Yes, it’s true. I just spent 17 minutes on the phone with my local newspaper to save $2. Was it worth it? I think so and here’s why.
I subscribe to the Sunday paper for the coupons. Truely. Yes, we read the comics and sometimes read the articles, but the real reason I subscribe is for the coupons. I’m a big coupon shopper and this is the most effective way for me to get grocery coupons. Sunday’s paper seemed a little small. I thumbed through the ads and noticed there was only 1 coupon insert and no ads for Walgreen’s, Office Depot, or Staples. Usually there’s 2 coupon inserts, so I checked Taylortown Preview’s coupon schedule. Yup, there was supposed to be 2 coupon inserts in the paper.
Armed with the facts, I called. After 2 minutes it was obvious that I’d be on hold for quite some time. I took the opportunity to do a few odd jobs around the house while waiting. After 16 minutes my call was answered. Inside of a minute I explained my issue and was offered a credit on my account. Now I’ll get an extra week of delivery and can continue to save money at the grocery store.
(note: this was written on a Monday, I didn’t wait half the week to call the paper.)
Tip of the Week: Make it a habit to check the fridge before you go shopping.
- Throw out items growing fuzzies
- verify that containers actually contain said item. Some families have the problem of children putting away empty containers.
- What do you need for this week’s dinners? Is it in the fridge? If not, add it to your grocery list.
Not only will checking the fridge save your sanity, but also your pocket book. No need to run to the store for a single item for dinner. Those grocery stores are most crowded before dinner, and it’s rare that someone who goes in for one item actually comes out with only that one item.
Taking a few minutes to check the fridge can eliminate the frustration that occurs when tacos are served without sour cream and lettuce because someone thought there was enough in the fridge and didn’t pick it up during the weekly shopping trip.
Across the country tomorrow is voting day. If you’re in SW Ohio we have several important issues on the ballot. I talked about Statewide issues earlier today on my blog. Now that you know how you’re going to vote on Statewide issues 1, 2, and 3, let’s turn our attention to local politics.
Butler County – I can’t find a real list, but check out this list. It’s a listing of the results. You’ll need to scroll down the list and look for your local school district and city or township to see what’s on the ballot.
Hamilton County has a cool 46 page PDF that lists who’s running for each office. It also includes the total number to elect for each position. For example, some positions will take the top 3 vote getters. This list includes Hamilton County cities, villages, townships, school districts, and countywide issues and levies. To find out what the levies will cost you as a homeowner, check out this post from last week.
Warren County — There’s a cool feature called “Sample Ballot.” If you’re a registered voter in Warren county just enter your name and it will show you where your polling place is and what your ballot will look like tomorrow. Cool!
Not in SW Ohio? Check out these links to your local Election Officials listed by county.
Happy Voting!
This is not a political blog, but I feel impressed to share info with you on how to learn about the issues on the ballot tomorrow Nov 3rd. If you’re registered to vote ANYWHERE, please VOTE! Even if you don’t agree with me, I’ll respect you because you voted.
In my search for information on the 3 statewide ballot issues in Ohio, I landed here at the Ohio Secretary of State’s website. Go ahead and download the PDF with the ballot language and arguments for and against each issue. I like to read both the language of the issue and the arguments. Then make a note of which way you’re going to vote. Sometimes a YES vote really means NO and vice-versa. There’s nothing wrong with going into the voting booth with notes. I do it every election.
Issue 1: PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE TO ISSUE BONDS TO PROVIDE COMPENSATION TO
VETERANS OF THE PERSIAN GULF, AFGHANISTAN, AND IRAQ CONFLICTS
Issue 2: PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
TO CREATE THE OHIO LIVESTOCK CARE STANDARDS BOARD TO ESTABLISH AND
IMPLEMENT STANDARDS OF CARE FOR LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY
Issue 3: PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW FOR ONE CASINO EACH IN CINCINNATI, CLEVELAND, COLUMBUS, AND TOLEDO AND DISTRIBUTE TO ALL OHIO COUNTIES A TAX ON THE CASINOS
Local issues are also on the ballot. Update: SW Ohio voting info now posted here.
Every election season that a levy’s on the ballot, proponents and opponents throw out numbers about how much a “typical” homeowner is paying now and how much the levy will or won’t cost you if it passes. Since I’ve never owned a “typical” home, I always wonder how much a levy will really cost me. If you live in Hamilton County Ohio, the County Auditor’s office will tell you the answer.
http://www.hcauditor.org/realestateii/ROVER30.ASP
Enter your address
Click “Levy Info” (far left side under Parcel Info)
This will tell you what you’re currently paying for each levy and how much you’d pay if the levy passes. Note that some levies actually do account for a decrease in your taxes. Not everything goes up.
If your county doesn’t offer this service, contact your county auditor and/or elected officials and ask them to make this available. The best way to understand a levy is to understand it’s purpose and to do your own cost benefits analysis. You need to know *your* costs before you vote.
Have you ever asked yourself?
I remember seeing _________ in an ad, but I don’t remember which one. How do I find it without pouring through all the ads?
This website was brought to my attention this spring. It’s a great resource for answering the above question, or just “where is milk on sale this week?” Many times you’ll also be able to see the regular price, right below the sale price. You will have to sign up for a free membership to get access to the data. I use a different e-mail than my main e-mail for sites like this. This one e-mails me about once a week to let me know that my local deals are now online.
Happy Savings!
I love a good magazine deal. Magazines are fun to get in the mail. I like to check out a few from the library to see if I like the style of the magazine before I commit to a subscription. But once I’ve found something I like, it’s off to find a decent deal on home delivery.
One of my favorite places to look for a good deal is Amazon. Yes, Amazon.com sells magazine subscriptions. AND the magazines ship free, AND can help you reach that magical $25 needed per order for free super saver shipping. Now through Halloween Amazon is having a special on 148 different magazine titles. Subscribe and you’ll get a $5, $10, or $15 promotional certificate (think gift card good on your next purchase). Here’s the whole list (fair warning: some are not family friendly titles). And here’s a few of my favorite magazines:
