Target Now Price Matches!

Big news for anyone shopping with a tight budget this holiday season! Target and Best Buy have both adopted new price matching policies that will have shoppers saving big big bucks this year. But, what does this mean?

Let's find out.

  I promise I don't work for Target. I actually never shop at Target, because I am team Wal-Mart, but that's another story all together.

They have adopted a new holiday price match policy that went into affect on October 22. They have vaguely stated on their Corporate Social Responsibility Website, that there policy will be "including matching prices from select online retailers in stores for the first time." But, come on, what does that really mean.

Here's the Whole Policy

Here's a Brief Review:

The policy covers exact like items only. If you are trying to price match a Barbie Jeep, it must be the same Barbie Jeep that Target carries in their store.

The policy asks for proof of the price. For example, if you saw the better price in a Wal-Mart ad, you must take said Wal-Mart ad into Target with you. Or, if you say that same item on Walmart.com, you must pull up that price on your phone (or tablet) to show that proof.

Ad must be valid for that day. If the ad ends on November 16, and you try to price  match with it on November 26, you will be out of luck.

You CAN use coupons and price matching together to get the best savings.

Sorry, but Target will not allow you to price match items that are priced for "Black Friday".

The only online retailers included in price matching are Walmart.com, Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, ToysRUs.com, or BabiesRUs.com; prices from 3rd party sellers on these websites will not be honored.

As per usual, there are tons of if's and's or but's so definitely check out the website before you go shopping!

Happy Saving!

Is it Too Late to Apologize?

I have a burden I feel I need to share. I don't know how appropriate this forum is to share this with you, but you know what, it's my blog- and I can rant if I want to. This week has brought about some serious soul searching for me. Laying in bed, jacked up on cough medicine and playing wedding shows on Netflix can make a girl emotional. 

Just so you where I am coming from a bit, I moved to Tampa all by myself a year ago in January. My life back home was the same mundane ritual over and over. School, family, sleep, boyfriend, day after day, and I was not getting anything accomplished for me. When I was accepted to the University of South Florida, I was elated. I knew that this is my opportunity to start my life over again. Coming to Tampa, I only had my very favorite cousin, let's call her Savannah. Her and her boyfriend were the only things I had to hold on too when I moved here- and I held on tight. 

We had a falling out, and since then I have made an effort to improve my life on my own. I vowed to make my own friends and create my own life. Although every day I miss them and wish we could repair what we had, I have made my dreams come true. People who used to be shadows in the background of my first new life here are now in the center of my second new life here.

I feel like I am in a constant state of rebirth, I think I have reinvented myself more than Madonna, and I have stepped on a ton of good people along the way. This, is what I feel like I need to apologize for. 

To my friends and family back home- I am sorry that I left with out taking the time to celebrate the relationships we created, and not really letting anyone new into my life after I got into USF. I'm sorry that I could not find peace with myself down there , or stick through the bad times. Home has a special place in my heart, and it will always be my home.

To my cousin here in Tampa- I love you. I don't want to continue to live my life with out, and I honestly want to do whatever I can to bring back what we had. You are my everything, please call me or text me or send a smoke signal, something.

To my new friends here in Tampa- I am sorry that I have been such an emotional wreck lately. Thank you for being my friends and being here for me whenever I need you. I hope that the friendship that we have created can last us forever, because we are totes cute. 

LOVE YOU!!!

How Target Can Predict a Woman's Pregnancy.

"Target sent baby-related promotions to a teenage girl before her father even knew she was pregnant," and for some, this is a major invasion of privacy. Author of The Power of Habit: Why We do What We Do in Life and Business Charles Duhigg, showcases Target's model of customer tracking. Many consumers are aware that their online purchases are tracked and monitored, but few realize the extent to which a company will go to learn more about you. 

I came across an article from USA Today called "How retailers study and test us to maximize profit".  In it, Jayne O'Donnell and Sarah Meehan discuss the host of ways stores monitor our shopping behavior. Think about this, we live in a world where competitive pricing and effective marketing are the only tools companies have to get your attention. The days of Mr. Johnson running the only grocery store in town where every one knows every one's name are gone. Companies like Target, Wal-Mart, Staples, and Dick's Sporting Goods are hiring on other firms to get to know the consumer better, and it may be the only way they can stay on top. 

