http://www.savings.com/blog/blog.html Visit Savings.com for great deals and and advice on how to make your money go further. http://www.savings.com//blog/post/25-Finance-Blog-Roundup.html <p>While <a href="http://www.savings.com/blog/user/stella.louise.html">Stella</a> usually indulges my laziness by combing through the financial blogs and picking out our weekly roundup on her own, I thought I'd try something new this week and scrounge around for them myself. The result of this was lots of sports-related stories!</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://consumerist.com">Consumerist</a>: <a target="_blank" href="http://consumerist.com/5406899/dear-god-comcast-to-consider-partnering-with-ticketmaster">Comcast to Consider Partnering with Ticketmaster</a> - Nothing encompasses customers' feelings about cable provider Comcast quite like the multitude of definitions for "comcastic" at Urban Dictionary (<em>they're not pretty, viewer discretion advised</em>). When news broke on Tuesday that Comcast was looking to merge with totalitarian monolith Ticketmaster/Live Nation--whose merger is already under anti-trust investigation--a fearful nation prayed for its safety. Fortunately, that story was debunked the next day. Such a mega-merger probably would have meant an even bigger hole in your wallet for daring to attend a concert or sporting event.<br><br><a href="http://deadspin.com">Deadspin</a>: <a target="_blank" href="http://deadspin.com/5408291/sports-cards-can-still-make-you-rich-pathetic">Sports Cards Can Still Make You Rich, Pathetic</a> - One of two remaining Michael Jordan rookie cards in "pristine" condition just sold for $200,000. I was a voracious collector of late 1990s baseball cards in my childhood; the giant padlocked plastic box under my bed, brimming with rare die-cut treasures of steroid-era superstars, used to be my ticket to early retirement. Then, a few years ago, I picked up a copy of Beckett magazine, the card hoarder's bible, and found out that my collection had lost about half its value. Hooray for overproduction!<br><br><a target="_blank" href="http://online.wsj.com">The Wall Street Journal</a>: <a target="_blank" href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125841596683951351.html">Pontiac Silverdome Sold to Canadian Buyer</a> - Who knew you could buy your own domed stadium for half a million bones? Everyone likes to bag on these cookie-cutter relics of the 1970s for being boring eyesores, but they had infinitely more character than any of the billion-dollar corporate beer gardens most American sports franchises play in today. Each one had its quirks and its glaring flaws (<em>remember when concrete tiles started falling from the ceiling of the Kingdome in Seattle?</em>), but they remind us of a time when people went to games to actually watch the game, not to eat a $17 gourmet burger and drink a $12 microbrew in the comfort of a swanky restaurant on the club level.<br><br><a target="_blank" href="http://gizmodo.com">Gizmodo</a>: <a target="_blank" href="http://gizmodo.com/5407378/baseball-king-balls-throw-the-curveball-for-you">Baseball King Balls Throw Curveball for You</a> - If it weren't for the $25 shipping from Japan, and the fact that I'm over a decade past my Little League days, one of these magical baseballs would definitely be on my Christmas list. They're a little too conspicuous to sneak into an actual game, but I'm sure they're working on a stealthier model. Other incredible gadgets available from the Japan Trend Shop: <a href="http://www.japantrendshop.com/usb-air-conditioned-shirt-kuchofuku-p-51.html">a USB air-conditioned shirt</a>, <a href="http://www.japantrendshop.com/gragraph-home-earthquake-seismograph-p-176.html">a digital home seismograph</a>, <a href="http://www.japantrendshop.com/qsteer-mario-kart-wii-racing-set-p-509.html">a remote-control Mario Kart Wii racing set</a>, and <em>le pièce de résistance</em>, <a href="http://www.japantrendshop.com/asahi-beerbot-beer-pouring-robot-p-130.html">the world-famous Asahi Beerbot beer-pouring robot</a>. Watch the demonstration video of the latter...I think I'm in love.<br><br><a target="_blank" href="http://gizmodo.com/">Gizmodo</a>: <a target="_blank" href="http://gizmodo.com/5408494/giz-explains-the-difference-between-a-600-tv-and-a-6000-tv">The Difference Between $600 and $6,000 TVs</a> - While I was at Gizmodo, I figured I should include an article that was actually practical for a lot of you tech shoppers out there, myself included: an in-depth explanation of the differences between discount and high-end HDTVs. Learn about screen size pricing "sweet spots," CCFL vs. LED backlighting, hertz refresh-rates, and gimmicks you'll see become fixtures of future machines. As soon as I see a name-brand 46" 120Hz 1080p LCD model drop below $800, I'm pouncing. Make sure you become a fan of our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BlackFridaySavings">Black Friday Savings</a> page on Facebook for updates on killer HDTV deals!<br><br><a target="_blank" href="http://lifehacker.com">LifeHacker</a>: <a target="_blank" href="http://lifehacker.com/5404375/increase-the-quality-of-cheap-vodka-with-a-water-filter">Increase the Quality of Cheap Vodka with a Water Filter</a> - I thought I'd throw in a wild card on a topic that is near and dear to my heart: vodka filtering. Throughout my college years, I wondered if the legend was true:&nbsp; Could running a handle of Prestige (<em>the bottom-shelf brand of choice for USC students, $10 at our local Ralphs</em>) through a Brita filter half a dozen times really leave me with my very own supply of homemade Grey Goose? The short answer is no.&nbsp; MythBusters busted that myth, but expert tasters agree that while you may not be able to refine your own premium stuff, the process definitely upgrades you to a Skyy or Stoli-quality vodka.&nbsp; &#1079;&#1076;&#1086;&#1088;&#1086;&#1074;&#1100;&#1077;! (<em>To health!</em>)<br><br>I hope you've enjoyed my selection of stories this week. If you know of any other spectacular must-have Japanese gadgets, please share them with us in the comments. And if anyone's interested in purchasing a mint assortment of extremely devalued Mark McGwire cards, you know where to find me.<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/25-Finance-Blog-Roundup.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:36:22 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/25-Finance-Blog-Roundup.html derek70x7 2009-11-20T23:36:22Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Christmas-Specials.html <p>Although we're one week away from <a href="http://www.savings.com/c-Black-Friday-coupons.html">Black Friday</a> and the "official" kick-off of the Holiday season, for many of us it's not really Christmas until we watch our favorite holiday movie or TV special.&nbsp; Over at TVCrunch, they've got a pretty comprehensive <a target="_blank" href="http://tv.popcrunch.com/2009-christmas-tv-specials-and-movies-schedule/">schedule of Holiday specials</a>, so you can make sure you don't miss out on a beloved Christmas story.<br><br>I've listed a few of my best-loved programs.&nbsp; See if yours is among them:</p> <p><br>1. <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HEWEJO?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=savingscom03-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000HEWEJO">It's a Wonderful Life</a></strong> - Not only does this movie top my Holiday list, but I count it among one of my picks for best movie ever made.&nbsp; Is it possible NOT to well up with tears when Harry Bailey toasts his brother George at the end of the film, calling him "<em>The richest man in town</em>"?&nbsp; I think not.<br><br>2. <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JUFPUE?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=savingscom03-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002JUFPUE">How the Grinch Stole Christmas</a></strong> - I'm speaking of course of the original Boris Karloff-narrated version in which the spirit of Christmas triumphs over the manipulative machinations of the Grinch and his trusty sidekick, Max.&nbsp; Although I'm a sucker for a happy ending, it's the lyrical prose of Dr. Seuss that wins me over, especially in his ode to the title character:&nbsp; <blockquoute><em><br></em></blockquoute><blockquote><blockquoute><em>You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch</em></blockquoute><br><blockquoute><em> You're a nasty, wasty skunk.&nbsp; </em></blockquoute><br><blockquoute><em>Your heart is full of unwashed socks.</em></blockquoute><br><blockquoute><em>Your soul is full of gunk.</em></blockquoute><br><blockquoute><em> Mr. Grinch.</em></blockquoute><br></blockquote>3. <strong>A Christmas Carol</strong> - Dickens' classic ghost story has been made and remade dozens of times so compelling is the tale of a crotchety miser being redeemed through the visitations of three spirits.&nbsp; Ebenezer Scrooge has been played by a diverse showing of actors ranging from Henry Winkler and Bill Murray to George C. Scott and Walter Matthau.&nbsp; My favorite versions are the Oscar-winning animated version with Alastair Sim voicing old Ebenezer (he also played the role in an early live-action version) and the musical version called "<strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AQS5D?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=savingscom03-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0000AQS5D">Scrooge</a></strong>" starring Albert Finney.<br><br>4<strong>. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CO42J8?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=savingscom03-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001CO42J8">A Charlie Brown Christmas</a></strong> - Okay, I'm not much of a fan of the Peanuts Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter, Valentines Day or New Years specials, but Vince Guaraldi's jazzy score and the Peanuts gang singing "Hark the Herald Angel Sing" at the end of this time-honored classic always helps me on my own personal quest for the meaning of the season.<br><br>Which holiday special signals the start of the season for you?&nbsp; Take our poll and let us know!&nbsp; Or if your favorite isn't listed, post it in the comments below.<br><br><br><embed sap-type="flash" sap-mode="checked" sap="flash" allowscriptaccess="never" saveembedtags="true" quality="high" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="beta3" salign="tl" scale="autoscale" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" flashvars="p=2281645" src="http://i.polldaddy.com/poll.swf" height="500" width="252"><br><noscript><br><a href="http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/2281645/">What's Your Favorite Holiday Special?</a><span style="font-size:9px;">(<a href="http://answers.polldaddy.com">opinion</a>)</span><br></noscript></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Christmas-Specials.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:14:30 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Christmas-Specials.html stella.louise 2009-11-20T19:14:30Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/HP-Black-Friday-Deals.html <p><strong>Exclusive Preview of HP Thanksgiving Savings Event - Begins 11/22!</strong><br><br>It used to be that you had to wait until Black Friday to find out what all the <a href="http://www.savings.com/c-Black-Friday-coupons.html">Black Friday deals</a> were gonna be.