Open Mic is a post every Thursday that is a mini-version of a discussion board. You can leave a comment with whatever coupon, money-saving or debt reduction tips or questions you have and other readers chime in and answer.
When you leave a comment you’ll be able to choose whether you’d like to be emailed follow-up comments or not. Getting comments via email is a great way to stay connected without having to visit the site a bazillion times (although I don’t mind if you come a bazillion times).
As always, I look forward to hearing the voice of the Pocket Your Dollars community. Read through the Open Mic archives here.
Your turn: Leave a comment with your money-saving, coupon or debt reduction question, thought or suggestion.
Two tips: 1) If you are reading this via email or an RSS feed, click on the title “Open Mic” to come back to the site and leave a comment and 2) If you are concerned about your privacy, just reference yourself by your initials and know that I will not share your email address with anyone else.
On Tuesday Old Navy (in Eden Prairie) had 50% off their clearance-but did not know how long that sale would last. Also, starting this Friday (through at least Saturday, maybe Sunday) they are offering 25% for educators and students. Show your ID badge or pay stub for proof in store (not available on-line).
Just thought I would let you all know its CRAZY DAZE in Northfield today. There are a lot of sales and fun things to do for the kids. You can check out this link for the schedule. http://locallygrownnorthfield.org/post/2069/ Also the rice county fair is going on thru July 25th.
Good morning, I have a bumper crop of Spaghetti squash this year, any tips or advise on the best way to freeze it?
I mean advice. can’t spell this morning
I am going to be attending a convention in a couple of weeks & staying at the hotel where the convention is to take place. A friend & I have decided to go one day early to take in the sights, so therefore we will be responsible for paying for one night of our hotel. I noticed on the hotels website that they charge a $15.00 “resort fee” for the newspaper, bottles of water and such. I was just wondering if anyone knows if there is a way to get out of these steep “resort fees” if you don’t want those ammenities???
These “resort” fees have increased over the years….since hotels are not making revenue with the telephone use (since most people use their own cell phones), they have found a way to still earn revenue – sort of like the airlines with bag fees.
If you are a card member of the hotel, you could try to have these fees waived….but I have not had any luck myself!
Check out this website for a Free Bag of this new, really awesome Cat Litter!
opps, here’s the website: http://www.WorldsBestCatLitterRebate.com
Can anyone in the Twin Cities recommend a good dental plan for those without an employer plan? I noticed last week in the Star Tribune an article referring to dentalplans.com and starting checking them out. When I worked, I carried the Dental insurance, but now that I’m home we had to go out in the open market. What a shock! (I knew health insurance would be bad, but I didn’t expect to pay 10x more for dental insurance for a family plan.) Any advice or thoughts would be great!
I used to love to go to the dentist. I never had any problems with the dentists themselves, even when I had to have some work done, like a root canal. After spending over 2 years trying to get a decent crown from a complete and total idiot at the UofM dental school (who flunked out of the program) I am now living with a crown that is not right and they are all backing each other up, so the times I’ve gone back to have it checked they are claiming it it totally normal for dental floss to shred and stick, and that I should just (get ready for this) STOP FLOSSING.
DO NOT GO TO A DENTAL SCHOOL.
They also never completed my x-rays because the tech couldn’t figure it out and the instructor couldn’t, either. They took over 6 x-rays of one part of my mouth, which exposed me to way more radiation than I should have been exposed to.
I ended up spending more money as well, because I had to pay for parking and fuel to keep going back to see the flunking idiot and his “we will say whatever we have to say to avoid having to fix this” cohorts.
I am saddened to hear this about UofM dental school. I am also surprised that you know the student flunked out-this is personal information that you are not entitled to know. Perhaps you just met with the wrong people and should give it another shot-but what ever you do
keep flossing! (computer kicked me out).
They didn’t tell me he flunked out but when I went back for the final consult I over heard it.
He was in way over his head. And I am still flossing, but I can’t floss that one area. I am using ACT rinse. I also have dental coverage now and am going to see a dentist in August. I’ve heard she is very good, recommended by my apartment manager. Fingers crossed!
We don’t have a dental plan either but with the once a year visits we decided to just put away money every month and pay for ourselves. In my opinion unless you have empolyer assistance with a plan individual plans are a total waste of money.
