Welcome

I'm not an expert in any area, but I can share what has worked for me and my crew. On this blog, you'll find sanity and money saving tips for moms and families on the go.

FREE CHICK-FIL-A

Reserve your FREE breakfast item at Chick-Fil-A, Sept 6-10.  You must submit information on the website and print "invitation".  Valid email address is required.  Be prepared to show photo ID when you redeem "invitation".  Further details are available on the website.

Enjoy
FREE CHICK-FIL-A BREAKFAST

Textbook Savings (repost)

I posted this in January, but I'm reposting for everyone headed back to school.

The Amazon student program has proven to be very beneficial. If you sign up on http://www.amazon.com/ with a student email address (ending in .edu), you'll qualify for discounts on textbooks, including FREE 2-day shipping. I have saved money on my textbooks, as well as books the kids have needed for Accelerated Reading. The textbook costs have been 20% or more cheaper than the school's bookstore. In addition to the shipping savings, they often send emails with discounts or other freebies for students. Follow the link below to sign up for Amazon student.

http://www.amazon.com/Off-to-College-Supplies/b/ref=amb_link_353520962_2?ie=UTF8&node=668781011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=auto-sparkle&pf_rd_r=0K0TC6GC36XGQXN9JNFZ&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_p=1277106722&pf_rd_i=amazon%20student

Prescription Discounts

Here's a prescription discount trick I use for my son's monthly medications. Search the manufacturer's website for coupon cards and discounts. Most of them have monthly discounts, and a few have discount cards that can be used multiple times. The prescription coupons work if you have low co-pays or if you have to pay out of pocket (POS) and get reimbursed by your insurance company. These discounts are not available at Wal-Mart on the $4 prescriptions. Also, there is no cost for any of these discounts/coupons, but you may have to register with email address.

Some of the companies that I know that offer discounts/coupons: Singulair, Advair, Albuterol, Xopenex.

ACT test

It's getting close to ACT test time for high school Juniors and Seniors.  The deadline for the September test day has passed, but late registration is available until 8/26/11 for an additional fee.
Due to the economic problems, more people are qualifying for the ACT fee waiver.  Visit ACT fee waiver to get information on how to qualify for fee waiver.  The fee waiver will not cover later registration.  More information can also be obtained from school guidance counselors, who have the form.  The form is no longer available on the ACT website. 

CPR

Follow this link to watch a one minute video on CPR.  This video does not qualify for CPR certification, but it a good start on how to save a life.
Hands-Only CPR

Best websites

Although I'm pretty good at finding deals (or having them emailed to me), Birmingham Bargain Mom does a much better job.  Don't think because she lives in Birmingham, that you won't find coupons/deals you can use.  She works for the  Birmingham Times and has access to many national manufacturers, so many deals will apply regardless of where you live.

Give Birmingham Bargain Mom a try, you'll be hooked just like me.

Blue Bell Ice Cream Specials

Sign up for Blue Bell's Country Club newsletter for access to several goodies.  After signing up, click on coupons for $1.00 off any half gallon of Blue Bell Ice Cream.  This coupon is a very good deal when the local stores have half gallons for $3.99.  You will also receive other specials and a coupon for free ice cream during your birthday month.

Enjoy!
http://www.bluebell.com/extra_scoops/join_blue_bell.html

Wendy's Frosty Keychain

Last year, Wendy's restaurants sold keychains that could be redeemed for a FREE Jr. Frosty on subsequent visits.  Apparently it was a hit, because they are doing it again this year.
Starting April 25, purchase a keychain for $1 and get a FREE JR. FROSTY during that visit.  On your next visit and every visit until October 31, show your keychain for a FREE JR. FROSTY.  Limit one free jr. frosty per transaction.

FREE Zaxby's Meal Deal

Sign up for Zaxby's mail club and receive a FREE Meal Deal.  The meal deal will come as a postcard via snail mail, but it took less than one week for me to receive it.  In addition to email updates with coupons and specials, you'll also receive something for your birthday.
Go to Zaxby's Mail Club to sign up.

Survey rewards

I currently participate in 2 online survey reward sites.  Although they are not "get rich quick" solutions, they have been fun and offered interesting product testing.  Both of them also offer extra rewards for kids' participation. The most I've earned at one time is $20 for participating in an online focus group. In addition to earning money, you can choose online and in-store gift cards.  If you do choose money, you must have a verified paypal account.  Recent surveys have included several product tests, including decorative paper plates and a well known carbonated soda.  I know there are more than 2 reward sites, but these are two that I'm familiar with and that I've had no problem with.

