Using Coupons the Lazy Way

So You Want to Coupon But Don't Have the Time or Patience...

That's okay! I see shows like Extreme Couponing and I am always in awe. There are some incredibly talented and organized people in the world who know how to work a deal! However, I am not one of those people nor do I have the desire to be. All I want is to get a discount on the things that I buy, make a little money on the side, and do it in less than 15 minutes a week. The ideas I have offered below can take as much or as little time as you feel like spending, so it's really up to you how much you want to save. I also have referral links for any of the websites mentioned below, so just send me a message if you want to sign up.

Over the years, I've tried a lot of options to see what worked. Many were too complicated or took too much time. Many just didn't offer me the options I wanted. So I've worked out something that is simple for me to do and often results in multiple ways to save or make a little money for very little effort. Below are screenshots of these sites from my own personal accounts. If you are busy then you know what it's like to come home and realize that you've run out of milk right when you need it. Shopping can be a chore so I don't like to spend too much time worrying about it, but I do want a deal. Here are my suggestions. Let me know what you think of this lens and what your tips are!

How I Stack My Coupon Savings to Maximize Earnings

The Basics

As I mentioned before, I have been working for years to find a solution that I feel is rewarding and not too difficult. Here is what I have come up with. I use what I like to call the stack method. For me this means using multiple opportunities to save on the same items. This maximizes my earnings for buying things that I already buy.

The Basics

To start, I follow the same advice you hear from any frugal shopper: don't buy anything you won't use just because you have a coupon! It's good advice for life. Instead, you can make your list based on what you would like to eat for the week or based on what is on sale according to grocery circulars. It depends on how much you like to plan and check sales.

The second step is to use a rewards credit or debit card. Only rely on a credit card if you can pay it off every month. If you are responsible, this is a great way to get rewarded for making purchases you already plan on making. If you have several (like many people), make sure to sign up for the monthly categories for shopping at specific types of retailers and take advantage of the rewards.

Use what you buy! I am very guilty of wasting things - food, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, the list goes on. Those of us who are Americans are especially guilty of this. Trying to be more mindful of how we use things is good for the wallet, the planet, and my delicate constitution! I am slowly getting better through years of consciously working on it, but I always have room for improvement. Now, I see what's in my pantry and under my sink before rushing out the door.

These three steps set the groundwork for all of my savings. I consider buying exactly what I need and getting rewards for it to be the base layer for savings. From here, I use a few more websites to quickly get the most out of my spending.

Step One: No Clip Coupons

I discovered SavingStar.com about a year ago and have never looked back! Savingstar is a really simple website that allows you to register your frequent shopper cards for your favorite stores and automatically reimburses you for buying items on their list. The coupon amount gets added to your account and you can put it in your bank account or redeem it for gift cards. I have never had a problem redeeming my cash. If you find a deal you like, all you have to do is click "I Want This" to have it automatically load to your card. You don't have to print or clip anything! Easy right?

I can use this to buy or substitute anything on my list in just a few minutes and it is next to no work. I love that I don't have to worry about more paper getting lost in my purse, folding over barcodes, or things not scanning properly. Just swipe your card at checkout and bam! Just visit savingstar.com. It's free and takes less than 10 minutes to create your full account. 

Stack Auto-Coupons with Printable Coupons

Reward Sites

Want a big tip? If you use Savingstar, most of those same deals are also offered with extra coupons if you use Swagbucks or Mypoints. Discounts tend to have a schedule and shelf life that makes it easy to stack them, so if you find a deal on Savingstar that you like there is probably another coupon you can use to save even more money. That means you get a double deal without even trying. All you need to do is search the websites to print them out.

What's even better than that? If you redeem coupons using reward sites, they will award you 10 points for every one you use. For example, if I use a $1 coupon I printed from Swagbucks, they also give you 10 cents. That is a total of $1.10 - 10 cents each time!

