Global Survey Group Blog

Shop for your favorite brands without hurting your wallet!

Read through the list below to find your favorite brands, and then see what special offers they are currently offering!

Once you find the brands you love, simply email them or sign up for their newsletter—that way, you’ll be the first to know when they have special offers in the future, too!

1. Angel Soft 
2. Barber Foods
3. Ben & Jerry’s 
4. Benadryl – Contact form or Newsletter sign up for coupons
5. Birds Eye
6. Bigelow
7. Campbell’s Soup Company
8. Cape Cod  Contact, newsletter sign up
9. Chobani
10. Crest
11. CocoCola Company
12. ConAgra Foods
13. Duck Brand Tape – email and request coupons
14. Earthbound Farm
15. Fresh Express
16. General Mills Coupons
17. Gerber
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18. Heinz
19. Hershey’s 
20. Hormel 
21. Kellogg’s
22. Kleenex – Contact or Promotions
23. Land O Lakes
24. Mars Brands 
25. McCormick’s (spices)- email Consumer_Affairs@mccormick.com or call 1-800-632-5847
26. Ocean Spray 
27. Odwalla Company – Email request to consumers@odwalla.com
28. Pepsi Company
29. Pepperidge Farm
30. Pinnacle Foods
31. Red Rose
32. Sensodyne
33. SC Johnson
34. Smucker’s
35. Stonyfield
36. Tylenol – Contact form or Coupons/promotions 
37. Tyson
38. Unilever
39. Welch’s – Contact or Newsletter
40. Zatarains

 What is your favorite way to save money on your favorite brands? Comment and let us know!

Want to save money the next time you head to the drugstore? We have 8 tips that are sure to help you save lots of money during your next shopping trip! Check them out below!

1. Sign up for the Rewards Programs: Each drugstore has their own rewards program designed to save you money.

Bonus: usually when you first sign up they will give you promotions, like $5 off a $25 purchase. Deals like these are great to combine with other discounts to maximize your savings.

2. Make a list: make a list off all the things you need to buy, even the ones that you would normally buy at the grocery store. This way you know what coupons to look for.

3. Collect coupons: Once you know what items you are looking for, start collecting the coupons that you need! CLICK HERE for a list of all the printable coupons available.

Bonus: You can save even more when you combine store coupons with manufacture coupons! So be on the lookout for both!

4. Create a plan: Once you have all the coupons together, make a list of all the coupons you want to use. This part will be the most time consuming, but totally worth it. Figure out all the coupon transactions you are planning to make that way you can maximize your saving!

5. Organize: Once you have your game plan try to keep everything organized. You can keep them in a folder or binder. Make sure to bring everything with you to the store.

6. Shop sales: Most people tend to overlook items on sale, because it is not a product they planned on buying. However, you can make money checking the sales items. For example, you’re not out of your toothpaste but CVS is having a sale right now where toothpaste is $3, and you get $2 in extra bucks once purchased. Lets say you have a $1 off manufacture coupon, so you pay $2. But then you get $2 in extra bucks, so now the toothpaste becomes free!

7. Be prepared at the register: Each drugstore has a specific order on how to handle coupons.

– Rite Aid: If you have a coupon for a discount off your entire purchase hand that over first, then give any specific store or manufacture coupons.

– CVS: Make sure to scan your ExtraCare card first to ensure you get all the Extra Bucks rewards. Then hand over a coupon for a discount off your entire purchase. And finally all specific store and manufacture coupons.

– Walgreens: Everyone has their own order when it comes to Walgreens. Try different ways to hand over coupons and see what works best for you.

8. Have a back up plan: Sometimes the item you planned on purchasing is out of stock. When this happens ask the manager for a rain check. Usually, this slip of paper entitles you to both the sale price and your rewards when the product has been restocked. Although make sure to check with your local store about their rain check policy.

What are your thoughts? Comment and let us know!

