How I earned $165 by web surfing and using coupons! Read on!

 

So, as many of you who use coupons know, we print ALOT of them in hopes of a good deal. We use the ink and the paper...then we cut them, then we store them, then we HOPEFULLY find a good deal to use them! We all know and love coupons.com, right?

Well, every time I use a coupon from coupons.com that I printed from Swagbucks, I get 10 Swagbucks added to my account! What is that worth? Well, I trade my Swagbucks in for Pay Pal credit. If I have collected 2500 Swagbucks, then I get $25!

Now you may be saying, "UM, it takes a LONG time to use 250 coupons, is there a faster way to earn?"  Or maybe you don't use coupons at all...good question.

I'm so glad you asked!  If you check out the screenshot below, you will see my Swagbucks account as I am writing this:

You can see at the far top right, it shows 3,977 Swagbucks as my balance, or $39.77 if I redeem for PayPal credit. They redeem in $25 increments and add it directly to my account!

Now, when I first get on the computer every day, I just go to this Swagbucks page. Then, I answer the "Daily Poll" which you will see on the bottom left of the screen shot. Here is the poll for today:

As soon as you click on "Vote", ONE Swagbuck will be added into your account.  Mine now says 3978 for the balance!

The next thing I do is start "searching". If you check Facebook or Twitter every morning, or you shop on Amazon or Walmart...whatever, you can just go to the search bar on the top of the home page (or click on "Search" on the top menu. Every time you want to visit a site, type it in this box. For instance, type in "Facebook" and search for it instead of going directly to the website from your regular browser.  When you are done with Facebook, head to Swagbucks and type in "Twitter" or whatever is next. Then, search for that. Usually in the first few (I say under 10) searches, it gives you automatic Swagbucks in your account.  Yes, it takes a few extra steps. But if you are searching anyway, it only takes a second more than normal.  Let's try it:

Ha! Awesome! This was my third try and I won 9 Swagbucks just for searching. (I am kind of stoked that it awarded it when I typed in "I love Jesus", just sayin'!)  All I have to do now is type in the "PAN" letters that it is asking for so that it can make sure "I am not a robot"! Then, I get my Swagbucks!

Now, I can usually do the "search" thing 2 times a day to get the Swagbucks for it. But, you have to wait quite a few hours to do it, I'd say like 8 or 9 hours at least. You could search a billion times after you win and it still won't let you win more until quite a bit of time has gone by.

Also, when you begin your search, don't type something in and hit "search" over and over until you win. Swagbucks is not stupid :) Treat it as if you are actually surfing the web and it will come in a few minutes!

"OK, Erin, you got 9 cents. Big deal."  9 cents may not be a lot, but you can see how it has added up over time. Now, I have to admit that I have only started doing this again since around January of this year. And I haven't always been faithful. But I'll take the $40 bucks if they want to give it to me!

Alright, so how about this coupon redemption thing?

Well, if you see the word "Discover" on the menu, "coupons" is one of the drop-down choices.  This will take you directly to coupons.com which EVERY couponer is familiar with!  The only thing different is that when you redeem them, you will be credited 10 Swagbucks for each one!  Yes, these DO add up in a hurry if you are anything like me!

The key is, you need to give the stores time to redeem and let Swagbucks know you have turned them in. This may take a few weeks, but one day you will open it and see you have been credited! 

Speaking of being credited, here is how to check how you have been credited each day:

Just look at the top-right corner and put the cursor over your name. Then, the menu will drop down and click on "My Swag Bucks".  Ooooh, I just noticed that it shows your "lifetime" awards!  Mine equates to $165, not bad for a minute or so of time!

Anyhow, I would LOVE it if you signed up HERE for Swagbucks! I would be able to get a small credit (at no cost to you) for referring you - it would help me keep this blog going! :)  AND, you will get a bonus 30 SB just for signing up!

As you will see, there are lots of other ways to earn them, just explore the site. These are the best and easiest ones I have found! Keep me updated on how you are doing!

Looking for other ways to earn or save money? Check out these posts before you go!

Top 10 Tips & Tricks to Save on Food - (But Coupons Rock!)

