AP9 Articles

SavingSmart Provides 10 Ways to Slash Grocery Bills

SavingSmart (SM), a premier membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, shares Americans' concerns about rising food prices. Here are 10 strategies to help families save money when grocery shopping.

1. Factor in gas when chasing sales

It may not make sense to drive to multiple stores each week for different sale items if the money spent on gas exceeds grocery savings.

2. Don't be store-loyal

Supermarkets aren't the only retailers selling groceries these days, notes AP9*SavingSmart. Many big-box stores, drug stores, warehouse clubs, discount supermarkets and even well-known online retailers offer groceries, household cleaning supplies and personal care items.

3. Sign up for email sale circulars

Sign up for supermarket email circulars containing each week's sale items to help plan ahead, advises SavingSmart. Signing up for more than one can help organize supermarket runs, based on which store is offering the best sales. Try to organize the family's weekly menu based on what's on sale that week. Use coupons, which most supermarkets double, to coincide with a sale and save even more.

4. Compare prices by unit costs

Always compare prices by the unit cost, which is based on the cost of the item per ounce, quarter, gallon or pound, not the item cost. This can help shoppers determine what size package offers the greatest cost savings. Larger quantities don't always offer the best prices.

5. Store brands rule

Store brands are less expensive than name brands, and there is no difference in quality.

6. Buy in bulk

Most discounted items go on sale in regular 10 or 12-week cycles, says Saving Smart. Stock up on items the family regularly consumes. Remember that many items, like milk, orange juice or bread, freeze well.

7. Go vegetarian

Consider replacing red meat in at least some meals with a less expensive (and more healthy) source of protein, such as beans, suggests AP9 SavingSmart. Free online recipe sites like http://www.recipezaar.com offer plenty of meal ideas. When choosing red meat, save money by buying cheaper, less tender cuts of beef, such as round, chuck and shoulder, and use the pressure cooker or slow cooker to make an equally delicious meal.

8. Stay in season

Never buy fresh fruits and vegetables out of season, when they're priced highest.

9. End aisles

Pay attention to the supermarket end aisles, where sale items are usually placed.

10. Look up; look down

Trying to rush in and out of the store means overlooking the best deals, so take the time to compare prices. The brands that dominate the market are placed at eye level; look at the top and bottom shelves for lesser known but more affordable brands, suggests SavingSmart.

AP9 SavingSmart Warns Summer Travelers About the Risks of Hidden Hotel Fees

It’s summertime, which means it’s vacation season, which means a lot of travelers might be in for a surprise when they check out of their hotel rooms, reports AP9 Saving Smart, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. Fortunately, asking a few questions before confirming a hotel reservation can help to reduce sticker shock come checkout time.

As friendly and accommodating as hotels like to be, they’re still in the business of making money, and the cellphone wave has chipped significantly into the large revenue stream once generated by hotel phone charges, reports AP9 SavingSmart. Hotels therefore need to find other ways to bring in additional income, and they’ve become quite creative about doing so. And while hotels are required by law to inform guests about add-on fees, when and how they do so can vary, as can the specific charges applied by each hotel.

To help you ask the right questions before you make hotel reservations this summer, AP9 Saving Smart offers a breakdown of common “hidden hotel fees”:

-- Resort fees. Resorts tend to be more expensive to begin with, since they typically offer a lot of add-ons to the standard hotel room, whether it’s golf courses, fitness spas — even beach towels. What people may not know is that a number of resorts charge their guests a resort fee regardless of whether they use any of the resort offerings.

-- Parking fees. Motels were created in the 20th century in large part to accommodate motorists near an interstate highway. Hotels, a much older industry, were designed for people without taking their cars into account. These days, of course, cars are everywhere, and hotels realize it. Unless you’re taking a shuttle van from the airport to a hotel, there’s a good chance you’ll need to pay for your automobile’s accommodations as well as your own.

-- Room service. As the saying goes, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” When it comes to room service, that’s doubly true. Many hotels now tack on delivery fees for room-service meals, along with 15% gratuities that often go unnoticed — until checkout — when travelers think handing the bellboy a five-dollar bill is more than enough to cover the tip.

-- Other service fees. From housekeeping services and phone use to Internet access, fax machines and more, hotels can fulfill any number of needs, but these services typically don’t come free. Wily travelers can sometimes get around the Internet access fee by using a dial-up modem and a local ISP number, but even that maneuver can show up on the bill as a charge for a local phone call.

-- Honor bars. Five-dollar candy bars? Seven dollars for a bottle of water? How much for a beer? The best way to avoid the high cost of honor bars is to pack snacks ahead of time — or to go shopping outside the hotel.

Budgeting for a vacation can be difficult in the best of times. These days, as fuel costs stay high and hotels find new ways to charge their guests, it’s as difficult as ever, which is why smart consumers continue to take advantage of the savings offered every day throughout the year by AP9 SavingSmart.

