale and stock up on those items. Use coupons. They really add up.
Meal planning. That is my best advice. When you meal plan you eat out less…saves money right there. You use what is already in your cabinets and fridge…less trips to the store…more money saving. You don’t have to buy stuff at top dollar, because when you meal plan you plan your meals around what is on sale. More money saving! That’s my best tip!
And I would sooo love me some Red Target bags! I love red and I love target! Pick me!
I like to use coupons as much as possible, I save lest 20$ week.
I’m sorry you have a bad experience last time! I don’t know if it’s a penny pinching tip but I just read my Ready Made magazine a cool tip that I thought I would pass on. If you have a bagless vacuum (as I do) and you dump it out a lot (as I do), I’m sure you’ve noticed how dust sticks to the inside of the canister. If you suck up a piece of a used dryer sheet, the dust sticks to it! I think that is so cool, and it reuses the dryer sheets that are already going in the trash!
When shopping for clothes, look at the sales racks. They sometimes have clothing items for just a few dollars. Thanks for this great contest!
This would be so helpful when I go out! It would be nice to have a bag that didn’t rip apart when I try to bring the groceries in the house!
We save money by always being on the lookout for clearanced and sale items. I can’t say that I am where I want to be, but I am getting there! I also find that if you go out enough and frequent Target and other stores, you’ll find the clearanced items when there is still a huge selection. I have clothes for my kids, I’ve got 5 under the age of 7, until next year. That includes sandals, summer stuff, winter stuff, shoes and sneakers, etc. All because I was able to get things that were clearanced and out of season.
I have one reusable grocery bag, and 2 t-shirt bags that I also use…but I still run out of bags. 6! So so awesome. I love target.
My tip: shop clearance aisle’s first. Sometimes you will find the same thing as the regular aisle, only it was opened and returned so its 30% (or more) off. I got thermal drapes at Target this way. $12/panel when there were exact duplicates on the shelf for $30! What a steal when you need curtains and were going to suck it up and buy the $30 ones.
My tip is to Plan Your Meals in advance! I know, everyone says that, but I never believed it! It just seemed like it wouldn’t work for us, but this month we started doing it and the savings is amazing! Seriously! I can’t even tell you how much we save by pre-planning a menu for the week!
jinglesells at gmail dot com
An oldie but goodie – cut up old t-shirts, hem them and use them as dish rags. Saves waste and saves on paper towels!
A penny pinching tip? Date your bulk containers that you purchase to make certain that you are getting the value of what you spend on them.
Thank you! My reusable bags are beginning to wear out!
I use a bag both in my garbage and in my recycling can, and when I take out the garbage, I take out the recycling too and then reuse the recycling bag as the ‘new’ garbage bag so it gets used twice, that’s my penny pinching tip
My husband reads the ingredients on the generic and then the name brand and if they are the same, we get the generic. We also recycle or plastic bags if we forget to bring our reusable bags. And we keep all the baby food jars and use them for crafts and to put nails and screws in!
I have been shopping at CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens…they have great rebate programs and their sales are wonderful (with coupons of course).
Get together with your neighbors to share coupons. Thanks!!
I love these bags. I have been using all natural cleaning supplies around the house.vinager, baking soda,can clean a lot around the home,.
Great bags,count me in
Always look at the store circulars and make a list of the sale items you’re going to buy before you get in the store.
turn shampoo bottles and such upside down…
Freebiegoddess03(at)aol(dot)com
We no longer buy bottled water…we just have a pitcher filter and refill our own bottles. It also is greener as there is less plastic in the landfills! I am a true believer in re-usable bags, so I’d love to get a few more!
actually reading the mailers that grocery stores send out has saved me up to half of my grocery bill on certain weeks. Total blessing
When buying large bags of potatoes, apples or oranges, weigh them because there can be a substantial difference in size and you want to get the most for your money!
Getting the Sunday paper every week & using coupons. I like to check out coupon blogs for easy match up for the store to the coupons.
Coupons, coupons, and more coupons…that’s my tip. Thanks.
Keep a price book. I know where the best deals are and use coupons!
shop clearance
Stock up when there are sales!
Don’t buy what you don’t need. It’s hard, but it works best!
I have started shopping at Aldi for alot of stock goods that can be purchased there for less than the regular grocery store. The quality is comparable and sometimes even better and we save money!
Thanks for the opportunity… Lisa
I buy what on sale…in bulk…especially meat…sorry that you had a bad experience last time…Thank you for participating in the giveaway….Carol Jo….cvdmvega@yahoo.com
I really need to start using these for my shopping, but they are so expensive to buy when you need as many as I do for a weekly grocery shopping trip ( I have 2 teenage boys; need I say more?) One thing I learned from my MIL is that almost any leftovers can be made into a quiche.
Shop used! For best results go to a Goodwill within a nice area (someplace where there is business workers is great). I find Gap, Ralph Lauren, Anne Taylor, etc. all the time for a maximum of $3.50 per item.
amelia2007b(at)yahoo(dot)com
Use baking soda and vinegar for cleaning!