This is a great deal on some items. When I run out of cereal, I browse around SavingStar to see what is on sale. When I find something I like, I just click a button to load it to my card. Let's say that it's for 50 cents. Then I might go to Swagbucks to see if they have an additional coupon. Look, they do! Maybe this one is for 40 cents, so I quickly print it out. Once redeemed, they award me 10 cents. So my cereal was $1 off without even trying. Then I get rewarded for using my credit card. It doesn't get any easier than that.

Pros: Get good deals quickly.
Cons: No search feature that lets you search to stack coupons.

Find a Coupon Website

If you want to find a coupon website, throw a rock. There are a million out there. My favorite ones are those that also offer other things such as shopping discounts, paid surveys, or paid games. The two that I use are Mypoints.com and Swagbucks. They both have lots of ways to earn and save money. Not to your taste, simply pull up a search engine a do a search for coupon websites. You should be able to find one you like within minutes.

Use Reward Shopping Links

Shop Through the Right Links for More Savings

Want to use another level to stack your savings? Use reward shopping links. There are several ways to do this, but it works best when shopping for retail goods.

Shopping Sites

These websites reward you with points for shopping through the links on their shopping pages. Again, Mypoints and Swagbucks are my go to for this, but another great site it Ebates.com. When I'm prepared to buy something online, I just quickly glance through these sites to see who has a savings link or who offers the most.

Credit Card Rewards Center

Make sure you use a rewards credit card for a start. Also make sure you sign up for the monthly specials attached to that card. Now, for bonus points, see what discounts your credit card company is willing to offer. This is great if you don't feel safe using a shopping site or would like to cash out a rewards bonus for a particular card. Most card companies have a center once you sign in online that shows you what stores they offer the discounts through, so always make sure to check before you check out!

Last Check!

One last thing! Always search online before you buy. There a many websites that only deal with online codes for shopping. Make sure you're not missing a free shipping, BOGO, or free item with purchase offer by checking these sites. Many of them also offer discounts for first time customers so it pays to shop around.

Go All The Way!

Use Your Manufacturer Coupons and Frequent Buyer Cards

If you are a creature of habit, you probably buy the same things week after week. I try to take advantage of this. Businesses are always looking after their bottom line too, and the best way for them to do that is to keep customers happy and recruit more of them. Since everyone is online now, simply go to the manufacturers website and sign up for the newsletters. They often send coupons and alerts right to your inbox. Also, carefully check packaging when you buy these products to make sure you're not throwing anything important away.

Now, if you are like me and tend to rush out the door to get things done then you know it's hard to remember where you put those things! Since I'm known to hurry and can never remember where I've put my own head, I made a specific spot for coupons, reminders, and everything else. I print them out or clip them immediately and then stash them in a dedicated folder in my car. I keep it in my center console so it's out of the way, but always next to me when I'm about to dash into a store. I try to remember to check it one last time before I go and am almost always glad I did.

In the same vein, I also keep all my rewards and frequent shopper cards next to that same folder. I hate when I get into my favorite coffee or sandwich shop where you have to buy 50 to get one free, only to remember that my last 49 punches are on a card hidden behind my desk! As you can see, I have quite a few. And if we're being honest, I have a lot more than the picture shows. Having them with me when I go out has saved me a lot of regret and frustration.

Frugal Finds

Here is a collection of websites that focus on the art of being frugal.

The Dollar Stretcher

The Dollar Stretcher is a site that I have been getting emails from for years. The website is full of reader supplemented tips on easy ways to live more frugally.

Frugal Living @ About.com

Another great reference site for frugal living and how to find great deals.

Fabulously Frugal

Saving money can seem hard since it takes quite a bit of the glamour out of life. This site is great for adding in a little shine by helping you focus on your goals without giving up everything.

Broke Grad Student

While no longer a grad student, this blog offers great stories about the journey to pay off grad school debt and enter the "real world" in all it's costliness.

Man Vs Debt

This is a no-nonsense blog from a straightforward guy who is all about simplifying his life to do what he loves and shedding the financial baggage along the way.

The One Week Budget: Learn to Create Your Money Management System in 7 Days or Less!

by Tiffany The Budgetnista Aliche

Learn to save in a hurry!

