We'll Show You the Money

Financial Assistance for Expensive Prescriptions

2011-12-01T19:25:00.000-08:00

A dear friend of ours was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 38. This is not a typo. 38. With the rising cost of healthcare, and employer's forcing employees to pay higher premiums, we learned that this friend had to pay out-of-pocket share of $8,000. Her employer however started a collection fund amond her coworkers to help her offset the cost. But then the prescriptions were the next challenge-- burning through her savings like a wildfire. Weak and lethargic from the radiation, chemo...She didn't have the time or energy to research other sources, ie. Canadian distributors. There's a plethora online but which ones were reputable? Not scams? Not sugar pills?

Who has time? Well there ARE other solutions.
Thanks to The Assistance Fund, a nonprofit organization.

"We're an organization that helps people who've been prescribed some very expensive drugs and have insurance, but can't afford their co-pay or deductible," says Jeffrey Spafford, the nonprofit's chief executive officer.

The organization's Co-pay Funds are focused on 10 serious diseases that require highly specialized medications: breast cancer, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, non-small cell lung cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, colorectal cancer, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), psoriasis, and wet age-related macular degeneration.

"Whatever the health plan doesn't cover, we'll pick up on behalf of the patient," Spafford explains.

He says the funds help patients get the treatment they need without giving up the basic essentials of life.

"They're having to make the decision: Do I pay rent this month or do I pay my co-pay for these medicines I need? Or do I buy groceries?" he says.

Drug companies are actively offering their own drug co-pay cards, which can dramatically reduce the patients' share of the cost when buying brand names. Pfizer, for example, offers a discount card that brings the cost of its cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor to $4 a month, a savings of up to $50.

There are now 300 different drug company co-pay programs. Consumers fill more than 100 million prescriptions using the cards, according to recent data. There is, however, a caveat: federal law prohibits the use of drug company-issued co-pay cards to patients on Medicare and Medicaid.

People who cannot use drug company-issued co-pay cards do have other options. Retail programs, such as Walgreens' Prescription Savings Club, offer help for patients with or without insurance. Membership in the Walgreens program costs $20 per year for an individual, $35 for a family. Benefits include significant discounts on brand name medications and access to thousands of generic drugs. The generic drugs price out under $12 for a three-month supply. For example, the full cash price for a three-month supply of cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin is $62.07; members pay $12, and save $50.70.

You can learn more about the Assistance Fund at http://theassistancefund.org/ or call 877.245.4412.

You must meet income eligibility requirements to qualify.

Drug company co-pay cards are usually available through a physician or directly on the manufacturer's website.

Applications for the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club are available at retail locations or online at http://www.walgreens.com/.

As always, read all the fine print carefully and call to ask all your questions. Try to communicate via email so you have it in writing unless the drug company offers information online.

Task Rabbit- A Creative Solution for the Unemployed

2011-09-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

For the 9% unemployed in this country and a higher percentage underemployed, a creative solution emerges, and does not rely on government or taxpayers' hard-earned income. Task Rabbit (http://www.taskrabbit.com/) is like an eBay of jobs where the highest bidder is awarded the job. From grocery shopping for that busy professional, hanging picture frames for a disabled person or delivering cupcakes for a loved one's birthday, there is no job too small or demanding. And the bidders come from all professional backgrounds--construction workers, advertising professionals, even lawyers inbetween jobs.
Some unemployed are making this a full-time job earning as much as $5,000 a month.
Need a job? Supplemental income? Become a rabbit!

video platform video management video solutions video player

For a complete news report by ABC News, click here.

The Gold Rush-- 7 Tips Before you RUSH to Sell Gold

2011-08-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

By Alan Farnham, ABC News

Selling gold never has been easier--or riskier. With prices of the precious metal hitting records almost daily ($1,774 the ounce, as of today), and with fear and uncertainty continuing to roil the world's financial markets, gold buyers are eager to pay top dollar for any jewelry, coins or bars you care to part with.

Never have there been so many choices on where and how to sell. In Texas, you can pick up a nice steak for dinner and unload your tiara at the same time: Gold and Silver Buyers, the state's biggest buyer of precious metals, has its stores conveniently located inside or alongside supermarkets.

Since May, eBay has been offering a new feature on its site--a Bullion Center. Spokesperson Johnna Hoff says it was created "to be a one-stop destination" consolidating trade in all types of bullion--gold and silver coins and bars, primarily. The terms and conditions that apply to the sale of a gold bar are no more onerous those that apply to somebody who sells a toaster, a football jersey, or anything else on eBay: Small, casual sellers (non-professionals) pay eBay 9 percent of the price for which their bullion sells, when and if it does. There's no charge for listing. Small sellers, says Hoff, accounted for about one-third of bullion sold last week on eBay.

Whether you sell your gold online, at a local jeweler or through a pawn shop, it's possible, if you're not careful, to wind up with less than its full value. To avoid getting taken, keep these 7 points in mind:

1. Shop Around. No matter how or where you ultimately chose to sell, start locally. Take your gold to a reputable local jeweler or pawn shop and ask them to estimate its value. That way, you'll have at least have a base price in hand before you solicit online bids or other offers. You don't need to worry that you're abusing the good nature of your local businesses, says Dave Crume, past president of the National Pawnbrokers Association and vice president of Wichita, Kansas, pawnbroker A-OK Enterprises. They're in business to give estimates, and they'll give them for free. "Go to three or four stores," he advises, "and compare." To locate your nearest pawnbroker, try the National Pawnbrokers Association website.

2. Beware 'Rogue' Buyers. Crume cautions sellers about doing business with transient gold dealers whom he calls "rogue" buyers (also known as "hotel" or "pop-up" buyers). They blow into town, run ads promising high prices, and set up shop, say, in a hotel ballroom. After vacuuming up a city's worth of jewelry and coins, they disappear, sometimes leaving their victims un- or underpaid. In one test, a gold chain legitimately appraised at $250 was offered to a variety of hotel buyers. None offered more than $130. Before you sell gold--whether to a hotel buyer or to anybody else--check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints against the buyer.

3. Don't Mix Karats. Among the new places to sell your gold are Tupperware-like "gold parties" like those organized by Premier Gold Parties, where a group of friends or neighbors meet to socialize and sell their gold in a home setting. "While gold parties may be a convenient way to make some cash," warns Tucson's Better Business Bureau, "they may not provide you the best deal." Why not? Too many hands in the pot: the company that organized the party gets its cut, and so does the host. At some parties, all jewelry is weighed together, regardless of its karat value, and sellers are paid according to the lowest karat value. Don't accept those terms. Separate your jewelry in advance, by karat, and make sure you are paid more for higher-karat items.

4. Keep an Eye on the Scale. While the accuracy of scales used by jewelers and pawnshops is verified periodically by the department of weights and measures, the same may not be true for scales used by hotel or house party buyers. The Better Business Bureau advises sellers to pay close attention to how their gold is being weighed: Jewelers value gold not by the ordinary ounce (28 grams) but by the Troy (31.1 grams). While some buyers pay according to the gram, others use a system called pennyweight: A pennyweight is equivalent to 1.555 grams. A seller needs to make sure he's not being weighed by pennyweight and paid by the gram, since that would allow the buyer to get more gold for less money.

5. Read the Fine Print. Sell Gold HQ, a website that reviews and compares online gold buyers, advises sellers to compare terms and conditions carefully. "Even when consumers use a legitimate site that buys gold online," says the company in a statement, "it is easy to make a costly mistake by not reading the fine print. For example, some websites offer free shipping to send in gold, but very high shipping rates if the consumer declines the offer and asks for he gold to be returned." Check the buyer's policy, too, on reimbursement if they lose your gold. Many offer only limited liability.

6. Check Credentials. Ask a potential buyer to show you his credentials: If he's legitimate, he'll be licensed by the state to buy gold. He will also be required by law to ask you, the seller, to produce a driver's license, passport or some other form of government-issued identification. That requirement exists to frustrate money laundering and the sale of stolen property. If your buyer does not ask to see your ID, take your business elsewhere.

7. Is It Scrap--or History? Before you sell a gold item to be melted down for scrap, make sure it's not worth more in its present form. Brian Witherell, operations manager of Sacramento, Calif., antiques dealer Witherell's, gives this example: A seller brought him an antique item—a small gold watch fob made in the shape of a railroad spike. "It was a little thing," Witherell recalls, and would not have brought much as scrap. Upon inspection, the fob turned out to have been fashioned out of gold left over from making the famous full-sized golden spike used in 1869 to commemorate completion of the transcontinental railroad. At auction, it sold for $20,000.

THE END

Gas Buddy App

2011-05-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

The word "app" has to be accepted into Webster's dictionary by now as it pervades our daily lexicon. Who would have thought that the word Apple and App would be used in the same sentence? If you're new to Earth, "App" is not short for Apple. It's short for "application", a technology application for an iPhone, iPad or Android. By the way, for the benefit of our mothers, an Android is NOT a human-likeness of mars alien. It's a "smart phone" similar to iPhone for other brands like Blackberry.

Today there is an app for everything. Games including wordsmith, entertainment including 'Ben the Talking Dog" and "Talking Tom Cat", and useless apps like the "iflush toilet". We're not kidding.

But today we bring you a useful, functional app. Gas Buddy! No we're not talking about relief from flatulence. With today's skyrocketing gas prices, this buddy will aid you in seeking the best gas prices.

http://www.gasbuddy.com/ helps you find the gas stations with the lowest price anywhere you want to look. You can use it on your computer, download it for an iPhone or Android.

It operates with user-supplied data so you can earn points and win prizes such as gas cards by submitting information on prices in your neighborhood.

Entering our local city, let's say Miami, Christine found that prices ranged from $3.99 per gallon in Little Havana to $4.29 per gallon in South Beach.

You can compare prices of regular, mid-grade, premier and diesel fuels, calculate how much it will cost for gas to take a particular trip, see charts on historic trends and read tips on how to be a gas-frugal driver. Is there such a word as gasolinista? [I think those fumes are getting to us].

But as soon as one popular app emerges, others get a whiff and spew out ones like Gas Cubby and Cheap Gas!

In a clever strategy to tie staple savings of groceries and gasoline, Winn-Dixie rolled out a program called Fuel Perks that provides gas discounts in exchange for shopping at the store.