We called lots of dentists in our area for pricing (unbelieveably we found price differences of over $50 for each yearly exam) and asked our friends for recommendations then choose the dentist for our family.
So for our family of 6 we put away about $100 a month for dentists and we end up paying $600-$700 a year for exams and the occaisonal cavity, the extra money is kept in the account to cover any dental accidents, surgeries, etc.. or if our kids ever need braces. Also, our health insurance covers some types of dental injuries.
As a previous replier stated saving for regular procedures is usually cheaper than buying private insurance. Unless you know major procedures are needed, even then most insurance pay 50% so still not a bargain. Also if you have the option of putting money in a med flex account you can save tax free, just make sure you use the money by the end of the year.
Interesting you would bring this up today Sarah! StarTribune.com had an article on this exact question today. It mentions discount plans available to people. Check it out: http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/yourmoney/98549849.html?page=2&c=y
call around to different dentists. For example – one dentist by us Foley Dental – offers a deal that if you pay in Cash or Check the day of service they will give you a 20% discount. Most places only give you 5%. We’ve been really happy with them:)
Many of you frugalistas may already know this-but my family just found on on Monday that Discount Tires will repair your flat for FREE (if the tire is in repairable condition) even if you didn’t buy your tire there! It was going to be $35 at the place we DID buy our tire, so we were thrilled!
A lot of car places offer this….why….well because most tires come with a warranty which means that the tire company is paying them. So it’s not because they are sweet. With that said, you should know that Discount Tires does not do a great job repairing these tires. I had one fixed there years ago and they ended up ruining my tire. Then saying, “Sorry, but you will just have to buy a new one…oh what a shock we sell them”
Yeah they are not that great!
Does anyone know cheap places to print 12×12 scrapbook pages? I have software to design my own, but haven’t been able to find a reasonable place to print these. I am still looking for quality prints, but at $4-5 a sheet, I can’t really afford to do hundreds of pages. I have considered Sam’s Club or Costco, but it doesn’t look like you can upload these online. If you have printed scrapbook pages at Sam’s or Costco, did you bring the digital file to the store?
Scrappin’ Simply charges $1.99 for a 12 x 12, but sometimes runs sales. The prints are very nice! I haven’t tried Costco or Sam’s Club. Check it out: http://scrappingsimply.com/
Good luck!!
I have used Costco for scrapbook pages – they turn out great. I do it right from my computer, I don’t take them into the store.
Dental Plans—If you’re looking to save money and don’t have a lot of dental issues try looking up colleges with dental programs. When I first moved to MN Century College Dental students (under direction of a full Dental Doctor) did a full exam, cleaning, and xrays for 32 bucks. The doctors will also do fillings when I was there it was 36 for a filling and 50 for a root canal crown/cap. Prices might be a little different too. Also, at least twice through the school year Aug-May they have kids days and the kids teeth get cleaned for free. At least back in 06/07 they did this. I know it doesn’t get advertised as much so you can call them and find out if they still do that. Sometimes it takes a little longer than a regular dentist appointment because they’re learning but it isn’t too bad. And they only do this during the regular school year above. Be sure to call early because you can wait up to 6 weeks at times. Hope this helps.
Does anybody have a recommendation for a lawn care company to come and mow our lawn weekly for a reasonable price? We’re located in Richfield. We’re moving in a week and the house hasn’t sold yet (and the market is showing no improvement so it may be for sale for a long while yet…) and we need to make sure the lawn is taken care of while it’s still on the market. I’ve called a couple places and they’re asking $30-40 a week! Way too much! If there was a middle school or high school kid in the neighborhood I’d ask them, but as luck would have it most of our neighbors are either older/retired or have very young children. Any recommendations would be appreciated!
Where did you get your quotes from? I am paying $55 a week for lawn care. They were the cheapest quote we got 3 years ago. They haven’t increased there rates in the last three years and they do a wonderful job, but if we could save $15 to $25 a week that would really add up.
Where are you located? My husband does this as a second job and charges $25 for an average-sized suburban lawn (for mowing and trimming). Currently he’s only doing it in the North and West Metro.
I live in Richfield (west side) and my neighbors are teens that have a lawn mowing service and I think also a snow shoveling service. I could get you their # if you are interested.
