I’m often asked where I shop. My answer is “it depends.” It depends on what I’m looking for, how far in advance I have before I need the item, if I can be flexible with what I need, and if I have any coupons for the item. All this is assuming I’m shopping in person and not online. Here’s where I start:
Clothes- I get most of my great fashion finds at irregular or overstock stores like T.J. Maxx or Rugged Wearhouse. It’s a risk if you’re looking for something specific, but if you’re flexible you can get some great deals. I also shop at department stores in the clearance racks. Often that means buying sweaters when it’s 80 degrees out, so the down side is that you can’t enjoy your off-season merchandise right away, and I’ve been known to talk myself into something I didn’t need for next season just because it was a great deal.
Food- Your big chain grocery stores are the best bet. If you’re couponing, go with name brand items and pair your coupon with their sale to save 50% or more. If you aren’t couponing, check the store brands and lesser known brands. It’s important to know your store’s coupon policies so you know what they will -and won’t- accept before you get there.
Home Decor- I’m back to the irregular and overstock stores. They often have lots of seasonal merchandise that national chains ordered too much of. Their loss is your gain as you score them for less. If you need a red bowl with a white paisley pattern on it you’re better to shop at your big all-in-one retailer for a greater selection, but if you just need a bowl with some red in it you’ll probably find what you need and save.
Toys- The national all-in-one stores are probably your best bet. Compare sale prices and look for manufacturer’s coupons online and in your Sunday paper.
Over the counter meds, baby items, and household cleaning items- head to your national drugstore. Most of the coupon match-up websites include sales with matching coupons from the drugstores. Combine that with the rewards programs they often have and you can really cash in.
I hope this helps point you in the right direction. Happy savings!
Did you see today’s daily deal? $35 for a one hour massage and consultation from Body Worx (a $150 value). This would be great for mother’s day, father’s day, or a graduation present. Or maybe a gift for your favorite money saving columnist….
Get two folded 5×7 photo cards from CVS.com for just $1.99 with code BOGOMOM at checkout. These are available for pick up at your local store.
It’s that time of year again: time to buy gifts for all the special folks in your life. But what to get them? And how do you keep from taking out a second mortgage just to show people you love them? Here are some ideas of real value.
~A little thought goes a long way. If you do something to make someone feel special you don’t have to spend a lot. My family had a postcard from my great grandmother that got destroyed. I found a vintage replacement online that was priceless. It cost me less than $10, but it made my mom feel like a million bucks.
~People love pictures. They don’t love to be subjected to thousands of your vacation pictures but they love pictures of their kids, grand kids, and other people who are special to them. Choose a picture of a fun memory, a great pose, or featuring a cherished heirloom. Add an inexpensive frame and you’ve got a gift they’ll love.
~Time is money. If you don’t have a lot of one, you may be able to spare the other. Create a gift certificate to help dad clean out the garage, mend that fence in mom’s yard, or help the graduate box things for her move. Not only will they appreciate the labor that you provide, they will probably love the one on one time they get to spend with you too.
~Give parents some time to themselves. Let mom take a bath in silence, or let dad go fishing on his own. Sometimes the best way to show you appreciate someone is to leave them alone. Just make sure you tell them you appreciate and adore them, and that they’re deserving of an afternoon of pampering.
~Finally, take advantage of all the daily deals out there. Onlineathens features one everyday. Purchase a restaurant deal to take someone out to eat or a store deal to buy a gift. You’ll stretch your dollars even further. Happy savings!
It’s tax day tomorrow! I hope you’ve done your taxes. Several businesses are offering freebies tomorrow:
-Cinnabon is offering free cinnabites from 6-8pm.
-Chili’s is offering a free appetizer or dessert today through Wednesday. Check out their facebook page for a coupon to present.
-Seattle’s Best Coffee is offering a free coffee. Print the coffee rebate coupon on their facebook page.
-SONIC is having Happy Hour on drinks all day today. Get your soft drinks and slushes half off.
-Arby’s has free curly fries today. Head to their facebook page to print your coupon.
-Today’s Daily Deal is $29 for a chiropractic consult, exam, report, and therapeutic cervical pillow from HealthSource Chiropractic.
Today’s daily deal is $150 worth of gutter or gutter guard installation for only $50. We need gutters on the front of our house so I’m thinking about getting this one.
Get 25% off at gap.com today.
Tomorrow from 9-4 the UGA Vet school will host their open house. Visit to have a tour of the facility, see large and small animal exhibits, and bring your teddy bear for surgery if needed. Click here for more.
Real Deals in Jefferson will host an Easter egg hunt inside their store Saturday morning at 9am. All ages are welcome, and there is no charge.
Sandy Creek will have a Froggy Spring Fling tomorrow night from 7-9 where you and your (4 year old and up) child can learn about amphibians. $7 for ACC residents, $10 for non-residents. Call 706-613-3615 for more.
Fun at the Fort:
Tomorrow night from 7-9 at Fort Yargo experience one of Georgia’s most picturesque and fascinating historic sites. You will partake in fun antique methods of candle dipping and bread baking in our brick oven, and working with a card loom. $3 plus $5 parking. Call (770) 867-3489 for more.
Today’s daily deal is $29 for a super booster tooth whitening pen from Whitening Lightening. Click here to get yours.
