Online shopping

Couponing 101-Couponing Terms & Abbreviations

There are soo many terms and abbreviations that it can seem overwhelming especially if you join a message board looking for coupons and freebies. I have compiled a list below to help you learn and understand the coupon lingo.

AC = After Coupon
ACTUALS = The actual item as opposed to a coupon for it (an item from your stockpile)
ADDIE = Address
AR = After Rebate
BIL = Brother-in-law
BLINKIES – instore smartsource coupon dispensed near product, usually from red blinking box
BOGO or B1G1F = Buy one get one free
BOLO = Be On the Lookout
BTFE = Box Tops for Education
BTW = By the way
B&M – Brick & Mortar, as opposed to an online store
CAT or Catalina = coupon dispensed at register after purchase, usually has a red border
CBAD = Chef Boyardee
CLFE = Campbell’s Labels for Education
CO = cents off coupon
COH = Cut Out Hunger
CRT = Cash register tape
CYE = Check your email
DB = The HotCouponWorld database
DCRT = Dated cash register tape
DCRTC = Dated cash register tape with the price circled
DD = Dear Daughter
DH = Dear husband
DIL = Daughter-in-law
DS = Dear Son
DW = Dear Wife
DND = Do Not Double (the coupon is not supposed to be doubled)
DOUBLE COUPON = coupon that a grocery store doubles in value
ECB – CVS Extra Care Bucks earned for purchases
ENVIE = Envelope
EPOP = Each pay own postage (trading term)
ESR = EasySaver Rebate (Walgreens Monthy Rebate)
ETA = Edited to add
FAR = Free After Rebate
FIL = Father-in-law
FLIP = Food Lion Internet Printable
FREE ITEM COUPON = A coupon that allows you to get the product completely free
FSOT = For Sale or Trade
GDA = Good Deal Alert
GG = Grocery Game
HBA = The health and beauty aid section in the grocery store
HCW = Hot Coupon World
HDA = Hot Deal Alert or Home Delivered Ad
HL = Have list
HT or HGT = Hang tags for refunds or coupons hanging on a product
HTH = Hope this / that helps
IMO = In My Opinion
IMHO = In My Humble Opinion
ISO = In Search Of
IDSO = In Desperate Search Of
IVC = Walgreen’s Instant Value Coupon ( Found in the monthy EasySaver Catalog )
IVDSO = In Very Desperate Search Of
IP = Internet Printable
JMHO = Just My Humble Opinion
KWIM = Know what I mean?
LFE = Campbell’s Labels for Education
LMK = Let Me Know
MIL = Mother-in-law
MIR = Mail In Rebate
NAZ = Name, address, zip code
NED = No expiration date
NP = No problem
NBPN = No Beer Purchase Necessary
NWPN = No wine purchase necessary
OAS = a coupon that is good on one purchase, any size
OOP = Out of Pocket
OOS = Out of Stock
OP = Original Poster; Author of a thread
OSI = On a single item
OYNO = On your next order
OT = Off Topic
P&G = Proctor & Gamble Sunday supplement coupons
PEELIE = coupon that you peel off the package
PITA = Pain in the ***
PLMK = Please Let Me Know
PM = Private Message
POP = Proof of purchase
PP = purchase price
PPHF = Paypal handling fee
PSA = Prices Starting At or Public Service Announcement
Q or QUALIFIER = The POP required for a refund offer that is physically taken from that package
RAOK = Random act of kindness
RC = Raincheck
RP = Red Plum Sunday Supplement Coupons
RR = Register Rewards
SAHM = Stay At Home Mom
SAHW = Say At Home WIfe
SASE = Self Addressed Stamped Envelope
SCR = Rite Aid Single Check Rebate
SD = Store Display
SF = Store form
SIL = Son or sister in law
SMP = Specially Marked Packages
SS = Smart Source or Sunday Supplement coupons
STACKING = Some stores allow the use of more than one coupon per item, IF the coupon itself does not restrict such usage.
SUPER DOUBLES or DOUBLES = coupons that are doubled $1 + in value (ie, a $1 coupon = $2, etc)
TEAR PAD = A pad of refund forms or coupons found hanging from a store shelf or display
TIA = Thanks in advance
TMF = Try Me Free
TRIPLE COUPON = a coupon that a grocery store triples in value
TYVM = Thank you very much
V = Valassis Sunday supplement coupons
WINE TAG = coupon, usually for $ off any meat, cheese or produce.
WL = wishlist
WPN = Wine purchase necessary
WSL = while supplies last
WT = winetag
WYB = When You Buy
YGEM = You’ve got a email
YGPM = You’ve got a private message!
YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary= success of the attempt may vary at your store
YVW = Your very welcome

