[Rasha]

How AFullCup Helps You Save

How do you use AFullCup to help you save? We want to know!

Prizes: Three (3) winners will each receive a $100 Amazon.com gift card

To Enter:

Post your real life story about how AFullCup helps you save.

Show us an example of how you use AFullCup to save money. Photos are encouraged.

Some ideas for your entries:
- Do you use the shopping lists to make the most of grocery store sales? Show us your shopping trip and explain how the shopping list helped.

- Do you use the coupon database? Explain how this has helped you save money on your grocery bill.

- Have you found a hot deal too good to pass up? Perhaps you’ve been stocking up Christmas presents by using the hot deal forum. Show us the goods!

- Do you check the forums for your favorite stores daily? Explain how this helps you to save money regularly by finding the deals before anyone else.


There are so many ways in which AFullCup helps you to save money. We want to see how AFullCup helps you!

Rules: Maximum two (2) entries per person. Three (3) winners will each receive a $100 Amazon.com gift card. The winners will be selected at random from all valid entries. A valid entry consists of at least 50 words and is clearly about AFullCup. All AFC members including admins, mods, SLAs, and supporting members may enter. Contest ends December 15th and winners will be announced December 17th, 2010.

Promotion Rights: By entering, you are granting permission to have your submission posted in the AFullCup Blog. Submissions may be featured in the blog at AFC’s discretion.

[mom4]

tis is the link so hope it in the right spot !
full cup has help me saved as a great resourse to ad's on line , we work together to get great deals at local store . which is so different and make full cup the best . I use the data base daily . i check my local food stores and then of course target , walgreens and cvs . I take other idea and post mine . We work together that the best part about saving .
my true story is my dh lost his business a few back and i looked into getting a part time job hum $10. hours be away from family as i already work full time . so i need to find a way to make more money or better spend less!. I took at highest our 1200.00 a month food bill and brought it to 200.00 a month and if i had to , I always have enough food on hand now to not even go to store that week . So for me 1000.00 a month saving full cup has help me .
Thank you full cup and all the great people on here that help !

[kjtoiu]

I usually check out AFC about once a week. I look at the upcoming deals (and double check current sales) so that I can get coupons in order or order the coupons I need. I had subscribed to the paper before but became overwhelmed in coupon clutter. This way I can order the ones I know I'm going to use and still pay less than a newspaper subscription. Thanks AFC!

[cup cake]

The RA forum is what really caught my interest with AFC. It's always full of the most UTD info on ALL the deals, and I never miss out. Since then, I have found other forums I view all the time!!
My kid's school just had a food drive. Because of sales I saw on AFC over the past few months, I have been able to donate about 500 (give or take a few) different items!! My goal was 1,000 items, but now I know I need to start garthering sooner next year.

AFC rocks!!

[Stacey012345]

AFC's Hot Deals and even general good deals in the regular forums for the stores help me to tackle my holiday shopping all year long each year and be finished (for the most part, I always have one or two very hard to buy for people left come Oct/Nov) with holiday shopping by August and wrapping gifts by September. Totally takes the pressure off come holiday season and I can sit back and reflect on what the season is truly about but still fell good about what I'm giving. I actually think AFC helps me to get more appropriate gifts because by shopping all year, I am able to not only get great deals from the forum but I'm able to really be selective about what strikes me as something a person may love and purchase with the person truly in mind as opposed to having to purchase to check off of a list. Thanks AFC!

[DezaRay]

AFC has been a real huge blessing over this last year and a half. I've been unemployed and going to College full time. I'm a single mom of one 14yr old boy that can eat me out of house and home!! AFC has helped me not have to shop for things like Laundry soap, fabric softener, hand soaps, shampoos, conditioners, body wash, toothpaste, lotion, boxed foods, canned foods etc.. These and may more items I haven't had to buy them in the last year and a half due to learning how to stockpile, finding the best sales for my coupons to be used at and combining the best coupons to get the best deals possible.

Not having to buy these expensive items has really saved me in the fact that I could focus that money on things like gas, perishable foods, car insurance, clothing for my son and my monthly bills. All these things have surely keep my stress level down! )

I also love AFC for the people they are always willing to help and trade suggestions and ideas and unlike other sites they don't go around with the name calling bit and teach to use coupons ethically so that we all get the sales. The forums here on AFC have to be the best! Each one is categorized for ease and the coupon data base is wonderful!


Here are just a few pictures of my dwindling stockpile LOL. The stock is getting low over time but I'm sooo Thankful I had it and that I haven't had to spend $5 for a bottle of Laundry soap in my not so great economical state.



Thanks again AFC You ROCK!!!

[AngieP]

How has AFC helped me save?

