F Valpak.com Shopper & Coupon Blog: August 2005

Valpak.com Shopper & Coupon Blog

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Online Beauty Product Discounts

There are tons of beauty product discounts online if you know the right places to look. If there are specific brands that you enjoy, go straight to the brand’s website to find coupons and special offers. Here are some of the offers I’ve found while cruising the Net:


  • Garnier is giving away free samples of some of their hair care products including shampoos, conditioners and styling products.
  • L’Oreal has offers ranging from sample men’s products to discounted rates for skin care products and make-up.
  • Oil of Olay is offering coupons and samples for all products.
  • Get a free sample of Pantene Pro-V Expressions line.
  • Dove has special offers for all product lines.
  • Crest is offering $7 off Whitestrips.
  • With Avon you can save up to 55% and get free shipping.

Happy savings! Remember, if you ever have any great online saving finds, comment and let us know!

posted by Cara at 10:01 AM | 0 comments

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Dining Out Without Breaking Your Budget

Eating out at restaurants has it advantages, but it can definitely add up. For a family of four, it will add up even quicker. Helpful tips for dining out without breaking the bank:
  • Eat out during lunchtime. Many restaurants offer lunch-sized portions and lunch specials, which are normally cheaper than dinner.
  • Take home any left-overs.
  • If you are craving Chinese food for dinner, pick it up during lunch and order from the Lunch Specials side. This can usually save you 50%.
  • Skip ordering over-priced alcoholic beverages.
  • If your kids are small enough, you can have them split an entree instead of ordering two entrees from the kid's menu. Also, most restaurants won't mind if you bring your own sippie cup (some will even fill it for free) for toddlers.
  • Use restaurant coupons.
    • Find local restaurant coupons at Valpak.com for savings in your area.
    • The Entertainment Book has dozens of restaurant coupons for many large cities across the United States. Tip: If you wait a couple of months into the new year, you can usually get them 1/2 price.
  • Ask your favorite restaurant if they have an E-mail Club. Usually you'll get a coupon upon signing up and another one to celebrate your birthday.
  • Avoid tourist-oriented restaurants and locations. These tend to usually be priced higher.
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Restaurant Coupon Sites:

  • Valpak.com - Print coupons for restaurants in your neighborhood.
  • Entertainment.com - Order the Entertainment book for year-round savings.
  • Restaurant.com - Order discounted gift certificates for your favorite restaurants.
  • iDine.com - Get rewarded everytime you eat out.

    Have a tip to save on dining out? Send us a comment!

    • posted by Vicki at 6:34 AM | 1 comments

    Tuesday, August 23, 2005

    Kids and Money Management

    One of the guys at work was home sick watching TV, he noticed a big topic on a lot of shows was teaching kids to manage money, so I did a little research to share.

    Money gives people – both young and old, decision making opportunities. Paul Richard, author of 15 Ways to Teach Kids About Money says, “Everyday spending decisions can have a far more negative impact on children’s financial futures than any investment decisions they ever make.”

    Ways to Help Educate Children about Personal Finance & Managing Money:

    1. As soon as children can count, introduce them to money
    2. Communicate with children as they grow about your values concerning money
    3. Help children learn the difference between needs, wants and wishes.

    To read more on 15 Ways to Teach Kids About Money

    College Parents of America state, “You people view managing money as a symbol of maturity and independence.”

    Tips to Talk to Your Kids about Money
    1. Approach the discussion with a positive attitude
    2. Set a tone of confidence, openness and trust
    3. Laughter always helps. Lighten the mood with a joke.

    To read more on 8 Ways To Talk To Your Kids About Money

    Family Education also shows some great games to use to help teach your child about money. One of my favorites is “Clip, Save and Teach with Coupons”. This game can be found at Clip, Save and Teach with Coupons.

    A great interactive game for kids and parents both on the net is called Moneyopolis. This is a great way for the kids to be interactive in learning math along with money and budgeting.

    Happy Money Budgeting and Managing $$$

    posted by Anna at 1:24 PM | 0 comments

    Friday, August 19, 2005

    Save on Gas in Your Area

    Gas prices are on the rise. Luckily there is a site to direct you to the gas stations with the cheapest prices in your area. Simply go to ahding.com and find your location. The site will list the gas station by name and its intersection along with the price per gallon. The site lists the prices from lowest to highest. We’ve added the link to our list on the right so be sure to check back next time you need to fill up. Also see our previous entry, Gas Savings Tips, for other sites and ideas on saving gas money.

