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.


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


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.


Finding Coupons


You can find coupons in the strangest places! I have found Dannon Activia Yogurt coupons in the doctor’s office, Oral B Coupons in the Dentist Office and even junk mail. This month I found some great coupons in my monthly Disney Family Fun Magazine

Finding Coupons

This month in my Disney Family Magazine were these coupons:

20% off entire purchase at Crazy 8

20% off entire purchase at Gymboree

$1 off one Triaminic

$5 Mail in Rebate for Vicks Behind Ear Thermometer

I wanted to show you that you can find coupons in all sorts of places. You really never know where you will find coupons discarded or even placed for you to find!


Reading a Coupon 101


If you are just learning how to properly use coupons or even are a veteran in the department this is a major tip with coupons: READ the whole coupon, not just the save $1 on this product. This is a very common mistake with couponing, you see the savings and stop reading. Wrong. We really need to read the coupon. By reading the fine print it tells you all the little things about the coupon such as where you can use it, how you can use it and when you can use it.

At the top of the coupon in the right hand corner is the coupon expiration date, this isn’t a Best-By-This-Date this means after this date you can not use it. (There are exceptions to this expiration date such as if the store accepts expired coupons and our military serving overseas can use the coupons up to six months) Don’t cut off the expiration date either because nine out of ten times the manufacturer will not reimburse the stores, if the stores don’t get reimbursement then the store will think otherwise about accepting coupons.

Reading a Coupon 101

Below the expiration date is the value of the coupon it will say Save Now .55 or Save $1/2, etc.. It also tells you what product you can use it on, for example this coupon says $1 off ONE Oral-B Glide Floss 35m or larger or ONE Oral-B Glide floss picks 30ct or higher (excludes trial/travel sizes)  This specific coupon tells you exactly what size you can use the coupon on, this one says 35m or larger, or the floss picks 30ct or larger excluding trial/travel size. Sometimes the coupons will just say Save .55 on ANY Oral-B Glide Floss product, but this doesn’t happen very often but it allows you to use the coupon on any size or any product, but the only way you would know is to read the coupon.

Reading a Coupon 101

Almost every coupon states “Limit one (1) coupon per item purchased” this means for each item you are purchasing you can only use one manufacturer’s coupon per item. Only one coupon per item purchased, each item is a purchase.

Next it tells you if there is a limit on the amount of like coupons you can use per day. On this specific coupon it says “Limit of Four (4) like coupons per household per day” this means the maximum amount of these coupons is 4, you don’t have to use Four but you are only allowed to use up to four.  ALL Proctor and Gamble coupons like Downy, Tide, etc… have a “Limit of 4 like coupons per household per day” and there is no way to get around that. You can only use four like coupons regardless of if you bring someone else with you to cash out or not.

Reading a Coupon 101

One main thing that I look for on a coupon is a remitting address under the Dealer portion, found towards the middle of the coupon in the fine print. If there is a remitting address (a remitting address is where the store sends the coupon to get reimbursement) I know that this coupon is a manufactures coupon. If it doesn’t have a remitting address then this is a store coupon that can be stacked with a manufacturers coupon for even more savings!

Reading a Coupon 101

See why it is so important to read the fine print? You may think a coupon is a manufacturers coupon when really it could have been a store coupon! The fine print of the coupon is not just a guide but the rules of the coupon and you need to abide by the rules or you can and will be held responsible by the Coupon Fraud department.

 


Dollar Tree Coupon Policy


Dollar Tree Coupon Policy

Did you know the Dollar Tree accepts coupons? Read their coupon policy:

COUPON ACCEPTANCE POLICY

 

Manufacturer Coupons

 

  • We accept Manufacturer Coupons only, no retailer specific coupons; example Target, Wal-Mart, etc.
  • We do not accept photocopies of coupons. Coupons must be intact, not altered or modified in any way.
  • Coupons can only be used in stores, must be presented at time of purchase and cannot be redeemed for cash at a later time.
  • Item purchased must match the coupon description (brand, size, quantity, color, etc.) and be presented prior to the expiration date printed on the coupon.
  • We accept only 1 Manufacturer Coupon per single item purchased.
  • We accept coupons for over a dollar on a single item. The coupon value will be reduced to the purchase price of the item.
  • We cannot give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase price of the item.
  • Coupons for free items are only accepted if a purchase is required to get one free (for example, Buy One Get One Free offers).
  • Any applicable sales tax must be paid by consumer.
  • We reserve the right to accept, refuse or limit the use of any coupon.
  • This policy is subject to all local, state and federal laws and regulations where applicable.
  • These guidelines apply to all coupons accepted at Dollar Tree (Manufacturer and Internet Coupons).

 

Internet Coupons

 

  • We accept up to two (2) Internet Coupons per household per day.
  • Internet Coupons must be a “Manufacturer Coupon”, have a valid expiration date and a valid remit address for the manufacturer.
  • We do not accept Internet Coupons for “Free” items with no purchase requirements.
  • Duplicated (photocopies) Internet Coupons will not be accepted. Each Internet Coupon must have a different serial number.

You can find this on their website here

 


Expecting packages? Home Delivery that Fits YOUR life!


 

Expecting packages? Home Delivery that Fits YOUR life!

Have you ever ordered anything online and were so excited to receive it that you check every single day to see where it is? Just to come home to a MISSED DELIVERY NOTE? This always seems to happen when I need or really want something, plus by the time that I get the note that the location is either closed or I don’t have the time to go pick it up. Has this ever happened to you?

Don’t ever miss another package. When I heard about this site I jumped on signing up as soon as I could so that I would never miss another package again. So no more annoying Missed You notes on my door, I will get my packages exactly as planned. Get yours too by clicking UPS above