Remember those free cards I told you all that I sign up for? The ones that always get me some really awesome free stuff? The most magical part about those loyalty cards and e-mail lists is that you have allowed that company to get to know you better. They know your birthday, your age, your gender, your approximate location, etc. For the most part, Coldstone's Creamery e-mail database knows you better than a casual friend knows you. Many times, after you signed up for these perks, you are issued a customer ID, generally in the form of a barcode for easy computer access. Then, when you check out at Staples with a customer reward card, a multitude of really awesome things happen. 

For one, the store now knows what to replenish the shelves with. If a company is smart, they will keep track throughout the day of what items have been purchased from the shelves, and replenishing with what is in stock. This will promote customer satisfaction because there will be more product available that the customer needs. Secondly, it keeps track of how much you are spending. People, like my mother, who spend upwards of $100 a week in office supplies alone will get rewarded and preferential treatment for promotions over someone like me, who goes in with her and just buy a soda from time to time. They will keep providing my Mom with deals on the ink, paper, and other supplies she needs. They will inform her about exclusive shopping nights, and preferred customer deals. And although Staples will try to contact me and send me timely updates, I am not responding to their contacts and so they haven't found a way to understand my needs. Third, it tells the company who buys from that store, what they buy from that store, and when they buy from that store. They can sit back and look at Store #1438 and say, okay, this store gets shopped by mostly young adults in the 18-25 range, what can we do to get products they want into this particular location. Ever notice how many corporations and large chains have USF Bulls themed stuff in their stores? They know where we are, what's around us, and what they can use to improve their sales. And I love it. 

For some, it's a little scary. There are plenty of consumers that are not okay with this, and feel as though their privacy is being breached. My feelings are simple: the company is not going to use this information to one day take over the world. I'm not an idiot, I won't give out my social security number, or a bank account number. What harm can it really do to give Panera Bread my birthday? They gave me a free bakery item and $2 off of a You-Pick-2, by the way.  Besides, wouldn't you want to shop some where that is going to take the time to personalize your shopping experience to you?

The psychology behind shopping has always fascinated me, and it's definitely what I want to be doing with my life. How did Target know that the young girl was pregnant before her own father knew? By watching what she browsed through online and what she was searching for through their website. Creepy, huh?

Halloween Inspired Deals.

Halloween lurks just around the corner, and with it, some scary good deals. (Sorry, there really aren't any fresh new Halloween puns left.) I went website to website trying to find some deals for October only. 

 Chipotle is my absolute favorite place to be in the entire world. Disney World can suck it. I went to Chipotle earlier today, and the bottom of the receipt made me grin from ear to ear. On Halloween, between 4pm and close, go to your local Chipotle in costume and you will get a burrito for $2. TWO DOLLARS ARE YOU KIDDINGGGG!! Thank you Halloween!

Wal-Mart is giving free standard shipping on all Halloween purchases. Both of costumes and decor. This can save you a ton, and is a lot more convenient than doing their site-to-store shipping. They want to get you into the store to pick up your goodies because Lord knows you go in for one thing and come out with a shopping cart full. So if you're looking for a last minute costume or some cool howling wolf thing, here you go. 



  Until the end of October, Subway is hosting a buy one, get one sale. There are some stipulations. First, you have to get there before 9 am. Which means I will not be participating in this deal. Then, when you buy one 6 inch sub and drink combo, you will get one 6 inch sub for free. Go crazy, get that super awesome breakfast sub you've been dying to try. 


There are never enough costume sales. No, honestly, because Halloween only generates 1%-4% of the  revenue that Christmas does, retailers in stores and online are pushing deals on costumes and throwing in free shipping to get your sale. Buycostumes.com is hosting a really great deal on their website. They are offering an extra 35% off of their clearance costumes with the code: RIP. Or, if you like to spend a little money on your costume, they will give you 25% off of your full priced costume, and free shipping on a purchase of over $75 with the code: Demon.

