Coupons & Free Samples

Well, I think we’re all interested in saving money (if you’re not – uh, WHY NOT!?!).
A friend of mine sent me a link to a coupon site & I felt the need to pass it on to you:
MommySavers.com
Valpak

This got me thinking about other coupon sites & free sample sites.
Coupons.com
eCoupons.com
CouponCabin.com

Shop4Freebies.com
CouponMom.com

Please read the fine print before signing up for anything. I do not endorse these sites and have not used all of them. Feel free to search for coupons or free samples – you’ll probably find what you’re looking for faster than using these sites.
My favorite site for good deals is:
CleverMoms.com

A few really great tips for saving money:
-Google the product you plan on purchasing & the word coupon
-search for free samples of items you are interested in before purchasing
-there are coupons for just about anything you want to buy – just ASK!
-most manufacturers will provide you with coupons by mail or email if you simply call or email their customer service & satisfaction department to ask them (the even occasionally will send free samples)
-many stores have free samples of select products (usually cosmetics, hair care, & hygiene) – just ask a sales associate
-even local companies offer coupons or discounts on their websites
-price shop/comparison shop – most stores will match or beat a competitor’s price if you provide a printout
-it’s ok to haggle these days
-check the penny saver & all those flyers you get in the mail & ONLY clip the coupons for the items you plan on buying (buying something you wouldn’t have bought otherwise, simply because you have a coupon, does NOT save money in the long run)
-ask around about where the best place to buy your favorite products are
-ask friends what their favorite products are & try them out
-check the “cheap gas prices” websites to find the best prices in your area

*Thanks to Samm for the MommySavers.com and Valpak websites.*

If any of you have any suggestions for other websites that help you save money, please send them on to me!

Internet Safety

Here are a few links that address internet safety for families, children, and teens:

Google’s “Tips for Online Safety”
Google’s “Family Safety Guide”
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children – Internet Safety
NetSmartz Kids – teaches children what to watch out for in a fun and interactive way
Don’t Believe the Type – Cyber Tip Line
U.S. Department of Justice’s Project “Safe Childhood” web site
Ad Council (the people who make the public service announcements on TV, in newspapers, magazines, and on the radio)
Wired Safety – Information for Parents about Internet and cell phone safety
Federal Bureau of Investigation – A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety