With the end of every month, coupons expire.  The post holiday sales going on right now are the perfect opportunity to use up those coupons we’ve been seeing for the past several weeks.  As with the holiday sales that started around Thanksgiving, it’s important not to be over zealous in your pursuit of great deals. Proceed with caution and buy only things you’ll use or need.  There are two great products to buy immediately following Christmas and they’re both in relatively low demand after the holiday has passed.

Obviously, post holiday sales are a great time to stock up on seasonally themed decorations, home decor, kitchen goods, even wrapping supplies!  And, for those of us putting off growing up and officially entertaining, it’s probably time to start buying up the stuff (serveware, tableware, etc.) we’ll need to be more like Martha and  mom.

Remember all the toy books that came out last month?  Hopefully you held onto them, or the coupons in them, because most of the coupons don’t expire until 12/31!  That means 2011 birthdays, births and holidays can be out of the way.

Ninewest.com is having a huge sale! There’s 30 percent off accessories, 50 percent off boots, and some shoes that are 70 percent off.

Plus, the retailer is offering free shipping on orders over $50 and $5 flat rate shipping on all other orders.

Speaking of shoe bargains, have you tried hunting on 6pm.com? Many of the name-brand shoes there are at least 50 percent off!

Just a question for readers today.  Are you interested in hearing about magazine subscriptions that come up that are great deals?  I run across super cheap mag subscriptions every few weeks and can start posting if ya’ll want to take advantage.  Some examples are Weight Watchers and Elle Decor. Let me know!

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas!  This is the first year we’ve gotten to stay home, and it was wonderful. 

Only one coupon insert, but it’s my fave.  P&G BrandSaver is inserted today with coupons totaling over $90.  The rest are sale papers showing/previewing the after holiday sales.

Today only, Gap is having a sale of 50% off sale items until noon and other retailers are starting the post holiday markdowns as well.  Here is a list of what’s coming up this week.

Michaels – up to 70% off with coupons for 25% off entire regular price purchase on 1/1 and 50% off any one regular price item today through 1/1

Sears – up to 60% off for family apparel, accessories and intimates, up to 30% off appliances and other discounts in different departments including workout equipment and tires

Target – up to 50% off Blu-ray and DVDs, storage and organization sale starting today and other discounts throughout the store

Dick’s – 40-70% off on already marked down clearance apparel, $10 off coupon on any pair of athletic footwear $59.99 or more, plus discounts on workout equipment like treadmills and the like

Hamricks – up to 70% off and markdowns in every departments

Toys R Us – some really good BOGO deals on movies and video games plus different amount gift cards when purchasing gaming systems and buy two get the third free on certain toys

HHGregg and Best Buy – 20-30% off most departments

Home Depot and Lowes – both are discounting appliances and have holiday decor up to 50% off

Wal-Mart and Kmart – up to 50% off winter apparel and accessories, up to 20-50% off toys, 50% off selecter seasonal items and clearance prices throughout the stores

And if you’re a dedicated Kohl’s shopper, up to 60-70% off today and tomorrow.

If you run across any deals I’ve left off, let me know!

The “never pay full price” mantra I use when shopping is more possible than it has been in a while today.  If you’re brave (VERY brave), almost every store in the Valley View area, so many online retailers and many local shops are touting 20-50% off, free shipping and the like.  Let me know if you score any great deals today!

There are officially two shopping days left for all the procrastinators and/or thrill seekers out there.  Consumer Reports recently conducted a poll that showed only 15% of shoppers finish their gift buying by early December.  over 25% expect to continue shopping until December 23 or later and 10% expect to finish on Christmas Eve.  Here are four things to keep in mind while you’re braving the crowds.

-Know the return policy.  I know I’ve preached this before but, don’t get caught up in the stress of buying last minute. Ask about the store’s return and exchange policies.  And if buying online, check out the site’s customer service section before clicking submit.
-Get a gift receipt.  Some retailers won’t accept returns without a receipt.  And most gift givers don’t include a receipt in the wrapping.  Save your friends and family the hassle of asking you for the receipt and include a gift receipt this year.
-Check shipping times.  When shopping online, check shipping times and guarantees.  Even as late as today, some online retailers are offering overnight shipping with guaranteed delivery.  Know your options if the guarantee ends up not so guaranteed due to weather or other circumstances.
-Don’t be enticed by store credit cards.  Although most shoppers won’t fall for this one, be strong and don’t be lured in by a percentage off your day’s purchase at a store you may not shop at again until next year.

According to an e-mail sent out by Frantz Diamonds & Jewelry at 3540 Electric Road in Roanoke, the store is having a 50 percent of Slane & Slane jewelry line today (Tuesday, Dec. 21). The line features chain necklaces, pendants and earrings.

Photo courtesy of hairfoils.net.

The holidays are always a time when salons and spas are packed.  One of the biggests dilemmas faced by patrons is whether to tip more or the same as any other time of year.  On a normal, non-holiday visit (and if your salon has a designated shampoo-er), tip that person $3-5, same goes for holiday services since it’s typically not a long-term repeat service relationship. 

As far as your stylist and colorist go, I typically follow one of two rules.  If the services I received are excellent, I simply double the service cost.  So for a $40 haircut, I leave a $40 tip.  If the services I received are average or below average, I leave a 40% tip (double the normal 20% tip rule I follow).  And of course, if the service is really bad, you should speak to someone at the salon and maybe find somewhere, or someone else next time.  What holiday tipping rules do you follow?

Since this weekend was slow on the coupon front, I did a little internet searching and found the 2011 insert schedule on Sunday Coupon Preview.   Again, not all zip codes get all inserts, but the below can give you an idea of what’s in store your next year.

January
2— (2) Smart Source (2) Red Plum and General Mill
9— Smart Source and Red Plum
16 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Proctor & Gamble
23 — Smart Source and Red Plum
30 — Smart Source and Red Plum

February
6 — Smart Source
13 — No Inserts scheduled (Valentine’s Day)
20 — Smart Source, General Mills and Procter & Gamble
27 — Smart Source and Red Plum

March
6— Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
13 — Smart Source and Red Plum
20 — Smart Source and Red Plum
27 — (2) Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble

April
3— No Inserts scheduled (Easter)
10 — Smart Source and Red Plum
17 — Smart Source and Red Plum
24 — Smart Source and Red Plum

May
1 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
8— Smart Source and Red Plum
15 — (2) Smart Source and Red Plum
22 — Smart Source and Red Plum
29 — No Inserts scheduled (Memorial Day)

June
5 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
12 — Smart Source
19 — Smart Source and Red Plum
26 — Smart Source and Red Plum

July
3 — No Inserts scheduled (Independence Day)
10 — Smart Source and Red Plum
17 — Smart Source
24 — Smart Source and Red Plum
31 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble

August
7 — Smart Source and Red Plum
14 — Smart Source and Red Plum
21 — Smart Source and Red Plum
28 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble

September
4 — No Inserts scheduled (Labor Day)
11 — Smart Source and (2) Red Plum
18 — Smart Source and Red Plum
25 — Smart Source and Red Plum

October
2 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
9 — Smart Source and Red Plum
16 — Smart Source and Red Plum
23 — Smart Source and Red Plum
30 — Smart Source and Red Plum

November
6 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
13 — Smart Source and Red Plum
20 — Smart Source and Red Plum
27 — No Inserts scheduled (Thanksgiving)

December
4 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
11 — Smart Source and Red Plum
18 — No Inserts scheduled (Christmas)
25 — Procter & Gamble

Already low priced, Payless is offering 20% off online and in-stores through tomorrow, December 19.  Some styles online can’t be found in stores (like the super cute designer collections), but you can have them delivered to your nearest store with no shipping charges! Coupon code at the bottom of the ad.

