Menards Comes to Central Ohio!

These deals may only be in Central Ohio this week due to a grand opening on Morse Road. Check your local ads to see if these deals are national!

Gallon of skim or 2% Meyer Milk $1.99
Free Menard's Tshirt after $6.00 MIR
20 Inch Box Fan $9.99
Black Mulch 2 cu. feet $1.89
Palmolive Dish Soap  *FREE* after $2.50 MIR
Bathroom Sink Faucet (brush nickel finish) $19.88
Matercraft Pre-Hung Steel Door $139 (possible 10% tax credit)
Brickface Patio Block $1.99
BOGO Garden Tools $4.96 for TWO!
10 inch White Hanging Basket $3.88

84 inch Shepherd's Hook BOGO $8.99 (for TWO!)
Select Flooring .49 cents per square foot!
Quad Chair assorted colors (portable) $4.99
32 rolls of Valore Bath Tissue $4.99
6Pack of Solar Landscape Lights $4.99
Farberware Basting Spoon, Ladle, Slotted Turner or Pasta Server $.99 each!
Passage Lockset Doorknobs $1.99
18 inch Indoor/Outdoor Broom $3.99
12 Pack of Microfiber towels $3.99
50 foot Reinforced Hose $3.99
25 foot extension Cord $3.99

Target 5/1-5/7

 

FREE $5 Gift Card wyb (2) Select Big Pack Diapers

*Huggies Big Pack Diapers $19.99-FREE $5 Gift Card wyb 2 Huggies Little Movers 48 ct+ Target Q 3-27-11 SS x5/31 (YMMV)
$3/1 Huggies diapers 100 ct+Target Coupon Baby Mailer x5/4- $3/1 ANY Huggies Diapers
-$3/1 Huggies Diapers Any 60 count or Larger -$2/1 Huggies Little Movers or Little Snugglers Diapers 4-17-11 SS2 x5/14-$2/1 ANY Huggies Diapers -$2/1 Huggies Diapers or $3.50/1 Huggies (when you share with 3 friends) on SmartSource
-$1.50/1 Huggies Diapers 4-17-11 SS2 x5/14

FREE $5 Gift Card wyb (2) Aveeno Suncare Items Listed $10*
*Aveeno Face Lotion with SPF 70 *Aveeno Sport Spray with SPF 50-$1/1 Aveeno Body Care Item Target Coupon Beauty Bag Mailer x7/30
-$1/1 Aveeno Skincare or SunCare Target Web Coupon x5/10-$2/1 Aveeno Product ETS 30 points on Recyclebank
-$3/2; $1/1 Aveeno Active Naturals 4-17-11 SS1 x5/31
-$3/2; $1/1 Aveeno Active Naturals Products ETS 3-27-11 SS1 x5/15


DiGiorno Pizza Combo Packs $6.50
-.50/1 DiGiorno Frozen Pizza & Wings, Breadsticks or Cookies Target Web Coupon x5/28
-$1.25/1DiGiorno Pizza & Cookies or Pizza & Wyngz 04-17-11 RP x6/30

Perdue Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $2.49 lb*Watch for Manufacturer’s Peelies for $1.50 off chicken wyb Philadelphia Cooking Creme-.75/1 Perdue Boneless Chicken Breasts 4-10-11 RP X6/5

Avocodos 4/$5
Limes .25
Strawberries $1.99 lb

Tostitos Chips 10 oz OR Tostitos Dip 2/$5-FREE Pepsi Max 2 L wyb Tostitos Chips 9 oz.+ AND Dip 15 oz.+ 5-1-11 Pepsico Insert x5/21
-$1/1 Tostitos Tortilla Chips OR Dip 15oz.+ 5-1-11 Pepsico Insert x5/21


Scott Extra Soft Double Roll Bath Tissue 24 pk $9.99-FREE $5 Gift Card wyb (2) Scott Extra Soft Double roll Bath Tissue 24 pk Target Q 5-1-11 SS x5/14-$2/2 Scott Bath Tissue 8 Rolls AND Paper Towels 4 Roll or Larger
-$1/1 Scott Extra Soft Bath Tissue, 8 or more rolls - 03-20-11 SS x5/1



Sensodyne Toothpaste  4 oz $4.49
-$1/1 Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste (3.4oz or larger) - 04-10-11 RP-$1/1 Sensodyne (manufacturer’s Web Site)

 For more great match-ups check out Totally Target!

CVS: Receive $5 eGift Card for Every $25 Purchased- EXPIRED!

UPDATE: The $5 Bonus is no longer available!

Wow!  If you are a frequent CVS shopper, then you'll definitely want to take advantage of this limited-time offer!  For every $25 worth of e-Gift Cards purchased, you will receive a $5 eGift Card completely FREE!  Keep in mind that you will receive one e-Gift Card based on your total purchase (e-Gift Card purchase total is limited to $150 per single transaction). See the rewards chart below for more details…

These e-Gift Cards are redeemable for merchandise at any CVS/pharmacy location and/or online at CVS.com and there is NO expiration date!  If you want to purchase the gift card for yourself, enter your own email address in the "Recipient Email" fields, and enter your own name as the recipient name. Then check "This is for myself" and complete the transaction normally.
If you have more questions, check out the Terms & Conditions

(Thanks, Money Saving Madness!)

Walgreens Deals of the Week 5/1- 5/7

Yeah another great week of deals at Walgreens!  For a full list, visit Saving in Akron.

Fixodent Adhesive (2-2.4 oz.) or Cleanser (78 pk.), $3.99
Get $1 RR
FREE Fixodent Cleanser, (P&G 05/01/11)
Final price= FREE after coupon and RR!

G-U-M Eez-Thru Flosser (75 or 90 pk.), $2
Get $2 RRs
Final price= FREE after RRs!

Gillette Fusion Proglide Razor System, $9.89
Get $5 RRs
$5 Gillette Fusion Proglide Razor, (P&G BrandSampler)
Final price= FREE + overage after coupon and RRs

Noxzema Disposable Razors (4 pk.), $3.99
Get $3 RRs
$2 Select Noxzema Shavers, (RP 05/01/11)
Final price= FREE + overage after coupon and RRs!

Tylenol Precise Products, $7.99
$5 Precise Product printable
$3 Tylenol Precise Pain Relief Cream or Heat Patch (Walgreens, May)
Final price= FREE after stacked coupons!

B1G1 Right Guard Total Defense 5 Body Wash (13.5 oz.)
B1G1 Dry Idea or Right Guard Product, (RP 05/01/11)
Final price= 2 FREE after coupon!

Soft Sheen Optimum Care Relaxer Kit, $6.99
Get $5 RRs
$2 Optimum Care Salon Collection product printable
Final price= FREE after coupon and RRs!

Cottonelle (12 pk.), $5
Get $4 RRs wyb 3
Get $3 RRs wyb 2
$0.50 Cottonelle Toilet Paper printable or printable
$1 Cottonelle 12 pack (Walgreens, May)

Deal Scenario:
Buy (2) Cottonelle (12 pk.), $5 ($10)
Get $3 RRs
Use (2)$0.50 Cottonelle Toilet Paper printable
Use $1 Cottonelle 12 pack- should deduct $2 (Walgreens, May)
Final price=$2 ea. after stacked coupons and RRs!

W Premium Jumbo Pack Diapers, $5.99
$2 W brand Diapers Jumbo pack (Walgreens Infant Care Booklet)
Final price=$3.99 ea. after coupon!

Oscar Mayer Bacon 16 oz. 2/$7
Get $1 RR
$0.75 Oscar Mayer Bacon Facebook printable
Final price= $1.75 ea. after coupons and RR

AARP Members Receive $5 RRs when you spend $20 or more
**through 5/28/11
  

Rue La La: Philosophy Gift Sets As Low As $7.85 After Credit

Once again your Rue La La credit (no longer available) will make for a great deal today. They are offering a Final Sale Boutique on Philosophy items. Prices start at $17.90. So after credit and including shipping you can get this sweet "I Think You Are Wonderful" set for just $7.85. I have found Rue La La Shipping to be fast! So order today and you might get it in time for a great Mother's Day gift! 
 

Facebook Find: $1 Better Oats Printable= FREE!

Better Oats on Facebook is back with another great coupon."Like" them and get a $1 Better Oats printable  under the Special Offer Tab. Marc's price is only 99 cents! And Kroger often has it on sale for $1, so you should be able to pick it up FREE with this coupon! YUM, I love this brand and so do my kids!  Tastes even better when it's Free! ;)

eBillme Double Cash Back on Select Gift Cards through 5/2

Usually eBillme offers double cash back on gift card purchases on Tuesdays. But it is the end of the month and they are trying to clear the shelves. They are offering double cash back (max of $10 per order) on 37 e-Gift Cards/certificates through Monday at 10 am EST. Here are a few of my faves, just in time for Mother's Day!

LOWE'S e-Gift Card: 5% 10%!
1800Flowers.com E-Gift Card: 10% 20%
Overstock.com e-Gift Card: 10% 20%!
Zappos.com Gift Card: 10% 20%!
JCPenney e-Gift Card: 10% 20%!
Zales e-Gift Card: 10% 20%!
Lands' End e-Gift Card:10% 20%!

Remember that it will take several days for your payment to clear and be sent your e-card via e-mail. Any cash back earned can be used toward your next eBillme purchase (once you reach $10) or at $50 you can request a check.
Let us know your experience with eBillme!  Mary loves it!
 

Facebook Find: $10 off $10 Aerie Purchase

Head over and ‘like’ Aerie on Facebook and print a coupon (find tab on left side bar) for $10 off $10 to be used in Aerie stores.  Good until 5/1.  Between this and the Bath and Body Works I Love Fragrance (freebie) Event, looks like I might be making a run to the mall on Saturday.

Thanks Common Sense with Money!
 

Free Nature Valley Granola Bars at Target

I have heard about these Nature Valley Granola Bars (4 count) being in Dollar Spot at Target, but have never found them in my stores.  Hurray!  I found them today!  (along with 50% off red dot items).  Here is how to get them for FREE!

Nature Valley Granola Bars (4 count): $1

$0.50/1 Nature valley coupon
PLUS $1/2 Target Coupon
Final price= FREE after stacked coupons

My family doesn't particularly like this kind.  So I am going to save them for the Mail-Carriers "Stamp Out Hunger" drive coming up on 5/14 (more details soon.)

Thanks Totally Target

Facebook Freebie: Free Frito-Lays Today (4/29)

Coming up Today (4/29) at 2:00 pm CT you can ask for a free bag of Frito-Lay chips on their Facebook page. They are giving them away to the first 24,000 fans who request them.  Here is what they said in their status:

Don't want to wait for Free Fritos?  Check out how to possibly get 15 single serve bags for FREE at CVS.

Mega Swag Bucks Friday!

Today is Friday which means it is Mega Swag Bucks Day! That means Swag Bucks is giving away upwards of 400,000 Swag Bucks today - and you can earn anywhere from 30-1000 for one search.  So get searching!

What are Swag Bucks, exactly? They are electronic bucks that you earn for searching the web - something that most of us do every day right? You can then redeem these for items such as Amazon gift cards, Starbucks gift cards, Southwest Airlines credits plus more. Further increase your chances of earning bucks by referring friends, using the Swag Bucks toolbar, following the Swag Bucks Twitter stream, reading the Swag Bucks Facebook page and blog.  And their newest addition, "watching" Swag Bucks TV on your tool bar.

Let us know if you win any big bills! 

Don't forget that you can also earn swag bucks by  purchasing your daily deal coupons via Swag Bucks site.  Currently they are offering swag bucks rewards for Groupon, Eversave and Mertado. Just look for the "Daily Deal" tab on the left side bar of the Swag Bucks main page. 
 

