F Valpak.com Shopper & Coupon Blog: July 2005

Valpak.com Shopper & Coupon Blog

Thursday, July 28, 2005

Travel and Your Money

Vacations take a toll on the wallet, but they don't have to cut in deep. With a little research you can find great deals in your favorite destinations.

  • Book hotel and flight reservations simultaneously for extra discounts.
  • If you regularly travel to the same place, make next year's reservation before you leave this because you may be eligible to get special rates.
  • Book excursion and attraction packages through your hotel in order to get discount coupons and premium rates.
  • If you're driving on vacation, track gas prices online before you leave. See our entry on Gas Savings Tips to find out how.
  • Bring your ATM card so you don't have to carry as much cash with you, but don't forget to check your bank's website so find out where their ATMs are located so you don't get hit with fees.
  • If there aren't any of your banks where you are visiting, American Express has come out with a travelers check card for more convenience.
  • Bring snack foods with you so you don't have to spend as much on food throughout the trip. This is especially a good idea if you are traveling with kids.
  • Finally, browse by state at valpak.com for discount coupons at your vacation destination.

For more travel tips and savings idea visit roomsaver.com!


Additional travel sites:
RentalCars.com has deals on all major car rental companies.
LonelyPlanet.com is a comprehensive travel guide offering world wide savings.
NetTop20 rates the best travel sites on the web.

posted by Cara at 7:36 AM | 0 comments

Monday, July 25, 2005

Tax-Free Days Help You Save!

Back-to-school days are almost here. Most states offer a sales-tax holiday to help assist with the expense for new clothes and school supplies. Florida’s tax-free holiday is in full swing through July 31. Georgia’s runs July 28-31, while Texas’s runs August 5-7. Do you know when your state’s sales tax holiday is, or what qualifies and what doesn’t? Be in the know.

Shop during your no-tax days and watch your savings add up--even if you don't have kids! Use the tax-free days to your advantage. Shop now for holiday gifts, stock up on office supplies or treat yourself to a new pair of shoes!

posted by Vicki at 12:58 PM | 0 comments

Friday, July 22, 2005

Gas Savings Tips

A lot of us will be traveling this summer and as everyone knows, gas prices are skyrocketing. Whether you are going on a long trip or just driving back and forth to work, I have found a site that will help you save money.

GasBuddy will give you a list of stations with the cheapest gas prices in your area. It is one good way to save a little and a little savings is always better than none.

Here are some other gas savings tips:
• Keep your tires properly inflated.
• Don't exceed the speed limit -- the faster you go, the faster your gas tank goes to empty.
• Change air filters at every oil change.
• Properly maintain your car according to your manufacturer’s specifications.
• Use alternate means of transportation or carpool.

Helpful Car-Related Sites:
AAA
Auto Trader
FuelEconomy.gov

posted by Anna at 6:59 AM | 0 comments

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Summer Sales

Summer clearance sales have begun! Find great deals on everything with a few simple clicks of the mouse.

  • Go to Macy’s to take an additional 25% clearance prices through 7/28.
  • The Body Shop let’s you smooth out rough summer skin for under $8 (ends 8/1).
  • dELiA*s keeps you trendy at affordable prices with sales on their denim and bedding.
  • Check Barnes and Noble to get 80% off.
  • Get 20%-60% off hundreds of items at JCPenney through 7/25.

posted by Cara at 9:44 AM | 0 comments

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Bargain Grocery Shopping

I find using savings cards really cuts back my expenses at the grocery store. I recently saved twice what I could have just with newspaper coupons by getting a preferred shoppers card and using a few coupons I found online. When you are on a budget, saving on groceries is a huge help. Normally what I end up saving at the grocery store leaves extra money for me to do something fun with my family.

Here are a few deals and coupons I found online:
Diet Coke w/Splenda
Coffee-Mate
Kraft Miracle Whip Rebate
Land O Lakes ® Light Butter with Canola Oil Rebate

Recipes with groceries I have saved on:
Coffee-Mate Recipes Click Here .
Kraft Miracle Whip Recipes Click Here.

Happy Savings!!!

posted by Anna at 9:25 AM | 0 comments

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Trim Your Budget Without Giving Up Things You Love

You don't have to give up the things you love to save money. You just have to be willing to look hard. Below are some useful tips on trimming your budget. Read the full article, recently published by Liz Pulliam Weston, for even more ways on how to trim your budget.

  • Wash only full loads of dishes or clothes.
  • Turn off lights, TVs, computers and other electronics when not in use or in the room.
  • Install a programmable thermostat so your home is heated or cooled only when you're actually there.
  • Avoid repair bills by maintaining your vehicles properly with regular oil and filter changes. (Print coupons for oil changes at Valpak.com)
  • Bring lunches and snacks to work.
  • Cook once, eat twice: Double whatever you're making and freeze the excess for a later meal.
  • Use the weekly grocery store circulars to see what's on sale and plan meals accordingly. You can also print out grocery coupons from SmartSource, the same company who publishes coupons in your Sunday newspaper.

*****************
Online Savings & Freebies:

Save $2 on Charlie and Chocolate Factory tickets!
Use code "Charlie" at the checkout screen. Good through July 22 or the first 1,000 purchasers only, whichever comes first.

Free Shampoo & Conditioner Sample from Garnier

$10 Pepsi Rebate

posted by Vicki at 9:43 AM | 0 comments

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Shop Smart - Compare Prices

Have questions about a product you’re interested in purchasing? Or maybe you’d like to compare brands before making the big decision. Check out Consumer Reports online. It’s much easier than thumbing through old copies of the magazine at home. Use their search feature and pull up numerous back dated issues. Consumer Reports is a reliable source for expert opinions on nearly anything you could possibly want to buy.

Another great place to look for price comparisons and reviews is at e-pinions. Go there to read what other consumers have to say about the product you're interested in.

Read up and happy shopping!

posted by Cara at 6:45 AM | 0 comments

Friday, July 08, 2005

There are Savings to Be Had Online

Welcome to the smart shopper blog! There are three of us contributing here and we hope to share some online shopping tips and savings as well as some good resources to help you navigate all the deals the Net has to offer. Feel free to let us know about some of your great online finds also.

posted by Cara at 10:15 AM | 0 comments