Every woman knows just how expensive beauty products can be. You want to look good, but you don’t want to spend half of your paycheck to do it. It is possible to do that, regardless of the high prices. There are plenty of tips out there on how to save money on drugstore beauty products. You don’t need to spend ten bucks on a pencil or shell out twenty for a contour palette any longer.

One of the best ways to save money is to ask for samples. Almost any store you go to, even drugstores, have samples of beauty products. Simply go to the cosmetics section and ask for what you are looking for.

Another great way to save money on drugstore beauty products is to sign up for their rewards programs. Usually when you go in, they will offer you the rewards program. They usually offer a deal every time you make a purchase, and they will even give you store credit, discounts for larger purchases, and Buy One Get One offers. CVS, Walgreens, and Rite-Aid all offer rewards programs with amazing deals.

Keep an eye on the drugstore ads. You will find a lot of deals there. They are usually there when you walk in the door. They will have discounts on everything from Physician’s Formula to Covergirl. They will give you hints about the offers in their rewards programs and tell you what’s on sale. You can find some amazing deals that way.

Paper coupons are still one of the best ways to get great deals on products. You can find them everywhere from your Sunday paper to the mail. They offer amazing rewards that you can’t find anywhere else. Brands like Revlon and Neutrogena offer their coupons directly to customers.

Hands down, the best way to get deals is to go online and find websites that offer coupons. You can find steals you never even thought possible. The internet is definitely a bargain shopper’s best friend.

You can find some amazing deals by using these six tips to save money on drugstore beauty products. You don’t have to pay a pretty penny to look good. You can do it cheap if you know what you’re doing. Drugstores are constantly offering new ways to save. All you really have to do is look and you can find a deal that matches your budget.

What are your thoughts? Comment and let us know!

Many people join a gym and then end up not going very often and/or not getting as much out of it as they had hoped. Below, you will learn some practical tips on how to make the most out of your gym membership.

Shop for a Gym Membership during the Summer

The busiest times for gyms are the winter months. The weather is often too bad to exercise outside and the number one New Year’s resolution is to lose weight so gyms get slammed right after the first of the year. The busy time is the least likely time they’ll be willing to cut you a deal. However, in the summer months they may be begging for your business. This puts you in the driver’s seat to get a great deal and save money.

Is There Childcare Available?

Many busy parents don’t work out as much as they would like to because they simply don’t have someone to watch the kids while they do so. If you fall into this category, consider getting a gym membership that offers trustworthy childcare right on the premises.

Join a Gym on or near the Last Day of the Month

This is another great way to save money when joining a gym! You may not realize this but many gyms give their employees great bonuses if they reach a certain membership quota. Others, in fact, make their employees’ jobs dependent on reaching a certain sales goal. This means that at the end of a month, you’ll likely find the membership sales people much more willing to make you a great deal.

Use Gym Time for Bonding Time

Are you having trouble connecting with your teenage son or daughter? How about your spouse? Working out together is a great way to bond with people. There’s something about using up all that physical energy that helps people open up emotionally. It’s also quite fun to work out with a friend. Set up a “gym date” once or twice a week and use the time to catch up. This will also keep you motivated to work out since someone else will be depending on you.

Shop Around With Trials

Most geographic areas have more than one gym to choose from. In fact, many places have several. One of the best tips on how to make the most out of your gym membership is to insist on a trial membership, at least a day, a week if possible. Some gyms will even offer trials for free to try to get you hooked. Try to go as much as possible during your trial to see everything they have to offer, including special classes. Be sure too to take note of the busy times and how that would affect you personally.

How do you like to save money? Comment and let us know!

Many realtors rank kitchen remodeling as one of the best home renovation options for home owners keen on improving the resale value of their home. Remodeling your kitchen is therefore a good idea in most cases. It is however important to note that the endeavor can become costly easily given the varying cost of kitchen cabinets, flooring, countertops, sinks, fixtures etc. In case you are on a budget, you need to make some very important considerations to ensure you get the best value for your money. Below is a brief discussion highlighting how you should remodel your kitchen on a budget.

