Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Frugal Fatigue? - Do we really need to overspend for the economy to recover?


I was listening to NPR this morning as they interviewed an economist remarking how this holiday season returned better than expected earnings for retailers. The economist used an interesting phrase that I was compelled to look into further “frugal fatigue.”

Supposedly after years of recession people are “tired” of pinching pennies and have started going out and spending a little because “it feels good”. The worse part about this is that all the articles I have read mark this as a good thing (save one: thank you Suddenly Frugal Blog ).

It would be great if confidence in our economy were encouraging people to spend more because they can see their economic future getting brighter and don’t see the need to hoard every dime for the inevitable rainy day but that is simply not the case. People are feeling “frugal fatigue” so engaging in “shopping therapy.” Does this make sense?

Is it true that the only way to recover from our financial crisis is to go back to shopping as a cure for the blues? Is the holiday season just an excuse for everyone to go get further into debt without feeling guilty about it?

So what can we do about frugal fatigue?

  • Don’t use shopping as therapy – Yes, shopping feels good. Buying an item out of impulse feels good for the moment. But would you buy that item if the tag or advertised priced showed the actual cost of the item? Do the math.


    Price + Tax + Credit Card Interest Rate x Number of Months it takes you to pay it off = not such a great deal.


  • Live like an Affluent Pauper – Don’t spend more for anything out of ignorance. There are deals to be had you just need to spend the time doing the research and yes even clipping the coupons. Don’t spend impulsively.
Yes the country as a whole is in a recession but I refuse to believe that saddling ourselves with debt is good for America. Instead I will continue living frugally because you know what really feels good? Being debt free.


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Sunday, December 27, 2009

Amazon Video on Demand $4 Credit

If you'd like to get a free video rental or two, go to Amazon.com to grab a $4 credit with code AVODGIFT. With Amazon Video on Demand, you can get movies starting at 99c and you can watch them on your laptop or TV (as long as you have the appropriate device to hook your laptop up to your TV). Between Amazon and Redbox, there's no reason to overpay for movie rentals! The $4 credit ends January 3rd at midnight.

To stay up to date on the latest freebies, samples and hot deals, subscribe to Affluent Pauper for free updates

Power Bar, Granola, ACAI drink, Aveda samples

I'm not doing my full Sample Sunday update this week, but here are some freebie samples to get you feeling good in 2010...

Power Bar Gel Blasts
Galaxy Granola
KickinBerries ACAI drink
Aveda Smooth Infusion triple pack - printable coupon to take to your nearest Aveda salon/spa

To stay up to date on the latest freebies, samples and hot deals, subscribe to Affluent Pauper for free updates

Free Photo Book

Every month, you can get a free photo book from Hotprints. They'll even ship it for free. I love photo books because they're a great coffee table item and a fantastic gift for family and friends. The catch? The photo books will contain ads, but the ads will be featured on full page, removable inserts. Visit Hotprints to nab your free book each month. Thanks Money Saving Mom!

To stay up to date on the latest freebies, samples and hot deals, subscribe to Affluent Pauper for free updates

9c Prints at Walgreens

From now until Sat Jan 2nd, 2010, you can get 9c prints at Walgreens on orders of 50 prints or more with code 9CENTS. If you select the "pick up at store" option, you'll also avoid shipping costs.

Other freebie photos you may want to take advantage of if you haven't already:
See Here - 100 free photos on signup

Friday, December 25, 2009

Free WiFi thru Jan 15 2010 at Select Airports

If you're fortunate enough to be traveling through one of 47 select airports offering free WiFi from now until Jan 15th, 2010, your trip just got a little more pleasant! Google is covering the cost of the free WiFi. Interestingly, some of the busiest airports - ATL, NYC, SFO, LAX, DFW are not on there. Go figure... For the full list of airports participating, go here.

IHOP Free Pancake Day - 2/23/2010



While I'm on the topic of free food and since so many people are putting together their planners for 2010... put a note on there that IHOP's free pancake day will take place next year on February 23, 2010. From 7am to 10pm, you can grab your free stack of buttermilk pancakes. The cause for this is the Children's Miracle Network, so donations are encouraged.