Of course another way to save gas is to follow those gas -and-tried practices of avoiding quick starts, running errands in one trip, not exceeding 60 mph on the highway and regular maintenance and tuneups. Sorry no apps for those yet!

FREE Disney Parks Vacation Planning DVD

2011-03-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

What's the saying, something along the lines of "a little planning goes a long way" to saving time, money and less headaches. Well planning a family vacation, especially with children can be daunting even if the destination is a fantasy-land like Disney World.

There's nothing quite like having your very own Disney memories to hold on to. And whether you're planning your family's first trip...or your 21st...when you order a FREE Disney Parks Vacation Planning DVD, you'll discover a world of ways to make those memories thanks to things like:

•Special features about everything going on at both the Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts.

•Highlights of accommodations and attractions that fit your family.

•Tips on how easy it is to experience it all with our affordable vacations!

So don't wait another moment. Because there's never been a better time to make memories that will last a lifetime. And this DVD will show you how.

CLICK HERE to order your DVD.
Must be 18 years or older and a U.S. or Canadian resident to order. One DVD per household. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.

Para obtener un DVD en español, ordene aquí.
Pour le version en français cliquez ici.

Six Tips to Win Contests & Sweepstakes

2011-03-10T21:11:00.000-08:00

" I never win anything" is a refrain often heard during a contest. But in this segment on Good Morning America, average people, win regular contests and sweepstakes in the coveted four C's: Cars, Computers, Cruises and Cash.

They are a growing group of Sweepstakes Clubs across the country and it's a sure way to strategize, fraternize, and monetize!

These clubs share techniques, which sweepstakes are worth entering and which ones to avoid.

We, Blog Sisters, have actually dabbled in contests in our younger years when we had free time. Some of the tips the Sweepstakes Club share are actually techniques we tried in the past and they do work!

1. Check the time period for entry. If it's more than six months, scratch it off your list.You want to increase your odds. Three months or less is better.
2. Study the rules and following the entry requirements. Any deviation will definitely get you disqualified. If the contest states "only one entry per person or household" don't even think of duplicating entries.
3. Enter daily if permitted. If the contest allows you to enter daily, DO IT! It's about the odds and you want to increase your chances.
4. Mail in your entry and/or via website, if permitted. More people will enter via web and very few send the physical entry.
5. As the GMA video states, if the contest is a "blind drawing", where the judge picks an entry form without looking, the use crinkled or textured paper. One idea is to take their entry form and fold in accordion, or bunch it in a ball. This increases your chances via a flat piece of paper.
6. Also, if the drawing is not blind, where person selecting the entry can see the envelopes, use colored or decorative envelopes.

Christine once entered a local contest sponsored by the local ABC affiliate in Miami for a kitchen makeover. The drawing was live where the reporter picked from a clear bowl of envelopes. Sure enough she sent her entry in a bright pink envelope and it was selected! But the selection was for the top 5 finalists and from their the TV station selected one of the final five. Unfortunately she didn't win. But she knew her technique would land her in the top five.

One last tip to ensure the contest is legitimate if you're not familiar with the company, you can request the name and city/state of the winner. Often within the rules are instructions on how to obtain the winner's list by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mark your calendar of when the contest ends, the winner announced, and give them a couple of weeks to send you winner's name. If they don't, you may want to consider notifying a government agency for possible fraudulent means for obtaining consumer information.

Part of the reason companies hold contests is to get your postal or email address to add to their database. A customer or database list is GOLD to any business. Again read the rules carefully to learn if you will be receiving solicitation emails. Another tip is to create a separate email address just for entering contests if you're going to make this habit!

Some websites dedicated to providing Sweepstakes:
http://www.sweepstakesadvantage.com/
This site provides a summary of limitations, entry expiration, how many entries...

Free Subscription to Wine Spectator Magazine

2011-02-17T20:47:00.000-08:00

Sign up while supplies last. Get your one year free subscription.
Cheers!

http://www.wqxr.org/newsletter/signup/

Wine Spectator is edited for people who enjoy fine dining and wine, cooking and entertaining, world travel and the arts. The magazine features current news, personality profiles, wine and food articles as well as pieces on entertainment and travel.

http://www.winespectator.com/

Free Blood Pressure Screening

2011-02-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

This Valentine's put your heart and health first by taking some time for routine checkups. Don't have time to wait for opening at doctor's office? Well you can start at Walgreen's with free blood pressure screenings for adults age 18 and older.

To find the closest Walgreen's clinic, click here.

Be healthy!

Free Redbox Movie Rental Thursday

2011-01-27T13:33:00.000-08:00

Get a free movie rental with RedBox TODAY ONLY.

Enter code: MOVIENIGHT -valid 1/27 only -kiosk locator

Enter the code at the machine. You do have to enter a credit card number but Redbox will not charge you unless you don’t return the movie on time. It’s a dollar a day for regular DVD’s plus your state tax…a little more for Blue Rays. There are no membership fees.

Cyber Monday Deals

2010-11-28T21:16:00.000-08:00

Well the biggest shopping day is almost here. Alicia and I have been walking and talking to folks everywhere, in grocery stores, in the mall, chatting with neighbors and we're shocked to learn how many people have never heard of Cyber Monday but yet shop online!

What is Cyber Monday? First it's the Monday after Thanksgiving and as of last year it's the biggest shopping day that surpasses Black Friday. Last year consumers spent $887 million online (excluding travel) on Cyber Monday - $292 million more than on Black Friday, according to a survey by ComScore.

Rested and relaxed from Thanksgiving holiday, and dreading going back to work and the looming madness of Christmas gift buying, office workers go online for distraction. Cyber Monday has lightened the holiday load without burdening the wallet. Some of the best deals occur this day! If not the last Saturday before Christmas but then quantities are low.

So below are some of the better deals from major retailers. Happy Cyber Monday!

AT&T
Get a different smart phone every three hours for one penny! No activation fee, free shipping.
Click here for details.

Amazon.com (www.amazon.com)
• Amazon Shoes: Spend $75, Get 25 percent off; Spend $150, Get 30 percent off (some restrictions apply)
• Spend $50, get $15 off at checkout on select Fisher-Price toys.
• Swiss Legend men's Commander Collection watch: $49.99 (list price: $595)
• A Toshiba 55-inch LED (not LCD) 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV with Net TV (Black Gloss)
Regularly priced $2399 now $1,348! LED is the newest in flat screen technology for better picture. Experts say prices will come down more next year but if you can't wait, this so far is the best deal on an LED! Get it now by clicking below!

• TomTom XXL 5-Inch Widescreen GPS: $89.99 (from $229)

eBay
• 10% off ipads, only with wifi. This deal starts at 11am EST, today only.

Panasonic
•S50 Camcorder: $149 (list price: $229)
• Save 30 percent to 50 percent on select Fisher Price toys

BestBuy.com (www.bestbuy.com)
• 2-Day Web Special: Panasonic - VIERA / 65" Class / 1080p / 600Hz / Plasma HDTV for $1,799.99, a savings of $1,400.

GameStop.com (http://www.gamestop.com/)
• Free shipping for orders over $25
• Get a $25 gift card if you order Band Hero, DJ Hero or Tony Hawk: Ride for Xbox 360, PS3 or Wii, or The Bourne Conspiracy for Xbox 360.
• Save $15 to $30 on select EA titles, like Dead Space: Extraction, MySims Agents, Spore Hero, Need for Speed: Nitro, EA Sports Active and EA Sports Active: More Workouts for Wii; or The Sims 3 and The Sims 3: World Adventures Expansion Pack for PC.
• Take 50% off 50 select download titles.

Macys.com (http://www.macys.com/)
• Dyson DC14 All-Floors Vacuum $279.97 (Reg. $450)
• 24-Piece Room in a Bag $99.99 (Reg. $400 - $450)
• 14k White gold aquamarine (1-1/3 ct. t.w.) & diamond accent ring $199 (Reg. $600)
• Kenneth Cole Reaction Pea Coat $79.99 for men and $112 for ladies ($225)
• Buy one, get one free for select women's sweaters

BarnesAndNoble.com (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/)
• Barnes & Noble Members: 25 percent off one item.
• Non-Members: Free shipping on all orders.
• Bestsellers: Buy one and get your second book for 50 percent off
• Children's books: 40 percent off popular children's picture books.
• Toys & games: Save $5 on any $10 toy purchase.
• Select DVD and Blu-Ray hits up to 80 percent off.

JCPenney.com (http://www.jcpenney.com/)
• For women: boots, $29.99; St. John's Bay cashmere-blend pea coat, $49.88; and 1/2 ct. t.w. diamond circle earrings, $79.99
• For men: slippers, $13.99; Stafford soft touch robe, $19.88; and athletic shoes from Nike, New Balance, ASICS, Reebok and Adidas, $38.99
• Cozy fleece for toddlers and kids, $4.88; and character sleepwear for $7.88
• The Original Arizona Jean Co. Young Men's fashion jeans, $17.88
• Seventeen Natasha twin comforter set, $79.88.
• 60 percent off lighting and wall decor and 50-60% off entire stock of furniture.
• 30 percent off entire stock of video games
• Old-fashioned popcorn cart, $99.88 after rebate.

Sears.com (http://www.sears.com/)
• The retailer is offering Cyber Monday starting now--SUNDAY
• Free shipping code: Santa
• Samsung (KSE: 005930.KS - News) 32-inch 720p LCD HDTV Energy Star for $329.99 (regularly $443.99)
• $16.99 women's sweaters

ToysRUs.com (www.toysrus.com)
• Buy one, get one 50 percent off on Imaginarium and Nerf toys
• Free Box of 120-count crayons (10.99 value) with $25 Crayola purchase

Staples.com (www.staples.com)
• Cyber Monday sales starts Sunday at 6am and runs through Monday. Staples provides free shipping on orders over $50.
• TOM TOM XXL 540S Portable GPS: $79.99 (Regular Price $199.99)
• Kingston 8GB DataTraveler 101 Generation 2 USB Flash Drive: $9.99 (Regular Price: $34.99)
• Western Digital Elements 2TB External Hard Drive: $69.99 (Regular Price $159.99)

Walmart.com (http://www.walmart.com/)
• Cyber Monday sales are a part of Wal-Mart's Cyber Week event, beginning on Sunday and lasting through Dec. 3. Almost all items include free shipping to a home or to a store.
• Philips 8GB Vibe MP3 Video Player: $39.98
• Garmin Nuvi 295W 3.5" Portable GPS: $89
• Viore 24" Class LED-LCD HDTV: $199
• HP Mini 210 Netbook PC: $318
• Sony PlayStation 3 Entertainment Value Bundle: $388
• Element 42" Class LED-LCD HDTV: $499
• HP 17.3" DV7 Laptop PC: $578
• Hot Wheels Turbo Town Mega Garage Playset: $29
• VTech MobiGo Touch Learning Game Bundle: $49.97
• FujiFilm Digital Camera Bundle: $89
• Kodak Easyshare Digital Camera: $199
• Personalized Photo Christmas Stockings with a bonus stocking holder: $10

Let us know what bargains you find!

