Find Savings on the Internet

If you’re looking for ways to save, simply turn on your computer. There are several Internet sites that provide links to coupons and lists of discounts at retail stores.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Try these sites when you’re searching for deals:

Twitter:

Twitter is a free service that helps people to keep in touch with others using the Internet, telephone or instant messaging. To find savings, coupons and other deals, visit the site at twitter.com/FindSavings.

Find Savings:

This online resource provides information on retail coupons in three categories: new, popular and expiring coupons. For more information, visit this site at www.findsavings.com.

Slick Deals:

At Slickdeals.com, consumers can find coupons and deals at retail stores. The site also includes information on getting free stuff. To find out more about free goods, click on Forum and then Freebies.

Visitors post tips on a landing variety of free items, including tickets to movie screenings, magazine subscriptions and clothes. Access the site at Slickdeals.net.

Where do you find coupons or deals on the Internet? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

ALDI is Coming to Aiken

Are you searching for a bargain on groceries? ALDI, a discount grocery store, is coming to Aiken. 

Here’s the tip of the day:

ADLI, a grocery chain with 900 stores in 28 states, has announced plans to build a store in Aiken.

This chain sells mostly private label brands, which are sold only at ALDI stores. The grocery store’s relationship with suppliers allows the chain to negotiate prices and provide savings to customers, according to the store’s Web site.

ALDI occasionally sells national brands as “special purchases” or limited-time offers, which are available only while supplies last.

To cut costs, ALDI requires customers to pay 25 cents to use a shopping cart. The system reduces the labor of collecting carts left in parking lots and allows the store to pass on savings to consumers, the store reports.

ALDI also asks customers to bring their own bags or buy the store’s paper, plastic or insulated bags.

What do you think about ALDI coming to the area? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday Starts Thursday

Need to buy some new household appliances? With the Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday from Oct. 2-5, you’ll save money on state and local sales taxes on energy-efficient products.

Here’s the tip of the day:

The Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday began at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 and will last until midnight on Sunday, Oct. 5.

During this holiday period, Georgia residents do not have to pay state or local sales taxes on the purchase of energy-efficient or water-efficient products that cost $1,500 or less per item.

The Energy Star program is designed to reduce energy consumption and promote energy-efficient products. This is a joint effort by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Eligible appliances include dishwashers, clothes washers, air conditioners, ceiling fans, fluorescent light bulbs, dehumidifiers, programmable thermostats, refrigerators, doors and windows. Water-Sense products include high-efficiency toilets and bathroom faucets.

For more information, visit www.energystar.gov or www.epa.gov/watersense.

Trade in Old Furniture at La-Z-Boy

Tired of looking at that same sofa? You can trade in your old, gently used furniture for store credit at La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries. The items will also help a local charity – the Augusta Urban Ministries.

Here’s the tip of the day:

La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries is holding its Annual Trade-in Sale, which lasts from Oct. 1 to Nov. 3. The sale is available in La-Z-Boy’s eight Southeastern furniture galleries.

When customers trade in their old, gently used furniture, they will gain credit toward new furniture at La-Z-Boy. They will receive a trade-in value of $150 for any new chair and $250 for all new sofas.

You’ll also be making a contribution to a local charity. Augusta Urban Ministries will receive the gently used furniture from La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.

La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries will pick up your old furniture and bring it to Augusta Urban Ministries when they deliver your new furniture items, said Martha Brown, the owner and Chief Communications Officer, in a press release issued on Tuesday.

During the trade-in sale, La-Z-Boy Galleries will also offer this furniture discount in return for a donation of a check of $25 or more, written to the charity of the customer’s choice. La-Z-Boy Galleries will collect the donations and forward them directly to the charities.

Do you know another store that offers store credit for trade-ins? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

More Savings for Seniors

If you’re a senior citizen, several local fast food restaurants want to offer you a discount. Don’t pass up these extra savings at the cash register.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Below is a list of fast food restaurants in the Augusta area that offer savings for senior citizens. (If you know a senior citizen who is not computer savvy, tell them about these offers.)

McDonald’s:

McDonald’s at 2902 Washington Road offers a senior coffee or a small soft drink for 60 cents every day.

Burger King:

At Burger King, seniors can buy a soft drink or coffee for 50 cents with the purchase of a sandwich.