&nbsp; But with <a href="http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Black-Friday-Deals.html">all of November</a> becoming the new Black Friday, deals are happening earlier and more frequently or are being leaked to ramped up anticipation.<br><br>At Savings.com, we're getting our ducks in a row for next Friday as well as the following <a href="http://www.savings.com/c-Cyber-Monday-coupons.html">Cyber Monday</a> and we're starting things off with a little leak of our own:</p> <p>Not only do we have an <a>HP Laptop Giveaway</a>, but HP is also providing us with some exclusive Black Friday deals.&nbsp; Make sure to check our <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Hewlett-Packard-coupons.html">HP coupons</a> page starting this Sunday for some great HP deals!<br><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1651317-10438829"><img alt="Exclusive HP Black Friday Deals" title="Exclusive HP Black Friday Deals" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2804/4120882148_ef8084b6c0_o.jpg"></a><br><a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Hewlett-Packard-coupons.html"></a></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/HP-Black-Friday-Deals.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:10:54 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/HP-Black-Friday-Deals.html jacobshin 2009-11-20T21:10:54Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/2-How-to-Use-Coupons.html <div id="post_message_1227">In order to be a fantastic coupon shopper, you will need a few tips to help you get the best savings you can.<ul><li>When an item is on sale for Buy 1 Get 1 Free, it is actually very common for you to be able to use two coupons. One for each item which makes for a much greater savings! Be sure to check with your local store for their policy on this because, as always, each store is different. This is the best deal at a store that rings up two items are half price instead of one item full price and one item free.</li></ul><ul><li>If you have a coupon that says "off any size," the smartest thing to do is purchase the smallest size item. Most travel size items are $1.00 or less so this is a great place to stock up on items you use all the time like deodorant. For a long time there were baby wipes coupons out for $.50/1 that did not specify a size. A few years ago the travel packs were $1.</li></ul><ul><li>If the have your coupons in hand and you walk up to the shelf and SURPRISE, the shelf is wiped clean, do the smart thing:&nbsp; GET A RAIN CHECK! Make sure you check the policy on your stores policy for this. Some expire in 30 days and some never expire. If your coupons expire that day see my next tip...</li></ul><ul><li>If you go to the store to use your coupons on the day they expire and you find that they are sold out, take your coupons to Customer Service with you when your getting that Rain Check and ask for the manager. SOMETIMES the manager will initial your coupon for you to you at a later date with your RC when the item is in stock again. I have been successful with this on many occasions but again, this is not guaranteed. It will depend on your manager but it?s worth trying!</li></ul><ul><li>Last, make sure you always look to see if there is a <em><a title="Rebates" target="_blank" href="http://www.delightfulchaos.com/category/rebates/" rel="nofollow">rebate</a></em> you can use on top of your savings!</li></ul></div> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/2-How-to-Use-Coupons.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:34:09 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/2-How-to-Use-Coupons.html Delightful_Toni 2009-11-20T17:34:09Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Thanksgiving-Stress-Relief.html <p>Thanksgiving is a very special time of the year. For some, it's the only time they get to spend with distant relatives and extended family. That can get pretty stressful if you're the one hosting Thanksgiving.</p> <p>Here are some easy ways to help relieve that stress:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Yoga is good for you for many reasons. Besides giving you better flexibility, helping you lose weight (<i>and everyone knows Thanksgiving is a time where you gain a few pounds</i>), and making your breathing more efficient, it helps in relaxation. It also improves sleep so doing some the night before will help you wake up ready to take on those relatives. Since we're here to try to save you some money, here is a free <a href= "http://www.yogajournal.com/podcast/">yoga podcast</a> that fellow DealPro <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/user/MBones.html">Annie</a> was kind enough to show me.</p> </li> <li> <p>For those of you football fans out there, you can always watch the Giants and the Broncos (<i>it's gonna be a good game!</i>). It can be a decent conversation starter with relatives you haven't seen in a while, or it can serve as a way to ditch unwanted relatives (<i>I've escaped countless awkward/unwanted conversations using this method</i>).</p> </li> <li> <p>While this isn't sports or fitness related, it'll save you a lot of stress and time: prepare everything you can ahead of time. Waiting until the last day to do all of your shopping is just going to frustrate you with long lines and getting the worst of the lot when you pick your turkey. Get everything ahead of time and you'll save yourself time and stress when it comes time to do all of your cooking.</p> </li> </ul> <p>If you follow these simple steps, your Thanksgiving is bound to less stressful and more enjoyable. All of these steps are easy and, best of all, free.</p> <p>Have any holiday stress reducing tips to share? Let us know in the comments. And for the latest on gaming and video game deals, follow me on Twitter <a href= "http://www.twitter.com/YasarSavings">@YasarSavings</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Thanksgiving-Stress-Relief.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:19:40 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Thanksgiving-Stress-Relief.html Yasarh 2009-11-19T19:19:40Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Charitable-Gift-Ideas.html <p>Giving has always been in my nature. It was something I was taught growing up and it is something I teach to my children as well. We eagerly anticipate the Salvation Army Christmas Tree at my house and my son carefully chooses that boy or girl we are going to help that year. I put extra coins in my pocket during the holidays for those red buckets we are sure to walk by when going to the grocery store. </p> <p></p> <p>Well, this year I am taking it a step farther and buying some of my family members charitable gifts. Santa will still be visiting our house with the video games and the hottest toys of '09, but the ritual of buying my brother a cool pair of boxers every year is getting old. I think he would much rather me buy him a goat in his name than buy one more pair of Spongebob boxers! Especially since he is 28 and newly engaged!!</p> <p></p> <p>So, here are a few of my favorites and the ones I will be purchasing for my family this year!<br></br><br></br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gifts-that-keep-giving-Profits/lm/R2BJGOCF9E5ZNF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a> has special gifts where part of the proceeds go to charity. My favorite is the FEED bag. Buying one World Food Programme FEED bag feeds a child in school for one school year.</p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/index.do" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">St. Jude</a> has a 2009 Holiday Hope Gift Book where you can purchase items and 100% of the proceeds benefit the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I especially love the Patient Art Night Light for $10.</p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://www.unicefusa.org/shop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unicef</a>, which fights for children's survival, has so many ways to give. You can purchase gifts such as the Indian Beaded Ornaments that I love, as well as inspired gifts such as a measles vaccination for a child.<p></p> Purchasing gifts from the <a href="http://www.operationsmile.org/holiday-gift-catalog-2009/home.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Operation Smile gift catalog</a> helps provide free reconstructive surgeries that can change a child's life forever and give them that beautiful smile they deserve! They also have a promotion where if you make at least a $50 contribution, you get a Free Hasboro Potato Head toy.</p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://www.lushusa.com/shop/charity-pot/map/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lush.com</a> gives 100% of the retail price of their Charity Pot hand and body cream to worthwhile causes such as a Homeless Garden Project.</p> <p></p> <p>Do you have an animal lover to buy for? Think about purchasing them something from <a href="http://shop.theanimalrescuesite.com/store/site.do?siteId=310" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">theanimalrescuesite.com</a>. Every purchase you make funds food and care for rescued animals.</p> <p></p> <p>And finally we've come to the goat. <a href="http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.204586/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heifer.org</a> lets you choose a meaningful gift to give a loved one and help children and families around the world receive training and animal gifts that help them become self-reliant.</p> <p></p> <p>Happy Giving Everyone!</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Charitable-Gift-Ideas.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:40:22 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Charitable-Gift-Ideas.html coupondealsandsteals 2009-11-18T05:40:22Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/2-Top-Electronics-Gifts.html <p>Last week I posted part one of the <a href="http://www.savings.com/blog/post/1-Top-Electronics-Gifts.html">Top Ten Electronics Gifts for 2009</a> covering my picks for numbers ten through six. And now we have, live and in color, without further ado: THE TOP FIVE.</p> <p>Pause for applause.</p> <p>Cue Queen's "We Are The Champions." Thank you, thank you. Okay, enough with the second stage comedy, let's dive right in.</p> <p>Kicking things off this week in the number five spot:</p> <p>5) <strong>Green Technology Gear</strong> - It seems everyone is hopping on the carbon footprint erasing bandwagon. One of the biggest tech buys this year will be anything promoting power reduction and saving the world from our own wasteful ways. A really cool gadget from Arizona-based iGo is the iGo Green laptop charger. It purports to significantly cut down on unused standby power. 85% is the number quoted by most hands-on reviews. It comes with a USB cable and works fluidly with Bluetooth devices, mobile phones, portable gaming systems and MP3 players. Best of all, they look pretty sweet too. So scoop one up for about $99.99 and save the world. Well, at least until 2012 comes and the reset button is hit.</p> <p>4) <strong>Touchscreen Laptops</strong> - Less environmentally-conscious and deep than going green, will be the New Year's trend of no longer freaking out about fingerprints on the computer screen. The big daddy models in this sphere offer multi-touch functionality and intuitive compatibility with Windows 7. (<em>more on that later...