Linda~ I’d definitely be interested in their info. You can e-mail me at biobenita at hotmail dot com. Thanks!
Did you ask your Realtor? When I was selling my house they suggested someone that was $20/wk, I’m in NC so I wont recommend them :) I had previously stopped someone cutting grass in my neighborhood and asked for a deal (since they were already there) and had it done for $15. Of course this is just basic cutting and weeding.
I am wondering if anyone knows of any fun family things to do in the cities August 8 – 13? We’re taking a mini vacation-staying in a hotel and wondered what things are out there to do not being super-familiar with the cities. Big age range of 8- young adult and 40 something ;)
I am not sure if you have done any of these things, but it might be fun to check out the Lake Calhoun area (swimming, picnics, etc.), Mall of America, Minnesota Zoo, Como Zoo, Centennial Lakes (it isn’t a swimming lake, but has mini golf, paddle boats, etc.), and Walker Art. I also regularly check out http://www.minneapoless.com/ for ideas for the week and weekend.
I just went to Como Park/Zoo yesterday with my niece (age 8) and nephew (age 6) and we all had a great time. The zoo itself isn’t huge, but with the conservatory, zoo, rides, and a picnic lunch we spent the better part of the day there. And, you can’t beat the price – $2 per person! I would highly, highly recommend the butterfly exhibit, and of course the Sparky the seal show is not to be missed!
Circus Juventas has their summer performance during that time period. The shows are awesome and pretty reasonably priced. http://www.circusjuventas.org
Well I am from out of town so I don’t know “where” this is but I know it is out there…..take your family GO KART RIDING!!!! We took our kids go kart riding in Wisconsin Dells and they LOVED IT and I LOVED IT!! It is SO MUCH FUN and it is really hard to find something kids will love as much as a parent can too….I totally felt like a kid again…I just laughed and laughed. I think it is most fun if you can find one that has lots of turns and a long course so there is plenty of time to get in the lead….race your kids!!! :)
Has anyone else noticed that cashiers are getting more and more vigilant at reading all the small print on coupons? I have had them study them and if I have multiples of the same coupon they seem suspicious or think I can only use one of the same kind per person/transaction…so far they still take them but they say it is from SO MANY fraudulent coupons out there ….which makes me wonder/worry if this gets worst that coupons will be a thing of the past? What do you think?
V – OMG, yes! They have totatlly scrutinized my printed coupons at Rainbow lately. And it’s not just the cashier that looks at them – she has to bring it up to Customer Service and show them to about 3 other people! It’s frustrating and a waste of time for those of us who are doing everything on the up-and-up. I haven’t shopped at Cub much lately but they have scrutinized them a little as well. Honestly, it makes me not want to go to Rainbow because of how much extra time it takes. Target doesn’t scrutinize and usually has good sales and prices so I may start taking more business there – not that I don’t go there enough already! Thanks for posting though – I’m glad I’m not the only one that has noticed this.
I asked the Rainbow cashier why the manager needed to approve coupons and she told me that anytime the coupon savings exceed $40, the manager needs to approve to make sure the cashier didn’t make a mistake. Seems ridiculous since most of the coupon savings could be from Rainbow issued coupons.
I certainly didn’t save more than $40 with my coupons at Rainbow. We all lead busy lives and it’s such a hassle when they have to ask multiple people to look at them. And will they always interpret them correctly? Probably not. They might think one is a copy when it’s not, etc. I wonder if they will lose much business – maybe a little… Or maybe like V said, coupons may some day be a thing of the past.
I think Rainbow is more strict than other stores. This week they had to have a coupon approved because the cashier couldn’t see some endorsement on it (I don’t recall exactly what she called it).
At Rainbow you also cannot use a coupon at the self-serve registers without assistance, however often times they don’t have anyone standing there and you have to go look for a manager. When I’m only buying a few things, that is not very user-friendly. I sent a letter to Rainbow (because I can never get their online comments to work), telling them that I often shop at the Rainbow in St. Louis Park, and I cannot believe they have a higher incidence of fraud than, say, the Cub in Burnsville (which is where I live), yet Cub will let me scan my own coupons and use free coupons I have printed myself. Surely if Cub can figure out a way to program the computer, Rainbow can as well. I have not received a response.
