Fake It Till You Make It

Shoppers Food Coupon Matchups

I taught you about couponing basics in one of my very first blog posts and I turned you onto some of my favorite frugal bloggers who post coupon matchups for the stores I love.  I am in awe of the work that these folks put in scouring weekly ads and matching them with available coupons, and I am so thankful to have this resource available at my fingertips.  I think I may have taken for granted just how much work goes into doing matchups though, and I realized that fully this week. 

I have a Shoppers Food on my way home from work and I’ve recently wanted to stop in to check out the deals.  It turns out that they have some pretty great prices, but it’s hard to find someone doing consistent coupon matchups  - and so, it is with trepidation that I launch into my first attempt at doing my own coupon matchups.  I’m happy to share a bit about my frugal adventure with you.

I grabbed my local add from online and I started matching sale prices with coupons.  It took quite a while, greatly increasing my respect for the bloggers who do this every week for multiple stores.  It was also pretty fun.  It felt like I was putting together a challenging puzzle, and as I found good deals I received a great sense of satisfaction.  For a few evenings I was a coupon queen.

I took my coupon matchups on a little trip to Shoppers Food and scored some great savings on products I needed.  In addition – I was able to get some fresh produce at a price that was very nice.  All in all, the shopping trip was a positive one, but there was one hitch.  I’ve heard coupon bloggers talk about the importance of carrying a store’s coupon policy with you on your shopping trips in case you should encounter an uninformed employee.  The employee I encountered wasn’t just uninformed, he was also kind of rude.  I had a $.75 off coupon for croutons that were priced at $1.25 each.  Shoppers Food Warehouse doubles coupons up to $.99.  The doubled coupon totaled $1.50 off, which obviously exceeded the price of the item.  According to the Shoppers coupon policy the item should have been free with no overage given -  pretty simple.  My cashier was unfamiliar with the policy and the assistant manager she called told me that I was wrong and refused to double the coupon.  Long story short I had them remove the croutons from my order and I left a little frustrated.

After spending a few hours doing coupon matchups I wasn’t just willing to let the coupon refusal rest.  I’d like to keep going to Shoppers, and I don’t want to encounter another situation like this – so I called the corporate office and made a complaint.  This is something I very rarely do, but I’m so glad I did.  I ended up getting a call back from the store manager reassuring me that I was correct about the coupon policy and letting me know that he would retrain the staff member I encountered.  He was so nice I almost thought I’d stumbled back into small town Ohio.  Based on my encounter I highly recommend that you get to know your coupon policies and that you be willing to contact management if you have an issue.  I found it to be very worth it.

Shoppers runs their sale cycle from Thursday –Wednesday.  I’m going to try to bring you the deals moving forward.  I won’t presume to have a complete list of matchups, but I will tell you about some of the best deals and how you can maximize them with coupons.   As I’m just starting out, I don’t know if this will be something that I do every week, but I will try to bring you matchups as regularly as possible.  I’m excited to join the coupon blogging club, especially since I can fill a clear niche. 

To prep I’m going to share with you the Shoppers Food Warehouse Coupon policy so that you can familiarize yourself.  I truly hope that this information will be helpful for you as you seek to save some money on your household groceries!

Shoppers Food Coupon Policy

• SHOPPERS will accept valid manufacturers’ coupons obtained from the Internet with a face value up to $7.00.

• Internet coupons with a face value of $7.01 or above or FREE offers will not be accepted (Buy One, Get One Free coupons ARE permitted).

• Coupons must contain valid redemption information and a valid bar code (UPC) to be honored.

• Photocopies of Internet coupons are not acceptable.

• SHOPPERS reserves the right to refuse any coupon deemed to be fraudulent and the right to change or terminate this policy at any time.

• SHOPPERS will double the value of valid manufacturers’ coupons with a face-value of up to 99¢ (example: 25¢ = 50¢, 50¢ = $1.00, 75¢ = $1.50.)

• Valid manufacturers’ coupons with a face-value of $1.00 or greater will be redeemed at face-value only (example: $1.00 = $1.00, $1.50 = $1.50, $2.00 = $2.00.)

• The value of the “doubled” manufacturer’s coupon may not exceed the retail price of the item. If the price of the item is less than the “doubled” value of the manufacturer’s coupon, the item will be free.