Checkers:

Senior citizens receive a 10 percent discount every day. Customers must be 62 years or older to receive the discount.

Taco Bell:

Taco Bell gives senior citizens a 10 percent discount each day of the week. Seniors at this restaurant are 55 years or older.

Do you know another fast food restaurant that offers senior discounts? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Groceries for 58 Cents

Looking for groceries at low prices to stock your pantry or refrigerator? Kroger is having a 58-cent sale this week.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Kroger is having a big sale on many grocery items that lasts until Saturday, Oct. 4. A variety of merchandise is priced at only 58 cents.

Customers can replenish their pantry with Kroger-brand canned vegetables, soup, fruit cocktail or macaroni and cheese. They can also find frozen pizzas and vegetables, yogurt, drinking water and gelatin or pudding at this price.

The store has additional items on sale, such as Betty Crocker Cake Mix and Pillsbury Biscuits for $1.

Do you know of another great sale on groceries this week? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Enjoy Savings at the Movies

If you’re an avid moviegoer, several movie theaters are willing to help you save money at the ticket counter.

Here’s the tip of the day:

To visit the movie theater on a budget, here are some ideas:

1. Attend matinee movies; these ticket prices are cheaper.

2. Eat before your movie starts. Then, you won't be tempted to spend money on food.

3. Find out if your company offers discount movie tickets for employees. For instance, Regal Entertainment Group has a corporate movie ticket program.

Master 7 Cinemas:

This theater offers movie tickets at a great price: $1.99 per person. The prices are available for customers each day of the week.

Children two and under receive free admission. The discount theater shows films that appeared in traditional movies several weeks prior.

Master 7 Cinemas is located at 2824 Washington Road in Augusta.

Regal Augusta Exchange 20:

Regal Augusta Exchange 20 offers savings through its Regal Crown Club Program. This free, reward card program allows customers to earn points for purchases.

Customers receive one point for every $1 spent, and they can earn free merchandise for every 40 points.

First 40 points: free popcorn
Second 40 points: free small drink
Third 40 points: free movie ticket

After this, the savings start over, according to staff members. Also, if customers purchase a ticket on Monday, they can receive a $1 coupon for candy. On Tuesdays, customers automatically receive a free, small popcorn.

Regal customers may also sign up the Ultimate Premiere Movie Pack offered by Regal Entertainment Group.

This gift for two includes two unrestricted movie tickets and a $10 gift certificate good toward any concession or box office purchase. The price of this special is $26. There is no expiration date for this offer.

You may redeem the savings at Regal Augusta Exchange 20 at 1144 Agerton Lane in Augusta, Ga. 30909.

For more information, visit http://www.edwardscinemas.com/.

How do you save money at the movie theater? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Get Cash for Your Electronics

Do you have old electronic devices lying around the house? Try to make some money from them - several Web sites are willing to pay cash.

Here’s the tip of the day:

If you’ve upgraded to the latest gadget, but your old ones are still in good condition, you might be able to earn some money. These sites will buy your electronics:

VenJuvo:

At VenJuvo, visitors can calculate the offer price based on the item’s model or manufacturer. This site can be accessed at http://www.venjuvo.com/index.aspx.

Consumers will ship in their item and can expect their payment in 5 to 10 days. They may also donate the item’s value to their favorite charity. In addition, customers may recycle electronic merchandise responsibly through this site.

Tech Forward:

When making their next electronic purchase, consumers can buy a guaranteed buyback plan through Tech Forward. This allows them to lock in a trade-in value for their item. As a result, they will know how much their item is worth in a year or two when they want to upgrade.

The site can be viewed at http://www.techforward.com/.

Gazelle:

Earn cash for cell phones or electronic items by visiting http://www.gazelle.com/.

My Bone Yard:

This site was created to help people recycle electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops in an eco-friendly manner. My Bone Yard guarantees the removal of all personal information.

Consumers may access the site at http://myboneyard.com/.

Cell Phone Trade-Ins:

To receive a cash payment, find your cell phone or iPod on the site and get a cash trade-in quote. The site provides consumers with a prepaid shipping label, so customers can send the item free of charge. For more information, visit http://cellphonetradeins.com/.

