#Social Power – Create Change & Make A Difference

This post brought to you by Social Power. All opinions are 100% mine.

Being on the internet for a good chunk each day, I see the impact of social media. I am sure you guys have noticed it as well. If you’ve ever gone to a page to try to get one of the 10,000 coupons available only to see that they’ve all disappear in less than a minute – you know all about what social media can do.

Social media is a platform that enables individuals to connect and do things such as sharing photos, feelings, and ideas.  While one person may not make a big impact. When combined, a group can be very powerful and really make things happen.

That’s where Social Power can be huge. Social Power is the platform that harnesses the untapped power of social media to resolve everyday issues, both big and small. Social Power takes social media one huge step further by harnessing the power-of-the-people to create meaningful long-term sustainable change.

The process is pretty simple -

• Issue. First you think of the most important, resolvable issues that affect not only you, but others as well. Once you share that issue on Social Power, works to raise awareness for it in their social network, while you do the same in yours.
• Initiative. Once 1,000 people agree that your issue also affects them, Social Power turns that issue into an initiative. Once an initiative is formed, Agents of Change are notified of the initiative they are capable of resolving.
• Resolution. Once the Agent of Change proposes an acceptable resolution, it is offered back to the Social Power user base. These resolutions often come in the form of a price reduction, a better product, service, or experience.

So as an example, here is a current issue over on Social Power that I think many of you guys might be interested in checking out – Supermarkets should offer all food about to expire at a 50% discount

I have to admit I think this is an interesting concept. I’ve often wondered what happens to all that food that expires. I’d certainly take a closer look at marked down items and would be willing to change my menu if I could pick up an item at a hefty discount.

What do you guys think? Should supermarkets mark down foods that are about to expire? If you agree, you can use social media to try to bring about a change. Check out the video to see how it works. Head over to Social Power and support the cause, then comment and share with your own social network and let’s see if we can make a difference.

Reminder – Stamp Out Hunger Is TODAY!

Today is the day to put our your Stamp out Hunger donations at your mailbox! 

All you have to do is leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable foods, like canned Campbell’s soups, canned vegetables, pasta, rice or cereal, next to your mailbox before the time of your regular mail delivery. Your letter carrier will then collect the donations and deliver them to food banks and pantries in your local community.

If you feel like snapping a picture of your donation – shoot it over to me contactiheartpublix @ gmail.com (remove the spaces). I am putting my bag out in a few minutes!

Get Your Donations Ready – Stamp Out Hunger Is This Saturday (5/11/13)

Okie dokie guys, this Saturday is the day - Stamp out Hunger is May 11^th! I’ve been giving you a weekly reminder to gather your donations – I hope you guys are all ready. As a reminder, this is possibly the easiest way to donate to those in need in YOUR community!

All you have to do is leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable foods, like canned Campbell’s soups, canned vegetables, pasta, rice or cereal, next to your mailbox before the time of your regular mail delivery. Your letter carrier will then collect the donations and deliver them to food banks and pantries in your local community.

Just make sure the food is non-perishable, in non-breakable containers and just have it ready and at your mailbox before your letter carrier arrives.

You don’t have to give a ton to participate. Everything makes a difference. Whether you offer up a couple of cans of soup or 4 bags filled to the top – your donation will make a difference to someone in need. Keep in mind that often those in need are the young and the elderly. I am going to share the statistic I posted before. I think this really drives home why your participation is so important.

Check out these statistics about hunger here in America:

50 million or 1 in 6 Americans live in food insecure households

• Food insecurity means not knowing where the next meal will come from.

17 million or 1 in 5 are children

• Nearly 20% of children live in food insecure households. Food insecurity is associated with grade repetition, absenteeism, anxiety, aggression, poor math scores, difficulty with social interaction, and ultimately poor health.

3 million are seniors over age 65

• Seniors in food insecure households must sometimes decide between paying for food and paying for medicine.

The food letter carriers collect helps during summer months

• They are able to provide assistance when school is out and free breakfasts/lunches are not available.

Get your bag ready and join me in helping this great cause. Let’s make this the biggest donation year ever!

