Monday, December 31, 2007

Save Money -- Turn Clutter into Cash

Save Money-- make clutter disappear--Freecycle.org

Finally for those who just want to get rid of their clutter

Www.freecycle.org

What it is and how it works: This Tuscon, Ariz.-based nonprofit started in 2003 as a grass-roots effort to declutter the world. It has 4.2 million members. The free online service allows subscribers to donate unwanted items to whomever needs or wants them. Users post what they want to give away on the Freecycle message list. Those in need answer back and the two parties arrange for a pick-up. No money changes hands.

Downside:

You don't gt money or a tax deduction.

Upside:

You get to feel good about recycling your old stuff and reducing some of the planet's clutter.

Donations--i.e. to Goodwill or Salvation Army
How donations work:
You donate items- clothes, household goods, etc. -- to a qualified organization and get a federal tax deduction. According to the IRS, qualified organizations include, federal, state, and local governments and organizations organized and operated only for charitable, religious, educational, scientific, or literary purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. Organizations can tell you if they are qualified and if donations to them are tax-deductible. Or you can look that information up on www.irsgov by clicking on Charities & Non-Profits and then Search For Charities.
If your contributions entitles you to merchandise, goods, or services--i.e. admissions to a charity ball, banquet, theatrical performance, or sporting event-- you can deduct only the amount that exceeds the fair market value of that benefit.
You claim your tax deductions by itemizing on Form 1040 Schedule A.
Upside: You are guaranteed to quickly get rid of your stuff--and to a worthwhile, do-good organization. You get a tax deduction.
Downside:You don't get cash. If you don't itemize--two out of three taxpayers don't--you don't get a deduction. You have to keep good records for your taxes. You need receipts for all donations. Receipts must include descriptions for all donations. Receipts must include descriptions of items along with where and when they were donated.
"It's all about getting the right receipts, paperwork and proof," said Dayana Yochim, consumer finance expert at The Motley Fool.
How do you assign value to the goods you donate? The IRS says the value is determined by the resale value of goods you donate. It offers some guidance in Publication 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property. Go to www.irs.gov and type in Publication 561. But the IRS doesn't provide dollar figures.
Goodwill Industries International Inc. and Salvation Army publish pricing guides that Yochim says are good barometers. Go to www.goodwill.org and type in "valuation guide" or go to www.satruck.com/valueguide.asp.
You can also ask your tax preparer to help. Another idea:Walk through a Goodwill store and see for yourself how they price goods similar to yours, said Bill Farmer, head of HTI Tax Service in Lexington, Ky.
The IRS recommends you keep records of how you determined fair market value of your donated goods.
One final note to those getting rid of a lot of stuff: If your total deduction for a non cash contribution tops $500, you must fill out IRS Form 8283. If your donation is worth more than $5,000, generally an appraisal must be done. For more info: www.irs.gov.
Hope these ideas help you remove clutter and save money. Happy Saving!!!

Save Money -- Turn Clutter into Cash

New Year's Resolutions

Coming in 2008 this blog will move more to a blog/diary on saving money. I hope to include more of my personal saving experiences and keep a running savings amount for the month of January and then on for the year. There will still be stories and posts on how to save money, but more from a personal point of view. I hope this new format will help readers get into the habit of thinking of their own money saving opportunities and experiences. I will share my stories of saving money with coupons. Of things I and my family do to try to help the environment, and yes..the failures along the way which hopefully will give you a chuckle. We are all human, and all in this together. The alternative is to live wastefully. Living a frugal lifestyle always has a two fold theme, saving money, saving the world. And for the most part when you try to do one, you usually wind up doing something to help the other also. As when we cut off lights when leaving a room we save money on our light bill and also help to save energy. I know this is a simplistic approach, but most of this is just common sense. So in the coming weeks i hope that some comments will start coming in..some sharing of your ideas. Even your questions. There is never a dumb question, although some I've ask before seem to be very borderline on looking back on them.
My point being, talk to me..lets share our ideas on saving money and saving our planet. Hopefully we can, together save some money and make this planet a better place to live.
New Year's Resolutions
1. Save more money. My wife and I are frugal to begin with but always looking for ways to save money. I will try to keep a running tab of how much money we save at the grocery store, shopping for clothes, cutting utility bills(will compare to last years bill the same month) and other areas such as insurances, repair bills and other areas where we can draw realistic comparisons.

2. Get more sleep. We have gotten into the habit of staying up late..too late. I will let you know how this works for us.
3. Use less utilities, specifically electricity and water. No we aren't going to stop bathing nor are we going to sit in the dark. But we are always looking for ways to save more.
4. To use compost in our plantings ...flowers lawn and garden. We have trees which produce a lot of leaves in the fall. I've piled these and hope to add some other matter. Shredded paper, household compost materials(fruit and vegetable waist that will compost)to make a truly rich compost pile.
5. To grow more of what we eat. We have land for a garden. As large as we want really. Will keep you posted.
6. To speak out on and give time and resources to environmental causes. Will try to split time in this blog between money saving issues and environmental concerns.
It's not January first yet so this list will probably grow. Stay tuned and as always .. Happy Savings!!!!!

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Save Money-- Turn Clutter into Cash--Part Three

Here's another way to get rid of your clutter and save money:
First go to www.craigslist.org and post items for sale on a local board. Members can also post messages about items they are looking to buy. Potential buyers contact sellers to make arrangements to check out items for sale. The two parties arrange payment, generally cash only.
Draws for sellers:
Posting is free. You don't have to ship your stuff, because buyers come pick it up themselves.
Drawbacks for sellers:
You don't get as much as you would by selling on eBay. Sellers say that sometimes prospective buyers make appointments to check out what's for sale and then don't show up.
Consignment Shops
How they work:
They take your stuff--namely clothes, baby items, toys and furniture--and put it on their store shelves and racks. When it sells, the store takes its cut and writes you a check for the rest. If your items don't sell after a certain period of time or by the end of a season, you either pick them up or let the store have them. Some stores will donate items that don't sell.
Draws for Sellers:
There's a venue to showcase your cast-offs and someone else to ring up the sale. You don't have to take phone calls from potential buyers or post photos of you stuff online. And you don't have to ship your stuff to buyers.
Drawbacks for Sellers:
You sacrifice some of your time and your earnings. The shops get a cut--60percent is standard for clothing. You typically have to make an appointment with the shop to bring in your stuff. And it probably won't take all you have to offer, leaving you to haul it someplace else i.e. to Goodwill or Salvation Army. You also have to get on the shop's inventory schedule.
For example, lots of consignment stores are not taking any more winter clothes now. Some are waiting until February to start taking spring clothing.
Hope this is a help, and as always Happy Savings!!!!





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Friday, December 28, 2007

Save Money-- Turn Clutter into Cash --Part Two

One of the most popular places to get rid of unwanted items and to make a little money too is www.eBay.com Here's how it works :

You list your items for sale via online auction or for a flat "buy now" price. There are listing fees. When an item sells, you pay a sales fee to eBay, collect your money from the buyer and ship the item. Payments- between you and eBay as well as buyers and sellers- are typically handled by PayPal, a subsidiary of eBay that processes electronic money transfers- letting buyers pay with credit cards and sellers collect via automatic deposites to their bank.

What Draws for Sellers

You reach a world of potential buyers. That's why sellers say your used goods fetch top dollar. You get more than you would on local autcion sites, garage sales and consignment shops.

Drawbacks for Sellers

Fees and hassle. You pay a listing fee- from 20cents to $4.80- based on your starting price. When an item sells, you also pay a fee, based on the sale price. You pay 5.25 percent on the first $25 and for items that fetch less. On the remaining balance, you pay 3.25 percent on $25.01-$1000 and 1.5 percent on everything above $1000. For more info on fees: http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/fees.html.

You also have to factor in shipping costs and underestimating them or low-balling them to attract buyers could cost you.

Hope these hints are helpful if you decide to sell on eBay. Tommorow we will talk about craigslist.org and other hints for turning your clutter into cash. Happy Shopping!!!!

Save Money-- Turn Clutter into Cash --Part Two

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Save Money -- Turn Clutter into Cash

Ok so now Christmas is over. Well actually we're still in the Holiday Season so maybe you haven't thought of it yet . But what are we going to do with the gifts we received for Christmas? Amy Baldwin and Amber Veverka of the Charlotte N.C. Observer have some good ideas. Let's look at a few:

If you've ever moved into a new home, had a child, or just lived in this American culture for more than a moment, there comes a day when the stuff you own turned on you.

You opened a closet to be assaulted by shirts and shoes. You stepped into your child's room and were sucked in a quagmire made entirely of bright plastic objects. You looked into your living room and saw so much furniture there was no longer room for living.

