Are you ready for another new video?!

In this video, I will show you how easy it is to make your own coffee creamer in less than a minute. You literally need just 2 ingredients (watch the video to find out all the details!).

* Go here to watch the video.

Homemade Coffee Creamer Recipe

Ingredients:
14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
14 ounces whole milk (or use non-fat milk if you prefer)
For extra flavor, add vanilla bean paste, hazelnut extract, unsweetened Cocoa Powder, almond extract, peppermint extract, and/or any other extract or flavoring you like

Store in your refrigerator (I like to store mine in glass containers like mason jars). Also, keep in mind that this creamer should last for about 2 weeks in the fridge.

Don’t forget to check out my How to Make a Starbucks Latte at Home video too!

I am so excited to share with you this video that I recently filmed about one of my favorite topics – yep, you guessed it: COFFEE! In this video, I will show you how easy (and affordable!) it is to make a Starbucks Latte at home. Consider the fact that if you drink Starbucks lattes daily (5 times per week) and spend an average of $4 per latte, you can save yourself a whopping $1,000 every year by making these beverages at home. Check it out…

* If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Starbucks Latte at home:

* Aerobie 80R08 AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
* IKEA Cordless Milk Frother/Foamer
* Finely ground coffee
* Boiling water
* Milk (I recommend using 1% or 2% milk; in my experience, whole milk does not froth as well)
* Flavoring Syrup (optional)

ENJOY!

I am finally back with another video! I have been so busy behind the scenes posting deals like crazy so I have not had much time for anything else including videos. Yes, I know… excuses, excuses! I am pretty darn sure that one of my upcoming New Year’s Resolutions will be to film more videos in 2013!

OK, so on to today’s video! This video details how you can go about stuffing a stocking this Christmas for under $5 (or even for FREE!). Check out my video below for my ideas and tips… and then be sure to come back to share your tips as well.

* If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

HIP Tips to Stuff a Christmas Stocking for Cheap or even Free:

* Stock up on stocking stuffers throughout the year when there are free shipping and % off promotions. One of my favorite sites is Oriental Trading Company; and as I mentioned earlier, you can snag FREE shipping with any purchase (valid thru today, 12/6 only!) which means you can snag a dozen of these Nose Nuggets Gum Bags for just $4.99 shipped (regularly $16!). Check out this post for some other fun ideas.

* Take advantage of all the great freebies and samples posted on Hip2Save.com. To easily view the freebie posts, click on the Freebies Category. As I mentioned in the video, my daughter, Piper, created some adorable free stickers last month (unfortunately, these free stickers are not available at this time ).

* Make sure to browse through all of the great online bargains. For example, Bumble & Bumble offered up 8 FREE Travel-Size and Deluxe Samples and FREE Shipping w/ any order on Cyber Monday so I paid just $6 for quite a few Bumble & Bumble products shipped right to my door. You can find all the current online bargains by clicking on the Online Bargains Category.

* Request FREE Magazine Subscriptions (and even consider addressing kid-friendly magazines to your kiddos as they will likely feel extra special when they get their own mail). Some current free magazine subscriptions can be found below…
- 3 FREE Issues of Cosmopolitan Magazine
- FREE Subscription to LEGO Club Magazine
- FREE 2 Year Subscription to Rolling Stone Magazine

If you have other suggestions regarding how to stuff your stocking for free or on the cheap, please share them with all of us in the comments below. Thanks!

Today’s video gives you a peek at the great samples, freebies and coupons that have arrived in my mailbox over the last 2 weeks or so. Besides just bragging about my goodies (no, that is really not my intention although samples sure to do make me happy!), I wanted to share with you some tips and suggestions….

* If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

Tips for Requesting Samples and Freebies

* For all the current samples and freebies, check out Hip2Save.com regularly (even as much as every hour as popular samples expire quickly!). If you’re worried about missing out on freebies that are extremely limited, consider signing up for Hip2Save’s HOT Text Offers. If you want to quickly access only posts about freebies, click on the freebies category. Also, consider following Hip2Save on Facebook and Twitter.

* Only request samples that you can use, donate or gift. If you don’t have a dog, you don’t have friends with dogs and you have no intention of making a donation to an animal shelter, then DON’T request a free dog food sample. All it will do is sit on your counter, take up space and collect dust.

* Sign up for company newsletters as you’ll often be the first to learn about special freebies, coupons etc. Consider creating a separate email account especially for these newsletters… that way your personal email address doesn’t get clogged. As an example, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury and Live Better America all reward their members with member-only samples monthly (like free soup, cereal, granola bars and more!).

* Follow your favorite companies on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest etc. for access to great offers. If your worried about privacy issues with Facebook, check out these articles for some great tips: 5 Must-Know Critical Facebook Privacy Tips and Top 5 Facebook Privacy Tips.

* Sign up for free rewards programs like Coke Rewards, Recyclebank, Huggies Rewards, and Disney Rewards to earn free product coupons and more.

* Trust your instinct! If you start to fill out a free sample form and something just doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.

Now it’s YOUR turn to do some freebie bragging! I’d love to hear what freebies you’ve received in the mail recently! Please tell so that we can share in the excitement with ya!

As I mentioned earlier this week, Toys R Us is offering up an awesome Crayola sale and promotion through the end of this week. First, all Crayola crayons, pencils, markers, paints, dry erase, Color Wonder and Color Explosion products are on sale buy 1 get 1 FREE. Even sweeter, you’ll score a FREE Crayola Deluxe Game Set ($9.99 value!) with ANY Crayola purchase of $19.99 or more (note this Game Set is located at the customer service center and given to you when you check out).

Since I am off on a road trip soon with the family, this was the perfect week for me to head over to my local Toys R Us store here in Boise, Idaho to stock up on items to entertain the kiddos in the car. And since I was buying items specifically for my kids, I brought along my son, Nicholas. Not only did he help me select the items, but he also had a chance to witness all of the savings I snagged (I am trying mold him into a future Hip2Saver! ). Check out my video below to see the deals that Nicholas and I snagged:

* Go here if you can’t see the video.

Here is a breakdown of the items that we snagged:

Buy 2 Crayola Dry Erase Markers 4 pack $4.99 each
Buy 2 Crayola Window Crayons 5 pack $4.99 each (my kids have already put them to use; super fun product!)
Buy 1 Crayola Color Explosion 3D Set $12.99 each
Buy 1 Crayola Color Explosion Neon Set $9.99 each
Buy 1 Color Game & Activity Set $9.99 (free w/ $19.99 Crayola purchase!)
Total After B1G1 Free Sale = Only $22.97 + tax (and saved $29.96!)

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Today’s video is all about how to score FREE and very inexpensive school supplies and office supplies all year long with the OfficeMax MaxPerks Rewards Program. Come along with me as I head out to my local OfficeMax to snag some great MaxPerks Bonus Rewards deals and more…

* Go here if you can’t see the video.

OfficeMax Max Perks Rewards Program Details

* Head over here to join the Max Perks Rewards Program for FREE (or if you prefer, you can sign up at your local store or by calling 1-866-MAXPERKS. Anyone can join (this program is not just for business folks and teachers).

* Earn a $25 reward in your MaxPerks account every time you spend a minimum of $500 on qualified purchases between January 1st — December 31st. Note that the following items do NOT qualify: computers, tablets, eReaders, US Postal Stamps, gift cards, general use prepaid cards, phone cards, purchases with Retail ConnectSM pricing, and all products sold by RadioShack Mobile™ including mobile phones, mobile phone accessories and service plans.

