tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39630311875976398142024-02-07T10:40:39.129-08:00Frugal FriendsGetting by with a little help from my friends Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-52777999002521197402013-09-01T10:59:00.000-07:002013-09-01T10:59:00.747-07:00Time to Pamper YourselfThe kids are back in school - now is time for a little pampering. Obviously everyone needs to have their hair cut – and let’s face it ladies, we all like a little salon pampering, but the cost of a manicure, pedicure, eyebrow wax, and a haircut, can stack up fast. <br />
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There’s a much less expensive alternative to the salon though, you can allow a student to perform these services for you under the direct supervision of a licensed trainer. You will pay about 1/3 of the price you might normally spend in a salon. <br />
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You can find an accredited beauty school through the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences. If you do an accredited school search on their website <i>http://naccas.org,</i> it will bring up a list of schools and the services they provide in your local area.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-49415440730231664512013-08-24T10:49:00.000-07:002013-08-24T10:50:05.004-07:00Win a free copy of my e-book<div class="userContent">
Win a free copy of my e-book! Just comment on this page and then share with your friends. Winner will be drawn randomly on September 20th. AND for the month of September, my e-book is half off to celebrate my Birthday! Available formats for Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Sony, and Kobo via <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/331454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/331454</a><br />
Promotional price: $1.50<br />
Coupon Code: GR27Q<br />
Expires: September 30, 2013</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-8869580052702731442013-08-12T10:57:00.000-07:002013-08-24T10:58:08.650-07:00That New Car SmellNever underestimate the power of negotiating for a better deal. If you are trying to buy a car, take someone with you that is designated to be the “NO” person. Sales people know all the right buttons to push, so if you have someone who can be the bad guy, it forces them to up their game, by lowering the price and throwing in extras. <br />
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A trick my family taught me in negotiating a deal is to pick out two similar cars at two competing dealerships. Go to the first dealership and negotiate for their best price, ask them to put it in writing and then tell them you need to sleep on it. Take that offer to the second dealership and see if they will beat the first offer. Get it in writing. Take the second offer back to the first dealership – 9 times out of 10 they will lower the price to beat the 2nd dealership’s offer. <br />
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September and October are the best months to buy a new car, as the new model usually role out in August, and they want to get rid of the previous year’s inventory. If you really want to be smart with your money, buy a used car, since new cars lose the biggest chunk of their value when they are driven off the lot. You can get great deals on 1 or 2 year old leased vehicles that have been turned in. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-44850998718627118372013-08-01T10:54:00.000-07:002013-08-24T10:54:50.154-07:00Tax Free Holidays<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="August"></a>Take advantage of tax free holidays! Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia all have tax free holidays in August (Mississippi has their tax free holiday in July). Each state varies, but most drop the sales tax on clothing, shoes and school supplies for a day or a weekend. Most retailers also have 20% to 40% off sales at the same time. There are limits to the amounts, so you will need to check with your state to see what you can purchase, tax free. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-81910643576949605072013-07-08T10:52:00.000-07:002013-08-24T10:53:20.438-07:00Summer Fun TipsLooking for cheap entertainment this summer? Many museums and amusement parks offer discounted tickets for admission during the middle of the week. Some museums even have free admission days. By attending on a week day, you will save on the price of admission and it will also be less crowded. Amusement parks also offer season passes for a few dollars more than the cost of a season ticket, so if you are a big amusement park fan, a season ticket is the best way to go. If you are up for a movie, matinee showings of movies are also several dollars cheaper, and many movie theaters have summer movie programs that show free children’s movies one morning during the week. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-28753728167033743892013-06-29T22:57:00.002-07:002013-06-29T23:08:20.502-07:00My New eBook! 12 Months of Practical Modern Living: A Frugal Resource<br />
So I have to apologize for not keeping up with this blog, but I promise I had a good reason. I have typed up all my best tips and frugal ideas and created this eBook. Here is just a taste of my new book! You can find it at smashwords.com. Just click the link below! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiXn_Y6A_YnqipMb3OLOnnFKGjrkNcwcoc4mRMzRK8MS489zkRl2y8xbIm069qPIjyY2eD2zKcb9-N9gdl6x4c_OQuB9YGpnOR50zogdhEFTGpCoBoQjuHSKnGuLmxpc8dGlqErL-tRyj/s1600/cover3finaldraft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiXn_Y6A_YnqipMb3OLOnnFKGjrkNcwcoc4mRMzRK8MS489zkRl2y8xbIm069qPIjyY2eD2zKcb9-N9gdl6x4c_OQuB9YGpnOR50zogdhEFTGpCoBoQjuHSKnGuLmxpc8dGlqErL-tRyj/s1600/cover3finaldraft.jpg" height="320" width="198" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/331454">12 Months of Practical Modern Living: A Frugal Resource</a><br />
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Today, frugal has an entirely different meaning than it did years ago. People actually live, but they are trying to spend money on things that are priorities, and spend less where they can. People have different goals – some have had to take lower paying jobs and are struggling to make ends meet. Some want to be able to stay at home and raise their children. Some people just want to step away from our consumer driven society and live a simpler life. Others have specific dreams of owning a home or achieving financial independence. Then there are those of us stuck on a financial merry go round, and we just want off. <br />
No one wants to spend any more than they need to spend. Even so, sometimes it’s difficult to find the best way to achieve your goals. Everyday retailers and manufactures are pulling out all the bells and whistles to entice you to spend your money. It's hard to know when you are getting the best deal for your money. <br />
Whatever the reason is, you have picked up a copy of this book to try to do something different in your life. While this isn’t the “be all - end all” of all of frugal living books, it does examine how to best exploit market cycles to spend less for the things you need or want. It examines how to time and anticipate your needs so that you spend the smallest amount necessary to achieve your goals. I’ve also outlined practical tips and ideas about using technology to save money and earn money - including an entire section on coupons in our digital age. It examines many items that have multiple uses, and finally it examines practical, old fashioned, tried and true methods, hands-on tips and ideas to save money and live frugally. Ultimately, it’s about living well, without breaking the bankUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-84360857103884007032013-04-22T08:30:00.000-07:002013-06-29T23:34:04.682-07:00Worth the time or the money?<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Don't feel like running all over town to do your grocery shopping? You can always price match at Walmart. It takes a few extra minutes to check the sales ads, but it could save you a considerable amount of money, especially if you price match some of the loss leaders at other stores with a coupon - and it saves gas and some of your time. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-33693821371916284202013-03-22T23:43:00.000-07:002013-06-29T23:44:06.413-07:00Extreme Coupon Tips<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Did you know if you match buy 1 get 1 free sales with coupons, you can use a coupon for the free product too?</span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Did you know that you can use a store coupon and a manufacturers coupon for the same item? </span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Grocery stores promote "loss leaders" in their sales ads to get you into their store. These are usually items discounted 40% to 70% off the retail price. If you have a coupon for that item as well, you can save 75% to 100% off the price. Free has a good ring to it, doesn't it? </span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">So Frugal Friends, do you have any extreme coupon tips? </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-63135170247142540552013-03-05T23:24:00.000-08:002013-06-29T23:25:41.730-07:00Beg, Borrow, or Buy?Do you really need to buy it? Most people head to the store when they need something. Here are a couple options you might want to think about before laying out your hard earned cash.<br />
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1. Can you get it free or second hand? Craigslist, Freecycle, and Thrift Shops are options you might want to check first. <br />
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2. Can you borrow it? Forkin<span class="text_exposed_show">g out money for something you will use infrequently is a waste... just make sure you take it back after you borrow it! </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">3. Can you swap for it? We all have things tucked away in our closets and garages that are gathering dust, if you aren't using it, consider trading for something you need! Sites like Neighborgoods, Trashbank, Craigslist, Zwaggle, and Swap.com have options for trading.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Sometimes retail should be your last option instead of your first. Just something to think about. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-38754306689024507892013-02-05T18:31:00.001-08:002013-02-05T18:39:17.731-08:00IT'S TAX TIME (part 1)<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5111be78ddc549c98923954">
<span class="userContent">I've been getting a lot of questions about taxes this last couple weeks, so I am posting some of my tax tips </span></div>
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<span class="userContent">- Standard Deductions vs Itemization on a Schedule A. </span></div>
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<span class="userContent">There are some pros and cons of itemizing your taxes. Your standard deduction for Married filing jointly is $11,900. Head of Household is $8700, and Single is $5,950. It is usually much easier just taking a standard deduction, but you could also be leaving money on the table if you take a standard deduction. Some of your itemized d<span class="text_exposed_show">eductions may include "medical bills" over 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (this includes prescriptions, medical supplies or equipment, doctor and hospital bills, dental bills, mileage, parking and tolls- that is not covered by insurance) "State income tax" "Real estate taxes" "mortgage interest" "mortgage insurance premiums" "sales tax" "gambling losses" "non reimbursed work expenses" "charitable contributions" (cash and non cash items) and even "tax preparation fees" You can also include any "casualty or loss" (damage from acts of nature, theft, accident, etc that insurance does not cover up to a certain amount) A deduction lowers your tax liability. Let's say you make $35,000 a year. If you file MFJ and take the standard deduction, it lowers your tax liability to $23,100. After you add your exemptions of $3,800 for each person (family of 4) you can deduct another $15,200 from your taxable income. Now your taxable income is only $7,900. If you itemize, you might be able to lower that amount even further. If your itemized expenses don't add up to $11,900, then you should take the standard deduction.</span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[12].[1][2][1]{comment425008087579415_2916024}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[12].[1][2][1]{comment425008087579415_2916024}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[12].[1][2][1]{comment425008087579415_2916024}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span id=".reactRoot[12].[1][2][1]{comment425008087579415_2916024}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0].[0]">Example: John Q Public is married and has 2 children. He makes $35,000 a year. He owns a home. He paid $5840 in mortgage interest. He also paid $480 in mortgage insurance premiums. He tithes $50 each week to church and made a $100 contribution t</span></span><span id=".reactRoot[12].[1][2][1]{comment425008087579415_2916024}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[12].[1][2][1]{comment425008087579415_2916024}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[12].[1][2][1]{comment425008087579415_2916024}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]">o the United Way and a $20 contribution to the American Red Cross. He paid $2,400 in property (real estate) tax, and he paid 1,400 in state taxes. He paid $2500 for his daughters braces after insurance, and he paid $2160 in insurance premiums and $1600 in insurance deductibles, co payments and prescriptions. In total he had $3635 in eligible medical deductions. His total itemized deductions would be $16,475. Instead of having a taxable income of $7900 by taking the standard deduction, he has a taxable income of $3,325.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-21407018890103975772013-02-04T22:47:00.003-08:002013-02-04T22:47:41.253-08:00February Big Ticket Sales<h1 class="headline">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Just wanted to share this with all my frugal friends</span></h1>
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February deals on big ticket items</h1>
<a href="http://shopping.yahoo.com/insider/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Yahoo! Shopping" class="logo" src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Hl2CbOWaDYlnIgOqoJznVw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9Zml0O2g9MjI-/http://l.yimg.com/os/591/2012/06/07/yahoo-shopping-logo-jpg_211459.jpg" title="" /></a><br />
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<cite class="byline vcard">By <span class="fn">Victor Paul Alvarez</span> | <span class="provider org">Yahoo! Shopping</span> – <abbr title="2013-02-02T01:43:58Z">Fri, Feb 1, 2013 8:43 PM EST</abbr></cite><br />
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Welcome to February, the month when consumers are still twice shy after being bitten by the holiday shopping season. The only shopping holiday of note this month is Valentine’s Day. It’s not the only holiday this month. </div>
There is Ground Hog Day, which isn’t much of a gifting holiday unless you’re a personal friend of Bill Murray. (If you are, I covet your life.) <br />
Everyone knows George Washington’s birthday is a holiday this month. However, did you know Feb. 28 is National Sword Swallowers Day? If you did, well, good luck with that.<br />
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MORE AT Yahoo! Shopping</h4>
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<li style="list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px 3px; padding: 0px;"><em style="color: #db612d; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">»</em> <a href="http://yhoo.it/Sf1BjS" style="color: #1053fc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Items you need to toss and replace</a></li>
<li style="list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px 3px; padding: 0px;"><em style="color: #db612d; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">»</em><a href="http://yhoo.it/VB8vz7" style="color: #1053fc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Putting flower delivery sites to the test – which is best?</a></li>
<li style="list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px 3px; padding: 0px;"><em style="color: #db612d; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">»</em><a href="http://yhoo.it/ZPYbTv" style="color: #1053fc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">2013 price cuts and price hikes</a></li>
</ul>
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The real consumers care not for these corny holidays. The people who clicked on this story did so to find out how to save money – not give gifts.<br /><br />I have good news for you. Plenty of necessities and creature comforts are good deals this month.<br /><br />People are still recovering from holiday spending binges. That means demand is low, so retailers get creative and desperate. They’re going to lure you into stores this month with whatever sales they can muster.<br /><br />As always, I’m here to show you where to look.<br />
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<br /><span class="yui-editorial-embed"><span class="yom-figure yom-fig-right" style="width: 300px;"><a class=" yltnofollow" href="http://shopping.yahoo.com/womens-dresses/" target="new"><img alt="Prom Dresses" class="editorial " src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/liAtbd8B8oQmEmIU.nI9jw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTMwMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/591/2013/02/02/prom-dresses-jpg_010632.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></span><strong>1. Prom dresses.</strong>Obviously, this one isn’t for everyone. But parents who are already shelling out cash for swim classes and violin lessons will be happy to know that this is a great time to save money on a dress for their daughter.<br />
Beat the rush this spring by shopping now and choosing from the best selection. In winter, new styles arrive every day. Square her away with a dress and she’ll have months to shop for accessories while knowing she got first pick on the best styles.<br />
<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="yui-editorial-embed"><span class="yom-figure yom-fig-left" style="width: 375px;"><img alt="Boats" class="editorial " src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Oo4vKHXC8EO_DHSMwIVt0Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTM3NQ--/http://l.yimg.com/os/591/2013/02/02/boats-jpg_010629.jpg" width="375" /></span></span><strong>2. Boats.</strong>There’s a saying that a boat is just a hole in the water into which you drop lots of cash. It’s true, if you buy someone else’s boat. <br />
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A new boat, however, is like a new car. Buy a quality model, treat it right, and you’ll be happy together for years. And February just happens to be boat show season. This is the time to make deals on that S.S. Minnow you’ve been dreaming about. <br />
If a boat show is coming to your town – and one probably is – go check it out. Meet the sellers, shake some hands, and haggle for a good deal. When boating season rolls around, you’ll be glad you did.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="yui-editorial-embed"><span class="yom-figure yom-fig-right" style="width: 375px;"><a class=" yltnofollow" href="http://shopping.yahoo.com/living-room-furniture/" target="_blank"><img alt="Indoor Furniture" class="editorial " src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/qYu54YOXVOMNbnJgZIFaWQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTM3NQ--/http://l.yimg.com/os/591/2013/02/02/indoor-furniture-jpeg_010631.jpg" width="375" /></a></span></span><strong>3. Indoor furniture.</strong>Furniture goes on sale all the time. It’s a big-ticket item that retailers are always trying to move with sales and special offers. <br />
But February is truly a great month to shop – to the tune of saving up to 60 percent if you do your homework. <br />
New furniture styles are typically unveiled in spring, so retailers are clearing out old styles to make space this month. Part of doing your homework is being willing to search the showrooms for floor samples. If you’re not afraid to take a chance, you can save big this month.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="yui-editorial-embed"><span class="yom-figure yom-fig-left" style="width: 400px;"><img alt="Vanilla Ice Cream Taste Test" class="editorial " src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/kNoxtw.NZ9qZJsY0MGqxhw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTQwMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/591/2013/02/02/Broadway-shows-jpg_010626.jpg" title="(Photo courtesy of SoCo Creamery)" width="400" /><span class="legend">(Photo courtesy of SoCo Creamery)</span></span></span><strong>4. Broadway tickets.</strong><br />This is allegedly the month for romance, right? What’s more romantic than a Broadway Show? Since it’s the offseason in New York, prices are typically down for Broadway and off-Broadway shows in February. <br />
You might be able to find two for one deals that increase the fun and frugality of your trip to New York.<br /><br /> For more, check out <a href="http://www.newyork.com/broadway-show-tickets/" target="_blank">http://www.newyork.com/broadway-show-tickets/</a><br /><br /> They bill themselves as “New York: The Center of Everything,” so you know they mean business.<br />
<br /><br /><span class="yui-editorial-embed"><span class="yom-figure yom-fig-right" style="width: 400px;"><a class=" yltnofollow" href="http://shopping.yahoo.com/electronics/" target="_blank"><img alt="Electronics" class="editorial " src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/3sY5TRoJlUPafqVT_Xcwbw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTQwMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/591/2013/02/02/Home-Electronics-jpg_010626.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span><br />
<strong>5. Home Electronics.</strong>When it comes to deals on tech products, February is a big one. This is the month after the Consumer Electronics Show. The heavy hitters in the gadget world rolled their dice in Vegas (where the show is held) with their new products for the coming year. That means their current inventory on store shelves is about to take a price cut, and you’re about to get a deal. <br />
President's Day is a benchmark day for discounts on digital cameras, <a href="http://shopping.yahoo.com/televisions/" target="_blank">HDTVs</a> and home theater systems. <br /><br />OK, I know what you’re saying: It’s always a good time to buy these things. You’re half right. HDTVs and home theater packages go on sale often, but this is truly the best month. Want another reason? Two words: Super Bowl. If you didn’t get a new TV on Black Friday, this is the month for you. Having said that, don’t go nuts. Make sure you only get as much TV as you need. If your couch is only eight feet from your TV you really don’t need a screen the size of a Corolla. And if you have kids and thin walls then you’re probably never going to use a surround sound system.<br /><br />However, if you don’t have the aforementioned details – or you do and just don’t care – this is the month to save cash on the hardware that will turn your home into a theater. New models are coming out in March. Act now. <br />
<br /><br /><span class="yui-editorial-embed"><span class="yom-figure yom-fig-left" style="width: 400px;"><img alt="Electronics" class="editorial " src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/200znyckAkt.99yl98ASbA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTQwMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/591/2013/02/02/valentines-aftermath-jpg_010633.jpg" width="400" /></span></span><strong>6. Valentine’s Day Aftermath.</strong>Most stores can’t possibly sell all the Cupid-inspire chocolate, flowers and gifts they stock up on for <a href="http://yhoo.it/VB8vz7" target="_blank">Valentine’s Day</a>. Walk in on February 15 and you can find huge discounts, especially on the perishable items such as chocolate and flowers. The flowers – and even the potted plants some retailers roll out for the holiday – will brighten your home. The chocolate and candies can be frozen for surprise treats or baking, if you’re so inclined.<br />
