Make Money Online While Never Paying Retail with Dealspotr

I am always look to pay the lowest amount possible. I HATE paying retail! If I have to buy something online, I hate leaving that "Enter Coupon Code" spot blank. I recently was introduced to Dealspotr and now I can always make sure I will find the best deal or coupon code possible while earning Amazon gift cards too.

Make Money Online While Never Paying Retail with Dealspotr



So let me explain. How Dealspotr works is consumers just like you and me post in-store, online, or even freebie deals for just about any store you can think of. Anyone can validate codes or deals. And how you do it is by sharing screenshots to make sure the deal is working properly. This ensures that the most valid and reliable deals are shared. The key is honesty, but with almost 30,000 users validating deals and coupons, Dealspotr has a unique system that ensures deals are valid and you can save the most money possible.

10 Tips for Beginner Couponers

This post contains affiliate links.


A simple google search brings you to a mass collection of links and images all saying they have free this and that. I was once an overwhelmed beginner too. Here are my 10 tricks of the trade for beginning couponers.

Stock Up for Baby with Diapers.com Coupon Codes

As an avid couponer and money saving fanatic, I am always on the prowl for a good deal. My sister-in-law had her third baby a little over a week ago and saving money on all things baby is a top priority.

Coupon Codes from Diapers.com

Stock Up for Baby with Diapers.com Coupon Codes

Diapers.com is an online baby store that carries a wide assortment of diapers, wipes and formula. But that is not all this online store offers. This baby store also provides clothing, baby gear and other necessities parents need to care for their little ones. One of the advantages of using an online baby store, you don't have to leave home so you can save gas and mileage right there! There are also a ton of coupon codes from diapers.com for various baby products.

Save Even More with Groupon Coupons

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

I love saving money and hate paying retail. I have all my handy frugal apps right on my smart phone, so I never miss a deal. One of my favorite money saving apps is the Groupon app. You know about Groupon, right? Groupon is a deal-of-the-day recommendation service saving you 40% to 60% off retail if you purchase that product or service.





The new thing is Groupon Coupons which saves you money on more than just local restaurants and events, but also nationwide chains, like Bed Bath & Beyond! There are 84 available coupons for Bed Bath & Beyond right now. Savings from promo codes, sales, and in-store offers. So there are more ways to save than ever before.

Save On Pampers With A High Value Coupon In This Sunday’s Paper! #PampersSavings

This post and giveaway were made possible by iConnect and Pampers. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.
My youngest is in diapers and honestly I can’t wait until he is in undies! We just started the potty training process and he isn't as eager as I would like. But that's okay, no pressure. I use to coupon and still do for baby products like diapers and wipes! I have been a huge fan of the Pampers brand since my daughter was an infant and on May 29, 2016 there will be a high value coupon you can use in grocery and discount stores where baby products are sold.

Do you like to save money and have little ones?

Handy Apps for Frugal Moms

This post contains affiliate links.
As a frugal mom myself, I am so grateful for the invention of smart phones. I have no idea how people saved money with out them (maybe because prices weren't so high?). I have compiled a list of my favorite frugal apps and hope you might like them too. :)




This post contains affiliate links, but these are all apps I use myself. This post was originally published in 2012 and I have updated because many of these apps I sill use today!

MONEY MAKING Enfagrow at Kroger! Ends 7/1

 
The Enfagrow 4 packs are BOGO at Kroger until 7/1. They are $5.99 regular price and ring up $2.99. With this printable coupon, you can make $2.01 for every one you buy! Now I don't know if this coupon link is unique to me or not yet, so please let me know.

FREE Good2Grow Drinks at Kroger, Ends 6/15

Thanks Kroger Krazy for the Above Picture.
So as I was looking through iBotta because it told me of a new offer, I noticed in the exclusive Kroger offers where you can get $3.50 back when you buy good2grow single serve and a refill. I also knew there was a Common Kindness coupon that are already made these a GREAT deal. So I did a little digging and found the above picture so you can actually MAKE MONEY when you purchase these two items PLUS you will be buying 100% juice that the kids will love! PERFECT for the summer!

Click More for all the details!

