Using Coupons at Kroger

Most grocery and department stores accept coupons, and Kroger is no exception. Kroger has a straightforward coupon policy that is easy for the average consumer to take advantage of. It is important to note, however, that Kroger, as a company, allows managers to set specific coupon policy at individual stores. This being the case, it is a good idea to check with the store manager or his designate if you’re not sure if you’re coupons will be accepted. Some stores do limit the number of coupons a customer can use in one day or in a single transaction, so be aware of these limits beforehand.

Before heading to Kroger, you should be aware of some general policies regarding coupons. These policies are in effect in most stores, not simply Kroger. You cannot use a coupon that is past its expiry date, nor can you stack coupons. Stacking coupons is the practice of applying more than one coupon to a single item. Kroger stores no longer allow this practice, so don’t expect to use four coupons to get that box of tissues free. You also cannot swap items. You must purchase the exact size and brand stated on the coupon.

Kroger has some very specific policies when it comes to coupons that do not necessarily apply to other stores such as Wal-Mart or Target. These are important to note before attempting to use coupons at any Kroger store.

Digital Coupons

Kroger now offers digital coupons. These coupons can be loaded onto a valid shopper card and used at the time of purchase. To do this, you must have an active online account. Digital coupons cannot be combined with paper coupons on the same item, though you can use digital coupons and paper coupons in the same transaction. Digital coupons and offers are applied before any paper coupons. Kroger’s Digital Coupon Policy allows the store manager to decline or limit the use of any digital coupons or offers. This is only rarely done, however, unless you are using an excessive amount of coupons in one transaction. Also be aware that you cannot load more than 150 coupons onto your shopper card at any one time. Once you redeem some of the coupons are your card, you can add additional coupons.

Double Coupons

There was a time when Kroger offered Super Double Coupons that would double the value of all coupons presented in a single transaction, up to $1.00 in value per coupon. Super Double coupons are no longer available. However, some Kroger stores do still double the value of manufacturer coupons, up to $1.00 in value. Coupons valued at $1.00 or more are accepted at face value. It is important to note that free coupons are not doubled. Also, coupons that specifically state they may not be doubled are exempt from doubling at any Kroger store, as are any digital coupons you might use.

Printable Coupons

In general, coupons printed on your home computer will be accepted as any other coupon might. You’ll want to check with the store manager first to ensure that the coupons you have are indeed accepted. To ensure your coupons are accepted, have the URL at the top of the page before you print them and do not cut them out. Each coupon must have an expiry date, bar code, and be readable. If it looks like you’ve photocopied or otherwise duplicated or altered the coupons, they will not be accepted.

Remember to obtain your coupons from reputable sources such as Coupons.com or even directly from Kroger. If the URL is not recognized by the store manager, he has every right to refuse to honor the printable coupons you present.

Kroger’s coupon policy isn’t that different from the policies of most major retailers. They will generally accept valid coupons on the purchase of most merchandise. But to be sure that your coupons will be accepted, consult with the store manager or his designate prior to approaching the checkout.

Using Coupons at Wal-Mart

Like many stores, Wal-Mart does accept coupons. In fact, they accept almost any coupon; they certainly accept more coupons than most stores do. Wal-Mart will accept competitor coupons and even match advertised prices on items they carry. Despite their excellent reputation for price matching and accepting coupons, however, there are still some rules and regulations Wal-Mart employs that you should be aware of. This way, you will be able to maximize your savings while minimizing your stress.

General Coupon Policies at Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart does embrace most of the coupon policies found in the majority of retailers. The coupons must not be expired and must display a scannable bar code. You must also redeem coupons for the exact brand and size indicated on the coupon. Substitutions are not generally accepted by Wal-Mart or any other store. It is also important to present your coupons at the time of purchase. You cannot go back with your receipt and a coupon and expect to be given a refund.

It is also important to note that, for the most part, if a coupon exceeds the sale price of an item, you do not receive the different in cash. There are some exceptions to this rule, but for the most part, coupons contain the words “no cash value” and so you probably cannot receive cash. There may be some instances where the extra value of a coupon can be applied to the rest of the transaction, but it is unlikely that you will receive any refund based upon coupon discounts.

Wal-Mart's Manufacturer Coupon Policies

The most common kind of coupon is a manufacturer’s coupon. These can be found in newspapers, flyers, on or in packaging for other products, and can even be ordered online. Wal-Mart will accept almost all coupons regardless of where you found them. However, they need to include the correct information. They have to specify the product and size and identify the exact discount. For example, the coupon must state how much you’ll save by using the coupon or, in the case of buy-one-get-one or similar coupons, how many items you must purchase to qualify for a free item.

In addition, all manufacturer coupons must have an expiry date or specifically indicate that the coupon does not expire. Also make sure that all your coupons have a scannable bar code and address. This address is necessary for Wal-Mart to be able to redeem the coupons at a later date, so the store will not accept them without this. Coupons issued by manufacturers are also required to state that they are "manufacturer's coupons" in most cases.

Printable Coupon Policies at Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart prides itself on accepting a variety of coupons, so most stores will accept coupons that you print at home. But you’ll have to follow the rules. First of all, obtain your coupons from a valid coupon site such as Coupons.com or another recognized site. Never purchase coupons off the internet, as many times these coupons are photocopies or otherwise forged. Make sure that all coupons have an expiry date and bar code as well as an address for Wal-Mart to redeem the coupon. If any of these things are missing, your coupons will probably not be accepted.

