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Bargains to Bounty

How to live a bountiful life on a budget

Bargains to Bounty: How to Live a Bountiful Life on a Budget
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Nov
22
2020

Reader Q&A: Where can I find a good used iPhone?

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy.

reader Q&A

Reader Question:

I’m looking for a used Apple iPhone 7 or 8 unlocked in good shape, for my 15-year-old for Christmas. Where can I find one?

Answer:

I completely understand this dilemma! Apple iPhones can last for a long time, and if you don’t want to hand your teen the latest pricey model, looking for used is definitely the way to go!

Since I just happened to buy a used unlocked iPhone successfully in the last month, I’m happy to pass on what I’ve learned….

Some important considerations for you:

Look for a trusted site and trusted seller.
You can certainly find used iPhones listed on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, but because they’re not a low cost item, you don’t want to end up wasting your money on a lemon that you can’t return (and a seller that disappears or blocks you after they have your money). In the end, there’s no seller protection for tech items on those platforms.

A few sites have taken the uncertainty out of this process – these are currently the two I have used and can wholeheartedly recommend:Decluttr offers users a chance to buy and sell all kinds of tech (including phones, tablets, Kindles, smartwatches, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, gaming consoles and more). If you’re selling, you sell directly to them. If you’re buying, you don’t have to deal with an outside seller – they have the items in hand. They have already cleaned and refurbished the items, confirmed their working condition and remaining battery life. Each device undergoes extensive in-house refurbishment with up to 90 different checks on iPhones to ensure the tech you buy is of fantastic quality at a fraction of the original price. USB chargers are included along with a Sim opening tool. You’ll get FREE tracked shipping with every order plus every tech item comes with a 12 month limited warranty. They’re also a BBB Accredited Business and offer a 14 day money back guarantee, since you’re only dealing with their company directly.

Decluttr is also offering some nice BLACK FRIDAY savings at the time of posting!

swappa

Swappa is similar to an eBay platform where people can list and sell their tech (including phones, tablets, laptops, watches and video games). On Swappa you buy and sell directly with other users. Cutting out the middleman means you join a community market with the best prices and highest value. Every product has listing requirements and an approval process to ensure confident shopping; broken items are not allowed. You can view the seller (along with how many items they’ve sold and their seller rating) when you view the item; you can also ask the seller questions about the item by commenting on the sale page. Sometimes chargers are included, sometimes not; it depends on the seller. Swappa uses PayPal for payments because they provide extensive buyer and seller protections. Get what was advertised or get a refund.

Confirm the unlocked phone will work with your carrier before you buy.
An unlocked phone will allow to you to use it with any carrier – however, there can be some trickiness along the way. Some unlocked phones still won’t work with every service. For best results, visit your carrier’s website and look for a “bring your own phone” page (here’s an example of a BYO page from my favorite low-cost high-quality provider, Twigby). It will provide details on what information you’ll need – and what you’ll want to ask a seller to confirm that the phone will transfer easily. Send the seller the direct link to the bring you own phone website page and they can use it to verify for you.

I hope that helps – and that you can find something great to put under the tree at a price within your budget!

 

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Nov
17
2020

Reader Question: What are the best gift ideas for parents and grandparents?

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy.

best gift ideas parents grandparents

What do you get for the people who already have everything? As our parents and grandparents get older, they want for less and buying for them can become even more challenging. They don’t really need more THINGS, but they do need to know how much they are loved and appreciated.

Bargains to Bounty readers have offered up their suggestions to this dilemma – and you may find them to be useful as you’re shopping any time of year! I hope these ideas inspire your gift-giving!

family tree photo collage

PHOTOGRAPHS

A Photo Session
If you can find a time when the family is together (family reunion, birthday, vacation, holiday), try to schedule a photo shoot. We have had 2 vacations with extended family members and we make sure to plan ahead for pictures each time. Coordinating outfits and a professional photographer are optional (and remember that many local photographers will come to you). Having an updated picture of those you love is priceless.

A few years ago we took my niece and nephew for professional pics. They were teens and we knew it would be the last ones. My parents loved their gift! (Dawn)

Photo Gifts

Readers recommend Shutterfly books, calendars and gifts. I know many friends that create a new photo calendar every year and give it at Christmas, but there are so many other creative photo gifts available. Don’t forget about photo mugs, blankets, placemats, playing cards and so much more!

photobarn photo gifts

Some recommended photo gift sites:

  • Amazon Prints – more than just photo prints, you’ll find a variety of gifts, too – and with free shipping for Amazon Prime members!
  • Etsy – You’ll find many unique photo items from small businesses and independent crafters (like the family tree photo collage shown above)
  • Groupon – for photo gifts on a tighter budget, check out the offers on Groupon first!
  • PhotoBarn – Wooden PhotoBoards, Ornaments, Blocks, Canvas, Burlap and so much more (this is a personal favorite of mine)!
  • Shutterfly – a huge variety of photo gifts, blankets, magnets, mugs, bags, pillows, place mats and almost anything else!