So here we are, the day after Christmas looking at all that "stuff" under the tree...we've proudly shown our haul to parents and aunts and uncles and now its time to "deal with it". There are actually a few very good helps that you can use to move out old clutter and make way for new things..or maybe just unclutter your world a little..which is a good thing. The two most popular ways to move out the old and move in the new are www.eBay.com and www.Craigslist.org..

How you chose to unclutter will depend on how much time you want to invest and how much money, if any, you care to collect. Donate your stuff and you're guaranteed to get rid of it all fast, but you get a tax write-off instead of cash. If you want to sell your stuff, eBay, which reaches prospective buyers across the globe, gets you top dollar, but you have to do some legwork and pay fees. Craigslist.org is free, but you reach a smaller, local audience. Tomorrow we will take a look at a these sites plus other ideas on ways of turning your clutter into cash.

Again from my family here at Save a Penny Save the World hope you and your family had a very Merry Christmas!!! And as always Happy Saving!!!!

Save Money -- Turn Clutter into Cash

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Save Money with Price Protcetr

Save Money by Protecting Your Purchase PriceProtectr
As http://priceprotectr.com proudly proclaims there are a lot of stores that offer price protection on a purchase, when the price drops they'll refund the difference in price to you. There's only one catch. You have to watch the price yourself.
Priceprotectr makes it simple to keep track of your purchases and get your money back. It's free. It's easy. It's free and easy money. How often do you get that offer?
Buy something from one of their 74 stores including Amazon , The Apple Store, Best Buy, Circuit City, Costco, Future Shop, Sears and Staples.
The way it works is: You find the find the information page for the item you just bought(the page where you can add it to your shopping cart). There is a blank to copy and past the URL.
Your item name and price should then show up. If everything looks correct then click on the box that says "start protecting" your purchase. They promise not to spam you or sell your e-mail address.
Then sit back and relax. If the price drops any time within the price protection period, they will email you, and also keep e-mailing you if the price keeps dropping.
This is a very handy way to make sure you get the very lowest price for the item. Sounds like a very good way to save money!! Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and as always Happy Savings!!!

Save Money with Price Protcetr

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Save Money-- Revolution in Giving

A different kind of giving ... a revolutionary way to give from Rev. James C. Howell pastor of Meyers Park Methodist Church, Charlotte N.C.
Care Enough to Give Something of Yourself, not an Easy Gift Card
Once upon a time, when I was a child, I devised a list of things I wanted and mailed it to the North Pole. Santa delivered, and all was well. I got what I wanted. Now i am older, and I have learned to shop online. Why? It's "easier," more "convenient" for me.
Gift cards are soaring in popularity, and they say a lot about the giver (who hasn't bothered to be creative or to think through the other person's life and snoop around to find something (meaningful), and even more about our vapid culture. We give cards why? "They should be able to get what they want."
Is life about what I want? Might some disaster strike if I cannot get what I want, or if I get something I didn't want? I cannot think of a more pathetic than kids whose favorite activity, rather tragically, is shopping- and who already are engulfed with too much junk- unwrapping gift cards, swapping them like trading cards with cousins, and rushing over to the mall to purchase more unnecessary items.
Gifts from the heart
But there is a revolution going on in giving. Have you noticed? Or are you sleeping through it, like Rip Van Winkle? Everywhere I go, I hear about people giving something special, not necessarily something expensive. Something the giver wants the recipient to have, not what the recipient asked for. Gifts of charity, gifts from the heart.
For me the best gift I ever received was something I never wanted. We were moving from a church where I had been pastor for 12 years. An 89-year old man with a gravelly voice, who still wore overalls and plowed his own fields, walked in one day and said, "I couldn't decide what to give you, "and then he reached deep into his denim pocket, pulled, out something and gradually opened his crusty hand.
It was his pocketknife, worn from decades of going everywhere with him, indispensable for a country gentleman who wanted to be prepared when a rope, apple or container needed to be cut.
If someone asked me to list 500 things I vaguely hope to possess one day, I (a city slicker) would never have said, "A pocketknife!" But here was this invaluable treasure being pressed into my palm.
He added words: "Carry that around in your pocket. Then some day, when you're having a bad day, feel it down in there and remember that somebody loves you." I told this to some people, and a beautiful, revolutionary chaos of giving ensued, as people began giving each other all kinds of stunning presents.
A Teenage Girls Treasure
In a recent sermon I said, "Don't just go buy something for those you love; give them something special to you."A 13 year-old girl emailed me the next day, saying, "Last year for Christmas my parents gave me a laptop, which I love. But my mom just got a new job, and she said she needs a laptop. So I am wrapping mine up and giving it to her for Christmas."
I think about the times I have gone to considerable trouble to get just the right item; perhaps I even made something with my own hands. Not easy, but treasured by the recipient-and somehow it's even better for me as the giver.
Our family trashed the gift card trading bonanza for something better. Last year, each child presented the cousins with gifts of missions. "We made a donation to the homeless shelter in your honor. Our family has volunteered there this past year, and we met this really nice guy named Travis-and now he's our friend."
Care Enough to Give
A revolution is underway, and it's a long way from gift cards and convenience. Care enough to give something of yourself, perhaps something you treasure that won't cost you a dime. Care enough to know the other person and give him something you've lovingly determined you want him to have as a token of who you are together. Care enough to give to the poor, perhaps as much or more than you give to your kin who already have too much. And care enough for them not merely during this season, but in April and August, when the poor are still poor.
This is how God gave, isn't it" Nobody was asking for a baby in a cow stall; but it was what God wanted to give, what God knew would most profoundly express the depths of love we need. A revolution was touched off back then. Are we sleeping through it? Or joining in as zealous participants?
Something a little different.. and as always.....Happy Savings!!!!!!

Friday, December 21, 2007

Save Money--Super Sales Weekend

Save Money by Waiting: More late shoppers find retailers offering deals.
Procrastinators numbers up in '07; bargains and other extras await.
Retailers expect a flood of shoppers to hit stores this weekend as procrastinators take advantage of the last full weekend before Christmas.
About 17 percent of shoppers polled early this week said they hadn't even started shopping, up from about 15 percent last year, according to the National Retail Federation.
Of those who weren't finished shopping, more than half said they usually are much further along with their holiday purchases.
Retail experts say a variety of factors has people waiting longer than usual to buy. One reason, they say, is that shoppers have more time because Christmas falls on a Tuesday this year.
Others say high gas prices and a mortgage crisis have shoppers more edgy than usual, causing them to hold out for deeper discounts.
Either way, retailers-many of whom have had a rough year so far- are making a final push to grab the interest of last-minute buyers.
About 53 percent of people polled said they were waiting to get bigger discounts, compared to 38 percent last year, according to Consumer Reports.
Discounts make retailers nervous because the cuts can hurt the bottom line. Clothing retailers in particular were hurt by unseasonably warm weather that discourages sales of sweaters, coats and similar items.
Sales on the day after Thanksgiving were more encouraging when receipts for that day rose 5 percent compared with the same day last year, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
A quarter of consumers polled said they intend to shop less this year, according to America's Research Group. Of them 33 percent attributed it primarily to gas prices, while 20 percent blamed a tighter credit market.
"This season turns out to be a waiting game between retailers and the consumers," said Britt Beemer, founder and chairman of ARG. "The consumers, as always have the upper hand because they make the purchasing decisions, and retailers will have to work harder to entice them to buy."
So if you've waited until the last minute to finish your Christmas shopping it seems there will be bargains waiting for you this weekend. Be careful out there. Remember the tips for keeping your identity safe while shopping. And remember, it's not a bargain if you don't need it. With prices cut way down now...there should be some really big bargains after Christmas. Makes gift cards sound even better doesn't it. So be careful, be frugal, be thoughtful and as always... Happy Savings!!!

