JoeTheCouponGuy.com Deals Blog

GETGO FOODPERKS
Foodperks!™ is a program much like fuelperks!®, except it allows you to earn discounts on grocery purchases at Giant Eagle® by pumping gas at GetGo®. For every 10 gallons of fuel you pump, you earn a 1% discount on a future visit to Giant Eagle®. Earn a max up to 20% off of a purchase of $300 for a $60 savings. Learn more and earn 10% by watching the video at http://www.foodperks.com/

Joe
http://www.joethecouponguy.com

In rememberance of our military forces and for all they’ve done and continue to do. Happy Memorial Day.

Joe
http://www.joethecouponguy.com

GIANT EAGLE
Giant Eagle announced a new FoodPerks program offering discounts on gas at their GetGo stations with the purchase of groceries. Any extra way to save more money is good, but there are some caveats to the program.

It’s a reverse of their FuelPerks program where you get discounts on their gas by purchasing groceries. Kroger has a similar program. The program should help Giant Eagle attract customers to get gas at their gas stations outside of just when they need to redeem FuelPerks.

Those with large grocery bills will benefit the most. For instance, in order to maximize your saving it allows you to save 20% on a maximum of $300 spent for a savings of $60. Many people may find it difficult to reach the maximum savings using the 20% discount since $300 needs to be spent and it doesn’t count with gift card purchases.

Since I use coupons that double I rarely spend more than $50 at Giant Eagle. Every blue moon I may spend more than that, but rarely since I typically save over 70% on my grocery shopping there. Say if I spent $100 and wanted to use my 20% savings, I would get $20 off. I would’ve missed out on $40 in potential savings because I don’t spend that much grocery shopping.

If you fill up a 15 gallon tank each week with gas it will take about 4 months to get the 20% discount.

As a comparison, Speedway’s 10 cents off per gallon gift cards that are sold at Marc’s (and I believe Acme) will save you $20 on 200 gallons of gas and earn points for their SpeedyRewards program.

Again, it’s a new way to save money so I’m all for it. However, using double coupons will still save more money by far. For instance, I saved over $141 for a savings of 76% on my last shopping trip to Giant Eagle plus it printed out a $9.00 off on my next shopping trip coupon. The shopping trip before that one I saved 100%. I didn’t pay a penny.

If I use three .75 cent coupons each week that double, over four months I will save more than $60. That compares to having to spend $300 in one shopping trip to earn $60 using my maximum 20% foodperks awards.

The PD did a story on it and they quoted me on it.
Here’s a link to the story:
http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2010/05/giant_eagle_1.html

Joe
http://www.joethecouponguy.com

GEAUGA LAKES WILDWATER KINGDOM
Memorial Day weekend deals:

Military Free Admission – In honor of our service men and women, all active and retired members of the military can get into Wildwater Kingdom for FREE on May 30 or May 31 only. A valid photo ID is required at park admission booths.

Friends Free – Season Passholders can bring a friend for FREE all weekend (May 29-31). Limit one friend per Passholder.

Dollar Deals – Enjoy $1 hot dogs on May 29, $1 cotton candy on May 30 and $1 16 oz. fountain drinks on May 31 (while supplies last).
(thanks to Angie for the tip)

Joe
http://www.joethecouponguy.com

CVS
Free after extra bucks:
Gillette or Old Spice body wash – plus use recent BOGO coupon to make a profit of $4 (limit 2)

Ragu – 6 for $7 after getting $3 in extra bucks – then use recent .60 coupon on each to get them for 57 cents each.

WALGREENS
Free after register rewards:
Complete contact solution
Goody Ouchless barrette or flex tip headband – I think that’s the first time in my life I typed barrette.

99 cents after register rewards:
Soft & Beautiful Botanicals or Just for Me! relaxer kit or texturizer.
Ironman Muscle Rub or Spray
Colgate Total – plus use recent .75 coupon.

Keebler cookies or Cheez-It – 4 for $5 after register rewards

This is a first for Walgreens – a beer rebate!
Buy $20 worth of whatever at the store plus two 12 packs of Miller or Coors and a bottle of Yellow Tail wine and get $20 back via rebate. They’ve been having issues with the rebate printing so make sure it does print.

RITE AID
Cascade – 49 cents after rebate and .50 coupon
GE Energy Smart light bulbs – 2 for $4 – plus use recent $1 coupon for each.
Noxema razors – 99 cents plus use recent $2 coupon to make a profit.

GIANT EAGLE
Carolina rice – free after .50 coupon
Heluva Good chip dip – free after .75 coupon
Melita coffee filters – $1 each after 2/$1 coupon
Jack Daniels BBQ sauce – free after .75 coupon
Tabasco sauce – free after .50 or .75 coupon
Smart Ones – 6 for $7 after $3/6 coupon found in All You magazine
Bic Lighter (long ones) – $1 after $1 coupon
Corn – 10 for $2
McCormick spices & seasonings – buy $10 get $5 on your next shopping trip coupon – plus use recent .50 Lawrys or .50 Grill Mates coupon to get it free.
Texas Toast Croutons – 50 cents after .50 coupon
Dole Crispy Fruit cups – .50 cents after .75 coupon
Solo Cups – free after coupon and $2 on your next shopping trip coupon
Benadryl itch sticks – free after 2/$5 coupon
Vlasic relish free after .50 All You Magazine coupon
Kraft salad dressing – use .55 coupon and depending on how many you buy with on-you-next-shopping-trip coupons you can get them for 15 cents each

I saved over $141 with coupons/sales on this weeks shopping trip for 76% savings plus it spit out $9 in on your next shopping trip coupons. Had a 100% savings last week.