</em>) Some must haves for the season are the Acer Aspire AS5738PG, which is affordably priced at $799.99. Tablet designed touchscreens also make the experience more fluid. To learn a bit more, check out Rob Enderle's post at <a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-windows-7-laptops-desktops-and-diy-home-or-business-pcs/" target="_blank">Digital Trends</a> where he breaks down some of the best touchscreens on the market today.</p> <p>3) <strong>Budget GPS Systems</strong> - The use of traditional maps is fading away faster than Bret Michael's hairline. So you five guys out there still folding and unfolding with your hazard lights blinking on the side of the road, it's time to let go of the past. Wave hello to the 21st Century! GPS systems have been steadily growing in popularity for the past few years now. Budget systems like Tom Tom ONE will cost you no more than $200. If you are really feeling the crunch of an ever shrinking budget, then older models offering similar functionality can be had for about $100 or less without a significant drop in power.</p> <p>2) <strong>Droids, Droids, Droids</strong> (<em>see pic above</em>) - Google Android powered smartphones are coming to take over the world. Sara Conner was right and there is nothing we can do to stop the machines. So the best thing is to reach out and embrace the multi-touch functionality of the highly sought-after Motorola Droid from Verizon Wireless. Boasting a 3.7 inch LCD touchscreen, often seen lit up by an ominous cyclopean red eye, the Motorola Droid uses Google Android 2.0 operating system. Bells and whistles include bluetooth wireless, stereo streaming, a 5 megapixel camera and a 480p camcorder, as well as a horizontal keyboard, MP3 player, voice-controlled Google maps navigation, and a messaging platform that supports, video, picture, text, IM, and e-mail. I hear the iPhone is scared and wants to call Mommy.</p> <p>And the number one best tech buy of Holiday Season 2009 will be:</p> <p>1) <strong>Windows 7</strong>. Initial reviews show it not to be the buggy hatefest-generating disaster that marked past iterations of Windows. You've seen the ads on TV and you're no doubt among the many eagerly looking forward to the chance to upgrade. Windows 7 is being hailed as having an incredible user-interface, great touchscreen functionality, an innovative taskbar, and broad hardware compatibility. Windows 7 is the big bad OS beast in the room stomping out all of the ugly memories associated with the epic disappointment that was Vista. As a result of the good word of mouth from early adopters, many sites are also offering holiday packages to entice users to buy now instead of waiting later.</p> <p>So that's my list. Keep an eye out for <a href="http://www.savings.com/c-Black-Friday-coupons.html">Black Friday sales</a> and <a href="http://www.savings.com/c-Cyber-Monday-coupons.html">Cyber Monday deals</a> to get the best price on these hot products. And remember--it's still a gift if you buy it for yourself.</p> <p>What gadgets, gear, or various techy doo-dads are at the top of your North Pole bound letters? Bring them to the comments and share it with the blogosphere. I'll see you all right back here next week and on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/SavingsGCapes">@SavingsGCapes</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/2-Top-Electronics-Gifts.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:00:42 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/2-Top-Electronics-Gifts.html GCapes 2009-11-19T18:00:42Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Holiday-Party-Wear.html <p>The Holidays are approaching and that means you no doubt have a few eggnog laden nights in your future. It's the time of year where you'll be hopping from party to party, trimming trees, giving thanks, collecting gelt, or just being merry with friends. But with all the expenses of gift giving and travel, who wants to add a Holiday party wardrobe to your list of expenses?</p> <p>Not you, Savvy Saver!</p> <p>With just a few simple accessories, you can wear the same basic dress to any occasion. Save money and time--and look great doing it.</p> <p><strong>The Bones</strong></p> <p>Somewhere in the recesses of your closet, I know there's a cute little dress (<i>hopefully in black or navy blue</i>) just waiting for its big chance to hit the town. It's strappy, it hits just above the knee, and it's perfect for the Holiday season. Hopefully it's also in a nice, festive textile, but even a jersey or cotton will do, so long as it's flattering and you feel great in it.</p> <p>So that's where you start, with a great anchor for a Holiday party wardrobe. For party number one, sport your dress, some simple stud earrings, and your go-to shoes.</p> <p>But surely, you social Butterfly, there's more than one engagement on your calendar this Holiday season. So, what next?</p> <p><strong>Belt It</strong></p> <p>Give that shift a new silhouette with a simple belt. Make it splashy for some party fun: a sequin belt, something metallic, or patent leather will do the trick. Anne Klein makes a classic <a href= "http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-1651317-10669104?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anneklein.com%2FPatent-Covered-Buckle%2F884585039705%2Cdefault%2Cpd.html%26ep_tag%3DAKbase&amp;cjsku=884585039705" target="_top">Patent Covered Buckle</a> belt and you can ake it even more affordable with one of our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Anne-Klein-coupons.html">Anne Klein coupons</a>, of course. Pair it with some hot to trot heels, like these <a href= "http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1651317-10457058?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpiperlime.gap.com%2Fbrowse%2Fproduct.do%3Fpid%3D703765002%26tid%3DPLAF1%26ap%3D2%26siteID%3D%25zp&amp;cjsku=703765002" target="_top">Milan pumps in Deep Sea</a> by nude footwear. Use a <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Piperlime-coupons.html">Piperlime coupon</a> and you'll be ready for some Winter Wonder at your next cocktail party.</p> <p><strong>Warm It</strong></p> <p>Hoping to look more cozy than showy? Throw an <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-American-Apparel-coupons.html">American Apparel</a> turtleneck underneath that dress, add some leggings and boots from <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-DSW-coupons.html">DSW</a>, and in a snap you look ready to curl up with a cocoa and some nice conversation at your intimate Thanksgiving potluck.</p> <p><strong>Retro-Fit It</strong></p> <p>Invited to an old-fashioned Holiday shindig? Make the look of your trusty dress old school with a few vintage inspired pieces. A beaded cardigan and a pair of peep toe pumps gives you the Holiday kitsch factor you're looking for. Charlotte Russe has some great deals on cardigans; check out our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Charlotte-Russe-coupons.html">Charlotte Russe coupons</a> before you buy. And <a href= "http://www.savings.com/b-Seychelles-coupons.html">Seychelles</a> look like a retro throwback, but feel like the comfiest pair of heels you'll ever wear.</p> <p><strong>Upgrade It</strong></p> <p>When New Year's Eve rolls around, you don't need a New Year's dress--a simple broach and a scarf can make your old stand-by dress look 2010 ready. Pick luxe fabrics like velvet and satin for your scarf, and find a broach that's lacquered for a little shine. Check out the offerings at Mod Cloth and check out our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-ModCloth-coupons.html">Modcloth coupon codes</a> as well.</p> <p>With these simple tricks, you can save the stress of Holiday dressing for your turkey and tree. It's easy to look winter wondrous and it doesn't have to cost a fortune. And the pieces you buy can adapt for life after winter.</p> <p>For more great style tips, check out Teen Vogue for <a href= "http://www.teenvogue.com/style/market/feature/2009/10/winter-coats">Fall's Best Cheap and Chic Statement Coats</a> and <a href= "http://www.teenvogue.com/style/market/checklist/2009/10/three-key-fashion-pieces">How to Style Three Key Fall Pieces Three Different Ways</a>. And don't forget to follow me on Twitter <a href= "http://www.twitter.com/SavingsMBones">@SavingsMBones</a> for great Beauty deals this Holiday Season and all year long.</p> <p>Happy Holidays !</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Holiday-Party-Wear.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:14:31 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Holiday-Party-Wear.html MBones 2009-11-18T18:14:31Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/I-See-Me.html <p>Way back in 1998 (<i>How did that happen so fast?</i>) a small child got a personalized storybook all his own. Sure it was cute to have his name featured in the story, but his parents immediately thought, "<i>We can totally do better...</i>"</p> <p>Which brings us to our Featured Store: <a href= "http://www.iseeme.com">I See Me</a>.</p> <p>This week's <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/category/Featured-Merchant.html">Featured Store</a> was founded in 2000 with a mission to create personalized storybooks for children with high-quality illustrations and truly personalized stories--not just the 'your-name-here' kind. Goodness knows kids will get enough of dream standardization as they get older.</p> <p>With I See Me, kids can even illustrate their own books and enter the world of adulthood with heads held high and a book of their published drawings from age 3. If you're not-so-secretly harboring the next Picasso or Monet, then definitely consider featuring your child's accomplishments in their very own I See Me adventure. It's never too soon to go on your first ego trip!</p> <p>Of course, we here at <a href= "http://www.savings.com">Savings.com</a> know these little trips can get expensive (Oh, you know what we mean...) so we've plucked a few of our awesome <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-iseeme.com-coupons.html">I See Me coupons</a> from the deck to help send you and your loved ones off on a personalized adventure at just a fraction of the original cost.</p> <p>If only life could always be so simple!</p> <p><strong>Exclusive</strong>:</p> <p><a href="http://www.savings.com/detail/325087-coupon.html">Save $10 off Your Order of $50 or More</a> (exp 11/26)</p> <p><strong>Other Great Deals</strong>:</p> <p><a href="http://www.savings.com/detail/204394-coupon.html">Free Standard Shipping</a> (ongoing)</p> <p><a href="http://www.savings.com/detail/342982-coupon.html">Free Author Signing of "A Christmas Bear for Me"</a> (exp 11/25)</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/I-See-Me.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:35:18 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/I-See-Me.html Heather 2009-11-18T19:35:18Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Green-Thanksgiving.html <p>The big T-day is almost here, and if you're looking to make your family feast a little more green, look no further. Follow these tips and you'll be celebrating the day, and respecting the environment.</p> <ol> <li> <p><strong>The Elephant, Er, The Bird in the Room</strong> - There is no doubt that one of the most harmful environmental factors about your meal is consuming the bird. Global warming. Wasted land. Deforestation. Air pollution. These are all side effects of eating meat. To read more, check out <a href= "http://www.goveg.com/environment.asp" target= "_blank">GoVeg.com</a>. We understand it might be a lot to ask to give up the centerpiece of the family gathering, but you can consider your turkeys origins. A free-range organic turkey is not only a healthier choice for you, but also for mother earth. <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Williams-Sonoma-coupons.html">Williams-Sonoma</a> and Whole Foods both offer free range options. And <a href= "http://www.reallynatural.com/archives/food/where_to_buy_organic_freerange.php" target="_blank">Really Natural</a> is a good place to start researching free range options.