Coupons > Blog > Expert Tips

Expert Savings Tips

Be the first to know about great deals!

Enter your email address and be notified about our best coupons.
Never Miss an Amazing Deal Again!

 

Making the Most of Your Armed Forces Day Discounts

Posted May 17, 2013 at 1:50 pm

Leave a Comment

Use these helpful inside tips to get the best deals on Armed Forces Day.

June 18 is Armed Forces Day. More and more establishments are getting involved with showing their appreciation to active and retired military on holidays like Armed Forces Day and Veterans Day. From dining to home improvements, here are a few ways to make the most of your discounts.

1. Make sure you read the fine print. Some stores, restaurants, and attractions may ask you to bring in proof of your military service, past or present. Make sure to carry it with you. Nothing would be worse than planning your lunch budget around the free meal, only to find out that you don’t have everything to meet the requirements.

2. Stack your savings. Some stores will allow you to use your Armed Forces Day discount and in-store coupons together. A variety of different stores like JoAnn Fabrics, Big Lots and Build-A-Bear Workshop offer printable coupons. You may want to ask before you go, or ask at the cash register. The savings for Armed Forces Day plus 40% off an item can really add up.

3. Free for the family? Unfortunately most offers for Armed Forces Day are not free for the entire family. However, [Read more...]



What do you think of this post?
Filed Under: Expert Tips, General Savings Tips

American Bike Month – How to Save on Your New Wheels

Posted May 15, 2013 at 9:11 am

Leave a Comment

Use these helpful tips to help you save on your new wheels during American Bike Month.

It’s American Bike Month, and a great month to start getting around on two wheels instead of four. Remember that just by biking – you’re saving. You aren’t spending as much on gas, you can save on insurance and if you’re biking a lot you may be able to cut out a gym membership altogether! Aside from searching through all of the best deals for bikes and bike accessories, here are some other ways to save on the purchase of your new wheels, and everything that comes along with them.

Where to Shop.
Buy your bike from a local bike shop. While buying a bike from a bigger store with slightly lower prices might seem like the better route, purchasing your new bike from a local bike shop has many money-saving advantages. A local bike shop will allow you to test any bike you’re interested in, as well as help adjust the bike to best fit you, while showing you every step of the way. This way you can take matters into your own hands easily when you need to make adjustments of your own down the road. Supporting your local bike shop is a great thing – and it will come in handy when you get your first flat tire and [Read more...]



What do you think of this post?
Filed Under: Expert Tips, General Savings Tips

5 Ways to Save on a New Refrigerator in May

Posted May 13, 2013 at 10:00 am

Leave a Comment

Use these helpful tips to successfully save on your next refrigerator purchase.

Refrigerators are one of the most frequently used appliances in the kitchen, and consequently, usually one of the most expensive. You don’t need to overpay to get a great deal on a brand-name refrigerator. Keep these 5 ways to save on a new refrigerator in mind the next time a new fridge is calling your name.

1. Buy in May.
In May, we’re often doing spring cleaning and so are the well-known appliance stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot, making May the perfect month to buy a new fridge. New models of refrigerators come out during the summer, so these stores are looking to move current stock out the door. That means you can usually find refrigerators at clearance prices and may even be able to haggle down the price even more.

2. Focus on function over fashion.
No, this doesn’t mean you need to buy a green fridge from the 70s. It is tempting to make a super shiny fridge with all the bells and whistles the new centerpiece of your kitchen, but odds are it’ll also likely come with a much higher price tag. Stainless steel models are [Read more...]



What do you think of this post?
Filed Under: Expert Tips, Grocery, Cooking & Kitchen

How & Where to Save on Kitchen Accessories & Cookware in May

Posted May 9, 2013 at 9:35 am

Leave a Comment

When searching for new post and pans, consider all of your options and what you will be using these for most.

Kitchen accessories and cookware can get a little pricey. You want to make sure to buy quality items that can handle the pressure you put on them in the kitchen, but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for them. Lucky for you, May is the best time to purchase kitchen accessories and cookware. Between Mother’s Day and wedding season being in full bloom, you can find serious savings at various retailers. Pots and pans, along with dish sets and utensils, will definitely be nicely priced. If you, your mom or another significant person in your life enjoys cooking and baking, then May might be one of your favorite months to shop.