And, I know I said I would post some grocery shopping deals today, but I am going to hold off so that I can post the information at the beginning of the store's sale cycle. That way, everyone has a full week to take advantage of the savings. =]

Happy Shopping!

Let the Revolution Begin!

The first step of recovering in Alcoholics Anonymous is admitting you have a problem. Or, so I hear. Well, I will never ever admit that I have a problem. This weekend my "problem" allowed me to get $350 worth of food for just under $100. For the record, that haul included 13 pounds of candy (I weighed it). Yah, 13 pounds of delicious chocolate Trick or Treat candy, just let that sink in. 

Well, I gave the candy away, and like the candy I want to give away the chance for anyone to be able to do what I do. I have put together a massive coupon spreadsheet, and I have made it available via Google Docs to all of you here. Now, before you click, get ready because it will probably make you a little light headed. 

Here's what you are looking at. The first sheet, labeled "Master List" is just a list of all the coupons that I have in my collection right now. Next, you'll see 11 other sheets of coupons that I have organized by type. The coupons listed on the 11 other sheets are duplicates of the ones from the Master List. 

Each coupon has a few keys points inputted on this list:
1) The first column will tell you which coupon magazine featured the coupon: Red Plum (RP), Smart Source (SS), or Proctor and Gamble (P&G). 
2) Then it will tell you which week's magazine contains the coupon. 
3) Next, it will give a brief description of what the coupon entails. Always always read the coupon before using it in a purchase, because sometimes they have a long list of size or type requirements. Some have none. 
4) The third column lists the discount. For example, $1 off of 1 or $.75 off of 2
5) The fourth column is really a column for me, but feel free to replace it with your own! It lists how many of that coupon I have. I probably won't keep up with it, but at least I'm trying, right?
6) Next, and probably most importantly, is the expiration date. Retailers can not accept coupons after the expiration date, or the will not get reimbursed for the amount of the discount. 
7) Finally, I have listed what I organized the coupon as. Now, disclaimer, there are some inconsistencies in how I have organized things. I went through and re-organized somethings, and everything should be where it belongs. If you find a stray coupon, lemme know, k?



I am going to use this as my basis for shopping lists from here on out. My next post is going to use this database to match up in store deals and sales!! I can not wait to build on this and improve it over time!

Ya Gotta Get Organized!

That was an Aladdin reference, by the way, because today I am going to give you three wishes!!!! Don't thank me yet though, because I actually chose to wishes for you. But I can promise you that it will put a lil' smile on that grouchy face of yours.

Ready?

Wish 1: I wish I had some sweet new printable deals and promotions to take advantage of.

Your wish is my command:

 Old Navy is celebrating 5 Million FaceBook friends, by giving you 30% off of your purchase October 12- 14. I love these deals because Old Navy encourages you to  show the coupon on  your Smart Phone instead of printing it out. No need to waste paper! Book mark this page now, and shop your face off later.

(Thank you Coupon Geek!!)

In other retail deal news: Frederick's of Hollywood, a store that every broke diva needs to befriend, is having a 50% off of everything sale! No coupon needed, no codes to punch. Just find your closest location and head in before October 14. Gentlemen, this one is for you too. Give your girlfriend something fancy.

Wish granted?

Wish 2: I wish you could show me an easy way to organize my coupons.

Your wish is my command!

What you will need:

1) Your coupon inserts

2) Sharpie type marker

3) Stapler with staples

4) Paper clips (big or small, both it's best to have both)

5) A place to put them all when you're done

Ready?

1) Gather all of your coupons together. If you have a few weeks worth already accumulated, then take the time to separate them by type (Smart Source, Red Plum, etc.) Next take each type, and separate them by date. You can find the date printed on the side of the booklet, generally in small font.

Take a moment, and write the date on the front of at least one of your coupon booklets. 

This way, when you gather a variety of magazine, you can easily identify which one this is and quickly retrieve coupons from it. 

