Videos
New Video: Back to School Shopping at Staples
This Hip2Save.com Deal was hand-posted on Tuesday, July 10th, 2012 at 1:27 pm.
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!
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How Do YOU Feel More Empowered by Using Coupons at the Register? (+ My Video Tips)
This Hip2Save.com Deal was hand-posted on Monday, July 2nd, 2012 at 1:34 pm.
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?
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The Grand Prize Video Contest Winner is…
This Hip2Save.com Deal was hand-posted on Wednesday, June 27th, 2012 at 11:51 am.
(If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.)
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.
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Hip2Save Video Contest Finalists (Reminder to Cast Your Votes by Tomorrow!)
This Hip2Save.com Deal was hand-posted on Tuesday, June 19th, 2012 at 12:16 pm.
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.
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Hip2Save Video Contest Finalists (Cast Your Votes!)
This Hip2Save.com Deal was hand-posted on Wednesday, June 13th, 2012 at 12:49 pm.
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.
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CVS: Come Shop with Me (+ Possible Coupons Printing from Magic Coupon Machine & More!)
This Hip2Save.com Deal was hand-posted on Monday, June 11th, 2012 at 1:21 pm.
Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit a CVS and film a short video with the TODAY.com crew. Check out the video below to see how I snagged some fantastic deals on personal care, grocery, and household products and then be sure to check out my favorite CVS deals for this week as listed below.
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!)
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Come Shop With Me at Whole Foods (+ Share Your Natural & Organic Shopping Tips)
This Hip2Save.com Deal was hand-posted on Tuesday, June 5th, 2012 at 3:44 pm.
Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit a Whole Foods and film a short video with the TODAY.com crew. Check out the video below to see how I snagged some fantastic deals on natural and organic products and then be sure to check out all the great natural and organic product coupons listed below.
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!
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Ma Turns 90… Help Us Celebrate!
This Hip2Save.com Deal was hand-posted on Thursday, May 24th, 2012 at 1:46 pm.
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! 
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Coffee with Collin: Shop With Me at Goodwill
This Hip2Save.com Deal was hand-posted on Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 at 2:29 pm.
Today’s Coffee with Collin episode will take you shopping with me at a local Goodwill Store here in Boise, Idaho. Besides the fact that Goodwill offers up awesome deals on used items like clothing, toys, furniture, shoes and much more, the money you spend and donations that you make at Goodwill also go right back in to your community. This money is then used to train and employ members of your community and to provide personal and family support services (Goodwill served a whopping 4 million people in 2011!). So your Goodwill shopping is essentially helping both your budget and your community… love that!
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!
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Reminder: Only 3 Days Left to Enter the Hip2Save Video Contest (+ Possibly Win a Apple MacBook!)
This Hip2Save.com Deal was hand-posted on Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 at 2:56 pm.
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!