Reminder – The Stamp Out Hunger Event Is Right Around The Corner

I told you last week that it’s almost time for Stamp out Hunger! I am giving you another reminder so you can keep putting aside your donation items. This fantastic event helps so many folks – let’s make this year the biggest donation year ever!

It’s so easy to participate! On Saturday, May 11^th, simply leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable foods, like canned Campbell’s soups, canned vegetables, pasta, rice or cereal, next to your mailbox before the time of your regular mail delivery. Your letter carrier will then collect the donations and deliver them to food banks and pantries in your local community.

I have had a couple of questions come in about how this great event works. I thought I’d touch on some of the details -

One of the biggest things you need to keep in mind is that the food items need to be in non-breakable containers, such as boxes and cans. Also, the food you donate needs to be non-perishable. So, avoid anything that needs refrigeration or that will expire quickly.

Place your items in a sturdy bag so that the mail carrier can easily grab the bag and move to the next mailbox. If I have big heavy cans, I usually double bag mine so that there is no chance it will break and allow the food to spill out. Keep in mind that the mail carriers still have to get and deliver the mail. We want to help them be efficient as possible while giving as much as possible.

Campbell’s is a sponsor of this wonderful event. Check out the Publix ad this week and add a few items to your shopping list and you will make a difference to those in need in your neck of the woods. A great option in the upcoming ad is the V8 VFusion Juice. At only $1.43 per bottle after coupon, you can grab a few for your donation bag at a great price!

V8 VFusion 100% Juice or Light Beverage Blend or Smoothie or V-Fusion + Tea, 36 to 46 oz, BOGO $3.85
-$1/2 V8 V-Fusion 100% Juices, 46 oz 
-$1/2 V8 V-Fusion Tea Beverages, 46 oz 
That’s only $1.43 per bottle after coupon!

So why should you participate? I wanted to give you guys some pretty eye opening statistics about hunger here in America:

50 million or 1 in 6 Americans live in food insecure households

• Food insecurity means not knowing where the next meal will come from.

17 million or 1 in 5 are children

• Nearly 20% of children live in food insecure households. Food insecurity is associated with grade repetition, absenteeism, anxiety, aggression, poor math scores, difficulty with social interaction, and ultimately poor health.

3 million are seniors over age 65

• Seniors in food insecure households must sometimes decide between paying for food and paying for medicine.

The food letter carriers collect helps during summer months

• They are able to provide assistance when school is out and free breakfasts/lunches are not available.

There is no reason not to give — you just have to take the food as far as your mailbox! I encourage you to participate – it just couldn’t be easier! I will continue to give you guys a couple of reminders so you can start filling those donation boxes!  Be sure and visit the Stamp Out Hunger Facebook page for more information.

Publix & Walmart Comparison…Is It Always Just About The Price?

A while back I sent some readers out armed with a shopping list to both Publix and Walmart to see who had the lowest prices. It was a lot of fun to see the results. Basically, we found that when you shop the sales at Publix, you can save more money than when you shop at Walmart. It’s that simple.

I was very excited to see that Publix has now posted their own shopping comparison disputing Walmart’s claim to the lowest prices. Guess what they found…over $33 in savings when you shop at Publix!

It’s funny because I still get comments and emails about the first post I did. Most people offer very positive comments but there are the few people who moan and groan saying there is no way that Publix is cheaper. I always remind them that if you shop the sale (no matter where you choose to shop) you will save money.

I think what many people overlook is also the full shopping experience. Saving money is really very simple. I will be the first person to tell you that no matter if you shop at Publix, Walmart, Kroger, Target or wherever, if you shop the sales – you will save money. I will go back to my original comments – it doesn’t matter if you are shopping for a new car or a loaf of bread! Smart shopping requires a bit of planning and often some patience. Buying what you want whenever you want is not the best strategy in our current economy.

Beyond saving money there is also the fact of the overall shopping experience. The thing that irks me about the Walmart ads is not necessarily their claim to have low prices, it’s the misleading shopping experience. Shopping at Walmart is not what I would consider a pleasurable experience. I have never stepped foot in a Walmart that is anything like what is portrayed in those commercials. While I am sure those stores must exist in some la la land…they are no where near my neck of the woods!

