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Guest Speaker Interview with Sharon from The Checkout Chicks

Tonight we had our FIRST Evening Broadcast and it was a huge hit! We had a large turnout and we were very happy! On our show tonight we had Sharon who is from CheckoutChicks.com This site is simply a wealth of wonderful information for anyone who is already a couponer or especially for someone who is looking to start couponing. Sharon talked to us about how imporant it is to really start your stockpile by buying those items that your family use and buy them on sale. She also cautioned that in the beginning when you are starting your stockpile you might notice that you are actually spending a little more than you are use to, but remeber that is because you are just starting your stockpile. Once you start to actually build your stockpile you will not have to buy as much, and you can be choosier.

Sharon also discussed how alot of people are worried about starting to stockpiling because you dont have the space, and she explained that you can start with a small space like a close you don’t use and you don’t have to have a huge stockpile. Another thing she said is don’t be afraid you do not need to build a new shed for your stockpile just buy a few storage containers and start small that way. Another thing is if you like name brand items you do not have to stop buying your name brand items, instead use your coupons and buy those items when they are on sale and stock up on your brand name items that way.

Sharon also mentioned how there are several ways you can organize your coupons, one of her girlfriends uses a old baby wipe container and simply puts her coupons in envelopes divided by catagories. You do not have to buy expensive coupon organizers you can be frugal and use things you find in your household like shoeboxes or baby wipe containers etc. Sharon also mentioned that when you start couponing don’t feel like you HAVE to cut out and use every coupon in your Sunday inserts, only cut out the ones you will use and give the rest away to someone else that might be able to use them.  Printable coupons or coupons you print offline was also brought up because alot of stores do not accept them, Sharon recommended finding out your stores policy on online coupons. If they accept them see if you can get a copy of their couponing policy so you have that on hand when go shopping.

Another great tip she shared was check your local area and see if they have Grocery Salvage stores, these are great way to buy your grcoeries cheaply. Maybe the item had a dent in the can or is close to expiring you can really alot by shopping at these type of stores. Also Check to see if you store like Krogers offers double coupons as this is another way to save alot of money! Sharon had such wonderful tips just like above in our interview so please grab your coffee and pen and paper and listen to our show you can listen by clicking here! Be sure to check out Sharon’s site The Checkout Chicks today

ALSO On her site right now:

Here’s your chance to win a new coupon organizer AND a $20 Target gift card. Who doesn’t love to win?!

Every person who subscribes to receive email updates from Checkout Chicks is eligible to win a free coupon organizer. I have FIVE that I’m giving away. So sign up! Go ahead… you know you want to. And it’s easy as pie – just enter your email address below, wait for your activation notice and then confirm your subscription!

Once you subscribe, you’ll receive an email every time our website is updated.

Are you already subscribed? Then sit back and relax! You’re automatically entered too!

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Spend $50 at Kmart and Get $25 GFC

Kmart and Glamour have teamed up to give you a $25 Kmart gift card for every $50 you spend at Kmart (after coupons) through 4/30. Just send your original receipts along with your name, address and telephone number to Glamour at:

Glamour Platinum Rewards
Attn: Promotion Department
4 Times Square, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10036

Receipts must be receievd by 5/13. Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of gift card. It does not say, but I get the impression as though the $50 spent must be in one transaction.

Thank you to Coupon Cravings for this tip

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Top 5 Last Minute Christmas Gifts

Every year you swear that next year you will make sure to get all your Christmas shopping done on time. No more running through the department store picking up the scraps that everyone else has left behind. And just like last year, there you are looking around for last minute Christmas gifts. This list should help you out with some creative solutions while you try to get that last minute Christmas gift this year.

1. Online shopping.

This can greatly reduce the time spent running from store to store trying to find something. This can save you time and money. While many stores may be out of stock, most online stores will have just what you need and many times will have free shipping. Make sure you do your research, it can save you hundreds of dollars if done right. Look for free shipping, and next day air. Also when you find what you are looking for, do one more search for coupons for that product. For last minute Christmas gift shoppers this is the best place to start.

2. Gift Cards

A gift card may be the greatest invention in the history of the world. Okay maybe not but it is in the top 10 in my book. These can be perfect for someone that you have no idea what to get or what size is right. If you know what place they like to shop in then the gift card will always be the right size. For last minute Christmas gift shoppers this is a great idea. The person will get what they want and can shop anytime they want.