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<br /><br /><br /><span class="yui-editorial-embed"><span class="yom-figure yom-fig-right" style="width: 400px;"><a class=" yltnofollow" href="http://shopping.yahoo.com/air-conditioners/" target="_blank"><img alt="Air Conditioning" class="editorial " src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/5tqChMFdhMz4MI9Q1ENkBA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTQwMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/591/2013/02/02/air-conditioning-jpg_010627.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span><strong>7. Air Conditioning Systems/Units.</strong>The radio is filled with ads for home air conditioning companies right now. This is the time to buy. In the heat of the summer those guys will be too busy to pick up the phone. In the dead of winter, they’ll appreciate your business and offer some great deals to entice you. <br /><br /> The same is true for window units. In the sticky summer months consumers will do anything – and pay any price – to escape the heat. Do the smart thing and buy one now. You’ll save a bundle and be ready for the warm months ahead.<br />
<br />
<br /><br /><br /><span class="yui-editorial-embed"><span class="yom-figure yom-fig-left" style="width: 350px;"><a class=" yltnofollow" href="http://shopping.yahoo.com/snowboarding/" target="_blank"><img alt="Winter Sports" class="editorial " src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/ZyB2ft1Df15CFJyZ6ms_HA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTM1MA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/591/2013/02/02/winter-sports-jpg_010634.jpg" width="350" /></a></span></span><strong>8. Winter Sports Equipment.</strong>It may seem counter intuitive, but this ice cold month is a great time to buy stuff you need to use right now. This applies to everything from skis, skates or a winter jacket. Expect savings in the 25 percent range, maybe higher.<br />
<br />
<br /><br /><span class="yui-editorial-embed"><span class="yom-figure yom-fig-right" style="width: 400px;"><a class=" yltnofollow" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501822-london_vacations-i" target="_blank"><img alt="London" class="editorial " src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/x39ssuabFltIe0uKvKAs8Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTQwMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/591/2013/02/02/London-jpg_010633.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span><strong>9. Vacation in London.</strong>This is a good time to visit Europe, London especially, because most people don’t vacation there this time of year. The London attractions you want to see – such as museums and sight-seeing – don’t disappear in the winter months. And it’s not as cold as you think.<br /><br /> Expect to spend half as much on a European vacation if you plan it in February.<br />
<br />
<br /><br /><br /><span class="yui-editorial-embed"><span class="yom-figure yom-fig-left" style="width: 400px;"><img alt="Indoor DIY" class="editorial " src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/pBQFmPaNdCYaavceehF3xg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTQwMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/591/2013/02/02/indoor-diy-jpg_010626.jpg" width="400" /></span></span><strong>10. Indoor DIY Projects.</strong>This is not the time of year when most people want to be fixing roofs or working on their home’s exterior. It’s cold outside, time to look inside for your home improvement projects. Look to the big box stores to have incredible sales on indoor DIY project materials, such as fixtures and vanities. <br />
<br />
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Not only do many of the box stores have reliable employees who can help you shop, but the <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/" target="_blank">Home Depot web site</a> is packed with DIY videos, instructions and blogs. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://shopping.yahoo.com/news/february-deals-on-big-ticket-items-014358475.html">http://shopping.yahoo.com/news/february-deals-on-big-ticket-items-014358475.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-9313678229913708242013-02-04T08:04:00.001-08:002013-02-04T08:05:12.136-08:00The Value of Time and ExperienceYesterday I had a woman come in to have her taxes done. With all of her credits, exemptions and deductions, I was able to get her an $8,158 refund. It took about an hour to do her return, and when I finished, she objected to the $349.00 fee set by the company I work for. I was able to discount the cost $50.00, lowering the price down to $299.00 but she still refused to pay that much. I explained that there are costs involved in preparing her return, the cost of rent for the building, the cost of utilities, the cost of the computers and software, the desks and furniture, and the cost of paying staff. She wasn't having it, and walked out, stating she could do it herself for free.<br />
<br />
Now as a frugal person, I understand that no one wants to pay anymore than they have to, and I actually do my own taxes, I have for years. That said, I would never dream of walking into any business and tell a trained professional; a lawyer, an accountant, a cosmotologist, a doctor, or any person who has just provided me a professional service and an hour of their time that I'm not going to pay because you are charging too much. I spent over 250 hours training, studying, practicing, and testing to be able to prepare taxes correctly, and I know many professionals have spent thousands of hours preparing for their professional careers. They are the specialist in their field, and their experience and knowledge is something I don't have, nor do I have the time or money to learn what they know. I think the value of their time and experience is worth whatever price I need to pay, in order to get the desired results. <br />
<br />
So what do you think Frugal Friends? Was my customer being a bit too frugal? Is there any professional service you feel is not worth the time and experience of the person providing it?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-30921351435825351062013-02-01T16:27:00.000-08:002013-02-01T16:29:52.263-08:00When Is The Last Time You Cleaned Out Your Closets?<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">When is the last time you cleaned out your closets?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Are things falling on your head when you open your closets? Is your garage so full of stuff you can't fit your car in it? Have you not been able to find something, went out to buy a new item, only to find the missing item a few days later? We all have stuff that we have collected over the years. If you are looking to make some extra cash, or just simplify your life, maybe its time to cash in all those things you have cluttering up your life and get organized in the process </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">There are several things you can do with these items:</span> </span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Sell things on consignment at a second hand store</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
<li>Donate to a charity (for fair market value) and claim a tax deduction.</li>
<li>Organize a clothing swap with friends or neighbors</li>
<li>Have a yard sale</li>
<li>Post items on Listia.com or other barter sites, where you can find things you might need.</li>
<li>Sell items on ebay or craigslist</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
So Frugal Friends, do you have any ideas for earning extra cash?<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-45785253096443265772013-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:002013-01-17T08:00:03.467-08:00Save? Who Has Money To Save?<span class="userContent">If you are like most people, you probably find it really hard to save money.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There's always a fabulous new pair of
shoes, or a new electronic gadget that we absolutely positively cannot live
without. Sometimes we mindlessly spend money on a quick trip to the convenience