Coupon Corner
Family Value Meal $21.99 --2 large pizzas, single order of bread sticks, single order of cinnamon sticks at Pizza Hut (no visible expiration date)
Family Pizza Deal $17.99-- large 1-topping & medium up to 3 toppings or specialty pizza at Pizza Hut exp. 1/31/08
2 Medium Pizzas (1 topping) $13.99 at Pizza Hut exp. 1/31/08
2 Large Pizzas (1-topping) $18.99 at Pizza Hut exp. 1/31/08
Save $1.00 on all Hanes underwear and sleepwear exp. 1/16/08
Save $1.00 on any Sudafed or Sudafed PE product (excluding trial size) exp. 2/29/08
$1.00 off any Quaker Simple Harvest instant multigrain hot cereal exp. 3/15/08
$3.00 off when you purchase 2 Neutrogena Men items (offer excludes Neutrogena Men invigorating hair and body wash) exp. 4/30/08
$2.00 off World's Best Cat Litter (available on any size bag or box of World's Best Cat Litter)exp.3/31/08

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Save Money--Low Hotel Rates

Save Money--Find Low Hotel Rates at cheaptickets.com
Looking for a hotel bargain? Www.cheaptickets.com has released its annual "Cheapometer" report of month-by month projections for when hotel rates will be cheapest in 2008 in popular destinations around the world.
For example, hotels in Athens will be 68percent cheaper in January than at its peak tourism period, the Website said.
Other January bargains include Jackson Hole Wyo., 64 percent cheaper than peak, and Paris, 48 percent cheaper, the site said.
Hotels in California's wine country in Napa and Sonoma are 47 percent cheaper in February than peak, CheapTickets said, and London is 35 percent cheaper in February.
--Associated Press
Hope this Web site helps you save money on future trips. Happy Savings!!!

This and That
Petal Pusher
A rose is a rose is a rose. But an orchid ahh...Feel the power at the 19th World Orchid Conference in Miami, January 23 through January 27, where thousands of the flowers will be on display and for sale. If you can't be there but want to stock up on the tropical lovelies for Valentine's Day, simply go to the conference's website--www.19woc.com--where you'll find an extensive list of participating vendors to order from.
Tip Top
Americans are the world's biggest tippers.
35 percent of us tip even when service is bad.
49 percent feel pressure to leave a tip.
8 percent is the absolute minimum tip to leave says Peggy Post.

Coupon Corner
Holiday Special at Pizza Hut: 2 Medium Pizzas (up to three toppings or specialty) single order of bread sticks and single order of cinnamon sticks $19.99 with coupon. (no visible expiration date)
Medium Pizza up to 3 toppings or specialty $9.99 at Pizza Hut exp. 1/31/08
Large Pizza up to 3 toppings or specialty $11.99 at Pizza Hut exp. 1/31/08
Save $1.00 on any two Pert Plus shampoo plus conditioner (excludes trial size) exp. 3/31/08
Save $1.00 on all Hanes Socks exp. 1/16/08
Save $1.00 on all Hanes Bras exp.1/16/08
Save $1.00 on any Sudafed PE Severe Cold Product (excludes trial size) exp. 2/29/08
Save $1.00 on any two Sure Antiperspirant and Deodorant (excludes trial size) exp.3/31/08
Save $1.00 on one Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Cleaner Starter Kit exp. 2/29/08
Save $1.00 on any Benadryl Product(excludes trial size) exp. 2/29/08
$5.00 Rebate when you buy any two Pert Plus and/or Sure products exp.3/31/08
Happy Saving!!!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Save Money Protect Your Pets--Part Two

Hope this saves you money by keeping you from having to make an emergency trip to the vet this Christmas.
Protecting Your Pets From Holiday Hazards--Part Two
Dr. Helen Halligan provides these tips:
Foods and Plants That Harm
  • Never give bones to your pets. They can splinter and endanger their lives. Put any meat bones in a closed plastic bag and dispose of them outside.
  • Ham and other meats may come packaged with string. If swallowed string ca cause serious problems. Dispose of it with the bones.
  • Don't feed pets holiday goodies or leftovers, and make sure they can't get at candies and snacks.
  • Some holiday plants--such as holly, lilies and mistletoe--are toxic to pets, so be sure they're always out of reach.

Oh, Christmas Tree

  • Use Christmas tree decorations wisely. Decorate the bottom third of the tree with nonbreakable plastic or wooden ornaments. Better yet: Place a barrier around the tree.
  • Cover electric cords. Or try coating them with bitter-apple spray, which pets don't like.
  • For live trees, keep the water stand covered or use a pet-proof container-- the water may contain fertilizers or bacteria.
  • Safely secure trees to a wall or the ceiling to prevent them from toppling on playful pets.


Hope these helpful hints keep your pets safe during Christmas!! Happy Savings!!!!

Coupon Corner

If any of you get a daily paper scan back through it for a CVS/Pharmacy coupon, if there is one in your area. It is a cut out coupon for $5 off any purchase of $15 or more. The coupon expires 12/22/07. So its good for only a few days but $5 off $15 isn't bad.

Save $1.50 on any one Vaseline Cocoa Butter Smoothing Body Butter or Intensive Rescue Moisture Locking Butter.exp. 2/3/08

Save $1.00 on any one Vaseline Intensive Rescue Body Lotion(200 ml or larger)exp. 2/3/08

Save $1.00 on any one Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion product (200 ml or larger) except Renewal or Glow. exp.2/3/08

$5.00 off any size Half Ham at Honey Baked Hams exp. 12/31/07

$19.99 Turkey Breast with purchase of any ham at Honey Baked Hams exp. 12/31/07

Bar-B-Q Lunch Favorite Buy One, Get One For $.99 at Sonny's Real-Pit Bar-B-Q exp.1/10/08

Bar-B-Q Dinner Favorite Buy Two, Save $5.00 at Sonny's Real Pit-Bar-B-Q exp 1/10/08

Feast for Four Save $5.00 at Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q exp.1/10/08

$2.00 Off a Whitman's Sampler 12oz. or larger box or Soho 3.3oz or larger box exp. 1/31/08

$2.00 Off any assortment of Russell Stover 9.25oz or larger box or Private Reserve 2.875oz. or larger box or Urban 3oz. or larger box. exp. 1/31/08

Just let me know which ones you need by e-mail or in comments. First come first serve. You can even send me some of your own coupons. Happy Savings!!!!!!

Save Dollars-- Care for Your Pets

Technorati Profile

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Save Money -- Protect Your Pet

How to protect your pets from Holiday Hazards and save money on vet bills. Doctor Karen Halligan give us some good ideas on how to keep our pets safe and happy during the Holidays.
Pretty decoration and lavish meals play an important part in most holiday celebrations, but what seems harmless and fun for you and your guests may be harmful to your pets. So, before you start celebrating, spend some time planning and preparing for the well-being of your cats and dogs to keep them safe during the holiday dangers. These easy steps will help:
Good Rules--Any Time
  • Be absolutely certain that pets are wearing-- at all times--current ID tags.
  • Try to keep them on their regular schedules for feeding and exercise.
  • Provide plenty of love and attention, so they don't feel left out.
  • When there's a party, put your pets in a separate room with some toys and a comfortable place to lie. Playing soft music, especially classical, also helps them to relax. They'll feel safer and less stressed.
  • Advise overnight guests to keep all medications secure.

Holiday Trappings

  • Keep your pets from pawing through the trash. Plastic or foil wrappings and six-pack beverage holders are especially attractive to curious animals.
  • Watch where you place candles. Pets can tip them over or get burned.
  • Never put ribbon or yarn around your pet's neck. If ingested, it can damage an animal's intestines.

Hope these ideas help you keep your pet safe and save money on a costly vet bill this Holiday season. Be back with more on this subject tomorrow . Until then..Happy Savings!!!

Coupon Corner

$1.00 off purchase of a McSkillet Burrito at McDonald's exp. 1/6/08

Free McSkillet Burrito with purchase of a Medium or Large Beverage at McDonald's exp.1/6/08

Buy a McSkillet Burrito and get a Breakfast Sandwich Free -includes McSkillet Burrito, Biscuit, McMuffin and McGriddles products (excludes Bagel products) at McDonald's exp. 1/6/08

Get a Free Southern Style Chicken Biscuit or Sandwich with purchase of the same at McDonald's exp. 1/6/08

Get a Free Quarter Pounder with Cheese Sandwich with purchase of the same at McDonald's exp. 1/6/08

Get a Free Cinnamon Melts with purchase of the same at McDonald's exp. 1/6/08

Save $1.50 on a Kodak Power Flash Single Use Camera exp. 1/18/08

Save $1.00 on any Kodak Single Use Camera exp. 1/18/08

Save $1.00 on any Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer 2fl. oz. or larger exp. 2/29/08

$4.00 off when you buy any Schick Quattro Razor exp. 1/27/08

$4.00 off when you buy any Schick Quattro Razor Refills exp. 1/27/08

$5.00 off on any Teleflora Bouquet exp. 1/1/08

Let's swap some coupons. Just let me know which ones you need. I'll send , first come first serve..and you can even send me some of yours if you like. Again.. Happy Savings!!!!


