Saving Cents

As is the case with the majority of families these days, we're on a mission to save our hard-earned money. Even more-so now that I've taken a pay-cut in order to keep my job.

I'm cute but expensive!

I'd like to share a few of the great resources I've found to help us save. While this isn't an exhaustive list, and it mainly focused on things for the Little Miss, these sites help us save.

Groupon: First step with Groupon is to confirm you live in or near one of their available cities. Groupon offers one-day coupon deals where you purchase a "Groupon" for the day's specific deal. The deals are usually based on local businesses but will occasionally offer nationwide deals. For example, one of their most recent deals was $50 worth of merchandise from The Gap for $25. I (as did MANY people) jumped on this deal. Combine this coupon with end-of-season sales or clearances and you can manage some really great finds! I've purchased Groupons for local restaurants, a book store, a zoo membership for half the price and of course the Gap deal. (Smart Phone users - check your apps. Groupon has an iPhone app and may have one available for other smart phones.)

Baby Steals: This is a daily deals site based in Utah. They post new daily deals for pregnant women and infants. You'll occasionally see deals for toddlers as well. I've gotten so many great finds through them! See Kai Run shoes, Baby Legs, Bumble Diaper bags, hair clips and the list goes on. Be sure to check their archives for deals you may have missed but can still take advantage of!

KidSteals: The sister site to Baby Steals that focuses on the older kids. Kid Steals started within the past year. I LOVE their deals on shoes...I've gotten many great deals (50%+ off original prices) on Umi, See Kai Run and other brands. More Baby Leg brand items including tights and socks. And one of my favorite finds the Lolly Chalkmat By Sam & Bellie*

Baby Half Off:  This was a recent discovery based in Arizona. It's similar to BabySteals and KidSteals in that it's a deal of the day site. I haven' t found too many great deals (for our needs anyway) but have made a purchase and they were great to deal with!

Gilt.com: Gilt is a members-only discount shopping site (follow the link for your invitation if you'd like to join). They've recently added a large Children's discount section. I've found some great discounted Christmas and birthday gifts from Gilt! Lots of major brand clothing sales, discounted books and toys. If you're looking for a great travel deal, check Gilt...there just might be something you're looking for! They have FANTASTIC customer service and will offer you site credit if they mess up.

Totsy: Totsy is similar to Gilt in that it's a members-only discount shopping site (follow the link for your invitation if you'd like to join) but Totsy focuses solely on kid stuff (and the occasional maternity gear). To be purely honest, I've had some recent issues with customer service (A mix-up on orders that they attempted to correct but would not respond to emails in a timely manner - or at all really. The situation has been resolved but left a not-so-great impression on me.). I'm willing to give them another chance because there have been some great deals.

As for all of these "deal" sites, do your research! There was something on one of the sites recently that I wanted to get for a gift but when I added in the shipping costs, it just didn't seem like that great of a deal. Before placing my order, I did a quick search (I tend to check Amazon first or just Google it) and found that Amazon actually offered the same item on a better sale with free shipping making the overall cost less with Amazon than with the deal site.

What ways do you help your family save? Any great sites you'd like to share?

*Affiliate link.