As free shipping with Christmas delivery offers start expiring online this weekend, Valley View Mall is still offering printable coupons in their online book of savings. Stores like Eddie Bauer, New York and Co., Aeropostale, Bolton, Gap/Gap Kids, Henebry’s, Loft and many more are participating.  Most of them are $10 off a $50 purchase, 15% off entire purchase and the like.

A reminder that today only, many, many retailers are offering free shipping when you shop online.

Go to www.freeshippingday.com to see stores that are offering free shipping on ALL orders and others on orders that meet certain criteria (like if you spend a minimum amount). It’s a great way to save a few bucks!

Also, the stores are guaranteeing delivery by Christmas Eve.

Update on the Claire V. Warehouse sale: Due to weather, the sale is not starting today. It will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at 121 Campbell Avenue SE, beside Mill Mountain Coffee, in downtown Roanoke.

When I worked in a retail environment the two busiest days of the year were the bookends to Christmas.  On December 24th, frantic men would tell each sales person their budget and then buy whatever was put in front of them.  On December 26th, women would dutifully come in to exchange their husband/boyfriend/significant other’s last minute purchase for something they really wanted.

Thankfully, our exchanges were easy with no pesky gotchas for the returners.  But like most things, not all retailers are created equal.  Before making purchases this holiday season, keep these things in mind.

- Re-stocking fees.  Electronics retailers are notorious for these since electronics can’t be re-packaged and re-sold as new once opened.  One of the only ways to avoid this fee is to get a gift receipt.
- Time limits.  Many electronics retailers (again)have return policies as soon as 14 days after purchase. This can quickly turn into a nightmare for early shoppers or return/exchange procrastinators.
- Buy online, return to store. Most online retailers that have a brick and mortar will accept returns in store, but not always.  If returns are accepted, check to see if gifts can simply be returned fee free, or if a store credit will be issued.
- Difficulty of return.  So, you get the gift, you go to return, there’s no re-stocking fee or pesky time limit, you’ll get the cash instead of store credit, but. . .it’s coming in the mail, 10 days later.

The good news is that all these gotchas can be avoided just by researching a little before buying!  Happy researching shopping!

From an e-mail circular: In stores only, The Children’s Place is having a “$5 Fleece Frenzy” on all Glacier fleece tops, pants and accessories. Good time to stock up on cold-weather gear!

Every year as the weather gets colder I find myself wondering when the Claire V sale is happening.  I know I’m not the only one, and I know I won’t be the only one squeezing a little local shopping into my schedule this week.  These bags are great for their intended purposes, but also make great (and stylish) laptop cases too!

The details: Thursday- Saturday this week, 3 days only, December 16 11am to 7pm, December 17 11am to 9pm and December 18 10am to 6pm.  121 Campbell Avenue SE beside Mill Mountain Coffee, 1.877.CLAIRE.7.

As expected, prices are still lower/discounted at major retailers.  Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, Kmart and Target all have sale papers this week with prices (specifically on kid-friendly products) up to 50% off.  Belk and Macy’s also have inserts in today’s paper with coupons/discounts inside and extended hours starting up.  For Belk it’s 10am-10pm today and 9am-10pm Monday, both days are highlighting the Christmas Countdown Sale (aka red dot clearance sale) with discounts up to 70% off.  For Macy’s it’s 8am-11pm today and 9am-11pm Monday.

SmartSource and RedPlum coupon inserts are also in this week’s paper with a focus on holiday cooking, baking and entertaining.  And both inserts have great battery coupons too!  Not standard are the Honeybaked Ham coupons in RedPlum, and Red Lobster in SmartSource.

Time to shop fellas!  First item has to be regular price, equal or lesser value after that, excludes gift cards and shoes, online only.

Gap is having a buy one item get the second 60% off sale through December 14 in stores only. This includes kids and baby, but no online or outlet shopping. The terms: Second item must be of equal or lesser value. Discount taken at register, and is allocated across items. No adjustments on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

The 20 Something Finance blog had a great post yesterday on selling gift cards you won’t use, and buying gift cards you will use at a significant discount.  Would you consider selling your unused gift cards?