 

Ok, so many people watched my episode and have asked me for advice on saving money on food. However, the majority of people *think* they don't have time to coupon. OK, we will just go with that even though I think that excuse is not always valid. But, I have compiled some tips just the same to help those who want to start saving money! You're welcome! ;)



Here are my Top 10 tips:

Travel Hacking vs. Extreme Couponing! What???

So, yes, it has been a while since I have blogged. I have a few things going on at the moment, but no worries...God is in control!

But, I did want to share with you a post that my buddy Drew over at Travel Is Free wrote today! It's called, "Why Travel Hacking Is Better Than Extreme Couponing".  It is just plain funny and I love to get people's perspectives on couponing...some perspectives are the same ones I had before I learned how to do it! This post made me laugh, and yes, he does know about my episode:) He warned me ahead of time and I found the post today! :)

Drew really is a great guy and has been helping me, for the last month or so, plan a trip to Disney for my extended family of 12.  Just like me, he is passionate about what he does.  Thanks to Drew, I have already gotten our 12 flights to Florida for free and then some...and now we are working on our free hotel stay at the Disney Dolphin Resort! If you want to know how, start researching his site...I can't explain it very well and I don't feel comfortable doing so since I'm not an expert...yet! So don't ask, LOL! :)

Tonight, I needed a laugh and this was it! Yes, I know that couponing is worth it the time I have put into it, so no offense is taken...I literally have saved thousands over the years on food that my family and the families we feed each month would normally eat. Our ministry is our way of doing God's work and I'll continue to do it for as long as I am able.  THIS is my goal vs. traveling around the world. BUT, I will say that "travel hacking" is fun to explore and it is totally worth it if you are going to vacation anyway!  Wouldn't it be awesome to send some of my families on a little getaway for FREE???!!!  I'm thinking that once my trip is done, this can become a goal of mine...hmmm....

Anyway, enjoy his post and laugh! And feel free to explore the site!  In the meantime, I am going to invite Drew and Caroline over for spaghetti, cheez-its and juice boxes! :)

God bless you all...I haven't forgotten you...

Back to Basics: Finding Coupons

Coupons are practically everywhere now! Their use is becoming increasingly popular, so be on the lookout!

Helpful coupon sources:

§  www.coupons.com

§  www.redplum.com

§  www.smartsource.com

§  www.couponnetwork.com

§  Manufacturer’s websites

§  Facebook pages for items

§  Tearpads – these are like little “coupon books” that are situated usually next to the item in the grocery store.

§  “Blinkies”  – these are the coupons that are in the little machines with a blinking red light that “spit out” one coupon at a time. They are also found on the shelves or on the doors of freezer/refrigerator displays.

§  “Peelies”/In-item coupons – Some items you buy may have a “Save $1 now on this product” coupon or may have a coupon printed on the inside of the actual box.  This in-item coupon is not always advertised, so always check your packaging before you throw them away!

Other great sources:

§  Vendor fairs, special events – My husband went to a NASCAR race once and they had a street fair outside the track. At most of the vendors, there were coupons for different items. My husband, father and brother-in-law brought us back literally a couple hundred coupons they gathered throughout the day…just handed to them by vendors!

§  Phone Calls – You wouldn’t believe the number of coupons I have received from manufacturers just because I called to give my opinion on a product.,.OR I simply asked for them! Wow, you would be amazed at what they sent! I even got a $20 Neutrogena coupon…a wrinkle cream for FREE!:)

§  Church, friends and family -  Chances are that you know LOTS of people who get the Sunday newspaper, but don’t use the coupons. ASK them! I am sure they would be happy to save them for you. You can offer to give them some pre-paid envelopes to those whom you don’t see often and it makes it so easy for them to just pop them in the mail!

Please note that you CANNOT photocopy printable coupons!  Each are unique with different pin numbers used for verification. Yes, some stores may not have the verification tools yet to know that it is counterfeit, but that doesn’t mean they won’t catch you doing it! When they don’t get reimbursed for that coupon, they will be on the lookout for the one who gave it to them!  Also, it’s just not ethical. Don’t give into temptation!

Quick Couponing Tip, Sunday Ads! Save Money!

