Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

ShopAtHome.com’s Thrifty Chatter with Engineer A Debt Free Life

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Today’s Thrifty Chatter features the fabulous Jaime (or, as you may know her, Money Savin’ Momma) from Engineer A Debt Free Life. Jaime and her husband both write for the blog, giving it a fresh take – after all, there aren’t too many male frugal bloggers! – and a fun personality. You can tell just by reading it how excited they are about making the most of their money… and helping you do so with yours! Enjoy the interview!

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How did you start Engineer A Debt Free Life?

My husband started the site as a way to keep us accountable for our spending and to share great freebies / deals. I started blogging on Engineer a Debt Free Life (EADFL) about 6 months later.

What has been the most rewarding part of writing on EADFL?

Sharing freebies, deals, and legitimate ways to make money online with our awesome readers! We’ve heard from many readers who been able to have “special date nights” or even get all their holiday gifts for free, as a result of the deals and income earning ideas we share on our site! It’s very rewarding to know we are making a difference in the lives of our readers and helping them save money!

Do you have a funny or interesting story about something that has happened because of your blog?

We post lots of freebies on our site, so we sometimes get people who leave comments with their full name and mailing address, because apparently they think we are the ones who are mailing the freebies directly to them!

How have you used ShopAtHome.com to save money, and what is your favorite store to shop from when you use ShopAtHome.com?

Before making an online purchase, I always check to see if cash back is available through ShopAtHome! Our favorite store to shop at is Target – ShopAtHome offers a great cash back rate and coupons for Target, including lots of special promotions when Cash Back is increased for Target! It’s great to be able to get cash back on online purchases we would have made anyway!

What do you think is the best deal you’ve ever found?

Wow, there is no way to name just one! We are *always* finding freebies and deals on something new!

If you could only give one piece of advice to someone who is just starting to coupon and save their money, what would it be?

Track your spending! Start by creating a monthly budget and stick to it! Track every single purchase you make, no matter how big or small, to see where your money is really going each month!

Any last comments? Let our readers know!

Thanks to Shop at Home for the opportunity to help us all save money on our everyday online purchases! We’d love to invite everyone to stop by our money saving website and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We’ll help you find more great deals, and some hot freebies too!

Thanks so much to Jaime for taking time out of her very busy life – especially after the very recent addition to the family – to talk with us here at ShopAtHome.com! If you’d like to be interviewed as a part of ShopAtHome.com’s Thrifty Chatter series, email me at blog@shopathome.com for more details!

Koupon Karen: Where Can You Find Coupons?

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

Koupon Karen is back one final time to tell you about coupons.  They are the most important thing when it comes to shopping!!

Coupons can save you money, there are no two ways about it.  But it can also be time consuming to gather everything you need.  I try to make it easy for my readers by telling them what coupons to use. But what is really helpful is knowing where to find them and then having them on hand.   You can find coupons in so many places so you should always have your eye’s open.

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So where should you be looking?? Here are some places I like to get my coupons from:

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Dreamy Deals for March 16th

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day, and ShopAtHome.com is keeping you busy with the best deals, giveaways and so much more! What’s going on right now?

- Enter to win a Designer Handbag from ShopAtHome.com and SmartBargains.com here on the blog

- Shop our Lucky Day Extra Cash Back Event for your chance to get extra Cash Back on over fifty of your favorite stores!

- Enter the ShopAtHome.com Share Your Luck Sweepstakes on Facebook! If you win, you’ll get a $200 Walmart Gift Card and five $100 Walmart Gift Cards to give to friends!

Now, onto the deals du jour!

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Win a Designer Handbag from ShopAtHome.com and SmartBargains!

Monday, March 15th, 2010

We love SmartBargains because they have some of the best deals available on the ‘net… and our users love them for their easy-to-use site and great bargains, too! But, SmartBargains and ShopAtHome.com want to make you even more excited. How?

