Lost Receipts Make My Day!

Good day fellow savers! I finally found a reciept that I have wracked my brain trying to find for weeks now. This was my pride and joy, my best saving at Publix to date! OK, alright, this isn't Extreme Couponing amazing BUT for anyone who shops at Publix Supermarket knows getting an almost $50 savings on your grocery purchase is AMAZING!

Which is what I did, my savings was $49.28 and I am so proud of myself. My mom didn't believe me but here it is. This was just when my girlfriend was laid off, we received food stamps, also known as EBT.

This purchase was plenty of buy 1 get 1 free (bogos) deals. I bough a few bogo pastas with bogo pasta sauces, some bogo sodas, meats on amazing sales, chicken discount, and lots of other yummy goodies. I don't know about you but food tastes better when you make it with lots of love and get it an amazing deal.

I have tried my darnedest to try to beat my record for savings, but alas I have not. Doesn't mean I will stop trying, just means I haven't met the right deals as of yet. I still hunt, I still coupon, I still feverishly coupon hunt online for those deals that will make my day, my week and even my year.

Happy savings everyone,
Mel

Some Banks Give You Money Back?!?! What?

Just recently I found out some Banks give you money back on shops you frequent. Isn't that amazing? I know Bank of America offers a certain percentage back on stores like California Pizza Kitchen, Petco, Starbucks, etc. Usually, there is a list of 15-20 stores you can receive cash back for purchasing items.

You can find your deals using the Banking Online feature and selecting Cash Back Deals. Make sure to click on the store or stores you plan on buying from so you can get those deals. Below you'll find a very simple way to find the Cash Back Deals.

As of now, I will receive $1.50 in a few weeks. Not much, but it will continue to grow.

Word of advise: Be careful. What may look like a deal, might not be a deal at all. Just be aware of pricing. I noticed Petco was one of the stores. Petco is also one of the most expensive pet stores I have ever walked into. I have only shopped at Petco when Lucky or Max needed food and it was on the way home and of course I was in a super hurry to get to the house. But other than that I stick with Walmart for pet food.

Happy savings,

Mel

Find your deals

You can choose cash back deals right in Online Banking. Visit theCash Back Deals tab to see all your deals and the cash back you’ve earned.

Saving Helpful Tips

Helpful tips #1 - Sunday is Funday for Deals

Sunday is the day when the newspaper has the newest ads and the most coupons. I know newspapers are so old school. However, it saves mega bucks when it comes to clipping coupons. Look through the paper with a fine tooth comb, clip what you need and save the coupons you might need soon.

Helpful tip #2 - Smart Phone Apps 

• Ebates, Checkout 51, Ibotta - These are 3 different apps that all get you money back on items purchased. There is no feeling like getting a check in the mail for products you've already purchased. These are super easy to use apps that give you simple instructions on how to start saving money.
• Cartwheel - This is a Target Store app that gives you a percentage off on hundreds of items in the store. You just need to add the items you will be purchasing on your next Target trip to  your Cartwheel, connect to the Target store wifi and have the store associate scan the barcode at the time of purchase for instant discounts on items you are purchasing.
• RetailMeNot - By far one of my most favorite apps, ever. RetailMeNot is activated when you are near a store with a deal. You'll receive a notification on your phone letting you know what stores near you are having sales. 

Hope this helps you on your savings journey.

Happy Savings,

Melissa

Welcome to the World of Saving Money

Welcome to my blog where I want to explore the art of saving money. We live in a bad economy. About a week ago, my girlfriend was laid off from her job and now it is my job to be the sole financial provider of our household. My girlfriend was laid off from her amazing job as Store Manager for a local grocery store.

The girlfriend has already been approved for the maximum amount of unemployment she can get, which is a total of $275 a week. Isn't that barbaric? Isn't that completely ridiculous?

It is completely possible to be able to live comfortably, have enough money for food and pay rent with our new circumstances. And I am going to show you how to save as much money as possible.

My short term goal is to save at least $400 by the middle October 2014. Even though my girl doesn't have a job, we have planned to go to Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando, Fl. this year. I really want to make this happen. I hope you find helpful hints and tips to help you save money as well.

Happy Savings,

Melissa