Monday, December 17, 2007

Save Money --- Even Bigger Sales This Week

With Christmas sales lagging somewhat we can expect stores to cut prices even more this week. So you that have procrastinated, you may be the ones who reap the biggest rewards this Christmas when it comes to saving money. Still apply the rules we've learned for saving money this week and remember ... a sale isn't a sale if you or the person you' re buying for don't need the item. So shop smart and save money.
A note on compact fluorescent bulbs:
Analysts at the nonprofit Earth Policy Institute estimate the United States could close 80 coal-fired power plants if Americans switched over en masse to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). It's hard to say exactly why a quicker transition over to CFLs hasn't taken place. China, Australia, Canada, Venezuela and Cuba have committed to phasing out incandescent bulbs within the next five years, and dozens of other countries, including all 27 members of the European Union, are deliberating whether to follow suit.
Switching over to CFLs doesn't come without trade-offs. Bulbs each contain trace amounts of mercury (usually four to five milligrams), a toxic heavy metal. Exposure to mercury can cause a wide range of health problems, including damage to the central nervous system, kidneys and liver. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the amount of airborne mercury present after one of the bulbs break is negligible. Nonetheless, the EPA recommends that , you should immediately open the windows and vacate the premises for at least 15 minutes to minimize the risk of exposure. Afterward, you should clean up using gloves and/or paper towels or disposable rags (and avoid using a vacuum cleaner, which can stir up the airborne mercury). Remaining fragments, as well as rags used to clean up, should be sealed in a plastic bag and disposed of at a household hazardous waste collection site.
For a CFL recycling facility near you, visit www.earth911.org and type in your ZIP code.
Hope this will give you a better idea of the rewards and the risks associated with these bulbs. Happy Savings!!!
Coupon Corner
Save $.50 on Cottonelle Fresh or Cottonelle for Kids Flushable Moist Wipes in these sizes Two 42 ct Tubs or Refills or One 84ct. Refill or Larger.exp. 1/12/08
Save $.50 when you buy tow packages Pillsbury Refrigerated Create'n Bake Cookie dough exp.or Refrigerated Brownie Batter exp. 2/23/08
Save $.40 on any one package of Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popping Corn exp. 1/20/08
Save $.50 off any one Heluva Good Dip exp. 12/27/07
Save $.50 on any Mt. Olive Product (Pickles, Peppers and Relishes)exp. 1/31/08
Save $3.00 on all Radica Electronics exp. 1/31/08
Save $.75on one Duracell Copper Top 4-pack or larger AA or AAA or any size C,D, or 9v or Power Pix or Ultra Digital (AA or AAA) or Ultra Photo Lithium(123,223,245,CR2, or CR-V3) exp.1/31/08
Mail-in Rebate Save $10.00 on any one Oral-B Professional Care or Sonic Complete Power Toothbrush by mail-in rebate exp. 1/31/08
$1.00 off any one Zooth Power battery toothbrush or an two Zooth manual toothbrushes or toothpastes.exp. 1/31/08
$1.00 off one Stages Power battery toothbrush or an two Stages manual toothbrushes or toothpastes. exp. 1/31/08
Save $3.00 on one Duracell Rechargeable Battery Charger. exp. 1/31/08
Save $2.00 on one pack of Duracell Rechargeable Batteries (AA or AAA)
Save $2.00 on any one Pull-Ups Training Pants (jumbo pack or larger)exp.1/19/08
Save $.25 when you buy any One Pillsbury Sweet Rolls exp. 2/23/08

Let's trade some coupons and save some money!!!!!!!

Save Money --- Even Bigger Sales This Week

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Save Money ...Shop Smart

Save money and don't get frustrated.
It's better to give and not be peeved. Marshall Loeb or Marketwatch writes: Many of us inadvertently let retailers dictate when we go shopping, by waiting for special offers, promotional codes and coupons. But when you have a gift list, keeping up with sales dates for multiple items can be an exhausting obligation.
If you dread the holiday stampede and would like to make gift-giving more rewarding for yourself Consumer Reports has a list of five things to make shopping as hassle-free as possible:
Be proactive.
Don't wait to hear about sales. Retailers usually offer discounts on just a few productes anyway, so the chances are slim that you will stumble on a discount for something on your list. Instead, plan your buying and shop early in the day, as well as in the season. Morning crowds tend to be light, sales assistants more attentive and retailer Web sites more inclined to feature special discounts. In ht e event that you do find a sale you like, buy as soon as you can. Sales are first-come, first-serve, and "hot" gifts might be in shorts supply.
Compare before buying.
One of the most aggravating side effects of hurried shopping is when you have just purchased a product and then find it at a lower price. Even if you return it and get a refund, you won't be compensated for the lost time and legwork. Instead, do price comparisons ahead of time using shopping "bots," such as BizRate, DealTime, Google Product Search or Shopzilla. Be sure to sort by product price when searching.
Go online to save big.
In addition to price comparison, Web sites such as FatWallet.com and Dealtalker.com provide advance information about sales at stores and online merchants. Along with Web sites like CouponCabin.com and Coolsavings.com they also feature downloadable coupons plus discount or promotional codes.
Get a gift receipt.
Otherwise, a recipient who decides to exchange an item might be issued a gift card or store credit for the lowest price the item ever sold for. You'll also need the receipt for warranty service.
Take advantage of free shipping.
Many retailers offer it as an incentive to buy online, so if you are shopping on the Internet, it pays to do so early. Consumer Reports estimates that the deadline for free shipping from major retailers will expire around Dec. 18.
Hope these tips will make your shopping experience a money saving one..and less hectic. Happy Shopping!!!!

Friday, December 14, 2007

Save Money--Big Shopping Weekend

So here we are, next to last shopping weekend before Christmas. Just remember a few ideas for saving money:
  • Save money by waiting: The stores will probably mark down after this weekend. So if you can swing it to go shopping one night next week, and the stores will probably not be as crowded.
  • Save money by planning: Remember what you put on the credit card today, you have to pay for next month and the month after and...you get the picture.
  • Save money by being careful: Follow the rules of a past blog and don't carry all your keys, all your credit cards, all your money, no medicine bottle with your info on them into the malls. There are thieves about who want to rob you of your Christmas joy ... and your money. Just take what you need into the stores.

I won,t be on tomorrow. My wife's family is having it's annual Christmas Dinner. But should be back here Sunday. A good weekend to all of you and Happy Saving!!!!!!

Coupon Corner:

Save $1.00 when you buy two packages any Pillsbury Ready to Bake Cookies or SimplyBake Bars exp. 2/16/08

Save $.55 when you buy any two Nabisco Crackers (5 oz. or larger)exp. 1/27/08

Save $5.00 on Aquafresh White Trays exp1/5/08

Save $.50 when you buy two any flavor Betty Crocker Box Supreme Brownie Mixes exp 2/2/08

Save $.50 when you buy one tub any flavor/variety Betty Crocker Frosting 2/2/08

Save $.50 when you buy any flavor 17.5 oz. or larger Betty Crocker Cookie Mix 2/2/08

Save $1.00 on one package of Purina Chew-eez Rolls, any size, any variety exp 3/9/08

Save $1.00 off any two Spice Islands Products exp 2/10 08

Save $1.00 on one 3.5 oz package of Purina Carvers any variety #/9/08

Save $5.00 on any Teleflora Bouquet exp 1/1/08

Save $3.00 on Similasan Earache Relief exp. 2/29/08

Save $.50 when you buy any tow packages Pillsbury Refrigerated Create'n Bake Cookie Dough or Refrigerated Brownie Batter exp. 2/16/08

Please!! Let me know if you need any of these. Just e-mail me and ill send you as many as you want. I have one of each posted. First come first serve. And you can send me a few of yours if you want to.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Saving Money: Little Things Big Savings

Well, I have been blogging for almost a month now. I must say its been an educational experience for me. I've always been interested in saving money. As we say sometimes, "it's the way i was raised". I just really hope I've mentioned something here that can help you save money and be a little gentler with our planets resources. Some days i will post more than others. And some posts may not be as interesting to you as others. But i would really love to establish a group of daily readers. I welcome your ideas, even if they don't agree with mine. There is always something new we can all learn about saving money and saving our world. I do have a habit of paying attention to the little things: how to get the last little ooze of toothpaste out of the tube for instance. (Cut the tube with scissors in as many sections as you need to, then work your brush around in there till you get it all out.) Now i know you're thinking this is trivial, but the point I'm making is...you paid for this toothpaste, its yours. Are you going to just throw it away? If over the course of 5 years you save a tube of toothpaste? Whats toothpaste cost these days? $3.50 a tube? Maybe more maybe less depending on where you are. And $3.50 every 5 years isn't a lot ill admit.. $.70 a year. Ok, but what if you live to be 80 or more?