Pick Another Checkout Lane, Honey: Learn Coupon Strategies to Save $1000s at the Grocery Store

by Joanie Demer, Heather Wheeler

Want to start scratching more than the surface? Start here and get lots of tips in one place.

Deal Alert: 100 GB of Onedrive (Skydrive) for $1

If you have joined the Skydrive/Onedrive crowd, you know how useful having your documents, songs, and pictures synced to multiple devices can be. You receive 7 GB upon registration and that has worked well for me when it comes to my school folder. However, I don't have enough space for much else. Enter Bing.

I've been using the Bing Rewards program for several months now. I set my goal for the $5 Swagbucks reward and it takes 475 points for me to redeem it as a Gold Member. This effectively makes less than 100 points on Bing = $1. It's a great deal for anyone who searches a lot, which I do for school and general curiosity.

Now Bing is working with the new Onedrive to offer a rewards opportunity that probably won't last long. Right now, you can redeem 100 points for 100 GB of Onedrive space for an entire year. That same subscription costs $50 a year on the Onedrive website. That's a huge savings on money you earn just for searching! I just snapped up my reward and have been able to load my entire photo album, the rest of my documents, and some music to my Onedrive account.

Sign up for your free Bing Rewards account now to start earning on your web searches and take advantage of this huge deal on Onedrive. 

Economics Buffet: Currency Pegs in 5 Minutes

Currency pegs are one of the basics of understanding how currencies interact with each other. The most notable of these is the gold standard. Everyone pegged the worth of their currency to how much gold they kept in reserve, leaving merchants to do what they did best and facilitated trade with terms everyone could understand and rely on. It created a simple system that helped to increase international trade. 

Definition of 'Currency Peg'

A country or government's exchange-rate policy of pegging the central bank's rate of exchange to another country's currency. Currency has sometimes also been pegged to the price of gold. 

Also known as a "fixed exchange rate" or "pegged exchage rate." 

However, now that we've move away from the gold standard, currency pegs can be more confusing and carry many political and trade ramifications with them. Here is the (very) quick and dirty on what an overvalued or undervalued currency peg may mean and some famous examples. Click on the linked text for source documents. 

Click for source

Undervalued Currency Peg

China pegged their currency against the US dollar in a fixed exchange rate. With currency markedly low, this opened up Chinese exporting to a very large scale and audience, allowing China’s economy to grow at a remarkable pace. This has caused complaints from foreign competitors that they lose business due to the low prices of Chinese goods. However, many other foreign businesses have profited from the low cost of good and through them consumers have gained as well.

A 2011 article in Reuter’s claimed: The department said it concluded China did not meet the U.S. legal definition of a currency manipulator due to the appreciation of its currency -- known as the yuan or renminbi -- since June 2010 and recent Chinese statements that it would continue to promote exchange rate flexibility.

It did not escape these accusations in 1992 or 1994 when the US did give them a currency manipulator label, making them one of the last countries to receive that label more than 18 years ago. As of April 2013, the renminbi hit a record high against the dollar, yet their currency is still significantly undervalued and they are under political pressure to rectify this. With Chinese currency appreciating, the cost of their goods is expected to rise and they may lose an advantage to their exporting sector. With costs of exports rising, it is also affecting importers of good with increased prices. More flexible currency exchange would start to position the renminbi as a true world currency given the growing strength of the Chinese economy which will have a number of unknown affects for global trade and policy.

Overvalued Currency Peg

An overvalued currency is one where the exchange rate is higher than others. A strong currency reduces the appeal of exporting to other countries due to goods being more expensive. However, it lowers the cost of imports allowing people to benefit from a strong currency to gain access to foreign products at attractive prices. Domestic demand for certain goods might be lower due to the consumer cost being higher than comparable imports, again giving the advantage to foreign firms at the expense of domestic companies. There is a conflict at times between people who want a strong currency, yet also want their local businesses to thrive. Many times, these two things cannot coexist. 

An example of a developed country currently suffering ill effects is Australia. Right now the Australian dollar is seen to be one of the most overvalued in the world. When hard economic times hit, it is harder to recover with such a strong dollar. Australia is starting to take action to depreciate their dollar to come more in line with international standards (Greber, 2013). By doing so, they will be able to increase internal growth and hopefully bolster their slowly struggling economy.

