Things you SHOULD NOT be paying for

Taken from Lynn at Maven of Savin

This article from YahooFinance lists 15 Things You Shouldn’t be Paying For.  These are things you may not normally consider getting for FREE.  If you are paying for some of these now, look into it to reduce your expenses.

Exercise	Credit Card	Pets
Your Credit Report	Debt Reduction Help	Shipping
Cell Phone	Basic Tax Preparation	Checking Account
Books	The News	DVD Rentals
Water	Budgeting Tools	Basic Computer Software

Do you agree?  Why or why not? I wholeheartedly agree with MOST of them.
A year ago I would have said “cool” and started to look into those.  However, since I started couponing, my list of things I do not need to pay for has grown.  It started off small, but then as I learned to STOCKPILE it has grown and grown and grown.

Before I go any further, please understand that I began with baby steps and one drugstore – CVS. Since then I regularly get “FREE” items using coupons, loyalty programs, catalina’s, and rebates at drugstores, grocery and office supply stores.  Based on that, here are what I think you can get on a regular basis for FREE or very close to FREE:

• TOOTHPASTE/TOOTHBRUSHES – OK, seriously, unless you are a toothpaste snob or have some other need to only have a particular type/brand (which I completely understand) – you should never have to pay for toothpaste again.  I would venture to say there is probably FREE toothpaste somewhere almost every week.  CRAZY – Huh??  Don’t believe me??  Scroll thru the list of weekly drugstore deals and I bet you will find it FREE somewhere.  Kids toothpaste is a little harder…

• MOUTHWASH/Rinse – especially Listerine – there are tons of Listerine coupons that seem to never expire – LOL!

• RAZORS – not refills, but good razors that have a couple extra blades in them.  Of course you can also get disposable razors FREE.

• DEODORANT – this one is tricky since a lot of people only use one kind – my hubs will only use clear solid, but you can get it FREE all the time

• BODY WASH – LOVE the FREE body wash.

• SHAMPOO. CONDITIONER, STYLERS – even the good stuff, John Frieda and others

• SANITARY PADS/PANTI LINERS - again, not all brands all the time.  Stayfree frequently has BOGO coupons you can use on BOGO sales for 2 FREE.  Last summer I went NUTS (just started couponing) and I actually bought 22 Stayfree and made a $30 profit. Lately there has been FREE U by Kotex as well!

• TOILET PAPER – Marcal coupons get you FREE TP all the time, but you can also score great deals on Cottonelle and Scott at the drugstores as well!

• CEREAL – not always the brands you want, but catalina deals and coupons can get you FREE cereal

• DIAPERS – Huggies deals are easy to find, Pampers a little harder. You can get 3 Huggies jumbo pkgs for FREE next week at Rite Aid.

Other than that CRAZY Stayfree thing last summer, I normally do not get tons of extra coupons.  This list is based on what I normally get with 2-3 inserts and printable coupons.  If you work the grocery catalina deals, this list can get much longer.  Some would add Laundry detergent to the list – though I find those deals are sometimes harder to work.  My next favorite would be copy/printer paper for next to nothing all the time at Staples!
What do you see missing from the list?  What do you pay NOTHING for?

5 Not So Scary Halloween Money Saving Tips

October is here – and that means the holidays are right around the corner, with Halloween leading the way. Many people worry about spending too much over the holidays, but you don’t need to! Not sure how to save and still have fun?

Enjoy these 5 tips to help you save this Halloween:

1) Don’t pay full price for costumes. There are way too many great deals to pay full price! Check BuyCostumes.com for their 5 products under $5 every day. Thrift and craft stores can also inspire your creative spirit, as well as offer great low cost accessories for your new costume.
And don’t forget to look for items around the house: Check closets, the garage, the linen closet, or your craft cupboard to make your own costume! Easy costume ideas include a cowboy, princess, pumpkin, rock star, dog, spider, firefighter, scarecrow, or pirate. Still not sure? Check out some of the suggestions from the Saving Cents with Sense Facebook community!
2) Save a trip and shop online. Many of your favorite retail stores also have exclusive discounts or sales online. Check out retailmenot.com to access over 150,000 coupon codes for a variety of retailers. You will discover discounts on decorations, clothing, costumes, and even candy. And of course, come back to Saving Cents with Sense because I will be highlighting coupons and deals as I find them!
3) Improvise with decorations. Whether you want a splash of holiday flair or a complete makeover, making your own decorations will save your cash. Stretch cotton balls or yarn to create spider webs or stuff trash bags with leaves to create pumpkins. Making your own scarecrow(s) is just as easy with old clothes, newspaper, and a foam pumpkin (found at craft stores), so that it will last several years. Need more FREE craft and decorating ideas? Check out these Halloween Decorations and Craft eBooks.
4) Enjoy your treats. Look for candy coupons (there are several on coupons.com and Redplum right now). Another option is to split the cost of bulk candy bags from warehouse stores with friends or family. And don’t forget that pumpkins aren’t just for decorating. Make your own pumpkin pie, bread, or pudding with the flesh or just bake the seeds for an easy and festive snack

. Next year, try growing your own pumpkins to save even more.
5) Shop on November 1. This tip will help you save for next Halloween. Most stores, like Target, Walmart, Michael’s, etc, discount Halloween merchandise by 60%-90%, so you can pick up costumes, decorations, and other holiday related items that will last for years to come. I actually picked up several costumes at Target last year that were 90% off – so my boys could have fun “picking” a costume this year!

Thanks Saving Cents with Sense