Frugal Forum Column and lots of extras August 18

Everything that a supermarket does from the time you read their sales flyer to when you enter the store is focused on the consumer behavior to spend money. I can give you all the tips and advice I know but you as the consumer has to be responsible to stop impulse buying. I personally do not believe in making a shopping list but I can go into a store and just purchase the items I feel are a good deal. How do you as a consumer fight the impulse to buy? Let’s learn some of the grocery markets tricks so you can beat them at their own game by becoming an informed consumer. Don’t let the store marketers win, you can fight back! The floor plan of a grocery store is thought out carefully so that the items you buy every week are positioned at the back of the store. This means when you are going in to buy a gallon of milk, butter or meat you have to walk around a good percentage of the store. Supermarkets know that as people walk around they will see other items that they will impulsively want to buy. Just think when you walk into a store what is usually the first thing you see- flowers, they enhance the image of the store and give the consumer a feeling of pretty, fresh and smells wonderful. This feeling makes the consumer thinks that the produce is fresh and appetizing. When buying produce reach to the back or top to buy the freshest. Buy produce during the week, since most deliveries are Monday thru Friday. Shelf placement is a trick stores use to place the most profitable items at eye level. The best bargains are usually high up on the top shelf where store and private label brands then oversize bulk items are placed on the bottom. Always check the top and bottom shelves when you are walking down an aisle this is where you will also see items marked closeouts, clearance or discontinued with significant discounts. Product manufacturers pay for end cap displays (the end of the aisle) to advertise a new or popular product. These displays don’t always mean a discount, a lot of times, these displays are only new items or in season items. Don’t forget kid’s eye level. Products with kids appeal will be placed at their level. Just something else you will have to deal with when shopping. Tip: Leave the kids home if possible. On weekends you see more and more product sampling throughout stores. These sampling stations want you to try the product get a coupon then buy the product. The fastest way to get items you were not planning on buying is shopping when you are hungry. Stores will often have fresh smells like bread or cooked chicken lingering in the air around meal times to kick start peoples appetites. Advertised sales might use certain terms to make you think you are getting the best deal or that you have to buy a certain amount. I can’t tell you how many people think when an item says 10 for $10 they think they have to buy ten of that item. What that deal indicates is each item is just $1. When Kroger advertises buy one get one free you don’t need to buy two items what actually happens at the register is each item is marked down 50%. Sometimes you will see in a sales flyer you can only purchase a limited quantity. Stores institute the caps so more people can purchase the great deal or because they want you to believe that it is a good deal. Many consumers will believe that because of the quantity limits they should purchase more of this great deal than they normally would. Keep an eye on shrinking products that still cost the same. The fix is know your prices, starting a price book of the products you use everyday can help you determine whether the actual sale price is a good price. The registers have the most profitable items on display for you to purchase while you wait. Don’t be lured into this trap. Every product or display in a store has a reason for being and looking as it does. Department store floor plans have the same purpose of keeping you browsing for as long as possible giving you more opportunity to make a purchase. When you walk into many department stores you walk right into their cosmetic and perfume counters. These items have the highest profit margin in the store. Women do most of the shopping so when you are looking for the women‘s department you most likely will have to travel a through a couple of floors giving you time to browse. Did you ever find a dressing room right in plain sight? They make you walk around to look for them while passing by other merchandise. No store can make you buy anything, you are the ultimate consumer. Be responsible for your money.

Until August 21 print out coupon and redeem for FREE Dim Sum or Street Fare item with any food purchase at P. F. Changs between 3pm to 6pm. http://view.email.pfchangs.com/?j=fe5e15767062067d7212&m=fef5137277630c&ls=fded17707662027470177973&l=fe9a15737666037f76&s=fe1e17777c6607747d1173&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe2415787c64027f721579&r=0

Redbox is having a 10 deals for 10 days promotion. Just text DEALS to 727272 to receive a free deal a day until August 24. http://www.redbox.com/10daysofdeals

Get a free Southern Living Cookbook when you purchase at least $15 in qualifying products. http://www.southernliving.com/static/generic/marketplace/turnyourkitchen_11/freecookbook_form.pdf

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library gives a free book each month to kids ages 5 and under. To sign up, just visit website click on “first time visiter”. Next you will need to choose to enroll your child then register for the program. http://imaginationlibrary.com/howworks.php

Ever wonder if your child how your child is developing? United Way wants to help you understand more about your child’s development from his/her first month through five years of age. Sign up to get your Ages & Stages Questionnaire at www.uwbg.org/ASQ or call 211 to request the program over the phone.