store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We've all walked into store
intent on buying just a few items, and before we know it, we walk out with arms
full of stuff we don't even remember putting in the cart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re guilty of downloading from ITunes or
Amazon with reckless abandon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We guzzle
$5 Venti Mochas from Starbucks every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We spend hundreds of dollars buying things on sale, whether we need them
at the moment or not, merely because it was on sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live in a society of “now” and before we
know it, our bank balance is a big fat goose egg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="userContent">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> </v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></v:shapetype></span><br />
Most of us need a reason to save. It's a little easier to save if you have a
clear purpose for the money. That and I don't know a lot people who instinctively
squirrel away their money, unless they survived the Great Depression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the median household income of most
Americans families being about $50,000, most of us can’t afford to save much,
and may only be able to save for one thing at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are three basic things you should be saving for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
First and foremost, you need to save for an emergency fund.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life happens, and whether it’s a natural
disaster, a sudden illness, a layoff, an automobile accident, or a major
repair, you will need to find a way to bridge the gap until you can either
return to work or settle up with an insurance company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much to save is up to you, but ideally, it’s
recommended that you save 3 to 6 month’s income.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the real world, it’s going to depend on
your personal situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even $1000 set aside in the event of an
emergency is better than nothing at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Second, unless you don’t expect to live past the age of 67, or you actually plan
to work until you die, you probably need to start setting money aside for
retirement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The earlier you start, the
better off you will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you start by saving
$50 a month every month at age 25 and invest in either indexed funds, or an
indexed universal life insurance policy with cash value, investments that
usually have higher rates of return (around 8%), after 40 years, you will have
approximately <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>$168,000.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you invested $100 a month over 40 years,
you would have $335, 737.00 when you retire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you wait until age 40 to start saving, you would have to save $340 a
month – over $4000 a year to achieve $322,000.00 at 8% interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
The third reason to save is for short term goals, an engagement ring, a down
payment on a house, a new car, a big screen TV, a new laptop or tablet, new
furniture, or a new appliance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you
pay cash, it saves a lot of money by avoiding those nasty interest charges, and
it belongs to you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Sometimes you can wrangle a better deal on something if you tell them you are paying cash. </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
With the reasons to save out of the way, figuring out how to save is
next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More importantly, making sure you
don't spend it once you have saved it. There is an adage that's been around for
a while that says pay yourself first. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
experts say you should be saving 10% to 15% of your income.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While most people might not be able to save
that much at first, once you build a little nest egg, it becomes important to
protect it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s okay to start small, even
if it's $10 or $20 a paycheck. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put your
money into an online account like INGDirect or Ally. These online banks require
2 or 3 days to transfer money so you don't have immediate access it makes it
easier to save. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might even consider
having it directly deposited into your account out of your paycheck, so you
never even see the money. Another idea is to deposit any raises in your pay
into a separate account.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are able
to live off what you currently make, putting a raise in the bank allows you to
put away money without ever seeing it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another
idea is to use cash to pay for everything that doesn’t require payment by debit
or check. The interesting thing about paying with cash is that when you have
the cash in your hand, you know there is a limit, and it makes you think about
impulse purchases, since when it’s gone, you have to wait until you get paid
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a woman in Houston that
started using cash for all her expenses that she could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she
got a $5 bill as change, she set it aside in an envelope and deposited them
into savings at the end of the week. She managed to save $1200 in just one
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another friend of mine saves all
the one dollar bills marked H and J, her initials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She estimates that she saves about $500 a
year in $1 bills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If nothing else, you
can save your change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It adds up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another option you might consider if you
don’t think you are disciplined enough to save each month, is setting aside
your tax refund if you get one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
So Frugal Friends, what is you reason to save? and how do you save your
money? I'd love to hear from you! Happy Saving!<o:p></o:p><br />
</span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-15860757358022011172013-01-14T21:11:00.000-08:002013-01-14T21:11:03.751-08:00A Frugal JourneyI've been asked by people, why chose a frugal lifestyle? I suppose for each person it is different, but for me, it was a chance to stop the endless cycle of debt. I had student loans, car loans, and credit card debt that circled like a cloud over my head that I could never seem to escape. I was using credit cards to pay for clothes, gifts, emergencies, car repairs, co payments on health care, and the inevitable yearly Christmas shopping. I was stuck on a financial merry go round, and I had no idea how to get off. I knew I was paying out a lot in interest every year, but it wasn't until the credit card companies started listing how much I was paying yearly in interest on my bill did I really sit up and take notice. I started reading things from the experts, tried to create a budget, and tried to pay off my highest balance credit card first, all the things that you are supposed to do. I failed miserably. At the end of the first year, I was no further ahead then when I started. All that money I worked so hard to pay off, I charged back up again, when I ended up out of work for 4 months. It's embarassing to admit that I failed. <br />
<br />
