Time to Pamper Yourself

The 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.

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.

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 http://naccas.org, it will bring up a list of schools and the services they provide in your local area.

Win a free copy of my e-book

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  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/331454
Promotional price: $1.50
Coupon Code: GR27Q
Expires: September 30, 2013

That New Car Smell

Never 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.

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.

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.

Tax Free Holidays

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.

Summer Fun Tips

Looking 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.

My New eBook! 12 Months of Practical Modern Living: A Frugal Resource

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!

12 Months of Practical Modern Living: A Frugal Resource

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.
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.
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 bank

Worth the time or the money?

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.

Extreme Coupon Tips

Did you know if you match buy 1 get 1 free sales with coupons, you can use a coupon for the free product too?

Did you know that you can use a store coupon and a manufacturers coupon for the same item?

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? 

So Frugal Friends, do you have any extreme coupon tips?

Beg, 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.

1. Can you get it free or second hand? Craigslist, Freecycle, and Thrift Shops are options you might want to check first.

2. Can you borrow it? Forking out money for something you will use infrequently is a waste... just make sure you take it back after you borrow it! 

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.

Sometimes retail should be your last option instead of your first.  Just something to think about. 

IT'S TAX TIME (part 1)

I've been getting a lot of questions about taxes this last couple weeks, so I am posting some of my tax tips 

 

- Standard Deductions vs Itemization on a Schedule A.

 

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 deductions 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.

 

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 to 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.

February Big Ticket Sales

Just wanted to share this with all my frugal friends

February deals on big ticket items

By Victor Paul Alvarez | Yahoo! Shopping – Fri, Feb 1, 2013 8:43 PM EST

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.

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.)
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.

MORE AT Yahoo! Shopping

• » Items you need to toss and replace
• »Putting flower delivery sites to the test – which is best?
• »2013 price cuts and price hikes

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.

I have good news for you. Plenty of necessities and creature comforts are good deals this month.

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.

As always, I’m here to show you where to look.


1. Prom dresses.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.
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.






2. Boats.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.

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.
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.



3. Indoor furniture.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.
But February is truly a great month to shop – to the tune of saving up to 60 percent if you do your homework.
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.



(Photo courtesy of SoCo Creamery)4. Broadway tickets.
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.
You might be able to find two for one deals that increase the fun and frugality of your trip to New York.

For more, check out http://www.newyork.com/broadway-show-tickets/

They bill themselves as “New York: The Center of Everything,” so you know they mean business.



5. Home Electronics.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.
President's Day is a benchmark day for discounts on digital cameras, HDTVs and home theater systems.

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.

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.


6. Valentine’s Day Aftermath.Most stores can’t possibly sell all the Cupid-inspire chocolate, flowers and gifts they stock up on for Valentine’s Day. 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.




7. Air Conditioning Systems/Units.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.

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.




8. Winter Sports Equipment.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.



9. Vacation in London.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.

Expect to spend half as much on a European vacation if you plan it in February.




10. Indoor DIY Projects.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.

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 Home Depot web site is packed with DIY videos, instructions and blogs.

http://shopping.yahoo.com/news/february-deals-on-big-ticket-items-014358475.html

The Value of Time and Experience

Yesterday 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.

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.

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?

When Is The Last Time You Cleaned Out Your Closets?

When is the last time you cleaned out your closets? 

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 

There are several things you can do with these items: 

• Sell things on consignment at a second hand store
• Donate to a charity (for fair market value) and claim a tax deduction.
• Organize a clothing swap with friends or neighbors
• Have a yard sale
• Post items on Listia.com or other barter sites, where you can find things you might need.
• Sell items on ebay or craigslist

So Frugal Friends, do you have any ideas for earning extra cash?

 

 

Save? Who Has Money To Save?