Punch Cards Can Earn Free Merchandise

Many stores offer punch cards, which reward customers with a free item after a certain number of purchases. If you’re a frequent shopper at a restaurant or store, ask if they offer punch cards for repeat customers.

Here’s the tip of the day:

For a particular number of purchases, you can earn free merchandise from your favorite retailers. You’re already planning to shop there, so take advantage of these opportunities for free products.

Many businesses offer punch cards, including New Moon Café in downtown Augusta.

The key to using punch cards is to be consistent with presenting your card and receiving the punches. Keep your card in a safe place, such as your wallet, and remember to earn your points.

Do you know any local retail stores or restaurants that offer punch cards? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Saving at the Dollar Store

Shopping at dollar stores can help consumers save money on many items. According to Market Watch, dollar stores can provide up to 70 percent savings on household supplies.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Don’t forget to check your local dollar store for savings and discounts. The Dollar Tree sells every merchandise item for $1. This is an excellent place to shop for cleaning supplies or other household items, such as plastic wrap, sandwich bags or dryer sheets.

You can also find greeting and holiday cards at low prices. They’re usually priced at 2 for $1, which is considerably lower than most retail stores.

At some dollar stores, every item might not be priced at $1, but most of the products offer substantial discounts.

The quality of the items at dollar stores is also comparable to those in grocery or retail stores, according to Market Watch. The stores can offer low prices because they purchase most of their merchandise at reduced rates from wholesalers.

Additional deals at dollar stores include shampoo, school supplies, food storage containers and snack foods, such as potato chips and crackers.

However, Market Watch reports that some products at dollar stores don’t meet safety or nutritional guidelines.

The site refers to an article by Consumer Reports’ Shop Smart magazine which warns consumers against some items, including multivitamins (didn’t contain nutrients listed on the label), soft, vinyl lunch boxes (some contained lead) or electrical products such as Christmas lights (some contained undersized wiring).

What savings have you found at local dollar stores? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Double the Savings

There’s nothing better than getting double for your money. Several local grocery stores offer “double coupon days,” which reward customers with extra savings on their purchases.

Here’s the tip of the day:

If you want to save extra money at the grocery store, take advantage of double coupon days at Kroger and Publix.

Kroger: 

At Kroger, customers are awarded double coupons everyday. The coupon must be 50 cents or less in value to receive the extra savings.

For any coupons above 50 cents, customers can receive only the value printed on the coupon.

Publix:

Publix also offers double coupon days each day of the week. The store will provide the double savings on manufacturer's coupons valued at 50 cents or less.

The grocery store also accepts traditional competitor’s coupons. If another local grocery stores has a tangible coupon that can be clipped out of the paper (not a regular ad), all Publix stores will accept them, according to Publix corporate officials.

Here are additional coupon savings at local grocery stores: 

Food Lion:

At Food Lion, customers who sign up for the store’s MVP Card can receive e-mails with current specials, coupons, meal ideas and giveaways. To receive the promotions, Food Lion consumers should sign up for the Shopper’s Companion e-mail program at www.FoodLion.com.

The grocery store also uses market data to target coupons and promotions based on customer needs and preferences. For instance, MVP customers who make regular purchases of dog food will receive coupons for dog food and other pet-related merchandise.

Or, customers who purchase diapers will receive coupons for diapers and other baby products, according to Jennifer Anderson, a corporate communications specialist at Food Lion.

Do you know additional stores that offer double coupon days? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Free Admission at Local Museums

If you’re searching for free weekend recreation, you can participate in Museum Day. Museums across the country will admit visitors free of charge next week on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Several museums in Augusta and nationwide are offering free admission next Saturday.

Five local museums will be participating – Augusta Museum of History, 1797 Ezekiel Harris House, Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson, Fort Discovery, and Morris Museum of Art, according to Rebekah Henry, the marketing and membership manager at the Augusta Museum of History.

Visitors must present a printed admission card which can be found in Smithsonian magazine’s Sept. 2008 issue. The card is also available online at microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/admission.html.

This could be the perfect time for a day trip to Atlanta or surrounding areas if you’ve wanted to go sightseeing.

Do you know additional free or low-cost recreation in the Augusta area? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Home Depot Cuts Prices

This could be the perfect time to take your home improvement project off the back burner. Starting today, The Home Depot Inc. is cutting its prices on up to 1,200 items.