There has been some concern recently over coupons printed on black-and-white printers. This is not an issue at Wal-Mart. As long as your coupons are printed clearly and are not photocopies, the bar codes should scan well enough that they will be accepted at Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart's Register Coupon Policies

Sometimes you will see a coupon printed at the bottom of a receipt when you purchase items. The receipt may be from Wal-Mart or elsewhere, but the coupon was printed from a register. Wal-Mart tends to accept these coupons even if they are from competing stores. The same basic rules of all coupons apply. The coupons must have expiry dates, bar codes, and a valid address for remittance.

Do not attempt to photocopy these or any other coupons. It is in clear violation of the rules and may result in you not being able to redeem coupons at that particular store. Also, photocopied coupons tend not to scan well, so they probably wouldn’t work anyway.

Competitor Coupons and Price Matching at Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart accepts most competitor coupons. They will generally do this according to the terms listed on the coupon. The only real restrictions are that all competitor coupons must indicate a price (include buy-one-get-one coupons) and Wal-Mart must sell that specific item. This means that you cannot use a coupon for a competitor’s brand at Wal-Mart.

If a competitor advertises a product at a lower price than Wal-Mart offers, take the advertisement to Wal-Mart. In almost all cases, Wal-Mart will match the price, preventing you from having to shop at multiple stores. The advertisement has only to indicate the specific product on sale and the dates of the sale.

Coupons Not Accepted at Wal-Mart

Despite accepting almost all coupons, Wal-Mart still has its limitations. Wal-Mart does not accept coupons that do not specify a product. For example, a coupon that state “50% off entire purchase” or “$10 off your next purchase” will not be accepted at Wal-Mart. Also check any printable coupons for free items. If they do not require a purchase, they are not valid at Wal-Mart.

While competitor coupons are accepted, any coupon that states that it is only valid at a specific retailer or offers a percentage off any product is not valid at Wal-Mart. Competitor coupons will not be accepted if they state that they can be doubled or tripled, and buy-one-get-one coupons must state a specific price.

Wal-Mart accepts almost all coupons for almost all products. There are very few coupons that cannot be used, though there are some instances where you will require the approval of a manager to use your coupons. If you’re using more than 40 coupons in a single transaction, or the total value of the coupons exceeds $50.00, expect to wait a few minutes for a manager to approve your coupons. In addition, any single coupon worth more than $20.00 must be approved by a supervisor or manager. For current details, consult the current Wal-Mart Coupon Policy.

Best Places to Find Coupons

Many people are searching for a way to save a little money and coupons are an excellent way to save more than a few dollars. In some cases, it is even possible to make money by using certain coupons wisely. And whether you are new to couponing or a veteran of the sport, finding coupons can be an exciting venture. But you have to know where to look.

Traditional Coupon Sources

Some of the best coupons are often found in more traditional sources such as flyers, newspapers, and coupon books. Pick through your “junk mail” and newspaper on a daily or weekly basis for occasional coupons that can save you a great deal of money. You may also find coupons in your local phone book. Check inside the front or back cover or in a center insert. Some phone books even have an entire coupon section. These coupons are often quite valuable, so collect as many as you can. Many of your friends and family members may be willing to let you use their coupons if you ask. This means you may have more than one of any given coupon, and sometimes they can be stacked. Read the terms and conditions on each coupon to learn if they can be combined.

Coupon books are still very popular. These come in two forms: large coupon books that are often purchased through fundraisers and smaller coupon booklets specific to certain stores. If you truly love to use coupons, purchasing a coupon book is a great way to save money. And often these coupons can be combined with those from retailer coupon books for even greater savings. Many stores offer their own coupons books, either for free or for a small fee, including K-Mart and Walgreens. Check your favorite stores for details on how and when these coupons can be used.

Online Coupons

The Internet is an excellent place to locate coupons that can be used at most retailers. Many sites exist that allow you to either order coupons that will be mailed to your home or print coupons on your own printer. You shouldn’t have to pay money for these coupons, so don’t get them from online auction sites. Instead, visit legitimate sites such as SmartSource.com. Other sites can be located by entering “free coupons” or “printable coupons” into most search engines.

Before heading to the store, make sure your coupons have a bar code, expiry date, and the manufacturer’s address (for the retailer to remit the coupon for compensation). If your coupons don’t have these things, assume that they’re not valid. In the case of coupons you print at home, don’t cut them out. Make sure you’ve printed the URL of the webpage across the top or bottom of the sheet. Most store managers will recognize the URL of legitimate sites and will be more likely to accept your coupons.

If you are a fan of certain products, try visiting the company website. Often you can sign up for a newsletter or mailing that will enable to receive coupons on a regular basis. These coupons might be mailed to you or made available on the Internet. Either way, you’ll be able to save money on your favorite brands. Another benefit to obtaining your coupons directly from the manufacturer is that they’re often of more value than other coupons. Coupons that offer $5.00 or even $10.00 off a particular item are not unheard of. Many companies offer coupons and samples, such as Procter and Gamble. A quick Internet search will reveal even more possibilities.

Coupons can be found everywhere, from the inside cover of a phone book to your e-mail inbox. These coupons can save you a great deal of money over the course of the year. If you’re interested in maximizing your savings, keep your eyes open for new opportunities to obtain valuable coupons.