Well maybe you'll not brush your teeth the first two years and wear false teeth the last 8. so that's 70. Time to get the calculator out now. Seventy years times $.70 cents. Ok that's $49.00. Would you take out your checkbook and write a check to the already-rich toothpaste companies for $49.00?????? See the point I'm getting at. And there are other things too, not just toothpaste. The thing I'm trying to get you to do and get in a better habit of doing myself is actually thinking about the little things we do every day that cause waste in our world and keep us from saving money. Ok enough for now. I'll be back later. If Ive made one person think about their personal saving habits, not just of money but of all the worlds resources, I'm happy. So until next time...Happy Savings!!!

Save Money ..Charitable Donations

Save Money ...Check out Charities

This time of year you are probably getting requests from charitable organizations in your mailbox, your email, your local organizations... everywhere. Who to give to and who not to..a good question? While there are many good causes for you to give your time and money to there are those that are self serving and only out to make a profit for the administration of the charity, leaving those who need the money with very little help. Here are some hints when it comes to giving:
Do's
  • Do find out what percentage of your donation goes to the actual charity. If the charity ask you to buy things such as magazines or greeting cards, find out now much money actually goes to the charity.
  • Do contact the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving alliance at www.give.org to make sure the organization is authorized to solicit money.
  • Do get a receipt stating the amount and verifying that it is tax-deductible .

Don'ts

  • Don't give cash.
  • Don't give phone or e-mail solicitors personal information. Providing you Social Security ,credit card or bank account number over the phone or via the Internet can put you at risk of identity theft.
  • Don't succumb to pressure tactics. Intimidation or threats should be reported to the Better Business Bureau.

Hope these hints help you decide which charities to give money to. Be back later with more. Until then: Happy Savings!!!


Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Save Money: Curb Impulse Spending

6 Ways to Curb Impulse Spending
Is impulse buying taking a heavy toll on your budget?
Here are six ways to get a handle on your spending:
Identify your triggers.
Many people use shopping as an emotional outlet. But letting your emotions dictate your spending is nearly always a bad idea. To break yourself of the habit, try to determine what prompts you to spend unwisely and take steps to change your behavior.
Avoid temptation
If you're inclined to overspend, consider a self-imposed ban on window shopping, casual browsing and unnecessary trips to the mall. Hint: If you know you're likely to be tempted, leave your credit card at home and only bring as much cash as you absolutely need.
Be a cautious consumer
You may think you're immune to advertising, but even the savviest shoppers fall prey to marketing tactics now and again. Next time you find yourself eyeing a "new and improved" product, ask yourself why you feel compelled to buy it. Will that new golf club/razor/skin cream substantially improve your life or just deplete your bank account?
Take a time-out
If you stumble on a "must have" item, don't get caught up in the excitement, advises MSN Money columnist Liz Pulliam Weston. Take a deep breath and walk away. Give yourself anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to figure out if this is something that you can afford and really need. After a cool-down period, if you can truthfully answer yes to both questions, go ahead and splurge.
Remember long-term goals
Before you buy, ask yourself if you'll get more long-term satisfaction out of owning this item, paying down your debt or putting money toward that dream vacation. You may get a temporary boost from buying that scarf, but that doesn't mean it's the best use of your money.
Check your balances
If you find yourself standing in the checkout line, ready to buy something you're not sure you can afford, hold off, suggests Weston. Go to your local bank or log on to your bank account online. Once you've viewed your balance, the purchase may appear far less enticing.
Hope these money-saving hints help.---Marshall Loeb Marketwatch
Coupon Corner
Save $.50 when you buy two Pillsbury Italian Meal Breads (Including any loaves, breadsticks, dinner rolls, and pizza crust. exp. 2/16/08
2 for $9.00 grab and go quarts Cold Stone Creamery exp. 1/14/08
Free Ice Cream Buy one love it signature creation or create your own, get one free Cold Stone Creamery exp. 1/14/08
$3.00 off any Signature Cake (excludes petite cakes) Cold Stone Creamery Exp. 1/14/08
Save $.50 on three any size / any variety Refrigerated Pillsbury Grands Biscuits exp. 2/16/08
Save $1.00 when you buy any flavorYo-Plus Yogurt 4-pack exp. 2/2/08
Save $.25 when you buy any Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls Exp. 2/16/08
Save $.50 when you buy any Pillsbury Grands Sweet Rolls exp. 2/16/08
Save $.25 when you buy any Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls exp. 2/16/08
Save $.40 on any 4 Swanson Broth 14oz. can exp. 1/20/08
Save $1.00 on any Two Poppers Frozen Snacks exp. 2/3/08
Save $.35 on any 4 Campbell's Cream Soups exp. 1/20/08

Save Money: Curb Impulse Spending

Save money...keep your identity safe

This is the seasons of giving..unfortunately it is also the season for taking...thieves are out there always on the lookout for ways to take your money and your identity..so be careful.
Before you head out on your next shopping venture, take a moment to do the following.
  • Reduce the amount of personal information you carry. You do not need to carry your Social Security cards... or those of your children! Ever!
  • Check all insurance cards, etc. to make sure they don't have your SSN
  • Make copies of the fronts and backs of every credit?debit card you carry. Store those in an accessible place at home in case you need to notify any of the companies of a theft.
  • Don't carry prescription bottles; they reveal too much personal information. If necessary, place a few pills in a small envelope and label the contents. (If you must carry the container, cross out your name and the prescription number.)
  • Separate your car key from the house key and do not keep a re3mote security access FOB attached to either. This gives a thief immediate access to your home.

Hope you find these hints helpful in keeping your identity and your hard earned money. I will be back later hopefully with a longer post. Happy Shopping!!!!

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Save money...don't be a victim

Take these precautions when buying a gift card for somebody.
Dan Starks a personal safety specialist with the Charlotte Observer says:
When choosing a gift for that hard-to-buy-for person, a gift card can be a simple solution. For the recipient, it sure beats having to return an unwanted gift like that ugly pair of socks.
When buying a gift card, follow these tips:
  • Buy a card that hasn't been on display. Cards secured behind a counter have less chance of being tampered with.
  • After buying the card, immediately ask the cashier to verify the balance.
  • As soon as possible, go online to register it with the store. That should help if there is a need to replace it.
  • Save the original receipt until the card has been used.
  • Be very cautious when purchasing cards from online auction sites. You can end up purchasing an invalid card with no value.

Also, an alternative to a gift card is a money order. Advantage: The recipient can exchange it at his or her bank for cash, then buy from any store.

And for those thinking of giving a gift to someone in the military this holiday season:

If you don't have a family member in the military to send a gift or care package to, you can still spread holiday cheer to those stationed overseas. Here are some ideas from the United Service organization on what you can do. To donate to any of these programs or for more info, go to www.uso.org or call 800-901-1501.

  • Operation Care Package: For $25 you can sponsor a care package and include a personal note, wishing a military member happy holidays or thanking them for their service.
  • Operation Phone Home: Donate a phone card. The USO says there is an urgent need for phone cards so deployed service members can call home.
  • USO in a box:: This pilot program, created this year, sends electronic, entertainment and personal care items to troops in remote locations.--Amy Baldwin

Hope these tips help you save money and give to others this holiday season.

Coupon Corner:

Save $1.00 on one package 6oz. or larger, Purina Beggin, any variety exp 3/9/08

Save $1.50 on two packages of Purina Busy Bone, any size, any variety exp. 2/7/08

Save $1.00 on one package of Purina Busy bone, any size , any variety exp. 2/9/08

Save $.75 on any Easy Off glass cooktop cleaner exp. 2/9/08

Save $.35 on any Easy Off oven cleaner exp. 2/9/08

Save $2.00 on any one Schick Razor or refill package exp 1/31/08

Save $.50 when you buy any Frank's Redhot Sauce exp.3/31/08

Save $.40 on any three packages of Kleenex facial tissues or one bundle pack exp. 1/15/08

Save $1.00 on 4 Campbell's Chunky Soup can variety 1/20/08

Save $1.00 on any 10 Campbell's Condensed Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soups exp. 1/31/08

Save $1.00 on any 5 Campbell's Condensed Soups (except chicken noodle , tomato &creams exp. 1/31/08

Buy four Little Debbie family snack packs, get one free(any variety up to $1.39 exp. 2/15/08

Save $3.00 on any one Excedrin 100ct product exp. 1/31/08

Save $2.00 on any one Excedrin Product exp. 1/31/08

Save $2.00 when you purchase a Reynolds Handi-vac Starter Kit exp. 2/3/08

Get one warmer unit free when you buy your favorite Air Wick scented oil refill fragrance (up to $3.19) exp. 1/20/08

$1.00 off any 2 Air Wick scented oil refills exp. 1/20/08

$2.00 off any one pro recharge Crest SpinBrush exp.1/31/08

$1.00 off any one Crest SpinBrush exp.1/31/08

$1.00 off any one Crest Kids SpinBrush exp. 1/31/08

These are free ..as many as you want..just email me with a mail address and let me know which ones you want.... and if you like you can send me a few of your own ..