Free Comic Book Day 2010

I know this is a bit early, but here's one for your calendars if you have a comic book fan in the family - Free Comic Book Day will be held this year on May 1, 2010. Comic book day is day each year that comic book retailers will give away select free comic books to anyone who comes in to their store. We took our son last year and he loved getting his own comic books.

Check with your local comic book store to confirm if they're participating.

I've added this to my freebie calendar. Check the calendar regularly so you can always plan your family fun around available freebies!

To stay up to date on the latest freebies, samples and hot deals, subscribe to Affluent Pauper for free updates

Free Breakfast at IKEA Dec 26-Jan 3 09

Ah... more free food. Head to IKEA this Saturday, December 26 through Sunday, January 3, 2010 for free breakfast. You'll get a free small breakfast (valued at 99¢) and a cup of coffee (value 99¢). Valid at participating stores. Usually, when you see an IKEA free breakfast deal online, it's regional, but this is posted on their main US site, so chances are, your local store is participating, but you may want to call in and check first (and if you've got kids, you know this is pretty good free entertainment for them too - the kids department is usually decked out with super cute mini furniture, toys, etc. - not to mention the ball pit!)


They have some pretty cool sales coming up too - 25c for champagne flutes on Dec 26th (usually 99c), $19.99 for a glass cabinet on Dec 29 (usually $59.99), 99c for a pack of two energy-efficient light bulbs on Dec 31 (usually $6.59), $99 for a bookcase on Jan 1st (usually $249), $14.99 for a three peice full/queen duvet set on January 3rd (usually $29.99). Check out the IKEA site for these and other great deals.


Old Cellphone = Fernbank IMAX Admission

Most people have an old cellphone or two lying around somewhere in a drawer. Now, here's your incentive to go dig it out.

As part of an environmental initiative sponsored by Nokia, visitors are invited to bring an old cell phone for recycling to Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta and they will receive free admission to the IMAX film Wild Ocean (an underwater adventure where Africa meets the sea) from January 15-24, 2010. The environmentally minded promotion also includes a free reusable shopping bag. Tickets to IMAX films at Fernbank will typically run you $15 for adults and $13 for kids 3-12. Thanks to Atlanta on the Cheap for posting.


Free Taco Bell

Taco Bell is attempting healthier fare with 7 items under 9 grams of fat. For your free sample, grab a free fresco taco from Taco Bell with this coupon.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Sample Sunday 12/20 - Ending the Year With 94 Free Samples

My favorites this week? Mariani Dried Fruit and Weight Watchers Magazine. Newest freebies in red…

Health & Beauty
Always Flexi Liner
Always Infinity
Always Infinity
Aveda Men’s Pure Performance Shampoo (you’ll get an instant printable coupon that you can take to your nearest Aveda retailer).
Benefiber Orange
Burts Bees Natural Acne Treatment (click on Annalisa’s story, and you’ll see a link on the next page for the sample)
Carefree Liners
Carefree Ultra Protection Liners
Chandra Facial Moisturizer
Dove Advanced Shampoo and Conditioner (Spanish)
Dove Calming Night (Spanish)
Dove Heat Defense
Dove Shampoo and Conditioner
Dove Deodorant (Spanish)
Dove Energy Glow Moisturizer/Body Wash (Spanish)
Dove Energy Glow Tanner (Spanish)
EmergenC
Gas X Thin Strips
Head and Shoulders Shampoo/Conditioner
Lubriderm Lotion - Send the text message MYSKIN to 467467 for the free sample offered by http://www.shoptext.com/. One text required if you’re already registered. Several if you’re not yet registered. Thanks to Freebies4mom.
Murad 3 Step Regimen (thanks to Sisterly Savings for posting!)
Murad Active Radiance Serum
Nature Made Tripleflex Softgels
Nature Made Tripleflex Softgels (more!)
Olay Total Effects Body Wash
Playtex Sport
Ponds Rejuveness
Poise
Sun Vibes Massage Oil

