Archive for the ‘coupons’ Category

Promotion Code Dot Org: A Review

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

Coupon and Promo Codes

I have found and promoted many coupon sites here at The Millionaire Nurse Blog.  Saving money on things you are going to buy anyway is smart and finding a coupon takes just a few minutes.

I am pleased to let you know about another promo/coupon code site: Promotion Code.

Now promotion codes are similar to coupons.  You know the little box when you check out online-Add coupon code here….  Where the heck can I get in on this?  Who are these people that get better discounts than me?

In the past I figured that was just a marketing gimmick.  But now I know better. I try to check out a few sites before my online purchases-and bricks and mortar stores also have coupon offerings waiting for you to find them.

Free Shipping Codes

Another great advantage to using this site in particular is it has a free shipping section.

For example, I need a new grill.  I have replaced the insides of the one I own about three separate times.  The flavor bars, the thingey with all the holes in it that lets the little flames out, (burner, I know….) have all been replaced multiple times.  The drip pan has fallen out the bottom onto the patio-yuck.

Grills are heavy, therefore shipping costs can be high.

I went to the Promotion Code site, hit the “free shipping” tab at the top.

Voila-a list of businesses offering free shipping.

I then found a couple of sites selling the grill I wanted with free shipping.  Being the competitive, careful and creative shopper I did a Better Business Bureau check on the seller, and a price comparison.

Yup, passed!

Next I’m going to check out the Verizon section-as my Blackberry seems to be so outdated compared to my wife’s Incredible HTC.

My tips on using sites such as these:

  • Keep in mind codes/coupons expire and some just won’t work.  It’s nobodies fault.  Don’t get angry, just keep looking.  Don’t spend all day, but a quick look should ease your mind you aren’t leaving money on the table.
  • There are a lot of these sites out there.  I haven’t found one that has every sales/discount/free shipping code.  So find a few of theses sites, bookmark them and get into the habit of checking them before hitting the “Buy Now” button at check out.
  • Don’t buy anything, just because it’s a good buy.  Carefully make the decision between needs and wants-and I will too before I go phone shopping.

Share Your Favorites

Don’t be shy or greedy and keep the good ones to yourself.  If you have a favorite coupon or promo site that has saved you the big bucks, let me know.

Make sure you follow me on Twitter @DrDeanBurke- quick links on the side of the blog!  And let’s not miss a post-sign up for email special delivery!

Friends, I love friends-check out my Facebook page, and I’m definitely Linked-In-use the shortcuts on the side-that’s why I paid my Web Master of the Universe Ben the big bucks to put em there-saves you time!

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Extreme Couponing Review: Writ Large!

Friday, April 15th, 2011

Extreme Couponing

Extreme Couponing has a buzz going in the personal finance blogosphere  just as a nude-beach picture of the Kardashians,  Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber cavorting in Monaco would in the celebrity worship world.  (no calls please from the Enquirer, or lawyers-I just made that up….)

Danielle Liss- a very confused but loveable personal finance, legal issues, lifestyle, fitness, weight loss, nude cats, health blogger had the idea to ask a bunch of other bloggers the questions below about couponing and compare/link up  their answers.

Since I had no idea could what I would post could make room for this today, here we are.

In the effort to be transparent (isn’t that the new White House Buzz Word for total obfuscation) the Mrs Dr Dean answered the questions below, cause I could not tell a lie.

by ossesous c.c.

I try to use coupons when I am buying stuff online, but I am not the grocery shopper in our home.  My wife refuses to let me cause I tend to spend more than she does…

So here goes:

Danielle’s questions are numbered and in blue….The bosses wife’s comments in black, and my very astute remarks are in red!  Pay attention it can get confusing….too many cooks in the kitchen and all that!

Remember the key:

Danielle-Blue

Mrs Dr Dean-Black

Dr Dean-Red

Coupon Questions:

1.  Do you use coupons for groceries?

Yes. About once a month I get my act together enough to use a coupon.  The little chit of colored paper is usually ragged by the time I drag it from the depths of my purse or pocket, but it is always exciting to finally remember to use the damn thing and save a little money. Don’t look into her purse unless you want to turn to stone…

2.  What is the primary source of your coupons?

Because I have the reputation as a frugal sort, friends will often share coupons for things they know I use but they don’t.  I also snip them from the newspaper inserts. Usually before I read the dang paper…. OUCH!

3.  Have you ever purchased food that you would not normally eat because you have a coupon?  Remember any examples?

Rarely.  The most recent example I can think of is Almond Milk.  I was curious about how it tasted but refused to pay a premium for the experience.  When I saw a $1 off coupon for a 1/2 gallon I used it and was able to satisfy the urge forever-Yuck!  ( too sweet.) I let Dean drink it, he’ll drink anything. I admit  meeting very few adult beverages I don’t enjoy!

