I get a lot of junkmail in my mailbox, especially around the holidays. Within that junk mail are store coupons and gift cards that are worth a good amount of money. Many of us see them as temptations to spend more than we have, or wonder if there is a catch. If you read the gift cards carefully, you will be able to tell which gift cards are worth using, and which ones to toss.
Last week I received a gift card from Kohls. It was for $15.00 off everything. Knowing that my mother in law shops at Kohls, I decided that I had just received the gift of her Christmas gift. Before getting too excited though, I knew I had to read the fine print of the card.
Too often we get cards that say $15.00 off, but the fine print reveals that you must spend $45.00 to get that $15.00. That is all well and good if were already planning to buy something valued at $45.00 and above from that store. For example, I plan to purchase a special someone a new computer for Christmas. That means that 25% off for an office max product I received will save me at least $100.00.
In my case however, I only decided to shop at Kohls after I saw the card, and frankly, I didn’t have a budget for this gift, so I would like to buy something that is only $15.00 to $25.00. After examining the card and attached flyer, I found that the $15.00 card is good for a single item priced $15.00 or more. It hit the jackpot! I can purchase a lovely brooch, scarf, pair of gloves, or something of that nature with this free gift card I got in the mail. To make sure I didn’t forget to run to Kohls in the five days the card is good for, I taped it to my Fridge door.
So I encourage you to start going through your junkmail, especially during this holiday season. If I hadn’t, I would have missed the envelope full of grocery store coupons from Kroger on items that I regularly buy! It was a Thanksgiving promotion that while I am not cooking Thanksgiving dinner, I will certainly take advantage of.
~Andrea Hermitt writes for parenting (specifically teens), the home blog, and also the frugal blog, and homeschooling at families.com.
Also read: Living Without Credit Cards
Who is Daniel Suelo and Why Hasn’t He Spent Money in the Past Nine Years?
Don’t forget to read the Deals Blog to find out what is coming in the mail and your newspaper.