This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Wanting to save money in this economy is a no-brainer, but being able to do it is another thing. That’s where author Kathy Spencer comes in. Her 237-page book How to Shop for Free: Shopping Secrets for Smart Women Who Love to Get Something for Nothing
Kathy is known for taking a $267.22 grocery bill down to one cent. The majority of her expenses are free and in this book she lets you in on her secret. She writes:
I’ll tell you what I’ve told them: I’ve cracked the code. Legally, of course; I play by the rules. I’ve simply created a strategic way to shop that maximizes promotions and sales to save thousands of dollars a year.
My favorite part of the book is when Kathy explains how to get the best deals at popular stores like CVS and Target. She explains how rewards programs offered by these drug stores work. Kathy shows you how to get the most deals with the least out of pocket expenses and explains how to combine the various reward cards with sales, rebates, and coupons for the best savings.
How to Shop for Free is not limited to drugstore and grocery deals. Kathy shows how to eat healthy on the cheap, score mega deals at the mall, and even ways to save on cable.
She also discusses big-time coupon no-no’s that you should avoid and shows you how to detect scams and fake coupons. The book is filled with hot tips like getting coupons from the manufacturer and using plastic dividers in the check out lane to create separate transactions for coupons with a limit. The person behind you may think you’re obnoxious, but the process is totally legal and you won’t be breaking store rules. Spencer also touches on alternative ways to get things for free or cheap like growing your own garden or selling things on eBay.
The book is an easy read and you can easily turn to the chapter that interests you most. Comment by Friday, Dec. 10, 2010 at 9 a.m. PST for a chance to win my review copy. If you can’t wait to get your hands on the book and read more about Kathy’s suggestions, you can purchase a new copy on Amazon
December 8th, 2010 at 9:00 am
This sounds like an interesting read. I’m especially glad to see that she covers eating healthy on the cheap. Most of the advice out there seems to focus on either eating cheap or eating healthy. It’s good to see those combined.
December 8th, 2010 at 9:22 am
sounds like my kind of book!!
December 8th, 2010 at 9:53 am
I would love to read all about saving money at the grocery store! As a newlywed, every penny we’re able to save counts!
Thank you for offering this!
December 8th, 2010 at 10:21 am
Sounds like a great read! There is nothing I love more than saving money and getting more bang for my buck. And conquering Eating Healthy for less sounds sexy!
December 8th, 2010 at 10:26 am
It would definitely be great to learn how to “crack the code”.
December 8th, 2010 at 11:31 am
Sweet sounds like something I Totally need!
December 8th, 2010 at 11:46 am
I’m good at saving money with coupons, but I’m always looking for more ideas!
December 8th, 2010 at 11:46 am
everyone calls me the coupon queen, but i’m nowhere as skilled as Kathy. Would love additional pointers!
December 8th, 2010 at 11:51 am
I would love to read this book. I already know a few secrets and take a good percentage off my weekly buys, but I want to be a freebie ninja and pass that knowledge on to others.
December 8th, 2010 at 11:52 am
I am really interested in the eating healthy for cheap. It always seems that the “junk” food is more affordable than the healthy stuff.
December 8th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Would love to win this book. I subscribe to emails & FB
December 8th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Wow! Definitely looks like something to invest in!
December 8th, 2010 at 11:59 am
This book sounds really interesting. Eating healthy for cheap? I love it! “Cracking the code” on cheap shopping deals? Sign me up!
December 8th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
I’m just getting started with couponing and bargain hunting so I would love this book!
December 8th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
I would love to be able to find out how to save more money. It is extremely important for me to save every penny possible as a single parent. I am looking forward to finding new ways on saving money.
December 8th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Is this book specific to the US and stores that are only available there?
I love the idea of reducing my grocery bill, my pharmacy bill, and any other shopping bills, but most of the tips and techniques I have read will not work for me because things like double and triple coupon days don’t exist in Saskatchewan.
I don’t have access to CVS, Target, Trader Joe’s or a variety of other stores that are specific to the US.