If you are like most people, you probably find it really hard to save money.  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.  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.  We’re guilty of downloading from ITunes or Amazon with reckless abandon.  We guzzle $5 Venti Mochas from Starbucks every day.  We spend hundreds of dollars buying things on sale, whether we need them at the moment or not, merely because it was on sale.  We live in a society of “now” and before we know it, our bank balance is a big fat goose egg.   
 
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.  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.   There are three basic things you should be saving for. 

First and foremost, you need to save for an emergency fund.  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.  How much to save is up to you, but ideally, it’s recommended that you save 3 to 6 month’s income.  In the real world, it’s going to depend on your personal situation.   Even $1000 set aside in the event of an emergency is better than nothing at all. 

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.  The earlier you start, the better off you will be.  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  $168,000.  If you invested $100 a month over 40 years, you would have $335, 737.00 when you retire.  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. 

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.  When you pay cash, it saves a lot of money by avoiding those nasty interest charges, and it belongs to you.  Sometimes you can wrangle a better deal on something if you tell them you are paying cash.

With the reasons to save out of the way, figuring out how to save is next.  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.  The experts say you should be saving 10% to 15% of your income.  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.  It’s okay to start small, even if it's $10 or $20 a paycheck.  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.  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.  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.  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.  There is a woman in Houston that started using cash for all her expenses that she could.   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.  Another friend of mine saves all the one dollar bills marked H and J, her initials.  She estimates that she saves about $500 a year in $1 bills.  If nothing else, you can save your change.  It adds up!  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. 

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!

A Frugal Journey

I'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. 

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.

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.

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. 

So frugal friends, what are you trying to accomplish on your journey? 

A Little Money Goes A Long Way

Most of us have financed something at some point in our adult lives; a car, a home, credit cards, appliances, or furniture.  We make monthly payments until the item is paid.  Part of the payment includes a nasty little thing called interest, which is the cost of buying something over time.  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.

Even if your interest rate is high, there is something you can do to lower the amount of interest that you pay.  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.  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.  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.  That money you paid ahead is essentially money you are no longer paying interest on.   The best way to see how much you are paying is to consult an amortization chart, which can be found free online.  One stipulation, please make sure your loan doesn’t have a prepayment penalty clause before you attempt to prepay your loan

Saving Opportunity?

Saving for College Or Paying Off Student Loans

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.  If you have already graduated, you know the pain of paying back student loans.  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.  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. 

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.  You can also access several hundred online sites of companies that participate in the rebate program through the UPromise website.  You can view the list of the participating companies here: http://shop.upromise.com/mall/view-all-companies

Here’s how it works from the UPromise website:

When you make a purchase with an Upromise partner, the earnings are linked to your Upromise account.

· If you're shopping online, you must click through to participating partners from the Upromise website to get the credit for your transactions.

· If you're going out to eat, you must pay with any credit or debit card registered in the Upromise Dining program.

· For participating groceries and drug store items, you must swipe your store card registered with Upromise.

· 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.

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.

What’s more, you can have family and friends sign up, and donate their rebates to a specific individual;  yourself,  if you are a student or paying off student loans, or for a savings account for a child(ren).  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.   

So what do you think Frugal Friends?  Do you think it’s worth it to shop specific stores to save money for college or toward student loans?  

Grocery Sales Cycles from our Frugal Friend LivingRichlyOnABudget.com

January
National Oatmeal Month: Quaker
Diet Foods: Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs, Yogurt
Super Bowl Sunday: Pepsi, Coke, Chips, Dips, Cheese, Sandwich Items, Crackers, Snacks, Wings
Seasonal Produce: Oranges, Pears, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Cabbage, Spinach
Clearance: Christmas Decorations, Toys, Wrapping Papers,
Winter Health: Cold Medicines and Vitamins

February

National Canned Food Month: Canned Fruit, Pie Fillings, Vegetables, Meats: Tuna, Chicken, Salmon
National Hot Breakfast Month: Malt O Meal, Oatmeal, Eggo Waffles, Syrup
Valentines: Chocolate, Hershey’s, KY Lubricant, etc
Chinese New Year: Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Noodles, Canned Water Chestnuts
Seasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Raspberries, Potatoes, Strawberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Spinach