I want to see commercials where people walk into an average Publix store and shop and then go to into an average Walmart store and attempt to shop in the small overcrowded aisles only to wait in line 15+  minutes to check out–hahaha! Tell me that wouldn’t be real entertainment. I think that might be the perfect marketing strategy–tee hee. Now, that’s where the real difference would be evident!

When you look at price, quality of product and shopping experience, in my opinion Publix is definitely the winner!

Head over and check out the Publix comparison and let me know what you think. What do you guys think of these shopping comparisons? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments!

Upromise eCoupons To Load For March

The new month means that there are new Upromise eCoupons you can load! The Upromise program is totally FREE and Publix is a participating store.

Just “load” the eCoupons to your card each month. Remember, these coupons don’t come off your total but instead add money to your Upromise account. I typically add all the coupons since you never know what might be on sale. If you are buying this stuff anyway–might as well get a little cash back!

Not sure how this program works? Check out my post that gives you the scoop.

Here are the Upromise coupons for March. Keep in mind that we have a $1/1 Charmin coupon on the Publix Stocking Spree sheets…so with Publix coupon, manufacturer’s coupon, and Upromise deposit, you will get a nice savings on toilet paper at Publix.

• $1/1 McCain® Potatoes (Expires 3/27/2013)
• $0.60/1 28 oz. jar of Musselman’s® Apple Butter (exp 3/21/2013)
• $1/2 46-48 oz jars of Musselman’s® Apple Sauce (exp 3/21/2013)
• $1/1 Charmin Sensitive (exp 3/13/2013)
• $1/1 Charmin Ultra Soft or Ultra Strong MegaRoll (exp 3/13/2013)
• $1/2 cans of Lucky Leaf® Pie Filling (exp 3/21/2013)
• $1/1 March Spring Fashion issue of InStyle (exp 3/15/2013)
• $1.50/2 Wasa Crispbread Crackers (exp 3/6/2013)
• $0.75/1 Truvia® Baking Blend with sugar (exp 3/6/2013)
• 10% savings when you buy any Elmer’s Foam Board (exp 12/31/2013)
• 3% savings when you buy any Elmer’s Glue Sticks, School Glue or Glue All (exp 3/27/2013)
• $0.40/1 Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt (exp 3/13/2013)
• $0.40/1 Diamond Crystal Sea Salt (exp 3/13/2013)
• $0.35/1 Diamond Crystal Salt Sense (exp 3/13/2013)

Nice Deals on Chest Freezers Today

I posted this deal over on I Heart Saving Money this morning, but I thought you guys might be interested in it too!

Best Buy has a couple nice deals on chest freezers today. You can grab the Igloo 5.2 cu ft chest for just $139.99 (reg $219.99) or the Igloo 7.2 cu. ft Chest Freezer for $159.99 (reg. $249.99). Best Buy is also offering free shipping on both items…which is quite a deal on big heavy items like these.

I’ve included the product features below so you can check them out. If you have been waiting for a nice deal on an additional freezer…this would be a great one to grab!

Each freezer features:

• Temperature control knob – Provides 7 settings for keeping your frozen goods fresh
• 5.2 cu. ft. or 7.2 cu ft capacity
• Vinyl-coated wire basket – Allows you to quickly grab frequently used foods, and removable design lets you customize your storage space
• Defrost drain – Provides a path for condensate water to flow, evaporating it back into the air
• Top-open lid – Allows easy opening and closing for quick and easy access to the contents of the freezer
• Indicator lights – Let you know when the unit is powered on and when the compressor is running
• Aluminum cabinet – Resists scratches for durability

Reminder Kellogg’s Kidz Kitchen At The Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival (+ $5 Publix Gift Card Offer)

I wanted to give you South Florida folks a reminder about the Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival takes place in Miami THIS coming weekend – February 23 & 24, 2013.