Weekly Totals - Publix - Saved 89%!

Kind of disappointed in myself on this trip. I was distracted at check out and they were out of some of the items I really wanted/needed. Plus my printer was having connection issues so I didn't get all of the high value coupons from Coupons.com before they were gone. So not my best after all that planning. :(



Anyways here is what I got. Please remember between the two stores I go they double coupons, do half price BOGO, & accept Target/Ingles/Kroger as competitors.

Mid Week Trip - Publix - Saved 90%!

I needed bread and toilet paper. I saw the deal on Playtex infant items and knew I should stock up for little man since I only have girl ones (and most of them are broken). Wish I had the Publix Baby Club coupon to make them moneymakers, but it's okay because they were a GREAT deal!

Weekly Totals - Publix - Saved 72%!

 


I'm excited for this trip because I stocked up on some produce that we really needed. I might go back and grab some more resolve because with two kids (one who is a boy), I'm going to definitely need it and at $0.50 who couldn't pass it up! ;D The FREE (actually money making) sausage, I'm SUPER excited about because I have a recipe I want to share with all of you and I was waiting for a deal on sausage, so now I can! :D (Yes, I use too many emoticons. ;P)
I also want to thank my mom for all the coupons she gave me on Mother's Day because if I wasn't for her this trip would have not been possible.

So this is what I got:

Weekly Totals - Saved 62%!

I had planned a bigger haul at Publix but my computer was having issues connecting to the printer. It wasn't the printer because I printed the Cheerios coupons from my iPad with no problem. But have no clue what is going on because it printed my shopping list. It seems something with JavaScript, maybe.
 

So you might see stuff from this sale on to next week's weekly savings post. I decided to head to Kroger first. You got a $3 Catalina when you bought 6 qualifying General Mills products and since I need canned veggies plus my Publix takes Kroger as a competitor, I stopped there first. I got super lucky on that Starbucks coffee deal! And then when I came home, there was an iBotta offer for ANY brand bread! I saved 62% after iBotta savings. I did the picture before I figured in those savings. To learn more about iBotta, you can view my post HERE. New users don't get $10 anymore, but you still get $5! :D So anyways, let's see how I did this week.

Weekly Totals - Publix - Saved 73%!

I was excited for this trip because I got some more great donation items for Stamp Out Hunger this Saturday. The diapers are a good deal to me and although my little man isn't in that size yet, I never want to have to pay full price for diapers and he will definitely go through them.



So I saved 73% this week...

Weekly Savings - Publix - 70%!

Since most of you came here originally for my weekly shopping totals (and to learn how to stretch your budget by couponing), I've decided to bring them back! Aren't you excited? I know I am. I've missed couponing. I slacked off so much and it started with printer issues, but now that we have a new wireless printer (thanks to being an #HPsmartMom) and a compatible computer, I can get back to the grind!



This week I made two trips to Publix. I'm just getting back into hard core couponing (although I never completely fell off the wagon), so there's a few items that I missed but since it's a holiday weekend, we have until Saturday to grab these deals! :D So here's a break down of what I got:

#HGG Special Offer: The First Years Talk & Soothe Digital Video Monitor

In a few weeks I'll be reviewing the new Talk & Soothe Digital Video Monitor from The First Years. In the meantime, I wanted to share a special offer from The First Years, Target and Snapfish that makes this monitor a great holiday gift for new or expecting parents like me! Through Jan. 31, 2014, customers who purchase specially marked The First Years monitors (the new Talk & Soothe Digital Video Monitor, the Crisp & Clear Double or Single Audio Monitor) in-store at Target will receive a gift from Snapfish, including a FREE classic photo book or a discount off of their entire photo book order.

Target Snapfish First Years Offer

There are so many incredible milestones in the first years of a child’s life. The complete line of award-winning feeding, care, travel and nursery products from The First Years can help new parents reach these milestones safely and happily. From affordable high tech video monitors to the most thoughtful breast pump ever, to the first and only Smartphone-synched car seat, to spill-proof sippy cups with an easy-to-clean one-piece lid, The First Years offers parents the products, and the confidence in them, that will help make raising their child one of life’s most rewarding experiences.

The First Years
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Couponing 101: Always Shop Sales

Kroger deals 6/12

This trip is a perfect example of "How To Shop Sales". I have been couponing for over a year now, but my first advice for saving money on groceries came from my mother-in-law. She said use coupons when you have them on what you would normally buy, but always try and shop sales. Great advice that has helped my family save so much money and how I can afford to be a stay-at-home mom.

This week, we were low on veggies. My family goes through veggies like they are going out of style. Nice problem to have, right? But I have been terrible about buying papers, so I had NO coupons. What's a girl to do? Kroger is having this awesome Buy 10, Get 5 free sale. PLUS my Kroger was having a 4-day sale. And of course the Mega still is going on (and a new one starts next week). :D


So this is what I got:

Buy 10, Get 5 FREE Deal -
10 Green Giant Veggies $1
5 Starkist Tuna $1
= $10 or $0.67 per item

Mega Event Items: Buy 4, Save $4 - (all prices are after Mega savings)
2 Huggies wipes $0.99
- 2 $1/1 Facebook IPs
= FREE

2 Pull-Up Training Pants $7.99
- $3/1 coupons from Pull-Ups Party
= $9.98 or $4.99 each

1 Kellogg's Fruit Snacks $1.88
- $0.50/1 from Kroger mailer (doubled)
= $0.88

1 Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats $1.88
- $0.50/1 from Kroger mailer (doubled)
= $0.88

4 Capri Sun $1.29
- 2 $1/2 Capri Suns or Roaring Waters IP
= $3.16 or $0.79 each

4 Finish Powerball $2.99
- 4 $2.15/1 from 6/16 RP
= $3.36 or $0.84 each!

2 Keebler Cookies $0.99
- 2 $1.50/1 from Kellogg's Family Rewards
= $1.00 Money Maker! :D

BOGO deals -
2 Disney Vitamins $6.99
- 2 $1/1 Disney or Marvel Gummie Vitamin Product
= $4.98 or $2.49 each

Other Items -
Kroger Carrots $0.88
Kroger Fresh Selections Salad $2.99
- $0.40 from Kroger mailer
= $2.59
8 Kroger Frozen Veggies 10/$10 ($0.88 after 4 day sale)
2 Beechnut Fruities 10/$10
- 1 $0.50/1 IP and 1 $1/1 IP
= FREE

Total Spent: $43.18
Total Saved: $73.03
Percentage Saved: 63%! :D


Kroger Fuel Promo
Don't forget to load your 2x fuel points e-coupon at Kroger.com and shop weekends through June & July to save at the pump this summer!

ibotta app

By the way, have I mentioned my love of the ibotta app? I haven't? (I think I mentioned it here) Anyways it's this cool app where you can earn CASH through PayPal for items that you would normally purchase anyways. PLUS you can use paper coupons with this app!
Example, here's a deal from Publix:
Silk Soymilk or Pure Almondmilk, 64 oz, 2/$5
- $1/1 Silk Beverage: (Soy Almond or Coconut milk or Fruit & Protein 1/2 gal+) Target Coupon
- $1/1 Silk Pure Almond Milk Half Gallon
- $0.75 Silk Half Gallon ibotta offer
You actually make a quarter after coupons and ibotta offer!

And right now if you sign up through a referral link (*COUGH* I'll leave THIS right here), you can earn $10 CASH through PayPal when you redeem your first offer. ibotta currently works at these retailers: 7-Eleven, BI-LO, CityMarket, CVS Pharmacy, Dillons, Dollar General, Dominicks, Duane Reade, Family Dollar, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Giant Eagle, H-E-B, Harris Teeter, Hy-Vee, Ingles Markets, King Soopers, Kroger, Meijer, Pathmark, Pavilions, Pick 'N Save, Publix, QFC, Ralphs, Randalls, RiteAid, Safeway, Sam's Club, ShopRite, Smith's, Stop & Shop, Target, Tom Thumb, United States Armed Forces Commissary, Vons, Walgreens, Walmart, Wegmans, WinCo Foods, & Winn-Dixie.
WOW! So what are you waiting for? Don't you want to get paid for products you are buying anyways?