* Earn a $2 MaxPerks reward for each qualifying visibly undamaged, originally manufactured, ink or toner cartridges of any brand by bringing them to any OfficeMax retail store location – up to 10 ink/toner cartridges ($20 in rewards) per calendar month per member.

* At the end of each month, your account will be reviewed and any rewards that you have earned will be issued by the end of the following month. You can just log in to your account, print your card, and visit any OfficeMax location near you to redeem your rewards (or redeem them online or by phone).

* You CAN use your MaxPerks Rewards Card in conjunction with in-ad coupons and manufacturer’s coupons

* You CAN “roll” your MaxPerks Rewards. This means that you can use existing MaxPerks Rewards to purchase Bonus Rewards items that in turn will generate more MaxPerks Rewards.

* If you forget to have the cashier scan your Rewards Card at the time of checkout or forget to enter it online, do NOT fret! If this happens, just log in to your account, click on “My Rewards” and then in the detailed transaction area, click on Add a Receipt and follow the instructions. Note that there is a limit of seven adjustments per calendar month. Please keep in mind that you must present your MaxPerks ID Card at the time of purchase to earn Bonus Rewards–no adjustments will be made if you forget.

* Reward Cards expire 90 days from date of issuance, except in Florida where they expire one year from date of issuance. The expiration date is printed on the front of every Reward Card issued and is also displayed in your MaxPerks account. Rewards cannot be reissued if they have expired.

* MaxPerk Rewards can be redeemed for almost everything that OfficeMax sells except gift cards, general use pre-paid cards, phone cards, or for OfficeMax brand gift cards.

* You may combine and use up to three Reward Cards in-store or on the phone from the same member ID# in a single transaction. You can only use one Reward Card online. Rewards from different MaxPerks accounts may not be combined.

Click here to check out all the current OfficeMax Deals available.

Today’s video will you take you along with me to price match a few great school supply deals at Walmart. As I have stated previously, Walmart is a great store for all you coupon newbies as it is what I consider a “basic” store meaning you do not have to worry about Register Rewards, +Up Rewards, Extra Care Bucks, buy one get one free sales, Catalina coupons etc. On the flip side, Walmart allows you to snag some awesome deals all in one place with their price matching policy. Don’t believe me?! Check out the video below…

* If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

Hip Tips to Price Match at Walmart

* Head over here and print out a copy of Walmart’s Price Matching Policy (also known as the Ad Match Guarantee). Keep this policy in your coupon binder so that you can refer to it when and if questions arise.

* Familiarize yourself with the types of sales and promotions that CAN be price matched at Walmart:

• Buy 1 Get 1 Free Ads with a specific price noted. For example, Walmart will price match an advertised sale at Albertsons for Buy 1 Tide Detergent at $5 and Get 1 Free. However, Walmart will NOT price match an advertised sale at Albertsons for Buy 1 Tide Detergent and Get 1 Free with no sale price stated.
• Local competitors’ ads that feature a specific item for a specified price. Note that items purchased must be identical to the ad (size, quantity, brand, flavor, color, etc.).
• Preferred shopping card prices for specific items that are in a printed ad. For example, if Rite Aid is advertising Milky Way Bars for $0.50 with your Wellness+ Card, then Walmart will match this price.
• Fresh produce and meat items when the price is offered in the same unit type (lb. for lb.; each for each).

* Familiarize yourself with the types of sales and promotions that CANNOT be price matched at Walmart:

• Ads when the actual price for items cannot be determined and/or Buy one and Get one free (BOGO) ads with no actual price given
• Internet pricing
• Misprinted ad prices of other retailers
• Competitor ads from outside of the store’s local trade territory (note that it is a store manager’s discretion as to what defines a territory)
• “Going out of business” sales or “close out” prices.
• Percentage off Sales
• Competitors’ private label price promotions (i.e. sales on store brand products)

* Be sure to tell the cashier that you are price matching items BEFORE the items are scanned as the cashier will need to manually key in the prices. If possible, separate all the items that you are price matching from the rest of the items in your transaction. This will make it easier for the cashier and will allow you to pay close attention to each item as it is rung up to be sure the prices are keyed in correctly.

* Note that Walmart specifically states that you are not required to have the ad with you when you price match; however, I strongly encourage you to bring along the competitor’s ad(s) as this will make for a smoother checkout process.

* For even more Walmart shopping tips, check out this video filmed back in April 2011 (you may also want to check out my Walmart Store Guide here)…

*If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

How about you? Do you have any tips/suggestions for price matching at Walmart? If so, please share them with us in the comments below!

What do you do when you send your kiddos off to a week-long summer camp and you can’t stop missing them?! Well, you go shopping of course (the Hip2Save way!)! It’s amazing what a little retail therapy can do. If you don’t believe me, check out the video below…

* Can’t see the video? Go here to watch it.

What TO Buy at Warehouse Clubs

(note that Warehouse prices and pictures are featured below on the left; grocery store prices and pictures are featured below on the right)

Fresh Produce like Strawberries

Rotisserie Chicken

Select Dairy Items like Butter

Specialty Cheeses like Pecorino Romano

100% Pure Maple Syrup

What NOT to Buy at Warehouse Clubs

Personal Care Products

Select Baby Items like Diapers and Pull-Ups

Cereal

Condiments

So now that you’ve watched the video and read through my post about what to buy and what not to buy, I would love to hear your thoughts! Do you shop at Warehouse clubs? If so, do you have any tips/suggestions for getting the most bang from your buck? If you don’t shop at Warehouse Clubs, why is this the case?

As I sat on my comfy couch writing up all the office supply deals this weekend, I began to get really excited about all the awesome back to school deals that are available now and that will be available in the weeks to come! And so I decided that yesterday was the perfect day to head over to my local Staples store here in Boise, Idaho to see what sort of great offers and bargains I could snatch up. Check out my spontaneous and very unprofessional video below to find out whether my shopping trip was a success…

Hip Tips for Back to School Shopping at Staples

* Check out Hip2Save.com for the weekly match-ups which are posted every Saturday evening. You can check out the current Staples deals here (and all of the other Back to School deals here.)

* Sign up to receive Staples emails (just scroll down on Staples.com and then click on the button like the one pictured above). This will ensure that you receive great coupons, special offers and more!

* Sign up for the FREE Staples Rewards Program (you can sign up in-store, online or by calling 1-800-333-3330). Staples Rewards members earn 10% back in Staples Rewards on all ink & toner purchases, 10% back in Staples Rewards on all case & ream paper purchases, and 10% back in Staples Rewards on all Copy & Print purchases. Plus, recycle any ink or toner cartridge (up to 10 per calendar month) and get $2 back in Staples Rewards per cartridge. Staples Rewards are issued monthly when the value of the Reward is at least $10 and can be used in-store, online or via phone.

* As soon as you arrive at the store, grab the weekly ad and browse through the pages to be sure that you don’t want to add any additional items to your shopping list.

* Note that many of the extreme deals (typically advertised on the first page of the ad) will be found in bins at the front of the store. Be sure that you note the limit of each offer (do not exceed the limit or you’ll end up paying full price for the item… not hip!).

* If you aren’t able to find an item, be sure to ask a store associate for help. If an item appears to be out of stock on the shelf, ask if any additional stock is available. Also, as you saw in my video above, at first glance, the 5 pack of Sharpie Markers appeared to be completely out of stock; however, I glanced way up at the top of the shelves and low and behold, I discovered 10 packages of these markers.

* When you are checking out, keep your eyes focused on the cash register to be sure that items are ringing up for the advertised price. It is very easy to accidentally grab the wrong item and end up paying full price if you’re not paying close attention.