If there are general tips that will work well in Canada I would love to try this book!
My husband is leaving his job at the end of the year to go back to school full time so we will be relying on my income alone. I am also considering going back to school in September if we can afford it, so this is the perfect time to try out some of these techniques and get our shopping trip costs as low as possible.
Thanks for the opportunity to put my name in for the book!
December 8th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
I would love to read this book! It would be great to learn how she saves so much. Thanks!
December 8th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Every year I learn more ways to save….then I get aggravated that I didn’t ALREADY know the new tricks. Well, it’s a learning curve.
Thanks for the drawing, Julia.
December 8th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
@Tamara,
Many areas in the US don’t have double or triple coupon days either! So you’re not alone.
Here’s my process:
1. Start writing out everything we need regularly. Things like food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc. that are something couponable (things like vegetables and fruit typically aren’t, unless you happen to hit a store loyalty card that rewards you for buying).
2. Price those items at my four favorite stores.
3. Look at which stores offer store coupons.
4. Compare coupons with prices and stores which I can combine coupons at (like a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon).
5. Look at what’s one sale that week. Its a home run if I can find something I need that’s on sale at a store that offers store coupons AND takes my manufacturer coupons. I also look at items that are on sale that are bigger than what I need but splitable amongst friends, and go in on a purchase with coupons (but make sure you get them to agree in advance!)
While my savings probably aren’t as much as the coupon queens who can double or triple coupons, we’ve reduced our couponable grocery budget by a decent enough spread that I continue to do it. Most of my groceries are fresh food, though, so if you’re like me, the majority of savings come from finding the best local markets and buying small quantities, and going in on big quantities with friends, like for an entire side of beef, for example.
December 8th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
thanks for the chance to win this, sounds like a great read
December 8th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
I would love this book. I already do as much as I know how but new techniques would be great.
December 8th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
This book looks like it contains a wealth of couponing and savings info. I would love to have it in my budget and savings library. I also think it would make a great gift for my college sophomore daughter! Thanks Yazmin and Julia.
December 8th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Would love to read the book, I am a very thrifty shopper, but haven’t mastered the supermarket part. I always buy larger quantities when they are on sale, but am not too good at the coupon thing.
December 8th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
soundss awesome. I have 4 kids,so these tips would surely help
December 8th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
The book sounds like fulfillment of every woman’s dream, learning how to get free stuff…and you put the cherry on top by letting someone win it! All free. Thanks for all you share with us.
December 8th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
With 3 boys, one manchild who is out of work & me making a piddly penance this book would be for me!
Thanks for the chance to win!
December 8th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
I would love to have a chance to win this book.
December 8th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
I would love to read this book. i want to learn more ways to save money.
December 8th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
The book sounds great. As senior citizens, living on a fixed income, we have to watch every penny.
December 8th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
WOW, down to 1 cent!!!! I have never done that well , but I have gotten alot of great deals, some I would not know about if not for Julia and Yazmin.
This book would be a life saver for me! With the unemployment, bills to pay, trying to keep the lights and phone on, paying rent, it is really hard. I can use all the help I can get!!! ( and buying Christmas on a shoestring too, but I guess you can only do what a person can do!! Things will get better!! Hopefully)
December 8th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
@Connie You have a great approach to using coupons and saving money on groceries! How much do you save each week at the grocery store?
December 8th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
I’m an uber freebieista and couponista and would absolutely love this book!
December 8th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
I would love to win this book! I’m always on the lookout for coupons, sales, the best deals, etc., and you can never know too much when it comes to getting things for free or deeply discounted!
December 8th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
I’d love to have a copy!
December 8th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
I would so love to read this book! I am always trying to find the least expensive way to purchase groceries, everyday items, and more. If someone has figured out how to “crack the code” it could go a long way toward reducing expenses (and we would all surely like to do that!).
December 8th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
I saw Kathy featured on some tv show and have been captivated ever since! With three small kids, things can get expensive and we just can’t afford expensive.
I’ve joined her forum and mailing list and have become a coupon hound, but feel like I’m barely scratching the surface.