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Organic Side Dishes to the Rescue</strong> - Make an effort to buy organic side dishes for your feast via the farmer's market, or try online organic shopping. Remember to research organic coupons before you buy. Savings.com has deals for organic outlets such as our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Mighty-Leaf-Tea-coupons.html">Mighty Leaf coupons</a> and <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-MotherNature-coupons.html">Mother Nature coupons</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Don't Toss Out Leftovers</strong> - A turkey sandwich from leftover turkey undoubtedly goes great with weekend football games, but try not to let any of your leftovers go to waste. Think of the many families struggling to feed themselves every in these tough times. If you cooked too much, have some friends over to help you polish off your delicious dishes so you don't end up tossing them in the trash.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Decorations that Love the Environment</strong> - Recycle decorations from last year. Go to the back yard to find items for a fall centerpiece. Real pine cones not only look and smell better than plastic ones, but they're environmentally friendly also.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Plant a Tree</strong> - Fall weather is an excellent time for many shrubs and trees to flourish. Start a new family tradition and plant a tree on thanksgiving, and watch it grow together through the years.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Off-Set Your Carbon Travel Footprint</strong> - Many of us may be traveling long distances to get home for Thanksgiving. Consider buying a carbon credit to off-set your carbon travel emissions. You can check with your local utility company on their carbon credit program. <a href= "http://www.ecobusinesslinks.com/carbon_offset_wind_credits_carbon_reduction.htm" target="_blank">Eco Business Links</a> provides a survey and suggestions on where to purchase your carbon credits.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Donate Your Cooking Oil</strong> - When you cook up a storm for your family feast you will likely have lots of cooking oil left over. Throwing away cooking oil not only pollutes our waterways, but also disposes of usable biofuel. Many communities are starting local collection programs to provide raw materials to biodiesel plants. If you can't find a donation program near you, check-in with a few local restaurants as many programs have been set-up for the restaurant industry. That turkey oil may just fuel your own car one day.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Organize a Carpool</strong> - Get the kids home all together. If guests live near enough to drive, get them all in the same car. If the drive is long, hey, family time starts early!</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Try the 100 Mile Challenge</strong> - The Daily Green challenged readers to preparing Thanksgiving menus only with foods within a 100 mile radius of home. They've posted full on meal plans for Albany, Seattle, Kansas, Flagstaff, and Montgomery <a href= "http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/100-mile-thanksgivings" target="_blank">on their site.</a></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Wrap it Up, Just Not in Plastic</strong> - Make sure you wrap up those leftovers in reusable containers, and make sure you avoid plastic wrap. Try tin foil and ceramic instead.</p> </li> </ol> <p>Got any tips for a greener holiday? Let us know in the comments below. Also, check out our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/deallist/Weekly-Greens-for-November-16th-November-22nd.html">weekly green deals list</a> and follow me on Twitter <a href= "http://www.twitter.com/CoupieSavings">@CoupieSavings</a> for great fashion news and deals.</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Green-Thanksgiving.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:11:52 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Green-Thanksgiving.html coupiedoll 2009-11-18T17:11:52Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/HandM-Jimmy-Choos.html <p>H&amp;M the fabulous retail chain that has made huge strides in making high fashion democratic by mass manufacturing fashion forward pieces (<i>inspired by the runways of Milan and Paris as well as the looks from major fashion houses</i>) at low prices. They took it a step further when they started to collaborate with said fashion house designers and making diffusion lines that are palatable and affordable to those of us who don't net seven figures a year. </p> <p></p> <p>Their latest collaboration is a brilliant marriage with the prestigious shoe line Jimmy Choo. The outcome is a cheap but very chic line of accessories (<i>shoes, belts and bags</i>) as well as their first foray into clothing (<i>both men's and women's wear!</i>). Why buy the real thing when you can get...well, the real thing for SO MUCH LESS? Make sure you are sitting because nothing in the line is over $300. For us stylistas/frugalistas this is cause to shed a fashion tear of joy. They have been in stores since November 14th, so make sure to get there before they are just a distant discount memory.</p> <p></p> <p><i>**Warning: I just went to the launch party earlier this month and all of the Angelenos in attendance were eye-ing the merch lustfully so not sure how long it will last!</i></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/HandM-Jimmy-Choos.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:03:27 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/HandM-Jimmy-Choos.html jenandbrowe 2009-11-18T00:03:27Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Digital-Photo-Services.html <p>If you are involved at all with any social networking sites, it's probably a safe bet to assume that you have at least a few pictures of yourself up and maybe those of some close friends as well. Even if you are a novice participant in those arenas, you probably have a blog or at least a cool image that you have set as an avatar that you share with others on your IM program of choice.</p> <p>As more and more people open up large segments of their lives to the ever-expanding online global community, the popularity of websites dedicated solely to photo sharing continues to grow. Sites like Photobucket have been used for years as huge image repositories for blogs and websites.</p> <p>These types of sites have led to the birth of massive photo sharing hubs such as Shutterfly, Kodak EasyShare, Snapfish, Flickr, and SeeHere, just to name a few.</p> <p>Now you may know the names, but you might be sitting there scratching your head because the only experience you have with actually sharing photos is analog, not digital. Meaning, you snap the photo, get the prints, and hand them out in cards or in person when sitting around with a group. With photo sharing sites, the digital age has made it possible for the photo to actually be the card...or the t-shirt...or the paperless album...and to travel from person-to-person with a simple click of the mouse.</p> <p>So, how does digital photo sharing actually work? Basically it brings the old family stand-by of gathering around the photo album and exchanging laughs, smiles, a few tears, but mostly warm memories in the company of those you love to the digital universe. Family time essentially goes 21st century. For little to no cost, you can join a site to backup any and all photos you have via transfer from a digital camera, scanner or other USB photo-sharing device. You can build photo albums and even transfer your most precious images onto cups, shirts, or posters. These can become unique gifts that are way cooler than just handing Dad that extra set of graduation prints you don't need. For a small fee, some sites even offer the ability to create a customized album so that family and friends can purchase as many photos from a particular album or as many gifts with your lovable image plastered on them as they want.</p> <p><a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Shutterfly.com-coupons.html">Shutterfly</a>, for example also offers free, unlimited full-resolution picture storage. A free personalized website package comes with the service and they throw in 50 free 4x6 prints with your initial sign-up. Most of these sites also have great shipping deals for any prints, cards, or other custom items you might want to create.</p> <p><a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Snapfish-coupons.html">Snapfish</a>, according to most sources, has the best price at $.09 for professional-quality prints. They also offer talking photo cards and 50 free prints for new customers.</p> <p><a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Kodak-EasyShare-Gallery-coupons.html">Kodak EasyShare</a> has an option that lets you send rolls of film. They have also partnered with Martha Stewart to offer a beautiful design line for photo cards and have an assortment of cards in Spanish as well.</p> <p><a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-See-Here.com-coupons.html">SeeHere</a> offers unlimited free uploads and in-store pickups at Walmart of prints stored online in your free web albums.</p> <p>So what has been your most memorable online photo sharing experience? Any good sites that you love not listed above? Add a comment and let us know what you think about sharing photos via the web.</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Digital-Photo-Services.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:39:31 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Digital-Photo-Services.html GCapes 2009-11-17T22:39:31Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Free-Holiday-Traditions.html <p>With times already being tight, the advent of the holiday season can add even more stress to a household on a budget. In addition to the expense of family presents and holiday meals, showing your appreciation for the hairdresser, mailman, assorted teachers and tutors and anyone else who comes to mind can leave very little in your wallet to celebrate. Luckily, there are still some holiday traditions that don't cost a thing. I've gone on a virtual trip across Europe to gather some of the best ones for you.</p> <p><strong>Sweden</strong></p> <p>Growing up, one of my best friends would tell me about her family dancing around the Christmas tree while singing wacky songs on a certain day in January. She said on this day everyone would exchange crazy gifts found around the house, like canned corn. She claimed this was a Swedish tradition and called it something that sounded like "Sugar Dot Kanoo." I naturally assumed my friend was making this up in an elaborate scheme to make a fool of me. But sure enough, according to <a href= "http://www.nordicway.com/search/Sweden/Sweden_Christmas%20traditions.htm" target="_blank">NordicWay.com</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p><i>"The Christmas tree is not thrown out before the Twentieth Day Knut, that falls on January 13. And of course this has to be done with a bit of pomp and ceremony. It is fun to throw a party on this day and dance around the Christmas tree for the last time before &Atilde;&not;plundering&Atilde;&reg; it and throwing it out through the window."