* As soon as you get home, submit those Easy Rebates right away (note that you will need your receipts so keep them in a safe place)! All you have to do is head over here, scroll all the way down and click on the Rebate Center link under the Customer Service menu, follow the directions, and choose your reward type. Most times, you can choose between a check sent via mail or Paypal (sometimes Visa Gift Cards are an option as well). You do need to allow about 4-6 weeks for the check/Paypal payment to arrive.

OK, now that you have watched this video and read my Hip Tips above, what are you waiting for?! Head on over to your local office supply store and snatch up some amazing deals with confidence!

Do you experience an increased heart rate, profuse sweating, stuttering, or an overall lack of confidence when approaching the checkout zone with your coupons in hand? Or maybe you’re stoked about the great deals you’ve just found in-store until you face a cashier who is having a bad day and isn’t happy with the site of your stack of coupons (…not to mention the long line of customers behind you that are now annoyed by your coupon-saving endeavor!)?

Well, if you experience one or more of these symptoms or have found yourself in this same situation, then this is the video for you!

Enjoy!

“Hip” Tips for Feeling Empowered at the Register:

(1) Know your store’s coupon policy!! For more information, check out the Hip2Save Store Guides found here. If you are not able to locate a coupon policy online for your local store, I highly recommend that you email customer service asking for a copy of the policy/guidelines and/or you can contact the store manager.

(2) Consider dabbling in cashier profiling. Personally, I look for happy and laid back looking cashiers.

(3) Make use of your time waiting in line and organize those coupons! Consider grouping together all of your free and Buy 1 Get 1 free product coupons as these typically require the cashier to manually enter the price of the item.

(4) Stack your coupons in the criss cross method demonstrated in the video as this should prevent coupons from sticking together… especially printable coupons. You may also want to consider handing over your coupons one at a time.

(5) Be respectful and patient! Kill em’ with kindness!

So how about you? What are your tips for having a successful checkout experience? How do you feel empowered at the register?

Congratulations to Natalie, the creator and star of Walk the Aisles (the video above)! Natalie is the grand prize winner of the 2012 Hip2Save Video Contest!! As the big winner, Natalie has won an Apple MacBook Air 11 Inch Laptop! Woo Hoo…Wherever you are, I hope you are jumping up and down and screaming in pure delight!

Thanks again to everyone who entered a video and to all of you who watched the top 4 videos and voted! I had so much fun and hope to do it again in the future.

As I mentioned last week, my sidekicks and I finally selected 4 Hip2Save Video finalists (yep, we could not agree on 3 finalists so we opted for 4 instead). The 4 finalists were selected based on creativity, originality, entertainment value, and mass appeal to Hip2Save readers.

Below, you will find the videos (in a random order!) that were created by each of these 4 finalists. I ask that you watch each video (as many times as you like) and then vote for your favorite video. Please note that there will only be one vote allowed per computer/per email address/per person, so be sure to watch all 4 videos before you cast your vote!

The voting period will end on Wednesday, June 20th, at 11:59PM EST (ends tomorrow!!)

As promised, each of the 4 finalists has already been awarded a $100 Amazon.com Gift Card. Plus, the BIG winner of the contest (as determined by your votes) will also win an Apple MacBook Air 11 Inch Laptop!

VIDEO #1 Walk the Aisles

When grocery shopping, it’s important to prepare and make a plan before heading to the store. Scouring the sales ads and organizing your coupons is vital. But it’s also fun to “walk the aisles” and see what fun bargain treasures you can discover!

(If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.)

VIDEO #2: The Silent Sufferers

Frugal Freedom Fighters are an awesome breed of warriors that prove to people all across the nation that indeed it is “Hip2Save”. With bargain shopping skills that have been refined over years of employing coupon, clearance, and rebate strategies, they have earned and deserve the respect of individuals everywhere. But, what about those less fortunate men that have yet to embrace the thrifty values that lead to savings nirvana. We cannot forget about these silent sufferers.

(If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.)

VIDEO #3: Bagged Lunch

This video is meant to portray the fact that eating/preparing a bag lunch or “simple” meal once a day can save money and still be very exciting. Check it out to see how eating at home rather than going out can be exotic and fun!

(If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.)

VIDEO #4: Menu Planning

Follow Tori as she walks you through the steps to plan meals for your family in a timely and easy to follow manner.

(If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.)

Now that you have watched all 4 videos, head over here to cast your vote!

Thanks again to everyone who entered the contest and to all of you for taking the time to vote for your favorite.

Wow, I had soooooo much fun watching all of your amazing videos. You guys and gals sure are creative, and you made the process of selecting the 3 finalists 4 finalists VERY difficult! Yep, you are reading that correctly. My sidekicks and I have spent the past few weeks watching videos over and over again. It was so hard choosing, and we kept going back and forth… back and forth. After quite a bit of discussion and debate, we decided to have 4 finalists (that’s what happens when you have 3 women who disagree ). With that being said, the 4 finalists were selected based on creativity, originality, entertainment value, and mass appeal to Hip2Save readers.

Below, you will find the videos (in a random order!) that were created by each of these 4 finalists. I ask that you watch each video (as many times as you like) and then vote for your favorite video. Please note that there will only be one vote allowed per computer/per email address/per person, so be sure to watch all 4 videos before you cast your vote!

The voting period will end on Wednesday, June 20th, at 11:59PM EST.

As promised, each of the 4 finalists will be awarded a $100 Amazon.com Gift Card + the winner of the contest (as determined by your votes) will also win an Apple MacBook Air 11 Inch Laptop!

VIDEO #1 Walk the Aisles

When grocery shopping, it’s important to prepare and make a plan before heading to the store. Scouring the sales ads and organizing your coupons is vital. But it’s also fun to “walk the aisles” and see what fun bargain treasures you can discover!

(If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.)

VIDEO #2: The Silent Sufferers

Frugal Freedom Fighters are an awesome breed of warriors that prove to people all across the nation that indeed it is “Hip2Save”. With bargain shopping skills that have been refined over years of employing coupon, clearance, and rebate strategies, they have earned and deserve the respect of individuals everywhere. But, what about those less fortunate men that have yet to embrace the thrifty values that lead to savings nirvana. We cannot forget about these silent sufferers.

(If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.)

VIDEO #3: Bagged Lunch

This video is meant to portray the fact that eating/preparing a bag lunch or “simple” meal once a day can save money and still be very exciting. Check it out to see how eating at home rather than going out can be exotic and fun!

(If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.)

VIDEO #4: Menu Planning

Follow Tori as she walks you through the steps to plan meals for your family in a timely and easy to follow manner.

(If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.)

Now that you have watched all 4 videos, head over here to cast your vote!

Thanks again to everyone who entered the contest and to all of you for taking the time to vote for your favorite.

As I mentioned in the video above, it’s always important to have a copy of the store coupon policy on hand while shopping at CVS. Head on over here to read through the CVS Store Guide, as well as find the updated CVS coupon policy and lots more helpful information.

(Photo credit: Time2Save Workshops)

The next time you’re at CVS be sure to scan your store card at the Magic Coupon Machine to see what store coupons print for you!  I’ve heard that the Magic Coupon Machine may be printing coupons for Tresemme, Gillette, Crest, Aquaphor, and more. Check out these deals you may be able to score:

CVS Pharmacy Cleansing & Makeup Remover Towelettes 6 ct $1.49
Use the $1.50/1 CVS Facial Cleansing & Makeup Remover CVS store coupon possibly printing from the Magic Coupon Machine
Final cost FREE!