When I found AFC 3 years ago, I had used coupons my entire life. I honestly thought I knew what I was doing all those years; but after spending some time on AFC I realized that I was clueless when it came to coupons

In addition to being an Admin here, I'm also the shopping list assistant for Giant Eagle. The ad comes out every thursday, I prepare the shopping list on wednesdays. Being involved in the shopping list creation helps me focus in on deals that I may have missed. After I complete the shopping list, I create a GDA thread which includes the shopping list link, but also asks other members what deals they might be getting that week. I think the biggest asset we have here is that everyone helps everyone else. This allows us to take advantage of every deal out there even if someone misses something. I rely on our members to help me just as much as they rely on me to help them. Its a joint effort.

[Dianasaves$$]

When I found AFC I had already been couponing for about 15 years. I almost fainted after being here for about a week and seeing all of the things that I did not know. I turned my couponing into SUPER COUPONING and have developed a huge stockpile. I owe all of that to all of the wonderful people here that come up with the deals and to AFC for giving us a great community to share it with others. I was instantly addicted to AFC and loved reading all the posts. There is so much information here and it is all FREE!

[hbaqueen]

I dont have a lot of time or energy so being able to come in and check an easy to use site where everyone is friendly and get on with my day is a must. I love that I can come by and juct check what I need to know to do the deals or stop and chat for a while.

[Drea]

I have found AFC thru some freebie sites, that was a few yrs ago, and then since I'am here I have found so much more than just the freebies, I have got a new coupon binder, which I didn't know even existed, then I started to clip coupons, and going to the different site to get the good deals that everyone has planned out, whcih is such a BIG help to me....then off to shopping...I have a stockpile, not really as big as many of you have, but my stockpile goes to my mom, kids and grandkids, so when they need something they come and ask if I have it first.....I'am trying to get my 2 daughters into couponing now, and it seems to be working for now Thank you AFC.......

[phoenixjean1]

Since I found AFC, I've been able to change from getting items cheaply to getting them for free and MM in the process! I can use the MM deals to get items that aren't on sale, or don't have coupons. This wouldn't have happened without this site!

I'd say the Rite Aid forum is the place that has helped save me the most money. Several features are the good deals that people post, my trip today helps me tweak my scenarios, and the Rite Aid ad scans help me the most of all. I usually start with those, and read through a lot of Rite Aid posts in advance of shopping to get the most deals for the least oop.

The Target and Harris Teeter forums are a great help too. I used to only get HBA items for free or cheaply, now I can do the same with my food shopping thanks to everyone who participates in those forums!

I also like the coupon database and the printable coupon forum. Many times, I have been able to participate in a good deal because of those features.

All in all, it is the members of AFC who help me save the most! Without everyone's help, I would miss out on a lot of deals and great coupons!

[olivas.sandra]

AFC has helped me in many ways save money. There are so many resources here.

1- The shopping list are a great resource. The ads are broken down and matched with coupons and that way I know were to look for the coupons. And if I need to track them down.
2- That leads me to the next resource. The FSOT posts. If you have looked at the shopping list and see coupons you need and you dont have them well someone just might make a trade with you or you can buy them from someone.
3- I love the coupon data base. I use it all the time. Not just when I am doing my shopping list but I use it when I am going to a store that does not have a shopping list here. Like the Rio Ranch or Feista. I can look at the ad and see if there are coupons for even the little stores.
4- Another place I like to go is to the forums for the stores that I am shopping. I may have missed a item. Or as we all know there are always unadvertized items. Plus this is a great place to catch that last minute deal.

But most of all a Full Cup has filled my cup. I always felt like I was alone in this couponing and stockpiling. But you come here and there are people just like you. Looking for a deal. Stockpiling things. Cutting out little pieces of paper. I live in a part of the country that has 3 seasons: Fire, Earthquake, and Flood. Because of a full cup I know we will always have plenty. And I will always be greatful for all the people who have made me feel at home here.
I spend about 8 to 9 hours a day on a Full Cup. Because I know out there somewere someone may need some help with a deal, need someone to talk to, or just need a helping hand. So I wait for them. Because then that way I can give back what I have gotten..
Sandra

[lesliel]

Before AFC i had never thought it was possible to save $ on items let alone get them for free. 2 years ago our son was diaginosed with a medical condition that has left our cash flow for food and other supplies little to nothing. We made sure the kids ate right but at times i would go without eating or ate very little. I stumbled across AFC one night in hopes of figuring out a way to save money. This site and the people on it where a Godsend.
I check the posts in the AFC forum about 4 times a week, I watch to see what deals others are getting and where. By AFC teaching me how to get free or very cheap toothpaste, shampoos, toothbrushes ect... It lets me place the money we would use on those items towards food. THANK YOU AFULLCUP !!

[bellamaxjoy]

I am new to a full cup, but I have already gotten the hang of it and have gotten so far, 50$ worth of free ar almost free stuff. I am trying to save money for my family, we will need a new car soon
I also told everyone I know that uses coupons, that this site will teach you how to really use them!
thank you~!