Food/Beverages
EAS Myoplex Bar or Nutrition Shake
Ensure Shake
Dunkin Donuts Original Blend Coffee
Mariani Dried Plums (enter code SUPERFRUIT)
Nature Valley Nut Clusters (for new subscribers to the free Eat Better America subscription only)
Nescafe Tasters Choice (click on “try it on us”. Sample is all six flavors)
Orville Redenbachers Lime and Salt Popcorn plus several Hunts, Healthy Choice and Orville Redencachers Popcorn coupons (you’ll need to sign in)
ProteinzBlitz – Free bottle at Vitamin Shoppe thru 12/31/09 with coupon
ProteinzBlits – Free bottle at GNC thru 12/31/09 with coupon
Soy Butter
Splenda Sweetener
Steaz Energy Shot
Steaz Black Cherry Sparkling Green Tea
Steaz Organic Iced Teaz
True Lemon

Babies/Children
ADT Child Safety Kit (thanks to Sisterly Savings for posting)
Beechnut Starter Kit (thanks to Mom Advice)
Kids Safety Kit from Amber Alert GPS
Babytalk Magazine
Enfamil Formula, Diaper Bag and More (for expectant and new moms)
Huggies Pure and Natural Diapers (with organic cotton!)
Lego Magazine
Lullabies from Johnson and Johnson (5 free to download)
Organic Valley Kids Activity Flyers
Pampers Extra Protection
Pampers Potty Training Kit
Potty Training Success DVD
Juicy Juice Sippy Cup

Home & Garden
2010 Betty Crocker Calendar
2010 Delallo Food Calendar
2010 Eat Better America Calendar
2010 Oriental Trading Calendar
2010 Pillsbury Calendar
Aveeno Tote
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (Sams Club Members only)
Greenworks Laundry Detergent – text NATURAL to 467467 (thanks Freebies4mom!)
Home Made Simple (this is a coupon booklet that comes out every few months, and usually has a coupon for one completely free product in it)
MS Office 2010 Beta Professional Plus (valid thru 10/2010)
Quickbooks Simple Start 2010

Pets
Bubbles and Beads Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
Dogs Life Magazine
Hills Science Diet Simple Essentials Treats (thanks Money Saving Mom!)
Halo Pet Treats
Pet N Shape Dog Treats
Petite Cuisine Cat Food

Magazines
American Cheerleader
Auto Week
Business Week
Bridal Guide
Car and Driver
Digital Photo Pro
Get Married
Hispanic
Home Educating Family
Kiplingers Personal Finance
Kiwi Magazine (thanks to Northern Cheapskate and Freebies4mom)
Soap Opera Digest
Tennis Magazine
The Sportsman
Viv Magazine (code:freeviv) – you’ll also get a red tote bag
Weight Watchers
Also see Babies/Children and Pets

Entertainment
Coldplay album – Left, Right, Left, Right, Left (thanks to The Motherload)
Black Eyed Peas “Boom Boom Pow” Soundcheck Edition
MP3 Downloadable Jazz Sampler (thanks to Fatwallet)
Walmart Weekly Free Downloadable Song

To stay up to date on the latest freebies, samples and hot deals, subscribe to Affluent Pauper for free updates

50% Off Sale at Children's Place

Children's Place is having a 50% off sale on their already reduced merchandise (in stores only). So if you need to grab a couple of extra pieces to make it through winter, you might want to go down and take a look at the racks (the sale started on 12/19). I love Children's Place clothing because the garments are well made and they still look good even after you've passed them down a couple of times!

To stay up to date on the latest freebies, samples and hot deals, subscribe to Affluent Pauper for free updates

Olay Quench Full Rebate

Here's a way to beat dry skin this winter on the cheap - Grab a couple of bottles of Olay Quench Body Lotion between now and 1/29/10 and send in your receipts to get both bottles for free! (Of course, be sure to check the Sunday paper on 1/3 to see if there are any Olay coupons in there so you can maximize this offer!). Get your rebate form here (you can submit up to two per household - void in Maine). Rebates must be postmarked by 2/12/10.