My mom has had all of our family photos in a bin since I can remember, never having the time to put them into albums. I nabbed the bin and am currently putting them into albums for her to open on Christmas  (Melissa)

I ordered a blanket one year with all the grandkids pics on it. She loved it. (Amanda)

My MIL uses place mats so I make her a collage place mat every year with pics of the kids. She’ll say “I had breakfast with the boys this morning” when she uses it. (Heidi)

Digital Photo Frame

There are a number of easy to use photo frames that are easy for you to update long-distance! Set it up for them – and after that, you can add new photos via email or app. They will automatically sync to the photo frame so your loved ones can always enjoy your most recent photos (and even short videos)! Check out the reviews – they’re extremely well-rated. It’s a nice gift for the whole family to buy together.

  • Nixplay Smart Digital Photo Frame
  • Skylight WiFi Digital Picture Frame

I can send pictures of grandkids anytime I like and no need to print or frame. They receive it instantly and how exciting of a surprise for them. (Nancy)

Continue Reading »

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Jan
04
2020

Reader Q&A: How can I save on airfare?

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy.

reader Q&A

READER QUESTION:

ANY GOOD TIPS FOR SAVING ON AIRFARE?

READERS ANSWER:

We all know airfare can be very expensive, especially if you’re traveling with the family. Here are some of the best tips from Bargains to Bounty readers:

Clear your cookies (or cache or web history) after each online search for airfare, as sites will track your searches and raise prices accordingly. (Or search using a friend’s computer or internet at the library!)

If you keep looking at the same dates the prices go up. They figure you have intent to purchase. (Diana)

Statistically, Tuesdays are the cheapest days to buy. Aim for purchasing tickets 52-55 days before your departure.saving money on airfare

Flights always are high at the beginning when they are first released and high closer to the date of travel (last minute flights) so usually around 55 days before you go is the time when they drop. (Sara)

You get good prices online around 1 to 3 am most nights. (Terryann)

Consider options for departure from other airports. Especially for international flights, it may be far cheaper to fly out of Toronto rather than Detroit. Other people have found better fares from Flint or Cleveland.

Buy directly from the ticket counter at the airport.

Go to the Spirit customer service counter at the airport. Tickets are super cheap there. (Brian)

We do this every time we fly because we have a large family. Just got tickets for us in March to Florida! Saved over $200 buying at the airport vs buying online! (Laura)

Buy gift cards first at a discount to save. If you use the Scrip fundraising program, you can buy gift cards with a rebate there. Consider other options like the occasional Meijer or Kroger kickback.

I always book Southwest and buy Southwest gift cards from Sam’s or Costco to save an extra 5% off. (Jaimie)

Contact a travel agent – and/or look into package deals when possible.

If you also need a hotel, check out Delta Vacations. I’ve gotten some awesome deals, and you reserve your spot with just $200 per person. You just have to pay the trip balance 30 days before departure. It has been the only way we can truly afford a family vacation each year. (Nicole)

Try these website and/or apps:

Continue Reading »

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Oct
17
2016

Reader Question: What are the Best Shopping Rewards Apps?

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy.

Reader Question

Reader Question:
I just got a smartphone, and would love to get some saving apps. I have heard that there is one you scan the bar codes at the store and earn cash, and things like that. I would like to know which ones are worth it.

It seems there are new rewards apps appearing all the time – and quite a few have come and gone already. It’s difficult to keep up with all of them, so I’ve listed mobile apps that I know and trust. Many of these (especially Ibotta, Checkout 51, and SavingStar) are featured in weekly Meijer and Kroger match-ups here on Bargains to Bounty because their offers line up well with the ads.

All of the apps listed below are FREE. You can use them as little or as much as you’d like, but I’d recommend finding a few you love and using them often (as you can sometimes benefit from bonuses or higher offers)

Checkout 51

checkout 51 appHIGHLIGHTS: Name brand items + new offers every week. Deals are new on Thursday.
WHERE to SHOP: Any store with a valid receipt
PAYOUT: $20 check mailed to your address, PayPal, etc.
Learn more about Checkout 51 and sign up.

 

Coupons.com App

coupons.com app

HIGHLIGHTS: Name brand items + new offers daily. Offers are similar to those on printable coupons on coupons.com – however, fine print states that you cannot combine the cash back offers with other offers. Some offers are store specific.
WHERE to SHOP: Any store with a valid itemized receipt or linked loyalty card.
PAYOUT: No minimum payout! You get paid after every approved receipt via PayPal.
Learn more about the Coupons.com app and sign up.