Economics Buffet: Currency Exchange in 5 Minutes

So lately I have been buried in grad school and learning a lot of new things, most of which hurt my head. However, I'm lucky that what I chose to study is also something I find fascinating so I'm excited about all the new opportunities to share information. I also recently bought "30 Second Economics" that I think is a fantastic idea. The book itself is cheap, but the Kindle version is even cheaper so make sure to snag that one if you've got the technology. If not, don't worry you can still buy the hardcopy.



I've got so much additional reading and research done that I think would be really valuable for you all, so I'm going to start breaking it down into pieces that can help you make smarter decisions when investing, traveling, planning for your future, and just generally understanding all the mumbo jumbo in the business papers.

So let's start with the last century, eh?

A brief history of global currency trade in the last 100+ years

The Gold Standard

Gold has long been a perceived source of value. Precious metals, bartering, and other agreements work well in systems with little outside trade. However, the increase of global trade necessitated a more formal system. The Gold Standard provided a simple solution to this. Each country would set the level that their currency could be converted into a weight of gold. This allowed more fluid movement of currency for trade due to each country buying and selling the appropriate amount of gold in reserve to back their currency. This system lasted from 1876 to 1913.

WWI to WWII

This simple system was interrupted by World War I which greatly restricted the movement of both commodity and currency trade. Trading countries tried to work on a modified gold standard in its stead, however the exchange rates tended to fluctuate more widely. This caused many people to start currency speculating. As the US currency started to devalue, they tried to adopt a stricter modified gold standard. While the USD was still convertible after World War II, many currencies were not.

Post WWII to Nixon

This led to the Allied Powers to meet at Bretton Woods in 1944. On the agenda was how to create an international system for currency and trade as well as how to rebuild after the devastation of the World Wars. The result was the creation of the International Monetary Fund, aiding countries with balance of payments and exchange rate problems, and the World Bank, which drove reconstruction and economic development. All member countries would fix their currencies in terms of gold, but were not required to fully back it with reserves. Some fluctuation was allowed, but large fluctuations would need to be made formally.

After WWII, global economies shifted greatly in levels of recovery, with many growing rapidly. As countries quickly grew and fell in power, so did their currencies, causing the Bretton Woods system to prove ineffective. With the US continually running at a deficit in the balance of payments, confidence in the US dollar fell. In 1971, President Nixon suspended the purchase or sale of gold. After a second devaluation in 1973, it was clear that a fixed-rate system would also not work.

Floating Currency Exchange

Starting in 1973, currencies were allowed to float in relation to each other. This caused wide fluctuations in value between currencies, largely affected by current political and ecological events. Currently, there are a number of systems at work within the world, with many countries at least partially "floating" their currency in relation to the market.

Present

Well, that's the questions isn't it? Some countries are freely floating currencies, some are partly floating/partly managed, and some are still pegged in some way. So what do you call it? Can we try the Funky Chicken?

Hear me out. It's like at a wedding when this stupid song comes on. Half our relatives will trudge onto the floor because everyone else is and they don't want to be the party pooper, so they manage to funk their way through it with varying levels of enthusiasm. However, there's always to opposite ends: the insane cousins, drunk uncles, and uninvited exes. These are the ones that refuse to set foot on the floor and the ones who OWN the floor. That's what it's like now.

Funky Chicken. I called it.

So what do you think? 

Have any strong ideas on which system was best? What do you think about where we're headed now? Let me know if the comments below.

Making Money Online: Mypoints

I've taken the last week to kick back and relax. I haven't had a vacation in since the summer breaks where I didn't work in college. That was years ago, so it's been nice to take it easy. It's also been nice to get $50 in free gas by redeeming my points for a gas card from MyPoints so I can take a little road R&R. I've been looking at my reward programs recently and decided to start a series reviewing some of them for those of you who are not already getting rewarded for your everyday activities.