Tip… we are using coupons, cutting back electricity usage, and trying to not only recycle (difficult to do where we live) but reuse/repurpose things.
These bags are adorable and using my own shopping bags is one thing that I’ve not yet done. And we don’t have a Target. {feel sorry for me yet? lol}
Thanks for the cool giveaway!
Robin
cokelush at gmail
To stretch soup, stew or chili, just add more water. Thanks for the contest.
shop the sales, use coupons, get rainchecks
Gorgeous! I’d love to win these! My best penny pinching tip (sounds simple but has made such a difference to me!) is to organize your coupons. They’re just a waste o time if half of them never get used because you don’t know which ones you have or where in the big box of coupons they are. Thanks for the giveaway!
A penny pinching tip is to follow money saving blogs. They have some great advice!
I plan my meals out, eat before I go to the store and don’t buy anything that’s not on my list!
reuse plastic baggies by turning them inside out and washing them.
madamerkf at aol dot com
I have made a list of places that offer free kids meals on certain nights and we try to take advantage of it once in awhile. There are also many places that weekly specials like buy one meal get one free and the like…so it is worth it to check these things out!
sandalsndaisies(at)yahoo(dot)com
I don’t have any tips that are new to anyone, but if you garden, then compost! You can’t buy anything better for your garden (vegetable or whatever).
Cut up your crdit cards and pay everything you can in cash. You will spend less.
A lot of the things I print on my computer that are just for my benefit and don’t have to “look good”. So I use old paper that is still blank on one side (or pages I printed on “new” paper and don’t need anymore) to print most of my documents rather than buying packs of new paper very often.
Use coupons and compare to weekly sales ads. Sometimes you get things for almost free!
Coupons! I can’t live without them!
Cook more meals that last longer then one night (soups, beans etc.)
Use half of a dryer sheet.
Couponing is my main tip. Check the adverts and see when your local store has the same item on sale for even further savings.
My hubby found this cheapo tip for coffee. When you have day-old grounds, take out half and just add half fresh. We can’t taste a difference in the coffee, and we throw them out if it’s longer than 24 hrs. lol Thanks for the chance.
Using coupons is a great way to save money. I recently started using coupons, and, wow do I end up saving! Thanks for the great chance.
Match deals with coupons before you go grocery shopping, and refrain from impulse buys.
I clip coupons.
Thanks for the giveaway!
kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com
always buy clothes in the off season, summer clothes in December when they are marked way down. Buy used clothing for the kids.
reuse any type of container for storage, make things last longer than usual.
Make a list and stick to it.
Use coupons. Save even more money when you use them with sale items.
The one big change I’ve made is meal planning – and sticking to it. I find we aren’t going out/ordering out near as much as what I have planned looks so good. Also, using the crock pot when I am still fresh in the morning helps with the meal planning. I found by the end of the day I could care less about dinner, but with it already in the CP, no worries. I have also been using coupons a lot more!
Cheers, Kiy
My two big things are coupons and buying off season! thanks!
My newest penny pinching thing is I started shopping at sak-n-save! You bring your own bags (so you know I need these) and that helps keep cost down. I just bought enough pork chops there the other day for 6 meals and paid 9.99!!!
Lisa
9.99 for 6 meals! Thats penny pinching!
clip coupons – its not that much bother, and you can save a lot of cash
All my tupperware is recycled butter tubs, cool whip containers, etc.
Coupons !!
use coupons only at stores that double them and shop the sales
I always use coupons and stick to my list.. I always look at all papers for the week and compare and figure out in my head and it depends on what stores double coupons also.
I would love to win the bags, i get .05 off my Kroger shopping bill for each bag.
I’ve finally decided that buying usually follows browsing and all those choices I make that lead up to standing in the check-out line ~ so I am no longer stopping at favorite stores just to browse, looking for things that strike my fancy that I don’t really need. This works for internet shopping too. If I don’t look for something to buy, I don’t buy …
TU for the green giveaway!
Price matching at Walmart…everything on sale in one store.
Ha, well I work in a trendy clothing store, and everytime we get new shipment, which is everyday, Im always tempted to buy like 5 things. So I only allow myself to buy one item a week, that way I get something I really can’t be without and instead of just buying everything that catches my eye.
What a great prize! Thanks.
My best money saving tip is to use dollars or bills as much as possible and collect that all day long. When you get home put it away in a jar or bank and you will save it easier, you would rather spend a bill then cents so its easier to save. Thanks
I read my circulars, clip coupons and buy things when they are on sale.I buy in bulk when it makes sense and combine trips so I’m not running all over town.
I use coupons every time I go to the grocery store. The savings add up over a year – keep a list for one year and you will be convinced
Coupons have helped me save thousands over the last two years.
Thanks for the great contest!
melazy1(at)gmail(dot)com
Shop with a basket not a cart. you’re less tempted to buy things you dont actually need.