To stay up to date on the latest freebies, samples and hot deals, subscribe to Affluent Pauper for free updates

2010 Coupon Insert Schedule

You probably noticed that there weren't any coupons in this week's paper. According to my 2009 coupon insert schedule there won't be any in next Sunday's paper either. But be sure to grab a double bundle on Jan 3rd, because it's sure to be packed with coupons. Well, thanks to Sunday Coupon Preview, here's the 2010 coupon insert calendar so you'll be able to stay on top of what coupon inserts will appear in your Sunday paper. I get 2 copies of the paper each week and play the Grocery Game so I save at least 60-70% on my grocery bill each week (if you sign up, be sure to tell them that affluentpauper@gmail.com referred you!)
January
1/3: 2 Smart Source & 2 Red Plum & General Mill
1/10: Smart Source & Red Plum
1/17: Smart Source & Red Plum & Proctor & Gamble
1/24: Smart Source & Red Plum
1/31: Smart Source & Red Plum
February
2/7: Smart Source
2/14: No Inserts
2/21: Smart Source & General Mills & Procter and Gamble
2/28: Smart Source & Red Plum
March
3/7: Smart Source, Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
3/14: Smart Source& Red Plum
3/21: Smart Source& Red Plum
3/28:2 Smart Source & Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
April
4/4: No Inserts
4/11: Smart Source & Red Plum
4/18: Smart Source & Red Plum
4/25: Smart Source & Red Plum
May
5/2: Smart Source & Red Plum & P&G
5/9: Smart Source & Red Plum
5/16: 2 Smart Source & Red Plum
5/23: Smart Source & Red Plum
5/30: No Inserts
June
6/6: Smart Source & Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
6/13: Smart Source
6/20: Smart Source & Red Plum
6/27: Smart Source & Red Plum
July
7/4: No Inserts
7/11: Smart Source & Red Plum
7/18: Smart Source
7/25: Smart Source & Red Plum
August
8/1: Smart Source & Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
8/8: Smart Source & Red Plum
8/15: Smart Source & Red Plum
8/22: Smart Source & Red Plum
8/29: Smart Source & Red Plum & P&G Insert
September
9/5: No Inserts
9/12: Smart Source & 2 Red Plum
9/19: Smart Source & Red Plum
9/26: Smart Source & Red Plum
October
10/3: Smart Source & Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
10/10: Smart Source & Red Plum
10/17: Smart Source & Red Plum
10/24: Smart Source & Red Plum
10/31: Smart Source & Red Plum
November
11/7: Smart Source & Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
11/14: Smart Source & Red Plum
11/21: Smart Source & Red Plum
11/28: No Inserts
December
12/5: Smart Source & Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
12/12: Smart Source & Red Plum
12/19: No Inserts
12/26: No Inserts

To stay up to date on the latest freebies, samples and hot deals, subscribe to Affluent Pauper for free updates

Thursday, December 17, 2009

QT Free Sandwich or Drink With Purchase - Which Will You Get?


This coupon appears to change depending on either the time of day or location. QT is giving out a freebie and you'll get either a free sandwich (no purchase required) or a free fountain drink with the purchase of a sandwich wrap or salad. Click here to see what comes up for you.

Other coupons include plenty of $5 off a Hasbro toy purchase, frosted Mini Wheats, Newmans Own Pizza, Pillsbury products, Luna Bars, Betty Crocker Cookie Mix, DiGiorno Flabreads, Ronzoni pasta, Diamond Sea Salt, Kelloggs Cereal, Nivea Body Wash ($2 coupon), Jergens lotion, Goodnights Sleep Pants ($2 coupon), Bisquick, All Bran, Viva Paper Towels and much more. My favorite is a $10 off any $60 Rack Room Shoes purchase coupon.

Upcoming Free Home Depot and Lowes Workshops


We love going to these and they are a fantastic indoor freebie for kids especially with the freezing temperatures outside...

Jan 2, 2010 - Make a calendar (they'll really want to learn about dates with this!)
Dec 19, 2009 - Pet Treat Keeper
Jan 9, 2010 - Coin Bank (OK... this has to be one of the best ones they've had so far!)