Online shopping

Choosing the right Wahm Business

When you are considering working from home, there is a set of decisions that must be made. First, you must decide whether or not working at home is right for you. Next, you need to consider what type of work at home job you will be doing. There are many opportunities for Wahms out there, both offline and off. Having a successful Wahm career starts with evaluating your own skills and requirements in a job and then finding the right match.

Sometimes the best place to start with your Wahm career is where your out of the home career ended. Many women find that they can become independent contractors in the field that they previously worked in. You can use your previous work experience as a launching pad for your Wahm career. Some of the ways to use your experience to your advantage are: finding a company that hires people in your field to work from home, using your previous experience to become an “expert” writer in your field or starting a business related to your previous field.

However, some women look at their Wahm careers as a way to break out of their old job. If you’d like to try something completely different, there are plenty of opportunities for entry-level work as an independent contractor. Many of these jobs deal with telephone or online customer service. When you work as a customer service agent from your home, you just need a reliable Internet connection and a working phone. Companies also hire medical transcriptionists, data entry professionals and virtual personal assistants to telecommute.

If you want to start your own business, the opportunities are very vast. You can start with a direct sales company and sell products from an established brand to friends and neighbors. You’ll make commissions through your sales and also off of recruiting other people to sell the products. There are hundreds of direct sales companies that offer everything from aromatherapy products to candles to cooking supplies.

Another option for starting your own business is offering a service in your community. Day care center operators, florists, professional organizers and hairdressers all have the option of working at home, among many other professions. Of course, starting a business in your community normally means that you’ve had some experience in that field. However, there are some small business ideas that can be started without much experience at all.

Many women turn to the Internet for a source of at home income. The World Wide Web offers a plethora of job opportunities. You can offer your services online as a freelance web designer, writer or virtual assistant. You can also start an online store that sells products that you make yourself or have the rights to resell. Many Wahms establish their businesses online by using one of the popular auction sites, like eBay. Still others find a home in internet marketing, by directing web traffic to a website and then recommending certain products and services.

Decide first what type of job you’d like to do and then work from there. If you are truly a people person and need to get out each day, direct sales or a local service business might be right for you. If you are the type of mom who lives online and is comfortable with the Internet, try finding a job or starting your own business on the web. If you like the comfort of having a weekly paycheck, look into telecommuting positions.

Once you’ve decided what category of job you’d like, do some research on what it takes to be successful at that type of business. If you feel like you are drawn to one particular business or company, then sit on your decision for a week and see how it feels. Imagine what your life will be like as you take on the duties of that job. Most importantly, be realistic with yourself about how much time you can devote to your business. Finding the right match isn’t hard when you thoroughly consider your options.

Online shopping

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.

Online shopping

There IS an Easier Way to Shop for Christmas Gifts

“Baby, it’s cold outside!”

Those are the words to a famous old song that was written by Frank Loesser and recorded by dozens of famous singers. They certainly apply to the weather that usually accompanies Christmas shopping….but there really IS and easier way. You really DON’T have to go out there, park about 5 miles from the entrance to the mall and be nearly frozen by the time you get there, fight the crowds, lose your temper, your dignity or your mind. No, you really don’t!

You can shop online from the comfort of your nice warm home. Everything that is available at the mall is also available online and they will bring it right to your door. You can even have some things wrapped and sent directly to the recipient.