1a) Now, if you only are planning on picking up one coupon booklet at a time, you no longer have to follow the rest of my steps, as they involve how to condense multiple booklets. Just jump on down to the step 8, and you are good to go!

But, if you're like me, and grab anywhere between 2 and 6 papers a week, follow me down this Yellow Brick Road. 

2) Gather all "like" booklets together. For this example, I have all 6 of my Red Plum booklets from October 7, 2012. 

3) Carefully, tear each page out. Ensuring that you do not rip barcodes, dates, or any other important parts of the coupon. 

4) Lay each page out on a surface (like a table, floor, or a friend's lap). Continue to lay out the pages, keeping any duplicate pages together. So, for me I have 6 of the same pages stacked on top of each other.

5) Then take those like pages, and staple them together. If there is a full page (front and back) that does not have any coupons on it, feel free to toss it. Also, sometimes the front cover won't have a coupon on it. Generally, I will keep one of those covers and staple it to the front of the next page. (The staple is a little hard to see, but it's there)

6) Continue this process with all of the pages in that magazine.

7) After you have finished that booklet, take a paper clip and paper clip those pages together. Now you have the same booklet, in an easy to read format. Also, this makes it easier clipping out every single coupon and trying to remember where you placed it. 

8) Lastly, put that booklet, in order with the other Red Plum magazine. I use an accordion folder for all of my coupons. It's stretchy, easy to get in and out of, and is so much easier to keep organized than a binder. I keep P&G in the front, followed by Red Plum oldest issues to the front, followed by Smart Source oldest issues to the front, and lastly printed coupons.

Whew!! Wish granted in a big way! If any thing is not clear, or you would like a better explanation, please don't hesitate to ask me!

So, now, are you ready for your third wish!? (I know you are, don't roll your eyes at me like that.)

Wish 3: I wish I knew how to get the best deals with grocery shopping, with out wasting all of my free time.

POOF!!!

After a few sleepless nights, I have put together a massive coupon spread sheet that will revolutionize couponing. Revolutionizing is probably pushing it a bit, but I can dream, right?

Stay tuned early next week for the spread sheet, a how-to on using the spread sheet, and possibly a little bit about my shopping trip this weekend. I'm dying to share some of my free stuff with you guys!

The moral of the story: Couponing can be easy, all you have to do it put a little effort in to it!

Shopping for NFL Swag?

If you are like me, and never know what to get the man in your life, here's something I came across in my coupon snooping.

From now until 10/20/12 on NFLshop.com use the promo code: PEPSICOMTS at check out and save $10  on a $100 purchase. 

Get him a case of beer, and then you'll really be his dream girl!*

*Not a guarantee. 

Ok, Boys! Listen Up.

I felt led to apologize somehow for my boob comments last week. I know, thinking about life without them made you very sad. But here's how I am making it up to you. I have found three one-day deals on magazine subscriptions.

Enter: COUPONGEEK at the checkout, and the magazines will be further discounted. 


What is it: Bassmaster
What You're Saving:   Regular Subscription Price: $54.45/ Year
                                New Subscription Price: $5.29/Yr (Up to 3yrs)

Where to Get it: This DiscountMags.com link to Bassmaster Magazine.

What is Bassmaster?: "Bassmaster Magazine is the "Bible" of the bass fishing world." According to an Amazon Review. Not enough for you? Check out their website.




What is it: Budget Travel
What You're Saving:   Regular Subscription Price: $23.70/ Year
                                New Subscription Price: $3.50/Yr (Up to 3yrs)

Where to Get it: This DiscountMags.com link to Budget Travel Magazine.

What is Budget Travel Magazine?: "This is a great magazine for REGULAR people. You will not find expensive exclusive resorts you could never afford, yet you will also not be staying in a cheap, crappy place either." Not enough, still? Check out their website.



Thank you  again Coupon Geek for keeping us up to date!

Free Redbox Rental, Anyone?

Happy Birthday Redbox!!

