Beware of Scammers!!!

This is something that I should have written about prior to now, but it honestly didn't even cross my mind. "Free" offers displayed on the internet often turn out to be scams. They might offer you free access to an otherwise restricted site, free shares, free downloads, free trials of certain products or even a free vacation. They can appear as annoying pop-ups while you are on the net or as ads at the tops or margins of websites. Sometimes entire websites could be set up to advertise a "free" offer.

Usually, the offers either require you to provide credit card, bank account or other personal details, or they require you to pay an upfront fee to claim your ‘free’ prize or product. DO NOT DO THIS , it more than likely will turn out to be a scam and will not be free for you and may cost you quite a bit of money in the long run.

Of course, there are many sites on the internet that legitimately offer free products or services and that are not scams. I post links to these legit offers, but once you sign up for the offer that I have posted please do not click on any other offers that they may be offering. These are usually advertisers or sponsers and these will not be free. A legit free offer will not require you to give out your credit card number, bank account number, social security number or to pay a fee upfront. The warning signs below can help you decide if an offer is likely to be a scam or not.

You follow an internet ad or pop-up window that is advertising a free product or service. Especially after completeling a free offer that I have posted, never ever follow those links.

When you try to find out more about a free offer, you are directed to a different website with more advertising.

The website offering the "free" product does not appear to load up correctly or not all its links work.

The website offering the "free" product may require you to register your credit card or bank account details.

To claim the free product or service, you are asked to pay some sort of fee or charge or you have "terms and conditions" you are required to meet before you will receive the product.

The website warns you that you will have to turn off your pop up blocker or you spyware blocker...at this point turn around and run.

There might not be any legal information (copyright statements and terms of use, privacy policies etc) contained on the page.

How to protect yourself from scam offers:

Remember the old adage...if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

NEVER send money, or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust.

Never enter your personal, credit card or online account information on a website that you are not certain is genuine.

Never send your personal, credit card or online account details through an email.

Read all the terms and conditions of any offer very carefully: claims of free or very cheap offers often have hidden costs

My husband was almost duped into one of these scams last night, until I found out what he was doing and told him what it was. I had him google the company name and he found alot of complaints on the company. He hadn't completed the "offer" but they have already started selling his email addy, he woke up to a full inbox this morning. Just be very careful.

All of the offers that I post are legit, I will not post them until I sign up for them myself. Just remember....do not sign up for any "extras" that a company may offer after you sign up for the freebie. It's rare that you will come across these with the freebies that I recommend, but I have had one so far. I will try to catch it and point it out. For example....the lightbulbs that I posted, there is an offer for a Brita Pitcher after you sign up for the lightbulbs (and they are free) but please do not sign up for the Brita Pitcher. The requirements to get the pitcher are to sign up for a total of 6 more "offers", that will cost you money. You also have to refer two people that will also have to fullfill the requirements to even get your pitcher. So not only do you have to do it, two other people also have to. Please always take the time to read the find print at the bottom and the terms and conditions.

If you are looking at a freebie I have not recommended then always be sceptical of free offers and ask yourself: what’s the catch? Remember that you don’t get something for nothing. It’s better never to click on internet ads which promise you something that looks too good to be true.

It can be difficult to determine if a free offer is worthwhile or not. A good method is to ask other internet users you trust for information, and I would be more than happy to help any of you with this. Also you can search for information about the product on trustworthy internet sites, eg; google it.

If a free offer does look reasonable (for example, the offer is being made by a well known company) be sure that you know what the offer is actually for, if there are any costs involved and what conditions are attached. For example, do you have to sign up for a subscription service where only the first order is free? As I previously stated, you should never have to pay money upfront for a legit free offer. I never have, and I never will.

If the free offer involves an up-front payment or has other strings attached (e.g. to claim a free vacation), do not do it! If you are asked to register your credit card or bank account details, for example, to gain entry to a "free" website, ask yourself why this should be necessary if the offer was really free. If you do enter these details, there is a very real chance that these details will be used to steal money from you, to run up debts in your name or to sign up up for a subscription service that may be very costly. The golden rule is that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Last but not least, if you come across an advertisement on the internet that offers something for free, be very careful. If the offer looks to good to be true, or asks you to provide credit card or banking details, do NOT respond. Do not click on the ad, that's a good way to have spyware installed on your computer or for you to get phished. Do not make contact with anyone listed in the ad, do not call the telephone number listed and do not send any money, credit card details or other personal details to the scammers.