Black Friday Deals Leaked

2010-11-11T12:41:00.000-08:00

The recession must be ebbing and consumers are gaining confidence and willing to spend more, or marketers are getting more clever to jumpstart holiday sales. What do you think?

According to gottadeal.com, a sales circular for Target was leaked. Retailer giant Target will be selling Sony wireless Blue-Ray player for only $99, DVDs for $4, and appliances for $3 and half price on select toys.
According to the Target circular, the Black Friday "doorbuster" deals, or the extra juicy sales, will be available for a limited time from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m., or while supplies last.

These include a 40-inch Westinghouse 1080p LCD HDTV for $298, down from its regular price of $550.

If you're like Christine and avoid the stores on Black Friday like the plague, and can easily spend hours shopping online wearing lingerie and fuzzy slippers, Target has not overlooked these valuable spenders.

For shoppers looking for early online deals, Target is kicking off discounts a day before Black Friday. Target.com is offering special sales from 3 a.m. ET Thanksgiving Day to 2:59 a.m. ET on Friday featuring up to 50% off on cameras, televisions, a Blu-ray player and a video game console. In addition, any Barbie item purchased will ship for free.

Also reported, Sears will follow a similar pattern by heavily discounting large screen TVs (40 inches plus) and appliances.

To make your brick-and-mortar and online shopping easier, visit http://www.gottadeal.com/ before you head out!

Pre Black Monday Online Shopping Tips

2010-11-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

You've probably noticed that the holiday specials have already begun prior to Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving) and Black Monday (biggest online shopping day after Thanksgiving).

It's not a bad idea to start shopping now to field out current prices and start comparison shopping.
Personally, Christine does most of her shopping online, while Alicia joins the mall stampede since she has munchkins--children. But you can start your homework online to get a headstart! Here are five tips for online shopping.

Tip One: Compare Prices on Sites

Use a site like Extrabux.com to compare prices, find coupon codes and get cash back for making your purchases. It's a cash back site, it's an online shopping portal, but it also has a comparison-shopping element as well. So if you've held out for the iPad, you'll find where the best deal is first and then make your purchase and get the cash back.

Tip Two: Free Gifts

Look for free gifts that you can turn into presents or stocking stuffers. For instance, if you buy $60 worth of lingerie or toiletries at Victoria's Secret you will receive a free tote bag.

Tip Three: Use Internet Enabled Phones

Just as many Americans do not know or use 80% of the applications on their computer, the same goes for cell phones. According to a new study, 300 percent of adult Americans have an Internet-enabled smartphone. This means you can use some nifty features to help you comparison shop on the spot.

There are applications that will turn your camera into a barcode scanner, and so let's say you're in a store and you're about to buy something and you think, "Wow, I wonder if I could get a better deal for this online for this product?" Well just whip out your phone, point the camera at it, and in a matter of seconds it will scan the barcode and return information about pricing from any number of different online stores.

Tip Four: Search for Online Coupons

You can search discount codes at Savings.com which provides coupons for stores ranging from HP to Footlocker to Orbitz. Another favorite of ours is couponcravings.com. They find special deals like the all-time favorite children's board game Candy Land and Chutes & Ladders for $1.

Tip Five: When Should You Buy Online?
If you are looking to buy apparel and books wait until the last day of free shipping, since there will probably be more discounts in the coming weeks. The free shipping before Christmas deadline is December 17 for most sites.

Toys and DVDs is a tough call. Many specials are happening now especially on large screen TVs. One 50" TV was featured for $500. Some experts say buy now while there is more supply. Black Thursday and Black Monday run the risk of "while supplies last".

Wait to buy items from stores such as Target or Best Buy, which have price guarantees. Should the item go on sale after you purchase it they will refund you the difference. The later you buy an item the more time you have for the price to fall. This is a wise approach if you're looking for a specific brand TV. On the flip side, if you're not committed to any brand and looking more for size and value, this week Target has a 40" TV 1080p (Apex brand) for $445. Still not bad for a no-name brand.

Shoppers can use a site such as priceprotectr.com which will help track what you bought, where you bought it and what you paid and e-mail you if the product is marked down after you buy it.

Shopping for holidays and deals just keeps getting better.
Happy pre-Holiday shopping!

Burger King Offers Free Coffee on Fridays

2010-11-08T08:19:00.000-08:00

To introduce their new Seattle's Best coffee, Burger King is offering free coffee every Friday in November at participating restaurants. Just visit their website for a location near you. http://www.bk.com/

Get Sunday Paper Coupons Online

2010-11-07T19:56:00.000-08:00

The Sunday newspaper. When I open the door and find a compact pile of news and sales papers, I feel important, smart, clever, IF I ever read it. While I don't consider myself a news junkie, I do appreciate keeping current on news, trends, world affairs, and love to clip coupons.

However, lately I cringe at the black stained fingers and the smell of ink that accompanies reading the newspaper. I've gone so far to wear those medical latex gloves just to avoid the hard-to-wash-off ink stains.

So now I read the Sunday paper online. With my work, I'm on the Internet seven days a week, several times a day with multiple tabs open. But what to do about getting those coupons. Well! It didn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that you can get the same coupons online. At the top of the coupon pages they list the source. So no more black odorous fingers and bottles of Palmolive dishwash detergent scrubbing my skin as if tackling a foreign skin disease. My two new favorite sources for coupons:

http://www.redplum.com/
http://www.smartsource.com/

So save the $1.50 a week, don't feel bad about people losing jobs because at the Miami Herald, all the customer service reps already are contracted from outside the U.S. It's about going green, not inhaling toxic-smelling ink and evolving with technology!

Christine

Arts & Wonder, Free Admission to Museums and Art Centers

2010-06-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

As public schools nationwide are facing cuts in the art arena, here is one way to introduce your family to the arts and discover the magnificent museums in your area.

Thanks to the Target store retail chain, they are sponsoring free or reduced admission to a museum or performing arts center near you.

For example, the Louisiana Children's Museum in New Orleans is free on every third Sunday of the month for the rest of the year.

To find the event closest to you, visit Target's Art Center by clicking here.

PetSmart Friends & Family Coupons!

2010-06-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Twice a year, PetSmart offers associates (employees) an additional discount on their purchases, and provides "Friends and Family" coupons for associates to give to those they choose. Click here to get your coupons. HURRY! Some coupons expire this Sunday, June 13.

The discount coupons are as follows:

15% on General Merchandise (for a maximum purchase of $500 or a $75 discount)

Save $20 on private training session for your pet. Valid June 10-30, 2010

FREE day at Doggie Daycamp. Valid June 10 - 30, 2010.

Save 15% on $60 Petsmart ONLINE purchase. Valid June 10-13, 2010.

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Save Big on Flea Protection-Cats and Dogs

2010-05-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

As owners of mulitple cats and dogs, flea protection can get costly. So we're always on the lookout for the best deals. For example, Pet Smart has Advantage on sale for $60.99 down from 65.99 (for 6 pack under 9 pounds for cats). Drs. Foster Smith has it on sale fro $51.99 PLUS free ground shipping.

Below are the prices for Advantage for Cats and then followed by prices for Dogs. Sales ends June 18 so hurry and get multiple packets! CLICK HERE to order your supply today.

If you find a better deal, let us know by clicking on "Comments" below.

CATS

4-pk; under 9 lbs

($9.50 per dose), 9B-2459

Reg $44.99 on SALE $37.99

6-pk; under 9 lbs, 9B-17759

Reg $62.99 on SALE $51.99

12-pk; under 9 lbs, 9B-72053

Reg $121.99 on SALE $97.99

4-pk; over 9 lbs

($9.75 per dose), 9B-2460

Reg $45.99 on SALE $38.99

6-pk; over 9 lbs, 9B-17760

Reg $63.99 on SALE $52.99

12-pk; over 9 lbs, 9B-72054

Reg $123.99 on SALE $101.99

DOGS

under 10 lbs, 4-pack

($9.50 per dose), 9N-2456

Reg $43.99 on SALE $37.99

under 10 lbs, 6-pack, 9N-17755

Reg$59.99 on SALE $51.99

under 10 lbs, 12-pack, 9N-72049

Reg$117.99 on SALE $101.99

11-20 lbs, 4-pack

($9.75 per dose), 9N-2457

Reg $44.99 on SALE $38.99

11-20 lbs, 6-pack, 9N-17756

Reg $61.99 on SALE $53.99

11-20 lbs, 12-pack, 9N-72050

Reg $121.99 on SALE $105.99

21-55 lbs, 4-pack

($10.25 per dose), 9N-2458

Reg $46.99 on SALE $40.99

21-55 lbs, 6-pack, 9N-17757

Reg $64.99 on SALE $56.99

21-55 lbs, 12-pack, 9N-72051

Reg $126.99 on SALE $109.99

over 55 lbs, 4-pack

($10.50 per dose), 9N-8025

Reg $48.99 on SALE $41.99

over 55 lbs, 6-pack, 9N-17758

Reg $66.99 on SALE $58.99

over 55 lbs, 12-pack, 9N-72052

Reg $129.99 on SALE $111.99

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Websites Offering 50% off Restaurant Gift Certificates

2010-05-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Feast like a King but pay like a Pauper!

Well you probably heard of websites that offer 50% or more off restaurant gift certificates. Well they are abounding. So we started a list for you. But an important warning: Always read the restrictions for each offer. They vary from website to website and restaurant to restaurant. Some restaurants automatically add 18 - 20% gratuity. Or certificates can only be used for certain meals (dinner vs. lunch). Others only allow certificate use for food and not alcoholic or regular beverages. Or you have to spend a certain amount. Tax and gratuity are usually not covered by the certificate. Also, it's best to use the certificates right away.

