Spotlight On....Rebates: Use Them to Your Advantage

Rebates are a great way to save a little money on products you use, try new products for FREE, and even make a little money!If you didn't get a chance to read my first post on the basics of rebates, go here!

Although it seems pretty simple: see a rebate, purchase the product, send in for the rebate, there is a strategic way to use coupons to maximize your savings and make a little money! When I find a rebate, I don’t run out to the store and purchase it. How do I know when to use a rebate? Here are a few ways to maximize your rebates:

*Use coupons: Use a coupon for the product. In most instances you will get the purchase price for the product, even when you use a coupon! There is always a chance that the coupon will be deducted from the total but typically you will get the full price!

*Use with store promotions: Wait until the product is part of a catalina deal at Meijer or a Register Reward deal at Walgreens. Not only will you get the purchase price of the product, but you will also get a catalina, Register Reward, or other store promotion. Here’s an example:

TMF Rebate for TENA Ultra Thins

Price: $9.99

Use $2/1 coupon

Pay $7.99

Get $3 Register Reward

Submit for Rebate and Receive $9.99!

You made $2 and got $3 in Register Rewards = $5 Moneymaker!!

*Use at Rite Aid: This is where I purchase most of my rebate items.

-$5/$25 Rite Aid coupon: On weeks when there aren’t enough great deals to get to $25, I will often throw in a TMF rebate item to get my total to $25.

-Up Rewards: Just like the Walgreens example above, I can purchase the rebate item when I will receive an Up Reward for purchasing it.

-Single Check Rebate: I can also purchase the item when it has a single check rebate. Here’s an example:

Visine Tired Eye Relief

Price: $8.99

Use $2/1 coupon

Pay $6.99

SCR: $2

Submit for TMF Rebate and Receive $8.99!

You made $2 and will receive a $2 Single Check Rebate = $4 Moneymaker!!

Of course, there are expiration dates on rebates so you can’t wait forever to try to maximize your savings. Some rebates I will just let pass and others I will purchase the week it expires.

Spotlight On.....Rebates

Rebates are a great way to save a little money on products you use, try new products for FREE, and even make a little money!

What are Rebates?

Rebates are incentives that the manufacturer gives to consumers to buy their product. 

*Try Me Free (TMF) Rebate: Receive the purchase price of the product
*$$ when you spend $$: Receive a specified amount when you spend a specified amount. For example, spend $30 and receive a $10 rebate

What do I Need to Keep for the Rebate?

You need to read each rebate form carefully to make sure that you include everything required for the rebate. For almost every rebate, you will need:

*Original Rebate Form (no copies)
*Original Cash Register Receipt (no copies)
*Proof of Purchase - UPC on the product

Where can I find Rebates?

The most common places to find rebates are:
*Coupon Inserts in the Sunday Newspaper: Manufacturer’s will sometimes place a rebate form in with your weekly coupons.
*Online: Whenever I find a new rebate online, I will post it here!
*On the Product: Products will sometimes have a tag hanging around it, a peelie on the outside or a form on the inside of the box that says “Try Me Free.” Keep your eyes peeled for these rebate forms!

What are some tips for doing Rebates?
*Read carefully: Although most rebates require the same information, make sure you read carefully so that you include everything the rebate requires. You also want to make sure that you are purchasing the correct product. Look at the name of the product as well as the size!

*Make a copy: Before you send in your rebate, make a copy of all of the information that you are including. If the rebate is denied for some reason, you will have the copy to back it up!

*Don’t tape/staple your submission items together: Many rebates are checked by machines and when the UPC label is taped to the receipt, the machine will count it as only one item. Since you need all of the information for the rebate, you will be denied.

*Keep track of your rebates: It doesn’t need to be anything fancy. Just a simple spreadsheet listing the rebate, when you sent it and when you received it.

What advice do you have for doing rebates?

Spotlight On......Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

Trading Coupons

Yes, trading! It seems crazy but I trade coupons with other people online.  Or well, I used to, it's been awhile. Sounds funny doesn't it?! I list the coupons that I have and the coupons that I am in search of and make trades with others based on their haves and needs. When there is a coupon for something that I can use a lot of or something that will make me money (yes, I do actually make money), instead of buying 20 papers, I can trade with others and get rid of coupons that I won't use for coupons that I will.

*There are many groups on the internet that you can trade with. I started trading with a group on Babycenter called Trading Post. I have not yet ventured away from this group so, unfortunately, I don't have a lot of input about other groups. Maybe someone reading this post has had some experiences with other groups?

*Trading is done online and through the mail. Because you are using a stamp, it is important to make sure that your trade will be large enough to make it worth it. I never trade less than $5 worth of coupons when I trade.