I hope this helps, as I said any offer I post is legit, so please continue to enjoy the freebies and coupons. We've just hit a little bump in the road, but hopefully this will help everyone be able to request freebies with a little peace of mind.

Friday Freebies and Coupons!!!

Good Friday morning!!!! I have loads of new freebies and samples today!!!!

Thanks goes to Amber who let me in on two great freebies click here to try Purex's new Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets. I tried these and I am now a fan for life! You can also get a free complimentary sample pack of Nescafe Tasters Choice by clicking here, this sample pack includes 5 flavors of gourmet coffee, so check it out! Thanks again Amber!!!!

StarKist Tuna is offering a printable coupon for $0.50 cents off 1 Starkist Pouch Product when you like them on Facebook. Just click here to get to their page and then like them and and then click the Coupons tab. These packages are around $1.00, my store doubles coupons, so there's a good chance that I can get this for FREE! I've purchased the premade tuna salad before and recommend it, it's very good!

Click here to get a coupon to "Buy Two Get One Free The Skinny Cow Cup" on Facebbok. You can print two coupons, just hit the back button after your first one prints. These are great, they are low cal and come in 5 different flavors, save this coupon and combine it will a sale and you should be able to get a great deal on them!

Nabisco has just released a new printable coupon for Buy any 1 Nabisco 100 Calorie Pack, Get 1 FREE (3.7oz or larger/up to $3.29 value/Excludes Nabisco 100 Calorie Bars) when you "like" them on Facebook then click 'Coupon Offer' tab. Click here to get this great coupon! This is limited to the first 50,000 fans and will go fast!

Ever wonder how many steps you really take in a day? Nature's Bounty is offereing a FREE Pedometer by clicking here! It's limited to "while supplies last" so hurry up and grab this great freebie!!! Allow up to 8 weeks for delivery.

In celebration of Mother's Day Green Giant is giving away a coupon for Russet Potatos, it's a BOGO coupon! You’ll first need to create an account by clicking here after creating the accont you will need to confirm it. Then you should be able to log in to your account and print the coupon! Hurry, supplies are limited!!!

Thanks to Lisa for letting me in on this next freebie! Sign up here to participate in The Free Lightbulb Initiative and receive two free Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Lightbulbs! Save big money on your electrical bill at the same time. Approximately $30 per bulb - We're saving you $60 in addition to the cost of the lightbulbs!

Send a Mother's Day Card (this is super easy,the card is already premade, you just fill out the email address and name fields) and both the recipient and sender get a coupon to Save $1.00on one Tropicana Pure Premium or Trop50 carton, click here to get in on this great deal! Again, just hit back to print two of them.

Walgreens is offering s free 8 x 10 collage through May 8 with promo code GOODTHOUGHTS. Simply choose pick up in store and this is absolutely free! Click here to get in on this great freebie!


OK everyone, I hope you were able to take advantage on some of these great freebies!!! I will not be posting again until Sunday evening, when I will be putting up coupon match ups. Please feel free to leave a comment if you liked any of these freebies and please continue to spread the word! Thank you and have a great weekend!!! : )

Today's Freebies and Samples!

Get a FREE sample of Nivea Happy Sensation Body Lotion or Nivea Touch of Happiness Body Wash from The Ellen DeGeneres Show by clicking here. There is a good chance that this one will come with a high value coupon!


Go HERE to request a free sample of Lever 2000 from Sam's Club. You do not need to be a member to receive this sample, just leave the box for the membership number blank. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Click here for a $1.00 coupon good for a 2 liter of 7 up. I printed this one off last week and it cost me .25 after the coupon. We don't drink alot of 7up but I like to keep it around the house for upset belly's. Hurry this one will go FAST! This is a bricks coupon, so if you hit the back button you will be able to print it twice!

Sign up for greenworks newsletter to receive your $3 coupon off of greenworks laundry detergent. Hurry—this is a limited time offer! If you catch this on sale (it's on sale at lowes this week for $4.77) you should be able to get this for under $2.00!

Some more Freebies!!!

When you Like Red Baron Pizza on Facebook you can print a coupon for $2.00 off Red Baron By The Slice frozen pizza. This is a high dollar coupon because this new product has a suggested retail value of $3.49! The coupon is a SmartSource coupon, so be patient because it takes longer than most to print. Click here to get to their page!

