1/ Use 2 coupons to buy ‘BOGO” items.  (Buy One Get One free) The stores will take both, as you are really buying two items.

2/ Every month, on the first Sunday of the month, go to Walgreens. Near the front door, check the rack for the “Receipt Savers Catalog.”

Near the middle of the small booklet, there is a list of things you can get free after rebate.  Buy the items and send in the form.  Now, to make this deal better, instead of getting a rebate check in the mail, check the box that says “Gift card”.  Walgreens will add 10 % to the rebate in the form of a gift card. For future purchases, use the gift card and make sure you write down its number on the Receipt Savers form.  This way, you use NO cash of your own to buy stuff you need. To make this deal even better, use coupons for the rebate items. I do this all the time and get PAID to shop at Walgreens.

3/ Every month at CVS, there are similar deals, but they are not as good.  You earn “Extra Bucks” by showing your CVS card. These print at the register and are good for your next purchase.  You must use them before they expire. Again, you can use Extra Bucks and coupons to make the deals better.

4/ Never buy a large soda when you eat inside a fast food restaurant.  You can refill your small cup and drink to your heart’s content, at a lower price.

5/ Go to www.startsampling.com and sign up for an account.  Every now and then, they have free samples that will be sent to your home. 

6/ With the economy so sour, you can negotiate for almost everything:  TV’s, Electronics, etc. 

7/ Publix will take anybody’s coupons.  I take Winn-Dixie coupons to Publix and they accept them.  Also, watch your mail for Publix $5 off coupons. They come about once every other month.

8/ Get VOIP for long distance calling.  (Vonage, Broadvoice, Voicewing) You must have a high-speed internet connection.  To make this a better deal, sign up for a year in advance with Vonage and save 20%.  My long distance costs are $25 a month including all taxes and fees.

9/ Don’t carry a balance on your credit card and never PAY to carry a credit card.To make this a better deal, charge all your gasoline purchases on the Discover Gas Card.  They credit you 5 % on the first $100 each month.  There are many cards that give you miles or cash.

10/ Never pay full price for clothes.  They always go on sale. Just wait until the stuff you want is marked down. Why pay more?

11/ Always check for “coupon codes” before checking out on-line. There are many sites...like www.couponmountain.com.

Peter Bernard/News Channel 8