Want to see if you can afford your own home. Attend a REACH Homebuyer Orientation, 733 Red Mile Rd. every Tuesday and Wednesday at 5pm to see if you qualify for assistance with down payments and closing costs. Call (859) 455-8057 for more information.

Free Community Event at MoonDance, 152 Monarch Street September 10 from 4pm to 8pm. Celebrate the Chinese Moon Festival presented by Kentucky Chinese American Association. http://www.moondancelex.com/

Discovery Night at The Living Arts & Science Center 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd. Thursday, September 1st starting at 6pm. Learn about the history and importance of medicinal plants from Rob Paratley, curator of the University of Kentucky Herbarium. Cost is a donation of $1 for children under 12 and $2 for children 12 years and up. Call (859) 252-5222 for reservations.

Free 8x10 Collage at Walgreens good until Ausgust 20 just use promotional code PRINTONE and pick up at store making it FREE http://photo.walgreens.com/walgreens/storepage/storePageId=AFF1?stop_mobi=yes&ec=hncx6451_free8x10&ep_rid=AABFpj&ep_mid=_BOTL96B8c00nMS

j.jill is offering $20 off your purchase of a regular priced pair of jeans. Just enter promotional code DENIM8 at checkout plus free shipping. http://www.jjill.com/jjillonline/callouts/fcallout.aspx?pfid=732&sk=N&h=M&sourcecode=HBH942&EID=3845198&om_u=HBH942&om_i=3845198&hs40=_BOTJxSB8c2DXXc&hs42=NKqS6B&hs43=banner&hs45=3845198&hs46=HBH942

Like Benjamin Moore on their facebook page and get a free pint sample of Arborcoat http://www.facebook.com/benjaminmoorepaints?sk=app_216704931678459

Free Oasis Welcome Kit that includes a set of exercise bands for sample at-home Osteoarthritis exercise and exercise sheet for Osteoarthritis of the knee https://www.hyalgan.com/oasis/enrollment.aspx?WT.mc_id=HYAF517

Free one year subscription to Chevy Performance magazine
http://www.freebizmag.com/Buy_chevyhp_02welcome.htm

Free USB fan from Air Performance Heating http://airperformanceheating.com/Free_usb_fan.php

This Friday only get Organic Cantaloupe two for $3 at Whole Foods.
http://communications.wholefoodsmarket.com/servlet/website/PersonalizedForm?PohsLEVTUU_TB_UA_ziLJpHs_gLPVELtHpsEthkkplqqtUTWFHhsDJhtEIkhPlLkE5

This looks like so much fun for the kids. Whole Foods is offering a kid’s cooking class on Saturday, August 20th from 10:30am to 11:30 am for FREE. They will be making a healthier version of Banana Oat Cookies. Just email kellyanne.beile@wholefoods.com to register.

If you are thinking of going to the movies this weekend check out Cinemark’s weekend coupon. Free small drink with purchase of a Sour Patch Kids Candy

Take an extra 15% off your total purchase at Kohl’s thru August 25

Just saw this deal at Kohl’s but only in a size 11- Nike Air Pegasus+ 27 High Performance Running Shoe originally $90 now only $18
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/crosssells/nikelp/nikeshoes/mens/widewidthshoes/PRD~636744/Nike+Air+Pegasus++27+HighPerformance+Running+Shoes++Wide.jsp

Payless is having a sale for buy one get one 50% off and get an extra 30% off when you use promotional code 53833. If you have a local Payless shoe store you can have them shipped there for free. http://www.payless.com/store/?AID=10393678&PID=4084356&cm_mmc=CJ-_-2353134-_-4084356-_-Payless+Home+Page