Tips for Extreme Couponing

Coupons have always been popular, but in recent years the art of extreme couponing has taken on a life of its own. Extreme couponing isn’t simply using coupons now and then. It is a dedication to using coupons to obtain maximum savings on an ongoing basis. Extreme couponing can save the experienced shopper over 80% on the standard grocery bill. However, for the beginner, extreme couponing can seem a little intimidating. If you’re interested in mastering the art of extreme couponing, start small and slowly hone your craft.

Extreme couponing requires some basic knowledge. Start by knowing your local stores. Each store will have a different coupon policy. Often, these stores will have their coupon policy posted online, as Wal-Mart and Kroger do. Other stores will have a printed brochure or pamphlet that outlines how and under what circumstances coupons are accepted. You may have to ask the store manager for information on coupon policies at individual stores. Understanding the policy of each store will help avoid problems and you’ll discover which stores allow you to stack or even double your coupons for maximum savings.

Once you understand local coupon policy, you have to acquire some coupons. You can find coupons in many different places. Check local newspapers and flyers first. These often have time sensitive coupons that you might overlook. The Sunday paper is usually full of coupons. If you’re hoping to purchase multiple items, you might want to purchase multiple papers. Consider purchasing a subscription to your local paper, or even two or three. You’ll save money on the paper and stock upon valuable coupons.

The Internet has become an excellent source for coupons. Internet coupons come in two varieties: coupons you print at home and those that you request to have mailed to you. Either type of coupons are valid at most stores. Just make sure that every coupon you collect from online sources has an expiry date, a scannable bar code, and the manufacturer’s address (for the retailer to remit the coupon). Never purchase coupons from online sources as they might not contain all the necessary information to be accepted by most major retailers. As for printable coupons, don’t cut them off the paper after you’ve printed them. Leave the URL at the top of the page intact. Store managers will be able to see that you’ve obtained the coupon legitimately. Some excellent sources for online coupons include SmartSource.com, RedPlum.com, and Coupons.com.

In addition to bookmarking these sites, you might want to subscribe to couponing websites or mailing lists. These sites often let you know what coupons are available and from whom, making your shopping easier. SavingMoneyPlan.com and KrazyCouponLady.com are just two examples of sites you might want to visit.

Now that you have your coupons, you have to organize them. How you do this is up to you. One of the most popular methods involves using a small expandable file folder. Group your coupons according to expiry date and product type. This will make them easier to find while you’re in the store, saving you time. It will also help you keep track of which coupons expire when, maximizing your coupon use and your savings.

Coupons and flyers in hand, it’s time to plan your shopping trip. Take your flyers and circle the best prices on the items you intend to purchase. You’ll maximize your savings if you’re not too concerned with specific brands. Remember that many stores such as Wal-Mart will match any advertised price on an item they carry, provide you have the flyer to prove the price. This may save you from running to several stores in one day.

Once you’ve located all the best deals, pull out your coupons and match sale items with your coupons. By combining your coupons with the sale price of a particular item, you can probably save 50% or more. You may even be able to get some products for free. If you notice that your coupons actually exceed the sale price of the items, check store policy to see if they permit overages. It’s unlikely that the store will give you cash, but overages can be applied to the rest of your grocery bill if store policy permits.

Saving money takes an investment of time and effort. It doesn’t just happen. You’ll have to devote time to find coupons, organizing coupons, figuring out local coupon policies, and organizing your shopping trip. All of this sounds like it takes a great deal of time, but if you concentrate your efforts, you’ll find that you can do all of this in about an hour a week. The time invested is well worth the money you’ll save.

Money Management: The Causes of Overspending

It is easier to overspend today that it has ever been, especially when you have children. With the advent of credit cards, lines of credit, car loans, home equity loans, and all those “buy now, pay later” offers, there are just so many ways to go into debt. It may seem that the solution is to stop overspending, but unless you examine the causes of overspending and understand how to solve these common problems, that is unlikely to happen.

Credit Cards and Monthly Payments

Credit cards are one of the leading causes of overspending, simply because anyone can get a credit card. Even if you have poor credit or declared bankruptcy recently, you might still find yourself eligible for thousands of dollars worth of credit cards. And they’re so easy to use. Hand them over to the store clerk and worry about paying for them later. Before you know it, you’ve charged hundreds or thousands of dollars to your credit card, and you have no way to pay it all back.

If you always pay your credit card bills in full, every month, then credit cards might work for you. However, if you’re like most people, you carry a balance. And that balance continues to grow each month as you continue to use your card. The interest alone might be enough to sink your personal finances. The only way to deal with this problem is to get rid of them. Cut up every credit card, come up with a plan to pay off the bills, and never use a card again.

Of course, then you’re still left facing those monthly payments. Examine your monthly payments carefully. Is your minimum payment higher than the interest being charged? In many cases, it won’t be. If you minimum payment is lower than the interest charges every month, that credit card can never be paid off. It will only continue to grow. Pay more than the minimum, and never use the card again. This way, you won’t be able to overspend using a credit card, and your debt will cease to grow.

Peer Pressure and Keeping Up With Friends

Going out with friends can really be hard on your wallet. Movies, dinners, and clubs are certainly not cheap. And yet you don’t want to beg off and be left out. However, you may simply not be able to afford to go out all the time, and if your friends have more money than you do (or are simply willing to spend more than you are), this can lead to some socially awkward situations.

This is one of the hardest causes to isolate and correct. It’s hard not to go out with your friends, to spend the money they’re spending. However, if you really want to curb your overspending, you may have to. Try suggesting that your friends come over for a night of movies and board games, or video games, or whatever it is that you and your friends like to do. Have everyone bring a snack and you’ll be surprised at how much money you’ll save.