March

Frozen Food Month: Ice Cream, Frozen Vegetables (Boxed, Bag, or Steam), Frozen Meals, Foster Farms Chicken, Waffles, Pizza
Seasonal Produce: 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

April

Easter: Ham, Eggs, Spices, Baking Supplies: Sugar, Spices, Baking Mixes, Chocolate Chips, Butter, Coconut, Marshmallows, Brownie Mix, Cake Mix
Earth Day: Organic Foods, Energy Saver, Reusable Totes
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbages, Carrots, Grapefruit, Haas Avocado, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, Rhubarb
Clearance: After Easter sales

May

Print what’s on sale for May only here.
Memorial Day: BBQ Sauce, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips, Grilling Meats, Hot Dogs, Hamburger Meat, Marinade, Salad Greens
Paper Products: Plates, Utensils, Insect Repellant, Sunscreen
Cinco De Mayo: Salsa, tortillas
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Avocado, Beans, Green, Beets, Blackberries, Carrots, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Peas, New Potatoes, Raspberries, Strawberries

June

Print what’s on sale for June only here.
National Dairy Month: Eggs, Milk, Ice Cream, Cheese, Cream Cheese, Butter, Yogurt, Whipping Cream, Whipped Cream, Cool Whip
End of June is Fourth or July Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips
Seasonal Produce: Apricots, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cherries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Honeydew, Nectarines, Peaches, Potatoes, Raspberries, Red Onions, Squash, Summer, Strawberries, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Tomatoes, Watermelon

July

National Ice Cream Month
More 4th of July BBQ Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips
End of July: Back to School Sales Begin: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders
Seasonal Produce: 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

August

Back to School: Pudding cups, Lunch meat, Lunchables, Bread, Cold Cereal, Waffles, Lunchboxes
Disinfectant: Clorox, Purell
Clearance: Insect Repellant, Sunscreen, charcoal
Seasonal Produce: 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

September

Back to School Sales through Labor Day: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders
Diabetes: Bayer Glucose Meters, Glucerna Cereal
Seasonal Produce: Apples, Artichokes, Beans, Bell Peppers, Chili Peppers, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Onion, Valencia Orange, Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Pomegranate, Squash, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Winter Squash
Baby Items: Major Baby Equipment, Baby Safety

October

Halloween: Candy, Fresh Pumpkin
Beginning of the Baking Sales: Canned pumpkin, Evaporated Milk, Baking Chips
Daylight Savings Time Ends Promotions: Alarm Clocks, Batteries, Safety Equipment, Smoke Detectors
National Seafood Month
Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month: Pedigree, Purina
Seasonal Produce: 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

November

Hot Cocoa, Coffee, Tea
Baking Sales in Full Swing: Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut, Cake Mixes
Canned foods: Soup, Broth, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce
Thanksgiving Items: Turkey, Canned Pumpkin, Stovetop Stuffing, Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows
Seasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Celery, Comice Pears, Cranberries, Kiwi, Lemons, Orange, Potato, Squash, Yams
Clearance: After Halloween Sales

December

Holiday Dinner: Egg Nog, Deli Platters, Instant Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows. Sour Cream Dips, Crackers, Chips, Soda, Ham
Baking: Flour, Sugar, Butter, Cream, Cake Mix, Brownie Mix, Muffin Mix, Breads, Pie Crust, Marshmallow, Whipped cream
Canned Foods: Soup, Broth, Condensed Milk, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce
Seasonal Produce: 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
Clearance: After Thanksgiving and After Christmas Sales



Grocery Sales Cycles from our Frugal Friend at Living Richly On A Budget

Happy New Year!

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
New Year's Blessings, Quotes and Prayers | Suite101