Discover How To Survive The Recession With Our Easy To Implement Ideas On How To Save Money, Pay Off Debt and Live More Cheaply!

Subject: Coupon Strategies for Families on a Food Budget  

Hi Friend

It’s a rare family that’s not on a food budget.   The family food shopper searches for any way possible to cut back on the amount of money spent on food.   One of those is using coupons.  

Conservatively speaking, there are millions of coupons circulating every day that could cut your food budget by 30 to 50% - even more if you’re willing to turn couponing into a passion. 

Even the casual coupon clipper can become quite successful overnight and with more work and dedication become a super saver shopper.   You have to be patient, flexible and perhaps give up your favorite brand, but it can be done and you can save a lot of money.

Remember, coupons are designed to sell a certain product and get you in the store but if the item is not one you need and use, then saving money on that item is a moot point.

Food coupons can be found anywhere.   The Sunday newspaper is usually the best source but also look on line, at public libraries and at coupon swap boxes at the store itself.   Some stores issue coupons at checkout for use on your next trip.   Be sure and note expiration dates and if a cash value is offered.   Don’t let them expire and go to waste.

Organize before you shop.   Keep coupons sorted by food type in an easy to search through container and match coupons with needs on your grocery list.    Some coupons have mail in rebates.   Beware of this and follow up.

Sign up for a store loyalty card that usually offers coupons plus bonus points that are cumulative each time you shop.   Using a store’s own credit card can lead to double points and free item coupons. 

When you combine regular coupons with sale prices, you’re becoming a super saver.    If a coupon item is not on sale and it’s not an urgent buy wait until it’s on sale.   Be on the lookout for sale and bonus points tags.

Compare ads.   It may pay you to drive to more than one store if it’s an item you need, have a coupon and it’s not available anywhere else.   But, before you burn up extra gas, ask if the store honors its competitor’s coupons.   Many will do this just to keep you in the store.   You can call ahead to save a trip.

Don’t be susceptible to the 2 for a dollar marketing tool unless it’s to your advantage with a coupon.   If you need two of the item go ahead and buy them; but save by buying only one if that’s what you need.   For example, the sign may read:   15 limes for a dollar.   Unless you’re a big lime user, some could go bad before you use them.

There was a time when some shoppers felt using coupons was not appreciated by the grocer and hesitated to use them.   They didn’t want to hold up the line while the checker scanned coupons.

It’s a faster and easier method now with computers.   Some of these strategies may not be right for you.   It takes practice and patience, trial and error.   If stretching your food dollar is your goal, there are few better ways than using coupons.

There’s some fantastic information which you may find useful if you really want to become a Coupon Power Shopper – take a look at it here: http://www.paulpduxbury.com/goto/groceryshopping/

Take care

Paul

Subject: Would Debt Consolidation Work For You?

Hi Friend

If you have a multitude of credit card bills, one option you can utilize to pay off most of them is through debt consolidation.

For example, let’s assume you have several credit cards with high interest rates.  The monthly payments are becoming more difficult to pay, and you feel as if the hole you are in is getting deeper and deeper.  There are several options available to you.

First, you can consolidate the debt by taking out a home equity loan.  If you have a good credit rating, meaning the FICO score is 700 or more, your chances of obtaining a loan are very good.

Second, you can obtain a loan from your bank.  Again, depending upon your credit history, the amount and interest rate will be determined accordingly.

Third, you can call each credit card company and renegotiate the interest rates.

Finally (and this is the last resort), if you have a credit card that is offering a very low interest rate, and if the interest rate will be set for more than a year, then you can use that card to pay off the high interest rate credit cards and just have one credit card bill to contend with.

If none of these options are applicable, the best advice most experts offer is to seek credit counseling with a certified organization.  This can help you reduce the interest rates, and perhaps work out a repayment plan with these companies to give you some breathing room.

However, the key to debt consolidation is that once you have paid off the majority of credit cards, it is incumbent upon you to cut up those cards (except one that should be kept for emergencies) and vow never to apply for new credit cards or begin using the ones you have paid.

If your credit is not considered the best, you can also ask a family member to co-sign a loan or, as mentioned earlier, take out a home equity loan.  However, with the value of homes in decline, it may serve you well to apply for a loan from your bank instead.   

Debt consolidation can work. 

Consider that if you apply for a loan, the monthly payments will always be the same.  The interest rate given at the outset will largely depend on your credit standing.  But the clear advantage is that there is only one bill to pay each month over a period of time. 

Take care

Paul