PYP Blog

Please Note: This is the third article (3 of 4) in a series about post Holiday clearance shopping. Part 1 & Part 2

When I teach coupon classes, the most requested non-coupon question(s) I receive is about Target and Target clearance shopping, in particular. What I am about to share can and will save you lots of money, not to mention is actually fun.

(I will cover day-to-day Clearance shopping at Target in another article as I want to keep this one focused on Christmas shopping, solely.)

Many retail stores are unpredictable, disorganized and plain boring when it comes to Christmas markdowns, but NOT Target. And that is what helps make its clearance one of the most shopped around.

Why Target Christmas Clearance is the best around:

Target Holiday markdowns are chain wide and happen automatically in the computer system. This automation allows Target shoppers in Utah or California to know if Holiday clearance has been lowered to 75% or 90% off as shoppers in Florida who have experienced the sale, will share on Pinching Your Pennies (PYP) the great news about lower prices and greater savings, not to mention some of the hidden gems found. Members of PYP are awesome to do this and share the great news. So be sure to visit PYP's Screaming Deals Around Town sub-forum each morning to see the latest updates.

Rumored Markdown Dates of Christmas Clearance:
*Dec 26- Jan1- 50%
*Jan 2- Jan 6- 75%
*Jan 7- 90%

Seasoned Targeteers know that Target Christmas Clearance won’t be just in the seasonal area.
- Be sure to check around the entire store.
- Check all endcaps
- Check in each aisle
- When in doubt, scan!
- Combine sales/clearances with manufacturer's or Target store coupons when one gets the chance. See Target.com printable coupons. This year, there are Target.com coupons for candy that can save one even more money.

Unexpected Christmas Clearance items found throughout the store from years past.

Toys:
Check it all. Every aisle.

Grocery:
Anything with a holiday box, label, wrapping, of any sort.
Christmas candies, cookies, gift pack food.
Print the candy coupons so you are armed and ready!

HBA:
The gift packs of lotions and potions.
Hair ribbons, bow, headbands, barrettes etc.

Pet:
Seasonal pet clothes.
Holiday gift packs or Santa stocking with chews, toys etc.

Linens:
Holiday sheets, table cloths, napkins, table runners, placemats, napkin rings etc.
Holiday bath towels, kitchen towels, mitts, etc.
Holiday throws, pillows, doormats.

House wares:
Dinnerware, glassware, serving pieces
Kids plastic dinnerware
Tabletop kitchen appliances like the roaster oven.

Clothing:
Shirts, pajamas, t-shirts.
Robes, house shoes.

***ALSO – boxed seasonal gifts in tins or the red pre-priced boxes.

Accessories:
Socks, mittens, scarves, gloves, totes, wallets, belts etc.

Jewelry:
All sorts of costume jewelry! Possibly even Christmas watches.
Large stand-up jewelry boxes are usually on clearance.

Paper Goods:
Plates, napkins, also while there, go around the corner and look for candles.
Christmas photo albums, scrap booking kits etc.
Christmas cards

Seasonal:
All Christmas decorations, trees, wrapping, ribbons, outdoor decorations.
Outdoor electrical extension cords, light hanging clips, etc.

Christmas Clearance is but one type of clearance shopping at Target. Later, I will address the best methods of Clearance shopping at Target on a daily basis. And yes, one could clearance shop there everyday and find great bargains.

This past year my family experienced a job loss and changeover, and we found ourselves without prescription drug insurance coverage. This was a shock for my family and our wallet as on average we were spending hundreds/month on co-pays from our previous insurance plans (we have medical conditions amongst family members that need to be managed). So now what?

Here is my story of how I trimmed my family’s medicine budget AND found resources available for those (including me!) who do not have prescription drug insurance.

1.Take inventory. You must know all of your prescriptions are before you can see what options you have. Write them down, including dosage, frequency and results from current medications. Once you know your medicine profile, you can start to seek alternatives and facilitate changes.
*Please note, do NOT do the following without consulting your prescribing physicians, first.

2.Seek alternatives. Contact your prescribing physicians and see if there is a cheaper alternative or a generic version of prescribed medication.

3.Double your Dosage & Split. Ask your doctor if he/she will double your monthly dosage, then you slice your tablets into half- thus doubling your supply, while reducing your cost. This option does require homework and footwork: check pricing with pharmacy to make sure it is a cost-effective option and if your physician will do this.

4.Seek Over The Counter or Herbal Options. Again, check with your doctor to see if this option for you. For my family, over-the-counter Prilosec proved to be a cost-friendly option for treating Acid Reflux. (see IF there are coupons available, too!)

5.Check out money saving programs from pharmaceutical manufacturers. Most major drug makers offer some sort of discount savings card (please note, these are NOT insurance cards). A great starting point is Glaxo Smith Kline’s site. One that I joined is Together RX Access and save 25% off my Imitrex.

6.Compare shop your local pharmacies. This option does require a bit of research, but the savings can be HUGE! For example, I take Topamax for migraine prevention. At a retail chain pharmacy, this cost me $60/month on my insurance plan and a few hundred without (yes, sticker shock!). I called area pharmacies looking for options when I came across a neighborhood pharmacy that had a pharmacy discount card that I was eligible for and my Topamax cost me only $30. HUGE savings!

7.Ask for Physician samples. Swallow your pride and ask your doctor if she/he happens to have any samples of either the medicine you need or an alternative that would work for you. That is what they are for! And your doctor would rather give them to you then see them go to waste.

8.Visit your prescribed medicine’s website. Many times there are discounts, coupons or instant rebates offered to users. Check out internetdrugcoupons for links to many medicines. Here's my success story... my husband needs the ulcer medicine, Nexium. We have tried the cheaper option of Prilosec, but it was like putting a band-aid on a gunshot wound. So I visited purplepill.com and found that we could get a month’s medicine for $50 with Nexium’s saving card. Add a request to the doctor to double the prescription’s dosage for two months, and we are spending $25/month vs. $168 cash only.

9.Use pharmacy coupons to offset the costs. Many retailers offer store gift cards if and when you bring a new or transfer a prescription to their store’s pharmacy. These coupons usually appear in the Sunday ads. Check out the PYP boards for announcements.

It does take a lot of work and hoop-jumping to save money in any area, and prescription drugs are no exception. Above are proven suggestions that I know work! I have done it and managed to maintain the medicines that are necessary to keep us healthy without going into debt.

Do you have any other ideas that might benefit others?

As we stare down the end of summer (I know...not yet, not yet!) we realize it's time to start beefing up our family's immune systems. So this freebie comes at the right moment!

It's a set of free samples from immune-booster Emergen-C. This secret weapon for moms who don't want sick kids home...yet or just for moms (ME! ME!) who just can't spare any time for sickness or sick kids! Sign up online to send yourself some samples of the fortified fizzy drink mix, or share the love and use the send-to-a-friend feature. Here's to staying healthy!

The Drugstore deals keep getting better and better. Save at Rite Aid with a printable $5 off $25 purchase coupon. Good through 7/31. Be sure to check out PYP's weekly Rite Aid shopping list created by supermod Rebecca, updated each Monday morning. (HOT deals happening through Saturday. Don't miss it!)