Printable Baby Coupon Round-Up

Hey everyone! We all know how expensive those little bundles of joy are. Help give them the by saving money using coupons! Here is a HUGE list of printable coupons from across the web. This list has everything! Food, breastfeeding, formula, diapers, medicines, toys, you name it! If there are any brands that you don't see and would like me to find out if there are any coupons for their products, just comment here letting me know. Thanks!

Save this to your bookmarks! This list is constantly updated and is a great reference! :)

Printable Baby Coupon Round-Up

 
If you came here looking for baby coupons. We are in the process of updating.
 
Here are some articles you might like instead:
 
Tips to Save Money on Baby
 
 
 

Coupon Policies Change...& it can suck.

I went to Publix yesterday, for the first time in a while. My Publix was great to shop at because they doubled coupons, did half price BOGO, and considered Target, Kroger, & Ingles as competitors. Why they considered Target a competitor, I'm not quite sure because the closest one is about 15 minutes away. But I wasn't going to complain!

I got in check-out and had a good amount of items in my cart and I put everything on the belt (I had my daughter with me so this is never the easiest if tasks). When the cashier scanned everything and I have her my coupons, the first one she came to she said she would have to ask a manager because they no longer accept Target as a competitor. Wha...wha..WHAT?! This totally threw a wrench in my game plan. Apparently they stopped taking them since April 1st...Fool's Day indeed. :/

I am going to have to change my game plan completely when I shop at Publix and may be visiting Kroger more and more.

Here was my grocery list. Items in BOLD are what I ended up buying. Maybe you Publix accepts Target and you'll have better luck.



Tyson Chicken Nuggets or Patties or Tenders or Any’Tizers Snacks, 10 to 13.25 oz pkg, BOGO $3.25
- $1/1 Tyson Any’tizer Snacks 03/03/2013 SS Insert (exp 06/09/2013)
- $1/2 Quaker Items, TARGET coupon Target.com (exp 04/27/2013)
- $1.50/2 Quaker Big Chew or Chewy Yogurt Granola or Soft Baked Bars – 04-14-13 RP Insert (exp 5/18/2013)
- $1/2 Quaker Items, All You Magazine
= $0.25 each!

6 Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper or Tuna or Chicken or Suddenly Salad, 4.4 to 12.2 oz, BOGO $1.59
- 2 $0.75/3 Betty Crocker Hambuger Helper, Tuna Helper or Chicken Helper Home Cooked Skillet Meals
= $0.55 each!

The Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches or Bars, Cone or Fudge Bar or Pop, 24 oz, or Bars, 15.9 to 24 oz, BOGO $4.99
- $1/1 Skinny Cow Low-fat Ice Cream Snack, 4 ct+ (must sign up; bottom left corner)
- $1/1 Skinny Cow ice cream item 4- to 12-ct. Target Coupon
= $0.50 each!

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel or Scrambles, 10 to 11.5 oz, BOGO $1.95
- $0.50/2 Pillsbury Toaster Strudel, Toaster Scrambles Pastries or Pancakes 02/03/2013 SS Insert (exp 04/27/2013)
= $0.48 each!

Dannon Activia Yogurt, 4 pk, 3/$5
- $1/1 Activia, 4 pk 03/03/2013 SS Insert (exp 04/21/2013)
= $0.67 each!

2 Bailey’s Coffee Creamer, 16 oz, 2/$3

Gerber Graduates Foods, Grabbers, Squeezable Fruit or Organic 2nd Foods, or Beech Nut, Happy Baby, HappyTot, or Earth’s Best, 25% Off - Would have got these but I now have Yummi Pouches
- $0.50/1 Plum Baby, Tots or Kids Product (IE)
- $1/2 Happy Tot or Happy Baby Pouches
- $1/10 Beech-Nut Baby Food
- $1/3 Beechnut Items
- $0.75/3 Beech-nut Stage 4 or Stage 5 Puree or Yogurt Pouches
- $1/3 Earth’s Best Baby Food Pouches