Tresemme Shampoo or Conditioner Travel size $0.99
Use the $2/2 Tresemme Hair Care CVS store coupon possibly printing from the Magic Coupon Machine
Final cost FREE!

Also, be sure to check your email as reader, Yuliana, received the following CVS store coupons in her inbox:

* $3 off any Revlon cosmetics purchase (this will sweeten the Spend $10 = $4 Ecb deal through 6/30!)
* $2 off any Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy
* $3 off John Frieda Precision Foam Hair Colour

Here are a few of my favorite deals you can snag at CVS this week, through 6/16:

Softsoap liquid hand soap 8-8.5oz Buy 1 get 1 free
Buy 2 Softsoap Aquarium hand soaps 8.5 oz $2.77 (based on online price)
Use 2 $1/1 coupons found here (must log in or register to be able to print)
Final cost $0.39 each!

Schick Hydro 5 or Hydro 5 Power Select razor 1ct $8.99 = $3 Ecb (limit 1)
Use the $4/1 coupon found in the 6/10 SS
Pay $4.99
Get back $3 Ecb
Final cost $1.99!

Visine Tears 0.5-1.0 oz, Visine-A, Totality 0.5 oz, original, AC, Advanced 1.0 oz or wipes 30 ct $5.49 = $2 Ecb (limit 1)
Use the $3/1 Visine with Hydroblend coupon found here (if included)
Or the $2/1 Visine-A coupon found here or in the 3/11 RP, 4/15 SS, 6/10 RP
Pay as low as $2.49
Get back $2 Ecb
Final cost $0.49!

Wet ‘n Wild cosmetics Buy 1 Get 1 50% off
*Online prices starting at $1.99
Minus 50% off sale = as low as $2.99 for both
Use the $1/1 coupons found in the 5/13 RP
Final cost as low as $0.49 each!

(Photo credit: Wild for CVS)

Post Fruity Pebbles Cup $1
Use the $0.55/1 Post Pebbles Cereals and Treats coupon found in the 6/10 RP
Final cost as low as $0.45! These are great for traveling with kids!

Hershey’s Singles 1.4-2oz 3/$2
Deal Scenario:
Buy 1 Hershey’s milk chocolate bars 1.55 oz
Buy 1 Hershey’s Air Delight bars 1.44 oz
Use the Buy 1 any Hershey’s bar Get 1 Air Delights Free coupons found in the 5/20 SS
Final cost $0.33 each!

Kix Cereal 13 oz 2/$5
Use the $0.75/1 coupon found here (use zip 90210)
Pay $1.75
Get back $0.75 in your Saving Star account
Final cost only $1!

(Thanks, Time2Save Workshops and Wild for CVS!)

Natural and Organic Product Coupons

$0.55/1 any size or variety Nature’s Greens
Horizon Organic coupons (log in or register)
$1/1 any box Cascadian Farm cereal coupon – use zip 62946
$1.50/2 Organic Valley Milks, 64oz or Larger
$1/1 Dozen or 2 6-pk Orgnaic Valley Eggs
$1.50/2 Organic Valley Butters, 1lb or 8oz
$0.75/1 Earthbound Farm Organic product (log in/register)

$1/1 MorningStar Farms Veggie Foods product
$1.50/2 any Organic Mary’s Gone Crackers Products
$1/3 Good ‘n Natural bars
$0.65/1 bottle of C&H Organic Agave Nectar
$1/1 Udi’s Gluten-Free buns
$0.50 off Vidalia onions (5lb minimum loose or bagged)

+ More coupons found here!

Do you have any great tips for eating healthy on a budget and/or for shopping for natural and organic products? If so, please share them with us in the comments below. Thanks!

As I mentioned in an earlier post today, my wonderful, spunky, adorable grandmother, also known as “Ma”, is turning 90 years old on June 22nd. In honor of her upcoming birthday, I thought it would be fun to put together a short video with my favorite clips and memories of her. Hope that you enjoy it!

(If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.)

And to make her birthday extra special, I need your help! If Ma has touched your heart in any way and you would like to send her some happy birthday wishes, please send letters, drawings from your kiddos etc to the following address…

Geraldine Berube
PO Box 1621
North Falmouth, MA 02556-1621

Thanks for helping me make Ma’s birthday extra special!

So what are you waiting for?! Click the play button above or head over here to watch the video!

If this video has motivated you to head out to your local Goodwill store, you may want to take some time to clean out your drawers, closets etc. and take any unwanted items with you to donate. Consider the fact that a donation of a bag of clothes provides someone with an hour of job training AND you’ll score a coupon valid for 20% off your entire purchase every single time you bring a donation into Goodwill (note that the coupon offer may vary by region).

If you don’t happen to live near a Goodwill Store, you can also snag some great deals online at Goodwill’s online auction site, ShopGoodwill.com. Find everything from clothing, toys, tools, musical instruments and much more!

Come back to let us know what sort of great finds you have snagged at your local Goodwill Store or local thrift store.

* A BIG thank you to the staff at the Goodwill here in Idaho… especially Jason Asher, the Donor and Community Relations Officer for Easter Seals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountain! He rocks!

If you haven’t done so already, grab your video camera, grab your buddies, and grab your best money-saving tips & secrets for the Hip2Save Video Contest (you only have 3 days left to enter!).

. Videos should be no longer than 10 minutes and focused on money-saving tips & secrets, living a frugal lifestyle, or simply anything that demonstrates that it is in fact HIP2SAVE! Note that videos will be judged on the following categories:

* Creativity
* Mass Appeal to Hip2Save Readers
* Originality
* Entertainment Value

So put down whatever you’re doing, go film an awesome video, and then send it over! All videos must be completed by 11:59:59 EST pm on May 5, 2012 to be eligible for this contest. Once you have completed filming/editing your video, please email bryn@hip2save.com for further instructions on how to submit the video.

OK, now on to the fun part….the prizes, of course!

The top 3 videos (chosen by the Hip2Save Team) will each win a $100 Amazon.com Gift Card… AND will be featured on Hip2Save.com! Even better, once all 3 videos have been chosen and published on Hip2Save.com, Hip2Save readers will then vote on their favorite video. The grand prize winner will score… drum-roll…

Apple MacBook Air 11 Inch Laptop (in addition to the $100 Amazon Card)! Wow!

If you haven’t done so already, grab your video camera, grab your buddies, and grab your best money-saving tips & secrets for the Hip2Save Video Contest (you only have 13 days left to enter!).

. Videos should be no longer than 10 minutes and focused on money-saving tips & secrets, living a frugal lifestyle, or simply anything that demonstrates that it is in fact HIP2SAVE! Note that videos will be judged on the following categories:

* Creativity
* Mass Appeal to Hip2Save Readers
* Originality
* Entertainment Value

So put down whatever you’re doing, go film an awesome video, and then send it over! All videos must be completed by 11:59:59 EST pm on May 5, 2012 to be eligible for this contest. Once you have completed filming/editing your video, please email bryn@hip2save.com for further instructions on how to submit the video.

OK, now on to the fun part….the prizes, of course!

The top 3 videos (chosen by the Hip2Save Team) will each win a $100 Amazon.com Gift Card… AND will be featured on Hip2Save.com! Even better, once all 3 videos have been chosen and published on Hip2Save.com, Hip2Save readers will then vote on their favorite video. The grand prize winner will score… drum-roll…

Apple MacBook Air 11 Inch Laptop (in addition to the $100 Amazon Card)! Wow!

Good luck and have fun!