4.  When you grocery shop, what are the most important factors in your food choices?

Price, always price.  There are only 2 exceptions I can think of-and that may change.  I don’t care about the brand, not even in beer, wine or mayo. (or ketchup, Penzo!) She is not kidding about the cheap wine…

5.  Do you use reusable bags?  Why or why not?

What a great question!  I  use re-usable shopping bags for everything (dirty laundry when traveling, as a brown bag replacement,  but not groceries. I can’t really say why not.  Bag lady, where did that term come from?

6.  If you had a coupon, would you purchase and stockpile items because of the deal?

Obviously you haven’t seen pictures of our pantry. Of course, if the item would not go bad or  out of date.  I love, absolutely love, having a well stocked pantry.  ( I won’t get started.)

7.  Do you plan your meals in advance?  What do you base your meal plan on?

Almost always.  Frugal  (cheap) people like me are genetically incapable of paying a premium for last minute purchases.  My meal plans are based on the fresh fruits and vegetables in season and whatever meat deals are stocked up in the freezer. (Don’t open the freezer without your bullet proof vest and hard hat!)

8.  Have you ever tried to coupon to get items for free or close to nothing?  How did it go?  Do you still coupon?

Really good couponing requires more organization (you said that right)and obsession than I have given it, ever.  Maybe I will try to get things for free or close to it after reading Dean’s stupid blog this enlightening information.

9.  Last one – What do you blog about?

I blog about personal finance and have a passion for teaching nurses and (your few) all my readers the basics of personal finance.  I sometimes throw in my wisdom (stupid opinions) about current events and world financial news.

Danielle, You’re an attorney….Do you do divorces???? (he wishes-he wouldn’t have a pot to ….. Thanks honey for helping today!

Here is the link to Danielle’s answers to the same questions.

And her post with all the other fools participants answers! Enjoy!

I hope you enjoyed this fun, farcical, dare I say frickin post inspired by Extreme Couponing.

Any comments or questions will be dealt with severely by Mrs Dr Dean, if you dare…

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Posted in coupons | 8 Comments »

Groupon: What, Why, and Where!

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

Groupon

Groupon has been in the news lately for a spurned buy out offer from Google.

As do a lot of folks, I have a love/hate relationship with Google.  Love Gmail, love free apps, love their competitiveness with Microsoft, and their motto of “Do No Evil”.

But, when companies can strike down blogs/advertisers with no recourse they seem like a bully, and who likes bullies?

But back to Groupon….  Who is to say if they made a good business decision to blow off Google’s 5 billion dollar offer…

They either are an independent sort who don’t want a corporate giant telling them what to do, or they know they will get a better offer as they grow their business.

Back to Groupon Review

I had resisted the Groupon fad because the company focused on large cities initially, and I don’t live in or near a large city.

A few of the smaller cities near me are now Grouponed, plus I know many of my readers are city dwellers.  So I decided- time for me to get my “Groupon ON!”

The home page is simple, and invites you to join, no muss no fuss.  Just the usual valid email and password.

They then invite you to give them a little personal info, so they can personalize their Groupons.

For those of you, who are from Iron City, and are still wondering, “What the hell is a ‘Groupon’ ?”  Let me ‘splain it to you:

Groupon, simply put, is a coupon for groups.  They publish a “deal a day”, you download the deal, pay Groupon by credit or debit card.

You then give your coupon or show the business advertising the special your coupon on your phone, iPad, or a printed copy and you get the deal.

Using Groupon Coupon

The deal is only good if enough people sign up for it.  So if you are the only guy in Peoria signing up for a 50% off high colonic, you will be disappointed…..

Groupon Pluses:

  • A deal a day
  • 40-50% discount on average on the deal
  • Complete satisfaction

Downside to Groupon

(after reading numerous online reviews):

  • If you are tempted to overspend, don’t, don’t, don’t sign up. (if you are addicted to Home Shopping Channels, That’s a sign! )
  • If you don’t like to read the fine print, you will get screwed-(many reviews mentioned buying “first time customers only” groupons, and when they tried to redeem, the business wouldn’t honor the coupon because they were a previous customer.  So as usual buyer beware.
  • Limited to cities, so if you live a hundred miles from a medium sized city, it may cost you more in gas than the savings are worth.
  • Another daily email, and if you are like me, you already can’t read the ones you get.

Dr Dean’s Groupon Guards:

After signing up and reading reviews, what are my takes?

