How I Use Credit Cards to save Money


How I Use Credit Cards to save Money

Credit Cards to Save Money!

Now let me start by telling you that I have heard so many reasons why I should cut up my credit cards.  I wanted to share why I and will continue to use credit cards to save money.  Yes, you heard me right save money using credit cards.

Rewards, Rewards, Rewards!

Did you know that almost every store offers special rewards for being their own credit card holder? Whether its special discounts each month, rewards program for points or even freebies sent to your home! Check out some examples:

Victoria’s secret

I have such an obsession with Victoria’s Secret’s Pink line of products!!  They are by far my favorite line of clothing but the cost can be so high-$59.50 for a sweatshirt-yikes! Once I heard about the Victoria’s Secret Angel credit card and how I could start earning points for purchases that I normally made to save money I was so excited!!

Just for signing up and getting the approval you will get a coupon for $15 off your next purchase and in the mail you will receive a HUGE book of monthly coupons.  There is a coupon in the booklet for each month, one month it may be for a pair of free underwear, $10 off a purchase or even dollars off intimate apparel. Now the points system, for every dollar you spend equals a point once you reach 250 points you will receive a coupon for $10 off your next purchase! Just for being a cardholder in your birthday month you automatically get a coupon for $10 off any $10 purchase. At least 6 times out of the year I get coupons in the mail for free underwear. I can honestly say since I have had the Angel Credit Card I haven’t had to buy underwear!

Kohl’s

Finding quality clothes at affordable prices is very important to me, especially for my kids who continue to grow out of their wardrobe as fast as I can buy it. I love to shop at Kohl’s for the savings, coupons, and credit card!

Being a Kohl’s credit card holder provides you access to high value coupons sent directly to your mailbox.  Savings will be sent up to 30% off!

Research First

Before signing up for any credit card it is important to find out the pros and cons of the card.

My number one question: Can I pay the card off at anytime or do I have to wait until I get my bill? Sometimes the companies do not allow you to pay off the debt prior to the monthly bill.  The key is to not keep any debt on the credit card to avoid the high interest rates and to make sure that whatever amount you finance you can pay off as soon as possible.

My follow up question: Are there any annual fees? These are yearly or monthly fees that the companies charge for the convenience of the credit line. I will not sign up for a credit card that has this type of charge.

My last question: What are the “perks” of being a cardholder. Find out what it means to be a store’s loyalty credit card holder. Some stores offer points, some offer coupons, and some offer freebies. Know what your card offers.

My Credit Card Rules

Rule #1: ONLY charge what you can afford. Do not go into the store with a brand new credit card and splurge. If you can’t afford to pay it off within a month don’t buy it!

Rule #2: As soon as I charge my purchase I immediately pay it off. At Victoria’s Secret and Kohl’s as soon as you finish your transaction you can immediately make a payment, that’s what I do! I buy it using my credit card (for that store) then the next transaction using cash or a check I make the payment. This way I completely avoid all interest rates.

Rule #3: Boost your credit score. Did you know that by keeping an active credit card open it actually boosts your credit score! Your credit score is based upon the amount of open credit lines and how long those credit lines have been open. The longer the better.

Now I am not saying run out to sign up for a bunch of credit cards because I am not. But if you are frequently making purchases in a specific store find out what the pros are of having their credit card because over time it will save you a lot of money.


May 2013 Coupon Classes


May 2013 Coupon Classes

 

 

Upcoming Coupon Classes

Oriskany Library (315)736-2532

May 29th 6-7:30 pm (Coupon 101)

 

Herkimer County Community College (315)866-0300 ext. 8251

May 21st 6:30-8:30 PM (Advanced Coupon Class)


Earning Money with iBotta


Everyone asks me about my favorite app and how to use it! It works almost the same way a mail in rebate does except it takes less then 48 hours to get your money back compared to 6-8 weeks!  I earn so much money for using the iBotta app, just this week I cashed out $23!!  The way that iBotta works is you get rewarded by purchasing products and following simple requirements to submit receipts to get money back.

Want to know how simple it is to earn cash back?

