Sundress

Today I found a cute little $40.00 (retail) lined sundress which wasn't marked down, even though it was on the clearance rack. Of course, I went to check the price, and it was indeed marked down to $8.00. I had a $5.00 reward waiting for me to use, plus I had a 20% off coupon. So my cute little dress with tax was only $2.60!!! Perfect for this time of year!

Birthday Dress

I received a $10 Rewards coupon for my birthday from JCPenneys. So I went to see what I could find. I tried on several things but finally decided on a cute little long sleeve dress. It originally was $60, on sale for (I thought) $23.99. I took it to the cashier, presented my coupon plus an additional coupon for 25% off. The dress was actually less than on the tag, so with the discounts, it was only $7.99. I was told that it looks "hippie modal." :)

Homemade No-Bake Oat Bars

Do you like granola type bars for snacks? I do. I found a great recipe on Facebook (but I can't remember whose it was...sorry! There are many.). These yummy bars are all natural and have less processed ingredients. Not sure if there is less sugar, but they're easy to make and a lot cheaper than a box of store bought bars.

They only have 5 ingredients:
1 1/2 cups oats (plain or can be toasted)
1 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup honey OR maple syrup
1 cup of chopped dates

You mix the oats, almonds and dates together.
Then you melt together on a low heat, the peanut butter and honey (or syrup) and mix it with the dry ingredients.
Then you spoon the mixture into a paper-lined pan and press it down.
Then refrigerate for two hours or more.
Then cut into pieces.

I like the maple syrup better, but you may like honey. I also use natural peanut butter. But they are so easy to make, and quick. They may be crumbly when you try to cut them, but that just makes for good granola to munch or to put on cereal. ;-) You can also add other ingredients you like, such as chocolate chips or raisins, etc. It wasn't my recipe but I make them a lot now! You might want to try them.

Buy More to Save

It may seem counter-intuitive to spend extra money when shopping. But certain stores offer gift cards for buying a certain number of products. For instance, if you buy a double pack of toothpaste, it may be on sale for $4.99 each. But if you buy three packs, you are offered a free $5 gift card. Or if you purchase a bottle of detergent, it may be $11.99 each. But if you buy three bottles, you can get a $10 gift card. So it's almost like getting one free.
Target offers these kinds of promotions on varying products. It would be crazy to buy products you never use. But if it's something you use all the time, why not stock up and have the money to spend on your next trip.

Just Ask

I've said it before, but I feel I need to say it again...Don't be afraid to ASK if you're not sure about a price. It may not seem important to you and some people don't like to bother, but if there's an item you really want, it may become something worth trying.

I was looking in a clearance section of the store the other day, and I found a pair of yoga pants there. It was marked the original $36 with no discount tag. So I first thought they must be in the wrong section.

But I tried them on and they fit perfectly. So I wanted to at least ask about the price. It turned out they were in the right section and were 90% off. So they were a whopping $3.60!

Can't beat that! It's worth the effort to go to a price checker machine, the customer service desk or even the main checkout to find out what the current price of something is. If you don't ask, someone else will.

Travel Savings

One of the hotels I like to stay in when I travel is Extended Stay America, mainly because their rooms have full kitchens. Being a vegetarian, and to save money, I like to take my own food with me. 

Extended Stay has always had fairly similar rates to places which don't have kitchens, although maybe slightly higher. But they also just started a rewards type of program called Extended Perks, which offer weekly deals and rewards.

I was traveling last week, so when I went to make my reservation online, it was one price with a AAA discount of $4. Then I saw the new perks program and just thought I would check to see if there was a better price before I purchased. The program gave me an ADDITIONAL 30% off! So I was so happy that I had taken the time to check on it.

Even the desk clerk was surprised at the price I received, saying that the most off she has seen was 20%. Of course, even that would still be good. But my stay cost less than it would have been at a Motel 6, which basically offers nothing extra. So it pays to shop.

Senior Perks

Qualifying for senior perks can be a little depressing, although I'm so thankful for everyday of my life, I've gotten over the shock and awe that comes with actually being a senior. Different places have different rules about what their senior age is, so you may have to ask if you don't see it listed. It can start anywhere from 50 years old on usually, although some places make you wait until you're 62. 

Restaurants, theaters, even some stores have senior discounts available. You often have to know about them, although occasionally, the clerk may ask you if you qualify. I don't go that many places where I can claim my privilege. But you can bet I do if it means I can save money.

I love coffee, and I just happen to like McDonald's coffee. That's about the only thing I purchase there (besides the occasional small fries). But I simply ask for a "senior" coffee, and I get the same cup at a cheaper price...and refills are free.

Not bad. It's always nice to be appreciated, and there are many senior discounts available in the neighborhood. So don't be afraid to ask for it if you qualify.

Save that Change

I'm sure we've all heard that we should try to save the change in our pockets every day. I finally started dong just that, and am not ashamed to pick up change off the sidewalk either. Those pennies add up.

I am a bit of of a collector, and love banks. So I counted out one of my banks which I have filled this past year, and rolled up the coins. I had over $110.00! Not bad, eh? :))

After Sales

You probably got your fill of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, and even leading up to Christmas, you may have become exhausted trying to find that right gift at the right price. But, if you still have some energy left to shop, you may want to see what all is available at after Christmas sales.

I've tried to stay away from the stores since I know it's hard to resist great prices. But most stores give such easy access online now, I have looked to see what I could find. So far, I've only bought one item at half price and with free shipping. Yay, me! But believe me, I've tried hard to behave and not spend needlessly.

I do suggest you look online at your favorite store(s) and see if there's something you've been wanting for yourself that might be on sale. Now is the time to get a great deal.

Shopping for Family

So I know you wouldn't be at all surprised if I mention all the terrific sales I've seen since Thanksgiving. I have a few fun stores where I shop, but of course, you can never beat Kohl's. 
While I've been shopping and trying to save as much money as possible, you might be happy to know that I've seen several things I would have loved myself, including a $50 stuffed giraffe. But I was a good girl and left it all at the stores. I was, however, sure to tell Santa about those items. 
While I was at Kohl's, I found a really cute and patriotic Urban Pipeline hat. It is light enough for the desert, it's good for traveling and it has snaps on both sides if I want it up away from my face. It was a $20 hat, on sale for 90% off. Yes, that made it $2, plus a 15% coupon, which made it only $1.60.
You may not think it's cute, but I like it a lot. I love to celebrate the USA, and I also found a similarly flagged fanny pack and headband, also at 90% off. So I got the hat, a fanny pack and a headband for about $5. And I'll wear them with pride!

Now is a good time to shop because the closer we get to Christmas, the better the sales. And yes, I did buy for the family too.