WOW! Kroger Triple Coupons Back (Central OH & WV)

Starting today through Sunday, May 1st, Kroger stores in Central Ohio and West Virginia will be holding a triple coupon event!

How Triple Coupons work:

• Coupons up to and including $0.50 will be tripled. This means that a $0.50 off coupon is equal to a discount of $1.50.
• If your store normally doubles up to $0.99, coupons with a value of $0.51 to $0.99 will continue to be doubled.  Kroger store coupons do not double or triple. 
• There is a limit of 3 like coupons per transaction.

Here are the best match ups I have found for this week.  Let us know if you find others!
Pillsbury Grands! Rolls (5 ct.), $1
$0.30/2 Pillsbury Refrigerated Grands! Biscuits printable
$0.30/2 Pillsbury Refrigerated Grands, (SS 04/17/11)
$0.30/2 Pillsbury Refrigerated Grands! Biscuits via Cellfire (go to Cellfire and take this off to avoid not being able to use the tripled paper coupon)
Final price= As low as $0.55 ea. wyb 2 after triple coupon!

Pillsbury Sweet Rolls (5 ct.), $1
$0.40/2 Pillsbury Sweet Rolls or Grands! Sweet Rolls printable or printable
$0.50/2 Pillsbury Sweet Rolls, (SS 04/17/11)
$0.40/2 Pillsbury Sweet Rolls or Grands! Sweet Rolls via Cellfire (go to Cellfire and take this off to avoid not being able to use the tripled paper coupon)
Final price= As low as $0.25 ea. wyb 2 after triple coupon!

Pillsbury Grands Jr. (10 ct.), $1
$0.35/3 Pillsbury Grands! Jr. Biscuits printable
$0.30/3 Select Pillsbury Refrigerated Dough, (SS 03/13/11)
Final price=As low as $0.65 ea. wyb 3 after triple coupon!

Haribo Gold-Bears Gummi Candy (5 oz.), $1
Haribo Product printable
Final price=$0.10 ea. after triple coupon!

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, $1
$0.35 Goldfish Grams printable (from Coupons.com, no longer available)
Final price= FREE after tripled coupon (dang, wish I hadn't used them already this week!)

Thanks to Caylin for giving us a heads up in our Facebook wall!

Grocery Gleaning: 4/17-5/4

Welcome to another week of Grocery Gleaning posts. Our goal is to encourage you to give out of your "overage" to those in need. Highlighted are free and cheap items that are perfect for donation to local food banks and pantires. At the end you will find a Feeding America Widget to help you locate your nearest food bank. Also, for Central Ohio readers, check out how you can use these items for Mid Ohio Food Bank's Operation Feed (March-June) Thanks to Saving in Akron for helping compile this list.


*At Marc's (4/16-5/2)*
Bumble Bee Light Tuna (Oil or Water, 5 oz): 3/$2
$1/5 Peelie on can
Final price= $0.46 ea wyb 5

Starkist Chuck Tuna Pouch: $0.98
$0.50 Starkist Tuna Pouch Facebook Printable (available on Fridays)
Final price= $0.48 ea

Maruchan Yakisoba Instant Meals: 2/$1
$0.50 Yakisoba (SS, 1/2/11, or 3/13/11)
Final price= FREE!

Cliff or Luna Bars: $0.99
$0.50 Luna Protein Bar printable
$1/3 Clif Bar Energy Bar printable
Final price= as low as $0.49 ea

*At Kroger (4/18- 4/24)*
Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap - $1/ea

Pepperidge Farm Gold Fish Crackers - $1/ea

Del Monte Fruit Naturals - $1/ea
$1/2 Del Monte Fruit Naturals (RP, 3/27/11)
Final Price = $0.50/ea

*At CVS (4/17-4/23)*
Kleenex (110 ct.): $0.88
$0.50/2 Kleenex (AllYou, April)
Final price= $0.63 ea wyb 2

*At Walgreens (4/17-4/23)*
Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (100 ct. or 80 ct. with Fiber), $2.99
-Get $4 RRs wyb 3
-Get $3 RRs wyb 2
$3/1 Splenda 80 ct. or larger, (SS#1 - 4/17/11)
$2 Splenda Sweetener with Fiber printable

Deal Scenario #1
Buy (2) Splenda Sweetener (100 ct.), $2.99
Get $3 RRs wyb 2
Use (2) $3 Splenda 80 ct. or larger, (SS#1,4/17/11)
Final price= 3 FREE + $3 in overage wyb 2!

