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Podcasts and free songs on iTunes

by Stacy Sheets

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Recently I’ve been really into podcasts.. I’m a big follower of NPR’s This American Life and Coffe Break Spanish - podcasts to learn the Spanish language. These shows are high quality, extremely well produced, and the best part - FREE.
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If you have an iPod then you’re familiar with iTunes, so go check out the Podcasts! There are literally thousands of other ones on there. Leave a comment on which podcast you listen to.

Want to know about the free songs? Read the rest of this entry »

E-rewards: Participate in online market research for FREE rewards

by Stacy Sheets

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e-Rewards, the program that values your time. You’ll earn e-Rewards Currency for participating in market research surveys that are selected to match your interests. You can redeem your earnings for valuable Rewards from a wide array of participating Reward Partners.

Earn credits with companies such as:
AirTran
Delta Skymiles
Macy’s
HiltonHonors
Borders
Pizza Hut
ProFlowers
Blockbuster
Omaha Steaks
and more

If you’re saving up all those airline miles and haven’t decided where to go, check out this list of the Top 5 Must See Countries.

Regal Crown Club offers movie goers Special Savings

by Stacy Sheets

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If you’re a pretty avid movie goer, then you might want to sign up for Regal Cinema’s Regal Crown Club.

It’s a FREE membership and they offer discounts on concession stand items and can earn credits for free movies.

Every Tuesday you use this card when purchasing your ticket at a Regal Cinema you get a coupon for a small popcorn for $1. You really can’t beat that price these days.

To join - just visit their website.

regalcrownclub_full

Plus - There are some GREAT movies still coming out this summer:

Like Bruno - July 10th
HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE .. can you tell I’m really excited about this one.. July 29th

For more movie insight - hop on over to Cinema Hype.

Ideas for Memorial Day Weekend

by Stacy Sheets

If you’re a frugal maniac, you may be staying home for this Memorial Day weekend. Here are some fun frugal tips of things to do this weekend:

1. Throw a barbeque or accept an invitation to one - BBQs are really inexpensive parties to throw. If you’re a Sam’s or Costco member, go there to get your bulk amount of hamburger meat, hotdogs, buns, chips, and soda. Also - you can always ask guests to contribute a side dish or drinks. Ask guest to bring alcohol - this will save you alot of money.

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2. Go to Old Navy for a $1 pair of flip flops - What better way to get ready for summer than to get a new pair of flip flops and you can’t say no to only spending a $1 - Get more info about this sale at Bargain Styling

3. Hang out at the park - Grab a new book at the library and your shades and hit the park for some sunshine and fun reading!

Want to read the rest of my top 10 ideas.. Read the rest of this entry »

How to negotiate

by Stacy Sheets

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When I bought a home and a car I did not pay the asking price, but this is a common area most people don’t pay full price. But what about other areas: Retail stores, restaurants, hair salons — ever tried it there??

So I challenge you to try it out somewhere challenging and see how it goes.. Here’s some tips too.. Read the rest of this entry »

Cheap Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

by Stacy Sheets

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Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 10th.

If you still don’t have a gift and money is tight - then here are my top 10 ideas on what to get mom this year that she’s sure to love.
Read the rest of this entry »

Join Arby’s Extras

by Stacy Sheets

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A coworker told me to join Arby’s extras - I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into.. But since then, I’ve received some email coupons for pretty much free meals.

I recently got one (and actually used it) for a free roastburger with the purchase of a drink. So my lunch that day cost me like $2. Also, I think around the holiday season, I got a coupon for a free shake (forgot to use that one). And now I have one in my email box for a chicken sandwich with the purchase of a drink or fries.. cant recall.. but I know again my lunch will cost less than $5.

That’s a frugal find!

Here’s a direct link to join - click here.

For even more info on Arby’s extras - keep reading.. Read the rest of this entry »

Stop Using that Credit Card!!

by Stacy Sheets

So when I was living in NYC, I decided I needed to reinvent my closet to have alot more designer items.. However, my income did not seem to allow this, but I had this helpful little plastic card in my wallet that did.

I was speaking to another NYC friend who had the similar problem (as I assume millions of Americans do also - maybe with a different vice). We came up with a solution to stop using them for unnecessary items.. And here are a few tips for you.

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1. Give your card to someone else. This way you have to explain to them why you need it and hopefully they can help talk you out of it.

2. Freeze it in a bag of water - By the time it defrosts, you’ll have had time to decide if you really needed it.

3. Put it in an envelope with your long terms goals written on the envelope. One more swipe of that card is money taken away from retirement, car, home, dream vacations, and more.

