Research Research RESEARCH!

Before you venture out into the retail environment....whether it is to shop online or shop outside of your home....RESEARCH!  I have just learned about a rebate that I thought was okay to mention online.  There is actually small print stating that we are not allowed to re-transmit this information online to alert any of our friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc.  This is an awesome rebate, too!

My best suggestion would be to always use your search engine when trying to save money.  This rebate, that we dare not speak its name, is definitely available by search engine!  Make a list of items that you love to use around the house.  Go to their website.  Call their customer service department. Ask for coupons....nicely, please!  I have no shame in asking.  I am not afraid of hearing, "No, we do not offer coupons through the mail anymore."  I might just hear, "Sure we offer coupons!  What is your address?"  Watch your local grocery ads for awesome sales!  Check on www.savingstar.com for money to be deposited into your account for using your loyalty card when you check out on certain items (yes, you can use it in addition to store coupons, manufacturer coupons, catalinas, and special "instant" savings offers!).  So what do you do after that?  Save your receipt!  You may just want to save your UPCs as well!  Check from time to time online for rebates for that item!  Rebates usually go on for a period of time, so you have time to get your information together.  There are some blogs that will encourage you to set aside your rebate money for a vacation, shopping trip, etc.  Think about it!  This is money that you would not have had otherwise!  Pretty awesome!

My next piece of advice is to "like" the item's Facebook and Twitter pages.  You never know when a great coupon or sample might be released that you could use!  It will show up in your newsfeed and you will be one of the first to know about it!

I love to go to www.vocalpoint.com and www.smiley360.com and www.bzzagent.com to try new products.  If you like to have parties, you can also sign up at www.houseparty.com and they have the coolest items in party package sizes for you AND your friends to try when new things come out!  RESEARCH, PEOPLE!  =)