• Buy One, Get One Free coupons will NOT be doubled.

• Manufacturers’ coupons may be obtained from the newspaper, mailers or Internet.

• Coupons must contain valid redemption information and a valid bar code (UPC) to be honored.

• SHOPPERS reserve the right to limit manufacturers’ coupons eligible for “doubling” purposes to four (4) identical coupons.

• Manufacturers’ coupons that state “Do Not Double” or “Not subject to Doubling” will be redeemed at face value only.

• Photocopies of coupons are not acceptable.

• SHOPPERS reserves the right to refuse any coupon deemed to be fraudulent and the right to change or terminate this policy at any time.

Finding Hidden Jobs

When you decide to dive into job search – what is your first step? Do you go to the big online job boards – Career Builder, Monster, Indeed? All are great resources, but did you know that many companies don't post their jobs on the “big boards” that we all think to search first? The jobs I'm referring to are what career specialists call “Hidden Jobs”, and just like the sweepstakes I choose to enter, they often have the best odds!

 So how do you find these jobs that aren't as widely publicized? There are several ways to go about it, but know that this type of sleuthing is not for the casual job-seeker. It takes some work, but the work often pays off.

 First – I recommend making a list of companies you would love to work for. Where I live, we have a magazine that puts out an annual issue with the best places to work. I would steal one or two from there, as well as list a few companies with visions aligning with mine. Once you've made your list (I suggest starting with around 10 companies), then the real detective work starts. Get familiar with your local newspaper, or newspaper website (which I prefer), and read it frequently. What you are looking for are articles that talk about new ventures and hiring trends like this one – which gives info about a hospital in a county that borders mine, looking to add 140 new jobs this year. If I am a healthcare profession, you'd better believe that I am going to be stalking that hospital like it's my job, because frankly, if I do it right – it could be. I would be looking for HR contacts within the company so that I could send my résumé, and make my qualifications and interest known.

 It's not always so complicated though. Sometimes you just need to visit the websites of companies that interest you. While they may not have the time, or feel the need to post their positions on a large job board, they will often post their jobs on their own private careers page. Add some company web pages to your favorites list and check them frequently. Positions may only be posted for a few days, so it's important to be vigilant.

One other trick for staying up to date on industry news is using Google Alerts.  You can use this free service to arrange to get periodic web searches for keywords you choose send directly to you.  I mentioned to you previously that one day I want to work for Milton Hershey School - so I could set up a search using the school's name and get related updates and news articles. You can do the same with companies you are interested in. Don't worry about being inundated with emails. You can select to receive alerts with any level of frequency you want.

Next comes everyone's favorite – networking. Go ahead and express your communal groans now. I know it's not the most fun or comfortable task in the world, but it's one that gets results. You can find jobs that never get posted by utilizing your personal network, professional connections, and alumni groups. I'll be sharing a post soon which breaks down the “how-to's” of networking in a more approachable way, but for now – know that you can't live in a bubble and expect to find out about the best opportunities. Those are reserved for the most connected.

My final suggestion involves doing something that is very against the nature of most of us. To find hidden jobs, sometimes you have to ask for them. It may sound too bold, and many times you might get rejected, but those who get what they want are often those who ask for it. I've only done this once, and it was for a seasonal position; but doing so changed the trajectory of my career. I have to be honest and tell you that at first, I got “no” for an answer, but my boldness eventually paid off, and I'm writing for you now because of it.

The figure is often debated, but some have estimated that hidden jobs have comprised up to 80% of the job market at different times. I figure that's a little high, but even if these jobs represent 20% of the workforce, that's enough to make me want to go after them. Hide and Seek. Dream job – you're “It”!

 

Image courtesy of [jscreationzs] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

2013 Financial Resolutions

Confession – since starting this blog, some of my frugal practices have been lacking. I haven't yet found the balance needed to use my evening hours productively enough for blogging AND saving, but with 2013 officially here, I believe “having it all” is well within my reach. While I haven't stopped couponing, sweeping, and living frugally entirely – I have certainly been missing out on many opportunities to boost my financial health, so I thought it would be a good time to set some financial resolutions.  What better place to set them than here where I will be kept accountable for for my goals?  So – without further adieu...my 2013 financial goals!