This next company is awesome, they are a Christian based company, and are not afraid to show it! You can request a free bottle of Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce by clicking here. They will send you a coupon in the mail, you should receive it in 4-6 weeks. We have tried this sauce and it is awesome! It goes really well with meat, veggies, etc! I am a fan for life now...go ahead, give it a try...it's FREE!!!

Get a free sample of South Beach Living Fiber Fit S'mores bars by clicking here. You will need to select "Yes, I would be willing to provide feedback" and enter your email address to get to the free sample request form. You should receive your free sample within 4 to 6 weeks.

You can get a free Neil Med Sinus Rinse with two mixture packets. Visit NeilMed Sinuse Rinse and Like them. Go to the "Free Sinus" tab and then fill out the form. You will receive an email confirmation (you don't need to click on anything in that email).

I know I have some nursing mommies out there so this one's for you! Get a free sample of The First Years Nursing Care Instant Relief System. This sample for nursing moms includes a re-usable cooling gel pad with four disposable milk protein treated sleeve, quanties are limited.

Get a free sample of L'Oreal EverStrong shampoo, conditioner, and treatment from Target. Click on the Free button after the page loads (you need Adobe Flash Player to view it). This one is loading a little slowly this morning so have patience!

Making the List!

Good Morning!!! So my Sunday evening usually consists of sorting, cutting and clipping all of my coupons. I sort out the ones that I want and put those in a one pile. I take the others that I am not using, mark them with the date and put in a bag for possible future use. Each week I check the new ones that I have and go over the older ones that I have kept from previous weeks. I have used quite a few that I thought I never would, so I wouldn't throw any of them out until they expire.

Here comes the time consuming part, I go through the local Kroger ad (that's where I do my shopping) and look at the sales. Then I match up the coupons that I have with the sales. My kroger doubles up to .99, which is amazing! So a coupon that says it's worth .75 is really worth $1.50, and so on. That applies as long as it doesn't say "Do Not Double" across the top of the coupon. I will not buy anything that is not on sale or that I do not have a coupon for, other than meat. If you wait long enough, pretty much everything comes on sale at one time or another. So after I match up my coupons with the sales, I go to my free menu planning website here and plan out our meals according to the current sales. It's nice because my meals are planned out for the week and I know that I have everything that I need for them.

I have saved alot of money by stopping "pick up" trips to the store. I would go in to pick up one or two things that I had forgotten and walk out with way more and even worse, I was paying full price for the stuff. We have cut our yearly grocery bill down from over $3400 a year to an average of $1500 a year! The only difference is that before I was buying alot of store brand items and now it's almost always name brand items that I'm getting and its way cheaper!

So after I get my coupons cut, clipped and organized, my coupons matched up, and my meals planned I make my list. This is very important in saving money!!!! Always make a list and stick to it!!! I mark if I have a coupon (c) or a rebate (r) beside each item on my list, that way when I check it off I make sure that I have the coupon for it or I make sure I seperate the rebates to get individual receipts. Prior to going, I also put all of my coupons in order according to the store layout, I have Kroger memorized to a T. So as I'm going through the aisles I put the items in my cart, check it off my list, and put my coupon in the very front pouch of my coupon organizer so at checkout I'm not scrambling around like a madwomen looking for coupons.

I also recommend going to the store on Monday if at all possible!!! They start to sell out of the items that have good coupon matchups by Tuesday and most of them are gone by Wednesday, so the earlier you can get there the better!

I know this sounds like alot, so you can decide if it's worth it. But after a few times, it almost becomes a second nature and you will get quicker at it. To try and make things a little easier on you, I will be posting links to the coupon matchups every Sunday evening. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask or leave a comment! I will be posting links to some great deals here in a little bit, so make sure you check back!!!

Free Libby's Veggies!

If you "like" Libby's on Facebook you will get a free can of Libby's Vegetables. Click here, it will load up a blank page but the "like" button will be at the top. Click on the like button and it will take you to a page, look for the yellow text that says "click here" to fill out the coupon request form. They will either email a printable coupon or mail a coupon within 4 to 6 weeks. This is limited quantities and this offer ends on May 15.

Free Kraft Summer Sample Pack!!!!

Visit Kraft Foods here on Facebook and "Like" them to sign-up for a free Summer Sample Pack! After you "Like" them, you need to click on "Sign Up Now" under the "Savings" tab. You can choose your sample pack - each pack contains samples and coupons plus a Delicious Summer Rebate Form to get $10 back after spending $30 on Kraft products (valid May 23 thru June 13). You should receive it within 3 to 4 weeks. Be patient, the application for requesting the sample is running slowly this afternoon!