Shop at Reebok.com and save 30% off plus free shipping with promotional code 828200
http://www.reebok.com/microsites/outlet/root/content/promotion-coupon.asp?code=828200&id=94&source=cj

Kid’s eat free with one adult buffet purchase at CiCi’s Pizza coupon
http://image.exct.net/lib/fed516727460047c/m/1/CiCis_Free+Kids+Buffet+w+Adult+Buffet_082811.pdf

Print off a buy one get one free coupon for MetroMint beverage. They are on sale at Kroger for 99 cents but if you pair the coupon with the Mega Sale which bring the bottle down to 49 cents you should get two for free. (they should deduct 99 cents the price before the mega sale discount- some cashier will only deduct 49 cents both most will deduct 99 cents) This coupon is coming and going to print it now if you want it. http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=U2YOPNKPP7GN4

Ocean Spray’s facebook page has $1 coupons for Sparkling Juice Drinks. I think these are also megadeal at Kroger for $1.99 making them 99 cents after coupon.
http://www.facebook.com/oceanspray?sk=app_160988243970579


Get coupon for $1 off any Post-It purchase of $5 or more
http://us.email3m.com/PS!PMg245TDGnUFBgIAAAAGCgFICgc4NTIxMjU1Cgg3MDMyODM5NAkACoTaCgkxMTUwNjU1MTUKDTIwMTEwODEwX1BfU0c=?FIRST_NAME=deb&WT.mc_ID=8521255-24773933

Get $10 off and free shipping on 8x8, 8.5x11, 11x14 and 12x12 Classic Photo books from Picaboo just enter promotional code AUSTEN at checkout. Good until August 23rd. http://view.info.picaboo.com/?j=fe9c15707567037876&m=fe9a15707764027571&ls=fe33157074640574731274&l=ff3315727662&s=fe5515747d62037a7010&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe5e15757660027d701d&r=

My husband only uses Zantac 150 for his heartburn. I love these samples easy to put in a pocket. Hopefully they will send some good coupons with the sample. http://www.zantacotc.com/sample/?sc=ZANACQWEBBANVAL1103073

The High Bridge Homecoming Festival is an annual family-friendly FREE event the third weekend of August held at High Bridge Park 5 miles southwest of Wilmore off US 29/High Bridge Road. This year's festival, August 19-21, celebrates the 100th anniversary of High Bridge!

Festivities include Arts & Crafts, Food Vendors, Demonstrations, Dix River Tours, Car Show, Model Train Exhibit, Children’s Craft Time, Corn Hole Tournament, Park Museum, Silent Auctions, Dessert Auction, Variety of Live Music, Saturday Night Dance, and Lions Pride Martial Arts Demonstrations.

Free Public Parking and Free Admission.

Friday 5:00-10:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am-10:00 pm
Sunday 12:30-5:00 pm

A complete schedule of events can be found at http://wilmore.org/events/highbridge.html or "like" us on Facebook. It's a fun time for everyone and proceeds from the raffle go towards repairing the roof on the volunteer fire house/community center.

Print out $5 coupon when you buy any ThermaCare and Advil product together. It doesn’t say no trial size and it seems at Walmart you can get 1 Advil pocket pack for $1.84 and 1 Thermacare 2 pack for $2.19 making it just 97 cents for two.
https://combo2.wyethcoupons.com/pages/259

$2 coupon for COMBAT products - get rid of those ants
http://www.combatbugs.com/special-offers

$1 coupon for any STP product on their facebook page http://www.facebook.com/STP?sk=app_120667198016545

Get your free sample of Honey Nut Cheerios plus a coupon
http://www.honeynutcheerios.com/honey-nut-cheerios/?rc=y

Rite Aid Deal
They have their brand three pack of scotch tape on sale for buy one get one free. They cost $3.69 but they have one of their single check rebates for this sale worth $3 so you end up after rebate buy 69 cents for six rolls of tape. Check out the rebate book right next to flyers in front of store.