</i></p> </blockquote> <p>Who knew?</p> <p><strong>Italy</strong></p> <p>If the Swedish plundering of a tree isn't your speed, those of you with fireplaces can keep a Yule Log burning a la the Italians. They used to keep it burning from Christmas Eve through New Year's Day. This tradition comes from a mishmash of the Christian story of Christmas (<i>the log is to be kept lit for Mary to come and warm the baby Jesus by the fire</i>) and old-time pagan purifying for the New Year. I certainly can't responsibly recommend you keep a fire burning for an entire week. But a fire in the fireplace on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve would be a nice way to keep the tradition alive. Or, for us apartment dwellers, there's always <a href= "http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EXE31E?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=savingscom03-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001EXE31E">the DVD/Blu-ray version</a>.</p> <p><strong>Free Traditions From Around the Globe I Do Not Recommend</strong></p> <p><strong>Spain</strong> - Hogueras involves people jumping over bonfires on the Winter Solstice in order to keep bad luck and illness away. It does not promise to keep third degree burns away.</p> <p><strong>Poland</strong> - Maybe I'm taking this too personally, but the tradition of the woman of the house sweeping and cleaning all day Christmas Eve doesn't sit well with me. Nor does everyone getting up from the dinner table at the same time, due to the old belief that the first person to rise will die before the next Christmas Eve. Yikes.</p> <p><a href="http://www.santas.net/aroundtheworld.htm" target= "_blank">Santas.net</a> has loads of other cheap/free traditions for you to borrow from cultures all over the world. Weigh in with your own unusual (<i>and unusually cheap</i>) holiday traditions below!</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Free-Holiday-Traditions.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:58:00 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Free-Holiday-Traditions.html HSimas 2009-11-17T17:58:00Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/How-to-Get-Coupons.html <p>The first thing that you need to do to start getting all of those great deals you hear about is accumulating coupons. Each week there are usually two different coupon inserts in most newspapers. Once a month there will be THREE inserts. And then there is that exciting weekend for us couponers that pops up once in a great while where you get four, five or even SIX inserts! It's rare, but it does happen. <p ></p> Having multiples of each coupon makes it easier for you to take advantage of all of the sales and get multiples items at once. This helps build a food storage, which we refer to as a stockpile. Obtaining multiple inserts each week is not as hard as a lot of people think it is. The easiest and cheapest way is to ask family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to save them for you. I have been couponing for five years and I still get inserts from my family. I think purchasing multiple papers from the newsstand is not very valuable with the cost of the paper these days!<p ></p> Another source of coupons is the internet. Before wasting your paper and ink, check to be sure that your store accepts internet printable coupons. Offers can be found at many manufacturer and coupon related websites. We have a section here at <a href="http://thecouponcupboard.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" >The Coupon Cupboard</a> just for these coupons. Visit forums that have a <a href="href=%22http://thecouponcupboard.com/forumdisplay.php?f=38%22" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" >Printable Coupons</a> section. Also view <em ><a title="coupons" href="http://www.delightfulchaos.comg/category/coupons" mce_href="http://www.delightfulchaos.comg/category/coupons" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">a list coupons</a></em> that you can get in the mail from samples and such. Many manufacturers also offer <a href="http://thecouponcupboard.com/forumdisplay.php?f=57" mce_href="http://thecouponcupboard.com/forumdisplay.php?f=57" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" >coupons which are sent right to your home mailbox</a> . <p ></p> Additional coupons can also be found in your local grocery store and in-store savings can be found at just about every grocery stores. These are called Blinkies. (<em >Blinkies are available in red machines set up in aisles in the stores by SmartSource. They have a blinking red light on the box. Hence the name Blinkie.</em> )<p ></p> Don't forget to apply for your grocery store "loyalty" cards. Almost all grocery stores offer these nowadays. These will give you the extra discounts for their sale items and other promos they may be running. You can combine these sales with your coupons for maximum savings.</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/How-to-Get-Coupons.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:13:54 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/How-to-Get-Coupons.html Delightful_Toni 2009-11-16T03:13:54Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/2009-Holiday-Deal-Projections.html <p>With Black Friday rapidly approaching, there are plenty of deals coming out that are making saving money during the holiday season easier and easier. This time last year, the recession was in its infancy and companies were still trying to figure out the way to attract new customers. During the holiday season of 2008, plenty of people were looking for deals. In fact, Savings.com saved people almost $4.4M* during the holidays in 2008. The most popular category was electronics and Savings.com's electronics deals saved users over $1.5M.</p> <p>The top 5 categories with savings during the holiday season in 2008 were:</p> <ol> <li>$1.5M with Electronics deals</li> <li>$550K with Apparel, Shoes &amp; Jewelry deals</li> <li>$500K with Home &amp; Garden deals</li> <li>$350K with Travel deals</li> <li>$150K with Health &amp; Beauty deals</li> </ol> <p>With the 2009 holiday season approaching, similar data was analyzed to see how the categories are shaping up and to see where people are looking for deals. As site traffic increased 300% since Oct 2008, it's obvious more people are looking for coupons. Overall, the main categories look very similar to holiday 2008, but there are some definite changes worth noting:</p> <ol> <li> <p>Electronics have seen an increase of about 250% since September 2009. The trend is showing strong growth going into the holiday season, so expect plenty of deals in the electronics category for Black Friday and continuing through the holiday season. These deals are definitely a place to find the best gifts for Dad and brother.</p> </li> <li> <p>Apparel, Shoes and Jewelry has maintained its dominance showing a constant 20% of searches, but with the 300% increase in the number of people looking for apparel coupons, it seems more people are finding the coupons they are looking for. During the holidays, clothing coupons will be coming in rapidly. This is especially true since, while sales have decreased in the malls, they are maintaining online.</p> </li> <li> <p>Health and beauty coupons have grown almost 100% over the past two months. Going into the holiday season, health and beauty coupons will become more prominent as shoppers search for gifts for wives, moms, sisters and girlfriends.</p> </li> <li> <p>Home and garden deals have lost some ground over the last two months. With home sales declining across the country, deals pertaining to home and garden have declined rapidly. People are not looking to spend on their houses going into the holiday season. Limited budgets have motivated people to prioritize their budgets to include gifts, but not purchases for their homes.</p> </li> <li> <p>Travel has also seen a huge decline going into holiday 2009. Like home &amp; garden, travel spending is on the back burner with the on-going recession. Travel deals during the holiday season will not be the best, but once the holiday season is over, look to find more deals popping up for the heavy travel season starting in the spring.</p> </li> </ol> <p>The overall trend of people searching for deals has increased dramatically since holiday 2008. The main categories have shifted more to gift-specific, while in 2008 there was a good mix of gifts and personal purchases. Demand for home and garden deals have declined as the housing market has declined. Travel deals have also seen a decrease in demand as people are concentrating on spending for gifts instead of traveling.</p> <p><i>* Savings calculated based on 15% average coupon savings.</i></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/2009-Holiday-Deal-Projections.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:12:21 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/2009-Holiday-Deal-Projections.html rayputt 2009-11-17T18:12:21Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Cutting-Back-This-Christmas.html <p>I recently read that the <a href="http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_1_60/ai_n6272274/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">average American adult with a credit card</a> racks up $1000 in debt during the holiday season each year. And the average two-parent household <a href="http://parenting.families.com/blog/how-much-do-you-spend-on-christmas" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">spends about $1500 on gifts annually</a>. With such a large percentage of holiday gifts being purchased on credit, it's an indicator that typical American holiday spending is more than we can afford and out of control.</p> <p></p> <p>When we celebrated my first child's first Christmas a couple of years ago, we didn't know what to get such a young baby, so we just got her a couple of smaller items. Good thing--at the ripe old age of four months, she was inundated with Christmas presents.</p> <p></p> <p>It was at that point we made some decisions about future Christmas gifts from us (<i>or Santa</i>) to our children.</p> <p></p> <p>Call us Scrooge if you want, but we resolved to set a relatively small holiday gift budget for each child. I've told our small budgeted amount to people before and some have gasped at the news. Or given an eye-roll. Go ahead. I can't see you and even if I could, it wouldn't bother me. But please understand--we love our children dearly and love giving them gifts.</p> <p></p> <p>With that said, we had a few reasons for making this decision.</p> <p></p> <ol> <li><strong>We don't want the focus of Christmas to be on what our children are getting.</strong> While presents are fun, there's more to the holiday season than presents. The gifts are just a fun extra, not the main attraction. It's important to my husband and I that we reinforce this idea each Christmas season.</li> </ol> <p></p> <ol> <li><strong>We don't want a cluttered house.</strong> Did you know that <a href="<a href="http://archives.starbulletin.com/2008/05/10/features/story01.