If you need a little inspiration, check out the winning video from the 2010 Hip2Save Video Contest entitled The Rummage Sale Lady…

If you can’t see the video, then go here to watch it.

If you are a frequent JCPenney shopper, I am guessing you may be quite familiar with JCPenney’s Best Price Friday shopping event. On the first and third Friday of each month (which is tomorrow!), JCPenney offers up their lowest prices on select items storewide until they sell out; you simply look for the prices marked in blue.

When I first learned about Best Price Friday, I knew I wanted to go check it out. So I grabbed my video camera and headed to the local JCPenney store here in Boise, Idaho. Check out my video below to see how I snagged 5 cute shirts for $10 + tax–no joke! (Note that this was filmed last month.)…

(If you can’t see this video, go here to watch it.)

* Be sure to check out the Best Price Friday Event at your store tomorrow, April 20th, and then come back to let us know what items you snag!

It’s back!! Two years ago, we hosted a Hip2Save Video Contest and had a blast viewing all of the video submissions. So I am happy to report that we are once again hosting another contest!

Grab your video camera, grab your buddies, and get your creative juices flowing. Videos should be no longer than 10 minutes and focused on money-saving tips & secrets, living a frugal lifestyle, or simply anything that demonstrates that it is in fact HIP2SAVE!  Note that videos will be judged on the following categories:

* Creativity
* Mass Appeal to Hip2Save Readers
* Originality
* Entertainment Value

So put down whatever you’re doing, go film an awesome video, and then send it over! All videos must be completed by 11:59:59 EST pm on May 5, 2012 to be eligible for this contest. Once you have completed filming/editing your video, please email bryn@hip2save.com for further instructions on how to submit the video.

OK, now on to the fun part….the prizes, of course!

The top 3 videos (chosen by the Hip2Save Team) will each win a $100 Amazon.com Gift Card… AND will be featured on Hip2Save.com! Even better, once all 3 videos have been chosen and published on Hip2Save.com, Hip2Save readers will then vote on their favorite video. The grand prize winner will score… drum-roll…

Apple MacBook Air 11 Inch Laptop (in addition to the $100 Amazon Card)! Wow!

Good luck and have fun!

After moving all the way across the country from North Carolina to Idaho, I can finally say that I feel completely settled in my new home, my kiddos are adjusting to their new schools and making friends, and I am loving being surrounded by family and even some good friends from high school. Life is good!

With that being said, I felt that it was only appropriate to start off the 2012 Coffee with Collin video series with a film about my new life in Idaho. This video will give you a sneak peek into my new home where I will share some tips for maximizing small spaces, as my new home is definitely on the tinier side.

So you know the drill… grab a cup of coffee (or tea or water!), get comfy on your couch and come check out my new life in Idaho! Enjoy!

* If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

* If you’re having trouble viewing the video, click here.

If you missed the other Coupon Newbie Videos that were posted earlier this week, you can check them out here: Coupon Newbie Video #1 and Coupon Newbie Video #2.

** If you are having trouble viewing this video, click here.

In addition to the Sunday Newspaper, here are some other great ways to snag additional coupons:

* Coupons.com
* Smartsource.com
* RedPlum.com
* All You Magazine
* FREE Gather Together P&G coupon booklet
* FREE P&G Coupon Booklet for Commissary Shoppers
* FREE Laundry Care Coupon Booklet
* FREE $70+ Publix Store Coupon Booklet
* Click here for all the latest coupons posted on Hip2Save

If you missed the Coupon Newbie Video #1 that was posted yesterday, you can check it out here. Stay tuned for Coupon Newbie Video #3 which will be posted tomorrow here on Hip2Save!

If you are having trouble viewing this video, click here.

* For even more detailed information for all you coupon newbies, click here.

You may also want to check out these Helpful posts and videos:

* Buy 1 Get 1 Free Coupon Issues
* Proper Coupon Usage
* The Coupon “Rush”
* Couponing for Newbies
* My Top 10 Couponing Tips
* Where Do You Find Those Coupons?

Stay tuned for Coupon Newbie Video #2 which will be posted tomorrow here on Hip2Save!

* Go here if you’re having trouble viewing the video.

I am so excited about being part of the friendly and fun TODAY.com community. Just like you, TODAY.com readers are frugally-minded, supportive and most importantly, hip! This partnership is an untraveled path for me, for you loyal Hip2Save readers, and for TODAY.com, but I look forward to this journey and hope that you will join me on this path!

Finally, I can’t stress enough that if there is ever one thing on Hip2Save.com that will never change, it is the “hip” content I’ve always posted and ME (cold sores and all! ). I put my heart and soul into writing posts, searching for and testing deals, and most importantly, connecting with all of you…and that will never change.

So, go grab a cup of coffee, find a comfy chair, and take a moment to digest this exciting news! While you’re at it, how about entering to win 1 of 20 TODAY.com coffee mugs or 1 of 200 $5 Starbucks eGift cards? Yep, a total of 220 prizes will be given away to all of you! Good Luck!

If you are interested in entering this giveaway, please click on the giveaway button below…

If you are reading this giveaway post via RSS feed or via email, please click here to enter. Please do NOT email me to enter this giveaway; an email is not an acceptable entry. Also note that comments left on this post will NOT be counted as giveaway entries.

This giveaway will end, Monday, September 5th, at 11:59PM EST, and the randomly selected winners will be announced later in the week. You must be a US Resident to enter this giveaway.

* If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

Did you miss the other Hip2Help Tour Videos?! If so, click below to watch them all…

Video #1: Griffin, GA
Video #2: Alex City & Birmingham, AL
Video #3: Alex City, AL & Memphis, TN
Video #4: Calhoun County, AL

**If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

* Did you see the first three Hip2Help Tour videos? check them out here, here and here!

So, our Hip2Help Tour came to an end on Sunday. It was bittersweet. I definitely felt sad stepping out of that bus… the bus I had called home for the past 8 days. At the same time, I was excited to be able to head to my real home and sleep in my much missed bed.

This tour was an incredible eye opener for me. Life is such a blessing. A blessing we all too often forget is a blessing at all. I am going to make sure to stop and smell the roses… take time each day to really take everything in. Take time to smile, laugh with my kiddos, and spend quality time with my hubby. I have a wonderful life.

Alright, so before posting the 3rd video, I thought you all may be interested in hearing a little bit about how it was traveling in a bus with 9 kiddos and coping with a nasty bug that we all seemed to catch… yes, a total of 21 of us caught this very contagious virus.

I started to feel sick on the night of the 7th and when I woke up on the 8th (at 3:30am due to us having to be in the next town by 9:30am) I knew I was the next victim. I tried to sleep during the long drive and constantly awoke to that horrible nauseous feeling. Once we arrived at the hotel, I could barely walk to our hotel room as the little black dots started to form and dizziness ensued. I literally crawled on the elevator and when I tried to crawl off (according to my husband who was carrying all the luggage) I fainted, hit my head on the elevator door and then threw up all over the carpet in the hotel hallway. Even worse, I threw up right next to a trash can. Yes, it was not fun and pretty embarrassing as all the hotel employees assumed it was a child, but no… just Collin.

And on another note, traveling with nine kiddos. Well, it definitely made things very interesting. Yes, we dealt with rambunctious and wild kiddos. We dealt with tears and fits… kicking and screaming. But I don’t regret, for even a second, the decision to bring them.  They saw and they learned so much in each stop we made. They cried and laughed… and loved! They all know, even more so now, that life should never be taken for granted.