PET COUPONS
Find 17 pet coupons with some good double coupons like .75 off for Meow Mix. Tidy Cat $1 litter coupon.
Click here for the coupons:
COUPONS.COM

ALDIS
Blueberries – $1.49 – one pint!
Salad – 99 cents
Eggs – large – 75 cents
Baking Potatoes – 89 cents

CEDAR POINT
Cedar Point’s Online Deals are available online only and cannot be purchased at the gate, unless otherwise noted. All Online Deals are subject to change without notice.

Picnic at the Point Memorial Day – $46.99
Combine your park admission with an all-you-can-eat meal on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday May 29-31! Enjoy broiled Johnsonville brats, fried chicken, hot dogs, baked rigatoni, baked beans, potato salad, assorted Pepsi beverages, cookies and ice cream. Served from 5:30-7 p.m. (May 29), 4:30-6:30 p.m. (May 30) and 1:30-3:30 p.m. (May 31) in the Coral Courtyard. One entry to the session during the serving time. Junior/Senior pricing also available. If you already have a ticket, or are a Season Passholder, you can purchase the meal at park admission booths, May 29-31.
BONUS – Free of charge: watching those same people that did all you can eat ride the rides on a very full stomach. Have your cameras ready and don’t ride on the back of the coasters!

Special Note: All active and retired members of the military can purchase the all-you-can-eat meal add-on for half price (does not include admission ticket), all weekend. Visit park admission booths to purchase the meal. Valid military ID required. Prices do not include tax.

Mid-Week Saver Ticket – $34.99
Visit us any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday through June 24 and save $11 off the gate price! Ticket is valid for a one-day admission to Cedar Point on any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday through June 24, 2010 only. One admission per ticket. Visit any other day of the 2010 season and pay an upgrade fee at the park (the difference between the Mid-Week Saver Ticket and a regular, one-day admission ticket at the gate). Sale ends at 9:00 p.m. on June 24, 2010.

Pick-a-Date Ticket – $34.99
Pick your date to visit us in June and save $11 off the gate price! Ticket is valid for a one-day admission to Cedar Point June 1-30, 2010. One admission per ticket. Visit any other operating day of the 2010 season and pay an upgrade fee at the park (the difference between the Pick-a-Date Ticket and a regular, one-day admission ticket at the gate). Sale ends at 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2010.

Rock & Ride Combo – $54
Visit both Cedar Point AND the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame/Museum in Cleveland for the low price of $54.00! Valid for guests 48″ & taller. Tickets must be used by October 31, 2010. Valid for a one-day visit at each attraction. Sale ends on October 31, 2010.

Deals online only. Click here for the deals:
http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/admission/tickets/deals.cfm

AMUSEMENT PARKS
Get FREE regular admission ticket to any active or retired military personnel on Sunday and Monday of both the Memorial Day and July 4th weekends at Cedar Point, Geauga Lake Water Kingdom, and Kinds Island. Along with free admission, active and retired members of the military will be able to purchase discounted admission tickets for members of their immediate family (maximum of six) at a special military discount price. (thanks Ccherrypicker.blogspot for the tip)

Check your work for discount tickets. Also check the Entertainment book for coupons.

The Golden Ticket Awards is an annual set of awards given out by Amusement Today, a newspaper published for the amusement industry. Each year, the magazine gives out awards based on a survey given out to park enthusiasts both in the US and overseas. And this year Cedar Point is number One!
http://www.americasbestonline.net/amusement.htm

1. Cedar Point – Sandusky, Ohio
2. Knoebels Amusement Resort – Elysburg, Pa.
3. Islands of Adventure – Orlando, Fla.
4. Holiday World – Santa Claus, Ind.
5. Disneyland – Anaheim, Calif. (Tie)
5. Pleasure Beach Blackpool – Blackpool, England (Tie)
7. Kennywood – West Mifflin, Pa.
8. Busch Gardens – Williamsburg, Va.
9. Europa Park Rust – Germany
10. Magic Kingdom – Orlando, Fla. (Tie)
10. Tokyo Disney – Sea Tokyo, Japan (Tie)

SKIN CANCER CHECK-UP
The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Road to Healthy Skin Tour will be coming through Ohio at loca Rite Aids. The Tour, now in its third year, provides free, full-body skin exams by local dermatologists.
The Tour bus (a 38-foot RV with two exam rooms) will make an estimated 80 stops in 24 states. Dates for Parma (6/3) and Strongsville (6/4 & 6/5) are upcoming.
Click here for the dates and times for all states:
http://www.skincancer.org/tour/tourbydate.php

BANKRUPTCIES
In 2009, Bankruptcies increased in 2009 by over 50% in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming. Ohio ranked 38th with a 21% increase (685,696 filings). No state saw a decrease.