The inserts in your Sunday papers are shaping up to be great this holiday season.  Not only are we getting to see what’s on sale in stores and scoring significant discounts, the standard coupon inserts are filled with very useful coupons for holiday cooking with expiration dates stretching into the New Year.  

Between work, friend and family gatherings as well as house guests this year, there will be a whole lotta cookin’ goin’ on in my kitchen.  Not one to be too adventurous when cooking for others, most of the time I stick to my tried and true recipes for the holidays.  This strategy will hopefully save a little of my pride knowing a dish will be good and allows for planning ahead.

Many of the inserted coupons we’ve been seeing so far this holiday season can be applied the ingredients for soups, salads, sides and even some of the more expensive things like hams and turkeys!  In addition, ecoupons that are loadable to your grocery savings cards are being added weekly at the local grocery store websites, shortcuts.com, pgesaver.com redplum.com and smartsource.com plus any number of other sites when searching for “ecoupons” or “grocery coupons.”  So get to clipping (or eclipping) and  fill me in on your holiday cooking strategy.

In the past I’ve had good luck with Alice.com, a site where you can order household necessities and have them delivered directly to your front door with no shipping charges.  And their slogan is, “Everybody needs an Alice.”  How could I not be down with a website that has a Brady Bunch reference? Alice has competitive prices and digital coupons on some products too, so the convenience factor is high.  Diapers.com has introduced Soap.com and although I haven’t given it a try yet, I’ll definitely be doing so before the code below expires at the end of the month.  Have you had any success with Soap.com or similar sites?

I love scouring holiday gift guides to see what I may be missing for the people on my list each year and I have stumbled onto a gift guide that suites me, and my price range perfectly!  The StyleLush Gift Guide has 125 gifts for under $25, seriously.  And almost all the gifts are things I would (and could!) actually purchase and it covers men, women and children.

Any gift guides you’ve found useful in your gift giving this year?

Domestications Outlet Store located in the Upper Level at Towers is having a private Friends of Domestications sale this weekend on December 5.  Their bedding is functional and beautiful, check it out!

You’ll see sale papers from every retailer under the sun this weekend (okay, not really, but there are a lot).  Several of the retailers are also offering coupons in their paper.  These include A.C. Moore, Michaels, Bed Bath & Beyond, Interstate Battery, Batteries Plus, Macy’s, Staples, Sears, JCPenney, and Belk.

In addition, coupon inserts are from SmartSource, Red Plum and General Mills.

Last week my husband went out to get the paper and brought it back in making a comment about the phone book arriving due to the shear volume of inserts.  Couponers rejoice, they’re back this weekend too!  Some zip codes will have nearly as many as during the holiday last week.  I’ll have a full preview for you Friday so check back then.

Despite all the warnings about gift cards over the years, I’ve always loved getting them and I’m more than happy to give them as gifts when they’ve been requested.  I know they can be a little impersonal, but. . .the ease and convenience cannot be beat!

Gift cards used to be a little tricky with their quickly approaching expiration dates and fees for inactivity, however, in late summer this year several improvements were made to the gift card industry.  Here are the highlights of the new gift card rules:

- No inactivity fees for the first 12 months.
- Cards cannot expire for 5 years.
- No more than one fee per month of any kind.
- Website or phone contact information must be printed on the card along with fees and expiration date.
- A one time fee can be charged when purchasing the card.

So, many of the “gotchas” and last minute scramble to find the expiration date, then use the card are out of the picture!  A couple of things to keep in mind.  First, the disclosures on the card didn’t go into effect immediately in order for retailers to use up cards they already had printed.  That means it’s possibly to purchase or receive a gift card with no disclosures or contact information this holiday season.  All the other changes like the five year expiration date and limit on inactivity fees still apply.  

Another thing to know is that although the value of the card doesn’t expire for at least five years, sometimes the physical card may. You’ll have to contact the issuing company and have them send you a new card if that happens.