First sign up for iBotta by entering in your information such as where they can send your cash back. You will need to have a Paypal account which is completely free. The money gets loaded to your Paypal account then you can deduct your money out with no fees!!

This is how your homepage will look

Earning Money with iBotta

 

If you want more offers just scroll to the left or the right and when you see an offer that you want just click on it, it will open up like this:

Earning Money with iBotta

Each time you open a new offer the “requirements” will be different. With this one you have to watch a short video (15 seconds) and take a poll, this is what the poll looks like:

Earning Money with iBotta

 

Just answer anyway you wish to. Once you have completed all the offers you now must submit for the iBotta offer, first hit Redeem. Redeem is located in the lower right hand corner.

Earning Money with iBotta

Following the instructions, choose which store you purchased the product for:

Earning Money with iBotta

Now upload your receipt, lay it out on a flat surface and use the tools on the app to take the picture:

Earning Money with iBotta

Now once you submit your receipt select the products on the receipt that you purchased. Next you are going to have to verify the product, all you do is scan the bar-code of the product or products. Hit submit and then wait for your money to be loaded.

You can take your money out as often as you want but, just as long as their is at least $5 in your account.

Just this week I earned $23.25

Earning Money with iBotta

I love using iBotta because I earn money for products that I purchase! Act fast because there is a special of all new users get a $2 bonus when they complete their first offer. Sign up here!  Plus you can still use coupons with the iBotta offers!!


Class Schedules For April!


Class Schedules For April!

 

 

Do you want to reduce your grocery bill? Learn to coupon right here in Cental New York, learn the ins and outs of grocery shopping with coupons!

Here is the list of coupon classes in Central New York, ALL classes you must pre-register by calling the numbers listed below. Classes require pre-payment. Classes include Powerpoint presentation, and lots of tidbits of information!

Basic Couponing Classes:

April 16th Oriskany Library NY 315 736 2532 6-7:30pm $10 per person

April 23rd Herkimer County Community College 6:30-8:30pm 315 866 0300 ext 8251 $15


Stock Up Price List


Stock Up Price List

Tonight as I am getting prepared for my class I was sorting through my paperwork and remembered a really important paper that I use all the time to find good deals-I have been meaning to share this with you! This is my stock up list, if you have been to one of my classes you have seen it before, it’s the list I use when grocery shopping to really tell if I am getting a good deal or if it’s an okay deal.

 

Body Wash – $1 or less

Brownies and Cookie Mix – .50 or less

Canned Soup/Chef Boyardee/SpaghettiO’s – .75 or less

Candy – $1 or less

Cereal – .50 a box (the most I pay is $1 a box of cereal) or less

Cleaning Supplies - .50 or less

Deodorant - .50 or less

Dish soap – .50 or less

Dryer Sheets – .50 or less

Granola Bars - .75 or less

Juice Boxes -.50 or less

Laundry Detergent: Tide $2 or less, Dynamo, Ajax .50, Arm and Hammer .50, Purex .50

Makeup: Name Brands such as CoverGirl/Almay/Revlon – eye shadows FREE, eyeliner .25 or less, mascara .75 or less, foundation $1 or less

Paper Supplies – Plates and Cups .50 or less (I have seen as low as .01 a plate/cup)

Pasta – .25 or less

Paper Towels – .40 or less

Razors – Disposable FREE, Venus/Gillette $2 or less

Spaghetti Sauces – .25 or less

Toothpaste, floss, toothbrushes – FREE

Pads/Tampons/feminine products - FREE


How I Save Money on Ink Write Up and Video


How I Save Money on Ink Write Up and Video

Did you know that you can save money on ink costs? Watch the video I just uploaded

Here is the fine print of Staples Rewards Program: “Recycle any ink or toner cartridge, up to 10 per calendar month per customer, and receive $2 back in Staples Rewards per cartridge. We will recycle additional cartridges but Rewards will only be issued for 10 per calendar month per customer. Ink Recycling Rewards are issued online monthly, separately from your standard Staples Rewards statement. Ink resellers and remanufacturers are strictly prohibited from earning Ink Recycling Rewards. Limit one Staples Rewards account per person or at any mailing address. Additional accounts will be cancelled. View our full terms and conditionsSign up for the Staples Rewards Program here.