This is for all my New England fans get a free Olympia Sports (they are only located in the northeast) with coupon
http://olympiasports.dirxion.com/coupon.pdf

Frugal Forum August 17

For everyone who went to Oscar Mayer like I said to make a Taste-a-monial they reach the free coupon for hot dogs. They say watch for your free coupon t be sent your way shortly. http://www.facebook.com/OscarMayer?sk=app_217931278234533

CVS has some new coupons on their website. I just printed the buy two Lifewater drinks get one free. http://print.coupons.com/Couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=14415&nid=10&zid=oj97

If you are a member of Vocalpoint check it out now they are giving away a free classsic Swiffer Duster. If you are not a member I would highly recommend becoming one. They give out free samples with great coupons all the time. http://www.vocalpoint.com/bethefirst/swiffer/address.aspx#

Penn Station is giving away FREE fries all day no purchase necessary, dine in only. http://www.facebook.com/pennstation?sk=wall&filter=2

Sign up to try to host a Spin Master It’s All Fun ‘N Games Party from House Party. They offer you free stuff like board games, magnets, coasters, coupons, napkins and more for you to host a party at your house. Give it a shot you may be chosen. http://houseparty.com/event/spinmastergames

Like Nescafe on their facebook page to receive free samples of their Taster’s Choice coffee. http://www.facebook.com/nescafeusa?sk=app_112925635457264

Like Carmex on their facebook page and print out a 50 cent coupon. I have been told that next week Walgreens is having it on sale for $1.50 get $1.50 back in Register Rewards so when you use the coupon it will be a moneymaker. http://www.facebook.com/carmexlipbalm?sk=app_259102457451038

Land’s End is having a summer sale offering and extra 30% off but try these code for even more savings. Get $10 off $50 purchase and free shipping when you enter promotional code BETTER11 and pin 8515 at checkout. I haven’t tested these codes yet. http://www.landsend.com/

This would be a great little teacher treat or just a Thank You to someone.Purchase the New Fall Flavor Sampler from Cheryl’s cookies for $9.99 and receive a $10 Cheryl’s gift card to use on another purchase. The shipping is free.
http://www.cheryls.com/new-fall-flavor-sampler.product.701970

Purchase at ShopatHome and receive 4% cash back. Check it out!http://www.shopathome.com/Coupons/cheryls.com?atid=107875

20% off one item at Staples (exclusions apply)
http://akimages.crossmediaservices.com/listingimages/Retailers/Staples%5Cevent_images%5C175x175_060131_New_Site%5C110816_14273_coupon.pdf

If you wanted to sign your child up for a Gymboree Play and Music membership but thought $104 is way to high get a Groupon that brings the price down 61% to $41. http://www.groupon.com/deals/gymboree-national-lexington-ky

Get a $10 CVS Gift Card for $6 a 40% savings at Saveology. Valid for first time buyers only. https://www.saveology.com/shares/322800

Global Test Market is looking for people to join, take surveys and you can make money. I haven’t tried this survey company yet but have done some that I have made money on. Might be a great way to make a little money from home. https://www.globaltestmarket.com/

Free subscription to The Wall Street Journal. I have this delivered to my home everyday for FREE. http://www.rewardsgold.com/mags/wsj/tgs_wsj_pg2gdnewmem26.htm

If you are interested in purchasing a FoodSaver go to their facebook page and like them. If they get up to 80,000 likes they will give everyone 80% off and free shipping. If they get 30,000 they are giving 40% off and free shipping, 40,000 likes they are giving 60% off and free shipping. Lets get them to 50,000 for that 80% off.
https://www.facebook.com/FoodSaver?sk=wall

I guess we have a trend going here. The more you like WASA crackers on their facebook page the higher the coupon goes. http://www.facebook.com/wasa?sk=app_10531514314

Free Zapzyt samples. They will draw 10,000 names from random to send out samples to. http://www.facebook.com/zapzyt?sk=app_6009294086

From September 6-10 participating Chick-fil-A restaurants are giving away a variet of free breakfast entrees to customers who make a reservation online. If might be one of your local restaurants. http://www.chick-fil-aforbreakfast.com/

August 26th is National Toilet Paper Day and Charmin plans to celebrate with a special offer for Facebook fans only. Head over and like them and watch your wall. https://www.facebook.com/charmin/posts/10150280270259759

Sign your baby up for the squirmiest baby in America at Walgreens you could win some great prizes. http://www.huggies.com/walgreens