Happy savings!!

Monday, December 10, 2007

Save money shopping online..but use caution

Online shopping can save you money. It can also lose your money and your identity if you aren't careful. The Web can take the legwork out of bargain hunting, but only when you take full advantage of search engines. MySimon.com, Shopzilla.com and PriceGrabber.com cast a wide net, so adding as many details as possible to your search--such as brand, model, color--improves the results. Don't be afraid to click on the "advanced search" option to further narrow your focus.
But be wary of online shopping traps.
Vicki Lee Parker of the Raleigh News and Observer writes:
With the holiday shopping season well under way, many consumers have already received a barrage of e-mails advertising hefty discounts on popular gift items.
But behind some of those enticing offers lurk unwelcome headaches such as computer viruses, a private identity theft scam or malware that gives criminals remote access to your computers. Once the criminals get access to your computer, they can steal personal information, or use the computer to transmit spam, viruses and other attacks.
The problem is that this year the fake ads are more sophisticated and better resemble legitimate e-mails, said Keith Crosley, spokesman for Proofpoint, a messaging security company in Sunnyvale, Calif.
"They are not as easy to spot as before," he said. "We are seeing sites that are incredibly convincing. They look almost like the brand they are trying to spoof."
Consumers are going to have to be extremely cautious when shopping online, Crosley said.

Proofpoint offers these tips to help you safely shop online:

  • Be suspicious. View any e-mail with requests for personal identifying information, personal financial information, user names or passwords with suspicion. Virtually no legitimate business today requests this type of information in an e-mail. Additionally, e-mail requesting they download a document off a Web site should be considered highly suspicious. This almost certainly is an attempt to trick consumers into downloading malware off a Web site.
  • Don't click. If you receive a suspicious e-mail, don't click the links in the e-mail and never open file attachments from anything but 100 percent trusted sources. Links embedded in e-mails may take you to fraudulent sites that look similar or identical to the legitimate "spoofed" site. Malware is also not limited to just .exe files these days - it can be hidden in Word documents, PDF files, e-cards and more.
  • Be secure. When you are shopping online, entering important information such as credit card numbers, or updating personal information, make sure you're using a secure Web site. A secure Web server Web address will begin with "https://" instead of the usual "http://". Most Web browsers also show an icon (such as Internet Explorer's "padlock" icon) to indicate that the page you are viewing is secure.

Hope these hints will help your online shopping experience be a happy, safe, money saving one.

Coupon Corner:

16oz. Premium Blend Coffee 77 cents Bojangles exp. 12/30/07

2 Sausage Biscuits $1.89 Bojangles exp. 12/30/07

2 Steak biscuits $2.79 Bojangles exp. 12/30/07

Cajun Fillet Biscuit Combo $3.99 Bojangles exp 12/30/07

Cajun Fillet Sandwich combo $4.29 Bojangles exp. 12/30/07

8 pcs. Chicken & 4 Biscuits $8.99 Bojangles exp. 12/30/07

Chicken Supreme Combo $4.29 Bojangles exp. 12/30/07

8 pc. Tailgate Special (8pcs chicken 4 biscuits 2 lg fixin's 1/2 gallon iced tea) $13.99 exp 12/30/07

$5.00 off any size Half Ham Honey Baked Ham exp. 12/31/07

$1.00 off any two Blistex Lip Medex , Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment or Blistex Meidcated Lip Balm exp. 3/1/08

Save $1.50 on any The Goodlife Recipe treats for cats or treats for dogs exp. 3/8/08

Save $4.00 on any Air Wick Freshmatic Mini Starter Kit exp. 1/20/08

Save $5.00 on any Air Wick Freshmatic Ultra Starter Kit exp. 1/20/08

Save $1.00 on Fujifilm Quicksnap One-Time-Use Camera (25 exp. or more) exp. 2/29/08

Save $.50 on 35mm Multi-Pack of Fujicolor film (72 exp. or more)

Save $1.00 on any Bengay product exp. 2/29/08

Save $.35 when you buy any French's Worchestershire Sauce exp.2/29/08

Save $1.00on any Woolite Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner exp. 3/31/08

And lots more but its getting late. So goodnight and Happy Saving!!!

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Saving Money ...of Gifts and LIghts

Sometimes gifts that cost the least matter most. Sometimes its not about how much money you spend, its about how much of yourself you can give.
By Linda Tryek , from AARP ,magazine:
My mom was the perfect gift buyer. She knew what my heart desired without having to be told. She made the holidays magic because each beautifully wrapped gift was just right-- a glamorous makeup kit for a shy teenager, that book you couldn't wait to read or a longed-for toy that was out of stock.
Mom worked long hours to afford those lovely gifts. Once I ask her to stop going to work so I could spend more time with her.
"Don't you like all your nice things?" she asked.
And i told her, " I'd rather have you."
My dad was the world's worst gift buyer. He bought presents he secretly wanted for himself. He bought my sister and me trains, wagons and tractors and then spent more time playing with them than we did. He bought my mom a nonstick frying pan for Christmas because he wanted to make pancakes.
But Dad gave us a gift Mom couldn't-- he had all the time in the world for us. He had time to tramp barefoot through mud puddles. He had time to catch lightening bugs and to walk all the way to Dairy Queen and back on hot summer nights. And he had time to tell stories and to listen to us .
To be perfect, a gift has to be about the person receiving it. That's what my mom taught me. But some of the most memorable gifts don't come wrapped in fancy paper. Sometimes the best gift is simply yourself. And that's what my dad taught me.



Light on the money....
Compact fluorescent lights--valued as energy and money savers compared with incandescent bulbs-- has some new competition: the tiny LED, or light-emitting diode.
Seattle officials estimate that LEDs in holiday lighting reduce electricity use by 90 percent over conventional mini-bulbs. Even at double or triple the price LEDs will save you cash after a few holiday seasons because the diodes are built to last. They typically perform without dimming for 30,000 hours points out Nadarajah Narendran of the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. That's eight hours a day for a decade.
LEDs aren't just for decoration, either. These low-wattage bulbs, which don't heat up like other bulbs, are being marketed more widely for everyday use in lamps and spotlights and above kitchen counters.
They're already well-known where reliability matters, such as in auto brake lights and in traffic signals. Non wonder Finland's prestigious(and million euro) Millennium Technology Prize went to Shuji Nakamura last year for developing white green, and bright blue LEDs. The prize recognizes innovators whose work improves the quality of life worldwide. --Cynthia Blayer

So quite a jump from holiday memories to holiday lighting that saves money. Let's see..what else.. oh .. my wife pretty much shredded the coupon section of today's paper but there were a few good ones left. I'm starting a new feature today and if i get good results may make it a regular thing. Let's call it Coupon Corner. I'll list a dozen or so coupons i have ..complete with expiration dates. If you'd like to have any of these, just email me with your name and address and ill send you lets say... 5 coupons. You send me back 3 of your left over one's . Fair enough?? If you have a better plan let me know..also if you like you can put your coupon needs ..and your extras in the comment portion of this blog and we will all work together and see if we can get the right coupons with the right people so we can all save some money! Happy saving!!!

Coupon Corner
Save $5 on a Christmas Bouquet with a five dollar coupon from FTD florist--expires 12/25/07 Save $5 on a Christmas Bouquet - 5 dollar coupon- Teleflora florist-- expires 1/1/08
Save $3.50 when you buy any one Dove SkinVitalizer includes 6 Dove Facial Cleansing Pillows and one AA battery
Save $1.50 when you buy one NutraMist fast-acting oral spray exp. 2/29/08
Save $1.00 on one flavor of 14 oz. Creme De Pirouline Chocolate, hazelnut etc. exp. 2/17/08
Save $1.00 on one Scotch-Brite Cook Top Cleaner Starter Kit exp. 2/29/08
Save $!.00 on any one package of Treasure Cave Cheese (4oz. or larger) exp 3/31/08
Save 50cents on any Robitussin Syrup, CoughGEls or Tablets (excluding cough drops) exp. 3/31/08
Save $1.00 on any L'Oreal Men's expert product exp. 3/2/08
Buy one Pedigree Jumbone or Pedigree Super Chew and get one Pedigree Dentastix free up to $4.35 exp. 3/9/08
Save 50cent when you buy any 3 boxes or 1 multi pack of Scotties facial tissues exp. 3/31/08
Save $1.00 when you buy any two packages of Nestle dough products. 2/29/08

There it's getting late. I'll try to do more tomorrow..remember 5 of mine for 3 or yours. Oh yes .I need cat food , some paper supplies, and ....people food. Don,t mind me..its late.
Again Happy Saving!!!