Another way you can save money is checking if your ink cartridges can be refilled instead of re-purchasing new ones! Color Ink Refill Kits for Hewlett Packard HP 60, 60XL, 901 & Color Inkjet CartridgesHow I Save Money on Ink Write Up and Video
20 oz 600 ml Lexmark Printer Ink Cartridge Refill Kit Color & BlackHow I Save Money on Ink Write Up and Video


List of Upcoming Coupon Classes


List of Upcoming Coupon Classes

 

 

Do you want to reduce your grocery bill? Learn to coupon right here in Cental New York, learn the ins and outs of grocery shopping with coupons!

Here is the list of coupon classes in Central New York, ALL classes you must pre-register by calling the numbers listed below. Classes require pre-payment. Classes include Powerpoint presentation, and lots of tidbits of information!

 

Basic Couponing Classes:

March 12th Oriskany Library NY 315 736 2532 6-7:30pm $10 per person

March 27th Little Falls Library NY 6-730 pm FREE (sponsored by Little Falls Library) but limited to 25 people! Call (315) 823-1542 to reserve your seat

April 23rd Herkimer County Community College 6:30-8:30pm 315 866 0300 ext 8251 $15

 

Advanced Couponing Class:

May 21st Herkimer County Community College 6:30-8:30pm 315 866 0300 ext 8251

 

Want to book a coupon class in your area? Are you an organization that needs to save some money in your program? OR are you a business and want to advertise at the class?

Contact admin@cnysextremecouponing.com

Online and Advanced Coupon Classes Coming SOON !


Endorse App to help you save MORE money!!


Endorse App to help you save MORE money!!

Today I discovered a new app for your phone called Endorse! It works just like the iBotta app, you purchase the product, upload your receipt to get cash back but the major difference between the two apps is with Endorse app you can get the offer more then once as long as you have seperate receipts! With the iBotta app you can only get one offer on an item. With the Endorse app if you want two offers just purchase on 2 seperate receipts then upload the receipts! I like this a lot, plus if I use both I can save even more money.

 Like iBotta the cash you earn can be put into a paypal account or once you hit $25 can be sent anywheres or donated to your local school.

You can sign up here.

Some more Facts:

© 2013 Endorse

How do I upload receipts?

Tap the “Upload My Receipts” button. We’ll guide you through it. Make sure that your receipt is clean, unwrinkled, and in otherwise good condition and that your photo is clear.

How do I redeem an offer?

When you upload a receipt, you will be given the opportunity to select matching offers to earn cash back for the items on your receipt.  Make sure you check those offers before submitting your receipt, and that your purchase meets the terms of the offer.

What kind of receipts can I submit?

You can send in receipts from almost any US retailer- even when you do your shopping online! We do not accept receipts for financial transactions, parking violations, event tickets, travel and accommodation, or medical bills. Also, all receipts must be personal, and contain items you have purchased for yourself and not on behalf of a business.

How long do I have to submit my receipt?

You have six days from the date of purchase (printed on the receipt), up until the date the offer expires, to submit your receipts. Offers roll over every Thursday morning and you will get a new set of offers each week.  We apologize but we can only accept receipts that are less than 7 days old.

How much of the receipt needs to be in the photo?

All of it. Please capture the entire receipt, in as many segments as necessary, and be sure that the image includes everything, even the seemingly irrelevant information that often appears at the bottom. Important: if any of the text is cut off, we will be unable to process your receipt.

Does the quality of my receipt photo matter?

Yes, it matters! In order to process your receipt, we need to be able to read it. If your photo is too dark or blurry or if the text is illegible, we won’t be able to process your receipt.

How do I share offers with my friends?  What does upgrading an offer mean?

When you have a social offer, it will be highlighted in your offer list page.  You can click on the tag that says, “Up to X%” to open the offer details page where you have the option to earn the regular amount of cash back rewards, or you can upgrade your rewards by sharing the offer on Facebook with your friends!