*Keep all of your coupons - I keep all of my newspaper inserts. I just write the date on the front so that if someone is looking for a coupon, I can easily go back and find it. Don't throw out those coupons that you get in the mail - someone may be interested. When you see a blinkie or tearpad in the store, grab some (within reason)! They might be good for trades! Sign up for mailing lists - especially for formula companies. I have been fortunate enough to be able to breastfeed so I haven't needed formula but others do and it is expensive! You can trade those formula checks that come in the mail!

*Trading is not limited to coupons! Many people trade Coke Codes, Pampers Points, Huggies Enjoy the Ride Codes and Box Tops for Education. If you don't collect them, save them - someone wants them!

*Keep a list of coupons that you want and that you have. Some traders create their own websites and update their coupons on there. Others (me) keep a list on Microsoft Word and post it on the site. Figure out what works for you.

*Be fair when you trade. This can be difficult as you get started because you don't have an idea of the value of coupons, etc. You'll get the hang of it. Just don't offer a little and ask for a lot.

Don't miss the rest of the "Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons" series!

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

Inside Products and Packaging

It is always a pleasant surprise to find a coupon waiting for me inside a package!  Sometimes you'll find the coupon folded up inside the product and other times you will find it on the inside of the cardboard packaging (such as on a cereal or oatmeal box).  Make sure that you take a peek at your packaging carefully before you throw anything away!  I have found some great, high value coupons waiting to be discovered!

Don't miss the rest of the "Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons" series!

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

Tearpads, Blinkies, Peelies, and Hangtags

The next time you go grocery shopping, take a look around. There are coupons everywhere!! Many display stands have tearpads of coupons just waiting to be torn off. Blinkie machines (the black boxes with the blinking red light) can be found in the aisles. Some products will have coupons hanging on them or coupons that can be peeled off. Personally, I leave the peelies and hangtags on the product unless I plan on buying that particular product but I do grab some of the coupons off of the tearpads or from the blinkie machines to use for future sales. When taking these coupons, please make sure you are leaving some for others!

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

Homemailers

I get coupons in the mail almost every day - I absolutely LOVE the mail! I sign up for newsletters and freebies of products that I use. For example, I signed up for newsletters through Huggies and get coupons for Huggies products several times throughout the year.  If you decide to sign up for various newsletters and request freebies, I suggest that you create an alternate email address so that it doesn't clog up your main email.  Manufacturer's also offer coupon booklets from time to time.  My favorite, the Home Made Simple booklet.  This coupon booklet becomes available quite frequently and has some great high value coupons!

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

Free Samples

Not only do you get something for FREE when you request freebies but you often get a high value coupon with it!  I request almost every FREE sample that becomes available for two reasons.....First, because there is a use for all of these.  If not for my family, then for someone else (through donation).  And, second, for the coupons.  These high value coupons will often make a product FREE with a sale! 

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

Magazines

Until I started couponing, I didn't notice the various coupons that were scattered throughout most magazines.  Grab one of your magazines and skim through it.  Find any coupons?  Most magazines have only one or two coupons in them. 

One magazine that is a must for couponers - All You magazine. All You magazine is filled with coupons! You can find this magazine at Walmart or you can get a subscription through Amazon (use those gift cards that you earned from Swagbucks).

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

Coupons from the Manufacturer

A great way to get coupons is to contact the company directly.  We usually think of contacting a company when there is a problem or when we aren't happy with something but why not contact a company to compliment them!  Many companies will send out high value and FREE coupons just for sending them a simple email.

I have been contacting companies for a couple of years now and am amazed at how many great coupons I've received this way.  If you are interested in contacting companies, I make it easy for you!  Each Thursday, I have a feature called "Thank You Thursday."  I provide the a link for you to contact five different companies each week!

In the meantime, here are some companies that have sent me FREE coupons just for saying "Thanks!"

Lance
Sweet Baby Ray's
New York Garlic Bread

Eggland's Best

Earth's Best

Earthbound Farms

Azteca Foods

Bar-S

Aunt Millie's

SCJohnson

I was able to get FREE coupons from each brand.  I emailed two at a time for several weeks.

The following didn't send FREE coupons but the value of the coupon would make most products FREE:

V8

Pace

Campbell's

Pepperidge Farm

Swanson Broth

Prego

Don't miss the rest of the "Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons" series!

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

Catalina Coupons
Catalina coupons are coupons that print at the register when you check out. These coupons are triggered by something that you have purchased.

   

What triggers the catalina coupons to print?

*Many stores have promotions where you buy x items, you get $x off your next order.  Example: Buy 2 Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, Get $1.50 off your next order.