As you can see, that's actually my account. I've got $10 left after redeeming a $50 gas card. Not bad!

MyPoints.com Overview

MyPoints is an online program that allows you to redeem your points for merchandise, gift cards, paypal cash, and charity donations. You accumulate points by doing online shopping, receiving e-mails, doing surveys, and completing special offers. I originally signed up to get even more benefit out of online shopping and have used it primarily for that reason since. I generally click through the e-mails, but have found some great unexpected deals there too. For example, I always file my taxes online. This year, I used a click through for my tax prep and earned 1,000 points for something I was going to do anyways. They also have a new store where you can buy gift cards for yourself or as gifts and earn points. Most programs won't allow you to earn points by buying gift cards, so this is a huge bonus and really sets it apart.

I've been a members since May of 2006, so I can report with some authority on the program. My favorite way to redeem points is for gas cards, but I have occasionally redeemed them for shopping at other retailers. Since I became a member, I have never had a problem receiving my points or gift cards. They are always delivered on time and customer service is friendly and prompt.

Earn Bonus Points

If you are interested in signing up, go to mypoints.com. Or if you'd like to earn bonus points, contact me through social media or leave a comment and I will send you an invite. By clicking through the invite, you earn 750 bonus points simply for making a $20 purchase which is roughly a $5 reward. Easy peasy and you're on your way to getting more bang for your buck.

Tuesday Trivia

I'm having fun with these, so let's do another round. Fair warning: this might become a thing.

Test your money mettle.

1. If the top 25 billionaires in the US pitched in, they could pay off what percentage of the US national debt?
2. It is not legal for U.S. currency to bear the portrait of someone who is a what?
3. What are the ridges on the sides of coins are called?

4. To deter counterfeiting on newfangled, high-tech copiers, which security measure was added to $50 and $100 bills in 1990?

5. Coins and paper which must be accepted as payment for debts are known as legal:

And now for the learning part - answers!

1. 50%
2. A known philanderer
3. Spilts or stokes.
4. Microprinting
5. Recourse.

Do you feel any smarter? No, I don't either. I think trivia is really interesting, but feel a bit dumber after I couldn't answer anything and won't remember it. But it's still fun!

Source

Trivia Tuesday

Let's play another Trivia Tuesday, shall we? 

Test your money mettle.

1. When economists use the term ''debasement,'' they refer to what?

2. All paper money has imprinted on its face an initial and a letter that indicates its ''birthplace.'' Which historic city can claim bragging rights to number ''1,'' letter ''A''?

3. Most of the currency, or currency-related paper, in circulation in the United States is in the form of what?

4. If you have what's colloquially referred to as a ''C-note,'' you sing for your ____. 

5. Who makes the final decision as to whose portrait appears on our currency?

And now for the answers. Again, I didn't come close on any of these. Maybe you can lord over me with your giant brain. If not, come join me at the kid's table!

1. The reduction in coins' precious metals.

2. Boston

3. Federal Reserve notes

4. Supper

5. The Vice President 

Did you get any right? I sure as hell didn't, but maybe I'll remember these for the next party where I have to impress people.

Source: Bankrate.com

Trivia Tuesday

Does it like games, Precious? Does it? Does it like to play?

Test your money mettle.

1. Pennies are made up of only 2.5 percent copper. Which other metal makes up the bulk?
2. The Massachusetts Bay Colony issues the first paper money in the Americas in what year?
3. What's the average life span of a dollar bill?
4. In addition to the Treasurer of the United States, who else has his or her signature appearing on U.S.    currency?
5. Who was the only woman whose portrait ever appeared on U.S. paper money -- a silver certificate, specifically?

And now for the answers. For any you get right, give yourself a gold star or a purple ribbon or whatever it is that really gets you hot about being right. Maybe it's just validation. So here: You were right! Aren't you just smarter than Einstein and better looking than a really good looking person. Go you.

1. Bronze
2. 1660
3. 6 months
4. The President
5. Mary Lincoln

Did you get any right? I sure as hell didn't, but maybe I'll remember these for the next party where I have to impress people.

Source: Bankrate.com