Fetch Rewards

fetch rewardsHIGHLIGHTS: Scan receipts and earn points (25 point minimum for any grocery receipt). Kraft family food brands are rewarded additional points.
WHERE to SHOP: Any store with a valid receipt.
PAYOUT: $3 Amazon.com gift card at 3,000 points (select others); $5 gift cards as low as 5,000 points from a number of retailers and more.
Sign up for Fetch Rewards.

Ibotta

ibotta appHIGHLIGHTS: Ibotta was the first major cash back grocery app. “Any brand” offers allow you to earn a rebate on any brand milk, produce, etc. Bonuses allow you to earn more by completing multiple rebates. Earn rebates at movie theaters and retail stores as well.
WHERE to SHOP: Select stores (major chain grocery, drugstores and retail locations), select online retailers
PAYOUT: PayPal or Venmo ($20+) , select gift cards ($25+)
Learn more about Ibotta (it’s my personal favorite).

SavingStar

savingstar appHIGHLIGHTS: SavingStar cash back offers usually last for one month. Save on individual products or with larger amounts valid across multiple orders.
WHERE to SHOP: Select stores (major chain grocery and drugstores)
PAYOUT: $20
NOTE: SavingStar will officially shut down on November 30, 2020.
Learn more about SavingStar.

Shopkick

shopkick appHIGHLIGHTS: Earn “kicks” (like points) for walking into stores and turning on the Shopkick app, scanning items in the store and more.
WHERE to SHOP: Select stores (major chain grocery, drugstores and retail)
PAYOUT: Select gift cards
Sign up for Shopkick. 

 

More Money-Saving Apps

Don’t forget about apps for the stores you shop: Meijer, Kroger, Fresh Thyme, Whole Foods, Target, Walmart – most stores have their own apps with digital coupons or rewards of some kind.

Other apps you may want to try:

  • Box Tops for Education – Clipping Box Tops is a thing of the past. Support your school by scanning receipts and earning Box Tops on participating products.
  • Flashfood – Save 50% off fresh produce, meat, dairy, seafood and bakery items approaching their best-before dates. Order and pay online, pick up at your Meijer location.
  • ReceiptPal – Submit receipts, including online receipts, by forwarding them to RP.
  • Receipt Hog -Take pictures of your receipts from any store, restaurant or cafe. Earn Receipt Hog rewards like coins, spins at the virtual slot machine, and sweepstakes prizes.
  • Shop & Earn Rewards: Shopkick – Collect points by walking into stores, scanning items or receipts. Redeem points for digital gift cards.
Did I miss an app that you love? Tell us about it in the comments!
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Jul
28
2015

What you should know about the MICHIGAN SCANNER LAW

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy.

michigan scanner law

(also known as The 2011 Shopping Reform and Modernization Act)

The scanner law is often discussed when shoppers are overcharged for any reason. The terms of the law, however, are not quite that simple. As a Michigan shopper, it can make a difference to be educated in what this law means for you – and the bonus it can bring you for your trouble.

If you were familiar with the Michigan Scanner Law in the past, the terms were updated in 2011. The most notable change is that stores are required to display the price of items offered for sale in the store at the place where the item is located, but are no longer required to individually mark the price on the item itself (no price tags).

TIP: Print a Scanner Error Bill of Rights card to keep in your wallet or coupon organizer for reference. It’s also available in large print.

In Michigan, most items on store shelves must be clearly displayed with a price (by signage, electronic reader, price sticker, etc.). Another method of price display can be used, as long as it “clearly and reasonably” shows the price of the item and it’s at the place where the item is located.

MICHIGAN SCANNER LAW

IF an automatic checkout system (scanner) charges you more than the displayed price of an item, AND:

  1. The transaction has been completed AND
  2. You have a receipt clearly showing the item purchased and the price charged for it.

THEN, you have 30 days to contact the store (either in person or in writing). If you have found an error and have your receipt, the store may refund you the difference in pricing plus a “bonus” of ten times the difference. The bonus must be at least $1.00, but may not be more than $5.00.

  • If you purchase several identical items at once and were overcharged on each, you may collect the bonus only once, but you are entitled to the refund of the difference for each identical item.
  • If the seller does not pay you both the refund and the bonus, you may bring a lawsuit to recover your actual damages or $250.00, whichever is greater, plus reasonable attorney fees up to $300.00.
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Coupon Terms & Abbreviations to Know

BOGO or B1G1 = Buy One, Get One Free

Catalina = checkout coupon

DND = Do Not Double

GM = General Mills coupon insert

OYNO = on your next order

PG = Procter & Gamble coupon insert

R = RetailMeNot coupon insert

SS = SmartSource coupon insert

WYB = When You Buy

more abbreviations »

FREE items appear in orange

STOCK UP prices appear in green

AVERAGE savings in black (buy only if needed)

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