I've learned a few things about how money works in the meantime, and I am once again working toward my goals of being debt free. Instead of paying down my credit card debt down right away, I put money aside for emergencies in a savings account I can't access easily. That way I won't end up right back where I started. After that I started paying down my debts. I cut out all the incidental spending. I stopped going to the gas station for coffee on my way into work, I stopped eating fast food for lunch and getting a Route 44 drink everyday from Sonic. I no longer run to the convenience store at the corner and spend 3 times more for the item than I should, just for the convenience. I stopped drinking soda, and now make my coffee at home and take it to work in a reuseable cup. I bought a tap water filter so I can fill my reuseable water bottle right from the tap. <br />
<br />
Not only do I set a budget each month, I plan out my shopping. The sales ads I used to toss in the trash are now checked weekly for items that are on sale. My pantry and freezer are stockpiled full, as are the toiletries cupboards in the bathroom. What might really surprise you is that most of it is name brand items. I've learned to buy several of one item at a cheaper price, when things are on sale, and matched up with coupons. The key really is planning. It takes an extra hour or so of my week, but is worth every second of that time. When I want or need something, instead of going shopping, now I search out used items on Craigslist and Listia. Sometimes I go to garage sales with a list of things I am looking for. I made almost all of the gifts I gave for Christmas. Instead of buying books, or renting movies, I go to the library where I get them for free. <br />
<br />
I finally feel in control of my life and my spending has stopped spiraling out of control. I am learning to live within my means, with a little help and encouragement from friends. I still struggle, and I am still tempted, I desperately want to buy a new car, but I have promised myself I will not take on anymore debt until I can afford to do it comfortably. It was a good thing too, because recently I had to leave my job, and I am in the process of starting a new journey. I started this blog to share my journey, and pass along the little tips that are helping me along the way. <br />
<br />
So frugal friends, what are you trying to accomplish on your journey? Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-77238295826969140672013-01-05T18:54:00.000-08:002013-01-05T18:54:39.604-08:00A Little Money Goes A Long Way
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most of us have financed something at some point in our
adult lives; a car, a home, credit cards, appliances, or furniture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We make monthly payments until the item is
paid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of the payment includes a
nasty little thing called interest, which is the cost of buying something over
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The better your credit score is,
the better the interest rate will be, but if your credit isn’t great, you end
up paying a lot more. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even if your interest rate is high, there is something you
can do to lower the amount of interest that you pay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the beginning of the loan, interest is charged
on the entire principal of the loan, so a large portion of your initial payments
will mostly be interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether you are
trying to lower your car payment or your mortgage, or pay off credit cards, the key to lowering what you
pay toward interest is how much extra you can apply to the principal of the loan
over time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you add $20 to your
payment each month or if you make just one additional payment a year, at the
end of the contract, you will have saved on the amount of interest you pay, and
will have cut a few payments off the length of your loan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That money you paid ahead is essentially
money you are no longer paying interest on. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best way to see how much you are paying
is to consult an amortization chart, which can be found free online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One stipulation, please make sure your loan
doesn’t have a prepayment penalty clause before you attempt to prepay your loan
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-16357352093982716822013-01-02T16:55:00.002-08:002013-01-04T09:42:46.140-08:00Saving Opportunity?Saving for College Or Paying Off Student Loans<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUVn8potcgPEqJRgT-9_lhEIIbyxVmzloAV3oAJnuDar_6YO9T3AD4MTUHps1j56VhUNor7KvFA3Ez7-jEH_MjWVOno_QGI7IYLnJlBgkca9vNQmeFs541cc3i1CXMfUKZd-FK-qHdUSP/s1600/grad+piggy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUVn8potcgPEqJRgT-9_lhEIIbyxVmzloAV3oAJnuDar_6YO9T3AD4MTUHps1j56VhUNor7KvFA3Ez7-jEH_MjWVOno_QGI7IYLnJlBgkca9vNQmeFs541cc3i1CXMfUKZd-FK-qHdUSP/s320/grad+piggy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A college education is expensive! The cost of college tuition increases
between 5% and 8% every year, which means it could cost double the current amount
of tuition in just 10 years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have
already graduated, you know the pain of paying back student loans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us also shop on a regular basis, so why
not take advantage of a tax free rebate program that allows you to save for
college for yourself or a child, or pay off your student loans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>UPromise has been around for a number of
years and has gradually increased the number of products and companies that you
can purchase from in order to receive rebates, although they have moved more
toward online shopping, but they do have restaurants that provide rebates, and
if you purchase gas at Exxon, you get a small rebate per gallon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
It takes about 20 minutes to set up your account and link your debit and
credit cards to the account, along with any shopper’s cards for participating
companies like Kroger and CVS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can
also access several hundred online sites of companies that participate in the
rebate program through the UPromise website. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can view the list of the participating companies
here: <a href="http://shop.upromise.com/mall/view-all-companies"><span style="color: blue;">http://shop.upromise.com/mall/view-all-companies</span></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here’s how it works from the
UPromise website:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
you make a purchase with an Upromise partner, the earnings are linked to your
Upromise account. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 48pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you're
shopping online, you must click through to participating partners from the
Upromise website to get the credit for your transactions. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 48pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you're
going out to eat, you must pay with any credit or debit card registered in the
Upromise Dining program. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 48pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
participating groceries and drug store items, you must swipe your store card
registered with Upromise. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 48pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
purchasing through other partner retailers and services, you must pay with a
registered credit or debit card. Be sure to check with partners to ensure your
transaction is eligible for Upromise earnings. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After the
purchase is verified, the money is deposited into your Upromise account. Then,
once you've accumulated $25, you have choices to either invest your earnings
for growth in an eligible 529 account or use them to systematically pay down
your student loan(s), you can even request a check directly from Upromise to