*Some catalina coupons are triggered when a rival product is purchased.  Example: You buy Pampers and get a catalina coupon for Huggies.

*Some catalinas print when you a purchase a product to encourage you to buy more.  Example: You buy YoBaby yogurt and get a catalina coupon for $1/2 YoBaby yogurt.

The best part about catalina coupons is that you can often get products for FREE or very cheap when you combine sales, coupons, and catalina offers!!

Don't miss out on the rest of our series: "Spotlight On...Finding Coupons."

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

Internet Printable Coupons

Another great way to get coupons is from the internet!  More and more coupons have become available on the internet, many of them high value!  Many companies are finding out the advantages of this type of marketing. And we are benefiting from it!!

What should I know about internet printable coupons?
*Each coupon has a unique code so PLEASE do not photocopy them.

*Most coupons can be printed twice from each computer. Just hit your back button a few times and you should be able to print again!

*Most stores accept internet printables. Some stores do not allow high value printable coupons. For example, Rite Aid will not accept an internet coupon over $5.

How do I know when to print the coupon or when I should wait?

When I first started out, I printed EVERYTHING.  And I mean everything....even coupons for products that I would never buy!  So, what should you print?  High value coupons often go quickly so if it is a coupon that you will use, print it right away.  I have had many, many coupons disappear because I waited.  I also print coupons for products that I use every day, coupons for upcoming sales, and coupons for donation items.

Where can I find coupons online?

Spectacular Savings

I post high value coupons that become available!

Coupons.com

Redplum

Smartsource

CoolSavings

EverSave

Mambo Sprouts

Pillsbury

Box Tops 4 Education
Betty Crocker

All You Printables
Eat Better America

SnackPicks

Don't miss "Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons: Sunday Newspaper Insert?"

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer?  Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more.  This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons!  Today's spotlight is on.......

Sunday Newspaper Insert Coupons

Getting coupons from the Sunday morning newspaper is probably the first place you would think to look, right?  Of course it is....there are hundreds of dollars of coupons available each Sunday morning in the newspaper! 

What should I know about getting the Sunday newspaper?

*The coupons that are available in the newspaper inserts vary by region.  The larger the newspaper, the better the coupons.  I live in Kalamazoo but I buy the Detroit Free Press each week.  Not only are there more coupons but they also have higher values.

*Buy more than one newspaper insert each week!  Every Friday, I post a preview of the coupons that will be available in the Sunday paper.  Take a look and if you see a lot of coupons that you would use, buy more.  I typically buy 2 or 4 each week.  I have also had weeks that I have skipped and weeks that I have purchased 6!

*Before you buy the paper, check to make sure that the coupons are there.  I don't know how many times I've checked and found them missing! 

*Check with your local grocery store to see if they will save inserts for you.  My local store, Hardings, saves me 2 newspapers each week.  If I have a busy day or I'm out of town, I don't have to worry about the papers selling out.  I know I will get at least two.  And on weeks with no inserts.....I just call and they don't save them. 

*Holiday weekends often don't have coupons.  From time to time you will see a P&G in there but, for the most part, there aren't any coupons on holidays.   

What coupon inserts will I find in my paper?

  The 3 most common inserts are the RedPlum, SmartSource, and P&G.  Be sure to check out my coupon preview on Fridays to see what inserts will be in the paper!

You will see the RedPlum insert referred to as "RP."

You will see the SmartSource insert referred to as "SS."

The P&G insert comes out 1-2 times per month.

How can I get extra newspaper inserts?

*Ask your friends, families, and coworkers!  Most people throw out their inserts when they are done with them.  Many people throw out their inserts without even glancing at them!  Ask around. Most people will be willing to set them aside for you.

*Go recycling bin diving!  I have heard of people getting hundreds of inserts this way.  If you decide to give this a try, please check the laws concerning this and make sure it's ok!  I haven't tried it but only because I don't want to spend the time diving for the Kalamazoo Gazette.  The coupons just aren't good enough!

Spotlight On....Surveys: Siging Up for Some New Survey Sites!

If you didn't get a chance to see my first "Spotlight On" post, you won't want to miss it! Especially if you are interested in trying out some new survey sites! Don't forget to sign up for a new email address if plan to join several.

Today's Spotlight.......
Signing Up for New Survey Sites

I visited my friend Sarah's blog, Give Me Neither, today to see what survey sites she has joined.  To my surprise, she was signed up for several that I had not yet joined.  So, what did I do.....signed up, of course!  Here are the new survey sites that I will be trying out:

Ipsos I-Say Panel

Lightspeed Consumer Panel

Survey Head

Go here to see the rest of the "Spotlight On..." series!

