I do love Target, but thankfully the three near me are all at least a 1/2 drive and I just wont make that drive just to go there. But, when I'm in the area it's like I'm drawn to go in! I stopped on Tues and just bought the things I went in for: a rubber bath mat, cortisone cream and I did get Johnson and Johnson Buddies face/hand foam soap on clearance: 2/$1.98, I just wish I had my coupons with me for that!

I know this thread is for reducing our dependence on Target, but I can't help sharing some good ideas. *I've found several good websites/chats where the members post good sale prices they've found. *It varies a lot by store, but if you're eyeing a big purchase, it's good to know if they'll go on clearance soon. *

http://www.schumanfamily.com/fatwallet/targetUPC.html * *- for listings of deals and clearance items
http://www.gottadeal.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14835&page=39 * - *for a chat forum full of tips

One good tip I got from the forum is that you can combine Target store coupons with manufacturer coupons! *Check with your local Target first to be sure, but the moderator of the forum got this in an email from the corporate office on their coupon policy.

Happy hunting! *

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Oh my goodness, I have been doing the same thing, that is so funny. Leaving CCs at home is a good idea, you can't make excuses to yourself for using them.

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* Let it not be said that no one cared, that no one objected once it's realized that our liberties and wealth are in jeopardy.

~Ron Paul

"If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy."
- James Madison

I don't think I can do it! I worked at Target for a year and a half. It was great getting employee discount and being the first to see what goes on clearance. That's what everyone should do, just work there for discounts and money to spend there!
I was in there yesterday and bought a patio set. Table, 4 chairs and umbrella on clearance for $90. I couldn't pass it up. We just put in our backyard and we are working on finishing our patio.
When I have every room in my house decorated I might stop shopping at Target, but I love their clearance end caps too much to quit cold turkey

That is so me!! I went way overboard on buying clearance baby clothes and toys when I was pregnant and now anytime my Mom needs a baby gift she comes and shops in my closet full of unused things!!

I walked into Target today, returned 2 items and walked right back out!!!!!!

I have done the SAME thing. I finally had a garage sale and got rid of most of my Target stash; stuff I was saving to give as gifts. It was extremely liberating getting that stuff out of my house. I'd recommend the same thing - it's giving off bad vibes because you obviously feel bad when you see it! I think I'm saving more by staying away from that store entirely and just going things as I need them rather than buying ahead.

Just stay away; you'll feel much better about yourself if you do!

It is a liberating feeling not to feel chained to Target. And I have to be honest with myself- how many emergency gifts do I need to keep stashed? Plus- fads change, you can't predict what kids will like or need, AND- the cost of shipping stuff just keeps going up and up. I mailed out three packages yesterday and it was nearly twenty bucks! It cost me more to mail the darn stuff than it did to buy it on clearance. From now on I'm going with gift certificates or having stuff shipped directly for free from a website. Much easier and cheaper- saves time, gas and money.

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them

oooo - I hate the shipping costs. I buy lots of neat things for my nieces throughout the year but then when I try to ship them I just can't believe the costs. This year I just bought them each a magazine subscription instead - got my money's worth and they can think of me all year long. My sister probably likes it better than the usual 'junky' stuff I buy on clearance anyway for them that cute but not real useful.

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Better to give your kids the values you have
than the valuables you can't afford.

Right on, Lou! There are tons of great things like subscriptions that you can give for under ten bucks- or heck, just give a ten dollar gift certificate. I used to think ten bucks wasn't much, but then I thought- heck, if someone gave me ten bucks, or even five, to spend at Barnes and Noble or Target or Bath and Body works, I would be so excited!

Just because something was $40 and I got it for ten doesn't mean that it is useful or that someone else will even like it.

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them