NATIONAL PARKS
A National Parks card allows access to the nation’s parks from the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone Park . The cost is $80 for an annual pass and can pay for itself in as little as two visits. At different times during they year they offer a free or discounted day at various parks. Find the free days at: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm. Seniors are offered discounts. Check for other deals at: http://www.parkpartners.org/Special-Offers-for-2010.html.
Freebie days:
April 17-25, 2010 (National Park Week)
June 5-6, 2010 August 14-15, 2010 September 25, 2010 (Public Lands Day)
November 11, 2010 (Veterans Day)

TOP NINE THINGS I LIKE TO YELL FOR NO REASON
9) Hamper kittens!
8) I smell fear!
7) Hip Hip Hooray!
6) Are you smelling what I’m smelling?!
5) Fresh mackerel for sale! Get it right here!
4) For the love of Nipsey…
3) Ain’t nothing gonna break my stride…
2) Is that an infection!?
1) Whoopsiedaisy!

PLASTIC JUNGLE
Sell your gift cards or purchase gift cards at a discount. Plastic Jungle is also now accepting 164 more merchant gift cards – Total is now over 400! New merchants include Avon, Brookstone, Dell, Hewlett Packard, Little Caesar’s, Panda Express, Subway, Taco Bell, and many more. They pay up to 92% of the verified balance or exchange for an Amazon .com gift card.
Click here to sell or buy gift cards:
PLASTIC JUNGLE GIFT CARD DEALS

ICE CREAM TRUCK
The other day I heard the echoes of Music Box Dancer playing in the distance. That all too familiar sound was the enchanted call of the ice cream truck luring children to badger their parents for money to pay for ice cream. I’ve been hearing that sound in our neighborhood recently. Makes me harken for days past when I used to chase after the ice cream truck. Most of the time though I would just hide in the bushes and yell for the ice cream truck to stop, freaking out the driver. What can I say, I had to amuse myself and I knew my parents wouldn’t pony up for ice cream most of the time.

If I got anything, it was the tricolored USA bomb pop. I think it was called the shark pop or something like that too. I also liked the orange push-ups. I think back of what joy a 75 cent piece of frozen treat did for me. Now I think what a rip-off that was. I could get a whole box of Popsicles for about that same price.

Makes me think. How about I sell things in my car as I drive down the streets of my town. I could play my music real loud to entice adults to purchase my wares. I’m thinking a good song that makes people want to buy things would be The Bird by Morris Day and the Time. J-J-Jesse, now Jerome, owee owee owe. It’s catchy.

I’d sell something that people use every day like forks, spoons, and knives. Just in case people don’t want to buy them I would also sell lipstick and toothpaste. Again, I’m going for stuff people use every day. Gotta entice people I say. And if they wanted something to eat I would sell bread. Everyone eats bread after all.

If business isn’t good I’ll have to honk the horn as I go down the street. I have to create some excitement. And I’ll tail the ice cream truck. While the kids swarm the ice cream truck the parents would walk over to my GHIT mobile. GHIT stands for Gotta Have IT.

Here’s the scenarios – Hello Maam, that will be 50 cents for a slice of bread. Don’t you want one of these fine knives to slather butter on that bread. Only $8 for something you can use every day and for a lifetime. And you can treat yourself to some lipstick.

Upselling will add to my profits. Before long I will be loaded with money. I’ll develop a knack for selling and this is going to be my golden ticket. Parents will be like zombies hearing the hypnotic music and my drumbeat of sales schtick to buy my wares. Owee, owee, owe.

HIGHEST STATE TAX FOR:
Sales tax – California – 8.25%
Gas per gallon – California – 46.6 cents
Cigarette per 20 pack – $3.46 – Rhode Island
Spirits per gallon – $26.45 – Washington
Table Wine per gallon – Alaska – $2.50
Beer per gallon – Alaska – $1.07

LOWEST STATE TAX FOR:
Sales tax – none – Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon
Gas per gallon – Alaska – 8 cents
Cigarette per 20 pack – 17 cents – Missouri
Spirits per gallon – 68 cents – Vermont
Table Wine per gallon – 11 cents – Louisiana
Beer per gallon – 6 cents – Missouri & Wisconsin

CADIUM
Wal-Mart is at it again. They didn’t pull all the toxic cadium-laced jewelry from their shelves even after it was found to contain it. That’s what’s wrong when a store puts profits ahead of everything else. Here’s the story:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100519/ap_on_en_ot/us_cadmium_jewelry

CONRADS
Get free air for your tires at Northeast Ohio Conrad’s Tire stores. At Speedway they charge, but if you make a purchase they will give you the air for free.

BEST DEAL MAGAZINES
* Daily Specials:
5/24 – Natural Health 1 Year – $4.29
5/25 – Smart Money 1 Year – $9.49
5/26 – Better Homes & Gardens 1 Year – $5.99
5/27 – Redbook 1 Year – $6.99
5/28 – Organic Spa 1 Year – $9.49
5/29 – Motor Trend 1 Year – $4.29
5/30 – Men’s Journal 1 Year – $5.29
* WEEKLY SPECIALS
Parents
Motorcyclist
$3.75 for one year.
Use code: WKLYSPEC
* Take An Extra 15% Off Most Titles – Code: PXCJ530 Offer Expires May 30, 2010
TAKE AN EXTRA $5 OFF $30 ORDER COUPON – Code: MNDCJ530 Offer Expires May 30, 2010
TAKE AN EXTRA $7.50 OFF $40 ORDER COUPON – Code: MQQCJ530 Offer Expires May 30, 2010
TAKE AN EXTRA $10 OFF $50 ORDER COUPON – Code: MQPCJ530 Offer Expires May 30, 2010