This would be a great first freebie!!! I chose the BBQ Gift Pack (which they are now out of) Which one did you choose? Please leave me a comment and let me know!!!

Programs...

OK guys...I have compiled a list of the different programs that I participate in. If I find that I missed any, I will post them later.

These work for the companies for many different reasons. One is word of mouth...the partcipants will get to try their product for free...if they like it they tell 10 people and so on, that's the basic concept. It does work, because I have found myself doing it. This is done with both existing and new products on the market. The company will usually send you a coupon for a full size item, and if you like it they hope that you will tell your friends and family.

There are others that will use you to "test" their products. This is usually done with new products also. They will usually send you a coupon for a full sized product or will actually send you the product itself. I've gotten shampoo, conditioner, Oil of Olay Pro X (that was valued at $45.00 alone!)tons of food products and many other things this way. Again, they hope if you like it you will tell others and buy it yourself. These usually include valuable coupons too to pass along to friends and family! Usually they ask that you fill out a quick survey, it takes no more than a minute or two. If you do that, then they will send you more stuff. So try to always fill out the surveys if that is the case...it's well worth it!!!

Others will send you actual sample sizes, which are usually decently sized. They almost always include valuable coupons too. I recommend always requesting the samples, sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised and the sample will be full sized! But if not, it's worth it just for the coupons, even if you're not a fan of samples.

A new thing that has started on Facebook is if you become a "fan" of a certain company they will either mail to you or let you print off a coupon, these are usually for a free item. Sometimes it will just be a coupon, but they are usually high dollar coupons. I have recently started getting into that and I'm loving it!

The key to ALL of this is to be QUICK!! You need to grab it AS SOON as you find out there is an offer/sample/coupon! These are limited quantities and they tend to go very quickly! I will be posting offers as I find out about them. That's why I recommend subscribing to this blog, so you get the updates as soon as I do and you are able to request it before they run out.

OK, so the programs that I recommend are all free..these are the ones that usually send coupons and/or samples: General Mills Pssst Program, this is usually samples and high dollar coupons; Proctor & Gamble Everday Solutions, these are usually high dollar or free coupons...you would be shocked at how much you can save from this one alone...P&G makes a ton of products! Kraft First Taste is really good too, it's usually high dollar or free coupons.

The word of mouth marketing programs are She Speaks, you will receive full sized products or coupons for full sized products and my favorite which is Vocalpoint, it is ridiculous how much stuff I get from them, and again it's always full sized products plus coupons.

I feel like I'm missing a few, but that at least will get you started.

Some other websites that I recommend to either print off coupons or load them to your shoppers card are: Smartsource, Coupons.com, cellfire, shortcuts, and Kroger ECoupons. Also look for blinkies in the store that will have coupons for you to take (they are the small machines that are attached to the shelves that will spit out a coupon as you walk by) and also look for peelies on the products themselves. I may not purchase the product right at that time, but I will take the coupon if I know that I will use it later, so keep your eyes open for those!

Last but not least, I also get alot of free items with rebates. Yes, they are a pain, but they are well worth it! Just make sure if you are planning on sending rebates in you have the original reciept, so you may have to have the cashier seperate items if you are going to do more than one product. I have gotten free Oil of Olay prodcuts, free Olay Quench Lotion, a free Razor, and many other things because of rebates, they are well worth the trouble!

Ok I'm getting off here for now, I will post again tomorrow and go into more detail, about how to match up the coupons, etc. In the meantime, please check out these sites! Have a great night!

Welcome!

Hello everyone!!! I have decided to start a new blog after requests from quite a few friends. I am hoping to be able to teach everyone how exactly I save so much money by being frugal. If you are interested in this then please feel free to become a follower, so that you receive updates when I post them.

I am going to be honest, it is time consuming, but it is well worth the time and effort. For example I went to the grocery store yesterday...my total before coupons was $304.67...my total after coupons was $57.32..that is a savings of...$247.25! To me..that's well worth the 4 or 5 hours of effort that I put into requesting the free samples, coupons, etc. I walked out yesterday with alot of stuff that I didn't even pay for, it was 100% FREE..Crest Whitening Toothpaste, a 12 pack of Pepsi, Counry Bob's Sauce, 2 Digiornio Pizzas, a California Pizza Kitchen Pizza, Hot Dogs, Buns, Salad, Mustard,Fruit Puffs, Oscar Mayer Lunchmeat etc. Then there was other items that I only paid $1.00 or less for...Kraft Cheese, Fruit Snacks, TP, Sun Chips, and much more. This was all because of coupons that I have received, mostly through the mail, from these websites. I just received more for FREE Doritios, Duracell Batteries, another 12 pack of Pepsi, Freschetta Pizza, a free 8 Pack of Dannon Yogurt Drinks and Oscar Mayer Bacon, so it's almost time to make another trip!