E-rewards

Opinion Place

Quizno's coupon

Get a small sub at Quizno's for $2.99.  Join their email club and they'll give you a coupon for a free cookie.Quizno's $2.99 coupon

FREE BANK ACCOUNT CREDIT REPORT

Did you know there's a credit report for bank accounts??? Neither did I until I read it recently on another site I follow. Just like regular credit reports, you are entitled to one FREE bank account credit report per year. You can request the report online or via snail mail. The report is provided by Chexsystems. Here's link: https://www.consumerdebit.com/consumerinfo/us/en/index.htm

FREE KIDS MEAL @ CHILI'S

Valid Tuesday 3/22 only, get a FREE kids meal at Chili's with the purchase of an Adult entree. You must have a coupon, click here to get it: http://chilis.zuberance.com/offersV2/singleOfferBuy/22747381
Be sure to read the legalese for restrictions, etc.

Thanks Birmingham Bargain Mom for post.

Alternate email address

Many of the tips and offers I provide require an email address.  To keep your personal email address from getting overloaded with freebies and other offers, set up an alternate email address.  Google, Yahoo, Hotmail, and AOL all offer free email addresses regardless of who your internet service provider  (ISP) is.  Your ISP also provides you with a minimum of one email address with your account. 

Here are links to set up alternate email address:

Google: https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount?service=mail&continue=http://mail.google.com/mail/e-11-474a30046e692f78267e21bdf9e0b-0e563da89377d85f04d3ed3722ac531e8b6e6d1c&type=2

AOL: https://new.aol.com/productsweb/?promocode=825345&ncid=txtlnkuswebr00000106

Yahoo: https://edit.yahoo.com/registration?.src=fpctx&.intl=us&.done=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yahoo.com%2F

February Savings

Here is a list of items that are usually discounted during the month of February. 


Bicycles

New bicycle models are typically released in February and March, so you should be able to find discounts on older models right around this time of year.

Home Theaters

You'll find the biggest sales on big-screen TVs and home theaters right before Super Bowl Sunday as dealers try to clear their inventory to make way for new products.

Luggage

Between the holiday rush in December and spring break in March and April, the travel industry tends to bottom out a bit. Because of this, you can expect to find some great discounted luggage right around this time of year.

Video Games

Find deals on games that were released in November and December (for holiday season) in the month of February.

Chocolate and Other Valentine's Day Paraphernalia

Wait until February 15th and you'll see dirt cheap prices for things like chocolate, candy hearts, flowers and other lovey-dovey things of the sort.

Cameras

Since the Consumer Electronics Show and Photo Marketing Association convention occur at this time of year, you'll find deals on last year's models in February when new models begin to arrive in stores.

Tulips

If you're looking to buy flowers for your sweetheart on Valentine's Day, why not go for a nice assortment of tulips instead of traditional roses? Tulips are generally the cheapest to buy in the month of February.

Go to http://www.tiphero.com/tips_3889_?utm_source=Money-Saving+Tips+Newsletter+DL&utm_campaign=f7dff1c7bb-TH_NL_114a_02_03_2011&utm_medium=email  for more money saving tips.

Cell phone discount

You may qualify for a discount on your cell phone service.  Check availability with your provider by using your work or student email.  I know that many .gov and .edu emails will qualify.  AT&T gives a 15% discount on monthly plans and accessories. Changing your email address to start receiving the discount will not (should not) extend your contract.  However, check with your provider.  Here are the links:

AT&T: https://www.wireless.att.com/business//authenticate/

T-Mobile: https://my.t-mobile.com/Login/?rc=&lpg=MyT_Lin_CorpDiscount&dest=https://my.t-mobile.com:443/Corporate/Default.aspx

Sprint/Nextel: http://www.evpdiscount.com/

Verizon: enter state or zip code first, then it will take you to email verification page, or if you're already a Verizon customer just sign in: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/zipEntry.jsp?go=/index.html&action=change

FREE MP3 downloads

Here is a way to get FREE and LEGIT MP3 songs.  They are compatible with I-Pods and other MP3 players.  Check back often because the list changes frequently. You have to download the Amazon MP3 downloader and this will automatically import your songs to your i-Tunes folder. Click the link below to access FREE MP3 songs. The list on the left side of the page breaks down the songs by genre.

Free MP3 downloads

DOUBLE COUPON DAY

Every Saturday is DOUBLE COUPON day at Fred's stores. Every coupon up to $.70 in value, will be doubled.  What that means is a $.70 coupon is really worth $1.40 on Saturdays ONLY.  This is a great way to stock up on toiletries and other household items.

