Extreme Couponism?

One of the largest choices that someone has to make is whether to spend hours on coupon clipping / sorting / organizing / driving around to use at specific stores on specific days.

There are many people who blog and show just how much money they can save with store coupons + manufacturer coupons + double coupons + Ads + ...

Most people that we talk to, the families with 3 or 4 children, usually avoid extreme couponism. However, they still work hard to stretch the limited budget.

What strategies do they employ instead?
- Shopping at Canned Food Outlet every 1 to 2 weeks for basic items. (and they know what is a good deal, and what isn't)
- Shopping at Winco for most items. Focus on the bulk-food section, and other items which they've price checked.
- Use Costco wisely. Costco has a tendency to suck in the consumer with their "samples" and such. However, many items just make sense to buy at Costco. (diapers, vitamins, some clothes, etc.)
- Take advantage of sales at stores like Fred Meyer and Albertsons.
- Buy Vegetables from stores with 'good' prices, but above average quality and longevity. (thrown away food = waste)

So, instead of going crazy and spending hours on coupons, here are some alternatives:
1) Spend more time cooking instead of driving. Use wholesome foods from the bulk food section.
2) Shopping repetitively at the same 2 to 4 stores, and do some price comparisons. (save the most money on your regular purchases)
3) Limit your advertisement reading and coupons to ONLY those stores that you visit, and ONLY to the products that you use. (i.e. don't waste time reading other ads, and don't clip / sort / organize coupons that you won't or shouldn't use)
4) Know which days your favorite stores have Clearance sales, Meat Sales, and when is the best time to optimize your shopping times.
5) Buy commonly used items in bulk when they are on sale. (this is where it helps to know what you use the most)
6) Don't buy what you don't need. Remember that every dollar counts, every gallon of gas costs money, and your time is valuable!

How to use the library?

In these cost conscious times, we are always looking to save money.
Our family loves books, and we noticed that we were spending more on purchasing books than we felt that we should have. So, these are some thoughts on how we use our local library:
1) Know that you can have many books checked out at one time. (it's usually at least 30)
2) Research and reserve books online. That way you can batch trips, and get books from 'partner' library. (saves time and gas) It helps to review books before leaving, and don't take home books that look better on the computer than in real life.
3) Synchronize book searches with school topics
4) Remember to search DVD/Video shelves, as well as books on CD
5) Take time to browse your favorite aisles
6) Talk to your librarian to see if new books are in on specific topics
7) Check the website for special events
8) Use a bag for toting your books, and keep books in an organized spot, this helps prevent losing or hunting for books later.
9) Check for online renewal to save a trip if you can. (i.e. don't drive back to return 1 book if possible, batch trips to save time and gas)

You can literally read thousands of dollars worth of books in a year and the cost is already paid for by your local taxes!

Portland Area Birthday Freebies

Many are "sign up for our e-mail list" required, but a few are "show your ID".
Great list to reference as your birthday comes up, or if your S.O. has one coming up. :)

http://portlandonthecheap.com/birthday_perks.html

resource for coupon clippers to save money

This site might be useful...
http://www.couponmom.com/

The sign-up process asks lots of personal information, and give you a choice of a number of "affiliate offers", but not intolerable.
The word on the street is that this site gives good information local deals and coupons.

There is a free e-book to download.
There are strategy guides on "money saving strategies" for each store / type of store. (Target, Walgreens, etc.)

Many printable coupons, many online coupons, and lots of advice on their forums.

If you're serious about coupons, and don't mind a few add and affiliate links, then this site is a must!

Hertz free get away day

Are you traveling this Holiday Season and need a rental car? Hertz is offering a deal this year that you'll want to take advantage of!

Hertz is giving away a Free Weekend Day once a month, until March 2009 with Promotion Code 127595. That's one Free Day of a rental car and all you have to pay is taxes and the fees. I did a quick quote and discovered that I could rent a car for only $1.52 from the Hillsboro Airport! You can also book in advance to save your days. There are some exclusions of course so to be sure to read the terms & conditions! Get more details from here: click here

https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/specialoffers/index.jsp?targetPage=holidaypromo.jsp&Category=W&TabLink=tlink1

Shopping: Grocery Outlet in Hillsboro

Grocery outlet has been around a number of years now on 1st street in hillsboro. I remember the building as "the old Safeway" from my childhood.

The store is known for having reasonable prices on canned and frozen foods, and for some people inexpensive wine.
I went looking for inexpensive canned foods to restock our "emergency supply" in case of an emergency. You know, the plastic tub with food / water / batteries / radio / flashlight, etc.

I found a good number of cans of vegetables for 0.59 each, and a few for 0.50 each.
Santa Fe beans, Sweet Peas, sliced carrots, Green Giant beans, Corn, and mixed veggies.

