Coupon Use Is On The Rise [Infographic]

by Miranda Marquit · 5 comments

Many people look at coupons and wonder whether or not it is worth it clip them. Even the most frugal of us might have doubts. After all, how much could you really be saving? You might be surprised at how much you could save if you took the time to actually clip coupons. Indeed, Credit Loan points out that your savings could equal $86.40 an hour. That’s assuming, of course, that you are saving an average of $1.44 per coupon. Savings from printed coupons reached $850 million in 2009, and that appears to be growing. So, even though you may be hesitant to take the time to clip coupons, it might be more worth it than you think.

As you can see, there are other interesting facts about coupons in this infographic. Since the beginning of the recession, coupon use has risen quite a bit. Coupon redemption has risen 360% since 2008. It appears that a frugal lifestyle, is becoming fashionable, and coupon use can help encourage frugality. Lately, it’s all about the art of getting the deal, and coupons — and how much you save when you use them — can be a big part of that, earning you bragging rights.

Unsurprising, the infographic shows that women are more influenced by coupons than men. The infographic implies that this is due to the fact that women shop more than men. Indeed, women make most household purchase decisions, so it makes sense that they would be more interested in coupons, and using them to save money. If the women doing the shopping do not work, or work part-time, they have more time to look for coupons, whether it is clipping them from fliers, or searching them online, women might consider clipping coupons part of their duty to the household.

If you do use coupons, organizing them so that they are easily accessible, and so that you know when they expire is a good idea. You don’t want that effort to go to waste.

The Wealthy Use Coupons More

One of the most interesting things I noted on this infographic, though, was the fact that the affluent are more likely to be heavy coupon users. Non-users are more likely to be lower income. This came as a surprise to me initially, since it seems backward that the wealthy would be pinching pennies, and it would seem that lower income households would be more interested in saving money in anyway they can — including with coupons.

I am thinking about why this might be. It is appears that online coupons are the most popular type of coupon. Perhaps the those with lower incomes don’t have as ready access to the Internet as the affluent. There might be other issues with access as well, since more affluent are more likely to get magazines and newspapers, which might also be sources of coupons.

Another consideration is that perhaps the reason that the wealthy become affluent is due to their frugal habits. The discipline involved in clipping coupons, and taking advantage of savings, might be part of what leads to the ability to save money and build wealth. It is something worth considering before you poo-poo coupons as not worth the effort.

Applying Stain to Decks; Easy as 1 – 2 – 3

by Coupon Shoebox · 0 comments

When you put in a deck, you should plan to apply stain as well. Stains help keep decks from deteriorating as quickly, and they add a touch of color and beauty as well. Applying stain is a fairly simple process, but it does require a certain amount of care and precision.

Step 1: Clean ‘er Up

The first thing you need to do is make sure that your deck surface is clean and ready to accept the stain you have chosen. Cleaning can be a several step process, since it means more than just running a hose over the surface.

Sweep off any leaves or debris off the deck. Apply a sodium per-carbonate cleaner according to the directions on the container. This is appropriate regardless of the age of the deck, since it will work on both new and older lumber to remove undesirable substance. If there is a layer of old stains on the wood, you may need to apply a stain stripper as well.

Finish off with a wood brightener and you will find the effect dramatic and beautiful. Then, rinse for all you are worth. Use lots of water and a bit of pressure, rinsing until all the chemicals have washed off. Let the wood dry thoroughly.

Step 2: Picking and Applying your Stain

Your options include water and oil based stain. Each has specific advantages. Water based stain dries faster, is less flammable, and maintains its color for a longer period. Oil based stain protects better against the elements, dries more slowly allowing for a more even application of color, and is more durable, meaning you have to apply it less often.

No matter which you choose, oil, water or hybrid stain, make sure you get a good quality product. There are certainly off brand, cheaper options, but you will regret saving a few dollar when you see the results.

Stain can be applied with a brush, roller or even a sprayer, depending upon the viscosity of the material. Most people will use a brush, but if you have a large deck, you may want to consider the roller. Start in the far corner and work your way towards the door or stairs. Once you start, you don’t want to stop or take breaks so make sure you have enough time for the whole project.