Knorr Pasta or Rice Sides, 3.8 to 5.8 oz, BOGO $1.29
- $1/2 Knorr Rice and Pasta Sides, any (Maximum of 2 Identical Coupons Allowed in Same Shopping Trip) – 03-24-13 RP Insert (exp 4/21/2013)
- $0.50/2 Knorr sides Target Coupon

2 Birds Eye Voila Skillet Meal, 21 oz, $3.49
- $1.75/1 Birds Eye Voila
= $3.48 or $1.74 each!

2 Buddy Fruits BOGO $1

Colonial Bread 2/$3

8 Sambazon Smoothies and Fruit Juices $2.50 - Not Pictured
- Free Coupons for Moms Meet Meeting - Review/Giveaway Coming Soon

Total Spent = $17.34
Total Saved = $44.71
Total Percentage = 72%! :D


So how did everyone else do this week? Have you ever had an unexpected turn of events with coupon policies like this?



Weekly Totals - Publix 3/15 + #Linky

Funny Mom Grocery Shopping


Better late than never and past posting because I needed to get it in. ;)

{I had such a great weekend y'all. Pictures to come on Wednesday. :)}

I decided to go shopping Friday night, so I could get Hubby to watch Sweet Pea and have some me time. Yes, as a stay-at-home my me-time is going grocery shopping.

Weekly Kroger Publix Coupon Savings


First stop of the night was to Kroger. Where there was a guy for Ecover and he gave out free glasses/phone screen cleaning cloths. He also talked about awesome micro-fiber is. If I had a little extra money in the budget this month, I would have bought what he was selling. Great products.


Anyways here's what I bought:

Kroger Crescent Rolls $1.79
- Free Coupon from Bzz Campaign

2 Kroger Shredded Cheese $2.24
= $4.48

2 Fresh Selections Carrots $1.79
- $0.50/2 Kroger Mailed Coupon (DND)
= $3.08 or $1.54 per lb! :)

Kroger Cake Mix 10/$10
- Free Coupon from Bzz Campaign

Private Selection Pork Tenderloin $8.04
- Free Coupon from Bzz Campaign

Kroger Frosting $1.19
- FreeCoupon from Bzz Campaign

Fresh Selection Tender Spinach $2.69
- $0.40 Kroger Mailed Coupon (DND)
= $2.29

Turkey Breast Lunch Meat $3.15

Honey Ham Lunch Meat $3.15

Tennessee Pride Sausage Biscuits $7.69
(Should have bought at Publix)

3 Tide Detergents $4.99 (Part of Cart Buster)
- $3/3 from 3/3 P&G insert
= $11.97 or $3.99 each!

Bananas $0.57/lb
2.39 lbs
= $1.36

Kroger Value Cheese Slices $0.89
- $0.40 Mailed Kroger Coupon (DND)
= $0.49

Kroger Microwave Mac & Cheese $2.50
- Free Coupon from Bzz Campaign

I just noticed they rang up my bananas twice. Ugh! Lesson: Always, Always, Always check your receipts!

Total OOP: $40.80
Total Saved: $33.79
Percent Saved: 46%!


After my many adventures at Kroger, I headed to Publix because it's on the way home and they were having some GREAT sales this week. :)


What I bought:

6 Pillsbury Toaster Strudel $1.95
- $0.50/2 Pillsbury Toaster Strudel, Toaster Scrambles Pastries, or Pancakes 01/06/2013 SS Insert (exp 03/30/2013)
- B2G1 Pillsbury Toaster Strudel or Scrambles 10 to 11.5 oz Grocery Advantage Buy Flyer “Happy Easter” In-Ad Publix Coupon (exp 3/29)
13 Totino's Party Pizzas 10/$10 - Submitting for THIS rebate.
- 2 B3G1 Publix Easter In-Store Ad Coupon
- 4 $0.50/3 Totino’s Crisp Crust Party Pizza 03/03/2013 SS Insert (doubled)
- Going to submit for THIS rebate with the Toaster Strudel
= $2.10 for EVERYTHING including the Toaster Strudel after ALL rebates! :D

8 Green Giant Frozen Box Veggies BOGO $1.99
- $1/2 Kroger Mailed Coupon
- 2 $0.60/3 Green Giant Boxed Veggies IP
= $5.76 or $0.72 each!