Fruit was generally 0.99 / can. Peaches, Pears and Cocktail. On my way out of the store, they had special cans of fruit "for kids" at 2/$1.00. (fruit in extra light syrup with vitamins added) I wish I had seen this one on the way in, but didn't want to go back through line. :)

For us men, they have large cans of chili beans for $0.99. After all of that, I threw in some cans of "whole potatoes" and a few boxes of saltine crackers to round things out.

For $20 I was able to walk out with a huge selection of vegetable and fruit, enough to last the family a week or so if needed, and still had enough for a can of olives.


As for shopping environment, I found the store to be much less crowded than Winco, shorter lines, and no need to bag things yourself. (I was given a box for everything) You do have to walk through all of the toiletries and some toys to get into the main aisles, which I personally find a bit irritating. All in all, I find Grocery Outlet to be a good place to shop for canned foods and frozen foods, matched in price only by sales at most other stores.

Have fun on the weekend without spending $$$

You've been working hard all week and now it's the weekend.  Time to relax a bit and enjoy time with the family.  Unfortunately, the dollar isn't stretching as far as it once did so you should be looking for some low cost fun in and around the Portland area.  Here are a few things that you and your family can enjoy with minimal cost and most of these are no cost:

1. Forest Park

What: With more than 5,000 acres to explore, Forest Park is the largest city park in the United States. There are 50 miles of trails and 30 miles of gated roadways for mountain biking. Visit Forest Park for a run, hike, bike ride, or horseback ride.

Where: Because the park is so large, there are many entrance points. Check the maps at theFriends of Forest Park website

When: Daily 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

2. Saturday Market

What: Hundreds of vendors sell handmade goods such as pottery, jewelry clothing and candles. Plus, enjoy food from the international food court. Each week, there's entertainment from live musicians, jugglers, and a variety of street performers. This is a great place to bring out-of-town visitors.

Where: Underneath the Burnside Bridge on the west side of downtown Portland.

When:Saturdays and Sundays from March – December 24. The market is also open for an entire week leading up to Christmas Eve for what’s called “The Festival of the Last Minute.”

3. Portland Farmer’s Market

What: Local farmers and food vendors sell the goods they’ve grown or made locally. In addition to excellent produce, you’ll find baked goods, meats, cheeses, and a variety of gourmet foods.

Where: Saturdays in the south park blocks between SW Harrison and Montgomery. Wednesdays in the south park blocks between SW Salmon and Main.

When: Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., April - October

Visit the farmer’s market photo gallery

4. Pioneer Courthouse Square

What: A public square in the center of downtown, known as “Portland’s living room.” The square hosts hundreds of events each year, including concerts and cultural fairs. In the warmer months, it’s a great place to sit and people watch.

Where: The block between SW 6th and Broadway and between SW Yamhill and Morrison

When: The square never closes. For event information, check the online calendar.

5. International Rose Test Garden

What: This garden receives and plants roses from all over the world. 8,000 rose bushes are on display here. Bring a picnic and savor the views of downtown and Mount Hood. Don’t forget your camera!

Where: 400 SW Kingston Ave., (inside Washington Park)

When: Daily from 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. The roses begin blooming in early May and peak around the first week of June.

Rose Garden FAQ

6. Powell’s City of Books

What: A must-see bookstore that takes up an entire city block and holds more than a million volumes. Every Portlander must get lost here at least once. Beyond books, Powell’s also has a coffee shop and an art gallery in the Pearl Room.

Where: Enter at the Corner of W. Burnside and 10th Ave.

When: Daily 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. with shorter hours on holidays. Reasons to shop Powell's Books

7. Hoyt Arboretum

What: The definition of arboretum is “A botanical garden devoted to trees.” Here, you can walk among more than 1,100 species. Twelve miles of trails wind through the park, and the Visitor Center provides maps, trail guides, and detailed plant information.

Where: 2 miles west of downtown near the zoo. See the website for directions.

When: Grounds: Daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitor Center: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. M – F, closes at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

8. Tom McCall Waterfront Park

What: Along the west bank of the Willamette River is a beautiful green space named after Governor Tom McCall, who held office from 1967 - 1975. Attractions at the park include Salmon Street Springs, a public fountain where kids frolic in summertime. There’s also a paved trail for walkers, runners, or bikers, which connects to the Eastside Esplanade.

Where: Naito Pkwy between SW Harrison St and NW Glisan St.

When: 24 hours a day

9. Brewery Tours

What: Learn about the brewing process and see the inner workings of Portland's best breweries. You might even get to taste the suds.

When: Call ahead to schedule your tour.

Where: There are lots of breweries to choose from. The most popular are:

Widmer Portland Brewing Bridgeport Brewing McMenamins Edgefield