In the meantime of all this non-spending, here’s a place to get stuff for FREE: http://www.freebiesforus.com/

Tips from Food Network’s Robin Miller on saving with food

by Stacy Sheets

From Food Network Robin Miller’s site, here are some killer tips on getting yummy food and being wise with your food budget:

Buy meats in bulk and freeze portions with marinade inside a plastic zip top bag. As it defrosts, the meat will become infused with the marinade and stay moist.

1. Don’t throw out your leftover rice! Use it to make fried rice, rice cakes or quick rice pudding.
friedrice-main_full

2. Almost out of Dijon? Don’t let those last tablespoons go to waste. Add vinaigrette ingredients straight to the mustard jar and shake for mess-free salad dressing.

3. To get the maximum amount of juice out of lemons and limes, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds. This will break down the fibers inside, allowing juice to flow.

How about a recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken with Rosemary, Apples and Onions?? Read the rest of this entry »

Online Savings Account - A really good idea

by Stacy Sheets

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A savings account at a bank is a joke - besides instill the value of saving, the rate they give you is laughable to the point of not even there.

I have used ING Direct in the past and currently use HSBC. I transferred over when HSBC had a temporary, promotional high rate awhile back.

Wether you go with ING, HSBC, Emmigrant Direct or some other online savings account - not only is it easy to use but it’s a really good idea.

Keep reading to find out their current rates and just how easy they are to use.. Read the rest of this entry »

Here’s a way to eat free, have fun with friends, and get smart

by Stacy Sheets

This idea will not work for everyone but it’s such a good, cool idea.. and here it is:

Go to trivia night at restaurants.

trivianight_3

I have some die hard trivia friends that go every week. Most of these restaurants give a gift certificate to the winners of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place and you can use it towards your bill that night or next time you guys go.

So you’ll learn some random new trivia and get to hang out with your friends. It’s such a win/win idea.

Worried about not winning? Read the rest of this entry »

Bring your lunch to work

by Stacy Sheets

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Today I read a really interesting fact from HSBC on money-saving tips. This one really got my attention:

Bring lunch to work rather than eating out and you may save $5 per work day. In a year that can add up to over $1,200.

That’s a nice chunk of change.. Here are some lunch ideas that are easy and tasty to bring to work. Read the rest of this entry »

A few ways to make some extra money on the side WITHOUT getting a second job..

by Stacy Sheets

Times are tough and everyone could probably use a little extra money. I don’t blame you if you already feel worked enough in your one job and don’t feel like taking on a whole new job. Here are some tips on ways to make a bit extra cash without taking on a second job:

1. Sign up you and your family with market research companies: In almost every big to mid size city, there are a number of marketing research companies. At some point, you will probably qualify for a research plan they are working on. You could make anywhere from $50 - $250 or more.. Each plan pays differently and it usually just lasts about an hour. All companies have needs of all different types of people - different races, ages, sexes, income levels, etc. Do a google search to see what market research companies are in your city and sign up with as many as you can.

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Want to know some more tips??

2. Check under Craig’s List volunteer section - Not only can you find some market research studies like mentioned above but there are also often postings for sleep studies, University paid studies, and health studies — and they all pay!!

3. Sell old furniture on Craig’s List -
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If you were about to throw away that old couch, bedroom furniture, or entertainment set, why not take some pictures of them and post them to Craig’s List. If you price it cheap, like $50, you’ll probably get it off your hands very fast. You’d be suprised how many responses you get and just how easy it was.

4. Write a blog - Don’t take my job away - but there are tons of blogs out looking for paid writers. Is there something you know alot about? You usually can make your own schedule and write when you get the opportunity.

5. Babysit, house sit, pet sit - This is not the most luxurious option. But if you throw in a few of these you can rack up an extra $50 here and there.

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If you haven’t done so already, sign up for free mobile coupons from Cellfire. There are some awesome deals here like a free lunch.

Cheap alcoholic beverages

by Stacy Sheets

Okay so what better time to talk about affordable alcoholic beverages than during an economic downfall - People are getting fired, loosing money in their 401K, and basically just really, really worried. Now I am not promoting to turn to alcohol to fix your problems or help them feel like they’re going away… but hey, sometimes we like to drink a bit and it can be pricey..

Here are my favorite picks………. Read the rest of this entry »

The awesome resource called — The Library

by Stacy Sheets

Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one of my friends that still uses the library. It just feels like such an outdated idea, but I think people just don’t utilize this reall great not to leave out FREE resource.

The first thing that probably comes to mind when people think of the library is books — But it’s not just novels. But they’ve also got:

- Travel books
- Cook books, nutiritonal eating, healthy lifestyles
- Excercise books
- Self help and spritual books
- Plays and musical scores

But do you know what the library has besides books?? Read the rest of this entry »

About Frugal Mania

There are thousands of ways that you can save tons of money by just being smart about your choices and using what you've already got on hand. Frugal Mania is about saving money with a passion!

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