Here’s the tip of the day:

The Home Depot Inc. has launched a nationwide discount program on 1,200 merchandise items. Over the next three weeks, Home Depot stores will roll out prices on products that are eligible for discounts.

The savings are between 5 and 50 percent. The discount prices will last for the long-term, according to officials at The Home Depot Inc.

Here are sample prices for discounted items:

- Homer paint bucket. Was $5; now $2.78.
- Home Depot brand lawn and refuse bags. Was $2.10; now $1.56.
- R30 unfaced insulation roll. Was $23.50; now $15.31
- Rite Temp seven day programmable thermostat. Was $42.94; now $39.93.
- Stratford brushed nickel ceiling fan. Was $89.97; now $69.
- Behr Premium Plus flat enamel paint. Was $22.98; now $19.47

Source: The Home Depot Inc., The Associated Press

Eating Out on a Budget

With our busy schedules, everyone likes to take a break from cooking and go out to a nice restaurant with family or friends. To prevent your meal from costing a small fortune, here are some discounts offered by local restaurants.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Many restaurants offer discounts for children, provide coupons or savings off your meal, or have specials for customers on designated days. Below is a list of savings offered by restaurants in the Augusta area.

Applebee’s:

Applebee’s has 99 cents Kid’s Meals each Wednesday. Parents can get up to 4 kid’s meals for each adult entrée. The Applebee’s at 3117 Washington Road presents Kid’s Karaoke on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., which includes face painting.

Families have a designated seating area, so kids can wander off to play with other children nearby.

Applebee’s also offers College Game Day specials on Saturdays in the bar area only. With the purchase of a beverage, customers can receive 50 percent off appetizers. The special also offers $3 domestic brews.

Piccadilly:

Piccadilly has Kid’s Day on Thursdays, which offers kid’s meals for 99 cents and $1.99. The special lasts all day on Thursday. The restaurant also offers kid’s meals on Saturday until 4 p.m.

The restaurant chain also has daily lunch specials for $4.99. The specials are offered Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The meals include two entrees, two sides and bread.

TGI Friday’s:

TGI Friday’s presents the Give Me More Stripes recognition program, which can be accessed at www.tgifridays.com. The membership program is free of charge.

When you sign up for the program, you will receive a free appetizer or dessert and a one-time front of the line pass. Each time you purchase a meal at TGI Friday’s, you will earn your stripes - one stripe for each $1 spent.

For each $100 spent in food purchases, the customer will receive a coupon for free food up to $8. There are no limits on how many coupons customers can earn. Members of the program will also receive special perks such as complimentary welcome tastings, upgrades on beverages and preferred seating and parking.

Friday’s officials said the program is approaching 500,000 members.

The restaurant chain also offers the “Right Portion, Right Price” menu, which allows customers to purchase smaller portions at lower prices all day. The program offers 11 entrees with prices from $5.99 to $9.99.

Red Lobster:

Red Lobster has regular menu specials each Monday and Tuesday. On Monday, the restaurant has Crab Crackin’ Monday, which offers crab legs at a discount price. One pound is $14.99, one and a half pounds cost $18.99 and two pounds are $22.99.

On Tuesday, the restaurant has Shrimp Lover’s Tuesday. Customers can choose from fried shrimp, scampi, coconut shrimp bites and popcorn shrimp. Three shrimp choices are $12.25 and four cost $15.25.

Also, the restaurant has a new menu promotion every 6 to 8 weeks. For this promotion, Red Lobster is offering endless shrimp for $15.99.

Do you know other restaurants that offer discounts for customers? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Join the Buzz Club

If you’re a frequent shopper at Big Lots, take advantage of savings by joining a free discount program. The Buzz Club offers up to 20 percent in savings, in addition to other in-store benefits.

Here’s the tip of the day:

The Buzz Club at Big Lots stores is offering discounts and savings at all store locations. Members can receive special discounts up to 20 percent off already low prices.

These members will be among the first to learn about Clearance items, view store ads and get sneak previews of new products and seasonal items. They will also learn about the freshest closeouts in pantry food and health and beauty products.

Teachers who join the program can also receive information about teachers-only discounts, contests and giveaways.