4 Coffee Mate 32 oz Coffee Creamers 2/$5
- 2 BOGO Coffee Mate 16 oz or larger from CouponNetwork (NLA?)
Here are some others:
$1.00 off when you buy any TWO (2) NESTLÉ® COFFEE-MATE® Powdered Creamers, 10.2oz or larger
$1.00 off when you buy any TWO COFFEE-MATE® NATURAL BLISS™ coffee creamers
= $5 or $1.25 each for the BIG bottle! :D

2 Del Monte Fruit Naturals Mango Cup 10/$10
- $0.50/1 Del Monte Fruit Naturals IP from RedPlum (doubled)
= FREE

4 Bertolli Pasta Sauce, 15 to 24 oz, (excluding Organic) BOGO $2.79
- 2 $1/2 Bertolli pasta sauce products Spring Savings Booklet Publix Coupon or PRINT
- 2 $1.50/2 Bertolli Sauces, any 03-03-13 RP Insert
= $0.58 or $0.15 each! :D

6 Campbell’s Chunky Soup, 15.25 oz bowl or 18.6 to 19 oz can, 4/$6
- 2 $2/3 Campbell’s® Chunky™ Soups Publix Coupon Best Meals Happen At Home emailed coupon
- 3 $0.50/2 Campbell’s Chunky or 100% Natural Healthy Request Soups 03/03/2013 SS Insert (doubled)
= $2 or $0.33 each!

4 Kleenex Tissues, 68 to 184 ct, 4/$5
- 2 $50/2 Kleenex , boxes or (1) bundle from PullUps Party Coupon Booklets (doubled)
- 2 $1/2 Kleenex facial tissue 50ct or larger Publix Coupon Spring Savings Booklet or PRINT
= $1 or $0.25 each!

6 Voskos Greek Yogurt, 4. 6 oz, 10/$10
- 3 $0.30/2 Voskos 03/03/2013 SS Insert (doubled)
- 2 $1/3 Voskos Greek Yogurt 5.3 oz or Voskos Crunch 4.6 oz Grocery Advantage Buy Flyer “Happy Easter” In-Ad Publix Coupon
= $2.20 or $0.36 each!

1 Fresh Express Salad Blends or Kits, 5 to 12 oz, BOGO $3.99
(They only had one left! Boo! Going to go back and get more! :D)
= $1.99

Maybelline Eye Make-Up Remover $3.49
- $2 ANY Maybelline New York item (Manu) Mailed from Kroger
- $2 Maybelline New York item Green Advantage Flyer Publix Coupon
= FREE!

2 Pull Ups Diapers $9.99 - Going to go back and get more! :D
- 2 $3/1 in-ad Publix Coupon
- 2 $3/1 Manu from PullUps Party Coupon Booklet
(Here's a $2.00 off one PULL-UPS Training Pants Jumbo Pack - still a GREAT deal!)
= $7.98 or $3.99 each!! Stock up Price!

Total OOP: $39.41
Total after ALL Savings: $32.19
Total Percent Saved: 71% Savings! :D

Tips to Save Money on Baby






You just found out you are pregnant, CONGRATS! Now what? You realize that there is just one thing after another that a baby needs but how to pay for it all? Here are my tips to save money on baby.


Nursing Pillow1. Breastfeed
My TOP Tip for saving money with a baby is breastfeeding. No wasting anything, no cleaning anything. Even after breast pads (which Udder Covers sells a variety of reusable ones), cream, and a nursing cover (FREE Nursing Cover from Udder Covers with code BABYSAVINGS, just pay S&H), you still pay less than formula. If you need to pump, go through your insurance to get one. A law was just passed so you should be able to get a hospital grade quality pump completely free! Having supply issues? Try this Supply Boosting Cookie Recipe.
Although I am a very strong breastfeeding advocate, I do realize that it's not for everyone and sometimes you need to supplement and formula is expensive. Here are some well known formula makers, that you can sign up for email updates, along with money saving coupons and checks, they will sometimes send you samples. :)