This book would be a blessing!
December 8th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
I’d love to learn how to do a better job at this. I’ve been away from it for far too long due to health issues, and need to get back in the swing!
December 8th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Sounds awesome!
December 8th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
I’m trying to “talk down” the price when buying more expensive things but truly need to learn about the little things also. Dying to read this book.
December 8th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
It’s always great to get help saving money! It takes a little bit of effort, but always pays off. Can’t wait to read the book!
December 8th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
I would LOVE to have this book for FREE!! Hee hee!
December 8th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
would love to learn more about this!
December 8th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
I could really use this book! My husband just lost his last unemployment extension about a month ago and we are trying to live on my measly Social Security and pension and need all the help we can get. Thanks for all you guys do. Love ya.
December 8th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
I would love to read this book. It is a challenge I enjoy to get more for less money.
December 8th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
This book sounds like a seriously good read and one you could share with others when done!
December 8th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
I would really like to read this book!
December 8th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Kathy, I hope that whoever wins this reads it cover to cover, time after time, (that is how I do my books, I reread and reread, especially help books, and gardening books. There is nothing like reading). I do like to eat healthy, but in the winter it is hard to buy fruits, much too high. I do like fresh foods though!
December 8th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
I hope I win! I recently started using coupons and while I read everything I can about using them at the most advantageous time, it seems over whelming. I’d love to learn a great way to maximize my minimum income.
December 8th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
I would LOVE this book!
December 8th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
sounds very interested and would like to read the book.
December 8th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
This book looks so great!! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. My favorite Line in your review is “The person behind you may think you’re obnoxious, but the process is totally legal and you won’t be breaking store rules.”
December 9th, 2010 at 12:32 am
This sounds almost too good to be true! Can’t wait to read it!
December 9th, 2010 at 12:53 am
I’d love to read this book! I’ve read so many things where the coupons are for junky food or stuff most folks don’t use. Free or cheap is only good if it’s useable. Otherwise, it’s just clutter that takes up valuable space.
December 9th, 2010 at 6:04 am
This sounds perfect! I have to have it.
I hope I win, but even if I don’t, I’ll ask for it as a little Christmas gift! Thanks.
December 9th, 2010 at 7:17 am
Sounds like something I would love to read and try to put to use. Would love to win it.
December 9th, 2010 at 7:42 am
Would love to read this.
December 9th, 2010 at 8:25 am
Would love to recipe this book in time to kick off the new year right!
December 9th, 2010 at 8:26 am
Would love to receive this book in order to kick off the new year right!
December 9th, 2010 at 8:28 am
Would love to receive a copy of this book in order to kick off the new year right!
December 9th, 2010 at 10:27 am
Would love a copy!
December 9th, 2010 at 10:35 am
I can’t wait to save money! I work from home and would like to spend the money that I save on more substantial stuff. Thanks Julia
December 9th, 2010 at 10:42 am
I’m very interested in reading this book. Who doesn’t love to save money?!
December 9th, 2010 at 10:53 am
Oh man! That sounds like a book I would LOVE to read! I’ve always been trying to get things as cheaply as I can, but it’s hard without knowing the steps.
Thanks for giving this opportunity to everyone!
December 9th, 2010 at 11:18 am
This does sound like a great book! I’ve been trying to figure out a decent strategy to use coupons and save maximum money!!
December 9th, 2010 at 11:51 am
I’d love to read how she can get stuff other than things in drug store or grocery store for cheap (or free)…
December 9th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
I would love to read this book and find out more ways to save.
December 9th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
IF IT’S FREE, IT’S FOR ME!! Luv reading about great opportunities that are valid and “do-able” when it comes to saving $$ while shopping, and getting freebies as well.
December 9th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
@Bargain Babe – Sorry I didn’t see this until now!
I generally save about 50% of what I buy in packaged goods.
Here’s an example:
Local store had my razors on sale for $7.99. I had a store coupon for $2 off, combined that with another $1 off coupon and used a special offer from the package for a free refill pack.