Spotlight On.....Surveys: Saynation

If you didn't get a chance to see my first "Spotlight On" post, you won't want to miss it! Especially if you are interested in trying out some new survey sites! Don't forget to sign up for a new email address if plan to join several. Today's spotlight is on.....

Saynation

I have been with Saynation for quite awhile.  I did a lot of surveys with them when I first started and have started back up in the past few weeks.  Saynation does not have a cash payment option but you can earn gift cards such as Barnes and Noble, Walmart, or Amazon. The thing that I like the best about this survey site is that you earn 25 points even if you don't qualify for the survey.

To see the rest of the "Spotlight On...." series, go here!

Spotlight On.....Surveys: My Survey

If you didn't get a chance to see my first "Spotlight On" post, you won't want to miss it! Especially if you are interested in trying out some new survey sites! Don't forget to sign up for a new email address if plan to join several. Today's spotlight is on.....

My Survey

I have been with My Survey for a few months now.  One of the things that I like about My Survey is that, while I don't get as many survey opportunities with them, I almost always qualify.  It seems that I am sent surveys based on my profile!  I also like that you can request a check when you reach 1000 points (equals $10).

Go here to see the rest of the "Spotlight On" series!

And stay tuned to see how much time I spend on surveys and how much I earn from it!

Spotlight On.....

My intention with the "Spotlight On..." feature was to focus on one thing each month and show you how simple it can be to do and how you can earn a little without spending a lot of time.  Well, as I've mentioned before, April got away from me!  So, I am going to continue "Spotlight On.....Surveys" this month.  I will highlight more survey companies - companies that I've been with for awhile and others that I am new to!  I will also give you a glimpse of how much time I spend on surveys and how much I earn in that time!

Spotlight On.....Surveys: Mindfield Online

If you didn't get a chance to see my first "Spotlight On" post, you won't want to miss it! Especially if you are interested in trying out some new survey sites! Don't forget to sign up for a new email address if plan to join several. Today's spotlight is on.....

Mindfield Online

I have been with Mindfield Online for awhile now and have only just begun to take the surveys sent to me.   I recently qualified for a survey and earned $3!  I get 2 or 3 survey emails each week so there are several opportunities to earn.  Payout is at $5 and you can request a check!  Yay!  I love that option!

To read the rest of the Spotlight On series, go here!

Spotlight On.....Surveys: Toluna

If you didn't get a chance to see my first "Spotlight On" post, you won't want to miss it! Especially if you are interested in trying out some new survey sites! Don't forget to sign up for a new email address if plan to join several. Today's spotlight is on.....

Toluna

I just recently joined Toluna and have completed a couple of surveys for them.  What I like about Toluna is that I receive several survey invites a day.  Obviously this gives me a better chance of qualifying for one.  Earn $1-$5 each time you qualify and take surveys. You may also get an opportunity to test products for free and share your opinions!  Another feature that I like about Toluna is that you have the option of requesting a check! 

To read the rest of the Spotlight On series, go here!

Spotlight On.....Surveys: Zoompanel

If you didn't get a chance to see my first "Spotlight On" post, you won't want to miss it! Especially if you are interested in trying out some new survey sites! Don't forget to sign up for a new email address if plan to join several.  Today's spotlight is on.....

Zoompanel

This is a survey site that I signed up for through Inbox Dollars as a FREE cash offer.  For a long time I just deleted the survey emails because they don't send a check.  Well, recently, a friend mentioned getting a cookbook with her rewards.  So, I decided to check out their rewards and see if there was anything that might interest me!  There was plenty!  So, I have stopped deleting these emails!  You earn 50 points for every survey you complete and prizes begin at 1000 points.  They send a lot of survey emails each day so you have plenty of opportunities to earn points!  I am already at 600 points and I only really started taking the surveys a month or two ago!

To read the rest of the Spotlight On series, go here!

Spotlight On....Surveys: InboxDollars

If you didn't get a chance to see my first "Spotlight On" post, you won't want to miss it! Especially if you are interested in trying out some new survey sites!  Don't forget to sign up for a new email address if plan to join several.

InboxDollars

I have been part of Inbox Dollars for awhile now.  Payout is $30 so it takes awhile to get to BUT it is SUPER easy to do.  Inbox Dollars sends you emails to "read" and you get $.02 for each one.   They send a few every day.  All you have to do is click on the email and click on "Confirm Reading This Email."  Some emails will have a pop up that goes right to the ad and others will have an Inbox Dollars ad and you will need to "Confirm" one more time.  This takes under a minute to do.  Very simple!

Other ways to earn money include surveys for $.50, shopping online, FREE offers, playing games, and MORE!!  Personally, I do the emails, surveys occasionally, and some of the FREE offers!

Go here for the entire Spotlight on Series!