Place a small amount of stain in a pan or cup and brush or roll it on the wood. Work a couple of boards at a time. You want to have a wet edge to work with when you move to the next board. Therefore, how many boards you work on at a time depends on how long they are and how humid the weather. Plan to cover all the board ends, fancy work and support members as well.

Step Three: Planning for the Next Time

Let the deck dry thoroughly before you use it. Once the stain is completely dry, you will be able to enjoy your beautiful deck year round, if the weather allows. Now, sit back and relax.

FYI: Different stains last for different amounts of time. You are better off anticipating that your stain will need to be reapplied in the shortest time mentioned by the manufacturer, usually a year or two. Avoid making unsightly stains upon your deck by grilling on the surface or leaving planters directly on the wood.

This is a piece taken from the DIY Only ebook. Get your free copy today.

5 Strategies for Saving on Products that Don’t Offer Coupons

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

Clipping coupons is a tried-and-true method many shoppers employ for saving on products they purchase. Grocery coupons have been a staple in newspapers, magazines and through the mail for decades. With the advent of the Internet, we can even print grocery coupons right from our computers.

Coupon shoppers loyally clip, save and then redeem coupons for significant savings. Regular shoppers know, however, that not all products offer coupons. How do you save on those items for which coupons are rarely, if ever, offered? Here are five ways to save on groceries, even without coupons:

  1. Wait for sales. Watch the store ads and when items you use go on a significant sale, take advantage of the opportunity and stock up. Don’t go overboard, of course, but make sure to purchase enough of the product to meet your needs until it goes on sale again. Savvy shoppers know that most items have a “sales cycle” which means they go on sale at regular intervals throughout the year. Depending upon the product, that interval may range from once per year to every six to eight weeks. Over time you will get the feel for frequency of the sales and, with a little forethought, you’ll be able to enjoy savings on these items despite the fact that there are no coupons available.
  2. Consider alternative brands. While you may have a favorite brand of barbecue sauce, for instance, when that brand is selling at its regular price, take the opportunity to try a brand that’s on sale or that regularly sells for a lower price — maybe even try a store brand. Some store brand items are as good (or better) than brand name products and are generally priced lower. The first advantage is that you’ve saved some money. The second advantage may be that you’ve discovered an alternative brand that you like as well — or even better. Of course there’s also the chance that you won’t like it at all, in which case you may be able to return it to the store or contact the manufacturer for a refund. Smart shopping is about versatility, so it’s worth taking the chance on an alternative brand.
  3. Do some reconnaissance among stores. If you notice a particular item, say, eggs, are consistently cheaper at one store than another, make that the store where you always buy your eggs. Try not to make a special trip just for eggs — that in itself is not a cost-effective strategy. Just knowing which stores offer good deals on certain items will help ensure you won’t be stuck paying too much for them at another store.
  4. Look for the item at a warehouse club. Oftentimes an item may be available in a larger size or a multi-pack at a bulk shopping warehouse store. The per-unit price is often lower than regular price at a grocery store, although you need to make a larger upfront investment by purchasing in quantity. Keep in mind that there’s a yearly membership fee at many warehouse clubs, so make sure you take that cost into consideration when assessing the potential for overall savings.
  5. Search for an outlet store. Many brands have outlet stores that sell their items at considerable discounts. Dollar stores often make brand-name products available at much lower prices than grocery stores too. This is a particularly good way to save on items that you use quickly or that have a long shelf-life.

These suggestions will help you to find the products you want at the cheapest possible pricing — even without coupons.

10 Tips for Shopping at a Thrift Store

by Miranda Marquit · 75 comments

One of the best ways to live a frugal lifestyle is to make shopping at a thrift store part of your regular shopping regimen. Thrift stores feature items that have been used before. This can include anything from dishes to clothing to books to furniture to toys. These used items are often in reasonably good condition, and can be found at very low prices. Shopping at a thrift store can be a great way to save money, while acquiring items that you need.