AP9 SavingSmart Talks About Trends for Women This Summer

AP9 SavingSmart reports that when it comes to summer time, it doesn’t matter how high the temperature is on the thermometer — it’s fashion that gives the hottest season of the year its sizzle. AP9 SavingSmart, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, helps members get in touch with their inner fashionista by providing significant savings at popular retailers across the country.

The fashion trends for the summer of 07 incorporate bold prints and styles, feminine touches and lots of color. If going to the stores is a nightmare for you because you don’t know what to get, keep a couple of things in mind: take advantage of all the discounts and sales available, buy key pieces that help build your wardrobe and enhance your body shape at the same time. To help you pick out pieces that will bring out the best of you, read the following summer fashion tips, brought to you by AP9 SavingSmart:

-- Outdoor Glamour. Summer’s sunny climate brings out the nature lover in every gal. The key is to look cool even when the temperature keeps rising, so ban dark hues and shop for light colors and lighter weight fabrics.

-- Flower Power. Gardens and romance aren’t the only things in full bloom this season. Floral patterns on lace, cotton and crocheted materials are feminine and always look fabulous, no matter the time of day. Look for paisleys, pansies and primrose patterns on wrap dresses (yes, they do flatter almost every figure), skirts and tank tops.

-- Style on the Road. If shorts are what make you feel comfortable, be sure to pack some for your summer trip — whether it’s a few days at the shore or your neighbor’s annual Fourth of July barbecue party, but get rid of the old pairs you’ve worn over the past years. This season shorts and Capri pants are tailored, comfy and classic. When you visit the store, ask yourself what would Katharine Hepburn wear and pick the ones you envision her in. Pair with tailored shirts, neutral-colored flats and simply elegant cardigans for breezy moonlight strolls.

-- Primary Colors. One sure way to catch attention is to not shy away from color and dresses, a must element for women this summer. Add splashes of color with red, green and yellow pieces, from Bermuda shorts and crisp Capri pants to timeless tank tops. This summer’s palette is both bold and beautiful, so dare to wear different colors and slip dresses or traffic-stopping mini skirts.

-- Black & White. Leave the little black dress in the back of the closet until the weather has chilled. Instead, mix black with its opposite, white, and create sophisticated looks for anytime of the day. The combo is a classic that will never go out of style. Shop for separates or for a dress that melds the two.

-- Girly style. Ruffles, lace and pleats are popping up everywhere this summer. Don’t be afraid to try something new and incorporate pieces that include any of these touches on your daily wardrobe. Put on a tuxedo-style shirt with tailored pants for work or a flirty babydoll dress adorned with detail for a night out. And don’t forget to incorporate metallic hues. They are totally in!

AP9 SavingSmart brings members great deals every day of the year —significant discounts to shop on clothing for al the family, as well as personal care items, home, entertainment needs, and almost anything they’re looking for!

AP9 SavingSmart Keeps Hair Looking Cool in the Hot Summer Sun

AP9 Saving Smart knows that “prevention” is the key word when talking about hair and skin health during summer months. Seeing people covered with sunblock, without protection for their heads, is an all-too-common occurrence around pools, beaches and parks. For whatever reason, the scalp and hair are somehow forgotten. That’s why Members of AP9 SavingSmart, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, recommends that consumers pay more attention to the health of their hair while the summer heat is on.

This time of the year might bring splendid visions of long windblown hair and breezy afternoons walking by the beach, but the reality is that summer sun and humidity can cause damage and result in dull, dry, split, brittle or frizzy hair. To avoid spending part of the fall and winter repairing damaged hair, consider some of these great tips from AP9 Saving Smart:

-- Summer sunlight is as damaging as the heat from hair-dryers and other hair-styling gadgets. Try to reduce the use of these appliances as much as possible during summer months. But if you are addicted to your blow-dryer or curling iron, apply a leave-in conditioner before styling.

-- Aim for a different look during this time of the year, air-dry the hair in the morning and use products to control possible “frizz.” Use cool or warm water to wash the hair and keep your look natural with help from bandanas and/or hairclips.

-- Hats of all shapes are not only a great accessory but also a helpful one — no matter what season of the year, notes AP9 SavingSmart. Using them during the summer will help protect the face, scalp and the hair. If hats are not your cup of tea, apply a leave-in conditioner instead.

--Take some time to explore hair care products — especially those created for protection against sun damage. Go for products that include a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Try using papaya, strawberry or aloe vera extracts, and look for the word “replenish” on the bottle. That indicates that the product is designed to add moisture to the hair.

--Visit the hairstylist for a trim a couple of weeks into summer, since sun and humidity tend to dry out the scalp faster than during other seasons. Also, having shorter hair will make it easier to take care of.

-- Change your regular shampoo for one that offers higher hydration, especially if you participate in many outdoor activities. Wash your hair less often (no more than once every other day), to allow the natural oils of the scalp to act and regenerate.