Ok, so here’ the 3rd video… and stay tuned for the 4th video soon (and possibly a 5th bloopers video! )!

** If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

Written, Directed, Edited and Filmed by Isaac Deitz (http://www.tubopopcorn.com/)

* Did you see the first two Hip2Help Tour videos? check them out here and here!

*If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

Written, Directed, Edited and Filmed by Isaac Deitz (http://www.tubopopcorn.com/)

If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

WARNING: This video has a lot of background noise due to the fact that filming took place inside Petco. Be prepared for barking and other loud animal noises.

If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

* Closed Captioning is now available on select videos! To use this feature, click the play button above and then click on the CC button. (A big thanks to reader, Courtney, for transcribing this video!)

“Hip” Tips for Pet Shopping

* Email your favorite companies, let them know how much love their pet food/items, and ask them for coupons. You may be surprised by what you find in your mailbox several weeks later!

* Check out RecycleBank. For example, back in April, I posted about the fact that you could snag coupons for 2 FREE cans of Fancy Feast cat food using your RecycleBank points.

* Print those coupons! In a recent coupon round-up post, I mentioned that you can head over here, register for the Halo newsletter and snag $1/1 Spot’s Stew coupons which made this item only 19¢ at Petco!

* Always be on the lookout for peelie and tear pad coupons… they can often make for some super sweet deals!

* Look for clearance items! I was able to snag some amazing deals by simply going through the clearance bin.

If you live in the Wilmington, North Carolina area, I highly encourage you to check out Petco. The staff is amazing, very coupon-friendly, and provides excellent customer service! You can find Petco at the following location:

324 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 799-2472

A very BIG thank you to Tina Allen (a Petco department manager), Michael, and all the awesome readers who came out to the donation drive this past weekend. I am also so appreciative to all of you who mailed me your free pet product coupons to use for the Hip2Help Tour… thank you, thank you, thank you!

* Closed Captioning is now available on select videos! To use this feature, click the play button above and then click on the CC button. (A big thanks to reader, Courtney, for transcribing this video!)

** If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

**If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupons (also known as BOGO coupons or B1G1 coupons) allow you to purchase one item and Get a second item of equal or lesser value for free! You’ll want to pay special attention to the fine print on the coupon as there is usually a maximum value stated on the coupon (this maximum value is the most that the manufacturer is willing to reimburse the store for the “free” item). For example, in the coupon pictured above, P&G will only reimburse the store up to $3.99 for the CrossAction toothbrush. If the toothbrush is priced at $4.50, you will be required to pay $0.51 out of pocket ($4.50-$3.99) for this “free” item.

How does a Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupon work with a Buy 1 Get 1 Free store sale?

With a B1G1 store sale, you are purchasing 2 like items and then automatically getting one item for free when you checkout. Since you are still essentially purchasing 2 items, you can use a B1G1 coupon in conjunction with the B1G1 store sale to get the both items for free (one is free after the store sale and one is free after the coupon). See the picture below as an example. *Important Note: Read your store’s coupon policy very carefully as some stores (most recently Rite Aid ) may prohibit the use of a B1G1 coupon in conjunction with a B1G1 store sale.

Since you are purchasing 2 like items with a B1G1 store sale, you can use two $ off coupons (one that is applied to each purchased item). For example, the Walgreens coupon policy specifically states “When items are featured in a Buy One, Get One Free promotion, up to two coupons can be used against the items being purchased, as long as the net price does not go below zero for the items being purchased.” * Important Note: Read your store’s coupon policy very carefully as some stores may prohibit the use of two $ off coupons in conjunction with a B1G1 store sale.

Can you purchase 2 like items and combine both a B1G1 coupon AND a $ off coupon?

Hmmm…. check out the video above for my opinion and please feel free to share what you think in the comments.

**If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

Here are some of the Hip Tips that I mention in the video:

* Be a coupon fairy
* Just because an item is not marked does not mean that it isn’t on sale
* You may need to buy something you don’t need in order to get something you do need
* Clearance isn’t always a good deal
* Have fun and don’t get coupon road rage!

* Please note that this video was filmed with my Flip Video Camera (instead of the camera I normally use) so I apologize in advance if the audio/visual quality is not so great.

Because we are still in the early planning stages, I thought that it would be more appropriate to share this project with you in a post instead of the typical “Coffee with Collin” video. As you may recall, I posted a survey about 10 days ago to be completed by those of you who live in a community that was recently affected by the tornadoes and floods. I was so moved by all the responses that I received regarding the amount of devastation that your communities were experiencing, which inspired me in a huge way to want to personally help make a difference. With this desire to give back, the Hip2Help Tour was born.

The Hip2Help Tour will involve the Hip2Save team (including 9 kiddos, ages 3-10!) traveling by bus from North Carolina through Georgia and Alabama within an 8 day period from July 3rd-10th. Our goal is to personally provide community service, host donation drives, host community events with music and entertainment + much more! We are also going to be capturing this special trip on video so that all of you readers can be part of the experience.

How Can YOU Help?

* Send FREE (and unexpired) product coupons as well as gift cards to the following address (please remember that we will not be traveling until July 2011, so please only send coupons that will be valid at that time):

Hip2Help Tour
PO Box 8716
Camp Lejeune NC 28547

* Consider mailing personal care/household/toys from your stockpile to the following address (the most needed items are sunscreen, bug spray, diapers, wipes, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, baby wash, first aid supplies, tampons, baby formula, shaving cream, nonperishable food items that do not need to be cooked, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, trash bags, pet food, can openers, batteries):

Hip2Help Tour
PO Box 8716
Camp Lejeune NC 28547

* If you do not want to spend a bunch on postage, consider packing up all of your samples and trial size items and unopened hotel hair care products etc. and mailing them to the address above.

* Stay tuned for a Hip2Help Tour t-shirt; all of the profits from this shirt will be donated to this tour

* If you own/work for a company that may be interested in sponsoring this tour (with free product coupons, donation items etc.), please send an email to Bryn, and she will email you with further information.

If you live in one of the communities mentioned above, I hope to have a chance to personally meet you in July. Stay tuned for additional posts and videos in the coming weeks with further information on the planned events…

**If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

Enjoy!

**If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

“Hip” Tips for Checking Out With Coupons

(1) Know your store’s coupon policy!! For more information, check out the Hip2Save Store Guides found here. If you are not able to locate a coupon policy online for your local store, I highly recommend that you email customer service asking for a copy of the policy/guidelines and/or you can contact the store manager.

(2) Consider dabbling in cashier profiling. Personally, I look for happy and laid back looking cashiers.

(3) Make use of your time waiting in line and organize those coupons! Consider grouping together all of your free and Buy 1 Get 1 free product coupons as these typically require the cashier to manually enter the price of the item.

(4) Stack your coupons in the criss cross method demonstrated in the video as this should prevent coupons from sticking together… especially printable coupons. You may also want to consider handing over your coupons one at a time.

(5) Be respectful and patient! Kill em’ with kindness!

So how about you? What are your tips for having a successful checkout experience?

**If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

*If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

Hip’s Basic Tips for Walmart Shopping:

(1) Park far away…it’s great exercise and you’re less likely to have to fight over a parking spot.

(2) Subscribe to All You Magazine or purchase a copy at your local Walmart. In this month’s All You Magazine, you’ll find over $75 worth of coupons.

(3) Keep your eyes peeled for those Roll-Back prices.

(4) Read through and print a copy of Walmart’s coupon policy to have with you while you shop. One of my favorite additions to Walmart’s coupon policy is the following: “If coupon value exceeds the price of an item, the excess may be given to the customer as cash or applied towards the basket purchase.”