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Save money...save water

Drought disaster.. and what we can do to save water ...and money.
Forget melting Arctic ice. A bigger environmental danger facing us is drought. For those of you experiencing flooding bear with me. A large swath of the U.S., including California and much of the Southwest and parts of the Southeast, are at severe risk for freshwater shortages. Rivers are drying up, and the snowcaps that replenish them are rapidly disappearing. Adding to the problem is the fact that theaverage American consumes 151 gallons of water a day on a per capita basis. In contrast, the British average just 31 gallons a day.
Getting by with less:
  • Cut down on shower time, and install low-flow shower heads. The low-flow heads run at three gallons a minute; older ones put out seven gallons a minute.
  • If you run a dishwasher or wash clothes every day, do it every other day. And run them only when full. Most dishwashers use 15 to 22 gallons a cycle. Clothes washers use 30 to 50 gallons a load; the new front-loading washers use half that amount.
  • Flush toilets only when you have to. The average person flushes a toilet seven times a day. Low-flow toilets use 1.6 to 2.5 gallons a flush; older toilets use 7 to 10 gallons.
  • Turn off water when brushing teeth or shaving. Most homes have faucets that use 2.5 gallons a minute.

I,ll add to this to know how much water you are using. Most water bills tell you how many gallons of water you consume in a month. And of course they tell you how much you must pay for these gallons. Just divide the number of gallons by the days of service or days in the previous month to give you how many gallons you use a day. Dividing the cost by gallons used will give you cost per gallon. By doing this you can find out your cost per day of water use. This will give you the nudge you need to try to find ways of saving water..and thus..saving money. Happy saving!!!

Save money...save water

Friday, December 7, 2007

Money saving lessons we learn as we grow

Today's post is a little different than some I've put on here. It is an article written by Kathleen Purvis in the Food section of the Charlotte, North Carolina observer. Maybe it will make you think of a money saving habit you picked up from a parent, grandparent, or even a great grandparent. A big "God Bless You Kathleen" ..for the memories.
Recycling lessons from Grandmother

Did somebody turn the clock back?
As drought steadily sinks in,choking the yard with dust, I find myself in the kitchen, remembering again that every bite and drop is precious.
I put a bowl under a colander when I rinse fruits and vegetables , catching the water to take outside to the drooping herbs and the yellowing gardenia bush.
We keep a bowl by the sink all day, too, to catch our melting ice cubes and the dregs from our water glasses, doling it out to which-ever plant looks the most needy.
After making my usual Saturday morning rounds of farmers markets, where the summer produce has slowed to a trickle and the fall vegetables are slow to arrive, I come home feeling like what I found is even more precious than usual.
I find myself thinking more carefully about how to use it all, savoring the fresh lettuce and the first mustard greens, hanging on to the tomatoes to stretch them through the week and finding a way to use every bean.
As I cook with these things now, I picture the faces of the people who grew them, people who work so hard to make it to the markets and then apologize that they don't have more or that the last of the summer squash are small.
I'm just grateful to have any of it. This is the fall that hasn't felt like fall, the year when the leaves turned brown and fell long before they were supposed to turn red.
And with every step I take into reusing, recycling and repurposing, I find myself turning into my mother and my grandmother.
The Depression left marks on them that were never erased. My grandmother rinsed bread bags and clipped them to a clothes line on hr porch to drip dry, unwilling to spend good money on something as silly as sandwich bags. She saved aluminum foil, refolding it carefully and stacking it in the bread box.
Even when "hard times" were gone, I don't think the woman ever wrapped a biscuit in foil that wasn't pre-wrinkled.
My mother was raised by her, in that era when hard times were followed by war and then by scrimping and saving to start her own home. She never lost those habits, either.
In our house, throwing away bacon fat was a crime and putting more on your plate than you could eat would earn you a tsk and a frown. We were raised to cut our tomatoes thin and peel our potatoes thinner.
As I grew into my own home, I thought I would resist those lessons. I swore I'd never be reduced to refolding aluminum foil. I wanted my life to be about bigger things, larger efforts.
I suppose I had to grow enough to understand that the small, daily things are what add up in life. I learned to get a thrill out of saving kitchen scraps for the compost bin, saving an ounce from the trash can to go on to new life somewhere else around the yard.
The other night, I caught myself folding a barely used piece of aluminum foil.
I still haven't reached the point where I can rinse out bread bags. But I save drops of water, and walk them out to the garden.

Most of the times i have something to say at the end of a post ..a smart catchy line about saving money. I think this one stands on its own. Happy saving!

Save Money by Giving a Gift From the Heart

A gift with heart...that also saves money.
If you cringe at the thought of giving (or receiving) another generic present, consider these ideas that are thoughtful and still save you money.
The Gift of Serenity. Encourage your loved one to make time for her/himself with a day of relaxation at the local spa or health club. If the recipient is someone special, offer to give a massage yourself: Attach your written promise to a scented candle or bottle of oil for extra romance.
The Gift of Time. Hire a cleaning service for a stressed-out friend, or, if you have more time than cash, you can save money by offering to do the job yourself at a specific date and time. You can package your promise with fresh flowers for a finishing touch.
The Gift of knowledge. Has a friend been yearning to take up tennis of learn a new language? If you have the skill she/he desires schedule "lessons" over the next few months- the time spent together will save them money and be priceless in memories. If not, look into classes at the local community college or YMCA. You can package your gift with a can of tennis balls, for example, or a book of French verbs.
The Gift of a Brighter Future. More and more people are honoring family members by helping others--doing volunteer work or making a donation to charity in their name. If you're shopping for a child, consider a contribution to her college-education fund. It's not the flashiest present, but she'll thank you later! --Sharon Male -- Parade Magazine
These are just a few tips that will save you money and if given sincerely, and followed though on should mean a great deal to the recipient. Happy saving!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

SAVE MONEY AND KEEP HOLIDAY TWINKLES

Save money: Holiday twinkles can pile up on your light bill.
by Ken Sheinkopf -McClatchy-Tribune News Service
I think everyone who watched Chevy Chase put 25,000 lights on his home in National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation" with the spinning electric meter and lights dimming around the neighborhood has to wonder just how much energy is used for holiday lighting.
The latest study I've seen that looked at the lighting use of 185 homes before and after the holiday season found an average increase of around $13 for every month the lights were used. Not a terribly high amount of money, maybe, but one that could be cut nearly in half by not leaving he lights on all night.
However, keep in mind that this is for the "average" home, and if you're someone who takes holiday lighting to the extreme, then this bill could easily be a lot bigger.
One way to reduce energy costs is by using LED holiday lighting systems that can cut per-bulb energy significantly. Just as compact fluorescents can dramatically lower your home's lighting bill, these and other energy-efficient holiday lights can save money during the holiday time. LEDs use a fraction of the energy that traditional incandescents use and last thousands of hours.
One other tip is to dim the lights in a room if you're lighting a Chanukah menorah. Each day another candle is lit, you'll need less electric lighting in the room.
Before you say that $25 or so isn't too bad for a couple of months of decoration, keep in mind my motto that "little things add up".
An increase in holiday lighting costs, setting the thermostat a degree or two higher in winter or lower in summer, leaving fans and appliances on in empty rooms, and all of a sudden your utility bill is double what you paid last month. I'm not saying that you shouldn't decorate your home, but that y ou look for energy-efficient lights to do it.
Wouldn't a low energy bill be a terrific gift to get this year?
Hope these hints will save you some money. Please comment or email your thoughts to wagerton@hotmail.com. Happy savings!!!

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Shipping your Christmas presents.....free supplies

Free shipping supplies..too good to be true?
Want to avoid those long lines at the post office? They'll send you packing and shipping supplies for free- and pick up your packages, also free of charge.
You can go to usps.com and order free packaging supplies, including tape, labels, priority mail boxes for mailing videos, DVDs or CDs. You'll have to click around a bit to find all the merchandise, but start clicking on "supplies" at the bottom of the home page. The boxes and other supplies that are available at no charge are mixed in with the supplies that do come with a fee.
Once you get your packages ready, you can go back online to usps.com/pickup and the Postal Service will come to your home or office and pick up the package.
The Post Office also will send a free military care kit that includes priority mail boxes, tape and even custom forms with envelopes. To order a military kit, call 800-610-8734.
Why is the Post Office being so generous? The service is offered year-round, said spokes-woman Joanne Veto. But during busy seasons, getting the right packaging supplies to customers helps the Post Office process the mail faster too, she said.----Vicki Lee Parker, (Raleigh News and Observer)

For further help:
Post Office: Go to the nearest post office or have packages picked up at home at no additional cost. Input the package information at www.usps.com, including the weight (use a bathroom scale and round up) and print a mailing label or call 800-275-8777.
Fedex: Take packages to most Kinko's stores, schedule a pickup at www.fedex.com after printing labels from the site or call 800-463-3339.
UPS: Go to any UPS store, schedule a pickup at www.ups.com after printing labels from the site or call 800-742-5877.--Star Tribune (Minn.)

