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Get a ShopRunner account free for one year

Rick.Broida — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:12:00 GMT

If you're anything like me, you like free shipping the way you like ice cream and shoulder rubs. Nothing wrecks an online shopping experience more than getting to the checkout page and discovering you're on the hook for $10, $20, or even more for shipping.

That's why I'm partial to ShopRunner, a nifty service that, among other things, assures you free shipping at more than 70 stores. Even better than that, free two-day shipping.

Alas, the service costs $79 annually, making it something of an impulse buy even for hardcore shoppers. But check this out: If you have an American Express card, you can get a free ShopRunner subscription for one full year.

In case you've never heard of it before now, ShopRunner upgrades you to free 2-day shipping at stores like Beauty.com, Newegg, Shoes.com, and Toys R Us.

Interestingly, there's no minimum purchase, so you can score that fast, free shipping even if you buy only a single item or spend only a couple bucks.

If you typically order a lot of apparel, you'll especially appreciate this: ShopRunner also nets you free return shipping. That's great not only for returning clothes or shoes that don't fit, but also a huge plus if you've ordered something big and heavy (like a TV) and decided you don't like it. (Note: Restocking fees may apply, so although return shipping is free, the return itself may not be.)

Finally, the service offers members-only deals like "10 percent off your order" and "save $15 on $75 or more." These aren't exactly earth-shattering, though, nor are they always the best discounts you can find.

For example, ShopRunner offers 15 percent off your entire purchase from Shoes.com, but you can find a 20-percent discount code right here at Savings.com. That's not to say you shouldn't check ShopRunner's deals, merely that you may find similar or better ones elsewhere.

No, the big attraction here is the free two-day shipping. And now that you can enjoy it free for a year, you've got nothing to lose by signing up. Good time to be an Amex customer, I'd say.

Veteran technology writer Rick Broida is the author of numerous books, blogs, and features. He lends his money-saving expertise to CNET and Savings.com, and also writes for PC World and Wired.

(Source: Savings.com)

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Know how to tip in honor of National Waiters and Waitresses Day

SavingsMommie — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Happy National Waiters and Waitresses Day!

One of the reasons I go out to eat at a sit-down restaurant is to get good service. At home, I am the chef, waitress, busser, dishwasher and more. So going out means getting the service I deserve.

While the food aspect is important, if I don't get good service, it's probably safe to say I will never return even if the food is extraordinary. If the food is so-so but the service is excellent, I will probably return.

With good service, you should always reward your waiter or waitress accordingly. They make less than minimum wage and tips are really what they live off of. If you don't know if you're tipping correctly, here are some tips that will come in handy when you go out to eat next time:

1. Tip 15-20% for good service. I usually tip 20% if the server is nice to me. I only tip 15% when I feel something is lacking in service. Some people tip 10% for so-so service, but only tip that amount if the service is horrible, as in the server has a bad attitude towards you.

2. Cash Tip. Try to tip with cash. If you need to tip on a credit card make sure you tip a little bit more because the servers pay the credit card fee on their tip amount.

3. Tip more if you're a regular. Is there a restaurant you frequent or you only sit where a certain server works? I like going to this local restaurant because the server knows me and my children by first name. While the food is good, nothing spectacular, we go there because we know that we will get good service. During the holidays and her birthday, we tip upwards of 35% and give her a gift too.

4. Tip after tax. I know, I know. You're saying, tips should be calculated before tax. Times have changed and it depends on the restaurant. Some servers are tipping out on the after tax amount.

For more tips, take a look at this Guide to Tips and Tipping. If you go out and get waited on, don't be cheap. Pay anywhere from 15-20% for good service and 10% for bad service. Thank you to all those hardworking servers who put a smile on our face and continue to make dining out pleasurable!

(Source: Savings.com)Add a Comment

5 things to do for free during your Los Angeles staycation

SavingsMommie — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

When I think about taking a vacation, I dream about sipping a cocktail on the tropical islands of Hawaii or going up to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and sharing a sweet kiss. Did I say dream?

Not everyone has all the money or time in the world, so in recent years stay-cations have become very popular. The fact that you don't have to spend on hotels, car rental or even on food are all attractive qualities and reasons to have a staycation.

If you're local to Los Angeles, you really don't have to leave this city to have a good time. You can get all your historical, tropical and adventurous fix here (remember, people come to vacation here from all over the world). Here are 5 things you can do for free or almost free during your staycation:

1. Beaches - We have some of those most beautiful beaches in the nation. Stick to beaches that are north of Malibu or South of Huntington Beach to get the crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. My family and I frequent Rincon Beach Park in Santa Barbara county. While it is a public beach, it feels more like a private beach. You'll see many surfers trying to catch a wave and others taking a stroll on their horses ocean-side. Cost: Free.