3. Cash

Money is a good gift idea for kids, collage students are always in a need for extra money. All you need to do is run out to the local super market and pick up a nice card and toss in some money. Make sure you add a nice personal greeting and you are all set. You can add a note to the recipient to make sure they use the money for something fun. This is also good for children, they can be very hard to shop for even when you have plenty of time. Toys go in an out of style so fast it’s hard to keep track of them all. A child’s face will light up when they see that they have money to get whatever they want the next time they go to the store.

4. Homemade Gifts

Making something to give as a gift is another terrific last minute Christmas gift idea. If you know how to bake, you can make cookies, cakes, or chocolates to give out to anyone. Do you paint? Paint a nice holiday theme picture and get a nice frame. You can knit scarves or hats if you have that skill. Anything that you are good at can make a really nice thoughtful gifts.

5. Potluck

This one is last because it actually takes time to think ahead. And if you did that then you would not need a list of last minute Christmas gifts. But, if you take the time throughout the year and pick up small things while you are out shopping and place them in a box. You will end up with a good amount of gifts to pick from when you are ready to start shopping. Most people during the year will see something that you think would be a nice gift for someone and just move along. Pick it up and have it on hand.

Another option is to stock up on small presents throughout the year. Maintaining a treasure chest of last minute presents in storage can eliminate the last minute gift giving problem. Get an assortment of useful, peculiar, or fun items to give out, and keep a stock of wrapping paper on hand as well.

At Christmas, it is the thought behind the present which counts. A thoughtful card, offer of flowers, or another similar gesture can make a big impression on a recipient. When looking for a last minute Christmas gift, think about your connection with the recipient, and what kind of presents would delight him or her and deepen your relationship.

Here are some homemade Christmas gift ideas for your last minute Christmas needs.

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6 Tips for Sticking to Your Budget This Christmas

Every year there are reports on the news about how deeply in debt people become every Christmas. It is possible to have a nice Christmas without maxing out the credit cards.  Here are a few simple tips that could save you a bundle.

Hide the credit cards – By not using credit cards you are already a step ahead of the game.  There’s no worry about the interest and all those payments that come due after the first of the year.  If you are already using credit cards carefully you might be able to continue using them for Christmas gifts, just be sure to pay it off when the bill comes due.

Make a list – Sit down and make a list of all the people you would like to give gifts.  Once the list is made, stick to it.  Decide how much to spend on each person and write it beside each name. Then when you go shopping there will be a price range for each gift. It will help avoid overspending. Even a dollar over expected spending can add up if there is a large shopping list.

Draw names – Many families help cut back on holiday spending by drawing names. Each person in the family only shops for one other person whose name they have drawn.  Instead of buying several gifts, even if they are inexpensive, each person can get one nicer gift.  This makes shopping easier too. Instead of trying to fill a huge list, just take your time and focus on getting that “perfect” gift for just one person.

Shop ahead – Get organized and have good hiding places.  By doing this you can purchase Christmas gifts all year round, taking advantage of after Christmas sales, out of season and clearance sales.  Go ahead and wrap and label the gifts. This helps keep people from seeing what was purchased and you won’t forget which gift was for whom.

Lay-away – Some stores offer a lay-away program, so you can pay a little at a time each month.  By doing this, you can budget things out over a period of time. By combining this with the list and budget plan, you can cut out the interest incurred using credit cards and still make a monthly payment.

Gift cards – While gift cards are convenient for gift giving, many people feel they are impersonal.  Gift cards can also help you shop on a budget, if shopping ahead of time.  Purchase the gift cards in the amount you can afford each week or month.  Tuck them away in an envelope in a safe place until you have the amount needed to purchase the gifts.  You can keep an eye out for sales on certain items this way, as well.  Be sure to check to see if the cards have an expiration date. Some expire after a certain time once activated and others have no expiration date at all. Some are even “rechargeable” and more money can be added as needed.

No matter what plan you choose, the best thing is to get organized and plan ahead.  Spur of the moment shopping is the worst for anyone’s budget.  It’s too easy to just grab something on impulse and blow the best of intentions.

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Freebies for Tuesday

Free subscription to Making Music magazine here.

Free coffee at World Market while supplies last – find out more here.

4 free song downloads from Tic Tac Chill here

Free Joy Around the World Vol. 2 CD here. It says every one in 5 people get one.

Free .01 oz sample of Clinique Happy Perfume here. This one is for Facebook users only.

Also for Facebook users only, become a fan of Sears on Facebook here and get a $5 gift card (first 10k only).

Free sample of Cream oil body lotion for extra dry skin from Dove here.