Online shopping is easier and safer than ever now. You can find everything you want. The only catch is that you must do your Christmas shopping early. You can’t wait until Christmas Eve to go online and shop for Christmas gifts for your friends and family. Internet shopping is miraculous but it isn’t instantaneous.

You will find that many of your favorite department stores and discount stores offer online shopping. Just about any specialty store that you can find in the mall, you can also find online. You can order gift baskets, flowers, specialty food gifts, and almost anything you can think of online. Do your Christmas shopping online and save yourself a lot of hassle!

Online shopping

Great Alternative To Ebay!

If you are anything like me, I am always looking for great ways to network with other Work At Home Moms! And I have to say I have joined a wonderful community I just had to SHOUT about! This site is called the Blue Fuzzy Slippers, now what is the Blue Fuzzy Slippers you might ask? Well it is a great place to open a storefront and to sell your wares from, but there is soo much more to this wonderful site then just selling your items!

Fuzzy Blue Slippers is part of the Divapreneur organization I mentioned on the air on Tuesday! They will be launching their first Magazine issue in January and yours truly is delighted to be an editor this great new Magazine for Wahm’s! Their other networking site Fuzzy Blue Slippers offers storefronts similia

r to Ebay for only $20 a year! And if you would like to take a test drive of a storefront to see if it something you would like they offer a two month FREE trial! Now it does not get much better than that! You can list as many products as you want and try it out for FREE!

FuzzB is a networking community, and online marketplace offering FREE and affordable advertising, marketing and networking! Some of the great options of your store fronts is that you have the options of using a BUY IT NOW service for FREE or their latest great thing  is you can add SWAP link to your auctions meaning you are willing to swap products with other WAHM’s! Now Ebay doesnt even do this! And all this for $20 a year when Ebay charges you $15 per ebay store per month!

Some of the other great features is they have a coupon section where you can offer members of FuzzyB a special discount coupon especially to your site which in return means FREE advertising for you! They are also going to be adding diffrent groups you can join to network with and a forum to meet other WAHM’s! So if you are looking for an affordable to make some extra Christmas spending cash this year I highly suggest you look into to the FuzzyB site where you will meet some wonderful WAHM’s just like yourself!

Angie

Online shopping

Old Navy HUGE Clearance Sales

I visited TWO of our local Old Navy Stores this weekend to pick up some uniform pants for my teenager and they had a TON of their summer and light fall clothes on clearance anywhere from 70-80% off. And I have heard from other friends all over the US that their Old Navy Stores are having the same deals! You can stock up on next years summer clothes for as little as $2 a piece! Or great for your early Christmas Shopping!

Online shopping

Give Your Small Business a Boost by Accepting Credit Cards

In today’s market credit cards are used more frequently than cash, and if you are not accepting credit cards with your business you could be missing out on a ton of sales. Personally 80% off all of my purchases are made using my credit card, it makes for secure online shopping and it elevates the hassle of having to carry to cash. A lot of Americans feel the same way and when making online purchases most customers will prefer to pay using their credit card rather than a third party company such as Pay pal.

With Online Check you get the opportunity to try out their services for a full thirty days completely risk free. You will have no fees, no contracts plus you get a free credit card machine for credit card processing for your business. Take your business to the next level; be able to accept orders in your store, online or over the phone with the convience of a FREE Credit card machine. And with their no hassle thirty days free trial, it will allow you to try out their service and the convience of accepting credit cards for your customers today.

Online shopping

Kmart Double Coupons Petition

IN a few Kmarts around the US they have been dabbling in offering customers double coupons up to $2 which can really save you some  BIG Money!! Well there is an online petition going on right now that I think is well worth a look at!! Any way we can save in this tough economy is well worth it!!

Kmart Double Coupons Campaign

In the last few weeks, Kmart has been testing “Super Double Coupons” in select stores. It is our hope that Kmart expands it’s “Super Double Coupons” promotion nationwide. Please click on the following links to learn more about letting Kmart know your desire for the “Super Double Coupons” promotion to come to a store near you. Don’t forget to sign the petition!

Kmart Double Coupons

Thanks for Coupon Cravings for sharing this information