New duty-free rules as of June 1, 2012! Headed to the USA? How to find coupons for your trip

No matter your transportation method, a trip to the States often represents an opportunity to access sales that are unavailable north of the border. And with the new duty-free rules taking effect on June 1, 2012, Canadians may be able to bring home more than they have in the past (depending on the length of your trip).

New duty-free limits:

**For a full explanation of guidelines including additional rules regarding alcohol and tobacco purchases, please visit DutyFreeCanada.com***

For trips between 24 and 48 hours= $200 (previously was $50)

For trips between 48 hours and seven days= $800 (previously was $400)

For trips longer than seven days= $800 (previously was $750)

There continues to be additional rules for alcohol and tobacco that you should read up on before making any related purchases.

A good idea to keep in mind that duty-free limits only apply to items that are for your own personal use (non-commercial). Finally, always keep your receipts as proof of purchase as customs officials might ask to see them.

Want to sweeten the deal? Check for printable coupons! Click, print, pack… and you’re on your way to savings!

Where to find printable coupons for the USA:

Red Plum

Smart Source

Target

Walmart

Coupons.com

Coupon Network

Blogs that feature specific promotions:

Personal favourite: hip2save.com. I love this comprehensive resource!!! Excellent, fun layout and up-to-date information

Other blogs worthy of note:

http://printable-coupons.blogspot.ca/

http://www.wow-coupons.com/exclusive.php

http://dealspl.us/printable_coupons

http://www.couponcabin.com/printable-coupons/

http://printablecouponsanddeals.com/

And for all of you outlet shoppers, consider signing up for e-mail listservs at your favourite outlet locations. Premium Outlets offers a "VIP Club". Members can often access a voucher for a free copy of the coupon books (which normally cost money) as well as other online coupons that can be used in-store.


Safe travels and happy shopping!

April 2012 Brandsaver Coupons

The April 2012 Brandsaver Coupons are available for order! To receive yours, visit the Brandsaver website or check your local paper over the weekend.

I was pleased to see a coupon for "$2.00 off when you buy any Tide liquid or powder product" as well as "Save $5.00 when you purchase any Venus razor AND any Venus cartridges together" (Source: brandsaver.ca)

For a full listing of current offers, please consult the Brandsaver website.

Once you have your coupons, some tips:

- Watch your local Pharmasave flyer. They often post incredible deals on products to which Brandsaver coupons can be applied. The same can be said for Shoppers Drug Mart and Walmart.

- The lowest price point for liquid Tide that I have ever come across: $4.99 plus taxes. Apply your coupon and you will have 26 loads for $2.99 plus taxes. Considering how much a 52 load bottle can cost, the savings are significant.

Happy couponing!

Why should I fill out survey opportunities on receipts?

Today's savings tip: Always check the bottom of your receipts for opportunities to enter draws and earn discounts on subsequent purchases.

Many stores offer opportunities to complete feedback surveys and gain entry into monthly draws for prizes and gift certificates. Examples: Loblaws/Superstore, Walmart, Future Shop, Home Depot...

Clothing stores often offer a discount on subsequent purchases via completion of a feedback survey. Examples: Gap, Banana Republic, Town Shoes...

Have you ever won a prize/gift card by filling out a feedback survey? I haven't yet. But I often make use of discounts obtained towards clothing. For example, I usually use a survey code to receive a 20% discount off regular priced items at the Gap and Banana Republic. Today I received $10 credit towards a pair of shoes at Town Shoes.

So before tearing up that receipt, why not take a look and see if a survey opportunity has been presented. It usually only takes a few minutes and in addition to incentives, your favourite retailers have the benefit of your feedback.

Good luck! Here's hoping that someday I will win one of those prizes... and that you will too!