Here are 10 tips that can help you better shop at a thrift store:

  1. Show up on stocking days: Many thrift stores have a particular day of the week that they put out new merchandise. Find out what that day is, and show up then to get first pick of the latest deals.
  2. Search for quality: This is especially true with clothing. You might be surprised at the name brand, high quality items some people are happy to part with. Keep your eyes open for items you know are of good quality.
  3. Make a list: You want to be prepared with a list. Even though impulse buying at the thrift store is probably not as bad as when you are paying full price on an impulse purchase, those little surprises can add up. Be sure that you know what you want, and make a plan for what to buy.
  4. Return until you find what you want: Don’t assume that the thrift store is a bust if you don’t find what you are looking for on your first excursion. Check back over time, looking for what you want. Chances are that, eventually, you will find what you are looking for.
  5. Watch for sales: Even thrift stores have sales. Some offer “fill a bag” promotions, “clearance” sales at the end of the season and other sales. This is a great way find even deeper discounts on thrift store merchandise. And, while thrift store shopping works well without coupons, you can also look for thrift store coupons for bigger savings.
  6. Shop during the week: Weekend shoppers are out in force from Friday evening until Sunday evening. Avoid the crowds (and avoid competition for the best finds) by visiting the thrift store during the week.
  7. Ask about store credit: Some thrift stores only accept donations, but others also accept consignment items and will give you store credit for what you bring in. Find out about the policies at your local second hand store of choice. If you can get store credit for what you bring in, that can be a great way to save a little more.
  8. Be careful about overdoing it: It can be very tempting to go a little crazy at the thrift store, buying several things at once. Stick to your plan, though. If you only need three dress shirts, don’t go nuts and buy 10 or 11. Remember that a frugal lifestyle is about moderation.
  9. Plan to take awhile: A trip to the thrift store is likely to take awhile, since you will probably have to dig around a little. Be prepared to take around an hour — or more. This means that perhaps you leave the kids at home for a serious trip to the thrift store.
  10. Don’t forget to donate!: Finally, you want the thrift store to keep going. If if you don’t get store credit, you should still donate some of your unneeded items as well. Keep the cycle going, and provide great deals for others, just as they are providing them for you.

Candle Making for Summer Beauty; Sea Shell Candles and Floating Flowers

by Coupon Shoebox · 1 comment

Candle making has come a long way since the pioneers made tapers by dipping wicks in bear fat or beeswax. Today you can get all the supplies you need for beautiful candles at your local crafts store. Whether you want to have scented pillars for elegant dinner tapers, it is all available. For a fun accent to use at a summer barbecue or a poolside party, seashell candles are the perfect project.

Supplies for the project
For this project you will need several things;

  • Paraffin, either blocks or beads
  • Teal dye, liquid – or another color you like
  • Cotton wicks – the ones with a small metal plate at the bottom, so they stand independently
  • Large Seashells
  • A pouring container
  • Hot Glue Gun
  • Fragrance – optional
  • Thermometer

The Process of Making Sea Shell Candles

Set out your seashells and let them reach their natural balance point. Using a glue gun, attach the wicks to the lowest reasonable point inside each shell. Prop each shell in its optimal position so it doesn’t move when you pour in the wax.

Heat your wax, according to the directions on the packet, until it is just liquid and then add your color and your fragrance. Mix in carefully, but well.

Let the wax cool slightly, to about 145°, so the wax just begins to form a shell at the edges of the pot. Now, stir rapidly so you incorporate some air into the mix. These bubbles will promote a water-like look.

Quickly pour the wax into each seashell being careful not to tip the shells and to keep the wicks out of the wax. Let the wax cool fully.

Tip; if you want a more unique look have on hand some sand and tiny shells that you can use to decorate the cooling wax and make “beach scenes” on top of the wax. Avoid flammable materials if you do this.

Floating Flowers; Summer Beauty in a Bowl

To make floating flowers you need the following:

  • Parafin
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Fragrance, optional
  • Liquid Candle Dye
  • Craft Knife
  • Thermometer
  • Wick material

You will melt your wax until it is about 139 degrees Celsius. Once it is liquid, add in the color and optional fragrance. Your goal is to pour sheets of the wax that are about 1/4 inch thick, once the dye and fragrance are mixed in. Line a cookie sheet or baking pan with plastic wrap and pour in the wax.

