The Frugal Free Gal

Save Money By Printing Coupons

Save Money By Printing Coupons

After having my baby girl 8 months ago, couponing was pushed aside. However, I’ve found a routine with the baby and find time to sit down to find printable coupons. I have no excuses now when it comes to printing coupons. I post long lists of new and existing coupons on this website regularly so my goal now is to make sure I actually browse through the lists myself, print the coupons I need, and have them ready for my next shopping trip. I love to save money by printing coupons.

For my most recent shopping trip, I had all of my coupons saved up, organized, and ready to use. I no longer use a coupon binder for my coupons. I choose to use a small accordion style coupon holder that fits in my purse easily. I am not into extreme couponing anymore, but I do use coupons regularly.

Above, you will see my receipt from my last trip to the grocery store. I only used coupons on items that we buy on a regular basis. I didn’t buy anything for the sake of getting it cheap to free. I even had three free coupons to use.

I saved a total of $21.98 after using my coupons.

I recommend when printing coupons that you set your printer to the “Black and White” and “Quick Print” settings. This will help you to save money on printer ink. I do this every time I print coupons and my coupons are always accepted at the grocery store without any problems.

Do you want to save money by printing coupons? See my list of the best places to find online printable coupons.

Do you save money by printing coupons?

Going on a vacation soon? Traveling by car? Before you pack up and get on your way, have you thought about how you will save money along the way? Here are a few tips that will help you save money on your vacation and how to save money when you travel by car.

1. Plan ahead! Make an itinerary with the places you plan to visit or see. Then, search for coupons online that may help you save money at those locations. Request brochures several weeks or months in advance or check for free travel guides. You don’t want to waste time when you get to your location by trying to find things to do, so be sure you plan ahead.

2. Find deals on places to stay. If you really want to save money, the best bet is to find a friend to stay with that lives near your destination. If you don’t have any friends to stay with, then you will most likely have to book a hotel room. Compare prices at hotels. Research the services and amenities the hotel offers. Do you want it to have a free continental breakfast? A pool? Free wi-fi? Make sure parking is free, too. There are hotels that do make you pay for parking! Find hotels that travelers trust. If you don’t want to stay at a hotel, you can also try camping out at a state park.

3. Before you go, make sure you check that car is running well to avoid mechanical fees along the way. Check the tire pressure. Get an oil change if needed and make sure your inspection and registration is up to date. Carry your license and car insurance cards with you when you travel, too. While driving, make sure you watch your speed. You don’t want to end up with any tickets along the way!

4. Carry extra cash with you for emergencies.

5. Bring maps or your GPS and make sure you know how to get to your destination before you leave. You don’t want to waste time or fuel because you got lost.

6. Pack up plenty of snacks and drinks. Pack up a small cooler with water, juice, or milk for the kids. If possible, try to eat before you go so that you don’t have to stop shortly after leaving to get a bite to eat. To save even more money and if you have room, pack a picnic and stop at a park or rest stop along the way. Let the kids run around and get some energy out. To save on ice, refill empty water bottles and freeze them and use them to keep food and drink cool.

7. If you are traveling with kids, make sure you have everything ready to go: DVD player with adapter, bottles or formula, snack bags, wipes for easy clean up, plastic trash bags for trash, toys, books, etc.

8. Take your medicine or prescriptions with you. Take an extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts just in case they get broken or lost.

9. Make sure everyone uses the restroom before you go! This will avoid a “Mommy, I have to go potty!” after only 5 minutes into the trip, saving time and money.

10. If possible, try to find cheapest gas. Check GasBuddy.com to compare prices in major cities.

How do you save money when traveling by car?

When I took eye exams as a young child, I would always pass with 20/20 vision. I was proud of that and thought I’d have perfect vision forever. As I started getting older, my vision started to change. Sometimes I think it’s because of my excessive use of computers (glaring at the screen), two pregnancies, or just from getting older in general.

It’s best to visit your eye doctor on a yearly basis. Several years ago I was prescribed contacts and glasses for my no longer perfect vision. I had to accept that I would have to wear contacts or glasses for the rest of my life (unless I opted for Lasik surgery, something I’m actually afraid of!)

Eyeglasses can be very expensive. By the time you consider the frames, the lenses, and the special add-ons (anti-glare, etc.) this can add up, sometimes costing over $200. I allow myself to get a brand new pair of glasses each year at my annual eye appointment, but I don’t always want to pay the price that I see at the optometrists office. I wear my glasses most often when I am driving, at the movies, or watching TV. Because I don’t wear them all day, I’d like to stick with glasses that are inexpensive and usually very basic. I have owned four pairs of glasses in my lifetime and only have three of the four left. I like to have a few pair around–one pair to keep in my car at all times, one pair to keep at home at all times, and one in my purse to take everywhere with me.

I now resort to online eyeglass shopping for my eyeglass needs. I shop online for eyeglasses now because I find they are usually cheaper online. I have had great luck with shopping for eyeglasses online. If you are looking for eyeglasses online, you should visit Glasses.com. I like that they offer free shipping, price guarantees, and great customer service! They offer name brand frames at a great price. I have my eye on a few frames from their website.

I am currently looking into unique SPY sunglass styles because prescription sunglasses are on my wish list! With the summer coming up, I’d LOVE to have a pair of prescription sunglasses to wear outdoors and when driving! I don’t own a pair yet, but I think I will be placing my order soon so that I cam have them here before summer!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.