  • Only use Groupon for items you already plan to buy, and can truly save money on.  If you have 50 bucks set aside for dinner in your spending plan, and you can get a Groupon for the same dinner at 25 bucks-go for it.
  • If you have a spending problem, don’t sign up.  Like recently reformed smokers who still go to the only bar in town that allows smoking….Stupid!
  • READ THE FINE PRINT-sorry for yelling, but if you aren’t going to read the whole offer, and its limitations, expiration date,  first time customer only limits, then don’t even sign up.  The only one you can blame is YOU!

Groupon reviews by fellow bloggers:

Well Healed Blog has a comprehensive review, as a frequent user.

Money Crashers Kira has this to say about Groupon.

Free From Broke chimes in about Groupon.

Mrs Money at Ultimate Money Blog has a positive review of Groupon.

Young and Thrifty reviews Groupon and other similar sites.  Some I have never heard of- off to work- more research to do!

Reader Questions:

Any of you Groupon users?  Let me know your thoughts, comments, or complaints.

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Posted in coupons | 10 Comments »

Discounts, and Good Reading: What A Great Combo!

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

Discounts, Good Buys, and Coupons-Oh My!

For something different, I thought I would do a money savings round-up.   I scanned the web for deals, coupons, and discounts on common grocery, department, or other retail stores.  But remember, only buy what you need, and make sure you have planned the spending.

A discount is not a discount, if you don’t need the item.

Not Made of Money has this weeks Publix deals!

For Walgreen’s Deals, check this post! And for Staples, this one, both at Deal Seeking Mom.

Rite Aid Neutrogena Clinicals Deal from Money Saving Madness.

Free Chips and Queso at Chili’s from Bargain Brianna.

At Mom’s Need To Know comes this list for  Harris Teeter for this week.

What I have been reading:

At Early Retirement Extreme-check out Jacob’s post about clutter!

Money Funk writes about keeping your pets flee from fees, I mean free of fees, no I mean free of fleas!!!

Punch Debt in the Face, appreciates the small things-some not so small!

Engineer Your Finances has a giveaway-check it out!

Kelly at The Centsible Life, tells us Passport fees are going up.  If you need one- hurry!

The Saved Quarter has a list of “Best Posts” from the Yakezie Group of Personal Finance Bloggers-thanks for including me!

Thanks for being a reader!

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Posted in coupons | 3 Comments »

Coupons:Saving Money with Online Shopping

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

Online Discount Coupons

Some of you may remember green stamps.

They were like reverse coupons.  When you checked out at the grocery, they gave you a certain amount of green stamps and a stamp book.

When you collected enough stamps, you could purchase items from the stamp catalog-one booklet full for a bauble of some sort.  Just another marketing method that has gone the way of the dodo bird.

Low tech coupons remain, in newspapers and ad inserts, that you cut out, and take to the retailer. High tech-versions exist online.

There is also a hybrid-websites that allow you to find your grocery or pharmacy coupons online, print them out and shop locally.

Coupons:  Worth the trouble?

Yes and no is my usual straightforward answer.

If you use coupons to buy brand-name products, that are more expensive than store brand, then no, they are not worth it.  If you are able to use them to truly save money on your purchases and lower your overall grocery bill, then go for it.

Many folks view  the coupon thing as a competition to see how much they knock off their grocery bill.

The high tech version of couponing is more my style.  When you have made the choice to purchase an item online, then it is well worth a few minutes to check through the various websites that will allow you search for a coupon discount on that item.

You use the code to plug into those coupon code boxes  you see right before check-out.  You know those boxes that always make you think,” hmm, someone is buying this for less than me, what’s up with that?”

I have visited a few of those coupon sites online to share with you:

These are all good sites.  I like the layout of the Coupon Album best.  It is just easier on the eyes, and easier to use.

The biggest danger with these sites is seeing something you want-then busting your budget.   Remember, only buy things that are in your spending plan.

Compare Prices

Check all available sources until you are sure you are getting the best price. Try pricegrabber and bizrate to compare prices.

For an article from PC Mag on its opinion of the top ten coupon pages check out this site.

My coupon story:

I need a new video camera to add video to my websites.  The one I  currently use is 12 plus years old, and it is very difficult to transfer video to my computer.

I am looking for a Flip video camera-I have done my due diligence and it is time to execute.  My budget was $200 bucks as that seemed to be the standard price.

I was really excited to see a coupon for 10 % off from the Flip manufacturer.  Before I executed I saw a post on CNET about Flips on Amazon.  The check-out price was almost 40 bucks less from Amazon-without a coupon.

When you decide to buy something online, then take a few minutes to look at these coupon sites and see if you can save a few bucks.   But always check around and make sure the price with coupon is really the cheapest price.

Please share with me if you have found a site you enjoy using for coupon shopping.  Also share with us your coupon successes-it ain’t braggin if you did it….

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Posted in coupons, Planned spending aka budget | 3 Comments »