2. Museums - Whether you have kids or not, planning a day at the museum is not only fun but educational. We have so many museums in this great city and we don't have to pay penny to get entrance into them. Here are some that you need to check out:

Getty Center/Getty Villa - Free (parking is $15)
Kidspace Museum in Pasadena - Free Family Night (First Tuesday of every month from 4pm-8pm).
Huntington Library and Gardens - Free on First Thursday of each month with prior reservation.
Skirball Cultural Center - Free on Thursdays
Los Angeles Fire Department Museum - Free on Saturday 10am-4pm (Open only on Saturdays)
California Science Center - Free (parking is $10)

3. Studio Audience - If you're near Hollywood, why not engulf yourself in the entertainment world? Choose your favorite shows from sites like TVTix.com or TVTickets.com to attend a taping for free. If you're a fan of Ellen or Dr. Phil, you can get tickets directly from their websites. Cost: Free.

4. Hiking - Not only do we have beautiful beaches, we have really beautiful mountains. In my neck of the woods, we are blessed with the beautiful Santa Monica mountains that stretch from the Hollywood Hills all the way to Point Megu in Ventura County. The trails are beautiful with some overlooking the Pacific Ocean and you even get a chance at discovering waterfalls. Pack some snacks, food, water and make it a day of scenic adventure. Cost: Free.

5. Hollywood Walk of Fame - Yes. Be a tourist in your own city. This can be a very fun event for your family. Prior to going, make a list of stars that you like and make it a goal to find those stars and take pictures next to it. I would suggest going on a weekday to keep the crowds at a minimum. Cost: Free.

Rather than dreaming about your next vacation, start planning your next staycation. You spend less money and still get the vacation fix. Learn more about your city and support the local businesses near you. I'm taking my next staycation in about a month!

(Source: Savings.com)
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Savings Secrets: 6 unique, free things to do this Summer with the kids

CrystalECollins — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:04:00 GMT

Summer is nearly here! I can't wait to throw on that bathing suit and hit the kiddie pool in the back yard with the kiddos. Oh, am I the only one that likes doing that? Well, it's fun and a great way to stay cool, but let's face it - we want more exciting free things to do this Summer than just hanging out in a small circular device that holds two inches of water and gets dirty every time a kid steps in from the grass...

So here are 6 fun things you can do that you may not have been aware of. They're unique, fun and best of all.....FREE!

1. Geocaching! It's an out-door, worldwide treasure hunt that is absolutely free to participate in. All you need do is visit the Geocaching website for more info and to get started!

2. Free Bowling! Did you know you that kids can bowl for free all Summer long? Check out Mommy's Wishlist for more details and look for a participating location in your area.

3. Pitch a Tent in the Backyard! These days you have to pay to go camping most places. Granted, it's not that expensive to rent a spot at a local campground, but you can do it for free by pitching that tent right in the backyard. The kids will have an adventure, and you'll still be close to the house in case you need anything.

4. Free Movies! Movie theaters will be offering free movies all Summer long! Check out A Mission to Save for more details. And if you don't see your movie theater on this list, call your local theater to ask if they have a Summer movie program.

5. Free Reading Programs! Kids can grab a free book or other freebies by reading more this Summer! So hit the library, get those kids reading and grab some free stuff while you're at it! While you're at the library, it might be fun to also check out a good movie while you are there for movie night with the family!

6. Visit a Local Farm! Farmers in your area are usually more than happy to accept visitors. And what's better, is some of them even have small petting zoos set up that you can visit for free! Ask some friends in your area or check out LocalHarvest.org to find farmers in your area.

With a little bit of creativity, you can have a lot of fun with the kids this Summer for free! What are some of your favorite, free adventures to have during the Summer months?

Crystal Collins is an Atlanta local, adventurer, a health advocate and thrifty as can be. Check her out on her blog at TheThriftyMama.com.

You can learn more ways to save, and connect with your local community at money saving class in your area. And a lot of times, the classes are free!

(Source: Savings.com)Add a Comment

Planning a cents-ible summer: 10 tips for enjoying summer on a budget

UltimateCouponClub — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

The warmer days and shorter nights tell us that summer is well on its way! With it comes plenty of free time since children will be on summer vacation and as an adult, you might find yourself with some extra free time too.