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ShopAtHome.com’s Lucky Day Extra Cash Back Event

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Spring has almost sprung, and that means it’s time for more amazing deals here at ShopAtHome.com! Whether you need to stock up for summer or buy a fabulously comfortable spring jacket, this is the perfect moment to get an amazing deal. Splurge on yourself with ShopAtHome.com’s Lucky Day Extra Cash Back Event!

Get ready for the Lucky Day Extra Cash Back Event, only available by shopping at ShopAtHome.com. From March 12- March 18, we’ll be serving up the brightest and best Extra Cash Back deals available, including:

Avon: 18% Cash Back
Barnes & Noble: 16% Cash Back
Dell Home & Home Office: 6% Cash Back
Home Depot: 6% Cash Back
HSN.com: 8% Cash Back
Kmart: 10% Cash Back
Macy’s: 6% Cash Back
Omaha Steaks: 14% Cash Back
Sears: 9% Cash Back
The North Face: 15% Cash Back
TurboTax: 18% Cash Back

And many, MANY more! Head over to the sale now and get ready for tomorrow’s fabulous bargains on everything from Tax Prep to Fashion, Computers to Cosmetics and everything in between!

ShopAtHome.com’s Thrifty Chatter with Cha-Ching on a Shoestring

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Meet Kaley, a once self-professed “Coupon Hater” who now runs Cha-Ching on a Shoestring, a blog that is centered on helping you save money on your everyday purchases so you can get the things you want (right now, Kaley and her husband are saving up for a cruise… talk about fun!). Learn a little more about the site and Kaley in her own words, then go check out Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

How did you start Cha-Ching on a Shoestring?

It all began in April of 2008 when my husband was laid off from his job at a small college. At the same time, I was expecting our second son and was about to give up my part time job. I began seeking out ways to save money creatively, not knowing how long we would be without a paycheck. It was then that I was introduced to money saving blogs by a friend. Little did I know how much it would change our lives.

A former self-professed hater of coupons, I suddenly discovered that when armed with the right information, coupons can be FUN. It wasn’t long before I was sharing my new-found love of couponing with friends and anyone who would listen. Several months later, I mentioned the idea to my husband of starting a blog that was dedicated to chronicling our own money-saving journey.

And thus, Cha-Ching on a Shoestring was born!

What has been the most rewarding part of writing on Cha-Ching on a Shoestring?

My husband and I knew when we started the blog that we were not alone–the economy has not been kind to so many of us.  But I have been amazed to discover how many people are really hungry for the information that we share.  Let’s face it.  Money is at the heart of so many issues.   I’ve had people comment that their marriage has improved or they’ve been able to give more or they are experiencing less fear after a lay-off because of what they are learning from the blog.  It’s crazy to me that this blog that started less than a year ago can impact people across the nation.  I love that.

Do you have a funny or interesting story about something that has happened because of your blog?

We moved about 6 months ago and were in the midst of packing up the house and getting ready to move in two days when I got a call from our local TV station.  They wondered if they could come interview us THAT DAY.  I was partly mortified that they were going to show up to a house that was filled with packing boxes and lacked furniture…but partly delighted that I didn’t have to feel like my house had to be spotless!

How have you used ShopAtHome.com to save money, and what is your favorite store to shop from when you use ShopAtHome.com?

Of course! Just last week I scored a hot deal at The Children’s Place using a 15% coupon code, a free shipping code, AND 5% back from ShopAtHome.  I got three pairs of pants and two shirts for my son for less than $12!

What do you think is the best deal you’ve ever found?

Every week it’s something new.  I guess my personal favorite was the week I challenged myself to see how much I could score for only $10.  (You can see my loot here.)

If you could only give one piece of advice to someone who is just starting to coupon and save their money, what would it be?

Don’t feel like you have to score every deal!  There will be 10 more deals tomorrow!  (And I’ll be sure to post them!)

Thanks so much to Kaley for taking time out of her very busy life to talk with us here at ShopAtHome.com! If you’d like to be interviewed in ShopAtHome.com’s Thrifty Chatter, email me at blog@shopathome.com for more details!

