Last updated:  Sunday, Nov. 22  | HELP: how to read this | Can I print these? | View full page

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Triangle Price Book

NEW FEATURE!
Let's help each other be better shoppers! Share your info with others. Track the prices of items you buy. Find out how often they go on sale.

And SAVE!

Click on the logo above to get started!

Coupons 101

LEARN HOW TO SAVE

Using coupons effectively requires you to be diligent, organized and methodical. But if you invest a little time, you can save a lot of money. Look for this shopping cart on Wednesdays, when I post the best deals for the week.

Or click here for this week's list!

A Q&A on the basics:

Where do I get coupons?
Store policies on using coupons
When do sales run?
Coupons that say do not double
Staying organized
Managing time
Making a price book
All about triple coupons
Coupon glossary

Some stores have special programs to help you save more. Learn about them here.

CVS ExtraCare Bucks
Kroger eSaver
Lowe's Foods Greenpoints
Lowe's Foods InstaSave
Rite Aid Single Check Rebates
Walgreens EasySaver Walgreens Register Rewards

Other topics of interest:

Rxn transfer list
Saving at Whole Foods
Upromise

How to read receipts...

@ Harris Teeter
@ Lowes Foods

Check out .biz

The N&O's business staff has launched its own blog, .biz! It's updated several times a day. Check it out by clicking the logo!

Track your savings!

To track your savings, here's a spreadsheet to help! Or, here it is as a a Google Doc!)

Wedding on a budget...

Planning your wedding?

*Read my 2007 story about my frugal wedding.

*Or, read my follow-up story with more tips from 2008.

*Readers offer their own tips here.

Coupon class video

On Nov. 5 we hosted a coupon class. You can view video segments from my presentation using the links below!

Finding coupons
Making a price book
The binder system

Give the gift of Greenies...

If you're not a member of the PetSmart Pet Perks club yet, there's a good reason to sign up now.

When you join, you will be able to send an e-card to a friend that comes with a coupon for a free Greenies chew.

That could be cool for your friend's dog. Or tell them to get the chew and donate it to the local SPCA.

If you're already a member you can also send a card. Here's the link.

Would you rather have cash?

There was a really interesting Wall Street Journal story recently about the psychology of gift cards.

According to the story:

So why have gift cards grown in popularity when we already have something better sitting in our wallets? The answer is a combination of consumer psychology and opportunistic retailers and card issuers. Consumers see giving cash as crass, and retailers have taken advantage of that to push gift cards.

So what do you think? Would you rather just get cash, or do you think that's a bit tacky? 

Today's coupons are up...

There was one lone coupon insert in this Sunday's paper. We got a Smart Source, but no Red Plum, so don't feel like you were cheated if you were looking for the second insert.

I should note that there are about 300 coupons getting ready to expire this week, so now's a good time to look through your coupons to make sure you've used all the ones you wanted to use before the end of the month.

As always, you can download the new version in Excel below.

Happy clipping!



Document(s):
Find a Coupon 1122.xls

Wiper blade rebate...

Anyone in my family will tell you: I know nothing about cars.

But if you know more than I do and are able to change your own wiper blades, here's a good rebate for you.

Trico is offering up to $20 back when you register on their site and buy select wiper blades. As I understand it, the purchase must be made by the end of the month.

Here's the link. 

A new birthday freebie...

The folks at Rocky Top Hospitality are offering a free entree to customers on their birthday.

Show up at Michael Dean's, Bogarts, Hi5, The Red Room or The Twisted Fork and show your ID to claim your free meal.

The new offer is effective immediately, so if you know someone with a birthday this weekend, let them know!

Discounts from ChannelAdvisor...

RTP company ChannelAdvisor has put out its second annual holiday discounts catalog, featuring special discounts from more than 40 retailers.

There are some big national retailers participating, including Ann Taylor, Dell and Petco.

You can at http://www.channeladvisor.com/holidaycatalog

Dine out on Thanksgiving...

I got a press release telling me that TGI Friday's will be open on Thanksgiving Day.

There are several other restaurants (both chains and independents) open if you don't feel like cooking. But make your reservations soon.

See the full list on our Mouthful blog HERE.

Typo treasures...

If you're looking for a holiday bargain on eBay, you may want to take note of a Texas merchant's blog post.

David Goldstein says that you can find a bargain just by misspelling the name of the thing you want.

Looking for a Playstation? Try "Playstaion" or "Palystation."

Ebay makes suggestions to buyers who are searching the site, he says. But no such courtesy is offered to sellers. And that can add up to a great deal. 

You can read his post here.

Tree lighting at North Hills...

Tonight's the night they light the Christmas tree at North Hills. The lighting won't happen until evening but there are events all day starting at 11 a.m.

From 3 to 7 p.m. there will be ice skating on the Commons lawn and miniature pony rides. From 4 to 7 there will be horse and carriage rides, train rides and other entertainment. The lighting itself is scheduled for 5:40 p.m. 

If you're going with your kids, take your camera. Children will be allowed to visit Santa and parents will be allowed to take photos.

Friday freebies...

It's Friday, so let's do some freebies...

*Oriental Trading is offering a free 2010 calendar here.

*Walmart has a Always Infinity sample here

*Beneful is giving away free dog toys to the first 2,000 people who review a site or a photo on their WagWorld site here.

*And there's a company giving away free doggie sleeping bags. (I know... just the picture is worth the click.) Here's the link.