YES! it’s driving me crazy how long I stand in line while they READ it over and over again (and the line backs up). Target is great but Walmart & Coborns take for-e-ver. I have started laying each coupon/s on top of each item on the belt and asking the cashier to scan as they go. Then I don’t have to redig in the bagged items to show that yes, I bought the right size. I’ve also discovered to have the cashier scan Target coupons first, then manuf (I’ve had target coupons not automatically adjust down but the manuf ones do easily, but if it’s the other way around it simply tries to reject the target coupon).
I posted this info about Delve Research on last Thursday’s Open Mic, but wanted to get it out there again, especially since I received an email on it yesterday. For the record, I don’t work for Delve, and can’t even participate since my kids are already potty trained, but I wanted to let other parents in the area know about this opportunity. Here is the email I received:
Delve is currently seeking potty trainers for an upcoming
product test. Those who qualify will receive free absorbent products
and will also be monetarily compensated for their time and opinions.
Please email DelveMinneapolis@Delve.com with the following
information to be considered
Name:
Daytime Phone Number (between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM):
Child’s age is MONTHS:
Product (Training Pants, Diapers, Cloth underpants or other):
Brand worn (if any):
Child’s weight:
For this project we are seeking a large number of moms.
Please feel free to pass along if you know someone else
who is training.
Tomorrow, July 23, Target has an online event, Black Friday in July. The preview is up on their site and it looks like there are some good deals.
It starts at 3 am ET, I think, and I’m sure the deals are going to go fast. I’m thinking about setting my alarm to get up at 2 and shop then. Hopefully I’ll be able to fall back asleep!
Does anyone have a recommendation on where to buy fresh turkey breasts at a reasonable price? We are having company this weekend and thought we would try out the deep fryer.
My brother uses frozen turkeys all the time. Just make sure you thaw and dry it completely! Very tasty!!!
Redbox Codes are the way to get free DVD rentals from Redbox. Redbox and their partners create these codes to get more people into their stores and use their services.
You simply need to enter the coupon code from the main screen or just before checkout at your local Redbox kiosk. When you do, you will receive a one-day free rental. Any additional days you keep the movie will be charged at the usual $1/day.
As you find new codes that work (or that don’t), report them here so that all users can benefit from them. Your help is what makes this community work. Also, our code tracking and movie tracking systems will help you know what codes you have used and what movies you have seen.http://www.insideredbox.com/redbox-codes/
I’m curious if anyone knows the “rock bottom” prices for school supplies, so I know when I see the best prices. Specifically I need to get: Fiskars scissors, #2 pencils, box of 24 crayons, Elmers White school glue, glue sticks, pink erasers, 8-10 large “classic” markers, pocket folders, wide rule spiral notebooks and a watercolor paint set. Any help would be greatly appreciated! We are new to having to buy school supplies! Thanks!
I posted this in another spot but this is what I have found this far. This is what I found to be the lowest prices this week for some of the items you have on your list that I also had on mine. I bought them this week as I want to be done thinking about buying supplies.
Black Permanent Markers (fine tip) – 2 pk. Sharpies $1 at Walmart
#2 Lead Pencils – We don’t buy pencils I save all my freebie pencils from parades, carnivals, etc… and use those at the beginning of the school year.
Crayola 24 count Crayons – $.25 at Walmart
Children’s Scissors – .50 at Target for target brand or 1.50 at Walmart for Fiskars Elmers School Glue (4 oz. White) – $.25 at Walmart (4/$1)
Elmers Glue Sticks – 2 pk. for $.25 at Walmart (4/$1)
10 ct. Set of Crayola Markers – $1 at Walmart
School Box – 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 – $.50 at Target
70 sheet Spiral Notebooks (8 1/2 x 11” 70 Page, Wide Rule) – $.15 at Target
Kleenex – 4 pk 110ct for $3.29 at Target use .50 off 3ct or more in 6/20 SS
Ream of White Computer Paper – can get free sometimes at office supplies stores or Walgreens has them for 1.99 this week.
Don’t forget the backpacks Walgreens BOGOs for 9.99 are pretty nice packs I bought two for each kid and figured I could replace them at Christmas if needed or if they are still in good shape I have another for next year. They appear to be pretty sturdy.
Hope this helps!