So, what do you do with all of this free time? The thought of filling it with all sorts of family fun may seem appealing, but your budget may be telling you otherwise. So, do you resort to staying indoors all summer in front of the television? No way! There are plenty of ways to still enjoy a fun summer even on a tight budget. Below are ten tips for enjoying summer on a budget and making your dollar go further.

You don't have to invest a great deal of time or money into family friendly summer activities. You just need to be flexible, have fun, and think outside of the box. Ready to learn more? Grab your summer sandals, sunglasses, and a glass of lemonade and let's go!

10 tips for enjoying summer on a budget

1. Ready to travel? Use deal sites like Groupon and Living Social

Deals sites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer "escapes" for up to 70% off. For a limited time, a deal is available to customers for a set price. This price is typically a drastic discount from the regular price and can even include additional perks. For example, a recent deal showed a 2-night Chicago getaway in a four star hotel with breakfast for two included, as well as spa treatments. The deal was priced 50% off the regular price, granted that the purchaser follow the certain stipulations of using the deal in a certain time frame.

Check out these sites for regular travel deals! You'll find everything from family friendly theme park getaways to bed and breakfast deals. While a week away may not be in the cards, a fun weekend getaway can fit your schedule and your budget.

2. Need airfare? Use sites with price guarantees

If you need airfare to get to one of your summer destinations, use online booking sites that offer lowest price guarantees. Booking sites such as Orbitz will not only let you compare the prices of other sites, but offers a lowest price promise. If someone else books your deal for less, they will refund you the difference. This way, you are never spending more than you have to!

3. Sleep under the stars

You can typically rent a campsite that includes water and electric hook up for less than $20 a night! Pack a tent, some blankets, some good old camping foods, and take the family out for a night under the stars. Parks offer campers many free activities such as beaches, nature centers, sporting activities, bike rental, and more. For just $20 for the entire family, this is a steal. So unplug and get back to nature as a family and save!

4. See what free art events your city is offering

Many cities offer free concerts and art events during the summer months. Give your local offices a call and see what activities are being offered in your area. You may find free concerts, art fairs, fun runs, fireworks, and other demonstrations being offered at your local parks and pavilions. Find out when these free events are then pack a lawn chair and your picnic dinner and you are all set for a fun and frugal evening out.

5. Visit your local library

A local library is for more than just books. Over the summer many libraries offer free classes for kids and adults. You can find computer classes, crafting courses, free story times and more. Sign up for one of the summer book clubs or you can take advantage of the free game, DVD, and toy rental many libraries offer. Get a schedule from your local library to find out what all of their summer offerings are!

6. Sign up for free reading reward clubs

Barnes and Noble, Pottery Barn, and Chuck E. Cheese all offer free summer reading programs for kids. Pick up your info packet at your local store and fill it out each time your child reads a book. Once they have filled the page and met the requirements they can redeem their completed paper for a free book or even free game tokens. Nothing beats getting kids to read over the summer and earning freebies for doing so!

7. Enjoy handmade fun

Did you know you can make your own bubbles by mixing water with a few drops of dish soap? Or that a few drops of food coloring in your ice cube tray makes for colorful cubes you can color on the sidewalk with? Fill a sandbox with plastic dinosaurs from the dollar store and let the kids embark on an excavation. Turn on the sprinkler and let the kids host a bike wash. There are tons of fun hands-on activities you can enjoy without spending a dime. Utilize what you have and get creative!

8. Find local freebie days

What local museums and cinemas in your area offer free days? Many cinemas offer free kids events during the summer months. Check with your local theater and see what might be available in your area. These free flicks are typically shown one day a week and are a movie that is not exactly a new release but still kid friendly. It's a great way to escape the heat for a little bit and treat the kids to a movie on the big screen for less. The same goes for museums. Many offer a free day each month where families can visit for free. Find out when these days are so you can be the first in line!

9. Eat for less

There are plenty of ways to eat for less during the summer months. Patronize eateries that offer weekly kids eat free nights. Or take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy a family cookout. A hot dog bar with all of the fixings can be fun and won't cost you a lot. Prepare mixed beverages such as lemonade and Kool Aid that cost you pennies a gallon as opposed to buying pricey bottled drinks. Take advantage of all of the produce that is in season (such as corn and watermelon) and at its lowest price of the year. As you can see, there are plenty of ways to eat for less during the summer.