Of course, sometimes it’s not about what your friends want to do. Sometimes you simply want to keep up, whether it’s with your friends, a family member, or even a coworker. Purchasing items simply because you need to ‘keep up’ will get you nowhere except further in debt. If you truly intend to curb your overspending, you’ll have to learn how to be satisfied with what you have.

Sales and Impulse Buys

Everyone loves a good deal. However, a deal is only a deal if you were going to buy it anyway. It’s so easy to justify a purchase simply because it was on sale. But remember, if you never intended to by it, then you overspent.

This same rule applies to impulse buying. Products are packaged as to encourage a buy, but if you have to be encouraged to buy it, then you really didn’t need it in the first place. Before purchasing something that wasn’t on your ‘need it’ list, go home and think about it for a week. If you still decide to buy it, at least it wasn’t an impulse buy.

Emotional Causes of Overspending

Sometimes overspending has nothing to do with access to credit or peer pressure. Sometimes overspending is the result of allowing your emotions to decide when it comes to purchasing. If you buy things because it makes you feel good or to fill an emotional void in your life, then you have fallen victim to this very powerful cause of overspending.

This is an extremely difficult habit to break. If you truly believe that buying that handbag will make you feel better, help you fit in, or cure your own boredom, then you probably won’t stop. You’ll spend until you are so far in debt that you simply cannot get out.

It’s important to realize that while overspending may feel good in the moment, eventually it will catch up with you. When that credit card bill arrives, you won’t feel very good about how much you owe. Avoid the emotional impact of not being able to pay all your bills and reevaluate the reasons why you overspend.

Giving Your Children Everything

Most parents want what’s best for their children. And often this translates into buying whatever they want whenever they want it. The intention may be good, but it’s important to realize that if you can’t afford to buy it for yourself, you probably can’t afford to buy it for your children either. Overspending on your children sets a bad example, so do everyone a favor and curb the impulse to spend.

There are so many reasons to overspend. You might be greedy, or maybe you really don’t realize you can’t afford it. Whatever the reason, and however much society seems to encourage overspending, it’s important to realize that overspending will eventually lead only to one place — overwhelming debt.

How to Save Money in Winter

For most people, winter is the most expensive time of the year. Between needing to turn on the furnace and the inevitable need to purchase medicines to combat the common cold, it can seem as if there’s no way to control soaring winter expenses. However, there are a few tips that might be able to help you keep your costs down this winter.

One of the greatest costs in the winter is home heating. To keep these costs down was skyrocketing, address some key areas of your home. You’ll need to make sure your home is properly insulated and airtight. Leaks around doors and windows can cost you a fortune over the winter, so seal these leaks or consider replacing older windows and doors. Add weather stripping to doors and put a heavy plastic over your windows.

Adjust your thermostat to conserve heat. It is said that for every degree you turn down your thermostat, you’ll save 3% on your heating bill. This could be a significant amount, so put on a sweater and turn down the heat. While you’re at it, turn down your hot water heater as well.
There are some even simpler ways to reduce heat loss around the home. Turn off exhaust fans immediately after use. Replace or clean the filters on you furnace or heating vents. Consider covering your hot water heater with an insulated blanket to keep it warm and reduce the energy needed to heat your water. There are dozens of other small fixes that can be done around the home. Take a look around and get creative.

Shop for warm winter clothing out of season to save a few dollars. Purchase items such as warm sweaters, thermal underwear, fleece blankets, cozy socks, and slippers. You can wear or use these items in your own home, allowing you to stay warm without having to resort to turning up the thermostat or breaking out the space heaters. If you do need some extra heat and you have a fireplace, light the fire and let it supply some of your heat.

Use food to keep warm as well. You have to eat, so gear your meals toward staying warm. Try casseroles, soups, stews, and broths. They’re cheap and easy to make, so you’ll save money on the preparation as well.

Also, eat two or three oranges every day. This doesn’t necessarily sound like a way to save money, but upon reflection, it may very well save you hundreds of dollars over the winter season. One of the greatest household costs from the onset of winter until spring thaw is medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, to treat various colds and flus. Vitamin C will help to prevent illness, but you’ll need to take other measures as well. Remember to wash your hands frequently and change your bed linens after you’ve been ill. Also, if the temperature in your home is so high that you’re sweating, turn down the thermostat. Going out into the cold while you’re drenched in sweat is a pretty good way to become ill, so dry off before going outside.

There are many other ways in which you can lower the costs of the winter season. Try them all to see what works for your family, and don’t be afraid to get a little creative. Your wallet will thank you for it later.

Teaching Children to Save Money

In today’s world of “see it now, want it now,” it’s not always easy to teach children to save money. The influence of the media and peer pressure usually encourages children to spend any money they receive immediately. In order to get children interested in saving, you’ll have to be a vigilant parent and make a point of demonstrating the many benefits of saving. There are several methods you can use to achieve this.

Before you begin showing your children how to save money, they’ll have to understand something about how money is earned in the first place. Speaking in language appropriate to the age of your children, explain that money is a reward for time invested and energy expended. Make sure they understand that you get money in return for working. It doesn’t just appear. To reinforce the basics of money, play a money game with your children, such as Monopoly.