(5) Be sure to stop by the travel section to make use of coupons that have no size exclusions.

(6) Know your price points. You may also want to check out this post for some helpful information.

(7) Pick an off time to shop to avoid the crowds.

(8) Read through and print out a copy of Walmart’s Price Matching Policy. Try to keep all your price matching items together in your cart to make for a more efficient check out experience. Be sure to point out the items that you are price matching before they are scanned by the cashier.

**If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

Proper Coupon Usage

(1) You can only use one manufacturer coupon per item purchased. For example, if you have 3 $1/1 Colgate toothpaste manufacturer coupons, you can purchase 3 Colgate toothpastes in the same transaction and use all 3 $1/1 Colgate toothpaste manufacturer coupons (i.e. one coupon per toothpaste purchased). This “rule” may seem obvious but many coupon newbies (and even some cashiers/managers) do not always understand the difference between a purchase and a transaction. Since you are purchasing each item, each item is itself a purchase. A transaction is the total of all the items purchased. In this case, the 3 Colgate toothpastes make up your transaction. Still confused? Check out this article.

(2) In some cases, you can use both a manufacturer coupon AND a store coupon for the purchase of one item (this is called stacking). For example, Target allows you to use both a Target store coupon AND a manufacturer coupon for the purchase of one item. This same sort of policy holds true for Rite Aid and Walgreens as well. If you are not familiar with a store’s coupon policy (and whether they allow stacking), I strongly encourage you to read the coupon policy and/or check out my store guides prior to your first shopping trip.

(3) Do not use expired coupons even if they scan! If you have a stash of expired coupons, consider sending them to military families overseas. Check out this post for more information.

(4) If you have a coupon that requires the purchase of multiple items, then you must purchase the stated number of items on the coupon. For example, if you have a $1/2 Ken’s Dressing coupon, you must purchase 2 Ken’s Dressings to use the coupon. Also, keep in mind that this $1/2 coupon is applied/attached to both dressings so you cannot apply an additional manufacturer coupon to either of these 2 dressings.

(5) Read the text on Free product coupons and Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupons and pay special attention to the maximum value allowed. For example, let’s say you have a free product coupon for Axe Shower Gel with a maximum value of $5.99 specified on the coupon. Your store has the Axe Shower Gel priced at $6.99; if you use the free product coupon, you will actually pay $1 for the shower gel since the coupon only allows a maximum of $5.99.

(6) Look Beyond the Picture (i.e. focus on the text and NOT the picture). For example, I have a manufacturer coupon that specifically states “Save $3 off any K-Y Brand product (excludes trial sizes)”; the manufacturer has intentionally placed a picture of K-Y Intense (a rather expensive K-Y product) on the coupon. At first glance, one may assume that you can only save $3 off the purchase of K-Y Intense; however, once you read the text, you realize that the coupon can be used to save $3 off any K-Y product except for trial sizes. That means you could use this coupon to snag K-Y lubricant for FREE or almost FREE!

(7) Have I mentioned that you need to read the text?! Another reason to read that text is because occasionally a coupon may state one per customer. In this case, you can only use one coupon no matter how many items you purchase.

(8) If a printable coupon seems too good to be true, it probably is. Beware of e-mails (even if they are from your friends and family) that attach coupons for free products or other offers that seem “too good to be true.” They are almost certainly counterfeits. To check out a suspicious coupon, head over to the Coupon Information Corporation (CIC) and you can view a list of current counterfeit coupons. You can also report a suspicious or counterfeit coupon that you discover.

Photo courtesy of FritoLay.com

If you come across a coupon with one or more of the following items, keep in mind that this may indicate that the coupon is fraudulent: coupons with NO expiration date; misspellings on coupon; no purchase required to get free product; coupon does not refer to specific size or weight limits for free product; extremely high maximum value for free product (ex. – $5 maximum value for a single bag of Doritos is extremely high considering these rarely sell for over $4/bag at ANY store)

(9) If you want to confirm that a Coupons, Inc. coupon is legit, head over to the Coupon Resource Center and enter the Veri-Fi code found on your coupon (i.e. the unique code that prints on your coupon). Keep in mind that when you go to print a coupon, you should never see the actual coupon on your screen, only an offer to print it. Real coupons require special software to print proper barcodes and limits the number of prints of each coupon. For this reason, you CANNOT photocopy a coupon! Keep in mind that photocopying a coupon, intentionally using a coupon for a product that you have not purchased and/or intentionally using a counterfeit coupon can result in serious legal consequences (to date, the longest prison sentence has been 17 years of jail time and the highest financial penalty has been $5 million in fines!).

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OK, now that you know how to use coupons properly, how about learning about the coupon redemption process. Do you really know how the process of coupon redemption works for stores?! What do stores do with those stacks of coupons that they collect from all of us savvy shoppers? Knowing this information outlined below will allow you to be that much more confident when you are at the register and the cashier mumbles something like “Using coupons rips off the stores.”

Coupon Redemption Process

-Manufacturers design coupon promotions with their sales/marketing teams

-Coupons are distributed via newspaper inserts, direct mail campaigns, via the internet etc.

-A very “hip” shopper excitedly enters the store and proudly uses all of his/her coupons at checkout

-The cashier scans the coupons and puts them into the cash drawer. Typically, at the end of the day the coupons in each cash drawer are added up as if they were cash, and that amount is added to the cash sum to be sure the overall total for the drawer is accurate.

-Once per week, all of the manufacturers’ coupons (and any coupons issued by the grocer) are sent in plastic bags or pouches to the store’s corporate headquarters.

-There is a very lucky person at headquarters in charge of processing the coupons. That person boxes all of the bags of coupons and ships them to a third-party clearinghouse.

-The clearinghouse is then responsible for doing the most important part of the coupon redemption process– separating the coupons by manufacturer or by scannable coupons versus damaged/torn coupons. Most of this process is done by hand. Sometimes coupons are put face up on a conveyor belt and move under a scanner that reads the UPC codes and tallies the amounts. However, damaged and torn coupons have to be tallied by hand. The clearinghouse then sends all the sorted coupons with an invoice to the manufacturer.

-The manufacturer will reimburse stores the face value of coupons or if the coupon calls for free merchandise, for the retail-selling price up to the stated maximum value printed on the coupon PLUS 8¢ for handling each coupon properly redeemed (this 8¢ value may vary slightly). Many times manufacturers, such as ConAgra Foods, will also reimburse retailers that are using a clearinghouse or billing agent at a rate equal to $5.50 per thousand of coupons redeemed.

-The manufacturer either reimburses the clearinghouse for the amount of the invoice, and the clearinghouse mails a check to the store for the amount of the coupons OR the manufacturer sends a check directly to the store and the store then pays the clearinghouse. (The clearinghouse is paid a certain amount per coupon by the store, plus shipping and handling).

(Thanks to HowStuffWorks for some of the info on explaining the coupon redemption process!)

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If you’re ever in need of a specific product and are wondering if there is a coupon available, what better place to search for it than the Hip2Save Coupon Database!? Here at Hip2Save, we’ve created a Hip2Save Coupon Database where you can search for any and all coupons, including home mailers, printable, store-only, in-store, Facebook, and many other types of coupons!

Today, I’m looking to you for input and inspiration on upcoming videos. If you can take a few minutes to fill out this survey, I would be most appreciative. In addition, 5 survey participants will win one of my 5 most favorite things highlighted below:

* Vitamix Blender
* Apple iPad 2
* Designer Jeans (you give me your size/style preference and I’ll do the rest!)
* Keurig Home Brewing System
* Smooth Move Tea 6 pack

What are you waiting for?! Head on over to complete the survey. Thanks for your help!