Click here to order:
BEST DEAL MAGAZINE DEALS

DADONNAS
Today’s Deal: $12 for $25 Worth of Italian Fare at Daddona’s. Expires 11/25/2010. Limit 1 per person. Limit 1 per table, 2 per table of 5 or more. No cash back. Valid for dine-in only. Valid for Westlake location only. Tax and gratuity not included. Cleveland magazine’s Best Italian 2008.
Click here to order:
DADONNAS DEAL

RESTAURANT.COM
All gift certificates are 80% off. More than 15,000 restaurant gift certificates available nationwide. New restaurants include Manhattan Deli, Blue Fig, Cafe, Toscano, La Mesa Mexican restaurant, Taste, Mcnamaras, Taste of Paradise, New York Deli, The Lancer, Papa Santi, Mama Robertos, Branding Iron, Los Haberneros, Vito’s Italian Grill, Umami, & Champs amongst others.
Use code: FLAG
Ends 5/31.
Click here to order:
RESTAURANT.COM 80% OFF DEAL

OPENING
Zinc Bistro – 668 Euclid Avenue

NEWS-HERALD
Check out the live chat I had last week with the News-Herald. We went over online sites and where to find deals on it and some of the caveats and benefits of them.
Click here to replay the chat:
http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2010/05/17/news/doc4bf14cf886c36456902444.txt
Also check out the follow-up story that was in last Thursdays paper here:
http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2010/05/20/news/doc4bf4bfcc41a2e892303100.txt

LAKELAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE CLASS
I have a class coming up at Lakeland on Monday, June 14th from 7:15 to 9:15 PM. I cover more during this class since it’s 2 hours long. The classes are small enough that I can cater to the folks there. There is a fee of $29.
Click here to enroll or call 440-525-7116:
https://cl.lakelandcc.edu/CourseStatus.awp?~~11UPER705.01

Joe
http://www.joethecouponguy.com

CHICK-FIL-A
Get a free spicy chicken sandwich from Chick-Fil-A when you make a reservation for a premiere tasting of the sandwich at a participating location. Reservations are limited. Go to http://www.getspicychicken.com to book a reservation during the week of 5/31 to get your freebie. Hot and spicy deal! I got mine at the Willoughby store on Wednesday of that week. See ya there!

Joe
http://www.joethecouponguy.com

NORTHCOAST LASER COSMETICS
$199 for Four Laser Hair-Removal Treatments at Northcoast Laser Cosmetics (Up to $560 Value). And to me there is a priceless value to getting rid of that gnarly swath of hair where it doesn’t belong. Deals goes through 5/23. Certificate expires in one year.
Location:
9500 Mentor Ave.
Suite 130
Mentor, Ohio 44060

Click here to order:
http://www.groupon.com/r/uu661645

Joe
http://www.joethecouponguy.com

GLENWILLOW GRILL
Today’s Deal: $15 for $30 Worth of Beers, Bites, and More at the Glenwillow Grille. Certificaet Expires Dec 31, 2010. Limit 3 certificates per person. Limit 1 per table, 2 for tables of 5 or more. No cash back. Tax & gratuity not included. Not valid with other offers. Valid for happy hour. Located in Solon.
Click here to order:
http://www.groupon.com/r/uu661645

Joe
http://www.joethecouponguy.com

RESTAURANT.COM
All gift certificates are 70% off. More than 15,000 restaurant gift certificates available nationwide. Use code: SAVOR
Ends 5/23
Click here to order:
RESTAURANT.COM 70% OFF DEAL

Joe
http://www.joethecouponguy.com

ORION CLEANING SOLUTIONS
$49 for a Three-Room Carpet-Cleaning Package from Orion Cleaning Solutions (Up to $135 Value). Get those nasty stains that look like a map of the world off your carpet. Oh look, that looks like Delaware!

Get the deal only today, Monday, May 17th. The Fine Print: Expires Nov 18, 2010. Limit 1 per household. Valid for Cuyahoga, Lake, and Summit counties only. 300 square foot room maximum, $5 charge per 50 square feet over. By appointment only. Non-toxic green products. 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Click here to order:
http://www.groupon.com/r/uu661645

Joe
http://www.joethecouponguy.com

NEWS-HERALD LIVE ONLINE CHAT
On Monday, 5/17 at noon go to http://www.news-herald.com and chat with me and Brandon Baker from the News-Herald. We’ll be going over the best deals and discounts online. Feel free to ask me any questions via the online chat.

KROGER
Anyone else find incorrect unit pricing on some of their price tags at the store? At one of my classes I was told they have been finding them often.

CABLE
Over 800,000 people eliminated cable from their household by the end of 2009. The Convergence Consulting Group also found that 17% of the U.S. TV audience watched at least one or two shows via the internet in a given week in 2009 as compared to 12% in 2008.

Not that surprising since cable costs way too much. The cable price increases have been way too exorbitant. Cable can cost almost as much annually as other needed utilities like electricity and heat. Makes you long for the days of rabbit-ear TVs with free ABC, CBS, NBC, VHF and UHF. Ahh, the days of grainy Supes On.