Carrie from MoneySavingMethods: How to Make Money with ShopAtHome.com

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

I am assuming since you are reading this blog, you are a fan of Shop at Home.  One of my favorite aspects is the online shopping.  If I am going to be buying something online anyway, why not get a percentage of it back for myself?

But, I must say, the piece of ShopAtHome that has benefited my family the most is their Refer a Friend program.  And, thankfully, not only has the program benefited me but also the friends I told.  For every friend referred, the referrer gets $5 when your friend shops and they also get $5 free to shop their first time.  It is wonderful to know I have financially benefited my family but also am helping others save a little bit extra when they shop, too.

For those of you who have not utilized the Refer a Friend program of Shop at Home or any other company, I hope these helpful tips can help you see the many different ways you can benefit yourself.

First of all, although ShopAtHome’s Refer a Friend might be the one we are most familiar with, there are many others.  Whenever you are a member of any online website, always check to see if they have a Refer a Friend program.  What type of sites and companies have I found that may have Refer a Friend programs?

-          Banks

-          Cable/Satellite

-          Survey Sites

-          Photo Sites

-          Credit Cards

-         Market Research Companies

-          Mystery Shopping Sites

-          Web Search Sites

-          Shopping Sites

So, how can you benefit from these programs yourself?  Here are some of the easy methods that can help you tell others about them yourself thus earning your family extra money.

-          Use an Email Signature

  • This is something that will automatically attach itself to the bottom of every email you send to friends, family or anyone.  They are easy to set up you just never know when someone might click on the link.

For example, if you use Yahoo Mail, you would go under Options – Mail Options in the upper right side of your screen.  Then choose the option for Signature.  You can then select Signature and type whatever you want and save it.

Here is an example of what mine would look like if referring Shop at Home.  This signature would automatically appear at the bottom of every email I send out.

Carrie

I earn money when I shop at my favorite online stores.

Here is $5 Free so you can try it, too.

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-          Utilize Social Media

  • If you have a Facebook, Twitter or other social media account, you have an advantage allowing you to share your Refer a Friend programs with many people at once.

Many of the Refer a Friend sites offer Facebook Connect options where they will automatically share via your wall thus referring people.  But if they do not, it is very easy to log in and quickly leave a quick comment on your wall.

Did you recently shop via Shop at Home and earned 6% back?  Leave a comment stating what happened and linking with your refer a friend embedded link.  Here is an example of something I might leave on my wall:

Carrie on Facebook

Did you earn for a survey you just took?  Let everyone know and attach your Refer a Friend link.  You just don’t know!  Maybe someone will register.

-          Create ONE page where you list all your Refer a Friend programs.

  • Blogger is free to set up and quick.  You can create one page and only update it when you find a new Refer a Friend program you like.

sample blog

Go to Blogger.com and click on the Create a Blog button.  You can pick a name, a web address and set it up in minutes.  They even have basic designs to pick from on their site.  Then, just add your links and you have another great resource to share your Refer a Friend links with everyone.  In fact, you may want your Email Signature to point directly to this new site you created.

-          Business Cards

  • If you do decide to quickly set up a spot for all your Refer a Friend links, consider ordering Free Business Cards that link to your blogspot address.

Why would you do this?  If you go out to eat, pay bills via the mail or any other number of activites, you have use of business cards for your Refer a Friend programs.  Everytime you pay your bill and leave your tip, stick a card in.  Paying a bill?  Drop a card in the envelope.  It is quick and easy.

Want to know where to get Free Business Cards?  Log into your Shop at Home account and search either VistaPrint or Overnight Prints.  Both companies offer this option.

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And, don’t forget about the good old fashioned Word of Mouth technique.  If you are talking to someone and sharing about the programs you use, make sure to let them know you will send them an email with the details.

I hope this post encourages you to utilize Shop at Home’s Refer a Friend program and begin sharing all the wonderful programs you use with others!