How do I see offers my friends have shared?

When you see an Endorse offer one of your friends posted on Facebook, you can tap on it to claim the offer.  Claimed offers appear in the Shared with You section of the app.  You can share that offer with your friends on Facebook, too, to earn a greater percentage cash back!

Does it matter if my receipt is torn, wrinkled, folded, faded, or only partially readable?

Yes, it matters! In order to process your receipt, it should be in as close to perfect condition as possible. This means no tears, wrinkles, folds, faded ink, and so on. If the receipt is unreadable, we will be forced to reject your receipt submission.

What if the receipt does not include product descriptions?

Your receipt is your proof of purchase that you matched the offer.  Receipts without product descriptions can still earn points, but to earn cash back your receipt must contain product descriptions that clearly meet the terms of the offer you are completing.

Can you reject receipts for other reasons?

Yes!  We try to process every receipt we receive, but from time to time we encounter a new type of receipt we cannot accept, so we reserve the right to reject any receipt for any reason.  We will contact you by notification or email any time this is necessary.

I’ve used a paper coupon, store reward, or other in-store discount when purchasing items. Do I get rewarded based on the purchase price before any discounts were applied?

No. We calculate your reward on the final price you paid for any given item. For example, if you use a 20% off coupon on an item that costs $5.00, thus paying $4.00, and submit your receipt to Endorse to redeem a 30% cash back offer, your reward will be $1.20 (30% of $4.00). Rewards are calculated on your pre-tax, out of pocket price.

The app indicates that I’ve earned cash rewards. When and how will I get my money?

If you link your PayPal account you can have your rewards credited at any time! Otherwise you’ll be able to cash out once your balance reaches $25.00. When it does, tap the “Cash Out Now” button and we’ll send you a check. It will usually take just a few days for the check to reach you. We recommend signing up for PayPal for the fastest rewards.

What are points?

Points are what you earn for every receipt you send us, even ones that aren’t eligible for cash rewards. We’ll give you 5 points per receipt, so send them as you shop, even when no Endorse offers apply! When your point balance reaches 50, we’ll send a voucher for a donation to DonorsChoose in your name. You’ll be supporting your local public schools just by shopping! We’ll be adding other charitable organizations soon, so send us your receipts and watch the points (and the good you’ll do) add up.

What if my significant other uses Endorse?

That’s great!  Make sure you each only submit your own receipts, and do not submit the same receipt as your significant other.  We check for duplicate receipts and will have to reject any receipts we receive twice.

Can I maximize my cash reward by buying multiples of the same item?

Yes, but if you want multiples of an item to apply toward a single offer, all of the items need to be on a single receipt that you submit with those offers. The same item purchased later may not be counted toward an offer already submitted.  Make sure you check the terms and conditions of each offer to find the max quantities and dollar limits on each offer before making your purchases.

Can I submit a receipt twice?

No!  Please only submit each receipt one time.  You can redeem multiple offers on each receipt, but you cannot submit that receipt more than one time.

Can I have multiple accounts to get more offers?

No!  Please only have one user account per person.  If you try to pretend there are more than one of you, we will have to close all of your accounts.  Being you is hard enough; do you really want to be two people?

What happens if I try to get away with stuff anyway?

If you violate any of the terms and conditions of using the app, for instance by submitting fraudulent receipts or receipts from purchases made by other people, Endorse reserves the right to close your account at any time.  If your account is closed you will forfeit your points and cash account balances.  You can see a complete list of our terms and conditions at https://www.endorse.com/terms.

What is Endorse’s privacy policy?

You can see our complete privacy policy at https://www.endorse.com/privacy.

Is Endorse compatible with my phone?

For iOS (iOS 5 or higher): iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S, 5, iPad (3rd generation+), iPad Mini, iPod Touch (5th generation+). For Android: Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S, Motorola Triumph, Motorola Droid, Motorola Asix, HTC.  Many other Android devices are compatible, as long as they are an Android version 2.2 or higher, and contain rear-facing camera.