Here are some examples of CHEAP or FREE items this week at Fred's:

Carefree Feminie Product Cost= $1.00  $.50 coupon doubled to $1.00 = FREE!!!!!!
Crest Toothpaste Cost= $1.00 $.50 coupon doubled to $1.00 = FREE!!!!!!
Martha White Muffin Mix Cost = $1.00 each, purchase 2 for $2.00, $.55 off 2 coupon doubled to $1.10 = $.90 for 2 (or $.45 each)

The best way to get coupons is from the Sunday newspaper and online at http://www.smartsource.com/.  Be cautious with coupons printed from online, not all stores accept them. Check your local Fred's to find out if they participate in DOUBLE COUPON SATURDAY.

Happy Shopping!!!

FREE shipping and 20% off 1/17/11 ONLY

Today only, Children's place is offering FREE shipping and 20% off your entire order.  Both coupon codes can be used.  http://www.childrensplace.com/

After shopping and entering items in your cart, proceed to checkout. Before you complete your order, scroll to the bottom and look for the box that asks for coupon/promotional codes.  First enter P7C2011 for 20% off and click "apply code/coupon".  After your cart updates and reflects discount, scroll to code/coupon box again and enter FSJANUARY2011 for free shipping.

The 20% off code expires at 11:59pm EST on 1/18/11 (tomorrow night), but the FREE shipping code expirest tonight (1/17/11) at 11:59pm EST.

Happy shopping.

Kindle e-books

For some reason the link to the FREE e-book wouldn't let me add text, so here's the scoop on the FREE e-books.  They are FREE and you can download them even if you don't have a Kindle.  There are 1000's to choose from, just be sure you only "buy" the ones that have $0.00 as the cost.  If you don't have a Kindle or other e-reader, download the Kindle for PC first.  This app will allow you to have a Kindle (e-reader) on your computer. There are Classics as well as new releases. 

Free Kindle e-books

 Free Kindle e-books

Chain letter emails

How many times have you received an email about a Cancer patient needing you to forward 1000 emails to pay for treatment?  Or how about the one that stated AOL was paying people to forward emails?  Well, here's the solution to knowing if those emails are bogus or true: http://www.snopes.com/.  This site allows you to enter search words related to the email and will verify or deny the truthfulness of the chain letter.  The site is updated often and has proven to be very helpful.

FREE 2011 Pocket Calendar

It's not too late to receive a FREE 2011 pocket calendar.  This calendar is offered by a National Arthritis association and features tips and information on bone health.  There are other free health publications available by snail mail or computer download from this site. You can order a maximum of 25 calendars per person. Share the extras with your local nursing home, assisted living facility or hospital waiting room.  All of these places like to receive "gifts".
http://catalog.niams.nih.gov/detail.cfm?pubid=2339

FREE Credit Report

Don't fall for the catchy tunes or cute commercials.  The best way to get a FREE credit report is http://www.annualcreditreport.com/.  This site allows you to get one free report from each of the Big 3 reporting agencies (equifax, transunion, and experian).  They will try to sell you upgrades such as credit watch, FICO scores, etc, but you can skip all of that and just get your FREE reports.  You can get one set of free reports per year.  Set yourself a yearly reminder, such as anniversary, birthday, etc. so you don't miss out on this yearly freebie.

Free Six flags Tickets

FREE Six Flags tickets for students.  Teachers and homeschoolers, sign up now and reward your students for reading.

http://readtosucceed.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm

Free shipping at Children's Place

Today (1/12) only, FREE shipping on all orders at http://www.childrensplace.com/.  Enter FSSNOW in coupon/code box at checkout.  I found some great deals in the clearance section.

Textbook savings

The Amazon student program has proven to be very beneficial.  If you sign up on http://www.amazon.com/ with a student email address (ending in .edu), you'll qualify for discounts on textbooks, including FREE 2-day shipping. I have saved money on my textbooks, as well as books the kids have needed for Accelerated Reading. The textbook costs have been 20% or more cheaper than the school's bookstore. In addition to the shipping savings, they often send emails with discounts or other freebies for students. Follow the link below to sign up for Amazon student.  

http://www.amazon.com/Off-to-College-Supplies/b/ref=amb_link_353520962_2?ie=UTF8&node=668781011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=auto-sparkle&pf_rd_r=0K0TC6GC36XGQXN9JNFZ&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_p=1277106722&pf_rd_i=amazon%20student

Welcome

I have been bitten by the blog bug, thanks to my sister.  I don't profess to be an expert in any area, I just want to share tips that have helped me and my family keep our sanity and save money. I have a knack for finding freebies, coupons, and other money-saving items and I will share them with  you.  Alot of people complain that "saving" takes too much time, so I've done most of the legwork for you.  Enjoy and I hope you find this blog useful.  Please share with your family and friends.