cover school expenses or invest on your own.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What’s more, you can have family and friends sign up, and donate
their rebates to a specific individual; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>yourself,
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>if you are a student or paying off
student loans, or for a savings account for a child(ren).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a casual user, you can save a couple
hundred dollars a year, and if you are truly dedicated, you can save about
$1,000 a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">So what do you think Frugal Friends?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you think it’s worth it to shop specific
stores to save money for college or toward student loans?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-85674902918433808472013-01-01T21:00:00.000-08:002013-01-01T21:00:08.216-08:00Grocery Sales Cycles from our Frugal Friend LivingRichlyOnABudget.com<strong>January</strong><br />
<strong>National Oatmeal Month:</strong> Quaker<br />
<strong>Diet Foods</strong>: Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs, Yogurt<br />
<strong>Super Bowl Sunday:</strong> Pepsi, Coke, Chips, Dips, Cheese, Sandwich Items, Crackers, Snacks, Wings<br />
<strong>Seasonal Produce:</strong> Oranges, Pears, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Cabbage, Spinach<br />
<strong>Clearance:</strong> Christmas Decorations, Toys, Wrapping Papers,<br />
<strong>Winter Health:</strong> Cold Medicines and Vitamins<br />
<h3>
<strong>February</strong></h3>
<strong>National Canned Food Month:</strong> Canned Fruit, Pie Fillings, Vegetables, Meats: Tuna, Chicken, Salmon<br />
<strong>National Hot Breakfast Month:</strong> Malt O Meal, Oatmeal, Eggo Waffles, Syrup<br />
<strong>Valentines:</strong> Chocolate, Hershey’s, KY Lubricant, etc<br />
<strong>Chinese New Year:</strong> Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Noodles, Canned Water Chestnuts<br />
<strong>Seasonal Produce:</strong> Artichoke, Asparagus, Raspberries, Potatoes, Strawberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Spinach<br />
<h3>
<strong>March</strong></h3>
<strong>Frozen Food Month:</strong> Ice Cream, Frozen Vegetables (Boxed, Bag, or Steam), Frozen Meals, Foster Farms Chicken, Waffles, Pizza<br />
<strong>Seasonal Produce:</strong> Artichoke, Asparagus, Haas Avocado, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Fennel, Kale, Leek, Lemon, Lime, Mushrooms, Spring Onions, Orange, Peas, Radish, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Tangerine<br />
<h3>
<strong>April</strong></h3>
<strong>Easter:</strong> Ham, Eggs, Spices, Baking Supplies: Sugar, Spices, Baking Mixes, Chocolate Chips, Butter, Coconut, Marshmallows, Brownie Mix, Cake Mix<br />
<strong>Earth Day:</strong> Organic Foods, Energy Saver, Reusable Totes<br />
<strong>Seasonal Produce:</strong> Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbages, Carrots, Grapefruit, Haas Avocado, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, Rhubarb<br />
<strong>Clearance:</strong> After Easter sales<br />
<h3>
<strong>May</strong></h3>
Print what’s on sale for May <em>only</em> <strong><a href="http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/xwic">here</a></strong>.<br />
<strong>Memorial Day:</strong> BBQ Sauce, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips, Grilling Meats, Hot Dogs, Hamburger Meat, Marinade, Salad Greens<br />
<strong>Paper Products:</strong> Plates, Utensils, Insect Repellant, Sunscreen<br />
<strong>Cinco De Mayo:</strong> Salsa, tortillas<br />
<strong>Seasonal Produce:</strong> Artichokes, Asparagus, Avocado, Beans, Green, Beets, Blackberries, Carrots, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Peas, New Potatoes, Raspberries, Strawberries<br />
<h3>
<strong>June</strong></h3>
Print what’s on sale for June <em>only</em> <strong><a href="http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/2uhb" target="_blank">here</a></strong>.<br />
<strong>National Dairy Month:</strong> Eggs, Milk, Ice Cream, Cheese, Cream Cheese, Butter, Yogurt, Whipping Cream, Whipped Cream, Cool Whip<br />
<strong>End of June is Fourth or July Sales:</strong> Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips<br />
<strong>Seasonal Produce:</strong> Apricots, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cherries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Honeydew, Nectarines, Peaches, Potatoes, Raspberries, Red Onions, Squash, Summer, Strawberries, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Tomatoes, Watermelon<br />
<h3>
<strong>July</strong></h3>
<strong>National Ice Cream Month</strong><br />
<strong>More 4th of July BBQ Sales:</strong> Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips<br />
<strong>End of July:</strong> Back to School Sales Begin: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders<br />
<strong>Seasonal Produce:</strong> Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Beans, Green, Blueberries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Garlic, Grapes, Nectarines, Onions, Red, Valencia Oranges, Peaches, Sweet/Bell Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon<br />
<h3>
<strong>August</strong></h3>
<strong>Back to School:</strong> Pudding cups, Lunch meat, Lunchables, Bread, Cold Cereal, Waffles, Lunchboxes<br />
<strong>Disinfectant:</strong> Clorox, Purell<br />
<strong>Clearance:</strong> Insect Repellant, Sunscreen, charcoal<br />
<strong>Seasonal Produce:</strong> Gravenstein Apple, Haas Avocado, Green Beans, Beans, Berries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Grapes, Melons, Onion, Peaches, Bartlett Pears, Bell Pepper, Plums, Raspberries, Squash, Summer, Tomatillo, Tomato<br />
<h3>
<strong>September</strong></h3>
<strong>Back to School Sales through Labor Day:</strong> Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders<br />
<strong>Diabetes:</strong> Bayer Glucose Meters, Glucerna Cereal<br />
<strong>Seasonal Produce:</strong> Apples, Artichokes, Beans, Bell Peppers, Chili Peppers, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Onion, Valencia Orange, Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Pomegranate, Squash, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Winter Squash<br />
<strong>Baby Items:</strong> Major Baby Equipment, Baby Safety<br />
<h3>
<strong>October</strong></h3>
<strong>Halloween:</strong> Candy, Fresh Pumpkin<br />
<strong>Beginning of the Baking Sales:</strong> Canned pumpkin, Evaporated Milk, Baking Chips<br />
<strong>Daylight Savings Time Ends Promotions:</strong> Alarm Clocks, Batteries, Safety Equipment, Smoke Detectors<br />
<strong>National Seafood Month</strong><br />
<strong>Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month:</strong> Pedigree, Purina<br />
<strong>Seasonal Produce:</strong> Almonds, Apples, Artichokes, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Chard, Chestnuts, Cranberries, Lemons, Parsnip, Pears, Pomegranate, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Spinach, Squash, Winter, Turnips, Yams<br />
<h3>
<strong>November</strong></h3>
<strong>Hot Cocoa, Coffee, Tea</strong><br />
<strong>Baking Sales in Full Swing:</strong> Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut, Cake Mixes<br />
<strong>Canned foods:</strong> Soup, Broth, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce<br />
<strong>Thanksgiving Items:</strong> Turkey, Canned Pumpkin, Stovetop Stuffing, Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows<br />
<strong>Seasonal Produce:</strong> Anjou Pears, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Celery, Comice Pears, Cranberries, Kiwi, Lemons, Orange, Potato, Squash, Yams<br />
<strong>Clearance:</strong> After Halloween Sales<br />
<h3>
<strong>December</strong></h3>
<strong>Holiday Dinner:</strong> Egg Nog, Deli Platters, Instant Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows. Sour Cream Dips, Crackers, Chips, Soda, Ham<br />
<strong>Baking:</strong> Flour, Sugar, Butter, Cream, Cake Mix, Brownie Mix, Muffin Mix, Breads, Pie Crust, Marshmallow, Whipped cream<br />