Just in case you're starting to feel left out, why not take some time out for yourself to learn a new skill (for free of course!). Home Depot offers a variety of workshops for adults. Here's a what's coming up at a store near you:

Dec 19 and 26 10-11am - Interior Painting
Dec 19 and 26 11am-12pm - Tiling Floors and Walls
Dec 19 and 26 1-2pm - How to measure, cut and install crown moulding
Dec 20 and 27 1-2pm - How to install a programmable thermostat
Dec 20 and 27 2-3pm - Installing window treatments

30% Off at Old Navy thru 12/19, $1 Cozy Socks


Need to go out and grab a couple of extra sweaters for this freezing weather we're having? If you're a fan of Old Navy, use this coupon to get an extra 30% off your purchase. If you need to stock up on socks, according to Deal Seeking Mom, all U.S. and Canadian stores will be offering $1 Cozy Socks (limit 5) this Saturday, 12/19

Free Shipping Day - Thurs 12/17

Thanks to Northern Cheapskate for this post...


Today is Free Shipping Day, when more than 670 online merchants will offer customers free shipping with guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve.Participating online retailers include JcPenney, LandsEnd, Toys 'R' Us, and many more. You can also see an extensive list of holiday ordering deadlines for more than 250 stores at FreeShippingDay.comThe idea for Free Shipping Day came from Luke Knowles, the founder of FreeShipping.org. It's a neat idea because shoppers are rewarded with free shipping for doing their last minute Christmas shopping online, and retailers have the chance to boost their holiday sales.I personally try not to do online shopping without first consulting FreeShipping.org for the latest codes for free shipping. It can definitely save you some money. And just because you've waited until the last minute does mean you can't try to save some dough. Be sure to sign up for Ebates and earn cash back on your purchases. It's free to join and they'll give you a $5 bonus after you make your first purchase or you can try out one of their awesome daily deals that are exclusive to new members.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Hot Publix Coupon - $2 Off Produce

If you're in Publix, be sure to look around for a stand full of Earthgrains 100% natural whole grain thin buns. This is a new product (sort of like a cross between a burger bun, pita bread and flat bread - they'd be good for burgers, sandwiches and lunchboxes). On the display case, there's a tear-off pad full of coupons for $2 off any produce purchase when you purchase one pack of buns. Retailing at $2.50 per pack, the $2 off produce coupon gets you the pack for, essentially, 50c. I had quite a bit of produce in my cart this evening, so I picked up four packs.

To stay up to date on the latest freebies, samples and hot deals, subscribe to Affluent Pauper for free updates

Sample Sunday 12/6 - Your Guide to This Week's Best Samples

In 2010 there’s no excuse for forgetting your appointments with all the free calendars available! This week, I’ve added three more to the list. Newest freebies in red…

Health & Beauty
Always Flexi Liner
Always Infinity
Aveda Men’s Pure Performance Shampoo (you’ll get an instant printable coupon that you can take to your nearest Aveda retailer).
Burts Bees Natural Acne Treatment (click on Annalisa’s story, and you’ll see a link on the next page for the sample)
Carefree Liners
Carefree Ultra Protection Liners
Chandra Facial Moisturizer
Dove Advanced Shampoo and Conditioner (Spanish)
Dove Calming Night (Spanish)
Dove Heat Defense
Dove Shampoo and Conditioner
Dove Deodorant (Spanish)
Dove Energy Glow Moisturizer/Body Wash (Spanish)
Dove Energy Glow Tanner (Spanish)
EmergenC
Energizer Hearing Aid Batteries
Gas X Thin Strips
Head and Shoulders Shampoo/Conditioner
Kotex Ultra Thin Overnight Pads with Wings
L’Oreal Everpure
Lubriderm Lotion - Send the text message MYSKIN to 467467 for the free sample offered by www.shoptext.com. One text required if you’re already registered. Several if you’re not yet registered. Thanks to Freebies4mom.
Metamucil Berry Burst
Metamucil Clear and Natural
Murad 3 Step Regimen (thanks to Sisterly Savings for posting!)
Murad Active Radiance Serum
Nature Made Tripleflex Softgels
Nature Made Tripleflex Softgels (more!)
Olay Total Effects Body Wash
Playtex Sport
Ponds Rejuveness
Poise
Sun Vibes Massage Oil