Very helpful as I had the same question. I’ve had luck so far getting a free scissors at CVS last week, and have been doing the penny deals at Staples as well. I think I have to make a trip to Walmart though as many of their prices sounded good and I still need a few things.
Also, Office Depot has 4 pack of Expo skinny dry erase markers for $5.29 with a $5.29 mail in rebate – free! My goal is $10 for my daughter’s school supplies (not including her backpack or stainless steel water bottle). She is only in K, so it’s pretty basic stuff. It’s been kind of a fun challenge for me!
Staples is having Any backpack free after Easy Rebate next week (7/25) Not sure what kind of selection they have. Their next weeks ad is posted.
http://weeklyad.staples.com/staples/default.aspx?action=entryflash&adref=%20staples_right_hand_nav&cm_sp=marketing-_-Weekly%20ad%20header-_-weekly%20ad%20header
If you don’t have a stainless-steel water bottle yet check out REI outlet!! You can have any item shipped to a store for free. http://www.rei.com/product/791019
Thanks this is a great price and cheaper than Target’s $9 sale price.
I was able to get folders last week at Staples for $.01 each. There was a $5 minimum purchase, but I used that to purchase photo paper and copier paper, which both had rebates. The week the deal was $.01 glue bottles. However, it was the Staples brand, not Elmer’s. I posted about my glue school supplies deal here – crustcutoff.blogspot.com.
Squash…
I have frozen butternut and acorn squash. Slice in 1/2 and take the seeds out. Bake at 350 face down until you can put a fork into easily.
Let cool and then scoop into containers to freeze – or freezer bags.
I have made it face up and put in brown sugar and butter while baking. It freezes okay, but I noticed my husband always put in more when he was ready to use. Too much sugar/fat for him, so now I don’t use it before freezing.
hope that helps?
I won the 5 pound Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll from the Channel 45 & Pearson’s 100th Anniversary giveaway! Be sure and sign up on the Channel 45 website. Visit my blog at http://theviewfromjan.blogspot.com/ to see a pic!
I blog about shopping and good deals around Northfield & Faribault!
Thanks Jan. I love those so I just signed up. Hope I win one.
“Greenies” used for dogs teeth. Do any of you use these–I think they are quite expensive (like $1.00 each), but are they worth it? There are other dental bones out there as well, but don’t know if they are very good. We have a 3 year old dog and are not good at keeping her teeth brushed like I know we should. People are saying we should periodically have a vet clean her teeth but that is expensive as well. Any thoughts on keeping your dogs teeth clean without spending alot?
Don’t use Greenies, they’re full of starch which is not good for your dog. One alternative to brushing is to give your dog a raw bone from a butcher. They usually charge around $1/per pound & a 5 inch bone will last my 70 lb pointer several days. I learned about raw bones from a couple of trainers (Katie K9 & Canine Coach). Both suggested giving large shank or knuckle bones. What I do is buy a couple at a time & throw them in the freezer. When I give my dog the bone, I just give it to him frozen & let him chew on it for a couple of hours. When he’s tired of it, I just put it back in the freezer to use another time. But be aware that this is very messy & I restrict him to the kitchen or his kennel when chewing on the bone.
I don’t have the time brush my dog’s teeth or take it in. But I took a suggestion from my dentist. You can massage her gums with your fingers daily. It activates the bacteria? in the dog’s mouth and helps like brushing. My dog has gotten used to it and does not bother her at all. This might not work with all dogs but works for mine and her teeth sparkle. I have never used anything other than my fingers, and a bone from the butcher once in a while but she does not chew on it daily by any means.
Hi all, I was wondering if anyone has had good luck with finding deals on gift baskets (to be delivered to another state). I have a family birthday coming up that I’d love to send a gift basket for. Thanks for any info! :)
The only site I’ve ever used is Wine Country Gift Baskets (and no, you don’t have to get wine!) You can search by price, by deal of the day, “discounted,” or by “free shipipng” – all sorts of categories. They come packaged very nicely and I’ve used them for Christmas gifts to family out of the state. http://www.winecountrygiftbaskets.com/gift_basket_list.asp?SKW=UNDER25&HKW=&ts=y
Tara-
Rock bottom prices for school supplies
24 crayons .25
glue sticks (2 pk) .25
glue .25
markers 1.00
notebooks .10 (sold in packs of 10)
As a kidnergarten teacher I have seen all brands, and by far the best is Crayola for markers and Elmers for glue sticks. Plus these brands are at their rock bottom prices now! Stock up plus purchase a few more items as your child may run out in the middle of the year and when you go to purchase these in January, your jaw will drop at the high prices! I’m not sure where you live, but I am in WI and our Walmarts do not have the great sales that they do in MN. So I shop in MN for these great items. Love the back to school sales!