I buy generic whenever I can. I also use up everything. Thanks for the chance to win.
using coupons is the first step, second step go through sale circular and see who honors others coupons or has store coupons, (it’s usually on the bottom in tiny print), next see if there are any rebates or store money (like cvs has), then make a shopping list of what you need marking what is on sale, what you have coupons for, and so forth. My best friend has taught me this and most times when I shop I get everything for free, very little money, or sometimes they give me money back. it’s so much more fun this way.
coupons, coupons, and more coupons
One of my favorite things is to use online coupons that I can load onto my Kroger card – they automatically redeem at the checkout plus I can also use paper coupons for the same items and save a ton!
When you get a package, sometimes you get these huge reams of white paper as packing material to keep everything safe. Have your children color on it, and reuse it as wrapping paper.
I would love to have these bags for myself.
My absolutely favorite bags come from Target, because they are big, sturdy, fold up nice and small, and have the perfect straps for carrying over your shoulder.
My penny pinching tip is to not leave the house! When I go out, I spend money.
Seriously, I plan out every outing with snacks/drinks in my car so that I don’t run through Sonic on a whim. I also make sure I am home in time to make meals so that I don’t grab a pizza on the way home.
Don’t buy cereal, make oatmeal. It is way cheaper and very healthy (keeps the doc away, too).
i try to use recycle grocery bag when ever possible. and i would like some more as my daughter forgets to give them back. thank you
Coupons, coupons, coupons. Thanks for the contest!
Coupons and I send away for free samples
if you shop at a store that has money back if not satisfied that is a good way to try new brands because if you do not like it take it back
i use tons of coupons because my store doubles them and i save alot of money
we reuse our plastic sandwich bags whenever we can. when i’m feeling especially frugal i’ll actually wash them when they’ve have messy stuff in them and reuse them after that. even if they’re the cheap ones.
I am using reusable bags, however, they are too big to fit in my handbag.
I bought one of those small bags that get folded into a small bag. So cute, and I don’t have to buy any more bags.
shop at a store that offers price matching so you don’t have to run across town to buy a few sale items at a different store.
I plan my shopping trips well in order to save time. money and gas. I use coupons as much as I can and compare prices using my circulars that I receive in the mail. I normally save between $ and $18 per grocery shopping trip this way and it is helping.
I always check out the clearance sections and use Coupons to match the items!
AnD I LOVE TO SHOP AT TARGET, so those bags are appropiate for ME!!
I could give a million tips because everyone I know thinks I’m cheap, (but we all know that I’m the smart one…knowing thrifty and frugal inside-out!) The one big tip is to buy yourself a long handled thin rubber spatula for getting the last drop of ANYTHING out of a jar or a bowl from which you are serving. The jars are curved on the bottome and designed to catch a lot of sauce, gravy, etc. that can be used. I wouldn’t do without mine.
I turn our thermostat down and up (depending on season!) more than I used to.
Well I know my friends think I’m cheap but I prefer to say I’m frugal.
I use a lot of basic household items for cleaning like baking soda and white vinegar. I also do a lot of cooking from scratch. Convenience and prepackaged foods are very expensive. And I buy in bulk when things are on sale. Thanks for the giveaway.
My neighbor and I buy in bulk from the discount club places, and then we split everything in half and also split the cost. That way, we can usually use up everything before it goes bad, but we’re still getting the good prices.
Buy family packs of meat, they are cheaper, then make smaller packs for use later.
My penny pinching tip is coupons. I have mine in a divider and it is great because they are organize and then I can look at the flyers to see what store I can save the most.
Wow, whatever happened last time sure sounded ugly! Sorry for you!
Baking Soda and water not only is cheap, but PROMISE!..You won’t find a better teeth whitener! Thanks!
Rinse a jar of sauce with water before discarding it. It is always possible to get a few extra table spoon this way.
I turn my water heater off using only 4 hours a day. I’m getting ready to buy a new water heater and timer. Please enter me, thank you
Unplug appliances when not in use, so you aren’t paying for the phantom energy they can waste.
We buy a lot from the scratch and dent store. Food is still good and in date; just the box does not look perfect.
If you are going to eat out, eat out at lunchtime instead of dinner. Usually the food is much cheaper but the portions are not that much smaller. Some places also offer buffet at lunchtime and you can really fill up (and then eat a small sensible dinner).
I do pretty well by making a list of things I must have and adding things from the circulars. I sort out the coupons I need and put them with my list. I keep the extra coupons in cheap purse sized photo albums and stick them in my purse – just in case I want to treat us to something special that is not on the list. Just sticking to the list savesme a bundle if I don’t impulse buy.
Do a lot of cooking at home. Eating out is expensive. Buy the food that is on sale that week and plan your menu around them. Thanks for the contest.
I combine coupons and sales to get really cheap and free items! Thanks for the great giveaway!
mattandjen[at]gmail.com
Make your own dishwashing detergent
Please, count me in.
I like to combine supermarket sales with manufacturer’s coupons.
[...] If you are EVER in the need of money saving tips, read those comments. All 276 of them are great ways to save a little money, stetch your dollar a little further, and help the environment, too! And every tip was an entry for a chance to win 6 reusable Target bags! [...]