2. Cloth Diaper
Okay I am going to be honest. I never cloth diapered. I did see a ton of benefits, except the extra laundry which meant more of my time. And being a full time mom, plus taking care of my friend's daughter, AND now being a Professional Blogger, I feel my time is valuable. Now I am NOT saying that people who cloth diaper don't value their time. This is just the reason I didn't BUT saying all that, I am seriously considering it with my next baby.
The up front cost is what is so hard to swallow. My friend found this site called Alvababy.com that sells cloth diapers for $5!!!
Now, again, I understand that clothing diapering isn't for everyone, so I suggest looking into the following retailers for possible coupons or samples. Also there are a TON of printable coupons online as well.
Huggies, Pampers (save points through their Gifts To Grow program and get cool stuff, like FREE Shutterfly products). Thing to remember when buying diapers is, the bigger the diaper, the fewer in the package, so make absolutely sure before you move up a size. And remember nothing is wrong with store brand, test them out, they may work for you. And if you are couponing, buy in BULK. Tape the receipt to the box, so you can exchange them if need be.

Tips to Save Money on Baby - Make Your Own Baby Food3. Make Your OWN Baby Food
I made about half of Sweet Pea's baby food. I had a food processor that got shocked during a lightning storm, even though we have surge protectors. PLUS I found jar baby food to be easier when we were on the go. But of course even that didn't make the task any easier. Invest in a good food processor and you're good to go. Make a TON and then freeze it.
Not into Homemade Baby Food? I signed up with Beechnut (who send you a welcome package for what ever stage your child enters) and Earth's Best. I also contacted HappyBaby who sent me free samples and coupons to try their products. Of course I love Buddy Fruits as well. Look in to ingredients with whatever baby food you choose.


4. Make Your OWN Baby Clothes
Okay I never did this, but I LOVE Pinterest and look at the most adorable things I have found:
Turn Old T-Shirts into Baby Sacks
Old Shirts into Dress
No Sew Onesie Make-Over
Those are just some ideas. You can also cut old onesies, hem it, and make them into shirts. Also look into garment extenders. There also a TON of online sites I love that sell baby clothes really cheap, including: Totsy, ThredUp (like new, used clothes), Zulily, and WittleBee. Another great way to save money on baby clothes is to shop consignment shops or yard sales. My mother-in-law did this for us. Our crib AND changing table were practically new and she only paid $150 for both! So deals are to be had and don't be afraid to haggle. Also there are some online sites where you can exchange stuff, like TheBump's Swap Spot board, SwapMamas.com, there are multiple Facebook groups, or if you feel like risking it, Craig's List. I have had a lot of luck with TheBump and SwapMamas! ALSO, don't snub your nose at sales racks. There is nothing wrong with your baby wearing last year's fashion when you are on a budget!

5. Everything Can Be a Toy
Boxes, pots, and pans; OH MY! My daughters FAVORITE toys are not the ones we intended for her. Although she loves her Sophie the Giraffe, is that a practical toy for the mom and dad who are on a budget to buy? Not really. Pans with plastic spoons are musical instruments. I also love Coffee mate containers filled with dry beans. They are BPA-free and make a great rattle!

6. Baby Gear is Expensive
Free is nice, but there are some things that are just going to be expensive because safety is more valuable in the long run. Car Seats are something you should NOT get used because you don't know if it was in a car accident. And even cheap ones can run between $60 to $100. If you don't get one as a baby shower gift, just remember, even the cheap ones have to meet the same standards according to government regulation as the higher end ones. You can read more about Car Seat Safety HERE.

7. Don't Waste Money on NON-Essentials
Poor new, first time parents. We fall for the gimmicks left and right of things we MUST register for and buy to have everything ready for baby. I have found that a diaper changing pad on top of a dresser, can not only save money but also save space. And don't buy expensive crib bedding sets, the Consumer Product Safety Administration AND the American Academy of Pediatrics advise against thick comforters and crib bumpers. So why are they still sold like that? Beats me. But all you need is a fitted sheet and a thin blanket. You also don't NEED a wipe warmer either. Be practical and do your research. Don't register for it but if you get it as a gift just say, "Thank You". And just ask for the gift receipt later. :D

I hope you found this list helpful. And for the experienced parent's out there, what tips do you have to save money on baby?