I have found that our school requires washable markers, so one can’t get those for $1.00. I will only buy Crayola, but if I see them around $2.25, that is when I buy them.
Has anyone seen any tents/ sleeping bags/ camping equipment on clearence anywhere yet? Or does anybody know when the stores should start clearing out thier stuff? My toddler and I have started camping recently and have been borrowing stuff and I’m ready to get my own! Thank in advance!
Funny, I was just at Walmart looking at some camping supplies. They had twin mats for $6, twin air mattress for $16 and basic sleeping bags for $10.
Thrift stores are a great place to get sleeping bags. I’ve gotten very nice quality ones for $5.
This question is for anyone using swagbucks tool bar. Is there a way to set it up so you don’t have to sign in everytime you get on the internet?
There is…I have the toolbar set as my default and I’m always logged in. I can’t remember how I did it, but I’m sure if you visit the help section, there’s a way to adjust it. (There is a Help section drop down on the toolbar.) Sorry I can’t fully help.
Carrie, you had composition notebooks on your tv spot this week. Can you tell me where you got the .25 deal? My oldest two are going to need a bunch of these this year and I don’t want to pay the $1.50 I did last year! Thanks!
These are at Target regular price for .25.
The ones Carrie featured on Twin Cities Live Tuesday were from Walmart for .25 Just saw them today too.
I need to purchase Microsoft Office for a new computer and wondered what price I should shoot for and where you have found the best deals?
If you know a college student, they can usually purchase software at an unbelievably low prices. (like less than $50)
I would love to buy some less expensive porch furniture now that it is on sale. What I am interested in is the couch/chair sets versus the outdoor eating with a table & umbrella. Anybody seen some good deals? My Walmart only had the table & umbrella sets, but maybe if I go to a different one? I am not interested in spending more than $400. Thanks!!
I saw some cheap sets at Home Depot this week. But they are going fast. I also heard that Target had theirs 75% off a week ago or so – not sure if they still have any. And I think I saw the living room kind (chair, table, couch) at my Walmart (Blaine) for under $300.
Just wanted to post this KARE-11 link and encourage everybody to think about shopping their local farmers market. Prices are great, the food lasts a LONG time in the fridge, and some items are very easy to freeze for summertime. Plus, you can do your shopping outside! Maple Grove Farmers Market is this afternoon, 3:00-7:00pm.
http://m.kare11.com/detail.jsp?key=188481&rc=lo&full=1
http://www.maplegrovefarmersmarket.com
Shoreview Farmers Market is located at the Community Center on Tuesdays from 3-7pm: http://www.localharvest.org/shoreview-farmers-market-M22623 and http://www.shoreviewcommunitycenter.com/pdfs/documents/farmers-market-schedule.pdf
Centennial Lakes in Edina has a Farmers Market now on Thursdays from 3-7. Stay for a free movie in the park at sunset. Tonights movie (7/22) is Invictus
Today I went to the Burnsville Farmer’s Market on 3333 Cliff (I think it is Mother of Mary Church, I might have the church name wrong, sorry!). I went there because there is a place called Simply Gelato that sells dishes and pints of hand-crafted Gelato. I highly recommend the salted caramel. I think they will be there every Thursday from open to close of that market.
They give samples, too!!
Has anyone had trouble printing from smartsouce.com? When I try to print it tells me the “Access Disabled: Your access to print from this site has been disabled. Please contact Compliance@newsamerica.com to enable it. You must mention code 74911073 in your email.”
I have emailed them for two weeks with no response. I have a PC and use internet explorer.
Just wondering if anyone has recommendations for printers? After starting to follow this site – I am running out of ink (HP57,57,58- or if any place to get cheap ink cartridges?)
I tried the refill at Walgreens (last sale) and 1 couldn’t be refilled(didn’t hold blue?? and had probs with another color also.