Bon Apetit & Happy Saving!

RESTAURANT.COM

The most well known is http://www.restaurant.com/ which covers 15,000 restaurants nationwide. But this site is also probably the most restrictive.

Example: In Miami, Miss Yip is one of Christine's favorite Chinese-Miami fusion restaurant in South Beach, where she can get a $50 certificate for $20. The restrictions: minimum purchase $100, 18% gratuity added BUT no restrictions are listed for alcoholic beverages. Miss Yip prepares a memorable Lychee martinis. So if you go with 2 people, that $20 initial outlay reaches a $70 total or $35 per person and not $10 that originally were hoping for.

HALF OFF DEALS

The next one is http://www.halfoffdeals.com/. With this site you can sign up to get automatic emails with deals in your home city or if can't handle any more emails, you can click on the tab at top "Search by Zip" to search immediately for the restaurant. However here they mail the certificate and charge a $3.75 shipping.

Example:

In Miami, Christine noticed a new steak restaurant (a rare treat for her), CHOP HOUSE. This site offers a $50 certificate for $25. There's a $3.75 shipping fee but at least she could use the certificate towards alcoholic beverages and there's no minimum purchase. A better deal money-wise!

On this site it tells you how many certificates are left on their dashboard.

SOUTH FLORIDA DINES
We came across this site http://www.southfloridadines.com/ dedicated to a region, in this case, South Florida, where Christine lives. This site overall has the least restrictions.

Example:
Miss Yip is also offered on this site for a much a better deal than the restaurant.com site. Here you can get a $30.00 certificate for $15.00. The restrictions: "While Supplies Last"; one certificate per household every 90 days; an 18% gratuity will be added.

No minimum purchase is required compared to the $100 required by restaurant.com.

So if you're headed on vacation to Miami, be sure to do a little homework and save a bundle.

Cheers!

How to Travel for Free and Make Money at Same Time

2010-04-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

People always ask us how we are able to travel for free, shop for designer fashion at no cost, etc. It's all about reward programs! For travelling, it's about the right credit card.

With the increasingly difficult economy, people are using their credit cards more and more, and studies have shown that most people participate in a credit card rewards program. Those programs may carry rewards for airline miles, cash back, retail discounts, shopping points or variety of other benefits.

Consider Carefully Before Choosing a Rewards Card
Cconsumers should make sure their cards' rewards are easily redeemed, and they should pick a card with a program whose rewards will suit them.

We also recommend that consumers get only one reward card -- and only if that consumer is a disciplined shopper and pays off his or her balance on time. According to credit.com, having a rewards program attached to a credit card doubles the amount of spending on that card.

Rewards cards are usually reserved for people with good to excellent credit, and interest rates are usually higher for rewards cards than for regular cards. According to creditcards.com, this week the average national credit card annual percentage rate of interest is 13.17 percent, compared with 13.47 percent for a rewards card and 14.17 percent for an airline miles card.

We both have airline miles card and never pay attention to the interest rate. But then again, we pay off the balance every month religiously, never paying interest or carryover balance.

BLOG SISTERS' top picks for rewards cards, in the following categories:

American Express Green Card.
We love this card because it's a charge card -- which means the balance must be paid off in full every month, preventing consumers from getting debt way beyond their ability to pay. Consumers who are late on their payments may be assessed a late fee ranging from $35 or 2.99 percent of their total balance, whichever is greater. The late payment fee varies from state to state. The one downside of the card is that it carries a $95 annual fee.

Top Air Mileage, Cash-Back PicksThe card also has a good membership rewards program. Members can earn one point for every dollar they spend, double points for travel booked through American Express Travel and triple points at more than 200 retailers at bonuspointsmall.com

Cardholders may also transfer points to 20 different frequent flyer programs, get extended warranties and travel protection, and use points to make donations to good causes, such as Haiti earthquake relief. Many other credit cards may also be used to make donations to charity.

BLOG SISTERS' Pick for Airline Mileage Rewards Card
Miles by Discover.
The card has a variable APR starting as low as 11.99 percent, and there is no annual fee.

Cardholders get one mile for every dollar that is spent, and earn double miles for certain travel and restaurant purchases, up to $3,000.

BLOG SISTERS also recommend the Capital One Visa No Hassles Miles reward Visa card. The APR is 13.9 percent, there is no annual fee and no blackout dates, there is no limit to how many miles may be earned per year and the miles accrued may be redeemed on any airline.

The holders of this particular Capital One card also earn one mile for each dollar of up to the first $1,000 spent each month, and earn two miles for every dollar spent beyond the first $1,000 a month. Both this card and the Discover card may be used to donate to charity.

BLOG SISTERS' Pick for Cash-Back Card
Discover More card.
This is probably the best cash-back cards. It has no annual fee and the APR starts at 11.99 percent. Consumers who spend more than $3,000 in a year receive one percent back, but could earn 5 percent back if they spend money for certain types of purchases, such as for travel, restaurants and home. Consumers may also donate their cash reward to a select number of charities.

BLOG SISTERS' Pick for Retail Points Card
Chase Sapphire Card.
The card has no annual fee and the variable APR starts at 12.24 percent.
There are numerous options for consumer rewards. Shoppers will earn one point for every dollar spent, plus 10,000 bonus points after the first purchase. Consumers may earn unlimited points that do not expire. There is a rewards mall where cardholders may spend their points, and points may also be used as credit -- money back -- against purchases.
Redemption of points is easy, and the card may be used to make charitable donations.

BLOG SISTERS' Pick for Retail Rewards Card
Costco TrueEarnings Card, from Costco and American Express.
The card is free for Costco members.

Cardholders get 3 percent cash back for annual gasoline purchases up to $3,000, and 1 percent back for purchases beyond that. They're also offering 3 percent cash back for purchases at restaurants, 2 percent cash back for travel spending and 1 percent cash back for purchases made everywhere else -- including at Costco.

Using the card extends the warranties on some products, but the downside, is the APR, which is 15.24 percent. A rebate check is issued every February, and may only be used at Costco, but the value of the rebate may be redeemed in cash at the store.

We recommend studying your spending habits, the amounts for purchases at Costco, shopping malls, and gasoline stations to determine which card is right for you. Again BLOG SISTERS recommends using just one card to make the most.

Happy Shopping!

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Which Tax Service to Use

2010-03-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

With the tax deadline looming larger, an age old tax question, "Who to turn to for tax preparation?" A tax service like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt? Or Tax accountant? Or mom-and-pop service? Or do it yourself online? Well that all depends on your financial situation. We share our personal opinions based on experience and reports.

FILING YOURSELF ONLINE
First, for the most basic tax situations, you can file online for FREE (state returns require a fee). For example if you're young (in your 20's), single, live at home with parents or rent and have nothing to deduct, and are 100% comfortable with accounting and finances, you may want to file yourself online with programs like Tax Turbo or H&R Block online. However, we caution, if you're the slightest bit uncomfortable, always turn to a professional. Untangling returns years later can be daunting and costly. It is reported that the IRS will audit or contact you at least once in your lifetime.

NO to MOM-and-POP SERVICES
While we generally, wholeheartedly support small businesses and entrepreneurs, our exception is the mom-and-pop tax sevices. We have heard countless nightmare stories of the high rate of mistakes, how they will not help you if you return even though it was their error, and the hundreds and thousands of dollars it costs customers to correct the tax return.

TAX SERVICE
Tax services like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt are reputable organizations. However, based on our personal experience, we strongly recommend that if you have to file anything more than a 1040 or basic return, have deductions, if you refinanced, have investments, run a business--REQUEST A TAX PREPARER WHO'S A CPA OR HAS BEEN DOING TAXES FOR MORE THAN TEN YEARS. At these services the price you pay depends on the complexity of your return and you are charged per form.

The advantage with these tax services is that they cost less than hiring a CPA from an accounting firm. The key again is to ask for someone with years of experience.

CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT (CPA)
Of course you can rarely go wrong by turning to a CPA. These professionals have to pass probably the most difficult exam in this country. They are highly knowledgeable and are required to keep up with new tax laws.

If you're income is over $75k, if you own more than one property, live outside of the country part-time, have numerous investments, medical bills and other complicated finances, the best route is hiring a CPA. Corporate executives, multi-multi millionaires, and business owners usually hire a CPA. It's helpful to have "people" who know your situation for many years.

WHICH TAX SERVICE DO ALICIA & CHRISTINE USE?
So who do Alicia and Christine use for preparing their tax returns? Alicia uses H&R Block in Minnesota. She always makes an appointment with a tax preparer who has over ten years experience.

Christine has been going to a CPA in Miami, Elizabeth Andrade (lizandrade@juno.com) who offers tax preparation independent of an accounting firm. Christine is fortunate that she's getting the ultimate tax professional for discount price. It's like getting a $500 fashion designer dress for $100 at Marshall's!

Christine highly recommends Elizabeth for anyone living in South Florida. "While I may be frugal with certain purchases, the most important expenditure is hiring the right tax professional. I never want to be alone when the IRS contacts me," says Christine. Elizabeth has been doing taxes for 30 years and has helped me with complex returns. She also speaks fluent English and Spanish, a big plus in Miami.

Please share your experience and thoughts! Who do you use and why? Click on "Comment" below to add your input.

For other TAX TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF, click here.

Note: We have not received any compensation from any tax service or CPA for this posting.

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Tax Tips to Protect Yourself

2010-03-10T14:15:00.000-08:00

Next year, the Internal Revenue Service will require preparers of individual tax returns to register with the government and pass a test to prove their competence. Currently, only three states – California, Oregon and Maryland – regulate all paid tax preparers.

The news is significant because, according to the IRA, more than 60 percent of Americans pay someone to do their taxes. Most of the 900,000 to 1.2 million tax preparers are not regulated, and mistakes by preparers can cost you.

In 2008, auditors from the Treasury's inspector general for tax administration posed as taxpayers and went to tax preparation companies. They found that only 60 percent of the returns were correct for itemized deductions. Remember, the taxpayer is responsible for making good on many mistakes.