    Do you know of a cheap station in your area? Post the name, intersection and price per gallon on our blog to help others who may live in your area.

    posted by Cara at 5:34 AM | 0 comments

    Wednesday, August 17, 2005

    My Top 5 Sites For Shopping Deals

    Bargain hunting can be stressful, but there are sites that help me get rid of the madness. Below are my personal top 5 sites to find bargains:

  • Overstock.com - Name brands at a fraction of the cost. Shop now through August 31 for $1 flat-fee shipping.
  • Valpak.com - Print money-saving coupons for local restaurants, entertainment, groceries, oil changes and more from the company that mails you savings in the blue envelope, for free. (Of course Valpak.com would make my list -- I work here!)
  • Ebates.com - Get up to 25% cash back when you shop at more than 800 online merchants, including big brands like Target, JCPenney, Staples, Travelocity and more.
  • Shopzilla.com - Product reviews and price comparisons on clothing, electronics, computers, furniture and more.
  • Taylortown Coupons - Sneak preview of the upcoming coupons in the Sunday paper.

    Happy savings!

    • posted by Vicki at 8:12 AM | 0 comments

    Friday, August 12, 2005

    Auto Repair Savings

    The best way to save is by preventing the repair altogether. Simply by keeping your car tuned up you can avoid some major expenses. To easily maintain your car:
    • Regularly check and fill the fluids such as oil, transmission, radiator, brake, power steering, etc.
    • Measure air pressure in the tires and fill as necessary (keep in mind that too much air is as dangerous as too little air).
    • Rotate tires regularly.
    • Check the elasticity of hoses and belts in the engine and replace as necessary.
    • Check the brakes, oil filter and air filters and change when necessary.
    • When you do have to make a major repair on your car, shop around to find the most qualified and inexpensive mechanic in your area. For tips and advice on finding qualified mechanics check out bankrate.com.

    To learn more check out allthingsfrugal.com.

    Great online savings:
    Goodyear has discounts on a number of inspections and products.
    Midas also has some coupons for services and brake products.
    AAMCO savings include $100 off a rebuilt transmission and more.

    **We'd like to hear from you. Feel free to comment with great savings you find online!**

    posted by Cara at 11:51 AM | 0 comments

    Tuesday, August 09, 2005

    Smart Tips Lower Your Grocery Bills – Save Money on Groceries

    Planning - The Number One Key to Top Savings

    According to Donna Montaldo, the savings guru from About.com, the most important thing to remember about lowering your food bill is to plan your meals before going into the store. Dedicating time to grocery shopping and meal planning will cut your spending by up to 50 percent, if you stick to your list.

    Here are a few of Donna’s keys to savings:
    • Don’t shop on an empty stomach
    • Avoid Darting Into Convenience Stores
    • Don't Buy Toiletries at Grocery Stores
    • Concentrated Juice Offers Big Savings
    • Don't Be Shy About Shopping the Discount Basket
    • Shop Store Brands and Generic Products

    Read More Smart Tips on how to lower your grocery bills.

    Coupons, specials and rebates can be found at some Supermarket sites:
    • Albertsons - Some locations offer coupon information. Use the zip code box to check your store.
    • Food Lion – Check out the weekly specials and coupons.
    • Kash n’ Karry – Check out weekly specials and recipes.
    • Kroger – Kroger has U-pons that are only found on the Internet!

    posted by Anna at 11:36 AM | 0 comments

    Thursday, August 04, 2005

    Save Big With Back-To-School Sales!

    Back-to-school sales are in full swing. Don’t forget to pick up the Sunday paper for the sales circulars, or visit SundaySaver.com to view them online. Super-saving back-to-school sales to be aware of:

    • Save 25% on school & home office supplies at Drugstore.com through 8/26
    • 25%-50% savings can be found at JCPenney.com or in your local department store through 8/22
    • Save $10 On Backpacks, Laptop Cases and more from Ebags through 8/31
    • Anyone with a valid student ID can shop at local Pier 1 stores and save 15% through 9/25 (savings not available online)

    posted by Vicki at 6:51 AM | 0 comments

    Monday, August 01, 2005

    Great Grocery Coupons

    Searching the internet the other day, I came across some of these great offers and a great recipe for the summer.

    •Tide Fresh Approach – fill out the form and receive a special offer.
    •Febreze - – receive up to $8 in coupons.
    •Cascade Complete - pick a day and time and receive a $1 Off coupon for any size of Cascade Complete.
    •Stonyfield Yogurt - register and get coupons instantly you can print.

    If you like yogurt, here is a quick and cool recipe:

    Yogurt Crunch

    Ingredients
    6 cups vanilla yogurt
    4 firm granola bars, any flavor: peanut butter, cinnamon, oats-n-honey
    1/2 cup chopped nuts: walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts, toasted
    1/2 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced

    Pour yogurt into a bowl. Add granola bars to a plastic food storage bag and crush. Add to yogurt along with nuts. Stir to combine all ingredients and transfer to cups. Top with strawberries and serve.

    posted by Anna at 5:43 AM | 0 comments