I am wondering if I would be better off buying a new printer with less expensive refills?
Thanks
I buy all my cartridges form megatoners.com they have the best value – cheapest prices…but quality is still great. (i.e the compatible HP57 cartridge is $13.99 compared to genuine HP57 cartridge of $32.57 and should print up to 100 pages more)
If you have a Dell printer, Office Depot sells Dell-compatible cartridges for about $12 for black, and $15-16 for color (at least for the ones for my printer). They fairly often have BOGO free sales on those too, which is awesome! I’ve only used the black one so far and have no complaints.
Does anyone know why Target has different prices at every store for the same exact product? I have never understood this?
Jenny – Good question and there are lots of reasons, but one major one is how much competition is around the store. Stores that are very close to their competition will have lower prices than stores that stand alone in the middle of nowhere.
I am no expert, but my guess is it’s based on their nearby competition. I love to shop at Eden Prairie Target, because there’s a Walmart a few blocks away so they have to stay competitive.
I remember several years ago this was a big deal because the Target on Hiawatha charged more than several Target stores in some suburbs. I think it was WCCO who did a piece on it, and they said part of the reason was that the chance of someone who lived on that bus line without transport being able to get to the suburb to save money was pretty much nil, so the customer would feel it was worth it to pay a little more and travel a little less.
Just from experience, I would suggest avoiding the Ridgedale Target. Even though I live a block from it I am more than willing to drive to Plymouth for my Target runs. Ridgedale is almost always more expensive on your everyday items like shampoo and TP. And the location is a big factor since there is no Walmart or Kmart within 8-10 miles. Something to look at when I buy my next home. :^)
I have noticed this as well – I live in between EP and Mtka, but I always go to EP since it’s cheaper. Very true!
NEEDED: ideas/hints on replacing/expanding an old deck with pavers and retaining wall stones??? I have been thinking on this for the last couple years and the no maintence decking just didn’t seemed like I would like the “fake” look of it and it is so expensive anyway. Has anyone bought the pavers and retaining block at the end of the season and was happy with them? Or do you think it is best to buy in the spring when supplies and prices are high or go with low supply and get it cheaper making do with what is left?
Neutrogena mail in rebate – anybody notice that the form was missing the line to write the zip code on? I wouldn’t think this is a big deal, but since they can reject the form for even the smallest things, I wondered what others did. I figured I would draw my own line in and fill in the zip there.
Also, there is a box behind the zip code – I am assuming for an extended zip code?
Any suggestions? It is high value MIR, so I don’t want to have it denied. Thanks!
Kay–
I mailed mine last week–no missing line for the zip code on my form (I just checked my copy).
JoAnna,
Thanks. That is so strange. I just opened the rebate form again online, and there is no line for the zip. And, there is a small box after the empty space. Did your form have the small box? If so, did you put an additional zip in there?
Kay:
My form had 5 little boxes (one box for each number in a regular zip code) and one larger box for the extra 4 digits. I don’t even know what the extra four digits are for my zip code so I left that box blank.
Very strange. I have a different form……hmmmm….I am going to have to re-visit this. Thanks for your help!
Today at CVS I returned items that generated $5 in ECB. I left the ECB at the bottom of the receipt thinking that the cashier would remove the ECB–but she didn’t. Is it still valid? Or, if I try to use it will it be denied? I checked Carrie’s posting about CVS’s Extra Care program and ECB deals but I didn’t see this situation mentioned. Thanks!
Your ECBs will still be valid. I have never had a cashier ask for my ECBs, but I usually only return things if my ECBs didn’t print for whatever reason.
Hi – I was wondering if anyone has additional % off codes to use at Target? I believe Target brand Up & Up diapers are on sale this week and I would like to get some, but was hoping to get a little better price per diaper. Thanks!
There was a home mailer coupon recently that was for $1 off any up and up brand diapers. Any chance you have that?
I’ve posted coupon match-ups for County Market in Hudson, North Branch, Andover and St. Francis at my blog: hudsoncmcouponer.blogspot.com
thanks so much for doing this! :)
I found Grande Chips!! I was at Target and there in an endcap at checkout were Grande Chips price cut to $2.50, and I had the $1 off coupon from 6/27 SS in my coupon wallet!
