Living Cheap (and good)

I've always been sort of a cheapskate. I don't know why, it's just in my blood I guess. I'm always big on coupons and free things, too. I'll walk that extra distance just to get a cheaper soda/coffee/lunch, whatever it is I'm all about saving money. Yet I also may have a serious shopping addiction. I've found that shopping in thrift stores will usually kick my craving to spend, it's the illusion of "shopping" and being able to walk out with great finds, and I feel like I spent a bunch of cash but really didn't. My boyfriend laughs at me because I have so many coupons that I had to create a binder and organize it with tabs. (pretty rediculous, I know.)

On that note, I love that daily deal sites are blowing up like crazy! I decided I should  make out a list and share my favorites, that way if anyone stumbles across this looking for cheap finds or great coupon sites, they won't have to look very far.

Facebook pages I follow that are great for savings: (you can search these into facebook to find them.)
Free Fun in Austin (also has a blog)
Sweetie's Freebies

Daily Deal Sites I love:
http://www.groupon.com/
http://www.livingsocial.com/
http://www.buywithme.com/
http://www.eversave.com/
http://www.dealswarm.com/
http://www.yollar.com/ (Austin)
http://www.urbandealight.com/
http://www.adealio.com/
http://www.nabthedeal.com/ (formerly the lunch deal, Austin)
http://www.gaggleofchicks.com/ (I just signed up for this today and got $10 free credit, but it's more of a mom based coupon site.)
http://www.morgansdeals.com/
http://www.restaurant.com/ (sign up for their email list! Never pay the $15 or how ever many dollars listed on the site, they send out coupon codes for up to 70% off of the list price of these coupons.)
http://www.halfofdepot.com/


Those are the main ones I can think of right now, I know there's a ton more.

I signed up with Eversave, got $5 credit, and got two tickets to an art museum in Austin for free. With Yollar, I signed up and got $5 credit, then was able to purchase two tickets to the Austin zoo for $4! Oh and Morgan's deals, they will usually send out a credit in the coupons that you get in the mail. I signed up with that credit, and was able to get $20 worth of pizza at Rudino's Pizza in Cedar Park, TX for FREE. (and it was amazing, I highly recommend it. ) Update- along with Morgan's deals, they sent out another coupon in the Valpak coupons in the mail, and I was able to get a sushi coupon, $20 worth of food, for free!

Also, if you're near a Maggiano's Little Italy, sign up for their email list to get a free $10 credit toward's your next meal! http://www.maggianos.com/en/Pages/home.aspx

I signed up for gaggleofchicks.com, got $10 credit, and bought a $25 credit FOR FREE to an eco friendly green website, all I paid was shipping to get some green cleaners and a BPA free waterbottle. It's worth it to be the crazy coupon lady!

Just googling that brought up this woman's site: http://thekrazycouponlady.com/

Also, I've found that http://www.kelloggs.com/, http://www.yoplait.com/, and other manufacturer's websites will have available coupons. Not too shabby! Update- proctor and gamble's website has coupons and samples, as well!

To anyone who stumbled upon this, hope it helps. And in the name of PinscherAdventure, I feel the need to mention some puppy deals! Head over to Dingo dog treat's facebook, http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/dingobones, Like their page and click "join the list" and you can get a coupon for $20 worth of online dingo treats! (shipping is not included in whatever you order, FYI.)

As much as no one wants to get a million emails a day, it's worth it if you're wanting to save the money. And in times like these, who can afford not to? I recommend making a seperate email for your online shopping/subscribing. (I have yet to do it.. and grumble regularly about the bazillion emails.) But don't learn but what I do, learn from what I suggest! (ha.) Update- I finally did this as well. And Boy am I glad I did, I also signed up to take surveys for extra cash on the side, and they send you TONS of emails and spam, included.

One last thing, check out http://www.redplum.com/ for grocery store, drug store, and more coupons.

For anyone who stumbles upon this, I hope this helps in your efforts to be frugal!

xoxo
Ashley