Just about everyone who shops online knows to look for a promotional code of some kind before hitting checkout. But digital coupons are only one of 11 tricks, tips and ways I have for you today—savvy things you can do to get the biggest discounts and best online deals.

I was late to the party but somehow managed catch up quickly. While Hobby Lobby has now expanded to California, I’d never stepped foot into one of the more than 800 stores until moving to Colorado.

How I lived for the greater part of my life without Hobby Lobby remains a mystery. Remarkably, somehow I survived …

And just like THAT … it’s September! I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s ready for 2020 to be over, so the speed with which it seems September has hit is welcomed, indeed!

Two days ago, here in northern Colorado, we were still enjoying 96F days. And them BAM! … 46F low yesterday. And … get this, it snowed last night in the mountains. See what I mean? Rollercoaster weather, which I absolutely love❣️

September brings with it predictable bargains—some that could be considered extreme!

So buckle up as we head into my favorite time of the year, and not only for sweater-weather, pumpkin pie, and apple cider but for bargains, too!

See you there. Love xo m 🍁 🍂 🍎 🥮 ❣️

Finding authentic hot bargains and deep discounts on the things you need often has more to do with when you shop than where. It’s all about knowing the best time to buy.

In the same way that cars are often discounted late in the season and just before new models are introduced, appliances, clothes, sporting goods, linens, home decor, and even travel deals are predictably discounted for a variety of different reasons. In fact, 4th of July sales is becoming known as Black Friday in July—a chance to get a deal at Black Friday-like prices …

As July temperatures soar, keep an eye out for these hot bargains.

February is a busy month. First, we have the Super Bowl, then Valentine’s Day, and Presidents’ Day with its 3-day weekend—all offering us excuses to shop. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to take part in these events—in fact, it can be a great month to save if you stick to these things […]

Shopping is my thing. I love the thrill of the hunt, that feeling of discovery and the joy of a bargain. I find it satisfying in ways I can’t fully describe. I want to experience the feeling as often as possible. Shopper’s high is no joke. It’s real, it’s palpable, and it’s addictive.

Shopping got me into a lot of trouble. In just 12 years I ran up more than $100,000 in consumer debt—most of it on credit cards. Eventually, all of it came crashing down and nearly took me with it. Thankfully, that crisis became the catalyst to turn my life around.

It took 13 years to repay all of the debt. I learned a lot about myself in the process but mostly that the satisfaction I got from shopping was short-lived. It was fake because it vanished in less time than it took me to get the stuff to the car. But that just set me up to do it again and again because the small bursts of joy I got from shopping were worth the pain that always followed.

Crazy I know, but absolutely true. I could so easily go back to my old ways, and that’s scary …

Big Announcement

Since 1992, I’ve invited you, my dear readers to send me your favorite time- and money-saving tips so I could share them with the entire audience.  And send them, you have! Via U.S. Mail and email.

In the beginning, I was able to publish nearly all of the good ones (there were plenty of duds) in a column I titled “Great Reader Tips.” Great readers, great tips!

You can participate in two ways—by contributing your best tips or by browsing and enjoying what your fellow readers have contributed. Uploading is super easy and I’ll be teaching you how to do it that.

But wait, there’s more!

To make this even more exciting, you’ll be able to compete for CASH prizes! We’ll kick things off with a Top Tips of the Month—1st Place: $100; 2nd Place $75; 3rd Place $25Did that just get your attention?! We’ll start each month with a brand new contest.

So, how can you get started uploading tips right now? You can’t because we haven’t opened EC² quite yet—but I will be announcing that very soon.

While you’re waiting, start thinking about and preparing your best tip(s). While your tips need not be original with you (meaning you didn’t think of it yourself), they must be written by you in your own words. Tell us what it is, what it does, and how it works for you. Next, take a picture with your phone or camera that demonstrates or represents your tip(s). You can upload another tip, trick, hack or terrific idea every day to improve your chances of winning.

In the meantime, keep watching for all the details about EC² Launch Day—it’ll be soon!