Saving Money: Using Coupon Codes

Every so often I realize that I may actually have a money saving tip to pass on to others. These are never "out of this world" or tricky tips, just things I've picked up and learned. The one that has come up a few times with others this past month is coupon codes. Coupon codes are wonderful for anyone who does any online shopping (travelling, etc), they are also much easier to find and use than actual paper coupons. There are lots of websites dedicated to bring you the best and most recent coupon codes. There are also a ton of people who spend a lot of time on deal forums like http://www.redflagdeals.com/ where they post lots of coupon codes as well. To save money and live frugally, I don't believe that you need to necessarily sacrafice quality of life. It's the little things that make this difference. We continue to travel, eat out on occasion, not look like bums and have fun (AND have savings, no debt, etc).

If you don't do any shopping online I would highly suggest starting. By shopping online, you can save a lot of money, get the producsts that you are looking for, and have the convenience of not having to leave home. Through my own experience and dealing with clients through my business, I would say that almost all people are a bit skeptical and scared when first shopping online. When shopping online always make sure that you pay through an accredited shopping software site (ex, paypal). Do not just hand over your credit card info to a business through email, etc, this is not a safe way to pay online. The only other thing that I would warn you of is that online shopping can be addictive. It's almost too easy, making it just as easy to make unnecessary purchases. Just like any kind of shopping, only buy what you actually want or need. Don't just buy something because it's a good deal (something that I often remind David of, ha ha).

So, if you're not familiar with coupon codes, here's my spiel. I can almost always save at least 10% on an online purchase by spending just a few minutes looking online for a code. Coupon codes are often available for larger and/ or chain businesses (not boutique style businesses like my own).

Here's how to find the codes. Let's say we're looking for a coupon code for Picaboo (it's time for me to make vacation books). Go to google and type in "Picaboo coupon codes." Right away I found, coupon code: FEB30
30% OFF PHOTO BOOKS through 2.28.11 or longer.http://www.couponcabin.com/, I also found coupon code: 1ptdob-ap to save $10. Not bad for 1 minute of searching. I also love Shutterfly books, which seem to have some kind of code at any given time. If the coupon codes aren't good enough, I wait for a better deal. If the coupon code you try doesn't work, get another one and try again. For photo books, I'm always looking for aprox 30% off (add this to an existing deal and even better).

Top Coupon Code Sites

http://www.retailmenot.com/

http://www.currentcodes.com/

http://www.coupncabin.com/

http://www.couponchief.com/

Companies that often have codes are

Clothing companies (Old Navy, Victoria Secret, Sears, etc)

Attractions (Cirque de Soliel, Fairs, etc)

Food (Pizza Hut, Dominos, Swiss Chalet, etc)

Printing/ Photo (Vistaprint, Shutterfly, Picaboo, etc)

Hotels/ Travel (Fairmont, Best Western, car rental chains, etc)

Airlines can also have coupon codes, it's always worth checking.

Here's a list of places that I was able to use coupon codes recently:

-CNE passes (many large tourist attractions also have coupon codes available)

-Shutterfly. There is no need to EVER pay full price when ordering items from places like Shutterfly, Picaboo, etc. On my last Shutterfly photo book order I was actually able to use 3 coupon codes at once (very unusual). This gave me an incredible discount on my order, giving me the largest book with the leather cover for the price of the cheapest book.

-Printer Ink/ toner

-Hertz Car Rental. Wasn't even thinking coupon codes when booking, but I called in to place the reservation and the woman asked me if I had a code. While I was talking to her I looked it up and found a 10% off code within 1 minute.

-Airport Long Term Parking (have done this has different airports)

Remember that coupon codes are easy and fast to find. They can also be applied to many different kinds of purchases. Another great place to find great deals is www.groupon.com where there is always a local deal for at least half off. We have recently purchased groupons for restaurants, our Outdoor Adventure Show tickets (2 for 1), etc.

That last thing I'll leave you with is our "state of mind" for shopping (in a "brick and mortar" store or online store). This is simple but it has saved me a lot of money. If you're shopping and you see something that you want to buy, ask yourself if you really want it. Then ask yourself if you will want it tomorrow, a week from now, etc. Then WALK away! If you're in the mall, take a walk around, look at some other shops. If by the end of your shopping experience you're still thinking about the item, then it's probably ok to go back and get it. If you don't care enough to walk a few minutes back to the store or you're totally forgotten about the item, well, you've got your answer AND you're saved yourself some money. For online shopping, walk away and leave it for a day. The exception to this idea is when you find an AMAZING deal on something that you LOVE or have already been looking for. Then the decision is easy to make the purchase. I think that so many of us waste money on impulsive purchases. Cut the impulsive purchases and hopefully you can save some money.

Let me know if that was useful. I'd be happy to share more money saving tips if people like.