personal finance in a coupon blog

We have some amazing people in the Savings.com DealPro network. From the blogger that's a total thrift store fashionista, to the somewhat "extreme" couponer - there's one thing in common with all of our DealPros: they all care about others and want to give back in any way possible! 

As I was perusing the DealPro blog content this week as it relates to giving to Military families, my heart was extremely touched and I hope yours will be as well as you read these posts. 

We all like to save money, but we remain true to the fact that we all want to help others above all! Read on and be inspired.  Read More »

Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day!

I thought I was going to get waited on hand and foot, but boy was I wrong. In the morning, my husband had to go into work because one of the cooks was sick (no breakfast in bed :-(). And then, I was left with a huge mess from the night before, so I was cleaning for half of the day. Oh well, I look forward to next year's Mother's Day.

With Memorial Day and Graduation all taking place very soon, there are some really really incredible offers out there. If you haven't been able to take advantage of these deals, I've got 5 that you will appreciate: Read More »

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As we prepare to celebrate Armed Forces Day on May 18 and then Memorial Day, thinking about the sacrifices our soldiers, veterans, and their families make will surely be on our minds. These holidays are more than barbeques and days off of work, they're times to reflect on the little things we can do to show our appreciation for what it means to be a soldier, not only at these times but year around. There are many ways to honor a Veteran but here are a few that can be done quickly and on a budget.

1. Say Thank You. As simple as that sounds, it's probably is the most profound. Saying thank you to a service member in and out of uniform is always a noble thing to do. It lets them know that you care and appreciate what it is they have provided you: your continued security and freedom. Read More »

Saving money at the grocery store can seem like a huge task. You've gotta clip and organize coupons, plan out your trip and then hit the ground running at the store and the check-out counter. But it doesn't have to be too difficult to save at least 50% at the store. With these little-known tips, you're sure to save some money, and it won't take you a whole lot of prep time to do it!

1. Look for those "buy one get one free" deals. When something is on sale for buy one get one free, you're automatically saving 50% on your items. And at some stores, each item rings up half price, so you only have to buy one to get the discount! Read More »

As we plan our Memorial Day holiday, consider a few simple and inexpensive ways that you and your family can serve the military and their families. Taking a few minutes from a hectic schedule to show appreciation and kindness to someone serving our country will not only bless you, it will also pay tribute to those who have gone before us and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We could all use an extra dose of kindness and appreciation these days, wouldn't you agree?

Don't let perfection get in the way of progress. Jump in and try one or more of these suggestions or come up with your own plan!

Volunteering to place flags on grave sites

Growing up, my Dad brought me and my siblings along before Memorial Day to place flags on the graves of servicemen and women. We were instructed that this was a solemn task and no complaining was tolerated. I can remember hot days, cold days, rainy days and bug-infested days. It didn't matter to Dad. He would explain that our servicemen and women endured these conditions and much worse to keep us safe and free. It was a regular family project that left a deep impression on all of us. Contact your local American Legion or VFW organization to volunteer your time. Read More »

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Mother's Day is this Sunday and it isn't too late too find the perfect gift and not break the bank. Moms just want to feel appreciated and celebrated for all they do.

Moms love personalized gifts. One great idea is to head to your local craft store and get a stepping stone kit. Have the kids put in their handprints and add Happy Mother's Day and then the year. Most kits include some gems and other decorations too. This makes a great memento and will make any mom smile. This will help her remember a special Mother's Day each time she sees it. You could even make one every few years and make a little path. You will be amazed how fast those little handprints become big. Read More »

If you want mom's day a little extra special then you have to spoil her with breakfast-in-bed. Most moms are the first to get up and the last to eat. Amidst all the chaos, sometimes mommy just doesn't get enough time for herself.

For this Mother's Day, switch things up. Let her sleep in and wake up to the smell of her breakfast-in-bed. Clip a rose from the garden and place it next to her pillow. Treat her like the queen she is.

If you want to give her the best breakfast-in-bed, you must have these 7 things on the menu (you'll thank me for it): Read More »

Summertime is nearly upon us, and for most folks that means travel. Whether you're packing up the minivan for a cross-country road trip or hopping a flight to visit far-flung family, you'll want to throw a few key tech tools into your bag.

MyCharge Peak 6000
The last thing you need during a trip is for your phone or tablet to run out of juice. The MyCharge Peak 6000 is a portable power supply with built-in connectors for the most common gear—and a USB port for the less-common stuff.

The half-pound Peak packs enough mobile power to charge not only small devices like phones and Bluetooth headsets, but also larger tablets like the iPad. I've been using one for months, and it has quickly become my most indispensable travel accessory. Read my original review if you want to learn more.

The Peak 6000 lists for $99.99, but AT&T currently has it on sale for $69 shipped. Read More »

My kids are still young, so nothing is more special to me than when my son or daughter brings me a flower from the yard or colors me a special picture. Finding a free printable is a great way to get the younger kids involved with celebrating Mom for Mother's Day. 

If you're looking for some cool printables to get the kids involved in honoring Mom for Mother's Day, here's a list of freebies for ya, enjoy! Read More »

Last night we had a hoppin' Twitter party to celebrate all our awesome Moms in the #SavingsMom hash tag. I had the exciting job of handing out the prizes - man it's a tough job but someone's gotta do it, right? ;) But the most exciting thing for me? See what all of you Moms out there want for Mother's Day, or seeing what you plan to do to honor the Mom in your life!

1. Mom wants you to get a deal. 

Sure Moms want to be spoiled, and they want something nice, but they also want you to be frugal about it! Need some ideas? Check out these budget-friendly gift ideas.  Read More »