Deal Scenario #2
Buy (2) Splenda Sweetener (100 ct.), $2.99 and Buy (1) Splenda Sweetener with Fiber (80 ct.), $2.99
Get $4 RRs wyb 3
Use (2) $3 Splenda 80 ct. or larger, (SS#1, 4/17/11)
Use (1) $2 Splenda Sweetener with Fiber printable
Final price= 3 FREE + $3.03 in overage wyb 3

Stayfree Maxi Pads (14, 16 or 24 pk.), $2.99
Get $2.99 RRs
$1 Stayfree Product printable
$1 Stayfree Product, (RP 03/27/11)
Final price= FREE + overage after coupon and RRs!

Chicken of The Sea Chunk White Tuna (5 oz.), $0.69

Act II Popcorn (3 oz.), 4/$1 (with in-ad coupon)

*At Giant Eagle (4/28-5/4, Thanks Saving in Akron)*
Select Hair Care, 2/$7

Get $2 OYN health & beauty shopping trip wyb 2
-Pantene (6.6-12.6 oz.)
$1/2 Pantene Shampoos (Giant Eagle)
$2 Pantene Product, (P&G BrandSampler)
$2/2 Pantene Product, (P&G Brandsaver, March)
$3/2 Pantene products  (P&G 5/1/11)
-Head & Shoulders Hair Care (13.5-14.2 oz.)
FREE Head & Shoulders Conditioner wyb Shampoo, (RP 04/17/11 #2)
$1 OFF Head & Shoulders Shampoo AND Conditioner, (P&G Booklet)
$2/1 Head & Shoulders Shampoo, (P&G BrandSampler)

Deal Scenario
Buy (1) Head & Shoulders Shampoo, $3.50
Buy (1) Head & Shoulders Conditioner, $3.50
Use FREE Head & Shoulders Conditioner wyb Shampoo, (RP 04/17/11 #2)
Use $2 Head & Shoulders Shampoo, (P&G BrandSampler)
Final price= FREE + overage after coupons and catalina

Crest Toothpaste or Oral-B Indicator Toothbrushes, 2/$3
$1/1 Crest Toothpaste (Giant Eagle)
$1 Crest Toothpaste, (P&G BrandSampler)
$1 Crest Toothpaste or Liquid Gel, (P&G Booklet)
$0.75 Select Oral-B Products (Rouge, Spring)
Final price= As low as FREE after doubled coupon

Giant Eagle Pasta 10/$10

Have you seen any other deals to donate? Do you have any other tips on where and how to donate? Please share!

Old Navy: Buy One Get One 50% Off Through 5/1

Starting today Old Navy is going BOGO!  Buy 1 Old Navy item and get 1 item half off with coupon code ONBOGO!  This offer is also available in stores. (restrictions: Offer ends 5/1. Online code is limited to one time use only. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts)

Shop through the online rebate sites for even more savings:
BigCrumbs: 3.2% cash back
Ebates: 2% cash back
ShopAtHome: 4% cash back
MyPoints: 4 points

Champps Awesome Mother's Day Gift Card Promo is Back

If you have been around here for a while you know that we love to share our love of great companies.  One of which is Champps Americana Restaurant.  Not only do they offer an awesome Kid's Eat Free Night (in Columbus on Tuesdays, 2 kids meals per 1 adult entree!).  But they have other great promos throughout the year as well.  My favorite is their Mother's Day Gift Card.  Dine at Champps on Mother's Day Weekend and you can get a reloadable gift card good for $10 off your $25 purchase. Each month the card is reloaded with $10 to use toward a $25 purchase (1 time use per month, use it or lose it).  This is the gift that keeps on giving!  I have told you about feeding my family of 5 for less than fast food prices by stacking the Mother's Day Gift Card with the KEF nights.  And to top it off the food and service are wonderful! 