What’s Cookin’?

When you are looking for some new dishes or pots and pans, there are always going to be things to take into consideration. Are you thinking of purchasing an entire cookware set or just a single piece? When you buy pieces separately you’ll always end up paying more versus buying everything in one inclusive set. Do you want stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, glass or copper? Do you prefer a nonstick surface? You can even purchase [Read more...]



What do you think of this post?
Filed Under: Expert Tips, Seasonal

Save on Warm Weather Items in May

Posted May 8, 2013 at 9:00 am

Leave a Comment

Stock up on warm weather items like sunscreen in May to prepare for the summer months ahead.

Summer means lots of outdoor fun, trips to the beach, vacations and so much more. You want to enjoy your summer and for that reason you need some necessities. Retailers know that these are seasonal items that you may need in that very moment and that will be reflected in the price that you pay. To avoid paying top dollar use these tips to get great summer bargains for your summer must-haves.

Sun Screen
We all should use sun screen each and every day, even when it doesn’t seem too sunny out. This means you always need to have sun screen on hand. When you buy sunscreen don’t get fooled by all the promises instead take it from the experts. Consumer Reports has investigated many different sun screens for their effectiveness. The one that has stood out for a couple of years is the Target brand. It’s Up&Up Sport Continuous SPF 30 and you can get a 6oz can for only $5.24. When you compare it to the Coppertone Sport Sunscreen 6oz can, which costs $7.48, you will see $2.24 savings. [Read more...]



What do you think of this post?
Filed Under: Expert Tips, Seasonal

May is National BBQ Month – How to Save on BBQ Essentials

Posted May 7, 2013 at 9:00 am

Leave a Comment

Cook up some fun with these helpful BBQ savings tips.

Summer is just around the corner and with that comes barbequing! Nothing like the smell of a smokey grill, fresh cut grass and listening to the neighborhood kids laughing- that is when you know summer has arrived. With this, you need to stock up on all your BBQ necessities to make for a great day of backyard fun.

Plan Out Your Savings
When it comes to cooking outdoors, or anywhere for that matter, the number one rule is to be prepared. You don’t want to invite people over and figure out that you have amazing steaks without any marinade. Since you most likely use a lot more condiments in the summer grilling months, keep a magnetic pad on your refrigerator for your shopping list – this way you can add items as you are running low. Your guests will ever be disappointed, and no one is making a last minute run to pick anything up. You never want to do that because that’s when you’re not being conscientious about the cost of the product, and the savings you may be able to get on it since you’re in such a rush. Also, by utilizing a list you can compare it to [Read more...]



What do you think of this post?
Filed Under: Expert Tips, Seasonal Tagged With:

Make Mother’s Day Memorable – Unique Gifts on a Budget

Posted May 6, 2013 at 9:15 am

Leave a Comment

Make Mother’s Day memorable by thinking outside the jewelry box and getting mom something from the heart.

Moms are amazing and adored, so we should go all out to celebrate them on Mother’s Day. If you have budget constraints, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to honor the most important woman in your life without spending a lot of dough. Check out CouponCabin’s Mother’s Day page for a whole list of great coupons and deals that are specifically geared toward this special occasion.

Make it personal.
Put a favorite photo, Mom’s name or an inspirational saying on a mug, apron or tote bag. She’ll smile any time she uses it. Artscow is a great place to find amazing deals on personalized items. Use an online service such as Shutterfly or Snapfish to create a beautiful hardcover photo album. Check out these photo services coupons for discounts and free shipping. Also, sign up for newsletters. We’ve seen companies send out promo codes for free photo books, customized placemats and other goodies to email subscribers.

Spend time together.
The gift of time is one of the most valuable [Read more...]



What do you think of this post?
Filed Under: Expert Tips, Holidays, Seasonal Tagged With:

Save on Camping Gear in May

Posted May 3, 2013 at 8:53 am

Leave a Comment

Use these helpful tips to have a successful, fun and easy camping experience with all the gear you need – for cheap!

