That sounds like a infomercial for financing, doesn’t it?! But, seriously, there are benefits to buying now to help you save later. Have you seen all the rebates I’ve been snacking on? There are so many right now, and they made me think that buying now really does help you save later when you have a rebate.
So, what is the value in Buy Now – Save Later?
Well, you are purchasing items for your family’s consumption needs today. You need them NOW and there may not be coupons available or a great sale to make the purchase. Buying those items now and sending away for a rebate will help you save more down the road. This Pepsi & Frito-Lay Rebate (rebate ended) is a perfect example. There are rarely coupons for either brand and this rebate offers some valuable coupons.
With a rebate, sometimes it makes sense to build your stockpile too. When I am stockpiling an item, I try to get the lowest price possible to ensure maximum savings. But, if I can establish/replenish my stockpile and get a rebate on top of that, it’s like hitting the frugal jackpot!
For example, last year, P&G products were on a store promotion that offered instant savings to purchase specific products. At that time, I stocked up on fabric softener (Downy family here, hands down!). Well, the same promotion returned this year so I replenished my stockpile and now I am eligible for this P&G Rebate (rebate ended). I saved money by buying it now for my stockpile (while it was on sale and promotion too) and will receive some amazing coupons for P&G products!
And, since we have a baby, I absolutely love theCaregivers Marketplace Rebate. I can always get my Huggies diapers (that qualify for the rebate) on sale, use coupons and get an ECB when I shop at CVS too. All of that combined means I can get cheap diapers! Plus, that rebate has other products that are included too so occasionally I can send away for those other items too!
As you can see, buying now can help you save later. You are getting products you use frequently with a rebate to help offset some costs! Yes, you are putting the money out front now but you will be saving in your future bill. So, as you make a purchase see if there is an opportunity to include a rebate to save you even more! And, to me that’s frugal, fun and fabulous!
Photo Credit: cisais
Do you know if I can get a duplicate receipt printed at Kroger? I need 2 copies of originals for the P&G and Colgate rebates.
OK, OK!! I finally gave in and checked out the Caregivers Marketplace rebate – as many Huggies as I use, I should’ve done it a long time ago!
Thanks for all your help and encouragement. It looks like for 2009 they may have reduced the Huggies rebate to 75 cents instead of a dollar?
Natalie, I’m pretty sure they want the originals for both rebates. So, the only thing you could do is see if Kroger can print out another receipt. I haven’t personally done this so I don’t know if it’s possible or not. Let me know if you try.
Hey Emily – yes, they did reduce it this year. I need to update that post since it’s older. But, hey getting a few bucks back on something that is cheap is SWEET to me!
FYI, there are two different Olay rebates–one expires 1/14/09, one runs through the end of the month–one is for Regnerist, the other for Definity products.
I love your blog!
BTW, I recently did a post on rebates on my blog: http://thefrugalhouse.blogspot.com/2009/01/coupon-basics-mail-in-rebates.html
Question about the ECB on Huggies: Is this an all the time unadvertised deal, or are you just referring to when they have a special doing on? I bought Huggies wipes there once and revcieved $2ECB back.
-Jennifer
@Jennifer – there is not a current ECB deal at CVS for Huggies. But, I was referring to that because that is when I stockpile diapers – when there is an ECB deal, with a coupon, and then use that rebate.