With the advent of summer, people are going to be taking vacation. However, taking a vacation need not be an expensive proposition. It is possible for you and your family to enjoy yourselves and not get into debt or spend outrageous sums of money. The answer – think local and think coupon codes or promo codes.
Consider becoming a real “tourist” in your hometown. The idea is to see your local surroundings in a new way. Free your calendar; really treat your vacation like you would if you were three thousand miles away. Do not allow any part of your time off to be highjacked with to-do’s and responsibilities that are different from what you would do on a real, travelling vacation. This is important. If you can free yourselves from the routine, you can enjoy local beaches and parks at a fraction of the cost.
The savings you will enjoy by sleeping in your own bed each night (or your own tent!) and eating home cooked meals will really be satisfying when you look at your shrinking credit bills and expanding savings account. Remember: it is not where you spend your vacation; it is with whom you spend it.
Suzie Howard is an editor at DealTattle.com , a leading coupon code, discount and thrifty community. Her blog posts can frequently be found on the DealTattle.com Blog.
Summer Vacation? Think Local.
July 7th, 2010Use Credit Cards To Pay You!
July 6th, 2010
We know that many of us are working hard to pay down our credit card bills. The goal is to have zero credit here at DealTattle.com. However, once we get a credit card down to zero what do we do? Cut it up? Keep it handy for an emergency?
Depending on how disciplined you are you may want to consider getting a credit card that pays you on all expenditures. These types of credit cards typically carry a higher interest rate than one you can find if you intend to carry a balance. So, it is critical that you always pay the credit card off at the end of the month. Assuming that you pay the credit card off completely each and every month, you can get cash or points toward merchandise from favorite retailer. It is like another way to get coupon codes, promo codes or discounts for yourself and family. Today, almost all retailers are marketing these type of “loyalty cards”.
For example, we have a friend who loves to go camping. This person puts all family expenditures (including: gas, food, etc) on their camping retailer’s credit card. At the end of every three months, they buy a needed tent or sleeping bag or other camping need for the family.
However, this is a very serious thrifty person. They never carry a balance. They pay in full and save in full. We would only recommend this for a serious saver who has mastered the art of carrying zero credit card debt. But, if you are this kind of person, you can really provide yourself a nice little treat several times a year. Just make sure you think through the implications. Again, the one thing you want to make sure you avoid is carrying credit card balances. If you think you might go into debt, don’t bother with loyalty credit cards. Remember our maxim… “pay in full… save in full.”
Suzie Howard is an editor at DealTattle.com , a leading coupon code, discount and thrifty community. Her blog posts can frequently be found on the DealTattle.com Blog.
How to Reduce Air Conditioning, Save Money
July 2nd, 2010
Thrifty tip of the day on how to reduce your reliance on air conditioning and save money this summer.
07.01.10 DealTattle.com Best Coupon Codes
July 1st, 2010
Microsoft, Puritan’s Pride, DiViene, Alibris, Champions on Display, ShopEcko, ShoeSteal, Champs Sports, Leonisa, Shop Now or Never, Raisinettes, VistaPrint, Pearle Vision coupons, coupon codes, promo codes and discounts.
How To Use Online Coupons – Part 1
June 30th, 2010
Thrifty tip of the day on how to use online coupons.
Stop Wasting Your Money on Bottled Water
June 28th, 2010
Thrifty tip of the day on how bottled water is expensive, no better for you than tap water and not good for the environment.
Coupons Are Back. Consumers Love Them.
June 28th, 2010
With the Great Recession of 2008 – 2009 not feeling behind us, consumers have continued the trend of embracing coupons. Prior to 2009 many thought that coupons and online coupon codes were on their way to extinction. Not so, thanks to the recent recession. Consumers need to stretch their dollars more than ever. Coupon use started to rise in 2009, when coupon code redemptions grew by 27% as Americans searched for ways to save money on everyday expenditures.
NCH Marketing Services claimed 2009 coupon redemption levels achieved “the second highest year-over-year growth ever recorded.” Indeed, while newspaper inserts are still the primary method of coupon distribution, internet redemption using online coupon codes has skyrocketed 263% in 2009.
While most people expect the economy to improve, many still expect the use of coupon codes to remain strong. All indications are that the current economic recovery is taking hold very slowly (if at all). Without employment growth coupon use is sure to grow. Indeed most americans feel unsure about their personal finances and are looking for ways to save money and be more frugal. In addition, other verticals such as clothing and tech are getting more popular for retailers. Traditionally, grocery coupons have been the focus of coupons providers. However, this too is changing. The slowness of the economic recovery has spurred couponing in many different verticals.
In terms of who uses coupons, coupon use has accelerated for all ethnic groups. But, 75% of coupon “clippers” are white. In addition, households residing in comfortable country and affluent suburban spreads are more likely to be heavier coupon users, while non-users are more apt to be those households living in rural areas and struggling urban core areas.
As a result, manufacturers and retailers have real opportunities to reach different groups with coupons and promotions, particularly African-American and Hispanic households. This may require adjustments to existing tactics, the potential pay-off—in terms of volume growth and winning new customer loyalty—can be significant.
For many retailers, marketing will continue with both online and offline retail coupons. However, with advancements in coupon delivery vehicles that enable both better targeted coupon distribution and redemption, manufacturers and retailers will continue to have real opportunities to use coupons and free samples to drive sales for the next few years and beyond.
Suzie Howard is an editor at DealTattle.com , a leading coupon code, discount and thrifty community. Her blog posts can frequently be found on the DealTattle.com Blog.