Here's a quick tip on items that are on sale in different places at the same time. You need to read the FINE print of the ad to make sure you are not OVER spending!!!

 

Look at the ad below:

 

TOP: This top ad is for Big Lots (no, they don't take coupons). Some people think that Big Lots has the best deals because of their low pricing. Sometimes, that is true. With the $1.00 price tag, is very tempting to want to stock-up. However, take a closer look at what this $1 box of sugar is...it is just 1 POUND!!! WHAT??? That is like buying the same bags on sale at the other two stores (4 pounds each) for $4!!! In this example, Big Lots is the MOST expensive!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Now, take a look at the bottom two ads. The middle one is Price Chopper and the last one is Kinney Drugs.

 

If you wer to just read through the grocery store ads, you would find that Price Chopper has the lowest price for the 4 pounds of sugar. However, look at the Kinney Drugs ad on the bottom...it is WAY cheaper for the SAME bag, by almost a dollar each!!! Who knew?

 

We often overlook drug stores for deals, and we are usually right in doing so. But, don't forget that if you are in NEED of something, spend a few extra minutes to read through the other ads in the paper! You never know what you will find!!! :)

COUPON CLASS Tomorrow - Last Call!

This is just a reminder...we have just 3 spots left! :)

Original Post:

So, I FINALLY secured a location for the couponing class! There is limited seating of about 18, so I would reserve early if you want to come!

This will be a couponing class focused on grocery store shopping in our area. The main stores will be Price Chopper and Tops, but we will cover some others as time permits.  This is NOT a seminar. This is an actual CLASS on how to coupon so that you can go home and actually do it! :) There IS math involved, but I will walk you through it if math is not "your thing".

 

 Coupons + Math = Saving Money! :)

 

 DATE: Saturday, March 9th 

TIME: 9:00 am - 11:00 am -ish :) 

PLACE:  Life Church of the Nazarene

535 Thompson Blvd.

Watertown, NY 13601

(Go in first door and turn right)

 

COST: $15 per person or $25 per couple

This can be paid in cash or check at the door BEFORE the class.

 

***Please bring a calculator and any questions you may have!

 

 

Topics covered:

 

Anatomy of Coupons

Store Coupon Policies (The ins and outs!)

Stacking Coupons, Where to Find Them

Competitor Coupons

Putting Coupons In The Correct Order

Double-Dipping Deals
Your Own Coupon Match Ups

Catalina and Gas Rewards Deals - (Hope you like word problems! :) )

Question and Answer Time!

 

I will provide a snack and drink. Please be prompt as we will begin at 9 am.

To reserve your spot, please comment below
or email me at jesusandcouponsdotcom @ gmail .com (no spaces between)

Hope to see you there!!!
 

 



Couponing Video Series is Back!

OK, so I have updated my website with a page dedicated to the 17 couponing videos I made last year. just click HERE to view them or scroll to the top navigation bar on my home page! :)

These are videos of things you may learn in a generic couponing seminar for beginners. I did them in an order that will hopefully help you progress. There are also tips on saving money on other things from entertainment and gifts, to saving money around the house!

Couponing Class, Maybe?

For those of you who may not know me, I began the blog JesusAndCoupons after being featured on that crazy show we all know and love/hate :)

As I was blogging, I was getting more and more requests for couponing classes. I, myself, had attended one, but was disappointed that I only learned how to print out coupons from their website, how to buy through their affiliate links and how to read their coupon match ups.  So, when I designed my classes, they were specific to the major stores in our area...Price Chopper, Tops, Rite Aid and Walgreens. Yes, there are others, but these are the major ones. We learned everything from catalinas, double dips and gas promotions to register rewards, OYNOs and SCRs! :)

Times have changed a bit since I stopped that blog, but I still coupon! :)

Anyhow, I am putting out the feelers out for another class or two.  I had broken the course up into grocery couponing and drug store couponing. Depending on the class size, they each ran 2-3 hours. (I recommend the grocery one first if you are not an experienced couponer!) 

If anyone is interested, you can Facebook me or drop me an email at jesusandcouponsdotcom @ gmail .com.  I would love to do one again, they are so much fun! :)

I'll keep you updated!