Tips to Protect Yourself
BLOG SISTERS offers the following tips:

• Check your tax preparer's qualifications. Ask if the preparer is licensed. Certified public accountants, attorneys, enrolled agents and actuaries who are licensed must adhere to strict rules and regulations, and face penalties if they don't. Only people who hold licenses can represent you before the IRS if a problem arises.

• Check your preparer's track record. To find out if other people have had problems with a preparer, you can check with the Better Business Bureau. You can check with your state's board of accountancy to check on CPAs, the state's bar association for tax attorneys and with the IRS' Office of Professional Responsibility for enrolled agents. Also, know that a tax professional may have earned their "CPA" in one state and practice in another state. This is acceptable, so don't be alarmed. You will still want to check the state's board of accountancy in both states.

• You can spot a good tax preparer by the level of detail that he or she pays to your case. The preparer should spend time with you to get your complete financial picture, and should ask for receipts, deductions and other aspects of your return. If preparers aren't doing that, they're not doing their job.

Avoid Refund Anticipation Loans

• Make sure you know who will prepare your return. Many firms will have a seasoned preparer meet with you but will have a junior associate do the actual preparation of your return. Key information can be lost that way. Some firms even farm out the work to foreign countries, which may not have the same privacy laws, and your personal information could be compromised.

• Be sure that you can contact the preparer after the tax season, which is usually when you will hear from the IRS if there are any problems. Large firms such as H&R Block offer that assurance, as do accountants and attorneys with established practices.

• Understand that tax refund anticipation loans are a bad idea. Any tax preparer who pushes you toward a refund loan may not acting in your best interest, because the loans are usually issued for a fee that is astronomical.

According to the Government Accountability Office, 8.7 million refund anticipation loans were issued in 2007, at a cost to taxpayers of $900 million in fees. That's a lot of money -- and you're not even getting your refund back that much faster. A tax refund anticipation loan will come through in about two days, but at a big cost, but if you submit your return electronically and set up direct deposit, you'll get it in about eight to 15 days -- for free.

• Don't use a preparer who is not willing to sign the return he or she has prepared. This is a requirement under the law, and even though you are still responsible for any mistakes, a preparer who signs the return that he or she prepared is one that is willing to be held accountable.

The IRS is currently in the process of forming a task force to examine the companies that create tax software, but the government doesn't police those companies yet.

For Which Tax Service to Use? Click Here for our general analysis and personal recommendations.

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Coupon Encyclopedia

2010-02-15T18:56:00.000-08:00

For a while in the 1990s and early 2000s, it seemed like coupon culture was dead. But in the last year or so, as the economy tanked, Americans rediscovered their love of frugality, and coupons have come roaring back. A big factor in this coupon renaissance is the growing number of new digital tools. Now, consumers can find out about deals on social networking sites like Twitter and use their mobile phones to scan coupons. Best of all, there is an endless amount of sites devoted to coupons.

In order to get the best deals, you need to have a good selection of places to search. So we collected our favorite sites that either post great deals, or offer tips on getting the most out of your coupons. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH COUPON SITE, CLICK ON THE TITLE PARAGRAPH WITH THE COUPON NAME. It takes you directly to the coupon website!

Groupon
This site is relatively new, but it's already a standout for coupon collectors and even coupon skeptics. The formula is simple. Members get one deal e-mailed to them every day. We're not talking about buying one pair of socks and getting the second pair 66% off. These are deals on activities. Half off one day ski-excursions and trips to the spa. That kind of thing.

Groupon is currently available in 30 cities nationwide. Members are asked to pay up front for the deal, and then can redeem it at any time in the future. There is really only one snag. Each of the deals advertised requires a certain amount of people to sign up for it before it becomes active, otherwise it's cancelled. But the vast majority of deals do go through.

TheKrazyCouponLady
This coupon lady is so crazy, she has to spell it with a K. KrazyCouponLady is the best when it comes to collecting great coupons from all over the web. If you're looking for deals on breakfast foods, medicine and household supplies, this is the place to start.

RetailMeNot
RetailMeNot is a safe haven for shopaholics. The site puts out great coupons for big name retail stores like L.L. Bean, Kohls and Victoria's Secret. Although we also found a deal on the site today for Papa John's. I guess this way you can gorge yourself on food and then buy new clothes on the cheap.

Dealighted
This site is particularly good for tech gadgets. Right now, on the main page, there are deals and coupons advertised for iPod speaker systems, Wii accessories and televisions. Dealighted also puts out deals for non-tech stores like JC Penny.

FreeShipping.org
For one day a year, this site is the king of cyberspace. This site organizes the annual Free Shipping Day event, which featured more than 700 big companies. But don't forget about this site for the rest of the year. FreeShipping lets users create customized lists of which stores provide them with coupons.

CheapStingyBargains
This site gets bonus points for being shameless with their name. CheapStingyBargains may be the best place on the web to find computer coupons. They also advertise some sweet deals on other electronics like cameras and even smart phones.

CouponMom
CouponMom has a simple and attractive mission statement: help shoppers cut their grocery bills in half. However, the site is quite busy and offers other coupon sites. So it's easy to get lost. CouponMom advertises free samples and of course, grocery store coupons. But one of the best features on this site is a breakdown of grocery store deals by state. You may have to "register" for this one.

RedPlum
RedPlum is also great for saving on groceries. Here you can find coupons on essentials like cereal and flu medicine. The site also lets you search for coupons for restaurants by zip code.

CouponCabin
CouponCabin has an incredible variety of offers. According to the site, there are nearly 45,000 coupons and deals currently active. These include deals at clothing and sports stores, and even a coupon for Godiva chocolate.

SmartSource
This site specializes in advertising printable grocery coupons in your local area. If you couldn't find what you were looking for on CouponMom, then be sure to check this site. In 2008, SmartMoney declared this to be one of the 5 best coupon sites on the Web, and even with all the other sites that have popped up since then, SmartSource still deserves to rank high on that list.

Bargainist
Bargainist is a great site for finding discounts on stuff to do with your leisure time. The site promotes coupons and deals on hotels, cruises and movies, as well as retail merchandise. Bargainist makes frugal feel stylish.

Shortcuts
With all the buzz around coupon sites, it's not too surprising that big companies like AOL would try to create their own. It may not be quite as comprehensive as SmartSource but Shortcuts provides some great deals on grocery supplies.

Coupons.com
When in doubt, stick with the standards. Coupons.com is a great site for finding deals on household goods and gifts. It also has the best domain name in the business.

Organizing Your Coupons
Before you start bookmarking these sites and printing out a fury of coupons, it's important to stay organized. Tipnut.com has several good suggestions for doing this. Get an accordion folder or binder to put your coupons into and arrange them either expiration dates and products. Before you go shopping, make a list of what you plan to buy and then check off which items on that list you have coupons for.

It may sound like a lot of work, but coupons are serious business. Last year, one woman reported saving $15,000 because of coupons. Another woman reported that she was able to cut the grocery bill for her family of five down to just $10 a week.

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Saving Money on Cable TV

2010-02-01T14:29:00.000-08:00

Do you watch more than five hours of television? Do you really need to watch so much boob- tube turned flat-screen? More struggling families are learning less is best and more time reading and sitting around the dinner table with the family is enriching their lives! So how can you save? Read on!

Lifeline Cable Could Save You $420 a Year
Did you know there are more than one type of "basic" cable? All cloaked in different packaging? Maybe not! What many cable companies call "basic cable" is actually their midrange offering and includes dozens of channels.

But there's an alternative to basic cable that the companies don't always advertise. It's called "lifeline cable" or "broadcast basic". For an average savings of $420 a year with lifeline cable you can get your local network affiliates like ABC, CBS, andNBC, as well as the local PBS station and some extras like college channels or government access stations.

Not all cable companies provide a lifeline cable, but chances are there's one in your area that does.

Cancelling Cable Could Save You $720
This might seem drastic, but with the rise of television shows on the Internet, more and more Americans are turning away from the cable box and toward the computer. The average American's annual cable bill is $720, so cancelling it means real savings.

Generally you can still watch your favorite shows, soon after they've been shown on air.
At Hulu.com, you can find thousands of episodes of hundreds of shows, all free.

Another Web site, cancelcable.com, has a show-finder tool to help you watch your favorite show in a number of ways.

Eliminating Mailings Could Save $12 a Year
Many cable companies offer incentives for you to eliminate mailings. Time Warner Cable, for example, offers a $1 credit each month if you go paperless and receive their statements and notifications by e-mail.

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Save Money from Gabbing on the Cell Phone

2010-01-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows finding the right cell phone plan to fit your talking needs can make all the difference in the amount you pay. But if you're not an analytical wizard or want to spend the time crunching numbers (like cutting coupons for your weekly groceries) well there's another solution.

For $ 5.00 a company named Validas will do it for you! The Web site claims the service will "analyze your wireless bill for errors, disputes and savings" and says it saves customers an average of 22 percent or $450 a year for a typical customer.

Next scenario: gabbing way over the minute limit. If you don't use the service above, you may still have the wrong plan for your needs and spending more money going over the minute limit. There is help! You can sign up with Web sites like overmyminutes.com, which is a free service that sends an e-mail or text message to let you know when you're about to run out of minutes.

If you have used these services beofre or plan to, return here and let us know about your experience!
(Click on Comment below).

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Two more Free Books by Simon and Schuster

2010-01-13T18:02:00.000-08:00

Two more free book Giveaways this time by Simon & Schuster. Click on the picture to order. While supplies last!

Keeper by Kathi Appelt

ABOUT THE BOOK:
To ten-year-old Keeper, this moon is her chance to fix all that has gone wrong...and so much has gone wrong. But she knows who can make things right again: Meggie Marie, her mermaid mother who swam away when Keeper was just three. A blue moon calls the mermaids to gather at the sandbar, and that's exactly where she is headed -- in a small boat, in the middle of the night, with only her dog, BD (Best Dog), and a seagull named Captain.

When the riptide pulls at the boat, tugging her away from the shore and deep into the rough waters of the Gulf of Mexico, panic sets in, and the fairy tales that lured her out there go tumbling into the waves. Maybe the blue moon isn't magic and maybe the sandbar won't sparkle with mermaids and maybe -- Oh, no..."Maybe" is just too difficult to bear. Kathi Appelt follows up to her New York Times bestseller, The Underneath, with a tale that will pull right at your very core -- stronger than moon currents -- capturing the crash and echo of the waves and the dark magic of the ocean.