**If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

So how about you? Where do you stockpile all your goodies? Do you have any creative ways to store items? Please share with us in the comments below.

Enjoy!

**If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

How to Save on Jewelry
* Hit the clearance section (my favorite stores to find discounted jewelry are Target and Walmart)
* Ten Thousand Villages (click on shop, then click on clearance and sort low to high)
* Forever 21
* Wait until items are marked 75% off or more

How to Save on Clothing
* Skip the mall and head to the clearance racks at Target or Kmart (or T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls)
* Tulle (wait for their “Tullesday” Sales)
* HauteLook.com
* Swirl.com
* Rue La La

How to Save on Shoes
* 6pm.com
* Amazon.com
* Browse the clearance section at Target

So…now it’s your turn! What are your tips for snagging shoes, clothing and jewelry at a “hip” price? Please share your secrets in the comment section below.

Enjoy!

**If you can’t see the video, then go here to watch it.

More Ways to Save at the Mechanic…

* Check out your mechanic’s website for special savings. You may also want to consider signing up for the newsletter as you’re likely to receive special discounts and offers. For example, if you head over to the Firestone website, you’ll snag special coupons like $7 off a standard oil change and $10 off select maintenance service. In addition, sign up for Firestone’s email newsletter and you’ll receive exclusive coupons.

* Check out Valpak.com. Enter your zip code and you should discover local deals like discounted oil changes, auto services and more.

* Check out this article for even more tips

** A BIG thanks to Keith and Noreen, the owners of 30 Minute Muffler & Brake Center in Jacksonville, NC. If you live in or near Jacksonville and are in need of a trustworthy mechanic, I highly recommend that you check them out! They are located at 740 Bell Fork Road and can be reached at (910) 353-3160.

Do you have a mechanic in your local area that provides excellent customer service? If so, please feel free to share the name and location of the auto service center in the comments below.

Today’s Coffee with Collin is all about my coupon binder. That’s right… today, you will get an exclusive look at my gigantic coupon binder! Plus, you’ll get lots of tips to make your very own binder!

On a side note, I had a great opportunity to visit with reader, Tambry, from Tennessee. Unfortunately, when I went back to edit the video, I discovered that it was really difficult to hear Tambry speaking. For this reason, I’ve decided to not include my conversation with Tambry in the video below. I’ve also decided to not continue with the reader conservations at this point. I am trying to think about another way to get you all involved, so stay tuned for some possible ideas.

Enjoy!

**If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

As you saw in the video above, my favorite coupon organization method is the three-ring binder with baseball card sleeves and clear plastic dividers. I prefer a standard three-ring binder versus the more expensive zippered binder. Although, I initially started out with a zippered binder, I was unable to zip the binder as my coupon stash expanded (which defeats the purpose). In addition, the binder was so bulky and very difficult to put in my purse. I arrange my coupons by category… you can also arrange them alphabetically.

Coupon Binder Supply List

* Heavy-Duty 3 Ring Binder
(keep in mind that Staples has all Avery Heavy-Duty View Binders at 50% Off with in-ad coupon this week)

* 4 sets of Plastic Dividers 8 count
(I highly encourage you to spend the extra money to get plastic instead of paper …it will be well worth it!)

* Baseball Card Sleeves to hold your coupons
(If you are a newbie couponer, you may only want to purchase 18-20 sleeves initially and then add more as your coupon supply grows)

* Scissors – Every couponer needs these!
(Staples has the Westcott 8″ Recycled Scissors on sale for $2 with in-ad coupon this week)

Build Your Own Coupon Binder on Amazon.com:
(for those of you who would prefer to create a coupon binder from the comfort of your own home)

* Avery Durable View 3 Inch EZ-Turn Ring Binder $9.59 with FREE shipping with Amazon Prime
* Avery Style Edge Insertable Plastic Dividers 8-Tab Set $5.41 with FREE shipping with Amazon Prime
* 25 pack of baseball card sleeves $5.99 with FREE shipping with Amazon Prime
OR 100 pack of baseball card sleeves $13.75 with FREE shipping with Amazon Prime

Wondering what categories I use? Check out these FREE Hip2Save printables below to help you organize your own coupon binder…

* Hip2Save Coupon Binder Cover Sheet
* Avery Style Edge Plastic Dividers (item #11201): Page 1 and Page 2
* Avery Big Tab Insertable Plastic Dividers (item #11901 & 16282): Page 1 and Page 2

As I mentioned in this video, I highly encourage you to print off each store’s coupon policy and place it in your binder. Below are the direct links to the coupon policies of some of my favorite stores…

Rite Aid Coupon Policy
Target Coupon Policy
Walgreens Coupon Policy
Walmart Coupon Policy
* Please note that CVS does not have a coupon policy; however, check out my CVS Store Guide for lots of great tips!

If you are a newbie couponer,  start small. Instead of jumping into a binder (which can be very overwhelming), consider filling up an envelope with coupons. As you become more familiar with couponing and are determined to continue for the long term, then you may want to advance to the binder method or another organizational method of your choice.

Did you miss my past Coffee with Collin episodes?! If so, head on over here to check them all out.

A special thanks to GiftCardRescue.com for providing Tambry with a $50 Starbucks gift card! If you are in the market to buy, sell or exchange unwanted gift cards, be sure to check out GiftCardRescue.com.

Enjoy!

**If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

As you will see in the video above, my favorite coupon organization method is the three-ring binder with baseball card sleeves and clear plastic dividers. I prefer a standard three-ring binder versus the more expensive zippered binder. Although I initially started out with a zippered binder, I was unable to zip the binder as my coupon stash expanded (which defeats the purpose). In addition, the binder was so bulky and very difficult to put in my purse. Although you can arrange your coupons alphabetically, I choose to arrange them by category (stay tuned for next week’s episode as you’ll be able to print off a list of my favorite categories).

If you are a newbie couponer, keep in mind that you may want to start small. Instead of jumping into a binder (which can be very overwhelming), consider filling up an envelope with coupons. As you become more familiar with couponing and are determined to continue for the long term, then you may want to advance to the binder method.

You may also want to consider Jennie’s preferred coupon organization method. Jennie arranges her coupons alphabetically in a plastic box.  She writes each category on a 3×5 card/sticky note, staples the index card/sticky note inside a small envelope and organizes the envelopes within the box in alphabetical order by category (see Jennie’s pictures below)…

Did you miss my past Coffee with Collin episodes?! If so, head on over here to check them out.

Would you like to appear as a phone guest on an upcoming episode of Coffee with Collin?
Be sure to complete the form found here!

A special thanks to GiftCardRescue.com for providing Jennie with a $50 Starbucks gift card! If you are in the market to buy, sell or exchange unwanted gift cards, be sure to check out GiftCardRescue.com.

**If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

Did you miss my first Coffee with Collin episode?! If so, head on over here to check it out.

Would you like to appear as a phone guest on an upcoming episode of Coffee with Collin?
Be sure to complete the form found here!

A special thanks to GiftCardRescue.com for providing Nicole with a $50 Starbucks gift card! If you are in the market to buy, sell or exchange unwanted gift cards, be sure to check out GiftCardRescue.com.

If you want a fun and lighthearted distraction on Monday mornings, then you’ll definitely want to check out this new Hip2Save “morning show.” AND with that being said, here’s the first video…

**If you can’t see the video, then go here to watch it.