I think that it demonstrates that not only is this a trustworthy company, but one that has an easy to follow program.  All I do is read emails, click on ads and collect my points.

Whenever I’m going to do some online shopping, I first check to see if it’s a MyPoints merchant and I can earn extra points that way too.  More recently they’ve added surveys too and although I don’t qualify for them too often, I still get points for responding.

In return, I receive reward points that I eventually redeem for one of several rewards.  I typically trade them in for gas cards, Walmart cards or CVS cards since they are the most practical for me to use.

Anyhow, I just wanted to share this with anyone who’s not currently a MyPoints member so that you can take advantage of this great program.  Just spend a few extra minutes a day reading emails (or shopping with one of their merchants) and get free gift cards – it doesn’t get much better than that.

Click Here to Join MyPoints NOW!

Before I tell you any more information on coupons, let me sell you on the idea first. Just yesterday I got some fantastic deals that even amazed my husband. His response was, “there’s just no stopping you is there?” I had two coupons that were $2 off of any two Johnson Buddies products. I also had a coupon for $2 off the new Honey Bunches of Oats with Chocolate Clusters. So I swung by Walmart after depositing my paycheck in the bank (as to not waste gas), and picked up a box of the cereal and two of the Buddies soaps that my son loves and needs. I also picked up a copy of All You magazine which not only is my favorite magazine, but it’s cheap and full of COUPONS (including one that will make me money this coming week).

So, let’s see:

• $1.98 for the cereal

• .94¢ for each of the soaps

• $1.77 for the magazine

Grand total = $5.91
Minus coupons -$4.00

Total Out of Pocket = $1.91

So, if you want to get started with using coupons, you first have to know where to get them. The most obvious place is your Sunday newspaper. My Mom saves her newspaper for me and it costs me nothing that way. Otherwise, I’d have to spend $1 on the Sunday edition. It takes me less than 10 minutes and I typically cut out anything that I could possibly use – whether or not it’s the current brand I use. For example, I’ll cut out all shampoo coupons despite the fact that I use Dove shampoo right now. The reason is because when that certain brand goes on sale at CVS, I will get it either super cheap or perhaps even free.

You can also get coupons online. Check the manufacturers website, do a search for the exact product or visit one of the following sites: www.smartsource.com, www.coupons.com, www.mycoupons.com. There are actually a TON of websites, but I don’t want to give out an overwhelming list for someone who may just be getting started. I also like to get my coupons through MyPoints because then I earn points for the coupons I print and use.

In the next few days I’ll explain how I keep my coupons organized, how I choose which products to buy and how to get GREAT super cheap deals.

• AVON – Free shipping on ANY order. Enter code: REPFS
• Amazon – A whole bunch of great deals right now…tomorrow it will list the Black Friday specials.
• Bath & Body Works – Free gift with any $30 purchase. Enter code: EDT2007
• JustFlowers.com International Flowers – $10 off any $50 order. Use code: leaf
• Makeup.com Boutique – 15% off all orders.  Code: blackfriday

I’ll be adding more as I come across them.  I’m also coming across a lot of gift ideas – especially for the hard to shop for people.