To join The Buzz Club, sign-up at Big Lots store locations or online at www.biglots.com.

Big Lots stores are located at 3232 Wrightsboro Road and 2708 Peach Orchard Road in Augusta.

Home Makeover

If you’ve postponed buying new furniture, perhaps this sale is what you’re looking for. Rooms To Go is selling many furniture items for $299 until Tuesday. People often say that your home is your castle, so perhaps this sale can give your home the makeover that you have desired.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Rooms To Go is offering a $299 sale on sofas, recliners, night stands, dining sets and other items. The sale ends on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

To learn more about the sale and available merchandise, visit the store’s official Web site at www.roomstogo.com. The local Rooms To Go store is located at 3360 Wrightsboro Road in Augusta.

Where do you go to find discount furniture? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Sale on Paint

If you’re thinking about doing a home improvement project, Sears is having a sale on paint. The sale ends on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Sears has a sale on Weatherbeater and Easy Living paint for $13.99 each. The sale includes Weatherbeater 15-year satin exterior paint and Easy Living 15-year satin interior paint.

The 15-year Weatherbeater and Easy Living flat and semi-gloss paint are also available for the sale price.

Do you know another retail store that is having a sale on paint or home improvement items? Write in to The Pinch to tell your fellow consumers.

Need Your Car Serviced?

If you’re trying make your car last longer, it’s important to complete routine maintenance. Here are some savings at local auto repair shops.

Here's the tip of the day:

Check out these savings for routine vehicle maintenance:

Tires Plus - Look for these recent coupons in your local paper which expire Oct. 31:

$20.99 for a standard oil change

$5 off 4 Tire Rotation and Balance (free tire inspection)

$10 off Vehicle Inspection (free 4 tire rotation)
 
$10 off Alignment Services (free alignment check)

Brake Service - $30 off standard, $40 off plus and $50 off premium

Good Year – Look for these coupons, which expire Sept. 30

$14.95 oil change or $5 off a premium oil change

$10 off fluid maintenance (includes cooling system service, transmission fluid exchange and power steering flush)

$20 off preventative maintenance over $100

$10 off preventative maintenance over $50

PepBoys Auto – sale prices are valid until Saturday, Sept. 13

$19.99 for conventional oil change with mail-in rebate (save $13)

$79.99 for Bronze brake service with mail-in rebate (save $20)

$69.99 computerized wheel alignment (for most vehicles)

$79.99 for cooling system flush and fluid change (for most vehicles, **with coupon from local paper)

Do you know any other auto shops offering discounts or low prices on routine maintenance? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Support Local Emergency Workers

Fred’s stores are honoring all emergency workers on Thursday, Sept. 11. When customers shop at Fred’s today, all operating profits from sales will be donated to local firefighters and police departments.

Also, if customers purchase a Hero Hat for $1 at Fred’s stores, they will also be supporting local emergency teams. The hats are on sale until Sept. 14.

Utilizing Your Resources

Do you have discounts right at your fingertips that you’re not using? Employee discounts, membership cards or rewards programs – it’s time to start taking advantage of your resources.

Many employers provide incentives for their employees, such as discount movie tickets or savings on gym memberships. According to MarketWatch, if you are a AAA member who is a Target customer, you can save 10 percent on all online orders. Or, if you are a Discover Card member, you can get 15 percent off flower orders at 1-800-Flowers.

If you have dozens of membership or credit cards, it’s time to pull out the paper work and find out your bonuses. But you’re going to have to do the work. The companies are probably not going to repeatedly inform you about their perks. As many people often say, reading is fundamental.

MarketWatch reports the average consumer has nine credit cards, belongs to four loyalty reward program and is a member of at least one association or club. However, if you find it daunting to keep track of all of them, a new Web site is designed to lend a hand.

DealMine.com is a one-stop reference for popular discounts/rewards programs and memberships. At the site, consumers can explore savings in four categories: credit cards, miles and points programs, associations and clubs and unions.

Membership programs listed include AARP, American Express, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Delta Sky Miles. Consumers can even store their membership numbers so they will be in a central location when they later need them. DealMine.com also allows visitors to compare prices on a variety of merchandise.

The lesson: Start utilizing your resources today.

What are the savings/benefits you receive from your membership cards or rewards programs? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.