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Somehow I randomly found this program called Groupon. It’s a gift certificate coupon service that sends you one deal a day for something in your city that is HEAVILY discounted - like a restaurant, clothing store, personal training, comedy shows, etc.
This is available for the following cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C.
Inside Tip: The opportunity to buy is only available for 24 hours. So if you see something of interest, you have to buy it that day!
Want to know what today’s deal is? Read the rest of this entry »
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1. Do take-out vs delivery or eating in - this way you can save on having to pay a tip
2. Only eat half your meal - If it’s a big meal, only eat half and bring the other half home for lunch the next day. Two meals for the price of one.
3. Share with someone - Maybe you can both get a small salad and then share your entree.
4. Skip the alcohol - You will save a ton if you don’t drink alcohol. In some cases, it can be more expensive than your entree.
5. Find out the weekly specials - Some places have happy hour specials if you come in earlier to eat - check their website.
6. Coupons - An oldy but a goody - flip through the coupons you get in the mail and visit your local eateries.
Any other tip you can think of that I left off the list?
Or be smart and win your dinner for free at trivia night.
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Book swap parties and Clothing swap parties are starting to become very popular. The idea behind them is very simple. Someone hosts the event at his/her home and you bring a book (to those parties) or clothing/purses/accessories to the event.
It’s a FREE way to get new things and a fun social event. Plan to stick around, drink some wine, eat some fruit, make a new friend, and tell her/him about your new items.
Here’s a really cute, informative video about How to Host a Clothing Swap Party from VideoJug.
And don’t forget that awesome resource that’s the best book swap system out there - The Library.
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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.
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 »
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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 »
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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 »
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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 »
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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 »
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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.
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/
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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.
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 »
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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 »
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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.
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 »
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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 »
