MONEY SAVING TIPS FOR ELDERCARE GIVERS

pink cash side I thought I’d try something a little different this time and offer up some money saving ideas that I found while doing some research on the subject for my own interests.

Because you are already on the internet reading this, I’m going to make the assumption that you have access to the internet at some point during your week and will be able to visit some of the websites that I recommend, as they pertain to you.

First of all, let’s talk about food and meal preparation. Planning your meals according to what is on sale that week can save you money. Always read the food ads that are found in the weekly newspaper and as you notice what is on sale, jot down recipe names that contain that product. Often coupons found in the paper correspond to what is on sale in the stores so utilize them to obtain additional savings. I have a friend who buys 3 Sunday papers each week just so she can clip the coupons. USE coupons.

Also, visit that store’s website to see if they have any additional coupons that can be printed out. For instance, http://www.albertsons.com has online specials, weekly recipes and in-store coupons listed on their website this week.

There are other sites on the web that have valuable coupons. One such site is http://www.smartsource.com which offers various coupons in printable format. I have also used http://www.coupons.com and http://shortcuts.com (which downloads coupons onto your loyalty program card ! ) Remember to be aware of those sites that ask for TOO much personal information – they may be less than reputable.

Other ways to save money at the supermarket are 1). Sign up for their loyalty card (or points card) 2). Ask how their promotions work – for instance, when an item is listed as 10 for $10.00, is it required that you buy 10 of a particular item or can you buy less and still receive the discount ? 3). Ask whether your supermarket matches competitors prices (bring all your fliers with you, just in case they do) 4). Shop the ethic foods isle…sometimes their prices are less than on the other isles 5.) Stock up on items that you can freeze or store and/or keep “rain-checks” for a rainy day 6). Remember that buying the bigger package of an item may not always be the best deal – most items have a cost per ounce rate listed below them on the shelves and lastly 7). Watch the cash register to make sure that you are getting the correct prices – after you’ve done all that hard work to save money, it would be a shame not to receive the savings.

Three websites that are worth keeping an eye on for savings of all types are: http://www.BradsDeals.com – he has everything from restaraunt savings to electronics to shoe savings listed; http://www.couponmommie.blogspot.com – she saves a LOT of money on groceries (approximately 70%); and http://www.savingthefamilymoney.com

Free samples are often offered on the web too ! A couple of sites of interest are: http://www.freeflys.com, http://www.startsampling.com and http://www.instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-free-samples.aspx – the Walmart samples usually need to be picked up in the store.

And here’s a cool offer : at http://www.artscow.com when you sign up, you can get 1200 free photo prints (600 4X6s and 600 5X7s ). I have heard that the quality is good so get those those digital prints off your computer and onto some paper. This week, new members can also get a 20 page 8X8 photo book for $6.99 with FREE shipping.

Other on-line photo centers can be found at http://www.snapfish.com and also through Rite-Aid and Costco’s sites.

Speaking of Rite-Aid, they have a good rebate plan which utilizes their website to plug in the cash register receipt numbers, item #s and dates of qualifying rebate items. Rebates will then be sent to your home. http://www.couponmom.com is a great site for not only grocery coupons, but drug store items, as well.