[aidan&logansmommy]

AFC helps me save time and money!

When I became a stay at home mom, it became much more important for me to trim our budget and get the best possible deals for my family. I had always been a coupon and clearance shopper, thanks to my grandma, but I had no idea the resources that were available to me to maximize my savings! I found AFC through a Black Friday site, and I started to read up on all of the deals that I had been missing. I was amazed! I thought I knew a lot about coupons and finding deals, but I really had no idea! I soon became involved in the AFC community, and as I progressed from a Forum Leader to Mod to Admin, I had the privilege of seeing how things run behind the scenes, getting to know other members, and spending a lot of time using the great resources that we have here.

AFC offers so many ways to save...First, I use the Shopping Lists every week! It gives me a quick glance at the deals, and I can start pulling my coupons for the week. Many times, there are deals that I have overlooked, and the Shopping List is a great tool for pointing out the best coupon matches for the week. Second, I use our Coupon Database to find the coupons that are out there. I love being able to see the different values of Sunday coupons for different regions, as well as finding links to printable coupons on the products my family uses. Third, I have really increased my savings by using our FSOT forums. I can find the hot coupons that I am looking for, and I have been able to trade rebate forms for everyday essentials, such as meat, produce, and snacks, to save money on everyday items that typically don't have coupons! Finally, I love our store forums!! I spend a lot of time reading the posts in my local grocery and drugstore forums, because everyone takes the time to point out their good deals, answer questions on how things work, and post great scenarios for making the most of my trips! I really could go on and on...we have so many wonderful ways to save here. That's why AFC is my online home!

I am amazed by the sense of community we have here, where everyone pitches in to help others save time and money. It is a joy to be a part of the AFC family.

[pilesoflaundry]

The coupon database has helped me so many times. It's such a time saver. We all know couponing and saving money is a full time job and any little bit of time saved is a blessing.

It's nice to know right away if there is a coupon out for something before I spend time digging through all my inserts or to know exactly which insert, what week the coupon I need for an upcoming sale is in. Thank you all who contribute to the database!

The AFC community in general is so helpful, friendly and has saved me so much. Shopping lists, the commissary forum, database and store specific info. Thank you all so much!

[jennyjoz24]

I came to A Full Cup because the people were friendly to others on the board (unlike most other "deal" sites). I stuck around because.. well, the friendliness, but also because it's the only forum I found that features Food Lion!

AFC has helped me save thousands of dollars this year at various retailers including Target, CVS, Food Lion, Rite Aid, and Walmart because of the knowledgeable people here. Before I head to any store, I always check AFC to see if there is something I can pick up for next to nothing or free. Usually the answer is yes!

[AngieP]

The Hot Deal forum is probably one of my most favorite places to hang out I'm that person who purchases gifts all year round when deals come up. For the most part I avoid the stores from 11/26 until the end of the year. The AFC Hot Deal forum helps me generate a huge inventory in my "gift" closet. I pick up the hottest deals when one pops up that would be a great gift for a niece or my brother. I love that everyone on the site helps contribute to the hot deal forum because the deals come from everywhere. I'm happy to say that because I'm here so often (behind the scenes) I've been able to take advantage of most of the hot deals. The last one gave me 2 pairs of running shoes super cheap. Those went into my closet, not the gift closet

[libby2595]

AFC has helped me in many ways.

I'm still new to the world of coupons. I always felt they were too much work and too much hassle. I have found out that coupons ARE a lot of work

I came to AFC at a time when I was desperate to make my family's budget go farther. My significan other was out of work, I was under-employed and going to school. We were/are fighting to be able to keep our home. I had done all I knew to do, and it wasn't enough. That was when I found AFC.

I have used various parts of the AFC site to help me. I have used the forums for the stores that are close to me. These forums have taught me the "ropes" of that given store and what I need to have ready before I go shopping. These forums have helped me put together scenarios to stretch my dollar as far as it will go.

The wonderful people on the ACME forum helped me make the most of the "Pink Together" catalina deal, back in October. My first go 'round with that promotion, I spent $6.28 out-of-pocket, and I walked away with $12 of my next purchased. This was the first time in my life, I walked into a store with a $10 bill, walked out with two bags of food AND $15.72's worth in my pocket. I felt like I had broken the DNA code. I was able to make such good use of that promotion, that I was able to donate a lot of items to our local food bank.

Another way that AFC has helped me save is in the helpful tools other members have created, themselves. These people have developed ideas, lists, spreadsheets, methodologies that have helped them streamline their process. They have been generous enough to share this with total strangers. There is the Black Friday Organization List (I think that's what it's called). This simple spreadsheet, helped me track which stores I'm thinking of visiting. It helped me to see that there were things that I could buy BEFORE Black Friday for a better price. I was able to buy the item now and now, I don't even have to go to as many stores as I first thought, for Black Friday.