 

1. Sacred Saving Time: My husband is a night owl and I am more of a morning person. I'm almost always up several hours before him on Saturday mornings, and that just happens to be when my Sunday paper gets delivered. I have decided to make Saturday mornings from 10:00am – 1:00 pm a “Sacred Saving Time”. I will wake up, clip coupons, and prepare for my weekly shopping trips. Any time leftover can go to blogging, but first and foremost Saturday mornings will be for planning out my shopping savings. This way I don't get behind and I don't end up buying something for a sky high price out of necessity.  It also gives allows for a little “me time” on Saturday mornings which will help to facilitate an overall positive state of mind in 2013.

2. The Shelf : This is something I have been meaning to implement for a while, so the New Year's holiday is giving me the little kick in the pants I need. I'm embarrassed by how much food we waste in my house. For someone who claims to live frugally, I sure throw away a ton of money each week in spoiled groceries. My plan to combat this is a mix of  aggressive meal planning and fridge organization. I will reserve a shelf in my fridge for “must use” items. Perishable items will live on that shelf as a constant reminder of what ingredients are nearing their expiration date. I'll elaborate more on this plan with some great meal planning resources in a future post.

3. Giving: I began online giving to my church on every pay-day this year, and then got distracted and let the consistency slide. I will set outlook reminders to visit the church website and do my weekly giving to keep a healthy perspective on my finances and invest in what I really care about.

4. Craft/DIY: I am so hesitant to make this a goal, but I know it is for the best. I am going to forgo one major purchase this year and replace it with a DIY project. I HATE making stuff, but have a great friend Stacy who has vowed to help me, and I'm following a ton of blogs  written by lovely ladies who make DIY seem so chic.  I figure, this year is as good a year as any to try.

5. Less Power: Since marrying and moving in with my husband I have left the oven on overnight twice. I realize that I could have blown the house up, but in my defense, we have the world's oldest oven with faulty knobs. Anyway – my little boo-boo cost us an extra $100 on our electricity bill, so to make up for it I am going to be the light switch police and take steps to lower our electricity bill significantly.

6. Save: This year I have a a vacation scheduled for my one year anniversary which is my last big hurrah before all of my savings go towards investing in the future. My goal is to put a fairly decent pocket of cash away by the end of the year that will help my family reach new heights.

7. Blog: It may not seem like a financial goal, but really it is. My goal is to make blogging a part-time connection to the workforce that can be something I can rely on in a dynamic economy. To do this, I will need to strive to put my best effort into helping others through “Fake It Till You Make It” - a goal I vow to make a top priority.

So those are my seven financial resolutions for 2013. I have every intention on reporting about my efforts through this blog, so progress is a must!

What are your financial resolutions for 2013? Have you built in accountability to increase your chance of reaching your goals? Great! Now – here's your chance to make your financial resolutions pay! Go to one of my new favorite blogs “Wise Bread” for a chance to win an Amazon Gift Card. All you have to do is share your 2013 financial resolution.

Let's root each other on for a fantastic 2013!

photo credit: AMagill via photopin cc

50% off Thrift Store Shopping Today!

In elementary school I had this stupendously ugly thrift store coat. It was purple with big clunky buttons. It was too fluffy, and I was a bit too chubby to get it buttoned comfortably. I despised that coat, and with it – I developed a loathing for thrift stores in general. This loathing was only strengthened when shopping at the thrift store became the cool thing for my cute, skinny friends to do in high school. I tried to join in, but it's hard to find vintage tee-shirts that look hip in size XL.

So yes, I hated the thrift store. Then I moved to Maryland, and a roommate re-introduced me to thrift store shopping, and I was in heaven. Here in the DC area, we are blessed to have a chain of second-hand stores called “Unique Thrift” which are the size of big box stores. Imagine aisle after aisle of clothes, household goods, games, furniture, etc. I've lost hours shopping there. I've done Christmas shopping, and bought goodies to perk up my house. I've even purchased an entirely new professional wardrobe to the tune of $60.00. Some clothes I've bought have been from higher end stores like “Banana Republic” with the tags still on. I went to work and got complements on my clothes. This never happens, so I was beaming. I was officially a thrift store nut.