 Remodeling kitchen on a budget: 

1. Consider a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) strategy: Labor costs consume a significant amount of the total budget in most kitchen remodeling projects. As a result, you need to think of the tasks you can do to keep the labor costs down. For instance, you should consider doing tasks such as painting, tile work etc. which require very minimal expertise or no expertise at all. You should hire only when it is absolutely necessary i.e. for technical tasks like plumbing and electrical work.

2. Avoid trends & stick to classics: Trends aren’t ideal when you want to remodel your kitchen on a budget because they tend to increase the cost more often than not. Also, trends have a negative effect on your home’s value once they fade/pass. You should instead stick to classic styles and colors which have stood the test of time and appeal to most potential home buyers.

3. Reface cabinets: Cabinets can increase the cost of kitchen remodeling drastically if they are replaced completely. Alternatives like re-facing which involve painting or staining cabinets can reduce the overall cost of remodeling your kitchen drastically without compromising the final outcome.

4. Install a new sink: To complete the look of a new kitchen, it is crucial to install a new sink. This shouldn’t however be a costly affair since stainless steel sinks are affordable, durable, attractive and timeless.

5. Find the right contractor: You should also consider planning thoroughly in advance and finding the right contractor for the job if you are keen on enjoying great savings. The right contractor for you should be highly skilled and experienced in the job at hand. This should be the case because such contractors rarely make costly mistakes. Also, highly skilled and experienced contractors know where to shop for the best kitchen fixtures, flooring, cabinets etc. at the best prices.

The above information summarizes how to remodel your kitchen perfectly on a budget. Although there is may be more information that can help improve the outcome, the above information is adequate enough to guide you on the right path.

The credit market is tightening every day. Vehicle sales are hitting record levels and buying a car has become no simple decision. The many decisions involved, including budget and running costs, would twist your stomach into knots. However, walking in and facing the dealer, as an informed, empowered consumer will help you save more money. So, on to the tips… here are the 5 ways you can save money when buying a new car:

Buy During the Off-Season

Car sales season begin in May. If you can hold off on buying the car you are eyeing until later in the year, it can pay off in savings. Most dealers prefer to offload the previous year’s cars from November right through to February, and of course at a substantial discount. This is the right time to beat the dealers on their “home advantage” and win the shell game.

New versus Used

If you thought a vehicle is an investment, think again! Vehicles depreciate quickly. When you buy a new car, expect it to continuously decrease in value by 25-40 percent within the first two years. So the trick is simple—let someone else take the initial 40 percent hit and buy a slightly used car that is a year or two old. In the past, there was a good reason to buy new – warranty. Today, it’s possible to find a car with a longer warranty that’s still in effect a few years after initial purchase.

Do Research, Determine a Fair Price and Compare Quotes

Spend some time researching what you want before setting foot on your local car lot. Know the price you are looking for and the type/size of car you want. Go to about ten or so car dealerships to help you compare cars and narrow down to two or three viable possibilities. Remember this only covers the car and how it drives, but nothing to do with the price. This is where you now need to involve Consumer Reports. They’ll probably charge you $20 for a service that reviews pricing for a specific car (new or used), including what add-ons actually cost the dealership, and what the average price per vehicle is in your geographical area. This information will give you an insight into what to expect in your negotiation.

 Pit Dealers Against Each Other

The goal here is to start a bidding war for your business. Settle on the make and model you want, and then contact a handful of dealers via the Internet. Let them know what you want and when you want to buy. Be very specific about the car you want – color choices, features, and specifications. Then ask for their price including all dealer fees. If the financing subject comes in, tell them you will deal with this later and are only interested in the price, not monthly payments. Ensure each dealer knows you are talking to the other dealers, and plan to give the sale to whoever cuts you the best deal.

