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Tracie Fobes

Tracie Fobes is blessed with an amazing husband, Tim, and 3 amazing children...who, as of the date of this post are: Emma - 4 1/2; Garrett - 2 and Charlotte - 11 months. In November 2007, the Fobes’ decided to get completely out of debt. Part of that was to re-evaluate how they were spending money and establish a tight budget. As a result, Tracie needed to do what she could to stretch dollars. Once she noticed the number of resources out there and how much time she spent to compile savings lists, she decided to help other families not only in the KC metro area, but also around the country. Tracie doesn't mind that others benefit from her hard work. Hearing that people are saving heaps of money and getting great deals makes it ALL worth it! Read Tracie’s blog and you too can become a PENNY PINCHER!

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• The Check's in the Mail

  published: 12/17/2009 10:00:00 AM

  I am sure you have heard the phrase “after mail-in rebate” or “try me free” more times than you care to count.  But, how many times have you actually mailed in the rebate?  Too much hassle?  I for one never use to complete rebates, but after receiving many checks recently, I have learned the error of my ways. 

  If you haven’t ever submitted them, it can be a great way to get your money back ...

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  by: Tracie Fobes

• Get Paid to Shop

  published: 12/10/2009 7:00:00 AM

  I love to shop on-line, but will admit that those “shipping & handling” charges just make me grit my teeth.  If they are too high, I will go elsewhere to find what I am looking for.   This year, I am finding so many exceptions to these rules. 
  
  Merchants know that the economy is bad and so they are doing anything and everything they can to lure people to shop with them.   Most of them are ...

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  by: Tracie Fobes

• Gift Cards - Don't Fall Into The Traps

  published: 12/3/2009 7:00:00 AM

  Gift cards can be INCREDIBLE gifts to give (and receive).  However, there can be some pitfalls with purchasing these types of cards to retailers.  Congress is currently working on implementing legislation which will protect consumers.  However, until that happens, there are some things you need to keep in mind when shopping.
  
  Check the fine print for dormancy fees.  Some cards will charge $0.50 or $1.00 every month after "x" months lapse and the card has ...

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  by: Tracie Fobes

• Black Friday - Tips To Make It Work For You

  published: 11/25/2009 8:00:00 PM

  Black Friday can be a day to get out and find some fantastic deals and officially kick off the holiday.  However, for many, it can be a nightmare.  If you plan on getting out and hitting the stores, here are some things to keep in mind:
  
  1.  Plan Ahead.  Take a look over the ads and decide where you want to begin your shopping excursion.  Be sure to bring along your shopping list and keep ...

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  by: Tracie Fobes

• 3 Common Advertising Traps to Avoid

  published: 11/19/2009 7:00:00 AM

  Retailers are great at playing mind games with consumers.  It is very common practice, but something that you don’t have to fall victim to.  Here are some tactics they use that you just need to be aware of, so that you don’t spend more than you need to at the store.

   

  1.  The “2-fer” Sale.  You have probably noticed when flipping through the pages of the ad circular or walking the aisles of ...

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• The Jaded Shopper

  published: 11/19/2009 2:00:00 AM

  Sales.  We all love them and are always on the lookout for them.  So, what do you think constitutes great savings?  15%?  25% ? 50% or more?  Well, there was a time when I thought saving 20% off of my grocery or any other retail purchase was pretty amazing.  However, with the more I learn, it seems the more jaded I have become. 

   

  When I have a week when I spend $ONLY $60 and ...

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  by: Tracie Fobes

• How To Measure Your Savings

  published: 11/12/2009 7:00:00 AM

  I was reading a blog today and a topic of discussion was how to measure your savings?  Is it tangible or intangible?  This really varies from person to person.  There are ways to measure and track your savings, just choose what works for you.
  
  First and foremost, to track your savings, you must have a budget.  There is no way getting around this one.  You need to know what you are spending on your weekly ...

