The Grocery Game
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Have you ever stocked up on an essential supply like paper towels only to find the price dropped significantly the very next week?
It can be frustrating when you are juggling your family budget and your grocery needs at the same time.
That’s the problem Teri Gault was trying to solve when she invented the Grocery Game, a web-based couponing and price tracking site for grocery stores and drug stores. (www.GroceryGame.com)
How does it work?
Shoppers register with the Grocery Game (look for the free 4-week trial), and pay $10 every eight weeks to receive “Teri’s List.”
The list is customized for your favorite local store with the best deals, lowest prices and available coupons.
The Grocery Game encourages you to stockpile, purchasing staples at their lowest prices.
Shoppers can save up to 60% off their normal grocery bills.
Not a shabby savings in tough economic times.
Other Useful Coupon and Discount Sites:
www.couponmom.com
www.hotcouponworld
www.coupons.com
On-line shopping rebte sites:
Register with these sites to earn points every time you shop on-line and redeem them for gift cards at your favorite shops and restaurants.
www.ebates.com
www.mypoints.com
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Loyalty
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One of the fastest ways to get deep discounts without waiting for a sale is to sign up for loyalty programs at your favorite store.
Kroger Plus Card – You’ve probably already heard of this discount card, but did you know you can download coupons directly to your card so you can use them without toting along paper coupons? Sign up at www.kroger.com.
CVS ExtraCare Rewards – Gives you 2% back on all your purchases. Bonuses are printed on your receipts, which you can save to use on your next purchase. www.cvs.com.
Joseph Beth Booksellers – The Gives Back Program has an annual fee of $25 that entitles members to a $25 coupon for the Bronte Bistro, a $10 coupon for every $100 spent in the store or $200 spent in the Bistro, plus a 30% discount on all best-sellers.A percentage of all purchases is donated to community partners such as the Lexington Children’s Theatre. Sign up at Joseph-Beth in The Lexington Green.
Babies ‘R’ Us – Rewards ‘R’ Us gives customers $5 on every $150 in purchases. Discounts on diapers and formula are available. www.toysrus.com.
Shoe Carnival – Use your Savings Club Card every time you shop to get bonuses and discounts. www.shoecarnival.com.
Dick’s Sporting Goods – The Score Card earns you Score Points for every dollar you spend. Every 300 points earns you a $10 gift card. www.dickssportinggoods.com
Build-a-Bear – The Stuff for Stuff Club offers members points for every dollar you spend. Earn extra points during your birthday month and for birthday parties booked at the store. For every 100 points, members can earn a $10 gift card.
Hallmark Gold Crown Rewards – Earn points for every dollar you spend plus extra points for buying greeting cards. Points add up to member shopping rewards good toward purchases in the store. www.hallmark.com.
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Study Up
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Best Books for Your Budget – Check out these great reads to get your family finances in order.
The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey ($24.99)
Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan by Suze Orman ($9.99)
How to Be the Family CFO by Kim Snider ($19.95)
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Discount Meals
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Although eating out isn’t the best way to keep your budget in line, you can save money if you keep up with the best deals and loyalty programs at your favorite restaurants. Sign up for discount cards and free meals at the following restaurants.
Subway
Qdoba
Whole Foods
Culver’s
Domino’s
T.G.I. Friday’s
Red Lobster
Great Harvest
Visit www.LexingtonFamily.com to find great deals on “Kids Eat Free” nights in Lexington.