Tomorrow, October 10, 2012 brings so many better things than just Hump Day. Bring yourself out of your mid-week slump with a free movie rental or game rental from RedBox.

The offer is good tomorrow only on one- night RedBox rentals. Click here for the code. Or, just trust me on this, the code is: Birthday.

Omg, such a secret code, right!

Thank you RedBox, for giving me another reason to procrastinate tomorrow.

Extra Credit Time: When you go get your free movie tomorrow, add your email for their email list. They will thank you with $.50 off one rental in your first email. Then, if you want, you can send them to Spam Jail, and never receive another email again.

You're welcome. 

Free Frosty!

What good can $1 do, right? And, although I feel like with this post, you all will think I am think this "charity" person. Well, really I just like saving money and when it is going to help other people I'm a sucker. Plus, I really like chocolate. You're confused, let me explain.

Now, at a participating Wendy's near you, $1 can be donated to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. No matter what some foreign expert says about charitable philanthropies  who can say "no" to sad kids who need Mommies and Daddies? Not I.

Go there, give them a dollar, and then they give you this magic booklet. Then, the lady let us drive around again, (Queens don't use lobby services), and get two free jr. frostys. Immediate savings of 50%. 

And the opportunity to go back over and over and over to get more. I love cheap stuff.  

Retail Deals

I have decided to start this continuous post. Here, you are going to find some online retail deals that I have stumbled across while getting lost in Google. (Don't worry, it happens frequently). I do solemnly swear to keep it simple, but I think some of us who are still enjoying what I like to call "loan money life"* would like to do a little cheap splurging. I will hopefully, keep these deals fresh and update you when I find new ones.

*Loan Money Life: the brief period in a college student's life where they have more money then their parents and they want to buy everything. (That isn't just me, right?)

 For use on October 7, 2012 only. 20% Off Your Purchase. Click it, print it, thank me. 

Also, Buzz Club Members can get 20% off on Saturday October 6, 2012 after 4pm. Don't have one? It's one of those many free memberships I have that benefit me. 

Thank you Coupon Geek for passing along the information. 

Save the TaTas!

Imagine a world with out boobs, tig ol' bitties, or blouse brothers. All the guys reading this just died a little on the inside and all the girls reading this just thought "What, no back pain!? Yes please!" However, both genders know that boobs are a really important part of life. And the American Cancer Society says there will be about 300,000 new cases of breast cancer in 2012 alone. It is the second most common form of cancer in US women, right behind skin cancer.

For me, breast cancer has hit home in a way that words can not really describe. In 2002, my Nonna passed away after battling breast cancer for over 10 years, it spread to the rest of her intestines and her body could no longer take it. According to doctors, because she is my grandmother, my chances of getting breast cancer at some point in my life is almost double that of a normal person. Oh, and by the way boys, you can get breast cancer too, so you are not immune (No, not just because you have man-titties)  Since her passing, I have taken a firm stance against breast cancer, and done my best to get the word out about ways we can help. 

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, so be prepared to see this little pink ribbon every where you look. Including my ankle, but you probably did not need to know that part. General Mills, a huge supporter of breast cancer awareness, goes above and beyond to help show their support this month in a campaign called Save Lids to Save Lives. Right now, if you go to the grocery store, you will see all of their products lined in pink. Yoplait yogurt, Hamburger Helper, Green Giant vegetables, Chex Mix, and Pillsbury dough are just some of the products that are a part of their line.When you purchase any General Mills products, like the ones listed above, you will find a way to help support breast cancer research.

What can you do with this new power and cool pink colored lid? One of two things. One, take that lid and go to the Save Lids to Save Lives website and enter in the code, if one is provided. Or you can gather them all together at once and send them to:

• Save Lids to Save Lives
• PO Box 44903, Atlanta, GA 30336

The deadline to get them is is June 30, 2013, so there is no reason not to get them in. And some of their products only allow you to mail them in, and not redeem codes. They do ask that you make a profile, a free one, so that you can log in and keep track of how many codes you have entered. Or, if you are lucky enough to know me in "real life", you can hand them over to me and I will gladly enter them in. 