Does anyone have good travel recommendations for staying on budget for a family of four(kids age 1 &4) traveling to florida late november/early december?
we want to do a theme park only 1, maybe 2 days. we will be staying at my mom’s on the beach most of the time. but looking for a nice hotel for kids to stay in orlando for 1-2 nights that we do theme park.
we are renting a vehicle too, so looking for money saving ideas.
also anyone have good tips for getting airline deals? and how bout packing with less baggage, getting all the kids gear to go with us…anything helps for ideas. first time we are going to have a family vacation!!!! Yay.
this site hasn’t been updated recently but it does have some good ideas and suggestions by a frequent orlando visitor (they live in Tampa)who is really cheap! ( my bro-in-law!) He just got two rooms by sea world for this weekend for $50! with brkfst! http://cheapoorlando.web.officelive.com/ Also try Sam’s club travel or Costco travel for deals if you have access for air/car/hotel and admissions. You never know what kind of deal you will find.
I do not live near an Aldi’s but heard they have good pricing on produce etc. I might be traveling to the cities and be near one tomorrow. Does anyone know if they have any good sales this week or how to locate their ad online?
They don’t have an ad online that shows produce sales and I was there earlier this week – not tons on sale, but many of their regular priced items are still better than grocery stores – mangoes, apples, oranges, bananas, onions, carrots, tomatoes to name a few.
Received an ad in the mail for Star Trib offering one year (52 wks) of the Sunday edition and it seems like a great deal… pay $26 upfront and receive a $25 Visa gift card in return making 52 papers $1. Has anyone done this before? Is it a scam? Seems too good to be true.
I did read the fine print and it does state you need to cancel after the year or your subscription will continue at regular prince but that is the only bad thing I have seen with it so far. About two weeks ago we got a similar ad for the same deal but it ended up being $9.95 after receiving the gift card. I am glad I didn’t get around to ordering it before as the deal just got better! It does state it is only good in certain areas (I am in Stillwater)
I have not heard of this one before, but it sounds like a great deal. If you call them and mention the code that it on the mailing you should be able to verify over the phone. I would look up the legitimate phone number first and not use a number printed on the mailing. Are you willing to share the code or let us know if it works?
Kelli-
If you post your email I would be happy to send you the code.
i’d be interested in the code: jervais53 @ yahoo . com (remove spaces) thanks jamie
Jamie, that would be great! My email is kpolking @ hotmail . com (remove spaces)
Jamie-
Would you mind sending it to me as well? Thanks! Stacykristen @ gmail . com
I would love the code too! roses12xs@hotmail.com Thanks!
I got this ad too. I am going to try it, I pay way too much for the pioneer press.
Jamie – Please send me the code too! My email address is dravaco@gmail.com
Thanks!
I finally got around to sending this to those who have requested it. I apologize for the delay
Jamie, sorry to be a pest…I didn’t get it could you try again? kpolking@hotmail.com
Thanks,
Kelli
I don’t see the email yet either. Thanks! roses12xs@hotmail.com or tirzacludwig@gmail.com
What stores in the Twin Cities will accept expired Walgreens RR? (About 2 weeks old) I’ve tried my local Cub and they wouldn’t take it.
Drava:
Cub in Eden Prairie (next to Eden Prairie Center) takes expired RRs. I used over $20 that were over a month expired. Hope you live close to there!
Bummer! I don’t live anywhere close to there. The closest would be the Roseville area but I live closer to Anoka.
JoAnna: What is your email address? I could send you the RR since it’s no use to me.
Drava-thanks!!
meyersj @ district112 . org
Dumb question probably, but I thought one of more of you would know the answer….have you or anyone you know actually ever won the $ contests at the bottom of receipts after taking an online survey about a shopping experience? If so, how were you contacted? Are those legit? I’m also assuming that http://track.claimfreerewards.com is a scam and is not related to these surveys right?
Thanks!
Carrie or anyone that can answer this question: Is there a way to submit multiple rebates off of 1 receipt when they all say they need the original? I realized I bought 3-4 different items in 1 transaction that all qualify for different rebates. Thanks in advance!
Has anyone had to move to a different state after they started couponing? I have a moderate stash of supplies in storage (7 Rubbermaid boxes) and a large coupon file box. How quickly were you able to navigate deals in the new place?