<strong>Canned Foods:</strong> Soup, Broth, Condensed Milk, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce<br />
<strong>Seasonal Produce:</strong> Anjou Pears, Bok Choy, Bosc Pears, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Dates, Grapefruit, Haas Avocados, Kale, Kiwi, Kumquat, Lemon, Napa Cabbage, Oranges, Sweet Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Rutabaga, Savoy Cabbage, Spinach, Winter Squash, Yams, Turnips, White Potato<br />
Clearance: After Thanksgiving and After Christmas Sales<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/grocery-sale-cycles-when-do-things-go-on-sale">Grocery Sales Cycles from our Frugal Friend at Living Richly On A Budget</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-58878844161957022872013-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:002013-01-01T00:00:09.319-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fE-EFElT_NtCPUugzTRquTrkFTFNKdYJ542b_kbEme9fRtZAZnVXAikknbfGG7Z-MGQZAbpkOx9lgwecD_jag8dA3h4XYz9CsqtoiUbyraXM5FzS-Z1_5uoJ5fMD1ErNG6UUFAApK-yz/s1600/720_New+Year+HD+Blue+Wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fE-EFElT_NtCPUugzTRquTrkFTFNKdYJ542b_kbEme9fRtZAZnVXAikknbfGG7Z-MGQZAbpkOx9lgwecD_jag8dA3h4XYz9CsqtoiUbyraXM5FzS-Z1_5uoJ5fMD1ErNG6UUFAApK-yz/s320/720_New+Year+HD+Blue+Wallpaper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce<br />
<a href="http://suite101.com/article/new-years-blessings-quotes-and-prayers-a313558#ixzz2GaQUKrcm" style="color: #003399;">New Year's Blessings, Quotes and Prayers | Suite101</a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-73707802729331049212012-12-30T21:00:00.000-08:002013-02-21T21:00:07.180-08:00Financial Goals 2013<span class="userContent">It's the last day of 2012! Maybe 2012 didn't become all that you hoped, and since they Mayans prediction of apocalyptic doom didn't happen, perhaps you have a bit of a financial hangover, or at the least, you didn't accomplish any of the goals you set for yourself. The time to think about this next year is now. </span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent">Think about the goals you would like to accomplish in 2013. Do you want to get out of debt? Is there a family vacation you have been dreaming about? Do you need to pay off your student loans? Do you need to start a college fund for your kids? Have you started a retirement fund yet? Perhaps you want to be a stay at home parent, or start your own business in 2013. Maybe you just want to buy a new car or that big flat screen TV you have been salivating over. What are your life goals this year? What are your financial goals this year? Now is the time to ask yourself those important questions!</span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent">Here's the plan, and yes, you actually have to have a plan: </span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent">Step 1. Write down your goal. If you don't write it down, its just a wish. You can't build a foundation for a castle in the sky. The purpose of writing down your goal is to make yourself accountable. You need to look at your goal weekly to remind yourself of what you are doing and why you're doing. Sometimes goals require uncomfortable sacrifices and if you have that reminder in front of you, it allows you to stay focused on what is important to you. </span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent">Step 2. Write down w<span class="userContent">hat it will take to accomplish that goal. </span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Does it mean picking up an extra shift or working a second job? </span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Does it require giving up your daily trip to Starbucks for a Venti Mocha? </span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Does it require you to start living a more frugal lifestyle? </span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">How much do you need to save to accomplish your goal? </span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">How long will it take to achieve your goal? </span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Where are you going to save your money? </span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">How much time or money are you willing to sacrifice each week to achieve your goal?</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Step 3. Implement the goal. This is the moment when you must do the hard work. Unless you want to be like Sisyphus, rolling a rock up a hill, only to have it crash back down on top of you, you have to be ready to put your plan into action. While I reccommend creating a budget, I understand that not every situation allows for that. At the least, you need to know how much you earn and prioritize your spending from there. It will help to look at your past spending to see how you have spent your money. This will take about 2 hours of your time, but it is worth every second. It never hurts to do a financial check up, even if you do budget your expenses. </span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Pull your bank and credit card statements from September or October of 2012 and categorize how you spent your money for an average month. (November and December tend to be bad for averages because of the holidays). </span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Divide your spending into categories: housing, utilities, transportation, insurance, medical, entertainment, food, clothing, savings, and miscellaneous. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">What do you absolutely <u>have</u> to pay every month?</span></span></li>
<li>How much can you reasonably set aside to achieve your goal?</li>
<li>What are you spending money on each month that can be eliminated?</li>
<li>Is there a way to reduce or consolidate what you have to spend?</li>
</ul>
<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Once you are aware of where your money is spent, you can take it a step further. Become conscious of your spending. </span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"></span></span><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Think about what you are purchasing and why? </span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Is there a more affordable way to achieve what you need? </span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Can you borrow the item or barter for it?</span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Do you have a coupon or discount?</span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Can you survive without it? </span></span></li>
<li><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Will it help you achieve your goals?</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">I hope this will help you begin the year on the right foot. Well that is a wrap for today Frugal Friends, I would love to hear all about your goals for the new year! </span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><em>Tax Tip: Today is the last day to make contributions to your IRA, make charitable donations, prepay tution for next year, or pay your property taxes, in order to deduct these itemized expenses on your 2012 taxes.</em> </span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963031187597639814.post-47864601262373578872012-12-30T10:32:00.001-08:002012-12-30T11:33:19.099-08:00Welcome Frugal FriendsAs 2012 draws to a close, I realize we face an uncertian future: tax increases, national and personal debt, health insurance mandates, inflation, and a host of other mindboggling issues that might cause most of us to lie awake at night, and at the very least, cause more than a little anxiety. There are a lot of things we cannot control in our world, but there are things we can take control of: our lifestyles, our personal finances, and our own choices.<br />
Starting in 2013, Frugal Friends will be sharing ideas about: shopping, tips on frugal living, how to set financial goals, lower your tax burdens, get out of debt, save money, make extra money, protect your family, and achieve financial health and peace of mind. We look forward to your feedback, your ideas, and suggestions along the way. Bookmark our page! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0