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">household clutter has negative effects on your well-being</a>, such as poor concentration, memory and sleep habits, just to name a few? While we are far from achieving this, we strive to have a clutter-free home. Toys that aren't being used frequently contribute to clutter. Physically, there's a limit as to how many things a child can play with each day. I have found that my daughter has about ten popular toys that she regularly plays with. Everything else contributes to the clutter. So we have a set area for toys, and any new toys that enter the house either have to fit in this area or replace something else that's there.</li> </ol> <p></p> <ol> <li><strong>We've found that some of the most popular toys simply aren't toys at all.</strong> Pots and pans, cardboard boxes, pillows. These are the things that get played with the most at our house. Why buy stacks of new toys when our children will return to playing with these old stand-bys in just a few weeks after Christmas? Now, if you would like to get me new pots for Christmas, I'm open to that suggestion.</li> </ol> <p></p> <ol> <li><strong>Our children aren't going without toys.</strong> Friends and family give them over and above what they could ever need. Why should we as their parents just add to this massive toy pile each year? What they're being given by others keeps them more than up-to-date on toys for their ages and developmental stages.</li> </ol> <p></p> <ol> <li><strong>The money that might be spent on Santa gifts can be used elsewhere.</strong> Perhaps it could be given to a <a href="http://www.compassion.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">needy child</a> or a <a href="http://www.bloodwatermission.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">clean water effort</a> in Africa? (<i>Giving as a family can teach your child great lessons about selflessness and generosity!</i>) Or how about giving your child a more lasting gift by investing some of their budgeted Christmas money in a college education fund?</li> </ol> <p></p> <p>We aren't being Scrooge to our kids each Christmas. We truly want the best for them and believe that our relatively small gift budgets for them are for their own good. My husband I don't have it all figured out, but for now this is what we've found is best for our family.</p> <p></p> <p>I am sharing this to let you know that you aren't being a bad parent if you don't buy into the Christmas gift frenzy for your children. Don't feel guilty if you cut back. Keep it simple this holiday season.</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Cutting-Back-This-Christmas.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:38:59 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Cutting-Back-This-Christmas.html Dana- Frugal in Virginia 2009-11-17T03:38:59Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Lower-Your-Tax-Burden-for-2009-post.html <p>Last week I posted about ways to <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Using-Credit-Cards-at-the-Holidays.html">use credit cards effectively during the holiday season</a>. If you're not careful, you could make your 2010 very difficult because you'll be owing interest on your holiday credit card bills for months to come (<i>if not all of 2010</i>). This problem will only be compounded if you've got a big tax headache coming to you next year. One thing to always keep in mind is how you spend money today can affect your financial future.</p> <p>So how can you make sure that your tax burden is a little less burdensome? The surest way to lower your tax income is not all that helpful, but you'll see it mentioned: make less money. Helpful, right? On the flipside, there are probably a lot of people out there who would love to have to pay more taxes--it means you've made more taxable income. That said, there are good ways to lower your burden if you're looking to save some money in 2010.</p> <p>So here's a tax savings checklist. Keep in mind that some of these can be used throughout the year (<i>and should be</i>) rather than a last-ditch effort in the last months of the preceding year.</p> <p><strong>Itemize your deductions</strong>: childcare expenses, charity, health care, car registration expenses (<i>especially for new car bought the preceding year</i>), and tax preparation fees. The big kahuna is the mortgage interest deduction.</p> <p>If you're self-employed, this means itemizing a whole lot of work-related expenses, such as internet, office space, office supplies, travel, and the like. Keeping strict records is vital, as you are your own boss.</p> <p><strong>Apply for tax credits</strong>: Remember, these are different than the deductions listed above. Rather than deductions from your liability, this is actual money paid out for things like college expenses, and retirement savings (<i>such as a 401K plan</i>).</p> <p>People may have been scared off the 401K because of the recent economic turmoil and the fact that 401Ks lost their value, but they're still viable and you can save on taxable income by sheltering money in a retirement fund. Funds filtered into this account will not be subjected to income taxes.</p> <p><strong>Withhold money</strong>: This might not be feasible if you're working paycheck to paycheck, but if you withhold money on a monthly basis, you could have a bigger refund in store come tax time.</p> <p><strong>Flexible Spending Account</strong>: This depends on your employer, but an FSA is a good tax-sheltered option to pay off certain expenses--most commonly medical expenses. Money withdrawn from an FSA is not subject to payroll taxes.</p> <p>Most of all, think about these things throughout the year--not just when it comes crunch time. Most everyone makes a New Year's resolution to be more fiscally careful in the coming year--this time make certain of it. While late in the year is not the best time to be figuring out your deduction potential, there's still a lot you can do even with so little time left in the year. When it comes to saving, there's no time like the present.</p> <p>How about you: any tax saving tips out there? Let us know in the comments.</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Lower-Your-Tax-Burden-for-2009-post.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:50:12 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Lower-Your-Tax-Burden-for-2009-post.html Dealman 2009-11-16T17:50:12Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Holiday-Shopping-Tips.html <ol> <li>Make a list of everyone you need to shop for.</li> </ol> <p></p> <ol> <li>When you are out shopping, make sure you are equipped with store coupons. Such as % off or $ off coupons. I was recently at the Mall and there were coupons to be found for all your favorite stores. If you do not already have a coupon, ask the sales associate if they know of any current coupons or promotion that your favorite store is participating in.</li> </ol> <p></p> <ol> <li>Save your receipts in a safe spot in case item goes on sale, or you change your mind on the gift giving.</li> </ol> <p></p> <ol> <li>Use manufacturer coupons on DVDs, toys and more!</li> </ol> <p></p> <ol> <li>Don't buy something just because it is on sale--make sure you know what you are going to do with the item before you buy it.</li> </ol> <p></p> <ol> <li>Practical gifts can be great for the newly married couple, college student or other young adult. You can score, cheap laundry detergent, fabric softener for practically nothing if you use your coupon shopping skills and shop sale ads. Put items in a laundry basket and some new towels--you can find on some clearance, or inexpensive ones at Kohl's for instance.</li> </ol> <p></p> <ol> <li>Save money by not buying for yourself!</li> </ol> <p></p> <ol> <li>When you get home, wrap, label and make a list of what you bought and for whom. That way you won't forget what is in the box--believe me you will think you won't forget buy you will... because of the Holiday Brain Disability! (LOL)</li> </ol> <p></p> <ol> <li>Shop with a friend. This can help you both become accountable, save on gas, and have a fun girls night or day out!</li> </ol> <p></p> <ol> <li>Pack water bottles and snacks for on-the-go marathon shopping. You do not want to be forced to pay high prices for water, just because of poor planning.</li> </ol> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Holiday-Shopping-Tips.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:57:55 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Holiday-Shopping-Tips.html couponprincess 2009-11-16T00:57:55Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/24-Best-Deals.html <p>The holidays are no longer looming, folks. They are here. Gasp! No wait! I'm just the messenger.... Seriously, though. We here at Savings.com think we can help you work things out with a deal or ten from this week's Top 10 Deals. No need to be picky when all the deals are so delightfully tempting.</p> <p>'Tis the month of Thanksgiving and (given our own mild to 'must-remember-to-cut-up-the-credit-cards' shopping addictions) we are definitely thankful for some of this week's hottest coupons--and we hope you will be too!</p> <ul> <li> <p><a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Target-coupons.html">Target</a>: Save on a little holiday cheer at Target with our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/detail/193642-coupon.html">$5 off $50 and free shipping coupon</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Hewlett-Packard-coupons.html">HP</a>: Get a <a href="http://www.savings.com/detail/333662-coupon.html">$20 off $100 discount</a> at HP when you use our coupon now through January 31st.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Kohls-coupons.html">Kohls</a>: Stock up on holiday fashions at Kohls and <a href= "http://www.savings.com/detail/329833-coupon.html">save 15%</a> for a limited time only.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Harry-and-David-coupons.html">Harry &amp; David</a>: Send a little holiday spirit with gourmet gifts from Harry &amp; David and <a href= "http://www.savings.com/detail/336242-coupon.html">save 30%</a> now through December 31st.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Proflowers.com-coupons.html">Proflowers</a>: Spread some holiday cheer with the help of Proflowers and our <a href="http://www.savings.com/detail/325893-coupon.html">exclusive 15% off coupon</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-OfficeDepot-coupons.html">Office Depot</a>: Make your boss smile with office savings at Office Depot and get a <a href= "http://www.savings.com/detail/197367-coupon.html">$30 discount now through December 31st</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Apothica-coupons.html">Apothica</a>: Get a glowing complexion in time to kiss Santa and save at Apothica with our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/detail/274133-coupon.html">10% exclusive discount</a> good through December 31st.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Beauty.com-coupons.html">Beauty.com</a>: Snag everything you need to accentuate your holiday spirit at Beauty.com and save now through December 31st with <a href= "http://www.savings.com/detail/167814-coupon.html">$10 off and free shipping</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-dELiAs.cOm-coupons.html">Delias</a>: Get the Delias styles you love at prices you can afford with the help of our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/detail/321382-coupon.html">$20 off $75 coupon</a> good through December 7th.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-ComputerGeeks.com-coupons.html">Computer Geeks</a>: Update your technology for the upcoming new year and save with our ongoing <a href= "http://www.savings.com/detail/257070-coupon.html">10% discount</a> at Computer Geeks.