10. Use smart phone apps to earn points on your summer purchases

If you do have to spend money during the summer months, whether it be on a bathing suit or kiddie pool, use one of the many shopping apps available to earn points or cash back on your purchases. Apps such as ShopKick, Plink, and more can help you earn incentives with your purchase such as gift cards, which can then be redeemed on other summer activities you enjoy with your family.

There you have it! Ten tips for enjoying summer on a budget that are effortless! Pick one or try them all and see what a fun and frugal summer you can have. Whether you are enjoying it as a couple or with your family of ten, you're sure to find these tips helpful.

The summer months may burn your skin, but don't let them burn your budget. Follow these tips for enjoying summer on a budget and you will have plenty of cool cash left come fall.

Ryan Preston is the founder of Ultimate Coupon Club, a frugal living blog helping others learn how to live well and save more – all while having fun! He is also a Savings.com DealPro and teaches Savings Nation workshops in New Jersey that help people learn how to save up to 50% off their grocery bills.

(Source: Savings.com)Add a Comment

Tips for shopping at the commissary

ThriftyTiff — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Does shopping at the Commissary really save you money? My answer, it depends. From my experience as a 11 year military wife, it depends on the state you live in, the surrounding areas, and the time at which you shop.

If the cost of living is higher where you are stationed, then the Commissary is always the place to go. If the nearest grocery store is 25 minutes away from post, then the Commissary is cheaper after you factor in gas, etc.. To each its own, but here are my personal tips for saving at the Commissary:

Utilize the in-store coupons. They are hard to miss because they are located on the shelf by the item, or stuck to the product itself. Need a tip to keep up with these while you shop? Use an old fashioned wooden clothes pin and pin them to your cart!
Check for coupons at the front of the store. Usually Maxi Saver inserts are located around the doors and there are chock full of coupons!
You can have coupons scanned electronically. Simply ask for a Commissary Rewards card at checkout, register here and load coupons straight to your card.
Know what is on sale ahead of time. Just like shopping at any store, you want to scope out the deals and plan your meals around that. The sales can be found at commissaries.com for ID holders. Simply click the "What's on Sale" tab on the right hand side of the screen.
Take advantage of Case Lot Sales. Also known as truckload sales, you can buy in bulk for a special military price. Great savings are always found and remember, if you do not have room to store, you can split the order with a military neighbor.
Sign up at militaryshoppers.com and you will receive DECA deals and coupons.
Shopping at the Commissary is tax free! However there is a 5% surcharge for better improvement and maintenance of all Commissaries.

Try to shop the week before payday since most every family at the same duty station will be shopping on pay day. Does this save you money? No, but it will save your sanity.

Keep in mind that typically the Commissary prices are already lower. It may not seem like an 'Extreme Couponing" trip shopping at the Commissary – your savings may be lower than another that shops at a location that has price inflation, only to have big sales. Remember to think about your out of pocket costs rather than percent saved when shopping at the Commissary.

Thrifty Tiff, (Tiffani Taff) is a Military wife and mom to 4. She writes daily on tips and tricks to save you time and money while learning how to live and love life on a budget. She is a DealPro for Savings.com and teaches Savings Nation Classes to teach others how to save greatly on their grocery budget.

(Source: Savings.com)
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Freebie Corner: 6 free Nescafe Tasters Choice coffee samples

FreeHotSamples — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

If you're a coffee drinker, you'll love the 6 free samples you can have sent to your home. If coffee isn't your thing, remember to pick up your free key lime doughnut at Krispy Kreme on Wednesday.

Kids can get a free meal on their birthday by joining California Pizza Kitchen's email club. If you like to cook, there's a free spice sample you can grab.

Freebie #1: Pet Leash & Pedometer - Offer from Purina and Jenny Craig. Scroll down the page and click on "register now". After you fill in the form, it will tell you the power of two program pack will arrive in 4-6 weeks .

Freebie #2: Nescafe Tasters Choice Coffee - Fill in the form to get 6 free samples!

Freebie #3: John Frieda Luxurious Volume Sample - Offer from Target. You have to answer 4 questions to see if you qualify for the sample. If you don't qualify, you can answer the questions over and over again until you do qualify.

Freebie #4: Meal on Your Childs Birthday from California Pizza Kitchen - Sign up kids 10 and under to get a free meal during their birthday month. Be sure to check "yes" for the birthday club before submitting the form.

Freebie #5: Spike Seasoning Magic Sample - On their Facebook page: "Here to claim your free sample? Simply direct message us your full name and valid shipping address. Happy Spiking."