So I got two new razors and 7 refills for $3 less than I would have spent in the first place. So to me, that’s saving 50% because I ended up with more product with no investment and saved some money to boot!
I’ve put this practice in place after many years of reading your blog, Pocket Your Dollars, reading the Slickdeals.net forums, the Gottadeal.com forums, etc. It doesn’t take too much work and I still don’t have double or triple coupons here. To me, coupons should be about getting things you buy anyway for a little less and having fun with the money left.
December 9th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
I’d love to read it and learn more ways to save!
December 9th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
I’m skeptical but still curious. Sometimes the tips given, like the coupons online for groceries, are not for me, for products or services i don’t buy. But i would be willing to take a look…
December 9th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Can I share my money saving tips here? My favorite tip is to use rewards credit cards. I charge everything I can to build up my rewards then pay the card off each month, no interest due. I live in a very rural area, I have to drive 20 miles to pick up a Sunday paper so I do a lot of shopping on the internet. Discover card has a program where if you sign up for the special deals they list every 3 months you can get extra rewards. I remember in July through Sept they were offering 5% rewards on hotels, gas and resturants. I really took advantage of that. Different times of the year they offer rewards on groceries, buying over the internet etc. Discover also is connected with various stores on the internet too and if you connect to the store by going through their website you can get a larger cash reward. For example in August I cashed in the rewards from my Mastercard and got $150 in October I received $200 from Discover. Presently my Discover card is holding $60 for me.
If the store I want to use is not connected with Discover Card you can sign up at Ebates and get rebates for what you purchase through them and they have a large selection of stores for almost everything. I think I have gotten almost $100 back from Ebates. It doesn’t cost anything to sign up these rewards. Another advantage to buying off the internet is that on most sites you don’t pay state tax and some of them even offer free shipping if you buy so much. Oh I just have the two credit cards and both are the no annual fee kind of cards. Hope this helps someone.
December 9th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
I really can’t wait to see what this book has to offer. I really could use Kathy’s suggestions more than anything. I am a single mother who was laid off my job in July of 2009 and have yet to find another job. I have looked everywhere from retail to corporate (which is where I came from). God has been very good to my four children and I thus far and I have faith that He will continue. However, we all know that we can all use every little bit of help we can get in these rough times. If I do not win the copy of Kathy’s book I will do my best to find some way to try and purchase it, maybe I’ll ask Santa for that this Christmas ; ) However it works out the book sounds like a must have. Everyone who is in a similar position as I am, just keep your head up because it will get better! Good luck to everyone and be safe and Happy Holidays.
December 9th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
I really could use this book; I just lost 2/3 of my income and need to make the most of what I have left while trying to increase my income. Thanks so much @BargainBabe!
December 9th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
This book sounds great!
December 10th, 2010 at 7:36 am
I would really love to win this book. I do a lot of care packages to our soldiers and scoring more items for less would totally help send more to more people. The cost savings on items would enable more funds to go toward postal charges. What a great book idea. http://www.booksforsoldiers.com is the charity I send the care packages through, you send directly to the soldier requesting the items. Many soldiers do not get mail from home. It’s nice to brighten someones day and let them know we care.
December 10th, 2010 at 8:02 am
I’m starting to crack the code at CVS and would love to learn more.
December 10th, 2010 at 8:55 am
What is the code????
December 10th, 2010 at 9:10 am
OH, I would really like to know how to arrange a binder with my coupons. I use a little accordian like holder, and when I get to the store and find something on sale that I have not already gotten the coupon out of the holder, I have to get it out, which leads to coupons dropping all over, then I have to pick them all up and it is really a paing.
I would really like to learn to use a binder!
December 10th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Sounds like a very useful and informative book!
December 10th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
I am mostly new to all this, I live in a rural area and no Sunday incerts. I live 20 miles to a Grocery store which will only DOUBLE coupons up to 50cents. Most I get are 55cents. Well I did find Coupons.com lately that has helped. I help buy a lot of baby items for my 2 grandsons 2 ahd 4 months.
Would love to win this book