Food/Beverages
EAS Myoplex Bar or Nutrition Shake
Ensure Shake
Dunkin Donuts Original Blend Coffee
Nature Valley Nut Clusters (for new subscribers to the free Eat Better America subscription only)
Nescafe Tasters Choice (click on “try it on us”. Sample is all six flavors)
Orville Redenbachers Lime and Salt Popcorn plus several Hunts, Healthy Choice and Orville Redencachers Popcorn coupons (you’ll need to sign in)
ProteinzBlitz – Free bottle at Vitamin Shoppe thru 12/31/09 with coupon
ProteinzBlits – Free bottle at GNC thru 12/31/09 with coupon
Soy Butter
Splenda Sweetener
Steaz Energy Shot
Steaz Black Cherry Sparkling Green Tea
Steaz Organic Iced Teaz
True Lemon

Babies/Children
ADT Child Safety Kit (thanks to Sisterly Savings for posting)
Beechnut Starter Kit (thanks to Mom Advice)
Kids Safety Kit from Amber Alert GPS
Babytalk Magazine
Enfamil Formula, Diaper Bag and More (for expectant and new moms)
GeoTrax DVD (Steamer and Samuel Save the Day)
Huggies Little Movers
Huggies Pure and Natural Diapers (with organic cotton!)
Lego Magazine
Lullabies from Johnson and Johnson (5 free to download)
Members Mark Formula
Organic Valley Kids Activity Flyers
Parents Choice Formula
Pampers Extra Protection
Pampers Potty Training Kit
Potty Training Success DVD
Precious Places DVD
Juicy Juice Water Bottle

Home & Garden
2010 ASPCA Calendar
2010 Betty Crocker Calendar
2010 Eat Better America Calendar
2010 Oriental Trading Calendar
2010 Pillsbury Calendar
Aveeno Tote
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (Sams Club Members only)
Greenworks Laundry Detergent – text NATURAL to 467467 (thanks Freebies4mom!)
Home Made Simple (this is a coupon booklet that comes out every few months, and it historically has a coupon in it for a bottle of free rinse aid)
MS Office 2010 Beta Professional Plus (valid thru 10/2010)
New Yorker 2010 calendar poster
Quickbooks Simple Start 2010

Pets
Dogs Life Magazine
Greenies
Pet N Shape Dog Treats

Magazines
American Cheerleader
Auto Week
Business Week
Bridal Guide
Car and Driver
Digital Photo Pro
Golf Digest
Hispanic
Home Educating Family
Jet
Kiplingers Personal Finance
Kiwi Magazine (thanks to Northern Cheapskate and Freebies4mom)
Soap Opera Digest
Tennis Magazine
The Sportsman
Town and Country
Viv Magazine (code:freeviv) – you’ll also get a red tote bag
Also see Babies/Children and Pets

Entertainment
Coldplay album – Left, Right, Left, Right, Left (thanks to The Motherload)
Black Eyed Peas “Boom Boom Pow” Soundcheck Edition
MP3 Downloadable Jazz Sampler (thanks to Fatwallet)
Walmart Weekly Free Downloadable Song

To stay up to date on the latest freebies, samples and hot deals, subscribe to Affluent Pauper for free updates

Aerie December Freebie - Chocolate!

This month Aerie freebie is a bar of chocolate. So if you're not on Aerie's A list - get on it, print out a coupon and stop by any Thursday during December for your free bar!


$1 off Caribou Coffee

Get $1 off a medium or large mocha or any Guittard chocolate drink with this coupon from now thru 12/31/09.

BOGO Hot Beverages at Barnes and Noble

I love going to Barnes and Noble in winter so my kids can play with the trainset at my local store. The visit is that much sweeter if you can go with a friend and take advantage of buy one get one free tall lattes! The large print on the coupon says its a BOGO (buy one get one free) on a latte, but the small print says you can actually use it to purchase BOGO capuccino, espresso, coffee or tea. Get your coupon here, along with coupons for $5 off a CD, $5 off a DVD and $5 off a purchase of $50 or more.