HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Frugal is going high tech! Whether it's coupons loaded on your cell phone or deals on Facebook and Twitter, all that money-saving information is now available in the palm of your hand.
Get rid of your scissors, because no coupon clipping is required. You'll need a computer and/or a cell phone to get wired in for all the sales, coupons and free stuff.
Coupon websites, social networking sites, Twitter, even texting -- Super Saver Erin Libranda says the real secret to saving money these days is at your finger tips.
"I will get a text message like, for instance, this weekend they are having 10 % off just for college students, so they texted me directly to my phone," Erin explained.
When it comes to stretching your dollar at the grocery store, Erin prefers the website Cellfire.com. She shows me how easy it is to upload coupons to my savings card. You can even do this on your cell phone.
Cellfire.com also highlights several deals from retailers. For example, we added a free Hollywood Video coupon and within seconds, it was uploaded on my cell phone. All I have to do is show my phone coupon to the cashier to get my free movie.
"If you have a regular phone without internet access, it's not going to work," Erin reminded.
If you're on Facebook or Twitter, there are even more ways to save. Erin says the key is to sign up as a fan of some of your favorite businesses. For example, if you become a fan of Pei Wei restaurants, you gain access to special offers. Right now the Asian diner is offering a free meal for fans who sign up. You'll get your free meal coupon in the mail. The Pei Wei Facebook fan site even suggests you send the offer to your other Facebook friends.
"That's the reason why the companies are doing this," Erin explained. "It doesn't cost them anything for this advertising and it spreads like wildfire."
If you're on Twitter, you can gain access to a wealth of savings and giveaways. Right now Kroger is holding a contest to give away six months of free ice cream. If you follow them on Twitter and tweet about the contest, you are entered for a chance to win.
You can also follow money savings sites like Brads Deals. That company posts great bargains on Twitter. For example, a pair of Oakley Sunglasses that normally sell for $175, are on sale for $70. Another great bargain recently posted on Brads Deals is a Dell mini notebook for $199 at Best Buy. It normally retails for $299.
Keep in mind you will have to download applications on to your cell phone to gain access to these sites. The applications are free.
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