White Cat by Holly Black

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers -- people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail -- he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.

Free Subscription Garden Design

2010-01-05T18:34:00.000-08:00

[1-7-09: No more subscriptions available. Sorry you missed this opportunity. This went quickly. Be sure to subscribe to this website -see column on right "Subscribe to Posts"--to be the first to get notifications of these great offers]

Another free subscription by ValueMags.com.

Enjoy a 12 issue subscription. No strings attached. You'll never receive a bill. Garden Design is for people who are passionate about their homes and gardens. This magazine is for people who love cultivating them.

May Your Garden Grow!

(While Supplies Last)

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Free Books by Random House Publishing

2010-01-02T18:37:00.001-08:00

What better way to relax than sitting or lounging on your favorite chair or sofa with a good book to take your mind miles away from reality.

For your reading pleasure, we introduce the following three books you can order for FREE. Click on the books to order your free issue. While supplies last.

ABOUT THIS BOOK
Take chocolate candy, add a family business at war with itself, and stir with an outsider’s perspective. This is the recipe for True Confections, the irresistible new novel by Katharine Weber, a writer whose work has won accolades from Iris Murdoch, Madeleine L’Engle, Wally Lamb, and Kate Atkinson, to name a few.

Alice Tatnall Ziplinsky’s marriage into the Ziplinsky family has not been unanimously celebrated. Her greatest ambition is to belong, to feel truly entitled to the heritage she has tried so hard to earn. Which is why Zip’s Candies is much more to her than just a candy factory, where she has worked for most of her life. In True Confections, Alice has her reasons for telling the multigenerational saga of the family-owned-and-operated candy company, now in crisis.

Nobody is more devoted than Alice to delving into the truth of Zip’s history, starting with the rags-to-riches story of how Hungarian immigrant Eli Czaplinsky developed his famous candy lines, and how each of his candies, from Little Sammies to Mumbo Jumbos, was inspired by an element in a stolen library copy of Little Black Sambo, from which he taught himself English. Within Alice’s vivid and persuasive account (is her unreliability a tactic or a condition?) are the stories of a runaway slave from the cacao plantations of Côte d’Ivoire and the Third Reich’s failed plan to establish a colony on Madagascar for European Jews.

Richly informed, deeply moving, and spiked with Weber’s trademark wit, True Confections is, at its heart, a timeless and universal story of love, betrayal, and chocolate.

ABOUT THIS BOOK
Opera singer Sabine Conrad is the toast of nineteenth-century New York high society. A celebrated soprano with the voice of an angel, she is showered with adulation by her audiences and courted by wealthy patrons. But behind the scenes, her every move is controlled by a Svengali-like manager, Gideon Price.

When her attempt to escape him goes tragically awry, she flees, leaving behind a grisly murder. Three years later, as Marguerite Olson, she has put aside the prima donna she once was to run a low-class theater in Seattle. Hidden among prostitutes, drunks, and miners, a desperate and determined Marguerite carefully guards the secrets of her old life—until her past returns to offer a terrifying proposition.

Prima Donna captures both the glittering decadence of New York and the rough raunchy waterfront of Seattle, as Marguerite, caught between two worlds, must find the strength to confront the truth of her past and choose which voice defines her in this dark and harrowing novel.

ABOUT THIS BOOK
Cora Sledge is horrified when her children, who doubt her ability to take care of herself, plot to remove her from her home. So what if her house is a shambles? Who cares when she last changed her clothes? If an eighty-two-year-old widow wants to live on junk food, pills, and cigarettes, hasn’t she earned the right?

When her kids force her into The Palisades, an assisted living facility, Cora takes to her bed, planning to die as soon as possible. But life isn’t finished with her yet, not by a long shot. Deciding that truth is the best revenge, Cora begins to write a tell-all journal that reveals once and for all the secret she has guarded since she was a young woman. In entries that are profane, profound, and gossipy, she chronicles her childhood in rural Missouri, her shotgun wedding, and the terrible event that changed the course of her life. Intermingled with her reminiscences is an account of the day-to-day dramas at The Palisades—her budding romance with a suave new resident, feuds with her tablemates, her rollicking camaraderie with the man who oversees her health care, and the sinister cloud of suspicion that descends as a series of petty crimes sets everyone on edge.

The story builds to a powerful climax as Cora’s revelations about her past mesh with the unraveling intrigue in the present. Cora is by turns outrageous, irreverent, and wickedly funny. Despite a life with more than its share of disappointment and struggle, she refuses to go gently into her twilight years, remaining intensely curious, disinclined to play it safe, and willing to start over. Breaking Out of Bedlam captures the loneliness and secrets that lurk within families, the hardscrabble reality facing women with limited resources, and the resilience of a woman who survives, despite all the odds, through an unlikely combination of passion, humor, and faith.

After you read the books, return to this posting and share your review by clicking on "Comments" below.

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25 Days of Free Christmas & Holiday Songs

2009-12-01T21:09:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again where Amazon is offering one free downloadable Christmas song every day until Christmas.

CLICK HERE to download your song to enjoy at home, with family, friends, kids and you can even leave it playing for Santa Claus!

Merry Christmas!

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Get Black Friday Deals without Dark Circles under Eyes

2009-11-22T10:22:00.000-08:00

Wait before you plan on skipping eggnog on Thanksgiving night and sleep in your clothes so you can roll out of bed and stand in line at retail stores at 4am to get ahead of the Black Friday squatters.

Save those dark circles under your eyes for a good time.

If you have a specific item in mind, typically electronics, here are some helpful tips this year so you don't waste your time and wish you got drunk on eggnog and slept in like normal people.

1. STUDY the circular for the fine print that appears next to an advertised "doorbuster deal" at the bottom of the page in this year's circulars.

It will either say "While supplies last," "Minimum 2 per store," "No rainchecks" or "All items are available in limited quantities." Is it a sleasy practice for a major retailer to only offer 5 items that is advertised in a nationwide circular? It is.

A quick scan through a few of this year's Black Friday circulars show quantities as low as a "minimum of 5 per store" on some models of large plasma and HDTVs and popular brands of home appliances such as a washer-dryer pair.

2. Beware of "derivatives". You heard of "refurbished". Well this time the key word is "derivates". Some of the holiday electronics with those low sale prices are derivatives, models that have a few less features than a standard model in that product line.

A report earlier this month in Consumer Reports called attention to HDTV models from Samsung and Sony advertised in Black Friday deals that appear to be "derivatives." The report said these one-off TVs "with unfamiliar model numbers" are usually cheaper than the standard model in their class.

Our recommendation is two fold:

a. Study the model you want. Write down the model # and ALL the features. When you get to the store, check the model number of the item itself and on the box.

b. Right before your purchase at the register (so you have the product and don't lose it to the hordes of shoppers), ask the manager to write on the receipt "This [item and model #] is not refurbished or a derivative", signed by manager with printed name. It will make them double-check before committing the company to a signed statement. This is one of our favorite tips that has saved us from buying either a refurbished or derivative item. And if we still wanted the item, we negotiated a lower price!!!

3. Don't order online on Black Friday. Often retailers don't have live inventory of their items and many customers waited months or sometimes received a different model. Wait for Cyber Monday--the biggest Black Friday online, after Thanksgiving weekend. Deals may not be doorbusting but the savings can still be significant.

4. Rainchecks are not waterproof. In other words, even if retailers offer rainchecks on items which run out on Black Friday, there is no guarantee you are protected and the item will arrive down the chimney by Christmas or post the New Year.

Free Santa Letters

2009-11-15T19:19:00.003-08:00

My Parent Magic is a website dedicated to helping parents keep the magic in their children's lives. The site offers links to tools and resources for parents, and if you sign up for the My Parent Magic email list between now and Christmas, you will get access to over 100 Santa Letters and 10 fun Christmas certificates.Sign up for the My Parent Magic email list on any page of the site - located in the left-hand column near the top of the page.

Click Here to Get: Free Santa Letters & Christmas Certificates

Free ASPCA 2010 Calendar

2009-11-15T18:58:00.000-08:00

ASPCA was founded in 1866 as the first animal welfare organization in the Western Hemisphere. ASPCA continues to pursue the mission as charted by founder Henry Bergh-to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals. They are a national organization headquartered in New York City, and have an ongoing fight to prevent cruelty and alleviate the pain, fear and suffering of animals which is supported by more than 1,000,000 members and supporters from across the United States.Register with the ASPCA today and you will receive a Free Special Edition 2010 ASPCA Calendar. Each month you will meet an ASPCA team member and their special pet. Celebrate and be inspired by these amazing photos and tales of tragedy and triumph, while knowing that your support allows them to continue their life-saving work.This offer is only valid for residents of:

Canada
United States
Click Here to Get: Free Special Edition 2010 ASPCA Calendar

Free Christmas Herbal Candle

2009-11-15T18:46:00.000-08:00

Beauty Herbal Spa has a variety of unique gift ideas in their boutique to suit many tastes. In addition to Jewelry, Custom Candles and Accessories, their Beauty Herbal Spa Gift Cards can be purchased in any dollar amount in-store to ensure the recipient gets just the gift they desire. Gift cards are redeemable towards products, services and boutique items.In order to promote their services in the community they offer free Christmas herbal candles from their salon so that you can test them out and see how you like it. Fill the form with the requested information to receive your free Christmas herbal candle.This offer is only valid for residents of:

United States
Click Here to Get: Free Christmas Herbal Candle

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Free Subscription Islands Magazine

2009-10-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

With winter approaching, you can plan your island getaway with a free subscription to Islands magazine. Again, no credit card information is required so it's truly FREE.

If you're trying to decide between islands with a variety of culture, art and fanfare or a faraway land in the middle of the ocean that is completely serene and relaxing, this is your magazine!

If you take one of these island vacations--let us know by sharing your story here! Click on Comment.

UPDATE: this offer is no longer available as of November 1.

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Free Vegetarian Starter Kit

2009-10-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

Another Freebie here!

If you are interested in cleansing your digestive system, or want to gradually lose weight-the healthy way, then order your free vegetarian kit which includes a colorful magazine that explains the benefits of the diet for you, animals and the environment. Of course it includes a variety of recipes and so much more.

CLICK HERE to order your kit before they're gone.