 

A good friend and I even did “A Thrift Store Christmas” one year, where we exchanged several gifts that we got second-hand. I got, and gave some of the coolest and most thoughtful gifts that year. I am saying all of this to try to convince you that your local second-hand store is perhaps worth a second look.

 Some things I suggest ALWAYS checking the thrift store for:

Books

Board Games

Simple/Small Furniture

Holiday Decorations

Fun Kitchenware

Jewelry &

Clothing – You (like me) may have had bad luck in the past with this last item but I encourage you to give it another shot. Your wardrobe budget can go much further if you spend some of it at the thrift store.

 We'll talk more about “thrifting” and buying used in future blog posts, but I encourage you to check out this article from a great site I follow called “Wise Bread” which talks about how to utilize the thrift store for your holiday shopping. I especially like its mention of shopping the housewares section for “sacrificial plates” - that is festive holiday plates you can take your goodies on when you go to a potluck, and not have to worry about retrieving them at the end of the night. Genius!

 All of this is leading up to what I'm truly excited about, and what spurred this blog post to begin with. For those reading my blog in the DC Metro area – get ready. Unique Thrift is having a 50% off sale today on clothing, shoes, accessories, bed, and bath. They have eight locations across Maryland & Virginia for you to shop at. You will need a VIP card which I've posted a picture of below – but you can sign up for one at any location. It's like the store loyalty cards you get at grocery and drug stores.

 

 

So – get out there. Knock off a few last minute Christmas list items, or get a few goodies for yourself. For those of you who aren't local – check your local thrift store. Perhaps a holiday sale promotion is coming your way as well!

 

Happy Thrifting!

 

Ebates & Encouragement From a Friend

This morning as I ran into church late I had a moment that totally made my day. A sweet woman who I attend church with, and who has been a consistently kind presence over the years stopped me as I grabbed my program and rushed for the auditorium door with a frazzled expression on my face. She smiled and said “Oh Sara – I love your blog!”. I didn't quite know how to respond, because at this point my blog is so new, I'm extremely touched to hear about people reading and enjoying it. She proceeded to tell me how she is hoping to pick up some saving tips, and she would even be up for some in-person money saving training when things slow down after the holidays. We chatted for a bit about how a lot of money saving tools seem overwhelming, and how I'm trying to focus on the most approachable techniques which can be easily integrated into a busy life. I entered the church service with a smile on my face, and a few thoughts brewing.

The holiday's are very busy – but they are also very expensive, and I know of at least one technique for saving that can be implemented right now with virtually no effort and learning curve. Not only is it easy – but this time of year is actually the best time for this tool. I'm talking about Ebates – and I can't imagine Christmas shopping without it.

 

Ebates is a website that gives you cash back from the shopping you would be doing anyway. It's simple. You sign up for an Ebates account. Then, each time you need to make an online purchase, go to Ebates first. Type in the name of the store you will be shopping from. Go to that vendor's website using the link given on Ebates, and complete your purchase as normal. That is ALL you have to do. A few days later, you will receive an email stating that you have cash back in your Ebates account. Ebates receives a commission for the sales made at stores linked to from their site, and then they pass that commission along to shoppers.  Cash back rates differ from store to store, and often increase as part of special promotions - sometimes into the double digits!  It's the easiest saving you're ever going to do! The trickiest part is remembering to go to Ebates when you shop. I sometimes forget until I'm about to checkout, and then I'll quickly jump over to ebates, click through to the store's page via the site and save!

Since October, I have earned $36.73 in cash back. Prior to this, I have earned over $80.00 and I'm a very sporadic online shopper. Ebates doesn't just feature retail stores. They also feature travel sites like www.hotels.com and daily deal sites like www.livingsocial.com. They even offer cash back on purchase from www.godaddy.com which I used to pay for the web hosting for this blog. If you can give yourself a mental reminder to always use Ebates for online shopping (heck – even put a sticky note on your computer screen if it helps!), you'll save money without any extra effort. During this busy holiday season, I think we could all use an easy method to save a little green!

 

Sign up for Ebates using this link, and earn cash back on the remaining holiday purchases you plan to make!