Part 1: Getting Out of Debt with Dave Ramsey
Part 2: Having the Proper Insurance Coverage
Part 3: Learn How to Negotiate
Part 4: Getting Rid of Bank Fees

Because I worked for a wholesale company and I’ve seen the 3-4x markups on finished products, I could never justify buying a $100+ pair of jeans, despite my weird body shape. I remember when we were younger, my mother gave both my sister and me $200 for our back to school clothing. I came out with 2 bags, and my sister came out with 5. I didn’t care at the time because I had my first official pair of Levi’s flared black jeans. But when they got ruined 6 months later, that slowly started my understanding of the value of items, and not wanting to be a brand lover. Sure it meant my friends might have looked at me weird because I would find pieces of clothing in places they would never dare to step in, but when they would compliment me on what I was wearing, I was ever so proud to say the price I paid and where I got it.

As an adult, I purchased a used car, bought our first home, and then Mavrick came along. I was proud of my accomplishments and as soon as we decided to start our debt-free mode, I went into intense saving mode. That meant I only purchased sale items, and tried to find additional coupons codes or actual coupons. The same applied to food. In the past it may have seemed as though, if you couponed, you didn’t have money. But now that has changed. At the end of the week I have an additional $25-50 in my pockets because I couponed and price matched items, and that’s money I worked hard to get. I couldn’t care less if people judge me, and when I explain my whole process, people are actually impressed!

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I’m by no means a pro when it comes to couponing, but if I can find a coupon, you bet I will use it. For instance, I’ve never paid full price for domain names and online purchases, and I intend to keep it that way. I thought I would share my tips and go-to sites to help future couponers. Although some of the sites I shared are Canadian, most of the tips I’ve provided easily work as well in the States.

Saving money is all about making money or keeping money. Ebates is popular in the States, but not too long ago they started adding some Canadian online sites for their friendly neighbors. Instead of going directly to a participating website to purchase something, you go through the Ebates portal which allows you to get cash back on your order at absolutely no cost or commitment to you.

You can find cash back from the following Canadian sites: Gap Canada, Old Navy, Children’s Place, Sears, Toys R Us / Babies R Us, Chapters, Garage, Addition elle, Apple, Victoria’s Secret, The Shopping Channel, Vista Print, Sephora, The Body Shop, Netflix Canada, iTunes Canada, Priceline, Expedia and more.

Please note that this doesn’t mean you can’t go on the US Ebates site and purchase from US shops, as there are a lot more choices available, but it is helpful if you shop at Canadian online retailers.

If you don’t have account, I strongly suggest you sign up. Once you have an account, you can also send your friends a referral code to earn more cash back.

There are other sites out there, but Retail Me Not is my go-to site for coupons. Before I buy something, I usually google “store name coupon code” and I often find a coupon. It’s all trial and error and it takes a little time, but saving is what it’s all about so I don’t mind. Another tip is subscribing to the newsletters of stores you shop at. They often send updates and specials for valued customers. You can also interact with them on their facebook page and ask if they have any promos going on. I was able to save $15 on an order recently because I wasn’t afraid to ask.

Sometimes stores have in-store tear pads, but I wouldn’t bet my savings on those. Here are a few sites I use to choose coupons online that are then mailed to me.

Every second Sunday in your local newspaper you get an 8 page flyer from Procter and Gamble and there are many coupons in there as well, from creams, to food to pet items.

There are also a few websites where you actually print coupons at home. I just recently received a printer (on sale) as a gift from Mr. Sunglasses, so I can start printing out my coupons. You have no idea how excited I was!

Here are a few (Canadian) sites to print coupons:

You can find many tips on saving and where to find coupons on forums. We don’t have many in Canada, but here are a few:

Most of the time though, there are savings in the rest of Canada but Quebec is excluded. Recently a Quebec Coupon Forum site was created (French only). They have great tips and they even email you when there are free full size samples up for grabs. You have to be quick, but it’s my favorite go-to site. Signing up with the newsletter makes it even easier to save.

Another tip to save money is knowing when things go on sale if you purchased an item full price or slightly on sale. There’s a law in Quebec if you purchased an item and the price is lowered within 10 days of your original purchase, the store will reimburse you the difference. This applies to online sites and in-store as well, unless otherwise noted. Also, seeing that the return policy on items is usually 30-60 days, they may even extend the 10 day law to match their return policy. Sweet deal!

One last tip that I can think of is the Price labeling and accuracy law in Quebec. The law states that if you purchase an item and it scans to a price higher than what is indicated on the label, one of the 2 following adjustments must be made :

  • Item under $10. They give you the first product free and any additional items purchased will be adjusted to the proper price.
  • Items over $10. They adjust the price of the advertised label and knock off an additional $10 for the first item, and any additional items are adjusted to the proper price.

Be sure to check labels properly. Sometimes you might not purchase the right format or the right brand, but if the label is in front of the item you purchased, then technically they should do the adjustment. Stores don’t like to talk about this law so it’s possible they’ll try and tell you that you are wrong, that it’s not the right product, etc. If you are sure, stick your ground or ask to speak to a manager. Get to know the policy and check the cash register and receipts. Get to know the laws in your state/province and don’t be shy to apply them!

Do you coupon? What is the best advice you can share with those starting?

Mrs. Sunglasses’ Dave Ramsey Budget Plan part 5 of 5

1. Getting Out of Debt with Dave Ramsey by Mrs. Sunglasses
2. Having Proper Insurance Coverage by Mrs. Sunglasses
3. Learn to Negotiate by Mrs. Sunglasses
4. Getting Rid of Bank Fees by Mrs. Sunglasses
5. Couponing by Mrs. Sunglasses