Free sample of Persimmon Herbal Tea
http://www.naturalpersimmon.com/servlet/the-template/sample/Page

Coupon for $4 off Scrubbing Bubbles One Step Toilet Bowl Cleaner or $1 off the refill
https://www.rightathome.com/offers/pages/2011-08-sb.aspx?sid=coupon&cid=sb201108

Amazon is having a big Happy Birthday sale on featured DVD and Blu-Ray DVDs
http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=130%2C2291910011&ccmID=380205&ref_=xs_gb_rss_1453371&ajr=1

Free subscription to SKI magazine
https://www.valuemags.com/freeoffer/freeoffer.asp?offer=Ski-RDC.asp

Plan a family movie night at your school. Pre-Order your free planning kit.
http://www.ptotoday.com/sfn/family-movi

Frugal Forum August 16

Free sample of Dr. Tim’s Premium All Natural Pet Food
http://drtims.com/try-dr-tims/

Free subscription to Working Mother magazine
http://www.mercurymagazines.com/pr1/101/101540

Free Nordic Naturals sample (look on bottom of page)
http://www.nordicnaturals.com/

Free subscription to Caribbean Travel + Life magazine
http://www.mercurymagazines.com/pr1/101/101539

Haven’t tested these codes yet- 2 free Blockbuster Express DVD rentals
26PBCG2
68TTDR5
Good until August 22

Oprah is having an online companion class helping you make your life better, happier, richer and more fulfilling. Sign up to get on of the million copies of Oprah’s class journal.
http://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey?sk=app_101249149977965

Today’s the last day to get 100 4x6 photo prints for only $1 plus tax and free shipping when you enter WEDPRINT at checkout. Just visit Snapfish login to your existing account or start a new one, start uploading your photos, add 100 4x6 prints to your card when you checkout use the above promotional code. On the final order page your discount will show up
www.snapfish.com

Buy one get one free coupon when you like Athenos Feta cheese on their facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/Athenos?sk=app_243703342328896

Like Coffemate on their facebook page and receive $1 coupon
http://www.facebook.com/CoffeemateNaturalBliss?sk=app_213491032035830

Take a short quiz and receive a coupon good for $1 off any Earthbound Farm Product. You don’t see coupons often for produce. http://www.ebfarm.com/WhyOrganic/OrganicQuiz.aspx

$1 off coupon on one Minute Maid Juice Box 10 pk
www.coupons.com used zipcode 90210 (look under beverages)
When you are there print out coupon for $1 off Skittles, Starburst or Lifesavers (last time I got these free with a 10 for $10 deal)
Check out the top bar where you get 40 cents off on-the-go Tissue packs. Use this at Targets back to school sale on Cars II travel tissue packs for a great deal. Good to put in backpacks.

Free Shout Wipes Sample
http://www.shoutitout.com/coupon/wipes/

$5 off purchase of $25 or more on August 20 only at Dollar General coupon
http://www.dollargeneral.com/Coupons/Pages/index.aspx

$3 coupon when you buy 10 Weight Watchers Smart Ones product
http://www.mysavings.com/offer/heinz-smart-ones.asp?pid=503&sid=

One magazine that I subscribe to is All You. This magazine is always full of coupons. You can only purchase the magazine at WalMart. If you subscribe now you will also receive a $6 Shell Gift Card. https://subscription.allyou.com/storefront/subscribe-to-all-you/site/ay-bloggershell0611.html?xid=300X250SBP&link=1004228

Fast Fixin and Redbox have teamed up. Check out speciality marked bags of Fast Fixin frozen foods that contain a Redbox code for a free movie. Do two things at once get dinner and get the entertainment. http://advancebrands.com/dev/redbox.php


Print coupon for free kids meal with adult purchase at O’Charley’s good until August 22
http://www.ocharleys.com/eclub/webversion/Coupon_FreeKidsMeal.html

Download a free Kindle book “Hurricanes in Paradise” from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TXSF6G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=fre4mom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B003TXSF6G