Finally, AFC has helped me save by creating such a wonderful environment for like-minded people. The previous two examples would not exist if it were not for the generous people who are on this site. They feel secure that what they do and say will be respected on this site. There is no B.S. here. People are treated fairly, and everyone is here to help.

I would not have the small stockpile that I have and the level of comfort I enjoy, knowing that I can provide for my family... modestly, but I can provide for them, had it not been for discovering AFC.

[bellsandbabies]

I use A Full Cup daily to help save money! My favorite feature of the site is the Coupon Database! I can easily find out what coupons match up with the sales which makes my life so much easier!

I also love the new blog and having the deals sent directly to my inbox. That saves me tons of time having to search the forums for the stores I shop at!

Because of A Full Cup, I saved $40,000 in 2008, $32,000 in 2009 and I am pushing $30,000 so far in 2010!!! That is better than a full time job!!! I am able to stay at home with my son, finish my degree and teach others to save money by having several coupon classes a month! I would not have been able to get to this point had it not been for AFC!

I could not do it without you, AFC!!!

[steffus]

I feel blessed to have found AFC. A year ago I was in a deep depression over my financial situation. I really didn't know where to turn. I was already doing "everything" I could to save money- I worked a part-time job in addition to my full-time job, I spent many, many weekends in a very cold house so I wouldn't incur any extra heating bills and I never bought anything for myself (not even needed things like contact lenses). I was at the end of my rope and started doing internet searches for things like "saving money". Somehow I ended up here.

I read everything I could in the forums and became particularly attached to the Kroger area...I still read that one several times a day. Just by making a list and matching up the deals I saved something like 47% the first time out. I thought, "Wow, I can actually do this!" It was liberating. I felt like a weight had been lifted.

I used to spend $120-$140 a week on groceries for my family of four (plus one dog!). Now I spend around $70 a week. I'm hoping to take this down even further next year. Our cabinets are full. So full, in fact, that I've been able to make donations and help others. If you had told me one year ago that I would have an excess and be able to help other people, I would have never believed you. But I can. It's an amazing blessing.

I have money in my bank account and in my savings. I've taken my frugal grocery store habits to every aspect of my life. I find amazing deals all the time on everything, from school clothes and supplies for my kids, to contact lenses which I can afford without worry.

I am so happy I found AFC!

[blumoose]

my my my where do i start i guess before i started couponing i was a garage sale junkie (and my home is still full of junk he he)i had never used coupons i saved money by shopping at the dent store feeding my family expired food it wasent poison it was just old i really thought i was doing good so how did i find afc well it was just by chance my mom got invited to a coupon class and got a list of sites she was telling me about this class it was in march of this year she made the comment that i probably couldnt do couponing i wasent organized enough but she gave me the list well i would never have guessed that finding afc would change my life this much!
#1 i read the todays posts every day thanks to everyone who posts your all great!
#2 i get lots of frugal ideas from the frugal post!
#3 i have a big stockpile of stuff bath ,laundry ,pet food ,and people food (non of it is expired yeah!)
#4 my mom has commented that she cant believe how organized i am now (nice)
#5 my dh brags about my good deals!
#6 my teenagers are impressed they think im pretty smart (its not easy to impress teenagers)
#7 i feel like i have found my nitch and its thanks to afc
#8 this is the best thing afc has helped me to save so much money i dont have an exact amount that i can brag about because a lot of the things im getting deals on i would not have bought before im getting really good stuff for really cheap!
#9 IM HAVE THE MOST FUN I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE I LOVE AFC!!!!!!!!

[jcgirl]

I agree with others when you say where do you start. I love all the threads here. It helps me find deals and matchups and scenarios to save big. Being able to learn from others has helped learn how to find the deals myself. I feel so proud when I find a deal and can post. Its my way of giving back for all I've gotten from A Full Cup. I wouldn't get half the deals I get if I didn't have the info right here for me to read and absorb. I really love the threads with coupon matchups to store deals. They save me not only lots of money but so mauch time as well. And love lthe new printable coupon tab right at the top of every page.

[javaaddict]

I ♥ AFC!!! I use this site mostly for the forums. I go to the forums for the stores I'm shopping and look at what everybody is posting. That is super helpful in getting me ready to go shopping. There are so many great shoppers on here pitching in to make it work for everybody. I also use the coupon database, because I'm not very organized.

[littletycoon]

I have l learned a lot from other people by reading the forums as their comments have helped me to save money. I also print a lot of grocery coupons and it saves me at the grocery store. I also print out coupons for a member of my family that does not own a computer and it helps her out tremendously. Thank you, A Full Cup.