Camping has become really popular over the past few years with many families. It is budget friendly, which makes it a great vacation alternative. Camping can be great because once you purchase the basic gear, you can utilize it each and every time you plan a trip. No matter where you decide to camp, you will definitely need the proper camping gear. When thinking about what you need, you should start out by writing out a list so you don’t forget anything. Since camping often means you will be outside and one with nature, you need to think about what type of weather you may encounter. As long as you have the appropriate gear packed, your adventure will be off to a great start. This list will be a helpful resource for you to use as a guide.

Public Versus Private Campgrounds

Before deciding what you will need on your camping trip, decide where to go. If you are planning on going camping in the summer – which is the most popular time of year – then you’ll definitely need to plan ahead of time. The best locations get booked up early, so to avoid any disappointment, do your research. To make the most informed decision, you need to know [Read more...]



What do you think of this post?
Filed Under: Expert Tips, Seasonal

Cinco De Mayo – Celebrate on a Budget

Posted May 2, 2013 at 9:00 am

Leave a Comment

Making your own guacamole is cheaper than buying it pre-made, and the fresh taste will be a crowd pleaser, too!

Cinco de Mayo is a day when Mexican restaurants are flooded with people feasting on guacamole and margaritas. Margaritas are typically at least $5 each and if you treat yourself to an appetizer or meal, you’ll likely be looking at a hefty tab at the end of the evening.

Celebrating on a budget is easy when you do it at home. Gather up your friends and family and throw a Cinco de Mayo party. Here’s how to save on the main components for a delicious Mexican feast.

Guacamole: Make your own! Store-bought guacamole is pricey and usually nowhere as tasty as homemade. Look for a sale on avocados. Ripe avocados will give in slightly when you press them with your finger. Buy them the day you are going to serve the guacamole. To make the dip, simply scoop the flesh of the avocado into a bowl, add salt and fresh lemon juice and mash it together.

Salsa: Buying jarred salsa for a large group is usually cheaper than making it from scratch. Look for coupons to pair up with buy-one-get-one free sales. The exception would be [Read more...]



What do you think of this post?
Filed Under: Expert Tips, Grocery, Cooking & Kitchen, Seasonal

What You Should Be Buying in May

Posted May 1, 2013 at 2:01 pm

Leave a Comment

Save on Mother’s Day items this year by thinking outside the box.

It’s our business to watch the sales cycles and scan the sale and clearance aisles to bring you the best savings possible. We have noticed over the years that there are patterns to product pricing, and these inside tips cannot go unshared. Check in with us each month as we share our knowledge and helpful savings tips to help you stock up key seasonal items when prices are at their lowest. Also, learn how to use seasonal and holiday-related clearance sales to your advantage to see maximum savings throughout the year.

Seasonal Purchases

With new summer designs and models in stores and warmer weather and several holidays this month, retailers drop their prices on many items. As a result, May is a fantastic time to save big on TV’s, get the best deals on mattresses and save on your next vacuum purchase. We’ve put together an in-depth savings guide on products you can get for rock-bottom prices during the month of May.



What do you think of this post?
Filed Under: Expert Tips, Monthly Buying Guides Tagged With: ,

6 Travel Tips That Won’t Break Your Budget

Posted April 29, 2013 at 9:00 am

Leave a Comment

Drive to your destination to save big and enjoy quality time with the family.

Summer travel season is just around the corner. If you haven’t already made your travel plans, you still have plenty of time and plenty of ways to create a great spring or summer vacation that won’t break your budget.

Staycation Instead of Vacation
Many families skip spring or summer travel because it can be a little tough on the budget and the family schedule. But you can still have fun while the kids are at home as you explore your own city. Take the time to visit any number of museums, attractions and entertainment in your area. You won’t have to spend money on airfare, hotels or rental cars. Plus, you can save even more by using an Entertainment Book, which offers you hundreds of buy one, get one offers and other discounts on everything from dining to dancing, and everything in between. Check out this $5 off coupon for the Entertainment Book to save even more!

Drive to Your Destination 

Many people hold fond memories of [Read more...]