Once the wax is somewhat set, but not firm, cut petal shapes from the wax. Wrap increasingly larger petals around a central wick, forming a flower as you go. To seal the bottom of the flower, and give it a good base, hold the wick with pliers and dip it back into wax you have kept warm on the stove.

You can let your imagination run wild. Use several colors per flower. Blend the edges with a warm finger. Make large and small flowers to use together. This is where you can get really creative.

Let the candle cool completely and place them in a bowl of water.

There are so many ways to make candles. Functional and fun, they are a great project to do with the kids on a rainy day.

Get Organized: Creating a Coupon System

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

Armed with a sharp pair of scissors and the best intentions, you sit down with the Sunday paper, pull out the coupon inserts and start clipping. But now, faced with a stack of money-saving opportunities, what’s your next move?

If you’re like many folks, that stack may be relocated and lost when dinner is served or homework is spread out on the table. Let’s say you’re among the few who actually get those coupons into your purse or – better yet – into the store. That’s still only half the battle. There are a few more hurdles to overcome before reaping the benefits of those coupon savings: How do you know what coupons you have? How do you keep track of them all? And of course, how do you remember to actually use them?

Couponing is a skill and like any skill, if you want to hone it, you need to consistently employ a plan of action. In order to truly realize the savings from using coupons, you’ve got to develop a system that works with the way you think, work and shop. You’ve got to get organized. Here are five suggestions to help you organize your couponing strategy to optimize your savings:

  1. A place for everything. Provide your coupons a home of their own. That way, you know exactly where that stack of coupons belongs. Buy a pocket-sized accordion file from an office supply store. They are sturdy and you can separate different categories of coupons into each of the pockets. Keep that file in your purse as if it were your wallet! After all, it contains money, too.
  2. Write your shopping list on an envelope. An envelope is a convenient place to both write your shopping list, and store coupons that you know you will use. For example, there’s no doubt that you will want to use a coupon for “$10.00 off $100.00,” so store it in the envelope when you make your list. As you shop, stash the coupons from your file that you are going to redeem that day in the envelope as well so that they are in one place — and that place is right in your hand!
  3. Plan your shopping trip in advance. Take a few minutes before you head out to the market to match your coupons to your grocery list. Make a note beside items on your list for which you have coupons so that once you get to the store, you will be reminded to look through your file when deciding which brand to buy.
  4. Location, location, location. Keep a coupon near your method of paying so you will be sure to see it as you are checking out. This strategy works especially well when you are shopping where a coupon is not a usual part of your checkout experience, like at the pet food store.
  5. Coupon calendar. Sometimes coupons are so great that you don’t want to miss the opportunity to use them, even though they are not for a regular purchase — office supplies for example. Make a note on a calendar you use regularly to redeem the coupon before its expiration date so you won’t miss out on the savings on items you purchase, but less regularly.

Couponing can keep money in your wallet — provided you remember to use your coupons. These tips will help you turn couponing into a habit — a habit of saving!

Frugality As a Lifestyle

by Miranda Marquit · 2 comments

It is so easy to think of frugal living as something you do, rather than viewing frugality as a lifestyle. However, for frugality to truly become a lifestyle, you have to change the way you think about things. A truly frugal lifestyle is not something that you adopt during a recession, and then let go as soon as things start picking up. If you want to ensure financial freedom down the road, it is a good idea to keep your frugal living goals mostly intact when the economy starts to turn around.

Principles of a Frugal Lifestyle

There are some basic principles of a frugal lifestyle. As you shift your thinking from frugality as a temporary measure to help keep you solvent to a way of living a simpler, more financially secure life, here are some things to keep in mind about what it means to be frugal:

  • Reuse: Consider how different items can be reused. At the very least use something until it can’t be used anymore.
  • Do it yourself: Think about things that you can do on your own. From changing your own oil to growing your own food, there are plenty of things that you can do yourself — for less.
  • Make things on your own: While it may not be practical to make everything yourself, you might be surprised at what you can produce without going to the store, from different food staples to baby wipes to greeting cards to laundry detergent.
  • Conscious spending: Instead of buying everything you think you need or want, think about your purchases. Engage in conscious spending, and make an effort to explain to yourself why you think you need or want something.
  • Inexpensive, quality family activities: Part of a frugal lifestyle is recognizing that family time is precious and important. It means that you look for inexpensive ways to enjoy each other’s company. This can include family game nights at homes, outings in the park, camping, or planning staycations.
  • Avoiding debt: Debt saps your resources through interest, and enslaves you. There is no financial freedom when you are bogged down by debt. A frugal lifestyle requires that you save up for what you want, and pay with money that you already have (with a few exceptions), rather than using credit as a way to finance your lifestyle.