No, really, please give them to me, don't throw them away. One person's trash is another person's chance at living. (Possibly mine ;] )

Each code turns in to 10 cents towards the $200,000 they are willing to offer Susan G Komen: For the Cure. Already, General Mills has donated $50,000 to the foundation, and your lids could help get them to the $200,000 mark. 

So, it's up to you. You can be rude and toss them in the trash. Or, you can be a champion and Save Lids to Save Lives.

Non-Coupon Savings

Today's lesson is for all of you out there who refuse to use coupons. Perhaps you have an irrational fear of scissors or you are deathly afraid of paper cuts? It's ok, I won't judge you, but your friends might. So here are a few thigns to think about next time you want to head out to do some shopping.

First and foremost, never never go grocery shopping hungry. You will spend more money, and if you are like me, lots more money. (Yes, I agree, you do need the latest seasonal package of Oreos, but this isn't about me.) I did a little Google lurking, and there is no concrete additional percentage that you will spend , but it seems like most of the "experts" agree that you will. And I agree with them, and honestly if I agree with it, no one else's opinion really matters. If you have no time to stop and cook a meal, swing through McDonald's and grab a $1 McDouble, it will save you much more than that at the counter.

** Disclaimer while I have your attention: Feel free to give me you McDonald's Monopoly pieces if you are not planning on using them. I already won some goodies off of one meal! **

Second, and what I think is most important, take the five minutes to browse through your store's ad. Grocery stores like Publix and Winn-Dixie have weekly ads that are personalized for your specific store. Conveniently, those links will take you right to the weekly circulars' page where you can punch in your zip code and see what is on sale. Look for items that are buy one get one, 30% or more off, or "2-for" to get the most out of your trip. By doing something as simple as switching brands to take advantage of a sale, you can save some significant money. Also, a lot of times, these sales are still a bargain when compared to the store brand.

Extra Credit Time!!  While browsing these sale ads keep an eye out for some special savings. Publix offers a special called "Buy Theirs, Get Ours!" If the name doesn't give it away, when you buy a competitor brand, you can also walk away with the Publix brand for free. Generally, they run this special once a month and it is always something that is out of the ordinary.  This week, when you buy:

•  Jet Puff mini marshmallows
• Reynold's Wrap Aluminum Foil
• Nestle Butterscotch morsels
• Baker's coconut flakes
• Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk 

you get their brand of all of those items for free. Combine that deal with  any coupons you may have, and you are officially a couponing mini champ. Then there is Winn-Dixie, my personal favorite. They participate in a lot of  money saving programs but for the purposes of this post, we are going to focus on the "Make a Meal" or "What a Deal" sale. This week's "What a Deal" special when you buy Purina puppy chow, you get 3 different kinds of dog treats for free! There is no "Make a Meal" deal this week, but one week I got 2 frozen pizzas that were on sale, and I got ice cream, soda, chips, and garlic bread for free. Generally, the one item you do purchase is between $8 and $15, but you save as much (if not, more) on the items you receive for free. Then don't get me started on using coupons with that deal. Ok, I lied, I will as soon as one comes up again where it applies.

Finally, now that I have completely bored you to tears, I want to encourage you to be "that guy" with the key chain full of loyalty cards. Sign up for everything. As we speak I am printing out my 3rd buy one get one free Coldstone's ice cream coupon since March and free chips and salsa at Tijuana Flats. But, how much did you have to spend to get these discounts? 45 seconds to type in my email address, birthday information, and optional mailing address. Granted, some stores, like CVS will reward you based on how much you spend. But others will send you out freebies just for funsies.  My general rule of thumb: if it does not cost you a penny to sign up, why not sign up? A lot of mailing lists include a coupon in your "Welcome to our Mailing List" email. (Like Redbox did over the weekend! Free one night rental for the win!) If they email you too much or do not reward your loyalty with goodies, send that biotch to the spam mail list. Ahh, revenge sure is sweet. 

If you take my advice, and find any success- please do not hesitate to post a little comment below. I would love to know if this blog is actually help you in your real life!