Frugal Forum August 15

If you haven’t joined Save.com try it now to get a $10 credit which you can use to purchase a Slap Watch. I have been seeing these watches all over lately, they slap to your wrist. Get a 54% discount making the watch $7 shipping included. This deal would be free. Nice stocking stuffer. Yes I am thinking about the holidays.
http://svmr.co/6Cy

Free full sized body wash from CVS. Just bring the coupon to your local CVS pharmacy.
https://www.facebook.com/MinuteClinic?sk=app_133578850062126

Request a free sample of Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser
http://www.biore.com/usa/optin.aspx?promo=biore_us_201104UsWeeklyBFICSamp&redir=bficSample

Here is another daily deal site www.onsale.com . Today only they are offering $10 gift cards to
Outback Steakhouse, Fleming’s, Carrabba’s, Roys and Bonefish Grill for just $3.99 at 60% savings.

Sign up for the National Consumer Panel. Yes, you will have to answer questions on what you buy and how much etc. Last time I did this I received a check for $100. http://ad.ncpsignup.com/?login=sysLGM&pin=LGM6577&pub_key=CD11758

Walgreens deal
New ReNew Life Omega Smart Super Krill Oil 60 count $10
Use $2 printable coupon
http://www.omegasmartfishoils.com/coupon.pdf
Get $10 in register rewards
Final price = MONEYMAKER

Expo Erasable Markers on sale for $3.99
Buy two 6 packs at $3.99 each
Use $3 coupon in Walgreens August Coupon booklet
Use $2/2 Expo printable coupon
http://bricks.coupons.com/TAF.asp?tqnm=yhgwcfa71432415&o=90482&c=EX&p=8cKsYqLi&cl=&cp=&eb=&ci=&bq=&r=&lang=&cista=0
Final price = FREE

Pert Plus 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner $3.99
Use $1 coupon in Sundays paper
Get $3 back in register rewards
Final price = FREE

Campbell’s is offering up to $25 in coupons for many of their products
http://www.campbellkitchen.com/Coupon.aspx?fbid=dOQ4WvLn44K

Head to YoCrunch facebook page to print off some high value coupons
https://www.facebook.com/yocrunchyogurt?sk=app_142718289144258

Nestle is offering high value $1 coupon on one Nestle Toll House Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Refrigerated Cookie Dough coupon plus many more
http://www.verybestbaking.com/Coupons-Promotions/Coupons-List.aspx

$2 off coupon for passport photos at CVS
http://www.cvsphoto.com/passport-photos

Check out CVS this week. When I scanned my ExtraCare card at the red kiosk I received a coupon for free bandages and free candy bar.
They also have Buy $5 worth of Gatorade Series Fit get $5 extracare bucks back. They are on sale for $1 so final price is free.

Free shipping today and tomorrow at Party City just enter promotional code PCY7NK at checkout. www.partycity.com

Free subscription to ShutterBug magazine
http://www.freebizmag.com/wnn_shutterbug_01welcome.htm

Free appetizer or dessert at participating Chili’s location when you become a fan on facebook. Valid just three days - August 15-17
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150265214473214&set=a.107573333213.96653.106027143213&type=1&theater

If you like V8 they just put a bunch of coupons on their website
http://www.v8juice.com/Coupons.aspx

Free Lightning Magazine from Better Homes and Gardens
http://www.americanlightingassoc.com/Free-Magazine.aspx

Free one year subscription to Muscle and Fitness magazine
http://www.rewardsgold.com/mags/muscle/new/sg_mus_pg2gdr.htm

Get $2 off your purchase of personalized cards on Hallmark.com when you use promotional code BUY2SAVE2 at checkout. Good until August 19. www.hallmark.com

Print out $1.50 coupon for any Red Cross Johnson and Johnson product. You can use these on the Travel Size First Aid to Go kits at Target priced at 99 cents. That makes these only 24 cents each. Great to put in car or put in a gift basket. https://www.jnjredcross.com/specialoffers

NeilMed is giving away free Sinus Rinse when you become a fan on their facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/sinusrinse?sk=app_4949752878

Free trail pack of Eco Bag Pac Garbage Bags
http://ecobagpac.com/trial-pack.asp

Free can of Purina Cat Food on their facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/ProPlan?sk=app_229755843722816