Money Saving Methods

Dreamy Deals for March 9th

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Just a quick reminder – tomorrow is the LAST DAY to enter our FREE Grocery Sweepstakes on Facebook. Become a Fan of ShopAtHome.com and enter… and make sure to share it with your friends!

And now, onto the deals!

SITEWIDE SAVINGS! Receive 25% Off purchases this week (plus get 5% Cash Back from ShopAtHome.com- for a total savings of 30%), only at Ross-Simons! Use code SAVENOW at checkout now though 3/14/2010.

Here’s how to get this deal:

1. Go to the Ross-Simons Coupons page on ShopAtHome.com and click on the first available coupon.
2. Select the items you’d like to purchase, and place them in your cart.
3. While checking out, input SAVENOW to get an extra 25% off.
4. Once you’re done shopping, you’ll get an extra 5% Cash Back Rebate in your ShopAtHome.com account. Talk about sweet!

Starting Monday March 8th, save 20% on your purchase at shoesteal.com with promo code SPRING20 through 3/21/10. Get an additional 5% Cash Back from ShopAtHome.com for a total savings of 25%!


Here’s how to get this deal:

1. Go to the ShoeSteal.com Coupons page on ShopAtHome.com and click on the second available coupon.
2. Choose your shoes and put them in your cart.
3. At checkout, enter promo code SPRING20 to get an extra 20% off your purchase!
4. Once you’re done, you’ll also get 5% Cash Back Rebates in your ShopAtHome.com account!

Shop LuggageGuy.com’s St. Patrick’s Day Sale and get 7% Cash Back AND an additional 15% off with “LUCKY15″ Coupon! Your total discounts are a whopping 22%!

Here’s how to get this deal:

1. Go to the LuggageGuy.com Coupons page on ShopAtHome.com and click the St. Patrick’s Day coupon (it’s the fourth to last premium coupon).
2. Select your pieces and put them in your cart.
3. When you’re checking out, enter code LUCKY15 to get an extra 15% off!
4. Once you’ve made your purchase, you’ll get 7% Cash Back Rebates in your ShopAtHome.com account, making this deal even better!

Let’s Go WILD:

Today’s WILD Deal: Save 50% on ANEW ULTIMATE 4-Piece Regimen Set + Free Shipping!

Daily Deals:

Today’s Daily Deal: Get 16% Cash Back Rebates (was 13%) at Symantec Store
Thursday, March 11: Get  7% Cash Back Rebates (normally 4%) at Cabela’s
Friday, March 12: Get 18% Cash Back Rebates (normally 9%) at Turbo Tax
Saturday, March 13: Get 4% Cash Back Rebates (normally 2%) at Victoria’s Secret

ShopAtHome.com’s Thrifty Chatter with Nicole’s Nickels

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Welcome to this week’s Thrifty Chatter series, where we ask the fun questions to some of our favorite Money Saving Bloggers! This week, we’re interviewing Nicole from Nicole’s Nickels. This fabulous blogger shares the best deals, giveaways and so much more with her readers every day… and now you can learn a little bit more about the woman behind the blog!

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How did you start Nicole’s Nickels?

I started Nicole’s Nickels in February 2009 as a way to consolidate all of the great deals I was finding into one place. I was previously emailing friends and family everything but it got hard to keep track of who was interested in what.

What has been the most rewarding part of writing on Nicole’s Nickels?

The most rewarding part are the emails and comments I receive from readers telling me that something I posted helped them save money or make some extra money and how that impacted their life.

Do you have a funny or interesting story about something that has happened because of your blog?

I was at the store one day and had a fistful of coupons. I had been recently featured on my local NBC affiliate just a few days before. My back was to the person behind me and seeing my coupons and how much I was saving, said to the person with her, “That girl is just like that Nicole’s Nickels from TV using all those coupons to save money. I went to her site and now am addicted to it. She seems like such a nice and genuine person.” I turned around to smile and the lady said “It’s you, it’s you!” and gave me a big hug thanking me for helping her.

How have you used ShopAtHome.com to save money, and what is your favorite store to shop from when you use ShopAtHome.com?