Last Days to Ship (to insure arrival before Dec. 25)
Parcel airlift mail to the military via the Post office: Dec.4.
UPS standard:Dec.15(including shipments to Canada).
Parcel post via the post office: Dec. 15(can take up to nine days, with no guarantee).
Fedex ground and home delivery: Dec. 17 (Dec.14 for shipments to Canada).
Fedex express saver: Dec. 19
UPS 3-day select:Dec. 19
UPS 2nd day air: Dec. 20.
Letters, cards and priority mail via the post office: Dec.20 (two to three days, with no guarantee).
UPS next day air:Dec. 21(or 22nd for an additional fee).
Fedex Overnight: Dec. 22.
Express mail via the post office: Dec. 22.
Keep in mind: The quickest turn arounds, are far from cheap, with some services ranging from $66 for a 20-pound Express Mail package via the post office to upwards of $150 for FedEx Overnight and UPS Next Day Air.
More Specific: For other deadlines, including those for international shipping visit www.usps.com, www.ups.com or www.fedex.com. --- Courtney Devores

Best Deals
For overnight delivery: The post office which guarantees delivery by noon or 3 p.m.
For small, heavy packages: The post office's Flat Rate. You must use one of two boxes provided by the post office (11-by 8.5by 5.5 inches or 13.5-by -12-by-3.5inches)but it's $8.95 regardless of weight and is shipped Priority.
For tracking your package: FedEx and UPS. The post office offers tracking service on Express Mail only.--Star Tribune (Minn.)

Monday, December 3, 2007

Your thermostat, your driving habits,and your banking

Hello readers, how about a little bit of this and that today? Lets start with your heating costs.
Experts say not to adjust the thermostat setting for a heat pump more than two degrees at once. Adjusting the setting more than two degrees at a once may engage the emergency back-up strips, causing excessive power use- and higher power bills.
It's more efficient to find the lowest possible comfortable setting and keep it there.
Next on the list come our driving habits. During Thanksgiving week in one of our neighboring states the Highway Patrol ticketed more than 50,000 motorists, nearly half for speeding and nearly 1,000 for driving while impaired. Those 51,198 charges amounted to more than 7,300 a day, abut 300 each hour, five every minute. The 24,274 speeding charges represented more than 3,300 a day, about 140 an hour, about 2.3 a minute.
Troopers called the week long crackdown Operation Slow Down, though clearly a lot of people didn't. That's troubling because the leading cause of traffic fatalities and accidents in the state is speed.
Highway Patrol officials say they plan to continue the campaign using helicopters, motorcycles and unmarked patrol cars. Good. Even better, this holiday season, and afterward, slow down. Save someones life- maybe your own.
Finally , put your money where your mouse is. Banks that exist only online-such as ING Direct- are giving brick and mortar institutions a run for their money. They're offering higher interest rates on checking and savings accounts and waving most fees. In fact, the number of households handling their money on the Web is expected to nearly double in the next four years. E-Trade.com and EverBank.com even swallow the fee for using other banks' ATMs. Many traditional banks, eager to regain customers, now offer online services free and pay heftier interest rates on Internet accounts. Those better rates can come with caveats, such as limited check writing and ATM cards that won't double as debit cards. Still, if you're looking to get more bang from your bucks, this is a great time to take the online- banking plunge.
Hope one or all of these topics help. And thanks for reading. Would love to hear from you as to what you think of this blog so far. Thanks, Bill.

Overcoat in July?

Weather Helps Fill Discount Racks
Warmth creates glut of winter fashions and bargains for consumers.
Mark Jewell of the Associated Press says:
Paul Murphy went bargain hunting at a discount store called Building 19, and ended up with quite a find A charcoal gray wool men's suit for $66 that he found priced at $329 at a major department store.
"I bought two of them - one for me and one for my son," the 62 year-old piano sales man from Scituate, Mass. said after a visit to a downtown Boston tailor to have the pants altered.
The suit was part of a windfall of closeouts that discounters are snapping up as department stores and wholesalers unload a glut of fall and winter fashions. Unseasonably warm early fall weather and shoppers worried about the economy left stores with unsold merchandise taking up sales floor space heading into the crucial holidays.
Off-price retailers are feasting on overstocks of cool-weather clothing at prices far below what traditional retailers originally paid - deals expected to help discounters boost their profits. And they may pass on some of their benefits to consumers in the form of steeper-than -usual discounts and a fresher apparel selection.
Building 19 initially planned to offer the $66 suits for $79, but went with the lower price out of expectations that traditional retailers' oversupply of cooler-weather clothing would grow, leaving shoppers with a wealth of discount opportunities.
"There are always bargains around but this is unusual," said Jerry Ellis, who co-founded the 14-store New England chain, a self-described "bottom of the barrel" retailer of salvage merchandise, in 1964. "The traditional vendors are almost desperate."
Although retailers have become increasingly sophisticated at adjusting merchandise to fit demand, their predictive powers were no match for the unseasonably warm early fall, coupled with high energy and food prices and a slumping housing market, says Stephen Hoch, head of a retail studies program at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School.
"the whole supply-chain system is clogged up, and it could take four to six months for all this to clear up," Hoch said. "It's kind of like plumbing."
Off-price retailers, he said "are seeing a big influx of better inventory than they might normally have."
"Consumers see apparel as a discretionary purchase, and coming into the holiday season, they know they are going to need their dollars for gifts," said Phil Rist of the market research firm BIGresearch.
There's always inventory give-and-take between retailers and wholesalers. But Hoch said an unusual number of department stores are trying to win concessions from suppliers to help absorb unsold apparel costs, including negotiating to return inventory or secure discounts for future orders.
To move merchandise and free up rack space, some retailers are offering sales and running special promotions earlier than usual before the traditional kickoff to holiday shopping on the day after Thanksgiving.
"What's happening right now is consumers aren't shopping," said Patricia Walker, a partner in the consulting firm Accenture's retail practice.
"Once retailers put deals out there, it's unclear if consumers will look for them at the department stores, at the specialty stores or the discounters. Certainly, the discounters will be offering better products than they have in the past."
So there we have it. If we look carefully we can find the gifts that can make for a very Merry Christmas.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire....or not?????

Ways to put the chill on high heating costs: Jay Romano of the New York Times say.. With winter approaching, and no signs of heating costs dropping with the temperatures, homeowners will be looking for ways to get the biggest bang for their energy dollar.
Lorene Bartos, an educator for the University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension recites a list of standard energy-saving actions: caulk and weatherstrip windows and doors,insulate the attic, seal or remove window air-conditioners, clean or replace furniture filters.
But there are other ways to save on energy costs, she said.
For example, homeowners can use passive solar heat by allowing sunlight in through south facing windows. At the same time, windows facing west and north should have window shades down or window treatments closed to keep heat inside, and all windows should be covered at night.
Check heating ducts for leaks and seal with duct mastic covered with fiberglass mesh and another layer of mastic.
Ted Funk, an extension specialist in agricultural engineering at the University of Illinois in Urbana, said homeowners should be careful about using a fireplace to supplement their heat.
"A fireplace is a recipe for heat loss," he said, explaining that even with glass doors, fireplaces may be no more than 40 percent efficient.
Owners might also want to conduct a Web-based audit of their homes that will provide some tips for energy saving. "Lawrence Berkeley Labs has a good energy-saving tool," he said. "You put in your ZIP code and it will show you some priorities to work on." (The Web site: hes.lbl.gov)
Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman, a deputy editor of Consumer Reports in Yonkers, says using a programmable thermostat is usually a good idea. Setting the temperature back to 65 or so overnight. or during the day when no one will be home, can save money.
One thing to be cautious about is offers from alternative energy providers, she said. Sometimes these offers, which seem to promise savings, include late fees and cancellation fees.
Another way to save energy is to install a tankless water heater. With tankless heaters, the water is heated only when the hot water is being used. (Tank-type heaters keep the water at a preset temperature all the time.
"But the best thing about a tankless heater is that you never run out of hot water," said Henry Gifford, owner of Architecture and Energy Ltd. in Manhattan.
Hope some of these hints will help you save some money and in turn save energy.