Freebie Reminder: Key Lime Doughnut at Krispy Kreme - "Check-in with a friend on Foursquare at participating Krispy Kreme shops next Wednesday (May 22) to get a FREE Key Lime Doughnut (offer valid while supplies last)."

Freebie Reminder: Marlboro Freebies - Free Zippo Lighter Mondays at 11am EST and a Free Bottle Steak Sauce daily at Noon EST. Log in or register and check under "My Offers" at the scheduled times. If you log in before the scheduled times, the offer won't be there.

Jackie lives in Seattle, her blog is Free Hot Samples. Where there are hundreds of freebies and deals up for grabs.

(Source: Savings.com)

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#SummerSavings Twitter Party 5/23: $500 in Prizes!

CrystalECollins — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:40:00 GMT

Summer is right around the corner and school is almost out! Hard to believe, right? Well we're going to celebrate in a big way with lots of fun on Twitter, cool prizes, and definitely some cool people! You guys!

We'll be chatting it up on Thursday afternoon, May 23, 2013 at 12pm PT/3pm ET in the #SummerSavings hash tag on Twitter.

Hosts: @aleamilham, @mommysavesmoney, @daytonsavings, @crystalecollins, @savings, @savingsclasses, @valpakcoupons

RSVP: Put the link to your Twitter handle below in order to RSVP.

Join the Party: Use our exclusive Tweet Grid, Tweet Chat, or follow along on Twitter.

Prizes and Sponsors: (2) $100 Visa eGC courtesy of Savings.com, (1) $50 GC courtesy Just4MyPet.com, (4) $50 Visa GC courtesy of Valpak.com and (1) $50 Amazon.com GC courtesy of Savings.com.

Eligibility: RSVP on the link above, and be actively participating during the Twitter party with the hash tag #SummerSavings on May 23, 2013 at 12pm PT/3pm ET. Winners will be chosen from the RSVP list using Random.org. Winners must be actively tweeting with the hash tags at the time they are randomly selected. Winners will be notified with an @ mention, and must respond via DM within 5 minutes of being notified. If another winner must be chosen after the party is over, winner will be randomly selected from the RSVP list using random.org. There is a limit of one prize per household during the party. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of your prize.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE TAXED, PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. Subject to official rules and open to United States residents. See you at the party! Let us know if you have any questions.Add a Comment

5 inexpensive gluten free recipes

SavingsMommie — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

In recent years, eating a gluten-free diet has become very popular with celebrities, fitness professionals and the general public. With stars losing weight and raving about it, it has become a growing trend.

While it has garnered a lot of attention, the gluten-free lifestyle is one that is very serious for celiacs because their life depends on it. Celiac Central says that an estimated 1 in 141 Americans has celiac disease, but 83% of those people are either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. .

Now that more people are aware of this autoimmune disorder, gluten free recipes have been on the rise. Having said that, I have 5 recipes that won't sacrifice taste or your pocketbook:

1. Whole Grain Bagels - What?! Yes! You can have gluten-free bagels and they don't have to taste like cardboard. You won't miss your bread group because you can still eat them sans gluten.

2. Chicken Pot Pie - You have those days you want comfort food, but a lot of those comfort foods have wheat in them. With this chicken pot pie recipe you can enjoy it and not get sick from it.

3. Banana Bread - I love desserts. Being gluten-free doesn't mean you have to ditch the desserts. You can still enjoy them. The best part is that many desserts can be replicated almost identically to it's gluten-laden counterparts.

4. Cauliflower Rice - We all know that rice is gluten-free, but the thought of eating rice day in and day out can be a bit boring. With this recipe, you can kick it up a notch with cauliflowers.

5. Egg Noodles - You would automatically think that noodles and gluten-free do not go together. Well, I have good news for you. You can eat noodles and more just by using gluten-free flour.

Whether you're living a gluten-free lifestyle or you know someone who is, these inexpensive recipes will have you going for seconds and maybe, thirds. Happy National Celiac Awareness Month!

(Source: Savings.com)Add a Comment

How to create a military care package on a budget

GettingFreedom — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Memorial Day is right around the corner. While many of us see it as a kick off to the summer season full of barbeques and time on the water, Memorial Day has a greater purpose. It's a time to remember those who've died defending our country, and to remind us to support those who defend our freedoms on a daily basis.

You don't have to spend a small fortune to let a soldier know that there are people who think about them. Deployed soldiers often go without many of the things we take for granted on a daily basis, many of which can be picked up with your coupons.