</p> </li> </ul> <p>For future Top Ten deals, check out the Featured Lists on our home page.</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/24-Best-Deals.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:55:28 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/24-Best-Deals.html Heather 2009-11-16T18:55:28Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/HP-Laptop-Giveaway.html <p>Have you started your holiday shopping yet? Ah, the holiday displays and "Silver Bells" playing over the sound system--not to mention parking hassles, crushing crowds and fist fights over the last Tickle-Me-Elmo...</p> <p>Why not avoid the stresses of your local mall and shop at home? Not only are we helping you to save money when you shop online with our <a href="http://www.savings.com/c-Black-Friday-coupons.html">Black Friday coupons</a> and <a href="http://www.savings.com/c-Cyber-Monday-coupons.html">Cyber Monday deals</a>, but we're giving away a HP DV7T Quad Laptop so you can surf the web in style.</p> <p>Our friends at Hewlett Packard have provided us with a brand new <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1651317-10427473?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopping.hp.com%2Fwebapp%2Fshopping%2Fstore_access.do%3Ftemplate_type%3Dcto_config%26config_id%3DLOWEST%26bomProductId%3DNZ584AV%26aoid%3D35252&cjsku=NZ584AV">DV7T Quad laptop</a> for one lucky winner.</p> <p>Specs:</p> <p><ul> <li>Operating system - Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit</li><li>Processor - Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T6600 (2.2GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)</li><li>Memory - 2GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)</li><li>Hard drive - 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection</li><li>Graphics card - 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 4530</li><li>Display - 17.3" diagonal HD+ High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen Display (1600 x 900)</li><li>Primary optical drive - LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support</li><li>Wireless-G Card, 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery, Microsoft(R) Works 9.0</li></ul><p>To enter, just take this <a target="_blank" href="http://savingsdotcom.questionform.com/public/Deal-Finding-Habits"><strong>BRIEF SURVEY</strong></a> (<em>just three questions!</em>)<a></a> on your deal finding habits. At the end of the survey, enter your name and email address to enter the giveaway. Hurry--the survey is only for one week and one winner will be chosen at random and announced next Wednesday.</p><p></p></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/HP-Laptop-Giveaway.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:38:52 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/HP-Laptop-Giveaway.html stella.louise 2009-11-15T06:38:52Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/5-Ways-to-Make-Quick-Holiday-Cash.html <p class="MsoNoSpacing" >Christmas is less than six weeks away (yikes!) and if your bank account isn&#8217;t what it used to be, then it&#8217;s time to make some quick holiday shopping cash. Here are five ways to put some money in your pocket so you can leave the credit cards at home. </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" ><strong><span trebuchet="" ms="" _="" sans-serif="">1) Get rid of your dated gadgets</span></strong>. If you&#8217;ve got an old MP3 player,cell phone or digital camera taking up space in your junk drawer, check out <a href="http://gazelle.com/" target="_new_blank" rel="nofollow">Gazelle.com</a>. Enter a few details about your gadgets and instantly learn trade-in values. <a href="http://gazelle.com/" target="_new_blank" rel="nofollow">Gazelle.com</a> pays for shipping and you&#8217;ll get your money in a week. For cell phones-only, try <a href="http://www.cellforcash.com/" target="_new_blank" rel="nofollow">CellforCash.com</a>.<strong><span trebuchet="" ms="" _="" sans-serif=""> <br></br></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" ><strong><span trebuchet="" ms="" _="" sans-serif="">2) Sell back your old books</span></strong>. At <a href="http://cash4books.net/" target="_new_blank" rel="nofollow">Cash4Books.net</a> just enter the ISBN number for each book you want to sell (check the back cover) to see how much each is worth. Textbooks, non-fiction and business books are most in demand. Get a check or deposit to your PayPal account in about a week.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" ><strong><span trebuchet="" ms="" _="" sans-serif="">3) Cash in at cash-back shopping sites</span></strong>. Online-only sales are rampant across the web this holiday season so why not make a few bucks while picking out gifts. <span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://www.ebates.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ebates</a></span> gives you back a percentage of your purchase and is doubling cash back when you buy from select online retailers, including Walmart, The Body Shop and Victoria&#8217;s Secret. As an added bonus, new sign-ups get a $5 bonus. Two more cash-back sites are <span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://discounts.shopathome.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ShopAtHome</a></span> and <span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://www.cashbaq.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cashbaq</a>.</span> </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" ><strong><span trebuchet="" ms="" _="" sans-serif="">4) Sell back your gift cards</span></strong>. Gather up your used and unused gift cards (that you don&#8217;t plan to use) and sell them back at <a href="http://www.swapagift.com/" target="_new_blank" rel="nofollow">Swapagift.com</a> or <a href="http://www.plasticjungle.com/" target="_new_blank" rel="nofollow">PlasticJungle.com</a>.You&#8217;ll get back 60 percent or more of the card&#8217;s value. </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" ><strong><span trebuchet="" ms="" _="" sans-serif="">5) Cash in your coins</span></strong>. If you&#8217;re like me, you&#8217;ve got a stash of coins somewhere in your house ready to be turned into bills, so take them to a <a href="http://www.coinstar.com/" target="_new_blank" rel="nofollow">Coinstar</a> machine by December 6. Cash in $40 in coins and get $10 free by mail-in rebate. Get your money as a gift card (required for this offer) to avoid the coin-counting fee. </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" >Do you have any other great ideas for making fast cash this holiday season? Let me know! Or for more money-saving tips and tricks be sure to check me out at <a href="http://www.couponcravings.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Coupon Cravings</a>. </p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/5-Ways-to-Make-Quick-Holiday-Cash.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:57:32 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/5-Ways-to-Make-Quick-Holiday-Cash.html couponcravings 2009-11-16T04:57:32Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/What-are-fillers-at-CVS-and-Walgreens.html <p>When we talk about "fillers" what does that mean? Well, at both CVS and Walgreens there are times when your purchase calls for a filler. Interestingly enough it is for different reasons at both stores.<p></p><strong>CVS</strong> - &#160;When you shop at CVS and use Extra Care Bucks (ECBs) they are just like gift cards, you don't get any money back from them. So let's say I have a $5 ECB and my purchase total is $4.50, CVS will NOT be giving me any change back. So if I don't want to 'lose' that .50 cents I can throw in an inexpensive 'filler' item to get my total closer to $5.<p></p>I also have used filler items when I am using a CVS $/$$ coupon, like a $5 off a $25 purchase. Let's say my total was $24.20 and I wanted to use that $5 off a $25 purchase I would have to toss in $.80 worth of 'fillers' to get my total high enough to use the $5 off coupon. I always try and toss in something that I need, I like the soap bars, or tissue as fillers because 1. I need them and 2. I won't eat it, it's not junk! Below are a list of fillers you can find at CVS.</span><br></br><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br></br></span></span></p> <div style="display: inline !important; " ><strong><span style="text-decoration: none;">CVS Fillers</span></strong><br></br>Purse size tissue packs<br></br>CVS Gold Emblem pretzels .50<br></br>Caramels by the register .33<br></br>CVS brand cough drops 2/99 cents<br></br>Dove soap bar .50<br></br>Gum<br></br>Candy on sale<br></br>CVS brand paper towels .99<br></br>Picture at the photo lab .29<br></br><br></br>Now, at&#160;<strong>Walgreens</strong>&#160;I use 'fillers' for a totally different reason. The transaction I did earlier today and that is posted below you can see where I used the pudding as 'fillers.' At Walgreens they have Register Rewards that you get for buying certain products. Couponers like myself like to "roll" them onto other purchases. At Walgreens these Register Rewards (RR) are treated just like manufacturer coupons, so when you check out you can only have the&#160; <strong>same number of items as you have coupons.</strong><br></br><br></br>So for example, today I bought 5 packages of toilet paper, I had 5 coupons, but I wanted to use 2 RR that I had to pay for the remainder of the balance on the TP after my coupons. That means they were going to scan 7 coupons total (5 tp coupons and 2 RR coupons) but I only had 5 packages of TP, so I needed to toss in 2 more 'fillers' so I could use those last 2 RR to pay for part of it. That's why I got the 2 packages of pudding, they were cheap and I needed them anyway and it let me use the $3 and $4 RR.&#160;Remember, you have to have the <strong>same number of coupons as items scanned</strong> at Walgreens.<p></p>**<i>Unless of course you are using Walgreens store coupons, they do not count when adding up the number of coupons you can use. See why I think Walgreens is confusing? Don't worry though, we can figure it out!</i><br></br><br></br><strong>Walgreens Fillers</strong><br></br>Photo lab picture .09<br></br>pencils .09<br></br>clearance pens .19- .29<br></br>Jello or pudding .20 - .39<br></br>Travel pack tissues .29<br></br>Post cards ( up front by register ) .25<br></br>Walgreens 4.5oz soap .39<br></br><br></br>My sister had a great idea when we were at Walgreen's the other night. She always has her camera with her in her purse and we need some fillers. She can pop the memory card out and run over and make a few quick pictures at $.09 each. Great filler! Any questions feel free to email me and I can try and help you! Mylitter@mac.com</span></div> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/What-are-fillers-at-CVS-and-Walgreens.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:31:52 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/What-are-fillers-at-CVS-and-Walgreens.html mylitter 2009-11-16T05:31:52Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Free-How-to-Get-Free-Items-Every-Week-from-Your-Local-Drugstores.html <p>If you haven't yet tapped into the many free or nearly-free items at your local drugstores each and every week, then you are about be thrilled! Even some of the best money-savers don't know the trick to getting tons of your household necessities for free or nearly free each week. Indeed, the best deals of the week almost always can be found at your <em >local drugstores</em> , just as long as you know how to find them and what to look for. There are many excellent blogs out there that take you through the weekly deals at the drugstores, and my blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.savingmoneyplan.com" rel="nofollow" >Saving Money Plan</a> , is just one of them. Let's take a quick look at how these drugstore deals work (some people call this "the drugstore game") and how you can start bringing hundreds of dollars in free items home with you!