Offer an allowance on the condition that a portion of that allowance is saved. Perhaps purchase a piggy bank for each child and encourage them to contribute 10% of their allowance to their savings. More is good, but set a minimum amount. Have them place their money in the piggy bank themselves. If you do it for them, it’s not them saving, it’s you.

If you want to encourage your children to save, try matching their savings. If they’re younger children with only pennies and the occasional quarter, match 100% of what they save. For older children who save more, consider cutting back to 50%, or even go as low as 25%. As they see their savings grow faster than expected, children are more likely to want to save. When they’ve saved enough, take them to open a savings account.

Have your children set goals. It’s not easy to save for a mysterious ‘nothing,’ so have your children make a list of what they’re saving for. Once a list of goals has been decided upon, have them tell you what is at the top of the list. Find a picture of this thing and put it in a prominent place, such as on the fridge or above the desk where your children do homework. This will remind them of what they’re working towards and hopefully curb their urge to spend.

Younger children may have difficulty waiting with no reward. If this is the case in your home, come up with a reward system for your children. Often, this can be as simple as stickers placed on a sheet. For every quarter (or dollar) they save, add a sticker. Once a certain number of stickers have been collected, offer a small reward, such as a special dinner or an inexpensive toy. This will give younger children a sense that saving does indeed have benefits.

Give your older children control over one aspect of their own budget. Clothing is usually a benign enough category, though it will depend on your children. Let them handle the purchasing of their own school clothing, but give them a strict budget. If they’re only allowed $100 for clothing, force them to stick to that budget. If they buy a $100 pair of jeans, that’s all they get. You can’t give in when they whine about not having enough, or the lesson will be lost on them. It’s not advisable to use this technique on a truly necessary portion of the budget, such as food. You don’t want to starve your children just to make a point.

Model the behavior you’d like to see in your children. If you want them to save for a goal, show them that you’re saving for a goal. Get your own piggy bank and put your change in there while your children are watching. Explain what particular goals you’re saving for and your children will be more likely to save for their own.

Remember that with all that saving, there should be a little spending. If you have a child who just saves and saves, but never spends, you’ll want to help that child find balance. Praise your child for saving, but remind him or her of the goals on the list. If there’s enough money for the first goal, take your child out to purchase the item. Saving is good, but every child needs to opportunity to spend that money eventually. Help your child to spend, if necessary.

Teaching children to save money is not an easy task. Mistakes will be made. When your children spend instead of save, don’t get angry. Encourage them to continue saving and keep modeling the behavior you wish to see in them. Eventually, your children will learn how to save.

Saving Money on Bank Fees

Bank accounts are a virtual necessity in the modern world. Unfortunately, banks know this. They know exactly how much you need that bank account, and they can take advantage of this need by charging a ‘service fee’ for every indulgence and any small mistake you might make. The good news is that once you are aware of where these fees come from, you can generally avoid them.

A large portion of bank fees every month are due to using ATMs. Specifically, ATMs that are not within your bank’s network. You can be charged anywhere from $1 to $3 for a single transaction. Sometimes, you’ll be charged this fee twice — once by the ATM network and once by your own bank. That could mean as much as a $6 charge for taking out $20 from some random machine. Instead of visiting whichever ATM is closest, take the time to know where your bank has its machines. If at all possible, use only these machines, avoiding the costly ATM fees.

Another source of fees are overdrafts rates and insufficient funds charges. Saving money on these things seems simple, but it can be hard to avoid these fees if you're used to running an overdraft. Many people use overdraft in order to avoid insufficient funds charges, but in the long run, this too costs a great deal of money. Save yourself both fees and make sure you always have enough money in your account to cover any check or debit charges. If you have a recurring payment that comes out of your account, absolutely make sure the money is there. If it isn’t, some companies will try to take the money two or three times, and the fees associated with the “NSF” incident will add up to an astronomical amount.

Take a look at your banking plan. Most banks have several to choose from, and it’s up to you to choose the one that is right for you. If you hardly use your bank account during the course of an average month, then the bottom-of-the-barrel account might be right for you. However, if you tend to make many transactions during the month, both self-serve and at the teller, you might be better off considering an all-inclusive service package. Discuss your options with your bank manager, and don’t be afraid to change your plan if it isn’t working for you.

If you don’t like the services your bank offers or the fees they charge, change banks. There are many options available and you can generally get a very good rate by transferring your account to another institution. There are many low-fee or no-fee accounts out there, so shop around and look for the best deal for you and your financial habits. The money you'll save can make the hassle of changing banks and resetting your automatic payments well worth it.

Unless you are an avid saver, avoid bank accounts that promise to reduce or waive fees if you keep your bank account at or above a certain balance. This minimum balance is usually from $1000 to $3000, so unless you really believe you’ll have that much money just sitting in your account, shop around for a lower-fee bank account. Otherwise you’ll be paying a higher fee for a very long time, and it's almost never worth it in the end.

In the end, the only way to avoid additional bank fees and charges is to be aware of your spending habits and know exactly what fees you'll be charged and when. If you are responsible and conscious of your own finances, you should be able to reduce or eliminate most bank fess most of the time.

Getting Stores to Accept Online Coupons

Coupons are a way of life for many families, especially when the economy is down. And one of the easiest ways to find coupons is to search the internet, select the coupons you want, and print them off. You don't even have to leave your home, or purchase the Sunday paper with hopes that you'll find some useful coupons. Online coupons are a simple and easy way to save a little money. However, sometimes at checkout you’ll find that stores will not accept the coupons you’ve printed at home. At this point you’re forced to either put the item back or pay full price. This can be frustrating, but it is also avoidable in many cases.
 
