1)  Commit to eating all of your meals at home for the next two weeks.  No more last minute eating out; no more trips through the drive-thru.

2)  Plan your meals for the week.  Look through the sales flyers, look in your pantry and freezer.  Plan your meals according to what is on sale and what you already have.

3)  Take a snack and a drink with you.  Whenever we leave the house, we usually take a container of ice water and a snack.  Many times we are out of the house longer than anticipated.  It’s good to be prepared in order to avoid pulling over at the drive-thru or gas station.

4)  Make your own coffee.  Coffee is one of my weaknesses.  The problem is my favorite coffee drink costs over $4.  I have learned to make my own at home.

5)  Look for inexpensive entertainment.  Forget going to the movies and other expensive outings.  Have a family game night or rent a movie from redbox.  Check out your local city’s website for free and low cost activities.

What ways can you cut your expenses?

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There are some ways to make sure you get your rebate money.

1)  Make copies of everything before you send it in. My husband and I always make a copy of all of the paperwork.  This includes the papers we filled out, the receipt, UPC, and any other information that we send in.  We also write the date mailed on top of the paperwork and file it away.

2)  Follow the instructions. Follow the exact instructions on the rebate, no matter how silly they sound.  Be sure to include the original receipt (if stated on the form), completed paperwork, any labels or UPC labels specified.

3)  Mail the paperwork immediately. This is one of the major causes of unclaimed rebates.  We get home, open up our new gadgets, and forget to send off the rebate before it expires.  Send it off immediately!

4)  Check your mail carefully. Many times rebates come in an envelope that looks a lot like junk mail.  I have almost thrown out some rebate checks.  Be careful.

5)  Put a reminder on your calendar. It’s easy to forget about the money that’s due to you.  If the rebate says to expect your money in 6-8 weeks, then be sure to mark it on your calendar around that time.  That way you’ll be sure to follow up if you haven’t received your rebate back in time.

Have you ever had any problems collecting money from rebates?

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Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Telling our kids “no” is inevitable.  Here are some tips to make it a little easier.

1)  Use emphathetic and understanding statements. “I understand that you want this new outfit for the dance, but it’s not in the budget.  Maybe we could find something on the clearance rack or at the thrift store that you would like.”  “I’m sorry that you feel this way.”

2)  Teach them to be creative and unique. Show your child how to create their own style.  Teach them how to repurpose old things.

3)  Provide them opportunities to earn money. If your child wants something special then tell them they can have it so long as they earn the money.  You can even explain how you work for the things the family has.

4)  Compromise. If your child really wants something and you can tell it’s not just a passing thought, then find a way to work with them.  If the item is $75, then maybe they can earn half of the money through extra chores around the house and you can pay for the rest of the item.

5)  Set an example. If you are out frivilously spending money and making impulse purchases, then you are teaching your children that this kind of behavior is acceptable.  Yes, you’re the adult and you can make your own decisions, but it’s wise to teach your children how to make smart financial choices.

Do you have any tips for telling children “no”?

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Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Across the internet there are mixed reports about which coupon special Kmart is running.  Some are saying it’s double coupons up to $2 and some are saying up to $4.  One person has said that some coupons are being tripled, depending on their value.  It seems the news varies according to your area.  I would say to call your Kmart for more information but it seems that in general their people are not very friendly.  It might be easier to just go with your coupons and hope for the best.  You may be able to find out more info at kmart.com. 

Before you head to Kmart, be sure to print off this coupon good for $5 off your purchase of $50 or more.  Present the coupon BEFORE you hand over your manufacturer’s coupons.  (Thanks to Nicole’s Nickels for the coupon link.)

Let us know of any great coupon match-ups you find.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

The coupon prints more than once.  Click here to print the $1 Wendy’s coupon.  Enjoy! 

The coupon has reached its limit. If you will sign up for email alerts at wendys.com, you will receive special offers and coupons.

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Post from: Thrifty Mommy

For those of you who have not used Restaurant.com before, this is a real website.  My husband and I have purchased many certificates from them.  The simple catch is that you have to spend more than the value of the certificate.  With a $25 certificate you have to spend $35.  It’s a great way to try out new restaurants though.

This offer ends Monday, April 13, 2009.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

While you’re getting your coupon, please take a few moments to watch the videos on the site.  Melissa and Joan Rivers want to give more to their charities so they have made videos for viewers.  For each video that you watch, All will donate 50 cents to charities.  Watch Joan’s video to donate to Guide Dogs for the Blind or watch Melissa’s video to donate to The Lili Claire Foundation.  Don’t forget to forward this on to friends and family as well.  It’s an easy way to help out a charity.

You also have a chance to enter the All Small & Mighty® Celebrity Apprentice Sweepstakes.  The grand prize is 2 tickets and an expense paid trip to the Celebrity Apprentice Finale! 50 runner ups will receive a 1 year supply of All Small & Mighty®.

Visit all-laundry.com to get the $2 coupon, watch the videos for charity, and to enter the sweepstakes.

Enjoy this great money saving coupon!  I know I will.

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Post from: Thrifty Mommy

$1 off Coffee Mate Powder or Liquid Creamer - use the back button to print the coupon twice

$1.50 off any Woolite Products

$.75 off Spray ‘N Wash with Resolve Power 

$1 and $2 off Seventh Generation

$1.50 off any Resolve Carpet Cleaner

$1.50 off No Nonsense product

The Goodlife Recipe for dogs and cats – $1 off Snacks and Treats, $3 off Wholesome Recipes

Cesar Canine Cuisine – buy 2 entrees get 1 free

Coupons from Home Solutions – $4 off Lysol Neutra Air Freshmatic Air Treatment Product, $1 off Lysol Neutra Air Sanitizing Spray, $2 off 2 Rid-X Septic System Treatment Products, $.75 off d-CON product, $.50 Electrasol, $1.50 off Air Wick Hidden Pleasures Scented Oil Warmer, $1 off 2 Air Wick Aqua Essences Scented Oils Refills, $3 off I-Motion Starter Kit, $3 Air Wick Lumin’ Air Starter Kit, $.50 Air Wick Stick-ups, $3 off Air Wick Scented Oil X-Press Warmer with Scented Oil Refill Purchase, $1.50 off Air Wick Decosphere Air Freshener, $4 off Freshmatic Ultra Starter Kit, $4 off Freshmatic Mini Automatic Spray, $1 off 2 Air Wick Aerosol, $.50 off Air Wick Airfresh, $.75 off Jet Dry Rinse Agent or Turbo Dry

Coupons.com – $.55 off Betty Crock frosting, $1 off V8 juice, $.45 off Betty Crock muffin mix, $.50 off Betty Crocker Cookie Mix, $.75 off Huggies wipes, $1 off Yoplait Yo-Plus, and many more

Have you found any printable coupons lately?  Please leave a link below.  Thanks.  Happy saving!

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Post from: Thrifty Mommy

We may be at a new location and have a new look, but don’t worry; we will continue to help you save money.  Thrifty Mommy will still provide you with coupons, tips, strategies, recipes, sales, and many other ways to save you time and money.  Feel free to leave a comment letting us know any topics you’d like tackled.

We look forward to many more great conversations with you.

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Dave Ramsey

Post from: Thrifty Mommy