Super Bowl Deals

The Superbowl is nearly upon us and even if you are a bit short on funds you can still throw a party all your bros will enjoy. There are things you can skimp on and things you cannot. No one will ever notice if you are serving Safeway brand generic potato chips, but if you think a case of Milwaukee Best is going to cut it in the beer department, you don't deserve friends.

I live in Southern California, which makes things easier. I never have to worry about what the weather is going to be for a Superbowl party. It's going to be 70 degrees--though it might be overcast and there's possibly a chance of drizzle.

What this means is we will be cooking out. If you live in the great white north and it's likely to be below freezing, you've got to plan on indoor cooking.

There is an ideal time to buy almost any kind of item. Seasonal trends and manufacturer release dates can be predictable if you know what to look for. Patience and planning could help you save as much as half off the original retail price for things like clothes, appliances, high-tech items, and more. If you don't want to do the research yourself, you can even sign up for a special program that lets you download an app to your smartphone and alerts you to the best time to buy certain products.

Seasonal Items

Some sale seasons are predictable. Buy your holiday decorations and other items that can be stored immediately after the holiday is over. This year try buying your American-themed paper plates and napkin sets the week after the 4th of July. Gym memberships are less expensive in June when everyone has forgotten about their New Year's resolution to exercise.

St. Patrick's Day is Saturday and even though I didn't find any free green beer, I think you'll like the freebies today. We can start with the St. Patrick's Day parades,

The problem is knowing where they are and when they will start. StPatrick'sDay.com  is a great source, all you have to do is click on your state to find a parade near you.

The Safe and Sober Ride Program is offering free cab rides home after you finish celebrating. This offer is in select cities and is good for about a $30.00 cab fare. So far, Washington DC, San Francisco, Colorado Springs and surrounding areas have the offer. There are specific phone numbers you have to call for the free ride. Make sure you have the phone number for your area before going out to keep your ride home free. You can check for your city by Googling Safe and Sober Ride Program with your city in the search