What I Learned in 2009 - Part 4 of 4

Use the little things out there on the internet to make a few extra bucks here and there:

1. SWAGBUCKS - Earn Swagbucks for doing searches on the internet, for only 45 Swagbucks you can cash in for a $5 Amazon gift card. I have already earned 2 since joining!

2. EBATES - Shopping on-line? Stop here first and you will earn a percentage cash back to your Ebates account. Money can then be deposited quarterly right into your Paypal account!

3. SHOP AT HOME - very similar to Ebates, earn a percentage of your purchase back, plus there is a bonus for signing up. I am getting a check for $24.99 mailed to me on January 31st!

4. SURVEYSPOT- Take short surveys on line and earn a $1 or so for each one. I only take the surveys that offer cash. I get a check about every 3 months of about $6-$10. Not much, but still money I didn't have before!



5. EBAY - Sell unwanted items on EBAY!! I make this a frequent habit of selling clothes!



6. HALF.COM - Sell books, DVD's, CD's and more. My husband is back in school, so when his class is over, I sell his books here. You get a lot more then selling back to the book store!

I hope you enjoyed my 4 part series. I am so excited for 2010, there is so much more to learn on how to save money!!

What I Learned in 2009 - Part 3 of 4

My Coupon Tricks:

1. Find an organization method that works for you. I use a baby wipe container with index cards separting the categories!
2. Clip on Sunday, organize on Monday (I organize on my lunch hour on Monday).
3. Go through and purge at the beginning on the month!
4. Find additional sources of insert coupons. My mom gives me her inserts. Believe me when there is a good sale with a coupon, you will want more than one!
5. Visit sites in which you can print, such as Coupons.com and RedPlum.com.
6. Only print coupons you know you will use, remember you are paying for ink!
7. Learn to stack coupons! Target accepts a Target coupon which can be found on their website as well as a mfg for the same item!
8. Follow a blog that does coupon match-ups for you at the stores you shop. I follow Money Saving Mom and Saving in Akron!
9. If there is a coupon you really like, buy more. I have used EBAY before for this!
10. Swap coupons and formula checks with friends and family or sell them yourself on EBAY!

What I Learned in 2009 - Part 2 of 4

Some Things You Should NEVER Have to Pay For!

So as I was getting good at bargain hunting and using coupons, I discovered that there are somethings you should never have to pay for as long as you wait for sale and pair with a coupon, use a mail in rebate, or get ECB's or Register Rewards back for the full price amount and then some!

1. Toothpaste
2. Toothbrushes
3. Razors
4. Shave Cream/Gel
5. Shampoo/Conditioner, Stylers
6. Frozen Veggies
7. Body Wash
8. Dental Floss
9. Maxi Pads/Pantiliners
10. Contact Solution (I have 7 bottles!!)

What I Learned in 2009 - Part 1 of 4

Part 1 - Ten Things I Learned About Getting Started Being a Bargain Hunter

1. Start slow and learn one store at a time (I recommend starting with CVS)!

2. Find what you spend now a week on groceries and set a weekly goal (mine is $65).

3. Track your spending for a couple of months, write down everything and you will see where you are spending the most $$!

4. Use what works best for you. A lot of people advocate an all cash system, I continue to use credit cards because I pay them off and reap more rewards!

5. Learn coupon strategies, such as stacking a Target and MFG coupon, for extra savings!

6. Know your prices for items, so you can spot a good deal, bigger packages are not always a better deal!

7. When there is a GREAT DEAL, STOCKPILE!! It may not get that low for another 6 months.

8. Don't be brand loyal. You can get better deals if you switch brands. I do however have to have my Tide, so I do stock up when there is a good sale.

9. Brand name items in most cases cost less then generic when bought on sale and with a coupon!

10. Shop at a few different stores, I usually have a trip to Giant Eagle, CVS, and Walgreens once a week!

To be continued...

What I Learned in 2009 - Introduction

WOW - I cannot believe 2009 is almost over! I have decided to do a small series on "What I Learned in 2009". I started the year off as a Casual Bargain Hunter and now I have learned (and still learning) on being an Avid Bargain Hunter. 2009 has changed the way my family now lives for the better, so I am going to share what I learned this year about bargain hunting, frugal living, couponing, and finding the best deals - which are all my passions now! So check back now through the end of the year for my lists of "What I Learned in 2009"!