After the counterfeit coupon incidents of 2003, which resulted in huge monetary loses, many retailers stopped accepting online coupons altogether. It wasn’t that retailers and manufacturers wanted to walk away from online coupons. They understood that eventually there would be a need for this service. They simply needed time to come up with an executable plan to ensure that coupons from online sources were legitimate.
 
Manufacturers and retailers partnered with reputable coupon sites in order to solve the problem of counterfeit coupons. If you want your local store to accept the coupons that you print off your computer, you’ll have to use these same sites. Two legitimate sites are Coupons and SmartSource. These are both US sites. If you're interested in coupons for other areas, you can enter "printable coupons" or "free coupons" plus your country or city into most search engines and get several results. You can also go to a manufacturer’s website for specific coupons. Never purchase coupons from an online auction site, as they are likely to be counterfeit. As a general rule, if you have to pay for a coupon, you should be immediately suspicious of their validity.

Legitimate online coupons are required to have certain information. The will all include a scannable bar code, an expiration date, the manufacturer’s address (for the retailer to remit the coupon), and standard terminology such as “one coupon per customer.” The exact terminology may differ, but there should be some conditions on the coupon, even if it’s only “no photocopies accepted.” If your coupon doesn't have this information, assume that it cannot be used at most retailers.

Even if you’ve obtained the coupons from a legitimate source and the coupons contain all required information, an individual store still might decide not to accept your coupons. If you are worried about your coupon not being accepted, there are some steps you can take before you’re left standing at the checkout.

Once you’ve printed your coupons, do not clip them out. Leave them on the full sheet of paper, and make sure the URL is visible either at the top or bottom of the sheet. This way, the store manager or clerk can see the name of the website where you obtained the coupons. Often the manager will be familiar with the website but not the individual coupon. This can go a long way towards having your coupons accepted.

Before shopping, stop at the customer service counter and get your coupons approved. Ask for the store manager if you have to. If asked in advance, most store managers will err on the side of the customer and allow the coupons. Make sure you get the name of the manager, just in case there’s an issue at checkout. You might even ask the store manager to sign the coupon sheet as verification that he or she approved your coupons in the first place.

If you’re shopping at a large chain of grocery stores, take a few moments to contact the corporate office. You can generally find contact information on the company website. Ask to be provided with a letter that outlines corporate policy on accepting online coupons. Most companies do accept them, so a letter should be easy enough to obtain. Alternatively, you might be able to find such information directly on the corporate website. Either way, print out the information and bring it with you when you shop. You can then show it to clerks and managers as proof that the company does indeed accept online coupons.

With food prices on the rise, online coupons are becoming increasingly popular. It only makes sense to do your best to ensure that your coupons will be accepted by your local retailer. Visit only legitimate sources, don’t clip the coupon, and seek prior approval if you’re in doubt, and you should have no trouble when it comes to using your online coupons.

Developing a Monthly Spending Plan for Your Family

A monthly spending plan is similar to a budget in many ways, and can be crucial in managing your family’s finances. If you want to make budget shortages a thing of the past, then you should consider implementing a spending plan to allocate your financial resources and track where every penny goes each month.

Before you can begin creating your spending plan, you have to know exactly how much money you have to work with. Calculate your total earnings, after taxes, so that you know what your income will be. Only include income that you know you can count on.

Compile a list of your monthly expenses. Take everything into account, including your rent or mortgage, utility costs, car payment or transportation, debt repayment, entertainment, and any money you might spend on hobbies. Don’t forget to include the cost of food for yourself, your children, and any pets you might have. Any expense that tends to occur every month should go into this category.

Subtract your expenses from your income. This is the amount of money you’ll have left over after covering your monthly payments. Take a look at the month ahead and see if you can predict any expenses that do not occur every month. These expenses might include car or home repairs, dental or medical expenses, trips and vacations, gifts, social events, or clothing. Subtract these expenses as well, and take a look at the amount you have left over.

The remaining amount is called your ‘cushion.’ This is the money that would be available in an emergency in any given month. As a general rule, you should have 10% or so of your monthly income left after all expenses. If no ‘emergency’ expenses arise, you should save this money, slowly building up a savings account for you and your family.

But what happens if your spending plan ends up on the negative side? Or you don’t have a cushion? You’ll have to rework your plan. Take a look at your expenses and see if there are any areas you might be able to cut back in. While you probably can’t do much about your mortgage or rent, other expenses may be well within your control.

If cutting back doesn’t do it, you may have to find a way to increase your income. Perhaps a new job or taking on a second job will do the trick. Use whatever method you think will allow you to come up with a balanced budget that will get you through the month.

Once you have your monthly spending plan, it’s time to get it to set it in motion. This isn’t always as easy as it seems. Staying on track throughout the month can be challenging, but there are several systems you can use to try to control your own spending and follow your plan.

Many people find using envelopes a useful solution. Take a look at your budget and divide it into categories such as food, rent, entertainment, gifts, transportation, and so forth. Gather a few envelopes and label them with these categories, then put the money for each category in the envelopes. As you go through the month, you’ll spend the money in your envelopes. When an envelope is empty, you have nothing more to spend on that category. For example, if you want to go out to see a movie, but have nothing left in you ‘entertainment’ envelope, then you don’t get to see the movie. This is a simple and effective way to make sure you stick to your spending plan.