Alot of people want to know where I get most of my coupons...I will tell you I do not pay for any of them. I do not buy the Sunday paper, I get them either from the advertiser or online. I will be posting links for all of the sites that I recommend joining. I will explain what you can expect from each site, as they vary. Some of them will send you full sized items to try for free, some will send you coupons for free full sized items, others will send you samples with coupons, it all varies. It may take a few months to start receiving the free items, samples, coupons, etc in the mail, but have patience and don't give up, they will be rolling in before you know it. I receive coupons for FULL SIZED FREE ITEMS at a minumum of 2-3 times a week, all because I am a member of these sites. Please do not worry...these sites are not spam, and as I said I will only give you ones that I know are legite and that I myself am a member of! : )

OK I am off to do some housework, but I will do my best to try and get some of the websites posted today...and then I will explain how I match my coupons up to the sales. That is the most important part of saving money is to match sales to coupons BEFORE you go to the store, so you are prepared! OK everyone have a great day!

Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Thanks goes to Tarah for requesting this favorite! This is a super yummy recipe and it's super easy to make! It blows the jarred alfredo sauce out of the water!!! The key to this is to cook it on low, because it will scald very easily!!!

You will need:
1-8 oz package of Cream Cheese
1 Cup Shredded Parm Cheese
1 stick of butter or margarine
1/2 cup of milk
8 oz fettuccine, cooked and drained

Stir cream cheese, parm cheese, butter and milk in large saucepan on LOW heat until smooth and creamy. Add fettuccine and toss lightly, if desired top with additional parm cheese!

Chimilada Recipe

OK girls...here it is:

You will need:
2-3 Large Chicken Breasts
1-24 oz jar of salsa (mild, medium, or hot according to how hot you like it)
1-8 oz package of Cream Cheese
1-8 oz package of cheddar or any type of mexican cheese
1 package of flour tortillas

Put chicken breast in crockpot, dump salsa over the chicken and cook on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken shreds with a fork. Shred Chicken in crockpot and mix in cream cheese, once cream cheese is melted and mixed in well it is done.

Pre-heat an oiled skillet on low-medium heat, take flour tortilla, sprinkle cheese on top of it, use a slotted spoon to scoop chicken mixture out of the crockpot and put chicken on top of the cheese, roll up like a chimichanga. Fry in pan until lightly browned and top with remaining sauce in crockpot.

Feel free to play around with this recipe...add some jalepeno's, onions or a few different kinds of cheeses, it's good any way, but this is the basic recipe!!! It goes great with spanish rice or refried beans! Enjoy!!! : )

BLT Pizza

OK...I'm not going to normally post this much, but since we are just getting things going, I am having ALOT of requests for some of my recipes. One that I have gotten several requests for today is BLT Pizza. So here it is!

You will need:

1 thin pizza crust (you can either make it from scratch, or use a packaged crust like Martha White or a canned crust like Pillsbury, just make sure you roll it thin)
1 Boboli Thin Crust Pizza (you want this to top the pizza off with)
1/2 Can of Pizza Sauce
1 Package of Kraft 5 Italian Cheese
1 Package of Bacon
2 cups of shredded lettuce
1/2-3/4 Cup of Mayo (depending on your preference)
2 Large Tomatos

Make pizza crust and prebake in oven for 8-10 minutes @ 450 degrees. Meanwhile fry up and crumble the bacon. After crust is prebaked, remove and let cool for 5 minutes, then put a THIN layer of pizza sauce on crust, and generously cover the sauce with the cheese. Cover the cheese with the crumbled bacon and put in the oven to bake @ 450 for about 7-10 minutes. (The crust should be done when you put it in to bake it so you are just wanting the cheese to melt and the toppings to get warm). While pizza is baking, mix lettuce and mayo together in a bowl and set aside and slice tomatos. Remove pizza from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Spread the lettuce and mayo mixture over the top of the pizza, put the sliced tomatos on top of that and top with boboli crust. We slice it in squares and eat it like a sandwich. It's really good!!!