-- Drink enough water. Staying hydrated is as important for your hair as it is for your overall health.

Bringing members great deals every day of the year —significant discounts to shop on personal care items, clothing, home, entertainment needs, and almost anything they’re looking for through AP9 SavingSmart!

AP9 Saving Smart Presents Four New Ways to Look Cool in Your Shades

AP9 SavingSmart, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, understands that looking cool is the name of the game. That’s a big reason why AP9 Saving Smart offers its members several valuable tips when shopping for stylish eyewear this spring.

AP9 SavingSmart reminds members that buying the right eyewear is important in any season, but acknowledges that there’s something about spring that makes purchasing sunglasses extra special. So to keep in line with spring’s rebirth, treat those eyes to an optical renaissance — with these four helpful buying tips:

-- Face facts. There’s no doubt that “specialized” sunglasses are all the rage, but the shape and the contours of one’s face largely determine the ideal purchase. So before it’s time to honor the highway patrol, pay tribute to Buddy Holly or emulate the Terminator, make sure the sunglasses of choice best complement your look.

-- Reflect and deflect. Certain sunglasses not only look cool, they can also reduce glare and make driving a lot safer. If both work and play tend to lead to a lot of time behind the wheel, polarized or mirrored sunglasses might make good sense.

-- Keep an eye on the “long” view. While sunglass purchases are usually more about style than practicality, metal or lightweight composite frames are good for the long haul. Name-brand sunglasses tend to be more durable than many others. Spending a few extra bucks on a pair of sturdy shades that will last is not only still way cool, it’s also smart.

-- And then there’s all the bells and whistles. If one goal of a future sunglasses purchase is to get all the extras, consider those with special features like scratch-resistant coatings, anti-reflective and even waterproof features. These may add to the cost but can improve the functionality. Other state-of-the-art shades also feature anti-UV-A and UV-B ray devices — both of which are helpful in fighting potentially serious eye problems.

According to AP9 SavingSmart, another way to save on great eyewear and other useful items is simply to utilize the Internet. When it comes to looking cool for less, AP9 SavingSmart reflects all these values and more. And when it comes to items that help welcome back spring, everything is just a mouse click away, suggests AP9 Saving Smart.

AP9 SavingSmart Presents Online Shopping Tips That Pockets Will Love

With the Internet becoming more affordable and faster, people all over the world are finding answers to a quick, convenient shopping experience by going online. AP9 SavingSmart, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, reminds consumers than in addition to ease and convenience, online shopping can also help them save some extra bucks.

A new trend for online retailers is to use their websites to sell out-of-season merchandise, which creates a big opportunity for bargain shoppers since items are usually sold at lower prices. Today, shoppers can buy almost anything and everything they can possibly want or need online, and for those who can’t make up their mind, members of AP9 Saving Smart can log on to SavingSmart.com to purchase a wide variety of gift cards to nationally-known retailers at a 5% discount.

According to AP9 SavingSmart, the key to save on your next online shopping spree is to take advantage of the wonderful research tool that the Internet really is. From the comfort of home, visitors can go directly to the manufacturer’s website and read product descriptions. Shoppers can easily find consumer reports or product ratings on items of interest. Consumers can even compare prices with a click of a button. It is also helpful to ask family and friends for recommendations, suggests AP9 Saving Smart.

But even after doing all that research and finding the best prices, there are other ways to keep saving. AP9 SavingSmart presents a few creative ways to save while shopping online:

-- Price-matching policy – Many online stores are adopting the policy of matching the competitor’s advertised price. This is an excellent alternative that gives consumers the opportunity to receive some money back if they find the same item for less. For example, Apple Inc. has this policy: If you find a better price for a Mac at another online retailer, you can email the link to your salesperson and Apple will meet or beat the price.

-- Look out for shipping charges – Look for merchants that charge for the postage but not the handling. Many online stores charge an additional fee for “handling,” which means paying for the placement of what you bought in the actual box. In many cases, the merchant offering the cheaper price may very well end up charging more than the competitor once the shipping and handling costs have been calculated. Look for merchants that will only charge for shipping, or better yet, take advantage of e-tailers offering free shipping promotions. There are plenty of online stores that offer free shipping if the price of the item or items is over a certain dollar amount. Remember that when comparing prices between online merchants, compare shipping rates as well.

-- Online coupons and special deals – It is worth it to hunt for coupons and deals for online stores since the savings can really add up. During peak shopping months – October and November – online stores offer special deals. Many of these offers are available only online and not in stores.

-- Saving on gift buying – Shopping for oneself can sometimes be stressful and shopping for someone else can be even worse. Buying gifts online can save both time and money. However, shipping a gift to a relative can be really expensive, even more expensive than the actual gift. Take advantage of free shipping promotions or select a gift card instead. In the end, it will lead to fewer stops for you (shopping and shipping available in the same place) and more money in your pocket.

This article was brought to you by AP9 SavingSmart.