At the event, you’ll try delicious products and see some of the best celebrity chefs live! This is a great way to incorporate some family fun all weekend long. I looked at the schedule and it is jam packed – so much to choose from! I know all the kids out there will love the Kidz Kitchen Event sponsored by Kellogg’s®. Based on the comments you guys left on the last post, this is a fantastic event that you don’t want to miss!

“Fun and Fit as a Family”  is a family-friendly event at the Festival that lets parents and kids learn the basics of healthy eating up close with Food Network celebrity chefs. Children will have the chance to explore the food garden, play sports on the beach, get their hands messy in the interactive kitchen and explore the animals of Jungle Island while learning the basics of preparing nutritious meals and having fun doing it. You can see more details on the event HERE.

Check out the list of celebrity chefs scheduled to appear:

Saturday, February 23, 2013
• Giada De Laurentiis
• Rocco DiSpirito
• Andrew Zimmern

Sunday, February 24, 2013
• Robert Irvine
• Aarón Sánchez
• Lorena Garcia and Reed Alexander

Also as a reminder – Miami folks, be sure to visit participating Miami-area Publix stores to get a $5 Publix Gift Card via mail when you purchase any FIVE participating Kellogg’s® products.* All you guys who get the chance to check it out, I’d love if you’d come back and share your experience in the comments.

For more information, and great recipes using your favorite Kellogg’s® products, visit FuelGreatDays.

*While supplies last. See participating Miami-area stores for details. Offer valid February 11, 2013 through February 22, 2013.®, ™, © 2013 Kellogg NA Co.

ibotta App Step By Step Tutorial – Questions Answered

I have seen a few emails and comments come in asking about the ibotta app but since I highlighted it last week…my inbox has been slammed with questions!  So I thought I would put a step by step tutorial up so that those of you who are new to ibotta can see exactly how it works.

First, download the ibotta app to your iPhone, iPad or Android phone and register your account.

When you’re registered, you’re ready to start choosing the offers you’re interested in. Just tap on the product pictures to see the various ways to earn money. You can read facts, take quizzes, post info to Facebook, watch videos, and more.

You can do some or all of the earning options. I know some of you were concerned about posting on Facebook. You can skip past any of the earning options – just be aware the more you do… the more money you will make! There are typically three earning options per offer. Right now I have offers that range from 25¢ to $1.75 per product.

Once you’ve done all the activities that you want to do for a particular offer, it saves that offer in your ibotta app and you can earn that amount of money when you purchase the specific item.

In order to earn your cash, just go shopping. You can buy your chosen products at a variety of stores (including PUBLIX). For those of you asking, you can absolutely use a coupon to make your purchase price for that item less expensive!

One thing that I want to stress is that you have to make sure you are purchasing the correct item. It’s no problem as you can make sure that the item you’re purchasing is the right one…just tap the barcode icon in the top right of the offer screen and scan the product barcode. The app will tell you if the item you’re purchasing qualifies for the offer – easy breezy!

Ok…so you have completed the offers, shopped and now you are home. The next step is uploading your receipt.

To do this just tap the “Redeem” button in the bottom right corner. Choose the store where you made your purchase, then touch the “Upload Receipt” button at the bottom of the screen to take a photo of your receipt and upload it. If your receipt is a long one, you can tap “Add Section” and take multiple pictures until you have captured the entire receipt. When you are done taking pictures, tap “Submit.” You will then select the items that you purchased with that receipt and scan the bar code to confirm.

Once you’ve submitted your receipt, ibotta will verify your receipt and approve your earnings (usually within 24 hours). To check on your pending earnings, just tap the icon with three horizontal lines in the top left corner of the app, then select the “Account History.”

You are earning real money with ibotta. When you have earned $5 or more, you can choose to withdraw your cash securely via PayPal or donate to a school or the United Way. The first time you withdraw cash, you will need to verify your email and input your PayPal information. Then just tell ibotta how much of your cash you want to withdraw or donate, and that’s it!

You will need that Paypal account to get your earnings. Setting up a Paypal account is totally free and super easy to use. You can use Paypal as a method of payment when you shop online at various stores and even connect the account to an existing bank account and have the money transferred. I typically just leave the money in my Paypal account (what I call my Monopoly money). I use it for things like my Vistaprint orders, coupon clipping sites and the like.