Cottonelle Steals at Walgreens this Week and Next

You know we hate "flushing" our money away on TP!  Here are two great deals on TP at Walgreens.  If you just used the last piece of potty paper in your house than get the deal this week.  If you can "hold it" till next week, then you can get a steal! (ok sorry for all the potty puns, couldn't resist!)

Week of 4/24:

Buy (2) Cottonelle 12-packs at $5 ea.Get $3 RRs
Use (2) $0.50 Cottonelle Toilet Paper printable or printable
Final price= $3 ea. after coupons and RRs!

Week of 5/1:

Buy (2) Cottonelle 12-packs at $5 ea.Get $3 RRs
Use (2) $0.50 Cottonelle Toilet Paper printable or printable
Use $1 Cottonelle 12-pack (5166) May WalgreensCoupon Book (deducts $2)
Final price= $2 ea. after stacked coupons and RRs!

Thanks, Common Sense With Money

 

CVS: WOW! Unadvertised Frito-Lay ECB Deal!

CVS has a great unadvertised deal running this week. Just buy 3 Frito Lay bags of Chips and get $1 ECB! The smaller bags are on sale 3 for $1! I could not find this lunch box size, but did find a little bigger snack size for 99 cents each. You can do this deal a total of 5 times.  So if you can find the smallest size:


Deal Scenario:
Buy 15 bags of single serve Frito Lay Chips on sale 3 for $1
Get back a $5 ECBs
Final cost - 15 bags of FREE chips!

Since this is an unadvertized deal, no telling how long it will last.  Let us know if you get your chip on! ;)

Thanks, Hip2Save!

This Sunday's Newspaper Insert 5/1

If you usually buy the Sunday paper based on the inserts or get extra papers. Watch out for this Sunday the 1st!  They are making up for no inserts last week. You should see 6 inserts!: Red Plum, (2) SmartSource, P&G, Pepsico Moments and Target P&G (Target Coupons,could be a regional insert). Visit Sunday Coupon Preview to see a list of the specific coupons included.

Also, sure to check out the printable coupons sites:
coupons.com, smartsource, coupon network and redplum. And use the following sites to load paperless ecoupons onto your shopper reward cards:cellfire, shortcuts and Kroger. 

More From Crowdtap: Old Navy Spring Accessories Party

We just told you earlier today about a new site called  Crowdtap that allows you to tap in to engage with brands, test products, and earn cash while helping charities at the same time!  They have an awesome opportunity available through 4/29 where you can apply to host an Old Navy Spring Accessories Party through Crowdtap!  If you're chosen to be a host, you'll receive a kit that will include the following items:
*5 Old Navy tote bags
*2 spring scarves
*1 pair of spring shades
*1 spring fedora hat
*1 spring saddle bag
*1 Old Navy Spring Accessories Sampling party booklet
*1 dry erase
If you are selected to Host the party you will:

1.) Invite your friends via Facebook
After you've signed up and been accepted as a party host, you can schedule a party on Facebook and invite your friends.
2.) Get your party kit in the mail
Your party kit, filled with samples and other goodies, should arrive in a few days.
3.) Host the party
Open the kit, and distribute the goods. After you and your friends have had a chance to try out the the samples, you'll fill out surveys and submit photos to provide feedback.
4.) Get rewards and points
After the surveys have been filled out and submitted, you will receive a cash reward for hosting the party. You'll also be awarded Crowdtap points, which qualify you for new opportunities down the road.

Apply today! And let us know if you are selected!