Yes, I regularly use ShopAtHome and loved being able to get 20% cash back from Old Navy over the holidays. I had giftcards to use and was able to get a lot of holiday shopping done as well as a few things for myself for a very low cost.

What do you think is the best deal you’ve ever found?

For me personally, I’ve had the best deals at Kmart’s super doubles events where I can get something crazy like 50 items for less than a quarter. I stock up on necessities and also things to donate to my local shelters.

If you could only give one piece of advice to someone who is just starting to coupon and save their money, what would it be?

Start slow. You won’t be able to stockpile right away, it takes time to build up to that. Make it a point to use coupons on sale items and look through matchups on your favorite frugal blogs. Try picking one of the drugstores near you and following a posted scenario on your favorite blog to make the most of their rewards programs.

Any last comments?

If you’re new, try finding a friend to start with. You’ll learn from each other and hopefully have fun while saving money!

Thanks so much to Nicole for taking time out of her very busy life to talk with us here at ShopAtHome.com! If you’d like to be interviewed in ShopAtHome.com’s Thrifty Chatter, email me at blog@shopathome.com for more details!

Kate from TheShoppingMama.com: Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with Kids

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Irish or not, who can resist the fun that is St. Patrick’s Day? Between festive wear, shamrock crafts and kid-friendly reads there’s plenty of ways to spread green cheer with your little leprechaun.

Green Gear

daddys pot of gold shirt

No St. Patrick’s Day is complete without some green in your wardrobe – and this especially applies to kids. First stop for affordable holiday tees: Old Navy.  I love the Daddy’s Pot Of Gold shirt for the wee lasses (it shimmers… everyone say “ooooh”) and the Mom’s Good Luck Charm is perfect for every little one. At $7.50 a pop (plus 5% cash back from ShopAtHome) you can feel okay making this purchase even if your little one only wears it once or twice. If you insist on being more practical, a classic green polo or striped tee is perfect for the holiday.

Get Crafty

Anyone who knows me will agree that I am a bit challenged in the craftiness department. I just don’t have that gene. But, with a little inspiration even I can engage the kids in a little arts and crafts project.

Here’s an easy one that you can do with little to no skill and very few supplies: cut a piece of green construction paper into the shape of a shamrock. (If you’re as lame as I am, you can even print out a shamrock shape to use as a guide.) Have your toddler find green items from magazines and catalogs – he’ll love ripping the magazine up and you’ll love that this doesn’t require having actual craft supplies on hand – and then glue them onto the shamrock. I freely admit, this will not wow the neighbor when it’s hanging on your fridge, but it will cost next to nothing and is fun. And, of course, if you have actual crafty things, have your toddler decorate his shamrock with green glitter, felt, tissue paper or pipe cleaners. You can even raid your kitchen for green goodies like Fruit Loops.

shamrock cookie cutter

Speaking of the kitchen, I prefer to eat my way through holidays so another great way to get your kids involved in St. Patrick’s Day is baking and decorating cookies. Grab an affordable shamrock cookie cutter, green food coloring, icing and sprinkles and you have an afternoon of messy fun with your kids. And, of course, all the fun that comes with eating your creations.

There are lots of amazing resources for crafts with kids online so my lame festive ideas are just a jumping off point.

Books o’ Fun

the luckiest st patricks day ever book

If your child is old enough to wonder why you’re suddenly celebrating all things green, there are a couple fun children’s books to consider adding to your library. And, as you know, the great thing about books is they’re relevant and fun to read year-round and regardless of the proximity to a holiday. The Luckiest St. Patrick’s Day Ever tells the tale of the Leprechaun family celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a parade. The rhyming story and bright illustrations will delight preschoolers and young grade schoolers, in particular. Interactive, lift the flap books are always a hit, and Hooray For St. Patrick’s Day is no exception as your child searches for the hidden leprechauns.

I hope these ideas put a little spring in your step and get you in the St. Patty’s Day mood!

The Shopping Mama