…is enjoying the buzz today for Cyber Monday! Except that Amazon was running a bit slow earlier this morning (or maybe this was just our computer?).
I think it’s safe to say I like a bargain. Shopping for our essentials, and for some wants as well, while paying rock-bottom prices is just plain old FUN! And keeping the extra dollars in our pocket makes me smile too.
Nothing new, this bent towards frugality has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Scanning the paper for coupons, checking out grocery fliers & such was not a task my mother enjoyed, and so I simply accompanied her to the store with my envelope of ‘deals’ and we often shopped together this way.
As now manager in my own home with many more responsibilities than groceries, the process still finds its way into my days. I like the feeling of ‘beating the system’ (or maybe I’m simply competitive this way!).
Seasons come & go and depending on where we are in life, this hunt for a good bargain is often present or sometimes takes a back seat as it does take time. And time is very precious to me, so it’s a balancing act. In ‘honor’ of Cyber Monday and the pursuit of a good deal, I’ll share a few of my favorites ~
:: are you using Swagbucks yet? I discovered these virtual dollars earlier this year, and they are great! The primary way of earning is online searching, but there are options for taking surveys, sharing referrals, etc. I’ve only used the search feature (I type everything into the swagbucks toolbar, even if I know the website address already) and have so far earned $50 in Amazon gift certificates! Which I promptly use on…
:: ….buying diapers on Amazon Mom’s new feature. On this site, there are many deals for the family and FREE 2-day shipping is included for a limited time. My diaper deals go like this ~
- sign up for Amazon Mom & save 15%
- save an additional 15% by using the Subscribe & Save feature (the item ordered is delivered on a regular basis, say every 2 months; unsubscribe as soon as the item is shipped with no penalty)
- often I have another coupon code for another 15% or even 20% off.
- then I pay the balance using as many Swagbuck dollars as possible!
:: right now I’m in a season of coupon clipping and so I receive updates from two sites that offer online coupons to print for local stores and also many other deals ~ Saving Naturally for organic or health foods & products, and then Money Saving Mom. Both sites are run by godly Christian women who I had the privilege of meeting and talking with last month. I highly recommend them!
:: I’ve also recently discovered Walmart’s ALL YOU magazine which offers tons of coupons (at least $70 worth in each issue) on groceries, toiletries, etc. I only take time to scan for the coupons, but the articles seem helpful as well. Check it out at Walmart & if you like it, here’s a super deal on a subscription. Using coupons & local drugstore offers, I usually buy our toiletries for next to nothing or receive them for free.
:: check out restaurant.com for dining out deals in your area. Right now, they are offering up to 80% off certain gift certificates. A few weeks ago, I bought a $25 certificate for $2.00 and enjoyed a night out sampling Indian food with friends…fun!
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I should mention that all of this evolved slowly and it’s a process I enjoy. It does take time (though I’ve figured out ways to cut down on that!), and it should be worth it in your book. If I wasn’t clothing & feeding young children still or if for another reason this just didn’t fit life now, then it wouldn’t be a priority.
All that said, it IS a lot of fun!