Rue La La: Cheap American Girl Doll Items or Tommy Hilfiger Towel Sets After Credit

So did you sign up for Rue La La last week when they were offering the $20 credit (no longer available)?  I sure hope so!  Today there are a couple of great lines being offered.  First you may want to check out the American Girl Boutique!  There are several Mini Dolls and clothing items priced at only $15.90 plus $9.95 shipping, so after the $20 credit you'll pay only $5.85 shipped!  This is a great deal on AG products!  Please note these are Final Sale items and cannot be returned.

There is also a boutique called, Life of Style: The Kids Room.  I see some great finds there as well. In the Toys section: handcrafted wooden stools for $19.90= just $9.85 shipped after credit. In the Bed and Bath Section: Tommy Hilfiger 3 pcs towel set for $14.90= just $4.85 shipped! (I'm thinking gifts for High School Grads!)

Or check out these Rue La La Boutiques that start today as well:
Anne Klein
Elle Jewelry
 

Crowdtap: Give Insight. Help Charity. Get Rewarded

What is Crowdtap?

Crowdtap is an online community that connects consumers with brands so they can directly influence new product and marketing ideas, while earning cash and free products in return!  With Crowdtap, you'll get to tap in to engage with brands, test products, and earn cash while helping charities at the same time!  Here are a few well-known charities promoted on their site:

*Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - funds efforts for breast cancer research, education, advocacy, health,
*Autism Speaks - goal is to find the causes, treatments, and cure for autism and help those with autism and their families
*Pencils of Promise - help build schools for children who may not receive any education in developing nations around the world.
*American National Red Cross - provide emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education in the US and other countries.
…and more!

How Does it Work?

By signing up with Crowdtap, you'll be presented with a variety of opportunities to complete and you'll be helping brands make major marketing decisions as well as help spread the buzz about products you like!  You'll also be able to answer "Info questions" that will help them better match you with more opportunities.  How do you earn cash rewards?  You can earn cash by earning top awards as a result of providing meaningful responses in discussions and participating in discussions daily.  Also, once you reach level 5 you will receive a 5% cash bonus for every $10 you earn.

1.) Go to Crowdtap and sign up for a account (can register using Facebook account)
2.) Answer a few polls (click on "Quick Hits") to help brands target you by your interests
3.) View Opportunities and participate with the brands and offers that interest you
4.) Earn status, rewards, and charity - the more you do, the more you get, the more you give!

How do the Rewards Work?

After your account reaches at least $10, you'll be able to redeem your earnings in the following ways…

*Cash Rewards - Certain activity launched by brands will earn you cash rewards.
*Gift Cards - Your Crowdtap cash can be redeemed for Amazon.com gift cards
*Help Charities - You can choose to help your selected charity
*Free Products - Some activities will also offer free products and other goodies

Keep in mind that you'll need to earn at least $9.99 before you can "redeem" your earnings (you'll just click on the "redeem link at top") AND 5% will automatically go to the charity you select on signup which Crowdtap will match. Then just choose to donate the rest to a charity or get an Amazon gift card e-mailed to you!

Also, the points you earn determine your "level" and each level you obtain gives you privileges on the site and showcases your accomplishment.  However, keep in mind that points and dollars are completely separate in Crowdtap.  Points will help you level up, unlock badges, and compete with your friends while moving up the leaderboard.  Dollars translate to real money and can be redeemed for Amazon gift cards or donated to your selected charity.  Individual actions can earn you points, dollars, or both but points and dollars are not directly related to one another.

Thanks for the 411, Hip2Save!

Personal Thoughts from Mary: This is another one of those reward programs that I forgot I joined!  But after just one night surfing around (while watching American Idol on DVR- just call me a multi-tasker) I was able to move up a level and have earned $2.  Now that I am at the "Bronze" level I will have greater opportunity to be invited to try products and participate in $ earning activities.  One of those opportunities is to apply to host an Old Navy Spring Accessories Party (watch for a separate post).  Are you a member of Crowdtap?  What are your thoughts?  We always love to hear "your2cents"!