For those who don’t like cash, you can use your own bank account to track your spending. However, you have to keep very careful track of your purchases. Consider keeping a notebook or spreadsheet detailing your spending. The same rules apply here as with the envelopes: once you reach your spending limit for a certain category, you can’t spend any more. This method does take a little more willpower than the envelop method, and it is quite easy to overspend.

A monthly spending plan is a useful tool for controlling your spending. Make sure you plan well in advance for larger expenses, and track every penny. Also remember that no two months are the same. If you need to adjust your financial plan each month, feel free to do so. The point of a spending plan or budget is to help you cope with financial reality, not lock you into something that is unrealistic.

How to Save Money on Children's Winter Clothing

For families with children, the coming of winter can also mean the emptying of the pocketbook. Children need snowsuits, mitts, hats, scarves, boots … the list goes on and on. For anyone on a budget, purchasing all these items at the beginning of each winter season can be a devastating financial blow. However, there are some ways to make affording children’s winter clothing just a little easier.

Start by making a detailed list of everything your children need. If you don’t have a list, you might end up purchasing more than your children actually require. Some common items to put on your list might be: coat, boots, snow pants, hat, mitts, and a scarf or neck warmer. If there are other items your children need, such as new sweaters and long pants, add those to your list as well.


Check the items you still have from last year. While it’s true that perhaps last year’s snow pants are too short and the boots too small, you might be able to reuse hats and mitts, and a scarf will usually last at least a couple years. If you find you can reuse any items, cross them off your list.

Make a master list of your children’s sizes and add this to your list of items you need for each child. Keep this list with you at all times. Then head out and look for sales and discounted items. Many stores will have sale racks, and you can sometimes find new items of good quality for up to 75% off the original price. This is a bargain, especially for coats, boots, and snow pants.

The best sales will be at the end of the season. Come spring, purchase whatever you can to store away for the winter months. You know your children, so guess what their sizes will be come the winter. It may seem unorthodox to shop for winter clothing in the spring, but that’s what you’ll find the best deals on all items.

Check out your local thrift shops and consignment stores. Most cities have stores that specialize in used children’s items, and these shops can have some items that are in excellent condition. Shop early in the season in order to ensure that you have the best selection. After you purchase your items, try to keep them in the best condition possible. When it comes time to get rid of this same clothing, once your children have outgrown it, you can usually take it back to these same shops for store credit or maybe even cash. Shops will usually pay more for items in good condition.

Consider purchasing separates instead of entire outfits, for both outerwear and everyday clothing. Jackets and snow pants are often sold as sets, but many children require a slightly different size on the top and bottom. If you buy a set, you may find yourself halfway through the winter and needing to purchase a new pair of snow pants, or a new coat. This cost is easily saved by purchasing items that will last the entire winter.

If you know other parents who are looking to save some money, organize a clothing swap. This way, everyone can bring what they no longer need, and trade with parents who possess items their own children can use. You can even advertise your clothing swap to attract more people, as this will increase the chances that you will find what you need.

Keep an eye on eBay and other auction sites. You can often find very good prices on some very nice items. Also, some stores have websites where they offer special ‘online only’ deals. Don’t overlook the possibility of saving some extra money by shopping online. You may want to check out your local classifieds as well, which are usually located online. You never know when someone in your area might have something you need.

Children’s winter clothing can be expensive. Look for ways to cut this cost. Try reusing, purchasing used items, and hunting for bargains. If you look long and hard enough, you’ll find you can save a considerable sum when shopping for seasonal clothing.

Easy and Delicious Tips for School Lunches

Preparing school lunches for children can be stressful. As a parent, you probably would love to send a healthy lunch, but you also may have to follow a strict budget. While it may seem cheaper to buy processed foods to throw into the lunch bag, you might be surprised to learn that you can pack a healthy and fulfilling lunch for your children on a very small budget. There are many different lunch ideas, and you can alternate what you provide your children, giving them a great deal of variety.

Fresh Fruit

Fruit is a healthy addition to any lunch, and it is relatively cheap. However, purchasing the fruit cups in syrup is expensive and contains many added sugars that may not be the best choice for your child. Instead, consider cutting up a piece of fresh fruit and placing it in a plastic container.

You can even make your own little fruit salad. This is especially effective if you would like to send apples, since apples brown quite quickly. Add a citrus fruit such as grapefruit or orange to the fruit salad to help prevent this browning.

Fruit Sauces

Many children love applesauce and will welcome its presence in their lunch boxes once in a while. Again, these can be expensive when purchased, but it’s rather simple to make your own. Cut up the fruits you’d like to use, such as apples, strawberries, and peaches, rinse them thoroughly, and throw them all in the blender. Get creative and discover what flavors your children enjoy.

Pasta Salad

You certainly don’t need to go out and buy a pasta salad full of fat and unwanted additives. Instead, you can make a healthy and tasty pasta salad in your own home. Start with whole wheat pasta. While your children may prefer standard pasta, once the salad has been put together, they really won’t notice the difference. After the pasta has been cooked and drained, coat it very lightly with olive oil. Add some basil and two or three fresh vegetables and you have your salad.

The best thing about pasta is that it’s very filling. Pasta salad can be accompanied by a roll and maybe a single cookie for dessert, and your children should find themselves full after lunch. When preparing the pasta salad, make enough to serve for two lunches, but don’t serve the same lunch two days in a row.

