My co-worker and I have a new obsession: coupons.
(This is, of course, in conjunction with our other obsession, Mint.com)
She’s a 20something newlywed who is learning how to share her finances with another person. I’m a new 20something professional just learning about managing finances for the first time. Either way, both make for situations where you may be strapped for cash as you learn about your new financial situation. Consequently, we’ve come to realize that coupons make for great savings on things we actually need and the occasional thing that we want.
It all started a few weeks ago when I went to pick up something the doctor recommended at Walgreens. Much to my surprise the cashier printed out a coupon for the exact same product that was valid through December. Then I received a coupon from my eye doctor for some new contact lens solution he thought would be better for my eyes. Then, I found a coupon in a box of pore strips. All together, that would save me about $3.00 on personal care products that I use all the time.
Three bucks may not seem like a lot but think of it this way: Bus fare is 2 bucks. A can of Arizona Green Tea (it’s an addiction) is 99 cents. Cuban coffee (downright chemical dependence) is 80 cents. So in reality saving a few bucks here and there can actually go a pretty long way.
So how do you get your hands on these money saving opportunities? Well some of it is by chance, like when you find a coupon in a box or a Walgreens cashier hands you a coupon. You can also look for them in the Sunday paper, although they may not be as good as they used to be since newspaper sales are down. Finally, you can take your plight to the world wide web which is FULL of money saving coupons for stuff you may be using all the time.
1. Coupons.com
Yes, an entire website dedicated to coupons! And I’m talking good coupons that range from toothpaste to restaurants. You can sign up to get coupons sent to your inbox and even join their affiliate program to share coupons with your friends (and get commission).
2. Groupon.com
A few weeks ago I went to my local yoga studio to find a line going out the door. Turns out they had put up a Groupon for new students and were giving a FANTASTIC deal on a package of classes. Those of you that take yoga classes are well aware of the fact that although it’s great for mind and body that shiz is EXPENSIVE. Any deal I can get my hands on as an aspiring yogi and I’ll take it!
Groupon does more than just yoga classes though. They literally find the best deals within your city and can end up saving you a lot of money – or at least give you an excuse to explore the wonders of your city at a better price.
3. Gilt Groupe
Sometimes we deserve to treat ourselves to something special – like a massage or a night out on the town. When that’s the case consider using Gilt Groupe to get up to 75% of the regular price of clothing, accessories, restaurants spas and more!
I have to thank FrugalBeautiful for sharing this wonderful site! Sometimes we really love to shop – and there’s nothing wrong with that! After all, it’s not like we can walk around naked (though wouldn’t that be fun!).
The next time you need some clothes for the office, a party, a date or just for fun make sure to check out the crazy low prices at Shop It To Me. They take the preferences you fill out in your profile and use that to find the latest mark down prices, deals and coupon codes so that you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on your next outfit. I’ve been using it for the last couple of weeks and I must admit it’s pretty amazing!
As you can see, there are lots of ways you can use the internet to help save you money. So what are you waiting for? Sign up for some of these sites and start saving!
Image via stephadamo
Amanda,
Here’s another website you might be interested in: http://www.southernsavers.com/
Thanks Laura! Will definitely check it out!
Oh I know FrugalBeautiful! I follow her on Twitter and check out her blog
Don’t forget: Living Social as a way to save money around the city. You have to type in your own city though, but it has a few major cities in the States :3
I haven’t been able to use any of the coupon sites due to lack of monies T.T but hopefully I can start flexing my own money saving skills! Also, if you’re into Twitter chats, Frugalista (http://www.thefrugalista.com/) has a cool twitter chat where she discusses ways to save money on various things: from coupons for dates to using coupons to save on lingerie and shopping at thrift stores! It’s awesome. I forget when it is, I think it’s on Mondays or Tuesdays :3
Great post. :]
Thanks Tatiana! I definitely MUST look into that! It sounds awesome