Treating Yourself

Of course, a frugal lifestyle doesn’t mean it has to be all denial. (Some would argue, though, that simpler living is rewarding itself, and doesn’t constitute a denial of anything.) You can treat yourself. However, frugality means that you plan for your more expensive enjoyments.

I love to travel. That means that I need to plan ahead when it comes to longer trips. While most of our travel centers on staying within a 200 or 300 miles of home, we do occasionally like to take larger trips. For such events, advance planning is required. In the past, we didn’t think twice about getting into debt for a fun trip. Now, though, we save up for the trip, and wait until we have enough money, rather than borrowing.

With a frugal lifestyle, it is possible to do most things that you want to do. And it doesn’t mean that you can’t spend money on the occasional extravagance. However, living frugally means that you plan ahead for such expenses, and that most of your habits revolve around sound money practices that reduce waste.

Creating the Closet of your Dreams

by Coupon Shoebox · 0 comments

If there is one thing that most homeowners agree upon, it is that they don’t have enough closet space. Even new homes, built with plenty of closet space seem to run out fairly quickly. Partly we can credit our inclination to hoard things well beyond their useful lifespan, the rest of the problem stems from inefficient design.

The habit of hanging one long bar and several shelves in a space and designating it a closet doesn’t make worthy of the name. There are many ways to improve space usage, and here are some basic steps toward having the closet you want.

Measuring is the First Step to Success

Measure the inside of your closet space, length, breadth and height. Many people remember that up is a great place to put things that aren’t often used.

Next, draw a plan, more or less to scale, but with measurements, so you can visualize where to put everything. Remember that in the corners, you have to leave room for a shelf on one wall butting up to the other wall.

Calculate how long the longest item you plan to hang drops and add about a foot, so it doesn’t ever touch the floor. This also leaves room to place shoes on the floor. Above that height, plan to store things that are moved seasonally or don’t get used often.

Go to a Home Store and Look at Options

Most people have a visual nature, which means seeing things work better in person than on line, but you can use either method to determine what kind of storage system you want.

The easiest, and cheapest, closet organization systems are made of coated wire. You can get very fashionable with fancy wooden units and glass fronted cabinets, but it isn’t necessary.

To hang cabinets you need to be able to accurately place the hanging board on the wall, drilled into the studs. Then you hang the cabinets on it and drill through again. This usually involves two people and more expertise.

For wire shelving, you use a level and measuring tape to determine where everything will go then use the provided hangers to place the shelves, posts and hanging racks as you determined in your drawing. You will need a metal saw, wire cutters, a drill, screw drivers and a hammer to complete this project properly.

Work from One Side to the Other

With all your anticipated supplies at home start by marking all your lines. Then, whether working with a walk in closet or one that is simple a straight unit, start at one side and begin hanging the shelves. Work your way around methodically and carefully. Small variations in height can make a big visual difference, and it will annoy you for as long as you use the closet if things aren’t level.

Many storage modules are available for use with the most common sizes of wire racks and closet systems. The crates and bins help you create a personal look that is neat, organized and attractive. Over a weekend and with only basic tools you will have the closet of your dreams ready for use.

Do You REALLY Need (or Even Want) That?

by Miranda Marquit · 1 comment

When I look around my house, sometimes I am surprised at how much stuff there is. Whenever I have to go into our storage space under the house (I don’t call it a crawl space because I can crouch in there with relative ease) I am shocked. When we first moved in, we thought we could never fill up so much space. But it’s already half full. As a result, I am trying to be more conscious about what I buy.

Conscious Spending

So much about our spending as a society has become thoughtless. We think little of spending a few dollars on a DVD in the clearance bin — even though we don’t really care for the movie and probably won’t watch it. We see a bargain and are so afraid that we’ll miss out that we don’t even stop to consider whether we will actually use it.