Paying too much for cable? Eliminate cable or downgrade to basic cable that costs around $10 to $15 per month. The average cable bill in January 2008 was $84.69, meaning an annual cost of over $1,000. Think of what else you could pay with that $1,000. Another way to look at it is surfing over 200 premium channels is time-consuming just to find a show you want to watch. Instead eliminate the premium channels and you may find the remaining channels are good enough.

Call your cable company and request that they lower the cost of your bill. Speak with the retention department. Be ready to eliminate your cable if they can’t and let them know that. Speak to a manager, if they won’t lower your bill and request their assistance to lower the cost. They offer deals that are usually good for 6 months or one year that they can offer, sometimes getting over $50 off per month.

Check satellite cable to see if they offer a better deal and let your current cable provider know what you found, so that it allows them a chance to offer you a better rate. Satellite providers usually offer a great monthly rate good for one year, however, the rate jumps after the first year. The commitment is usually for two years with a hefty penalty for cancelling early. Read the small print before signing up.

And instead of paying for cable, watch various free TV episodes or full-length movies at http://www.hulu.com, http://www.fancast.com, and http://www.veoh.com. Find over 600 free full-length documentaries at http://www.snagfilms.com. Find a guide for these sites at http://www.ovguide.com.

CELLPHONESHOP.NET
Get cell phones and cell phone supplies at up to 80% off. I got a car power charger and regular power charger for my cell phone for just $4 instead of around $25/$30 that they sell them for at the cell phone stores. Get 10% off with a minimum $10 purchase – use code: MEMOR5. Get 20% off with minimum $25 purchase – use code: MEMOR2. Free shipping with minimum $20 purchase – use code: fship.
CELLPHONESHOP DEALS

LETSTALK.COM
Find cell phone & plan deals at LetTalk. Get free AT&T activation. Use code TALK25 to get 5% off on order of $25 or more. Use code LTDEAL to get 25% off on accessories.
LETSTALK DEALS

TRACFONE
Pay as you go cell phone service; perfect for emergency use. Good for people with low usage.
TRACFONE DEALS

EXPANDING
Windows on the River at the Powerhouse on the West bank of the Flats is expanding. They are taking over the spaces now occupied by Rock Bottom Brewery, Improv, and Cyrus restaurant. The Improv will move next to Shooters.

LITTLE JOHN
I bumped into Little John at Sara’s restaurant in Gates Mills. I introduced myself to him. Way back in the day I was on the Big Chuck & Little John show. Big Chuck invited us since we graduated from the same school he graduated from. We snuck upstairs into the studio. They see us and they say they were waiting for us to show up, so we get great seats in the front row. Granted there were only two or three rows for the audience.

They have a contest during the show. They asked us to spell the name of the movie which was the Revenge of Fu Manchu. I spelled it correctly. So they brought me up on stage. I was wearing a long winter coat. It was one of those days where it could’ve been 10 degrees or 80 degrees. It jumped to 80 degrees and I was overdressed. Little John of course had to say something about it. I won a free hot dog at Johnny’s hot dog stand as a prize. I think I still have it somewhere. Anyway, I told him about the story and he didn’t remember me. It somehow came up about a deal and I told him I was the Coupon Guy. Sure enough, he showed me his gift certificate that he got for half off. Good man. And of course, I told him about getting the restaurant.com gift certificate I had for $1. Stosh would be proud.

BLUEGRASS JAMBOREE
We went to a Bluegrass jamboree in Hamden the other week. I like Bluegrass. Very upbeat soul-stirring music. It’s makes me want to puff on a jug. The building it was in was built in 1860 and the bands played on the second floor. There were three bands.

We took a lady that was visiting with us. She was 70-something and came from Split, Croatia. The mandolin that is part of bluegrass is very similar to Croatian music. She enjoyed it. During intermission, they raffled off a few things. I ended up winning a some car wax and a buffer. After I get my prize a guy yells out “you look like you can use a wax and buffer!” Sigh.

CVS
Free after extra bucks:
Blade 5 razor
Spend $10, get $3 in extra bucks:
David sunflower seeds – 4 for $5 – plus use $1/2 coupon at http://www.redplum.com

Clairol Herbal Essences or Aussie hair car – $2.99 – get $2 in extra bucks – free after recent $1 coupon
Dial or Tone – 88 cents after extra bucks

WALGREENS
Gillette or Old Spice Body Wash – free after register rewards – also use recent BOGO coupon
Check your past register rewards coupons for $1 or $1.50 coupon for the Gillette body wash
Stride $1/2 after store coupon – also use BOGO coupon to get them both free

ENTERTAINMENT BOOK
All books $12 plus free shipping. Deal ends 5/18.
Click here to order:
ENTERTAINMENT BOOK $12 DEAL

RESTAURANT.COM
All gift certificates are 60% off. More than 15,000 restaurant gift certificates available nationwide. Use code: INDULGE
Ends 5/17
Click here to order:
RESTAURANT.COM 60% OFF DEAL

BEST DEAL MAGAZINES
DAILY DEALS”
5/17 – Shape 1 Year – $3.99
5/18 – Family Fun 1 Year – $4.29
5/19 – Marie Claire 1 Year – $4.29
5/20 – Yoga Journal 1 Year – $4.29
5/21 – Car & Driver 1 Year – $4.29
5/22 – Wine Enthusiast 1 Year – $4.29
5/23 – Seventeen 1 Year – $4.29