Put Some Payment Down

Buying a car involves a lot of incentives. While it’s possible to put yourself in, and walk out of the car lot with a brand new car of your choice with no money, you had better watch out! Don’t let the joy of owning a car override your decision-making. Remember, vehicles depreciate rapidly. Financing the full purchase price will leave you upside down on the loan immediately. This means that you shall owe more than the car is worth. When you purchase a new car, there are taxes and other fees that go with it. They are often rolled into the loan if you put nothing down, so immediately you drive the car off the lot, you actually owe more money to the dealership or bank than the car is actually worth.

 What tricks do you have when it comes to buying a car? Comment and let us know!

Based on the latest statistics, you’ll not be far from the truth if you say the world has become a planet of pill poppers. In 2010, American patients and insurance companies alone spent about $250 billion on prescription drugs, up from $40 million in 1990. Prescription drugs are becoming more expensive. They are taking a large part of our budgets. Unfortunately, our doctors aren’t necessarily thinking about our bank accounts when they pull out their prescription pads. They are actually the least to rely on for the most cost-effective options. So, below are seven dos and don’ts that will not only help save your pocketbook, but also put your mind at peace.

Go Generic

Generic drugs are safe and much more affordable than their brand name counterparts. With generic drugs – medication without all the fancy advertising – the potential savings are incredible. Over 80 percent of FDA-approved drugs have generic alternatives that as just as effective as the brand-names. They give you the same active ingredients and are available in the same strength and dosage as the brand-name drugs at a fraction of the cost.

Ask for a Lower Price

Shop around, call various pharmacies, and ask each how much it would cost to purchase your prescription medication at their pharmacy. Inquire about discounts and special offers before hitting upon the best price. Don’t be shy… let them know you are comparing shopping. Try to negotiate because obviously the price of your medication isn’t set in stone

Check your Insurer’s Formulary

An insurer’s formulary is the list of medications covered by your medical insurer. Depending on your formulary, copayments for two similar drugs, for example Zocor or Crestor to treat cholesterol, may be very different. So to avoid paying for the pricier drugs, you need options. Ask your doctor for a list of top three choices for every new drug he or she prescribes. Then, check out with your insurer the copayment on each as well as any applicable formulary restrictions. Choose the best option and let your doctor know the drug you prefer.

Choose the Right Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

The right prescription plan depends in part on the kind of drugs you take. Most seniors are enrolled under original Medicare, including hospital insurance (Medical Part A) and medical insurance (Medical Part B). You can get a drug coverage using additional extra steps. Seniors can get such drug benefits through a government-regulated private plan known as Medical Part D that charges between $15 and $170 per month. The best alternative is the Medical Part C, also called Medical Advantage Plan, which replaces the original Medicare and provides prescription coverage as well. It lumps Medicare A, B and D all into one.

Look into Splitting High-Dose Pills

Pill splitting revolves around the fact that many pills cost almost the same even if they contain twice as much medication. A 50 mg pill is roughly close in price to a 25 mg pill of the same drug. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if your medication is safe for pill splitting. If so, get your doctor to prescribe twice the dosage you need, so you can split your pills in half.

Ask your Doctor for Free Samples

Most doctors have samples of branded drugs from pharmaceutical companies. While taking free samples may not be the full complement you actually need, it will reduce considerably the number you have to purchase. However, use these free samples with caution. Talk with your doctor over future treatment plans before you begin to use the free samples just in case they lead to some expensive brand name prescription later. This means you could get a head start on your medication for free.

Communicate with your Doctor

It’s a good idea to tell your doctors if paying for medicine is a problem. Remember, not being able to afford medication clearly affects your health. It’s a mistake to assume your doctor is writing a prescription for the least-expensive drug on the market. Many physicians do collaborate with drug companies through incentives. It’s not surprising to find physicians who have personal preferences. Ask him or her about less-expensive alternatives. He or she may also give you valuable information about the Medicare prescription drug benefit, help you sign application forms for patient assistance programs, or refer you to a state-sponsored services and community assistance programs.

What do you think is the most effective way to save money on prescription drugs? Comment and let us know!