What do you think of this post?
Filed Under: Expert Tips, General Savings Tips

Beauty Products – Where to Save, Where to Splurge

Posted April 26, 2013 at 9:22 am

Leave a Comment

Save on beauty items by knowing what can be purchased cheap – like lipstick.

There are hundreds of beauty products on the market. Prices range from just a couple of bucks to several hundred for a single product. Knowing when it’s okay to go with the cheaper brand and when it’s worth it to pay more can be confusing. Here are some suggestions on where you can save on beauty products, and where it’s better to splurge.

Save on:

Shampoo and conditioner: You wash these products right down the drain. There’s no need to rinse your money away with them. Many professionals admit shampoos and conditioners available at your drugstore or grocery store are just as good as the expensive salon formulas. Pantene and Suave are two brands we’ve heard recommended by stylists. Both are usually available for well under $5 for a large bottle.

Body wash and soaps: These products don’t [Read more...]



What do you think of this post?
Filed Under: Expert Tips, General Savings Tips

10 Secrets to Affordable Organics

Posted April 24, 2013 at 9:00 am

Leave a Comment

Save by eliminating the “dirty dozen”. Image courtesy of Brian Edgar.

As we learn more about our food, health and beauty products and the ingredients they contain, many families are turning to organic and natural foods and products. But organic shopping can be far more expensive than regular purchases so how does a family buy organics on a budget?

Ditch the Dirty Dozen
In order to make organics more affordable for your family, concentrate on eliminating the “dirty dozen” from your grocery cart. These fruits and vegetables include apples, strawberries, celery and spinach – basically anything that you would wash and eat immediately. They are called the dirty dozen because pesticides and chemicals are applied directly to them and absorbed. Make avoiding the dirty dozen a priority and then save money when you purchase produce that has a peel.

Pass the Cheese, Please
Make items like meat, cheese, milk and eggs a priority when trying to make organics affordable. We have found that we actually eat less of these products, not because they taste worse but because [Read more...]



What do you think of this post?
Filed Under: Expert Tips, Grocery, Cooking & Kitchen

5 Easy Ways to Save $50 Each Month

Posted April 22, 2013 at 2:46 pm

Leave a Comment

Use these helpful tips to save $50 this month and every month moving forward.

Many people are intimidated by the thought of paying off a debt or building an emergency savings account. Instead of looking at the big picture, try breaking it down into smaller chunks. Putting an extra $50 a month towards your goal will make a big impact. That’s $600 a year or a whopping $3,000 over the course of five years.

Are you saying, “If I had an extra $50 a month handy, I wouldn’t be in this situation to start with”? Well, here are five easy ways to save $50 each month – starting today.

Pack your breakfast and lunch.
Even if you just eat breakfast or lunch out once a week, it can easily add up to $50 or more over the course of the month. Many workers grab takeout, delivery or restaurant food several times a week – or even daily. This means the potential for savings is huge.

Think beyond the sandwich to keep from getting [Read more...]



What do you think of this post?
Filed Under: Expert Tips, General Savings Tips

Our Top 5 Ways to Save on Spring Clothing

Posted April 19, 2013 at 10:52 am

Leave a Comment

Save big on spring styles for the entire family using these helpful tips.

Don’t you just love spring? Flowers are starting to bloom, trees are starting to come back to life, birds are returning home and the favorite for most of us – warmer temperatures. With warmer weather comes the need for new spring clothes, but how do you refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank? Check out these 5 ways to save on spring clothing.

1. Buy online – Shopping online is the most convenient way to shop these days and can also save you the most money. Not only will you save on gas, but there are also plenty of coupon codes, deals and cash-back offers to be found. OldNavy.com has online coupons available for the whole family. Also, women’s stores like OneStopPlus.com, WomanWithin.com, DressBarn.com and CharlotteRusse.com are always having sales like 30% off and/or free shipping with coupon codes to the tune of being able to get t-shirts and shorts for as little as $3-$10 each.

2. Shop secondhand – Shopping at thrift and consignment stores (also great places to make money on [Read more...]



What do you think of this post?
Filed Under: Expert Tips, General Savings Tips