The program is also available in SPANISH. Tambien está disponible en español!

5 Secrets Your Bank Doesn't Want You to Know

2009-09-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

by Laura Rowley

Banks are squeezing customers with historically high fees and penalties, from overdraft charges to account service fees to new surcharges on foreign debit transactions. But the pressures that have prompted the fee war with consumers started well before the financial meltdown, according to Jo Preuninger, a former management consultant who spent more than a decade in the consumer banking arena.

I asked Preuninger for a little history, as well as some of the tricks of the trade that banks would prefer to keep secret.

Secret #1: For many banks, the most profitable customers aren't the mass affluent -- they're "Joe Lunchbox."

In 1999, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act allowed banks, insurers and securities firms to merge, breaking down barriers that had been in place since the 1930s. Following the new law, "if you took all the (deposit) checks written for $10,000 and above, most were written to institutions such as Charles Schwab, Fidelity or Merrill Lynch," says Preuninger. "They took the best customers. The banks were becoming more like Laundromats, where you put money in for a short period because you still needed to pay with a check or (get cash)."

At the same time, loans provided little profit as interest rates remained relatively low, prompting banks to seek consistent, non-interest income. "The focus was on how banks could not only identify fees they could charge, it was how to do a better job of collecting their fees," says Preuninger.

Middle-income customers presented the greatest potential to harvest fees. "There's certainly a customer segment that could be called 'Joe Lunchbox,' who expect to be nickeled and dimed," says Preuninger. "They are managing money from paycheck to paycheck. It's someone who would prefer to pay an overdraft fee to get their mortgage covered rather than get hit by a mortgage provider with a late fee and a ding on their credit score."

Last year, overdraft and insufficient-funds charges totaled nearly $35 billion and comprised about 90 percent of banks' consumer-fee income, according to a study by the consulting firm Bretton Woods Inc. Three-quarters of banks automatically enroll consumers in their "overdraft protection" programs without formal permission, and more than half of banks manipulate the order in which checks are cleared to trigger multiple overdraft fees, according to a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation study. "

They are going to try to turn the best profit they can, which is why they post in the most attractive way they can while avoiding and minimizing legal exposure," says Preuninger.
Someone who overdraws a checking account a few times a year should choose a bank with a program that makes it easy (and free) to shift funds from savings to checking to protect against overdrafts.

Secret #2: Banks hope frequent overdraft customers don't understand the alternatives.
The banks deemed overdraft protection to be a customer service convenience that provides an alternative to payday lenders, says Preuninger. And yet some of those customers might almost fare better with loan sharks. The Bretton Woods study found 80 percent of overdraft fees are incurred by 20 million households, who paid an average of $1,374 in overdraft fees.
These customers should consider ditching traditional checking account in favor of a prepaid debit card, which typically cost $70 to $80 a year ($10 upfront with a $5 monthly fee). Users direct-deposit their paychecks onto the cards (the money is FDIC-insured) and can do point-of-sale transactions and pay bills online. There are no overdraft fees; the purchase is declined if the card is empty.

Secret #3: Those helpful new customer set-up kits, designed to make it easy to switch banks, also try to make the account "sticky."
"I did a lot of work in customer attraction and retention," says Preuninger. "The biggest barrier to new accounts was switching. There's a higher tolerance; a bank may have a lot of long-term customers -- that doesn't mean they love (the service)."Most banks have a kit to assist customers in switching services. But do it yourself instead. Enter your regular bills in the bank's online billpay site, rather than signing up with each biller's website. If your new banking relationship goes sour, the account is more transportable. You won't have to log into a dozen different biller sites and change the account and routing numbers.

Secret #4: Long-term relationships matter.
"Know what you want in the way of a bank and stay as long as you can because tenure does matter," Preuninger says. "If you've been with a bank three to five years, they treat you differently than if you are there six months. If you direct-deposit your paycheck and have a (savings) relationship, they think of you differently than if you have free checking with $100 in it. Tenure and relationship does matter."

So if you incur the rare fee now and then, always call customer service and ask (politely) for it to be removed. Emphasize your long-term relationship with the bank and ask for a supervisor if the initial effort fails.Most customers aren't profitable until they've been with a bank a few years because of the high cost of customer acquisition -- sales compensation to branch managers, IT infrastructure, documentation and account setup. "It's a long time before they break even, especially if they goose it with $100 to you to open the account," Preuninger says.

Secret #5: Banks want you to enjoy the "advantages" of paying with credit, debit, check and cash -- because it will make you more likely to lose track of your money.

"One of most dangerous things going on with consumers is they are not paying attention to the variety of ways they are paying. They are balancing money back and forth because it's too hard to account for," Preuninger says.

"If you pay seven different ways, you've just added complexity to your life. Consumers shouldn't say to the bank ‘you're responsible to tell me what I'm doing with my money.'"But more banks are moving in that direction. PNC Bank, for instance, launched an account called Virtual Wallet that presents account information in calendar form, focused between today and the account holder's next payday.

A "danger day" appears on the calendar in red if the account is at risk of an overdraft. The user can either move bills later in the month, or shift money immediately from the savings portion of the account at no charge (the account does it automatically if the consumer doesn't). Statements are only available online and the bank charges 50 cents per check for writing more than three a month.Best bet? Simplify. Get a free checking account with no fees and a low minimum balance requirement, pay major household bills online, and then stick to cash. You'll think twice about purchases, and avoid getting caught in the widening web of bank fees.

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Walgreens FREE Wellness Exam and Flu Shots

2009-09-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

There's nothing worth more than your health! To help save you time and stress from taking off of work or if you're uninsured, the Walgreens Wellness Tour can help!

Pharmacy and wellness giant, Walgreens, is going on tour across the U.S. to bring free health screenings and certificates for flu shots as the winter and flu season approaches.

For more details and to learn the nearest Wellness Tour stop for your area, CLICK HERE.

Adults 18 and older are elegible for the certificate for flu shots.

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Get Paid To Drive Your Car

2009-08-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

Blog Sisters came across this article for getting paid to drive your car. The programs do exist, as our former employers used to hire someone to drive around a wrapped vehicle with company branding. Not everyone is selected but if you are, it's a healthy monthly sum to offset your gas and car insurance expenses. But beware of the many scams associated with this program. Never pay a fee to participate or to be interviewed. It is a process including questionnaires and interviews to ensure you're the right person depending on your driving record, where you live, your driving route, etc.

Please know the reputable websites may be down as millions of readers visited the sites when this article was published on online. So just keep trying. Good luck!

MAKE MONEY BY SIMPLY DRIVING YOUR CAR
by Bobbi Dempsey
Bankrate.com

You probably have heard stories about businesses that will pay you just to drive around with an advertisement on your car, but do these opportunities really exist? And, if so, how do you find them?

They're called "free car" programs or "get paid to drive" promotions. These programs do exist, although they aren't as plentiful as they once were. The key is knowing where to look and having what it takes to make you an ideal advertising driver.

How it works
Here's the basic premise of the "paid to drive" concept: A company seeks people -- regular citizens, not professional drivers -- to go about their normal routine as they usually do, only with a big ad plastered on their car. The ads are typically vinyl decals, also known as "auto wraps," that almost seem to be painted on the vehicle, and which often cover a large portion of the car's exterior surface.

The car owner is then compensated, usually a few hundred dollars per month, which is essentially a "rental" payment for letting the company use that space. In the past, there's also been a "free car" version of this concept. The company provided the driver with a new, prewrapped car. In this situation, the drivers usually didn't get any cash; their payment amounted to the free use of a new car. However, companies quickly discovered that giving away a bunch of free cars didn't make economic sense, so few still take this approach, says Drew Livingston, president of Free Car Media in Los Angeles.

What does the company get out of this type of ad strategy? Lots of exposure. The auto wraps tend to be colorful and eye-catching and attract lots of attention. Plus, it's a form of advertising with a captive audience, meaning people who are stuck in traffic and can't avoid seeing the wrapped car alongside them, Livingston says.

The companies usually select drivers who live in desirable locations such as high-traffic, urban areas. A company's ideal driver can vary depending upon the target demographic they want to reach, according to Brandon Clarke of DrivenMedia, a Phoenix-based advertising company that specializes in creating branded vehicle campaigns for clients. For example, a tech or electronics company may seek drivers who live on or near college campuses, so as to gain exposure with the college crowd.

The vehicles in these programs are often equipped with GPS tracking devices, so the companies can make sure the drivers spend sufficient time in the desired areas.

'Paid to drive' primetime
Paid-to-drive programs were very popular five to 10 years ago. Gas was cheaper, and people were spending more time on the road. There were plenty of Web sites devoted to these programs, including many fee-charging sites that acted as a middleman and promised to connect willing drivers with companies seeking vehicles for their ads.

Then, fuel prices spiked and people weren't spending as much time in their cars, Clarke says. At the same time, online advertising became the rage.

Current opportunities
Still, there are opportunities out there, if you know where to look.
Livingston says his company's client companies still have plenty of campaigns running nationwide. Business slowed slightly right before the recession but returned when the economy started going south.

"Consumers are seeking ways to make money, while companies are cutting back on spending for television campaigns and looking for more affordable advertising strategies," Livingston says.
On average, Livingston's clients put about 800 to 1,000 wrapped cars on the road.

Like other similar companies, Free Car Media serves as a matchmaker. Interested consumers register at MyFreeCar.com and then are notified when they meet the criteria a client seeks in potential drivers.

Drivers are paid an average of $700 to $900 per month, with campaigns usually running a few months long. Drivers use their own cars which are fitted with the wrap. "They don't actually get a free car," Livingston says. "But the monthly payment is generally enough to cover their auto expenses like car payment, gas, etc., for the month, so that's where the name comes from."
It doesn't cost anything for drivers to sign up, and Livingston warns people to avoid any sites that do charge a fee.

"There are a lot of unscrupulous companies that want to charge you $20, $30 or more when you can get this information yourself for free. I get calls on a weekly basis from people who are upset because they were scammed," he says. Livingston says that anyone who is directed to his site after paying a fee to another service should demand a refund.

Adding to the confusion, many of the sites -- legitimate and questionable -- have very similar names, often some variation of the words "free" and "car." So it's important to check out the Web site carefully, watching for any mention of fees or membership costs.

