personal finance in a coupon blog

As a kid I never thought I'd be jealous of everyone who got to go back to school at the end of August. Granted, it isn't the academic aspects I miss, but more so the free beer during Pre-Rush and the sight of shapely USC co-eds around campus. Alas! I'm now an "adult," and my attention has turned to adult concerns: in this case, earning my keep here at Savings.com by compiling your weekly round-up of Savings Stories, the "Dollar and Zens" edition:

For the most part, ads are usually something we fast forward through or use the programming interruption to grab a snack from the kitchen or check email. But a recent MediaPost News Brief about AdWeek's Induction of Hall of Famers reminds us that some commercials transcend the status of obnoxious obstacles and become must-see programming in and of themselves.

Two weeks from today the NFL regular season begins. But you already knew that, right? You've been getting ready by watching your favorite team's bench pretend to play during the preseason, reading up on how your team is expected to do, and getting your fantasy picks ready. You've just forgotten one thing: pimping your crib with everything you need for watching the real games. Well, it's not too late.

Here are some of the essentials you're going to need for when the season finally starts:

Recently a friend of mine asked me just what he would need to put together the ultimate home theater system for a reasonable price. Understanding that he didn't want to break the bank or take out a second mortgage on the house to create a great entertainment centerpiece, I gave him the basic essentials and a cool home theater system discount to get him started.

Here's the advice I gave him:

Mirror, Mirror on the wall: who's the fairest merchant of them all? FogDog Sports, that's who! Yes, indeed. This week we've decided to favor FogDog Sports as our Featured Store of the Week, and no wonder... These guys have been in the business of making customers happy for over 10 years and quite a few of the sports enthusiasts over here at Savings.com believe they've got it down to a science.

Mad Men is back with a third season of deception, adultery, cynicism, humor and fabulous fashion. The 1960s styles seen on the popular AMC drama have influenced designers, tastemakers and the frugal fashionable alike with Don and Betty fast becoming fashion icons.

Dying to dress like a Draper? Here's how to look drop-dead Draper for less.

I have always been a budget traveler. Ridiculously so. Why stay at a fancy pants Holiday Inn when there is a cheaper Holiday Inn Express just a few miles away? Why pay for hotel valet parking when you can find a street spot that's less than a twenty minute walk? A flight that arrives at 5AM with two stopovers? Yes, please! As long as it saves me a few bucks.

Because of this uber-frugal attitude, I never even considered staying at a Bed & Breakfast, thinking that small and boutique-y must equal snooty and overpriced. It turns out (and please make a note of this, as it is the first time it has ever happened...), I was wrong!

The office can be as bad as the classroom-- a place that harbors lots of germs that can spread easily even if just one person gets sick. Everyone knows if you feel good you are likely to be more productive. So it pays to take care of yourself.

Here are a few tips to help keep your energy up and to keep feelin' good.

It's that time again... Oh yes it is! It's time for the Top 10 Deals of the Week, kiddies, so buckle your budget belts and get ready to save!

Does it cost more or less to be a couple vs. being single? After all, if you're part of a couple, you'll be able to combine incomes. Which means you'll have more money coming in - especially if Mr. or Ms. Right is independently wealthy.

Let's assume your significant other is not a member of the Hilton family: how important is doubling your income?

No matter what your musical taste, there's no doubt that somewhere in the world there's a music festival planned that's right up your alley. Whether you're one of the thousands of people that descend upon Rhinelander, Wisconsin (my hometown) each summer to see Reba, Sugarland, and Neal McCoy at the Hodag Country Festival or you prefer the more rocking lineup of the Sunset Strip Music Festival, there's music being played for you. And if you're an indie music fan, there are more festival options than you know.

I can't believe August is almost over. Did the summer fly by for everyone else as well?

As we wend ever nearer to back-to-school, it puts me in mind of childhood days: allowances, penny candy, piggy banks...

Which inspired the theme of this listing of our favorite finance blog posts for the week: I give you finance blog round-up, the dollars and cents edition.