Frugal Forum March 25, 2012

Many people think I must love to go shopping. But I actually hate to go to places like the mall, especially to try on clothes.
The last time I was there, I was amazed at the wide age range of shoppers. But what kind of shoppers were they? Here are characteristics of some common types of ­shoppers and ways you can break these bad habits that cost you money.
Emotional shopper: You get a momentary thrill from a purchase but feel bad later because you didn’t really need it or have the money for it.
To break the habit, limit your shopping trips. Also, get rid of all but one credit card and take along only the cash you need for a week. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. ­Replace your need to buy with a free activity like reading or ­exercising.
Cheating ­shopper: You buy items even though you won’t use them, especially because you don’t want others like a spouse to know. Money is a common sore spot in relationships. Vow to be more open about your purchases.
Self-sacrificial shopper: You give in and buy loved ones what they want even if they don’t need it. Remember that children learn spending ­habits from parents, and the idea that you get everything you want is not one to reinforce.
Bargain shopper: You buy something because it’s a good deal, not because you need it. Your solution is to use those purchases as gifts to others. Make a list of everyone you buy for among birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and other major occasions. When you buy that sale item, assign it to a person on your list. Once the list is finished, leave the sale items for ­others to enjoy.

Freebies:

Test drive a new 2012 Kia Optima by March 31, 2012 to receive a $25 Kia Visa Prepaid Card. http://2012kiaoptimatestdrive.cloudapp.net/

AARP members can get a free doughnut when they purchase a large or extra-large hot coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts. Valid AARP member ship card must be show. http://discounts.aarp.org/offer/index/offerid/150143/usource/PSRV1

Free 8x10 portrait from JCPenny no sitting fees. http://www.jcpportraits.com/march2012

Test your knowledge with the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Master quiz. Answer all 10 questions correctly and you will receive a personalized, custom-engraved Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bottle plate (while quantities last), 8 x 10 Bourbon Master certificate signed by Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris and Facebook badge identifying you as a Woodford Reserve Bourbon Master. http://www.woodfordreserve.com/email/wr3978/wr3978d.html

If you are a Mom that is enthusiastic about parenting and green living plus like to socialize, sign up to be a Moms Meet Mom Ambassador. You will receive free products and services for your group to review, plus receive a free Mom Ambassador Gift for yourself. It is a 8 to 10 minute survey. http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22EGRTP7JTZ

Do you want to score free passes to movie premieres in over 55 locations nation-wide. Check out what free passes are available. http://furstaccess.com/

Free two year subscription to LEGO magazine http://club1.lego.com/en-US/subscription/Default.aspx?SkuId=9052b50e-271e-46d2-9abb-e1950f8cc438&step=1&CountryId=US

Free one year subscription to DIME, The Basketball Lifestyle Magazine https://dim.magserv.com/cgi-bin/subscribe?qt=new&ot=controlled&Keyed_effort=YWFL7

Register for a free CPR class on Saturday, March 31st from 10am to 11am from the American Red Cross located at 1450 Newtown Pike and learn life saving skills that will better prepare you and your family for emergencies. This is a non-certification event call 502-561-3605 to register.

Attend the Art of Entertaining free event at The Signature Club of Lansdowne on Tuesday, March 27 from 5:30pm until 8pm. Learn new concepts in colors, styles, fashion and décor everything to make your event impressive. Call Melissa at 859-266-6661 to register.

Free screening of American Teacher documentary film on March 27 6pm to 8pm at NorthEast Christian Church, 990 Star Shoot Pkwy, Lexington you do have to register
http://americanteacherky.wordpress.com/



Coupon matchups:

Purchase Schick Hydro Silk at CVS for $9.99 receive $4 in extracare bucks plus use $4 coupon from Sunday paper making final price just $1.99

Purchase Colgate Optic White toothpaste at CVS for $3.99 receive $2 in extracare bucks plus use 75 cents coupon from Sunday paper making final price just $1.24.

Purchase two Colgate Total Whitening toothpaste at Walgreens for $6 receive $3 in register rewards plus use two 75 cents coupons from Sunday paper making final price 75 cents each.

Purchase Fantastik and Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom cleaner at Walgreens use $1 coupon from Walgreens saving book (located next to sales flyers) plus use $1 Scrubbing Bubbles coupon and 75 cents Fantastik coupon from Sunday paper making final price $1.63 each.

Purchase Glade Sense & Spray at Walgreens for $7.99 receive $2 in register rewards plus use $3 Sunday paper coupon making final price just $2.99.

Purchase Glade Air Fresheners Press and Spray at Walgreens for $4.49 receive $1.50 in register rewards plus use $1 Sunday paper coupon making final price $1.99