Snack Mix

Children love snack mixes. But the ones you buy are very expensive. Save some money and make your own, but make something a little different than what your children are used to. Start with a base of oats and nuts, and whatever else your children might like. Sunflower seeds tend to be quite popular with children, but make sure they’re hulled first.

Don’t add pretzels or cheese puffs or anything else that’s really unhealthy (and expensive). Instead, consider adding a fresh fruit such as a strawberry or peach. If you do want to add a fruit, cut it into bite-sized pieces and make sure it’s a sweeter fruit. Oranges or pineapples probably won’t go well with nuts, seeds, and grains.

Vegetable Salads

Even if your children don’t like the traditional iceberg lettuce and other assorted vegetables, you might be able to come up with a salad they will enjoy. Take a moment to think about what vegetables your children do eat on a regular basis. Do they love tomatoes? Maybe they prefer squash or spinach. Make a list of the vegetables that they will actually eat, and purchase only those vegetables.

Chop or shred the chosen vegetables, mix them gently, and place them in a plastic container. If your children like dressing, make your own with olive oil and some seasonings. If you want to add some protein, chop up some cold chicken to throw on top.

Wraps

Most children love wraps. And they’re so easy to include in a lunch. You can put anything you like in these wraps. Try chicken salad, sliced turkey, bacon, cheese, vegetables, or any combination you think your children will enjoy. One popular wrap includes cubed chicken, cheese, honey dill sauce, and assorted vegetables.

Leftovers

Did you have a dinner the night before that the children just loved? Is there any left? If so, consider sending it to school as a lunch. If the school provides a microwave, this is even easier, as the children can have a hot lunch. Alternatively, invest in a couple of high-quality thermoses. The best ones will keep the food warm until lunch.

If they don’t have access to a microwave, get creative and find ways to serve dinner cold. Slice up yesterday’s roast beef for sandwich meat. Chop up chicken to add to a pasta or vegetable salad.

Bagged lunches don’t have to be boring, and they don’t have to cost a lot of money. Use leftovers, look for healthy ingredients on sale, and try pack something different every day. Get the children involved in making their own lunches and they’ll be more likely to want what they find in their lunch bag.

Handy-Mommy: Plugging Up Drafts and Saving Money

As a mother, I've had to learn many skills. I can patch up a wound, soothe a cranky child, and I can tackle minor home improvement projects. With a little help and the proper motivation. And since October has obviously started and we recently got out first snowfall of the season, I figured now would be a good time to plug up those drafts, making the house more comfortable for my children and saving a few bucks on my heating bill.

Most mothers I know want to save a little money, and that means tackling minor things yourself. If your furnace needs servicing, you should definitely call a professional, but little things can be done all by yourself. A few inexpensive supplies from the local hardware store can help you keep your family warm and cut that home heating bill.

Leaks and Draft Have to Go

If you live in a house that is not Energy Star-rated, you almost certainly are losing some warm air through the gaps and cracks in your home. You might be losing as much as 35% of the precious heat your furnace is supplying. A lot of people blame their windows, especially if the windows are older, but unless the glass is cracked, it's probably not the windows. If you do replace your windows, invest in the double-glazed type, and hire a professional. Don't install windows yourself.

But, like I said, it's probably not the windows. One of the cheapest items in the hardware store is caulk. Buy some. Caulk baseboards and window trim on all exterior walls. Also caulk around light switches and electrical outlets on those same walls. Exterior walls is where you're losing your heat, so stop up those gaps.

Doors are another place where the heat slips out, so purchase (and actually install!) some high quality weatherstripping. This isn't hard to do and takes only a few minutes. Then train those kids to actually shut the door! Weatherstripping does nothing to help you if the doors aren't shut.

Insulating Makes the Difference

I know you probably can't insulate your entire house by yourself. But you can use some ready-to-purchase products from the hardware store to help. Do you have an electric water heater? Have you wrapped it in an insulating jacket or blanket? No? Then check the water heater's manual and go out and purchase an insulating jacket of the appropriate size. I got one for just under $50. Then actually put it on. Don't do this if you have an oil-powered heater and if you have a natural gas water heater, get the insulation installed by a professional.

You can also add some insulation to your heating system. Take a look at your ducting and you'll realize that you're losing a lot of heat to the basement before the heat even gets upstairs. Yes, you're heating the basement, but that heat can really be used elsewhere. You can wrap your ducting in a pretty silver insulation and secure it with duct tape to solve the problem, instantly saving yourself a good deal of money. Do you have radiators instead? Wrap insulation around the exposed heating pipes in the basement or crawlspace.

Lower the Thermostat

I know everyone says this, but few people actually do it. Turn your thermostat down by 3°C or even 6°C when you go out for the evening or when you go to bed. A thicker blanket can help offset the cooler temperature and make you feel cuddled at the same time. You can even get a programmable thermostat (mine cost about $40) and install it. I did this myself following the directions that came with the thermostat. It's not difficult and you can save yourself a significant amount of money.

It's true that the lower you turn your thermostat, the more money you'll save, but don't be extreme. 5°C is probably too cold for a house with children. Be reasonable. I turn mine down to 15°C every evening and get up a half hour before the kids to turn it back up to 19°C. They stay warm and I can wear a thicker sweater for 10 minutes while the house warms up.

It's cheap and easy to save yourself a few bucks in the cold winter months. But it does require some time, especially when you're insulating and caulking. So plan ahead and you'll be free of drafts this winter.