<br ></br> <br ></br> <strong >How could things be free or nearly free? Is this a scam?</strong> <br ></br> <br ></br> The premise of how you can play the "drugstore game" to get items for free is that you you combine manufacturer's coupons (the coupons in the Sunday paper, the coupons you print off the internet, or the coupons that come in the package of an item) with store deals or store coupons (say a Walgreens special, or a deal CVS is running). If you combine these correctly and at the right times - you can get plenty of free stuff each and every week! I promise!<br ></br> <br ></br> <strong >What drugstores are included?</strong> <br ></br> <br ></br> Although many drugstores and supermarkets all offer freebies every week through matching up the deals, some of the consistently best stores are CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. <br ></br> <br ></br> <strong >What can you get at the drugstores for FREE?</strong> <br ></br> <br ></br> Anything is fair game, although toiletries, household products, and cosmetics top the list of some of the amazing freebies!<br ></br> <br ></br> <strong >Do how do I learn how to do this? </strong> <br ></br> <br ></br> I teach a <a target="_blank" href="http://savingmoneyplan.com/introduction-10-step-couponing-course/" rel="nofollow" >free coupon class here</a> that shows you how to do this step by step each week. It's easy, fun, and once you get the hang of it won't take much time at all! Otherwise, you can just start reading along with bloggers as they show you what freebie deals you should pick up that week!</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Free-How-to-Get-Free-Items-Every-Week-from-Your-Local-Drugstores.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:39:50 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Free-How-to-Get-Free-Items-Every-Week-from-Your-Local-Drugstores.html savingmoneyplan 2009-11-15T22:39:50Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Coupons-in-December-Magazines.html <p>Many magazines have coupons in them these days. I do a monthly post of the coupons you can find in magazines and where exactly to find them! If you find coupons that aren&#8217;t listed here please either leave a comment on this post or send me an email! This post will be updated throughout the month &#8211; you can find it easily by clicking the &#8220;December Coupons in Magazines&#8221; link on <a href="http://www.nicolesnickels.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my right sidebar</a>.<p></p></p> <p>Sometimes it may make a difference in the coupons received if you received the magazine by subscription or purchased in the store so I will note how I received it.</p> <p>Here&#8217;s what I have for December magazine issues (usually published in November, a month ahead!) so far:</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Marie Claire (subscription)</span></strong><br></br><br></br>Page 90 &#8211; Save $1.00 on any Revlon cosmetic product (Target coupon)<br></br><br></br>Page 181 &#8211; Save $3.00 on Olay Hand&#160; Body Lotion<br></br><br></br>Page 181 &#8211; Buy 1 Olay Hand &amp; Body Lotion, Get 1 Olay Body Lotion FREE</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Woman&#8217;s Day (December 1 issue, subscription)</span></strong><br></br><br></br>Page 33 &#8211; Save $5 at Hallmark Gold Crown (no minimum purchase!)<br></br><br></br>Between pages 67 and 68 &#8211; Save $.55 on 2 Domino Sugar products<br></br><br></br>Page 186 &#8211; Save $1.00 on any Dana gift set<br></br><br></br>Page 202 &#8211; Save $1.00 on MidNite or MidNite PM</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>All You (subscription)</strong></span></p> <ul><li>$1/2 All You Magazine January Issue + Hunt&#8217;s Ketchup, exp. 1-22-10 </li><li>$1/2 All You Magazine January Issue + McCormick Perfect Pinch Seasoning Blend, exp. 1-22-10 </li><li>$1/2 All You Magazine January Issue + Nivea Body Wash, exp. 1-22-10 </li><li>$1/2 All You Magazine January Issue + N.Y.C. Color Product of $1.99 or more, exp. 1-22-10 </li><li>$1/2 All You Magazine January Issue + Peter Pan Peanut Butter, exp. 1-22-10 </li><li>$1/2 All You Magazine January Issue + Rimmel London Cosmetic Product, exp. 1-22-10 </li><li>$0.75/1 Bertolli Pasta Sauce, exp. 12-25-09 </li><li>$0.50/1 Colgate Wisp (16 ct.), exp. 2-21-10 </li><li>$0.55/2 Domino Sugar Products, exp. 1-31-10 </li><li>$1.50/1 Dove Cream Oil Body Lotion or Hand Cream, exp. 1-31-10 </li><li>$2/1 Ester-C Product, exp. 12-26-09 </li><li>$1/3 Fancy Feast Appetizers, exp. 2-28-10 </li><li>$3/2 Glade Fragrance Collection Products, exp. 1-31-10 </li><li>$1/4 Hunt&#8217;s Canned Tomatoes (14.5 oz.+), exp. 2-7-10 </li><li>$1/1 Kellogg&#8217;s All-Bran Cereal, exp. 2-1-10 </li><li>$1/1 Kellogg&#8217;s Corn Flakes Touch of Honey Cereal, exp. 2-1-10 </li><li>B1G1 LaCross Beauty Tool (up to $7), exp. 12-31-09 </li><li>$1/1 Marie Callender&#8217;s Pasta Al Dente, exp. 2-7-10 </li><li>$1/1 Marzetti Veggie Dip, exp. 2-28-10 </li><li>$1/1 Nature Made Vitamins, exp. 12-31-09 </li><li>$3/1 Neutrogena Cosmetics Item, exp. 1-3-10 </li><li>$2/1 Neutrogena Product, exp. 2-17-10 </li><li>$1/1 N.Y.C. New York Color Product of $1.72 or more, exp. 12-31-09 </li><li>$1/1 Orville Redenbacher&#8217;s Gourmet Popping Corn, exp. 2-7-10 </li><li>$1/2 Parkay (1 lb. sticks), exp. 2-7-10 </li><li>$1/1 Peter Pan Peanut Butter, exp. 2-7-10 </li><li>$10/1 Philips Norelco Arcitec, Speed-XL (8200 series), or Nivea for Men Razor, exp. 1-31-10 </li><li>$5/1 Philips Norelco Replacement Head, exp. 1-31-10 </li><li>$1/1 Poise Product, exp. 1-31-10 </li><li>$1/1 Rimmel London Eye Shadow or&#160;Eye Liner, exp. 12-31-09 </li><li>$2/1 Rimmel London&#8217;s Gentle Eye Make Up Remover, exp. 12-31-09 </li><li>$1/4 Ro*Tel Diced Tomatoes, exp. 2-7-10 </li><li>$0.55/1 Sargento Natural Deli Style Sliced Cheese, exp. 2-28-10 </li><li>$1/1 Smithfield Paula Deen Crunchy Glaze Spiral Ham, exp. 12-31-09 </li><li>$1/1 Starbucks Coffee (5 oz.+), exp. 2-28-10 </li><li>$1/1 Tazo Filterbag Tea or Tea Latte Concentrate, exp. 1-31-10 </li><li>$1/2 Trident Layers Gum, exp. 2-13-10 </li><li>$1/1 True North Nut Snacks, exp. 1-15-10 </li><li>$1/1 Truvia Natural Sweetener, 2-28-10 </li><li>$1/1 Vanity Fair Plates or Bowls, exp. 1-31-2010 </li><li>$0.50/1 Vaseline Clinical Therapy Lotion (6.8-oz.), exp. 2-28-10 </li><li>$2/1 Wow Cleaning System, exp. 4-13-10 </li></ul> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Coupons-in-December-Magazines.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:56:47 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Coupons-in-December-Magazines.html nicolesnickels 2009-11-15T14:56:47Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Holiday-Shopping-in-a-Tough-Economy.html <p>In today's tight economy, more consumers than ever are looking for alternative ways to stretch their Christmas shopping dollar. The key to saving money when shopping retail is to find the deals in advance and stick to your budget. With proper planning, you won't be tempted to pay full price for any of your gifts.</p> <p></p> <p>The early arrival of Black Friday this year offers consumers more time for holiday budget planning. It seems that the traditional day after Thanksgiving mega-deal day, has been turned into an entire season. Some stores started as early as Halloween with their 'Black Friday' savings.</p> <p></p> <p>Along with Black Friday, shoppers can also look forward to Cyber Monday online shopping deals. Many websites list stores and their Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals for your convenience. When ordering online, many payment screens have a space to input a coupon code for additional savings. Many times, you can quickly pop onto a coupon forum website and find a valid coupon code. I did this recently when making airline reservations and ended up with an additional 10 percent savings. These same <a title="Coupon Forum" target="_blank" href="http://thecouponcupboard.com" rel="nofollow">coupon sites</a> also have printable coupons for in-store shopping trips.</p> <p></p> <p>An additional way to save is to consider handmade or low cost gifts. With a little creativity and planning ahead, inexpensive gifts can become classic favorites.</p> <p></p> <p>Small gifts for babysitters, gift exchanges, neighbors and friends at work could include the following:<p></p> <strong>Ornaments</strong>. Whether you make them or purchase them, ornaments are a perfect gift. Most women love new decorations for their tree, and the person who receives this gift will think of you every year when trimming the tree.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Recipe Cards</strong>. A sweet personalized gift, you can use pretty recipe cards and write five or six of your favorite recipes on them. Leave the rest blank so they can be filled out by the receiver of the gift. Fabric and craft stores generally have decorative recipe cards and matching boxes for one or two dollars each.</p> <p></p> <p>This gift can also be presented with one or more of the recipes (<i>such as cookies or fudge</i>) wrapped in a tin.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Calendars</strong>. Target and other stores have cute calendars and planners in their dollar bins during this time of year. They are very attractive and practical.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Gift Baskets</strong>. Gift baskets are a perfect way to be both creative and personal. If your friend likes golf, put together a small basket using golf balls, tees, and a few homemade club covers. If they knit, give them a new pair of needles along with a few skeins of yarn. Another inexpensive gift basket for a couple could include two coffee mugs along with some hot cocoa or decorative tea.</p> <p></p> <p>Other Gifts that could be given to family members or close friends:</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Quilts or throw blankets</strong>. If you like to sew, blankets are the perfect gift, especially for young people who have recently moved out on their own.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Decorative pictures or framed photos</strong>. Use your computer and decorative fonts to print out motivational or meaningful quotes, poetry, or Bible scriptures and frame them. Frame favorite photos and give them as gifts to grandparents, aunts, or uncles.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Aprons, potholders, or place mats</strong>. Depending on your sewing skills, these can be quick and inexpensive presents for loved ones who love to cook.</p> <p></p> <p>There are many more, but these should spark your imagination. Christmas shouldn't be something that you later regret because of overspending. This holiday season, make it a memorable, meaningful and stress-free time.</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Holiday-Shopping-in-a-Tough-Economy.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:26:35 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Holiday-Shopping-in-a-Tough-Economy.html chaotic_barb 2009-11-14T21:26:35Z