Items to Include in Your Care Package

Go to your post office and pick up a flat rate box to use. These boxes are free and cost the same to ship no matter how much it weighs. The smaller boxes will ship faster than the larger ones, so take that into consideration when you're filling up your box.

Prepackaged snacks such as beef jerky, granola bars, pop tarts, crackers, water-flavoring packets, trail mixes, snack cakes, chips and even some hard candies work good for quick snacks and as a reminder of their favorite things from home. Many of these items regularly go on sale and when you pair the sale with an available coupon, you'll lower your out of pocket expense.

Toiletries such as deodorants, shampoo and conditioner and body washes are great things to include too. Be sure you put them in Ziploc bags so they won't leak on anything else you've added to your box. Drug stores such as Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid are the best places to get these items—you can often get them for close to free when you use your coupons and store programs together with a sale.

Baby wipes are also a great addition to any military care package, as they double as napkins, face cleaners and much more.

You can find a whole list of military care package ideas here, along with what is not allowed. If you're looking for a soldier to mail a military care package to, AnySoldier.com has a long list from all branches of service.

Celebrate this Memorial Day by showing our servicemen that we care!

Phoebe Hendricks, author of the book Frugal Gardening 101 and the frugal lifestyle blog GettingFreedom.net, is the mother of 4 children living in rural Missouri. Resources are slim, so creativity and unconventional thinking are a must in order to make it on their one income.

(Source: Savings.com)Add a Comment

Zact: The best no-contract wireless plan yet?

Rick.Broida — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Is owning a smarthpone smart if the monthly bills put you in the poorhouse? Not so much.

Thankfully, a growing number of upstart carriers are trying to make smartphone pricing cheaper and more manageable. Republic Wireless, for example, offers service for just $19 per month, and as I mentioned a couple weeks ago, you can save big bucks by taking your unlocked phone to another carrier.

Now comes ItsOn's Zact, a new wireless service offering customized no-contract plans.

Like cable companies that charge you the same amount even if you don't watch every channel, most phone companies charge you the same amount even if you don't, say, talk a lot, or use a lot of data, or send a lot of text messages.

Zact affords a more a-la-carte approach, letting you adjust (right on your phone!) the number of minutes, messages, and megabytes you get each month. Better still, each Zact plan will notify you if you need to add more service, and will actually give you a refund at the end of the month if you stayed under the limits of a cheaper plan.

The service also caters deftly to parents, offering device-specific limits for your kids' phones and tablets. You can also easily add or remove devices from your plan.

Speaking of which, check out Zact's plan chart, which shows you the various configurations. For example, I could easily get by with 100 talk minutes, 500 text messages, and 1GB of data--which would cost me $31.44 per month. That. Is. Awesome.

So, what's the catch with all this? As of now, Zact offers only two older, somewhat underpowered phones: the LG Optimus Elite ($199) and LG Viper ($399). Both run Android, and both run on Sprint's sagging 3G network.

Even so, I have to agree with Gizmodo's assessment that this is how every wireless plan should work. I talk very little on my iPhone, use a medium amount of data, and send a lot of text messages. Yet AT&T charges me an arm and leg for all three, every month. Here's hoping Zact catches on in a big way, prompting other carriers to adopt similar a-la-carte billing.

And while we're at it, here's hoping cable companies will do the same. I mean, seriously, Comcast, I don't watch Lifetime. Why must I pay for it?!

Veteran technology writer Rick Broida is the author of numerous books, blogs, and features. He lends his money-saving expertise to CNET and Savings.com, and also writes for PC World and Wired.

(Source: Savings.com)

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How to send expired coupons to the Military

CrystalECollins — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Did you know that you can send your expired coupons to the Military? Military personnel and their families around the world shop at on-base stores called Commissaries, and can use coupons up to six month past their expiration date.

This means that you don't have to throw out all of your expired coupons! You can actually put those expired coupons to good use by sending them out to military families. Here's how to do it:

1. Visit The Overseas Program website.

2. Choose a Base from the "Base List."

3. Follow the instructions on the "Adoption" page in order to adopt a base.

4. Mail your expired coupons off to the base that you adopted, by using the instructions on the "Mailing" page.

That's it! It's pretty simple! And if you really want to make an impact, pull together a group of couponers in your area and donate your expired coupons together! This is a great way to give back, and an easy way at that!

Crystal Collins is an Atlanta local, adventurer, a health advocate and thrifty as can be. Check her out on her blog at TheThriftyMama.com.

(Source: Savings.com)Add a Comment