WEEKLY SPECIALS
BETTER HOMES & GARDENS
$5.99 for 1 year – Coupon Code: BHGSPEC
ESPN
$3.75 for 1 year – Coupon Code: WKLYSPEC

Take An Extra 15% Off Most Titles – Code: PXCJ523 Offer Expires May 23, 2010
TAKE AN EXTRA $5 OFF $30 ORDER COUPON – Code: MNDCJ523 Offer Expires May 23, 2010
TAKE AN EXTRA $7.50 OFF $40 ORDER COUPON – Code: MQQCJ523 Offer Expires May 23, 2010
TAKE AN EXTRA $10 OFF $50 ORDER COUPON – Code: MQPCJ523 Offer Expires May 23, 2010

Click here to order
BEST DEAL MAGAZINE DEALS

ALDIS
Mushrooms – 69 cents
Green Peppers 2 pack – 99 cents
Vidalia Onions – 2 lb bag – 98 cents

Joe
http://www.joethecouponguy.com

KOHLS
Get 30% off shopping at http://www.kohls.com. Looks for items 80% off in their clearance section and use the code on top of it.
Use code: SUMMER30
Code ends 5/19.

Joe
http://www.joethecouponguy.com

OLD NAVY
Take 25% off any Old Navy purchase of $100 or more . Enter ONGET25 at checkout. Not valid at Old Navy stores, just online. Ends 5/19/10. Check the SALE section for additional deals. Be young and shop Old!
Click here to shop:
OLD NAVY 25% OFF DEAL

Joe
http://www.joethecouponguy.com

ENTERTAINMENT BOOK
All Entertainment books are $12 plus free shipping! Some books originally cost $40! Great to use when you’re travelling. Keep them in the car so that you can check it before going to a restaurant or shopping.
Click here to order:
ENTERTAINMENT BOOK $12 DEAL

Joe
http://www.joethecouponguy.com

NEWS-HERALD
The News-Herald started a local blog community and asked me to be a part of it. You can find blogs on a variety of other topics in what they call the Media Lab Community on their site, including blogs on religion, motorcycles, and politics. Check it out at: http://www.news-herald.com/medialab/

For a limited time, get the Sunday News-Herald for 99 cents at participating Giant Eagle and GetGo gas stations.

TRAVEL TIPS
I’ve gotten a good handful of questions lately about last minute travel and with travel season in vogue I’ll make this post mostly about travel.

Tips: First off, plan ahead when you travel. Going last minute usually means paying tons. Sign up to farecompare.com or airfarewatchdog.com airfare alert notifier to let you know when ticket prices go up or down. Check for others at: http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/blog/4771853/chart-how-airfare-alert-sites-compare.html. Prices tend to drop the most on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. Try http://www.momondo.com or kayak.com for flight comparison pricing. Kayak shows costs of the days around the dates you plan to arrive and depart – one day difference could mean a drop in hundreds in dollars in the cost.

Check Continental’s last minute deals off their web-site along with other airlines. Sometimes they sell tickets for cheap just to fill the plane. If you have some miles to use you can buy a ticket at a discount, if not for free.

Call the airline to see if they can cut you a deal. They may let you know how to get seats for a discount. They sometimes can work magic to get you a deal.

Also check flying out of nearby airports like Akron or Pittsburgh, even Detroit. Same goes for other cities you’re travelling into.

Make sure you car rentals have unlimited miles and allows you to travel to other states if you are doing so.

Check Southwest, Allegiant, and JetBlue separately as they usually aren’t part of aggregator sites.

Check Continental’s last minute deals too off their web-site.

I have a large section of other tips for travelling in my booklet. Order one at:
http://www.joethecouponguy.com/merchandise/index.htm

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES
They were bought by United Airlines this past week, pending final approval. How will that affect Continental’s hub in Cleveland? Hard to say as of yet. There isn’t too much overlap in their two footprints. The headquarters location in Houston and Chicago will be most affected. They may consolidate a hub or possibly not. Cleveland provides relief from congested Newark and Chicago and has room to grow with existing terminal space, so Cleveland does has some pluses. If Continental pulls up shop, some low-cost carriers could move in like what happened in Cincy when Delta pulled their hub there. Cincy was one of the most expensive airports to fly out of up until that time. Non-stops and the number of flights would most likely be reduced though.

BEST WESTERN
Their hotels are very reasonably low-priced and are of consistent quality. Free breakfasts. Great Managers specials to get low rates. One thing about low cost hotels – they are more likely to have free wifi than a more expensive hotel!

Join Best Western Rewards® and register for the Promotion prior to your next stay.
Complete 2 separate QUALIFIED STAYS between April 4 and May 30, 2010 and earn a $50 USD Best Western Travel Card®.
BEST WESTERN DEALS

PRICELINE
Find flight, hotel, and car rental deals on Priceline. Bid for your deals. For bidding help and advice go to http://www.betterbidding.com.

