When a store has a sale and that item is out of stock you are usually entitled to a raincheck which will allow you to purchase the that item when it is re-stocked at the sale price.

This can be a great adantage for coupon shoppers as this will allow you to find, trade, or order from a coupon clipping service additional coupons so that you can stockpile that item.

Savvy coupon shoppers know that the store does not need to be out of stock of all the varieties offered in the sale flyer but instead look for just one flavor or type to be sold out and request a raincheck from the cashier or customer service desk. So for example if Pepsi 2-liters are on sale this week for $0.79 each, but the store is out of stock on just the Wild Cherry flavor you can ask for a raincheck because the store is out of stock. Usually they will write you a raincheck for any flavor, although sometimes they will indicate that you can only purchase the flavor that is out of stock.

Unless there is wording on the store sale flyer that indicates that the sale is limited to stock on hand or other such wording then by law in most states the store must issue a raincheck if they are out of stock or offer the consumer a substitute product. So extend your buying time by looking for out of stock items in the grocery store that are on sale and ask for a raincheck. Some rainchecks never expire while others, depending on the store policy expire within 30 days. This is plenty of time to aquire more coupons and stock up!

Tags: Frugal Tip, Quick Tip, Rainchecks
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Your local library can be a great money saving spot to put in your arsenal of ways to save money. Everyone can obtain a library card for FREE. All that is usually required is proof of address.

Here are some of the many ways you can save by utilizing your library:

• Instead of purchasing books, borrow them instead. If your library does not carry the book you are looking for speak to a librarian to see if they have a way of obtaining the book you want. Most libraries can do what is called an inter library loan by which your library borrows a book from another library.
• Borrow DVD’s and CD’s. Most libraries carry a nice selection of movies and music which you can check out for loan for free.
• Catch up on your favorite magazines and newspapers by borrowing them from the library. Sometimes the newspapers are not available for check out, but you can still read them there at the library.
• Cut your internet bill by using the computers at the library. If you don’t have a computer at home or are considering the need to cut this bill from your budget you can still access the internet from your library. Most libraries have a time limit and waiting times can be long for heavy use times, but if you just want to pop online once in a while to do some research or check emails this can be a viable option.
• Print, copy and fax. Many libraries offer the use of printers, copiers and fax machines often for a nominal charge of 5-10 cents per page. This is usually cheaper than using a service like Kinkos.
• Learn something or just while away a few hours by taking advantage of the classes, art shows, lectures, story times (for children), book clubs and other activities offered at most libraries. To find out what is offered at your library just ask a librarian for a calendar of events or check online.

I am fortunate to live right behind the library and my children and I spend on average 5-10 hours a week at the library checking out books and movies and taking part in the free activities offered there. If you don’t know where your local library is check out publiclibraries.com

Tags: Activities, Art Show, Book Club, Books, Cds, Class, Computer, Copy, DVD's, Fax, Frugal Activity, Frugal Living, Frugal Tip, Library, Library Card, Magazine, Magazines, Movies, Music, Newspaper, Print, Quick Tip, Story Time
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Software such as Turbo Tax or even the fees you paid to a tax professional such as H&R Block or your accountant can all be deducted in your following year taxes.

To find more information about itemized deductions check out this page on the IRS website.

Tags: Deductions, Frugal Living, Frugal Tip, H&R Block, Itemized Deductions, Quick Tip, Tax, Tax Software, taxes, TurboTax
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Sprinkle ¼ cup baking soda in your drain, followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let sit for 15 minutes, and then flush with a pot of boiling water. Doing this treatment to your drains once a month can help avoid major backups of clogged grease, soap, and hair which can prevent costly plumber visits.

Tags: Baking, Clogged Pipes, Frugal Living, Frugal Tip, Household Tip, Pipes, Plumbing, Vinegar
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Set your computer to sleep mode with it’s not in use. To power it back up, simply click the mouse. This feature can cut your computer’s electricity use in half, saving you $25.00 to $75.00 a year!

To enable sleep mode in Windows, go to Start, then Control Panel, then Power Options.

On a Mac, go to System Preferences, then Energy Saver.

Tags: Computer, Energy, Energy Saving, Frugal Living, Frugal Tip, Mac, Macintosh, Macintosh Computer, Sleep Mode, Windows, Windows Computer
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A paper shredder is a smart investment and can be found in most big box retailers or online for as little as $15.00. Use it to shred your junk mail, credit card offers and other important documents that you no longer need to keep for your personal records. Put the shredded paper out with your regular paper recycling or put it to use. Line a small animal’s cage with paper shreds, put the shredded paper in your compost bin, or use the shredded paper as a fire starter in your fireplace.

Tags: Frugal Living, Frugal Tip, Identity Theft, Paper Shredder
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