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Archives for November 2011

Vehicles: Miscellaneous – Incident Reports

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Hidden Horsham)

The end is in sight. Only one more week before concluding the important documents housed in file box 1. Last week, we began the twelfth file opening and covered our driving records. This week, we continue adding miscellaneous vehicle documents to this file slot.

Incident Reports

Included in this file is a copy of a police report from vandalism to one of our vehicles. Though we did not submit a claim or receive any response from the police department, I keep the record in the event we need it in the future.

This incident report is placed behind our set of driving record documents. And next week, I will conclude the last set of documents housed in this file and in this box of important documents. Until next week, keep on organizing!

Question: Have you had to file a police report relating to your vehicle? Please add your answer to the comments.

On-Line Shopping: Promotional Codes – Part 3 of 5

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (ideas4Christmas2010)

In using time wisely, stacking saving strategies while shopping on-line will help in stretching your dollars. In this series on stacking your savings while shopping on-line, we have looked at using cash-back sites (Part 1) and checking for free shipping codes (Part 2). Another option for increasing your savings is utilizing promotional codes.

#3: Utilize Promotional Codes

My favorite savings strategy is through the promotional codes. If you wait for a promotional code, you can save an additional 20-50% off the sale price. The key is to find these codes and use them before they expire. To access these codes, start with these options:

1. Check the offers through your cash-back site. Both Ebates and Shopathome.com include promotional codes with and without free shipping offers. When you select your store, scroll down the page to see the available promotional codes. If you find a great one, then click on the offer to be directed to the company’s web site.

2. Visit retailmenot.com. This web site lists the best promotional codes currently available. To find the promotional codes for your desired store:

    • Type in your store name in the SEARCH field – i.e., J.C. Penney – and press ENTER.
    • If your store has codes, a list will display.
    • The promotional codes are listed in ORANGE.
    • Copy the code to be used during check out.

3. Sign up for your favorite company’s e-mail newsletters. By receiving e-mail notifications, many companies send coupons, promotional codes, and sale flyers in advance to their preferred customers. To add your e-mail address to the company’s e-mail list, visit the company’s web site to sign up. (I use my junk account for newsletters, coupons, and freebies.)

4. Look on the company’s web site. Oftentimes the company’s web site advertises a promotional code. Look on their HOME page under their header to see what deals they are offering.

By using a promotional code when purchasing Paul’s waffle iron, I saved an additional $10. The full price was $59.99, the sale price was $29.99, the shipping was free with store pickup, and the promotional code subtracted $10 bringing the price to $19.99. Stacking the savings continues to bring the cost down. Though you may not be able to use every strategy on every purchase, you can research your options while using time wisely and stretching your dollars. Happy savings!

Question: What is your favorite on-line shopping company? Please add your answer to the comments.

Disclosure: Affiliate links for Using Time Wisely are included within this post.

Bruegger’s Bagels: Free Coffee on November 9, 2011

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Photograph Credit: Bruegger's Bagels

Are you a coffee drinker? If so and you live near a Bruegger’s Bagels, then here’s a treat for you! Per Bruegger’s Bagels’ Facebook wall:

Planning out your week? Don’t forget to mark your calendars for this Wednesday, November 9th! FREE COFFEE DAY! Stop by before 2PM and get a free cup of coffee in support of Children’s Miracle Network!

Follow this link to find a participating location, and enjoy your cup of joe.

Grocery Shopping: Gathering your Savings – Part 3a of 3

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Kel Obrien)

As I finish gathering the last items on my grocery list and I head up to the registers, I make note of any rain checks that need to be requested, and I move any coupons that I will not use on this visit to the back of my envelope.

By the time I get to the register, I have the coupons I plan to redeem ready to hand to the cashier. My checkout process takes place in three phases: prior to checkout, during checkout, and after checkout.

Prior to Checkout

1. At the registers, I make the following choices:

    • Bypass the express lanes. Even if I only have 9 items, I will not use the express lane if I plan to use coupons. The extra time it takes at the register will hold up other customers that need to get in and get out of the store. Now if I am only purchasing “buy one get one free” items without coupons and I have a few items, then yes, I will use the express lane.
    • Walk pass the self scanners. With coupons, the self scanners require the cashier to take the coupons. Since there is one cashier for four terminals, the cashier will get overloaded with my coupons. In consideration of the grocery store staff, I choose not to use the self scanners while shopping with coupons.
    • Select my register based on the cashier. Having shopped each week at my favorite grocery stores, I have my favorite cashiers.

Even if I have to wait for an extra few minutes, I prefer the store bookkeeper or customer service representative. If there are customers waiting, these employees will open a register to help out.

The bookkeeper or customer service representative has the authority to override the system. When I use a Publix coupon at Bi-Lo, a manager or customer service representative is needed to override the transaction. If that employee is already running a register, then checkout is quick and easy.

2. After choosing the checkout lane, my son and I unload the grocery cart onto the conveyor belt. In this order:

    • Reusable bags
    • Freezer and refrigerated items
    • Boxed and canned items
    • Breads, chips, and bakery items
    • Cleaning items
    • Rain check and “free with coupons” items

If I am using a rain check from a prior visit, then the cashier will need to override the price of the item. I keep these items at the back of the pack, so I have time to warn the cashier before getting to those items.

Also, if I am using a coupon for one free pack of mashed potatoes, then the cashier will need to enter that price. I hold those items until the end, so that I can get the coupon and rain checks ready while the cashier is scanning the other items.

Prior to checkout, I choose the best lane and place my items on the conveyor belt in order. Having an order and a plan during checkout helps the process to proceed without forgetting or missing an opportunity for savings. As you plan your shopping trip, remember to plan your checkout process as well. Happy savings!

Question: What opportunity of savings have you missed because you were not organized at checkout? Please add your answer to the comments.

Daylight Savings Time: Sunday, November 6, 2011

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Mick Watson)

On Saturday night, daylight savings time comes to an end. Here’s a great time to choose one of those projects around the house that really needs to be done, but you have not found the time to do so. Now you will gain an extra hour on Saturday night, so plan now to tackle that project.

Though the official time change will be at 2:00 a.m., I plan to set my alarm clock back prior to the time change. We wouldn’t want to arrive an hour early for the morning church service, now would we? 🙂

At each time change, remember to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. This safety feature is worth the extra time in maintenance.

In using time wisely, I hope you are thinking now how best to use your extra hour prior to Sunday, November 6’s time change. Happy planning!

Question: What do you think of daylight savings time? Please add your answer to the comments.