For a limited time only, if after making your priceline.com Name Your Own Price® rental car reservation, up until 24 hours before the pick-up time, you find a better publicly available price on another Web site for the same rental car brand, car class, pick-up and drop-off location and pick-up and drop-off dates and times, call us at 1-800-PRICELINE/1-800-774-2354 (U.S. or Canada) or 1-212-444-0022 (from anywhere else). If you qualify, we’ll refund 100% of the difference and give you an additional $20 refund on your credit card. In addition, for customers with U.S. billing addresses, we’ll give you a coupon for $50 off your next purchase of a 2-nights or longer Priceline Vacation Package. Now that’s a Big Deal! The $20 refund does not apply to 1-day rental cars, pick-ups at off-airport locations, or one-way rentals.
Click here for the site:
PRICELINE.COM DEALS

EXPEDIA
Expedia was started by Microsoft. Hooters in Vegas hotel for $24 and other Vegas deals on this link:
VEGAS DEALS

Memorial Day Travel Deals: Hotels from $30!
Or this link:
HOTEL DEALS

TRAVELOCITY
The second largest online travel agency.
TRAVELOCITY DEALS

HOTELS.COM
They offer discounts on hotels. They get special discounts for rooms that they sell to the public. They also usually offer rebates for your stays. We used them for our recent NY trip. Catch the special percentage off plus specials and rebates for additional savings. I recommend checking TripAdvisor.com for ratings on hotels by people that stayed at the hotel. Lowest price guarantee.

Click here to book a room:
HOTELS.COM DEALS

CHOICE HOTELS
Just like Best Western they offer value. The chain includes Mainstay, Cambria, Comfort Inn, and Extended Stay amongst others. Largest franchise hotel chain in the world. As with any rewards program at hotels, airlines, etc., be sure to sign up for their points card. They have a best rate guarantee. Click here to book a room:
CHOICE HOTEL DEALS

MEGABUS
Want to go from Cleveland to Chicago for $2 round-trip? Other routes are just as cheap. Check out http://www.megabus.com. They offer $1 seats that once they sell out go up to $8, then $15 when they sell out, etc. Book the seats once the schedule opens up to get the $1 seats before they sell out.

CAR RENTALS
Check the Entertainment book for additional car rental coupons. Get the Entertainment book for $12 and free shipping at:
ENTERTAINMENT BOOK DEAL

AVIS
First car rental business to be located at an airport. Rent primarily GM cars. Get a free upgrade. Click here for the deal:
AVIS DEALS

BUDGET
The husband of Ann Landers of Dear Abby fame was one of the founders of the company. Get free Snapfish photos developed with each prepaid reservation.
BUDGET CAR RENTAL DEALS

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
They have an easy to use travel site. Southwest tends to have great deals on their flights and the best service. And no baggage fees like the other airlines. Find luggage fees at: http://www.farecompare.com/resources/airline_fee_table/index.htm
Find their Southwest last minute and other deals here:

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES VACATION DEALS

JETBLUE
They have great deals on flights. Celebrating their 10 year anniversary they are offering all remaining seats on U.S. originating flights on May 11-12 are just $10 each way! The sale is valid today only and it’s only available online.
Click here to book a ticket:
JET BLUE DEAL

VACATIONSTOGO
Find cruises up to 75% off and more. We used them to go on a cruise to Hawaii – Norwegian Cruise Lines – 7 nights – balcony for 80% off – normally $5,000. We got it for $1,000. My wife chatted with a lady that was there with her family that paid the $5,000 per person. They could’ve gone on 5 of the same cruises instead of just the one for the price! Bogus for them, but she told them about the site, so now they know. Did an Alaska balcony 7 night for $1,100 with Royal Caribbean with them too. Go for the inside cabins without windows for the best deals. The curtain usually covers them as it is. Click here for the site: http://www.vacationstogo.com

LAST MINUTE TRAVEL
Find international deals at:
LAST MINUTE TRAVEL DEALS

CAR INSURANCE
Does your state have the most expensive car insurance? Check out the rankings here:
http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1422/louisiana-most-expensive-state-for-car-insurance/
Louisiana was ranked worst at $2,510. Ohio ranked with one of the best car insurance rates. They were #49 at $999!

HAAGEN DAZ
Visit any participating Häagen-Dazs Shop on May 18th between 4PM and 8PM and enjoy a free scoop of one of our original flavors: Chocolate, Coffee and Vanilla. Free scoop is only available at participating locations.

JOBS
The latest jobs report was a mixed bag. In April, jobs increased by 290,000, the most in four years. The jobless rate, however, rose to 9.9 percent as more people began looking for work, possibly indicating they felt there was more opportunity out there. Jobs increased by 230,000 in March, better than the 162,000 first reported. And jobs increased by 39,000 in February, an improvement from the previous estimate of 14,000 losses.

But many people are still looking for work after being unemployed for months. The number of people out of work six months or longer reached 6.7 million in April, a new high. These people made up 45.9 percent of all unemployed people, also a record high. Typically the rule of thumb is to have enough savings to last you until you get your next new job, should you lose it and that was typically pegged at 6 months. With the increase in long-term unemployment, that number should be increased, probably to at least a year. A recent survey said that only 80% of people that lost their job last summer are still looking for work. Wishing good luck to those out there looking for jobs…keep trying.

MOTHERS OF MULTIPLES SALE
Thanks Jeanne for this tip… Mothers of multiples is having a sale at the Lake County Fairgrounds 1301 Mentor Ave in Painesville on Sat. May 15th from 9am-4pm. Free Admission and Free Parking. Lotsa kid stuff. Usually most clothes are $1.00 apiece. They also sell furniture, toys. etc.

CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA
Free concert on the evening of June 5th. Get your free ticket by calling 216-231-1111 or got to: http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

Speaking of music, back in the day I played in band. Not like a rock band, but the school band. I started playing the French Horn in 5th grade and learned the tuba later in high school. On tag day, a fund-raiser for the band, we went to the local shopping mall and collected donations. But we took it a step further. We went into Pick-n-Pay…remember them…they changed to Finast and then Tops bought them out. We marched playing our instruments down their aisles. At the time I was playing the E-flat horn, the marching band equivalent of the French Horn. But we didn’t have a bass drummer, so I figured I could keep the beat and still play my E-flat horn at the same time. All I needed was cymbals between my knees and a bagpipe or something under my arms and I was on my way to a new career at the carnival.

Playing both the bass drum and E-flat horn was like a patting your head and rubbing your belly kind of thing. But I did ok. I think the beats of songs were so ingrained in my head from incessant band practices that it was second nature. So anyway, we marched up and down the aisles of Pick-n-Pay. The shoppers were somewhat alarmed hearing about a dozen people blaring their instruments in the store. I think we unclogged a few of the shopping cart logjams, you know, the ones where people don’t notice there is a line of people waiting for them to move so that you can get by. Hmmm, I might want to pull out my horn and drum when I go shopping…

SEARS
They are planning to revamp the merchandise and services. Sears owns K-Mart so expect changes there also.

KENTUCKY DERBY
Did anyone notice that the winning horse’s name was Super Saver. I saw the names of the horses and thought to myself, I should bet on Super Saver. Did I? Of course not. I was too busy analyzing the latest Family Circle comic.

OUTBACK RESTAURANT
Sign up for My Outback Rewards today to receive a FREE Aussie-Tizer and your chance to win a trip to Australia to see Tim McGraw live.
Click here: http://www.myoutbackrewards.com/register

REGAL CINEMAS
Join the Regal Crown Club and get $1 Candy on Mondays & $1 Popcorn on Tuesdays this month with paid admission.
REGAL CROWN CLUB

PRELUDE PHOTOGRAPHY
Get a $134 gift certificate for $49 for a three-shot sharing package at Prelude Photography at the Great Lakes Mall in Mentor.
Click here to order:

PRELUDE PHOTOGRAPHY DEAL

BEST DEAL MAGAZINES
5/10 – Woman’s Day 1 Year – $4.29
5/11 – Bridal Guide 1 Year – $3.99
5/12 – Harper’s Bazaar 1 Year – $4.29
5/13 – Angels On Earth 1 Year – $4.29
5/14 – Sporting News 1 Year – $4.29
5/15 – Parents 1 Year – $3.89
5/16 – Soap Opera Weekly 1 Year – $21.97
WEEKLY SPECIALS:
ESPN
$3.75 for 1 year
Coupon Code: WKLYSPEC
Better Homes & Gardens
Additional 60% Off
$5.99 for 1 year
Coupon Code: BHGSPEC
Take An Extra 15% Off Most Titles – Code: PXCJ516 Offer Expires May 16, 2010
TAKE AN EXTRA $5 OFF $30 ORDER COUPON – Code: MNDCJ516 Offer Expires May 16, 2010
TAKE AN EXTRA $7.50 OFF $40 ORDER COUPON – Code: MQQCJ516 Offer Expires May 16, 2010
TAKE AN EXTRA $10 OFF $50 ORDER COUPON – Code: MQPCJ516 Offer Expires May 16, 2010

Click here to order:
BEST DEAL MAGAZINE DEALS

GREAT CLIPS
A new store opened at Harvard Park at 4025 Richmond Road across from Tri-C, next to Five Guys. And, using a coupon found in the Sun Newspaper and elsewhere, you can get a haircut for $3.99! The coupon is valid until 5/21. Aside from using a Flowbee that is pretty cheap for a haircut. I’d be a bit nervous that it would look like a $3.99 haircut. Then again, looking at some of the styles out there, it might fit right in. And nothing that a Sombrero wouldn’t cover up.

RITE AID
Get a $25 gift card when you transfer a prescription coupon in the ad this week.

WALGREENS
Make a $2 profit with recent $5 Shick Hydro razor coupon and register rewards
EOS shave cream – free after register rewards
Get $5 off a $30 (use code GIVEME5) purchase online or $10 off $60 (TAKE10). Free shipping on orders over $25.
Click here to order:
WALGREENS DEAL

ALDIS
Grape tomatoes – 79 cents a pack
Pineapple – $1.59
Bananas – 39 cents/lb

CVS
They are planning to expand their food offerings. They’ll be cutting back on the light bulb, technology, picture frame, and mop supplies area to get it fit in. Look for the deals in those areas as they clean them out.
Free after $1 coupon:
Bayer aspirin
Carefree
Always
Free after rebate:
U by Kotex
Free after coupon:
Shick Hydro razor or cartridges ($5 coupon in this weeks coups)
Right Guard Sport deodorant/antiperspirant (limit 2) – plus make money off $3/2 coupon found at:
RIGHT GUARD COUPON

RESTAURANT.COM
Get restaurant gift certificates 80% off! Spend $2 for $25 gift certificates! Other gift certificate amounts available at 80% off too.
Use 80% off coupon code: ENJOY
Use on any three of their popular products: Gift Certificates, Dinner of the Month Club, and Gift Cards.
Click here to order:
RESTAURANT.COM 80% OFF DEAL

Joe
http://www.joethecouponguy.com