Keep in mind that every time you redeem an offer, ibotta will send a new one. This way they will learn what you like and don’t like, and you’ll be able to get more personalized offers.

A few tidbits to keep in mind:

• You will only get cash back on one item purchased. So, if you buy 6 boxes of Cheez-its, you will only get cash back for one. NOTE: The exception to this is if you get an identical offer show back up in your offers. In this case you can redeem the offer again!
• You can use coupons when purchasing your items.
• The offers look like they are starting to vary a bit by user. Hopefully you guys can help me stay up to date in the matchups.
• ibotta works at 33 retailers – you can see the full list HERE.
• Some folks are not seeing Publix as a listed store. First make sure that your device is supported. If that is not the issue, you might want to see if the app has an update. Ibotta currently supports the following devices:

-iPhone 3GS and newer
-iPod Touch fourth generation and newer
-iPad 2 and iPad 3
-Android devices running on platform 2.2 and newer (see minimum requirements below)

Please note: Ibotta does not support any device without a camera.

iPad 2 and iPod 4 users: iPad 2 and iPod 4 do not have the barcode scan function, therefore offers cannot be redeemed from retailers using text strings on their receipts instead of product codes. You will not see them load onto the list of available retailers.

Android users: Your device must meet the minimum requirements below to run the Ibotta app:
Camera with autofocus
Network access to location data
Portrait and landscape screen orientation
Wi-Fi compatible
Touchscreen
OS 2.2 or higher

I hope that helps to answer some of your questions. If you have more, leave them in the comments and maybe we can get those hammered out too. I will try to keep this post updated as a reference.

Ways To Earn Perks & Rewards – Start Off Right In 2013

Lots of folks email asking for ideas and ways to not only save money but ways to earn a little money too! I thought since we are starting a new year tomorrow, I would share some of my favorite savings/earning opportunities.

ibotta

This is my new FAVORITE  thing! It is an app for your iPhone, iPad and Android. It is a super easy way to earn a little extra cash on stuff you buy anyways!  You can check out my post with full details. Basically you select offers, shop normally, upload your receipt and you get cash! Earnings can be transferred securely to your Paypal account or donated to any school in America. Super easy and I have earned a nice little chunk from items I would have bought anyway!

Plus, at least for today – you get $5 when you  redeem your first offer (I am not sure when the share the love promo ends)

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MyCokeRewards

 

This one takes some effort as you have to enter in codes from Coca-Cola products. You can then redeem those points for coupons, gift cards, magazine subscriptions and much more. They often have special offers with nice little perks. If you drink any Coca-Cola products, be sure and enter those codes!

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Inbox Dollars

InboxDollars pays members to read emails, take surveys online, play games, and go shopping. New enrollees also receive $5 just for joining! I honestly usually only read the emails but doing that usually earns me a gift card that I use for my holiday shopping. The more you do the more you can earn.

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Kellogg’s Family Rewards

This is another one that makes you work a bit but offers great little perks. You just sign up and enter codes from participating products to earn points. You can then redeem your points for all kinds of perks like coupons and other rewards. Check out my post here for a bunch of codes…some may expire today so make sure you have entered all of them.

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Swagbucks

Search the web and earn SwagBucks to redeem prizes. You get points for doing searches and other offers. You can then redeem your points for rewards that include Paypal moolah, gift cards and more!

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Recyclebank

 

Once again, this one requires a little bit of effort but offers some nice perks. You click through their offers and promotions to earn points. You can then redeem those points for perks like coupons, magazine subscriptions, gift cards and more.

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Upromise

 

This is an easy one as long as you remember to load your eCoupons each month and give the cashier your key card

With Upromise you EARN money when you redeem eCoupons at various stores including Publix. You can also earn Shopping Online, through Upromise Dining and with the Upromise Credit Card. See my post HERE for all the details.

There are a ton of other earning opportunities but the ones I listed above are the ones I do at least weekly. I will work on a list of other good earning opportunities and add them!

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