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• Holiday Toy Deals Using Price Matching

  published: 11/5/2009 7:00:00 AM

  I realize that it is only the first part of November, but the holidays are going to be here in the blink of an eye.  If you are like me, you are always on the lookout for some great deals.  Last week I posted about how you can use price matching at local stores to really help save money.  Today, I am going to SHOW you how you can do just that.  So get ready ...

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  by: Tracie Fobes

• Price Matching -- Your New Best Friend

  published: 10/29/2009 7:00:00 AM

   

  You hear it all of the time “We promise to match any competitor’s ad.”  But, when it comes to actually doing price matching, knowledge is power.  Unfortunately, many times cashiers do not get all of the training they need to properly handle this great service, so you need to be well prepared. 

   

  First of all, always be polite.  I can’t stress this enough.  I know that frustration can ...

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• Not Your Mothers' Diapers

  published: 10/22/2009 6:35:04 AM

  When looking at my budget, I was noticing a great outflow to Proctor & Gamble - namely Pampers. Which, I will add, goes right into the landfill for generations to come. I hate that I have to pay for something that will just hold -- well -- some pretty smelly stuff (to say the least) and that is not really that great for the environment.

  So, about a 18 months ago, I started to do ...

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• Time for a Coupon Vacation?

  published: 10/15/2009 7:00:00 AM

  Have you ever noticed that you are tired of clipping, sorting, organizing, deal comparing and just coupons all together?  I know that it happens to me.  Yep – even this coupon clipping mama experiences burn out.
  
  I of course love to find a deal and will still try to see what I can do to save, but there are times when I can hardly stand to look a coupon in the face.  I keep up ...

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  by: Tracie Fobes

• Paper or Plastic??

  published: 10/9/2009 7:31:04 AM

  No—I am not talking about the type of bag you are being asked to put your groceries in. Nowadays, it seems that everywhere you go, you can use a debit or credit card. It can be convenient to just whip out that plastic and swipe it and be on your way. However, using plastic can make you spend more! Changing your ways requires a change in your lifestyle, which can be hard. Where can you turn? ...

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• Hot Deals: 10/1

  published: 10/1/2009 12:00:00 PM

  Here are a few of your top hottest grocery deals for the 3 largest area Kansas City Stores. You can find these deals on each store's coupon matchups - they are higlighted in green so you can easily identify them.

   

  HY-VEE

   

  Ro-Tel Tomatoes

  Sale Price: $0.77

  Less B2G1 Free coupon All You Magazine Sept 09

  Final Price: 3/$1.54 or $0.52 each

   

  Quaker Chewy Granola Bars

  Sale Price: 2/$4.00 or $2.00 each

  Less ...

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  by: Tracie Fobes

• The Dreaded "B" Word

  published: 10/1/2009 7:00:00 AM

  We are followers of Dave Ramsey. He has helped us in working our way out of debt, which we will hit after the first of this next year. The most important key in working your way out of debt is involves that horrible “B” word. Dare I say it—budget! Gah!
  
  No one likes to be on one. It is not fun, but it really is necessary! With the state of the economy, it is very important ...

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  by: Tracie Fobes

• Hottest Grocery Deals: 9/23 - 9/29

  published: 9/24/2009 10:00:00 AM

  Here are the hottest grocery deals for Hen House, Hy-Vee and Price Chopper for the week of September 23rd - September 29th.  You can find the entire Hot Deals Listing here.

  HY-VEE

  Pringles Super Stack Snacks
  Sale Price: $0.99
  Less $1.00/2 coupon 8-30-09 PG
  Final Price: 2/$0.98 or $0.49 each
  Limit 2
  
  Hormel Chili Master
  Sale Price: 2/$5.00 or $2.50 each
  Less $2.00/1 coupon All You Oct 09
  Final Price: $0.50
  
  Nestle Tollhouse Morsels, 10 ...

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  by: Tracie Fobes