Discount Programs

There are several type of discount plans that can help you save money!  We'll look at a few here:

Employer discount plans - you're company may offer them or a friend's or family member's company may offer them.

Check with you company, many offer them as part of their benefits package.  These type of plans are great for travel - especially theme park tickets.  I've checked out Disney park hopper passes and these do seem to save money.  So look for one if you can if you are planning a trip.  Not only Disney, but also Six Flags, Medieval Times, and many more.  Cell phone plans is another area which these work well.  Many offer 20+% discounts.  The downfall is that most of the time you have to show proof of employment with the company.  They are worth checking out if you have one available of a close friend or relative that does.

Online plans - several companies offer savings online.  Companies such as Kelloggs and Betty Crocker will send coupons along with recipes and other online offers.  Check your favorite company to see if they offer such a plan.

Coupons online - This is an additional way to receive coupons.  Join the site and you will be able to print them off.  The main downside is some of the coupons will print 1 per page.  Two sites are Coupons.com and Shopathome.com.

Coupon Books - Yet another way to save money locally.  Entertainment Passbooks  are general fund raisers for school.  Not only do they offer restaurant and fast food but also oil changes, dry cleaning, and local attractions.

Email alerts - Some stores such as Bath & Body Works and Victoria's Secret will sent out email alerts to make you aware of sales and specials.  Check with your favorite store to join their list.

Shopping Clubs  - Clubs such as Sam's, Costco, and Direct Buy offer savings if you're buying in bulk.  They do charge membership fee's but if you have the room to store food in bulk, it may be well worth the cost.  Direct Buy is for homeowner's that mainly offers furniture and home related materials.  It is well worth the cost if you are looking at remodeling your home.

Lay-a-way is not a discount plan, but it is an option for buying things that you can't necessarily pay for all at one time.  Sear's and K-Mart are the two largest retailers that offer this option.  Basically, you will put a down payment then make payments bi-weekly or monthly until it is paid off over a 2-3 month period.  You receive the merchandise once it is paid off.  The advantage is that you can pay cash rather than using a credit card.  Even with a $10 handling charge it is usually cheaper than interest on credit cards.  This is great if you are short on money for Christmas or if you find that your major appliance is going out (I can say that because my dryer is not going to last much longer).

Hope this helps and gives you some ideas!