Before you waste time and money on another trip to the store, check to see if there's something else than you can use in its place:

• Ingredient Substitutions

Name:

Pat from Massachusetts

Your Favorite Source for Bargains:

I check all the sale papers. I also check coupons online.

Your Best Money-Saving Tip:

Don't go into a store unless you need something. If you don't go in, you won't spend. It works for me.

The Worst Money-Saver You Ever Tried:

I saved all my product labels, boxes, etc. for refunding. It took up way too much space!

View the rest of Pat's profile

We're days away from Black Friday 2009. Have you mapped out where you're headed and what you hope to buy? We want to hear your deal-snatching game plan.

Keep Up with the Latest Deals on the FL Forum:

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Photo © Flickr user robholland

There are some good bargains and freebies out there this week. Here are several that you'll want to take advantage of:

• Cash in $40 in coins at a Coinstar machine; opt to have the money put on a gift card; and receive an additional $10 gift card by mail
• Buy any two Orville Redenbacher Gourmet Popping Corn or Poppycock products at Walgreens (in a single transaction), and get a free Redbox rental code on your receipt. Offer good November 22 through January 16
• The December issue of Country Living contains a $5 off $5 Hallmark coupon (It's in the subscriber's edition. I haven't verified if it's in the newstand edition). Be on the lookout for the same coupon in other magazines. Forum members are reporting that it's also in Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple and others
• Get $25 restaurant.com gift certificates for $3 and receive a free $15 gift code from ProFlowers when you use code THANKS. Good through November 26

Know of another great deal? Please tell us about it!

More Bargains

• Restaurants Offering Gift Card Bonuses
• Purchase Half-Price Restaurant Certificates from Radio Stations