Instead of buying on impulse (which is what stores want us to do), it can be worthwhile to stop and think about what we are paying for, taking the time to spend a little more consciously. Before you buy something, take yourself through this exercise:

  1. Ask yourself if you actually need that item. What will the item accomplish? What will you do with it.
  2. Honestly evaluate how many times you are likely to use the item. If you are buying it for a one-time project, consider borrowing or renting instead.
  3. Consider whether you will use the item at least two or three times in any given period of a few months.
  4. Realize that you just might be able to live without it.

Really think about where the item will end up. Is it just going to sit uselessly on a shelf? Will it be banished to a box that you don’t open for years. Really think about whether you need the item, and whether something you already have might do double duty.

What About Things You Want?

Life is pretty sad, though, if you don’t get something you want on occasion. Which is why sometimes you buy things that you don’t need, but that will give you pleasure. There is nothing wrong with this, provided you can afford it. But falling into the trap of buying things just because you think you want them can lead to having less money and more clutter.

When considering items that you want, ask yourself these questions:

  • Why do I want this? Being able to explain why you want something can help you prove to yourself that you have a reason for actually getting it.
  • Really, why do I want this? Ask yourself again, honestly evaluating whether or not you really want it, or if you are simply getting the item for some status reason, or because you want compliments, or because everyone else has one.
  • Will I still enjoy it in three months? Be honest. Are you really going to want to play that video game three months from now? Are you likely to read that book again and enjoy it? Will you still want to look at that picture later in the year?

Living more simply can help you reduce your stress, as well as help you live a life that is more financially free. You probably already know that stuff won’t make you happy. So, before you spend more money, stop and think. You might be surprised at what you don’t need or want when you start consciously spending.

5 Tips for Saving Money on Technology

by Miranda Marquit · 1 comment

Whenever my husband and I buy technology, we consider how much it costs to purchase something that will be replaced rather quickly. It’s a lot of money to spend. You can save by looking online, but you need to be careful, and, even then, technology can get expensive.

One thing my husband and I have discovered, though, is that we can actually live with last year’s models on most technology items. Sometimes frugal living is about patience. We don’t need everything the minute it comes out. There are also some other considerations that can help when buying technology and electronics. Here are 5 tips that can help you save money on technology:

1. Wait for Version Two

There were plenty of upset iPhone users back in the day when they were paying top dollar for a brand new phone. A few months later, though, when the second version come out, the price dropped. We got more bang for our buck by putting up with the PlayStation 2 for an extra six months and getting more gigs for less when we bought our PlayStation 3. Unless you must have something as soon as it comes out as a status thing, there really is no reason to spend extra money for a version that may not even have the bugs out.

2. Buy Last Year’s Model

Whenever we buy new computers, we buy last year’s model. We find out when the store is getting in the new models. The day after the brand new machines come in, we go in and buy a discount computer that the store is anxious to get rid of. It worked when we bought our flat screen TV, as well. We don’t do anything that requires up-to-the-minute technology, so we are perfectly happy with last year’s model.

3. Consider Refurbished Electronics

You do need to be careful about refurbished electronics and technology, but such items an be a good deal in some cases. You need to make sure you are buying from someone you trust in order to minimize the risks that can come with buying faulty refurbished technology. Open box items, floor models, and some returns can also be acceptable — and inexpensive — options.

4. Avoid Add-Ons

Technology items often come with add-ons and accessories. Avoid buying them all at once, and at the same retailer. Also, be wary of expensive add-ons that don’t actually provided added value or a significant increase in performance. In many cases, you can find what you need to complement your technology over the Internet. One really good example is the HDMI cable. You pay way too much when you buy these cables at a brick and mortar store. Go to newegg.com and you can find many technology accessories for less. We’ve been very happy with the $7 HDMI cable we got online a couple of years ago.

5. Know When to Buy

Just like all other consumer goods, technology and electronics go in cycles. They go on sale at certain times.  A number of tech related items are seasonally discounted in April, and you can get a great deal on all things electronic if you are willing to brave Black Friday, or buy quite early in the holiday shopping seasons. Learn the sale cycles, and buy your technology when it is likely to be on sale.

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