Finding drivers
Clarke says his company puts a lot of effort into recruiting brand influencers, or drivers who are a perfect fit for the client's target audience.

"Recent engagements have focused on family-oriented and consumer driven advertisers who are generally trying to create awareness within a specific region among active moms with active families," Clarke says, adding that busy soccer moms would make perfect driver candidates for these campaigns. "With active families being such a coveted demographic, incorporating their vehicles is ideal since they're getting tremendous exposure parked in the pick-up line at school, at the Saturday morning soccer games, etc."

There are important criteria for driving candidates. "Background, driving record, employment verification, personal interview, as well as having mandatory minimum auto insurance coverage are part of the vetting process," Clarke says. "We're also looking to incorporate an online personality assessment tool and a short online defensive driving course."

Interested drivers can sign up for opportunities at Drivenmediaonline.com. "We compensate drivers within a range of $300 to $500 per month, with incentives and other engagements that allow them to earn more," Clarke says. "Our typical campaign lasts three to six months, with the time frame and vehicle type being the primary factors for determining their monthly compensation."

Free Digital Subscription Seventeen Magazine

2009-08-06T21:19:00.000-07:00

Value Mags is offering a one year digital subscription to Seventeen Magazine thanks to Spakist.com.

Seventeen Magazine is the only magazine for the modern teenage girl. In each issue you'll read about the latest fashions, trends for teens, beauty and style tips, relationship advice, and the hottest news on today's biggest heart throbs.

NO STRINGS ATTACHED
No credit cards required, no sticky automatic renewal, free shipping.

Register while the offer lasts!

The Lazy Way to Save on Groceries

2009-07-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday, time to relax and be lazy. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then lounge on the chaise lounger, prop your feet, read the Sunday paper with the cat or dog curled on your lap--but you forgot the scissors to cut the circular coupons! Oh no. Solution: Skip the coupons.

Blog Sisters came across the following article from our favorite dummy-proof, investment advisor--Motley Fool. These are practical tips that will save time. Clipping coupons is good for specific brands that you feel make a difference in your cooking, cleaning or household chore. In reality even brands on sale and with coupons can often be more expensive than store labels. How do you know? CHECK THE PRICING LABEL that indicates Price per ounce or pound. We both followed these tips when there was no time for coupon-clipping or spending an hour at groceries. It's in and out with our list. That's the other secret--have a shopping list.

In conclusion, we would disagree with Motley Fool that these tips are the lazy way. In fact, we consider this approach the smarter way. Less time clipping and calculating and still save more money and time in the end!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
By Dayana Yochim:

If you're not moved much by the effort-to-payoff ratio of comparison-shopping and coupon-clipping (guilty!), this article is for you. Put down your scissors and recycle those Sunday circulars. Don't even bother trying to figure out how to get the calculator on your cell phone to work while you're navigating the supermarket aisles. Even sloths like me can save money on groceries with minimal-to-no pre-shopping preparation.

Incorporate a few of the following low-effort money-saving tricks into your routine, and you can smugly skip over every other "Ways to Save on Groceries" article you see.

Let your grocer do the math [Blog Sisters: this is our favorite tip]
You've got a cheat sheet at your disposal in every aisle: Use it. It's that per-unit pricing sticker on the edge of the shelf. Pay attention to that little label, and you've got a simple and instant savings strategy -- one that's a lot easier than coming up with a coupon-filing system. There you'll discover that you'll pay $20 less for the same amount of soda if you buy six two-liter bottles at $5, instead of a bunch of $1.09 single servings. Don't assume that bigger is always better, though: The jumbo box of cereal is no bargain when it costs $0.08 more per pound.

Dust off your cutting board
A while back, Consumer Reports sent two shoppers to the supermarket for the weekly basics. The one schooled on the cost of convenience rang up a tab that was $79 less. Cut your grocery tab in half by avoiding pre-chopped, pre-sorted, single-serving conveniently packaged foods. The biggest bargain busters: bagged veggies ($11 v. $3 for au natural broccoli bunches), single-serving containers ($9.90 for oatmeal envelopes v. $1.59 for the canister) and pre-sliced cheese ($2 more per pound).

Stop stocking your pantry with status brands
You already know that you can save money by buying the generic (or "private label") version of a product. But exactly how much moolah are we talking? You can cut your supermarket tab by a third or more by choosing no-name brands. Be sure to look high and low in the aisles -- companies pay for prime, eye-level placement. (Generics will be up high or down low.)
As for taste? Get over it: ShopSmart found that all of the 65 store-label products it tested were at least as good as the brand-name grub. In most instances, shoppers couldn't tell a difference, or actually preferred the no-name vittles to the swankier fare. (The one exception: peanut butter.)

Buy only what's on your grocery list [Blog Sisters: we would add not to bring the kids whenever possible; most impulse purchases come from kids grabbing items from the shelves due to the pretty graphics and colors]
Duh. But, honestly, when's the last time you resisted tossing an impulse purchase or two in your shopping cart? You're not the only one: An estimated 60% to 70% of supermarket purchases are unplanned. Of course, sticking to a list requires actually making a shopping list. Would you do that for $112? That's how much the average household would save in a month if they simply purchased only the items they intended to buy before they parked the car.

Be a more discerning health-food snob
But for more serious cash conservation, scrutinize the high-end health- and enviro-conscious goods in your cart. To cut corners, stick with the conventional, non-organic (aka "cheaper") varieties of bananas, avocados, asparagus, and cauliflower, which have fewer pesticides than other fresh products. (And because testing on seafood isn't standardized, you can skip the organic fish, too.) For apples, nectarines, peaches, pears, tomatoes, spinach, strawberries, baby food, meat, and chicken, the organic versions are usually worth the higher price tags. (Go to foodnews.org for a wallet guide to pesticides in produce.)

Stop feeding the trash scavengers
In 2007, the average household spent about $3,300 on groceries -- closer to $5,000 annually for families -- and tosses 14% of it. That's $38.50 down the disposal each month -- $462 a year. (Families waste an average of $58.30 a month, or almost $700 annually.) Here again, you'll save big if you simply shop with a list (I know, I know, that seems like work) and avoid overbuying. If you have standard meals in rotation, type out all the staples needed to make the meals, and keep a stack of copies in your pantry. Before you set off to the store, simply checkmark the stuff you actually need.

Free Aveda Products

2009-07-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

On your next trip to the shopping center, be sure to stop by an Aveda Salon or Store to get your free sample of Hand Relief lotion and also 3 piece Sample Pack of shampoo, conditional and style preparation smoother. Protect your skin and hair from the extreme sun this summer!

Click on the links above to print your coupon. The hand lotion coupon expires September 30, 2009, and the 3 piece sample pack expires December 2009. But hurry while supplies last!

Get Free Meal at Chick-Fil-A

2009-07-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, July 10, is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A and they're giving away free food. OK so for this offer you have to work a little. But it's fun! Just dress like a cow and get a free meal at Chick-Fil-A.

Dust off that box or chest of old Halloween costumes in your attic or basement and throw it on. Don't have a costume for you and the kids? Just grab a white sheet and use permanent black marker to color in the black patches and hang a bell around the neck and voila--instant cow.

For a costume kit, and kid's contest and more, visit the website by CLICKING HERE.

Free Lowe's Build a Project for Kids

2009-07-08T17:52:00.000-07:00

It's the middle of the summer and there's still time to keep your kids busy and learning!

On two upcoming dates in July, kids can learn to build a project with their own hands.
Lowe's is hosting two events. On July 11 they build a treasure chest to store their favorite or secret items. Only July 25, children can build a toy helicopter.

You must register online in advance. CLICK HERE to get started!

Free Subscription to Golf Digest

2009-07-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

European Sensation: Rory McIlroy

Do you know someone who plays golf or enjoys the occasional game but does not have a subscription to Golf Digest?

Well, surprise that person with a subscription to Golf Digest for a year and it won't cost you a dime!

RewardsGold.com is offering a one year subscription FREE to Golf Digest. No credit card is required. Hurry while the offer lasts!

For a free subscription to BusinessWeek magazine, CLICK HERE.

Free Business Week Magazine Subscription

2009-07-02T16:26:00.000-07:00

Here's an offer from RewardsGold.com for a free subscription to Business Week magazine.

As always we checked to see if the site requires a credit card to make it a legitimate free offer. No credit card required!

Keep current with the business and news in this complex economy and enjoy the free subscription!

Are you a small business owner, corporate executive or business student? Found this tip helpful? Leave a comment below! Thanks.

Free Admission to Museums First of the Month

2009-06-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

Blog Sisters has uncovered another wonderful opportunity to save a few bucks for a family event. Free General Admission to museums, zoos, botanical gardens, and science centers across the United States during the first weekend of every month thanks to a special promotion offered by Bank of America.

How does it work?
If you possess an ATM, credit or check card from Bank of America, then you automatically get in for free at participating museums and other educational events. Each cardholder gets in for free.

Don't have one? You can apply for one if you choose. I personally don't have one but will apply for one just in time for the summer as we plan to take a few road trips as a family and visit different cities and cultural venues including museums.

So this holiday weekend for 4th of July may be a good time, but it's best to check holiday schedule for heading out.

For more information and a list of participating museums/zoos in your area, CLICK HERE.

And, if you're traveling to South Florida this summer, Moms get in free at various attractions from June 1 - August 31. Click here to learn more.

If you appreciate this tip and our other money-saving tips, please post a comment below!
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Summer Pass for Moms in Miami

2009-06-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

If you're traveling to or live in the Miami area, Mom finally gets a break with FREE ADMISSION to these major South Florida attractions Monday through Friday:

Miami Metro Zoo
Miami Seaquarium
Miami Children's Museum
Jungle Island
Billie Swamp Safari
Flamingo Gardens
Butterfly World
Young-at-Art Children's Museum

The offer is all summer from June 1 - August 31, 2009. Moms get in free with two regularly paid admissions. To download the coupon, CLICK HERE or visit http://www.momsmiami.com/

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Advertise your Business HERE

2009-06-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

Advertise your business here for just $20 (for 30 days) starting anytime in the next 20 days, you can advertise your service or product here on our money blog on the space that you clicked on! Limited time offer!

Just contact Blog.Sisters@yahoo.com.

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7 Tips for Cheaper Road Trips

2009-05-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

Finances are weighing heavily on the minds of Americans as they consider whether to take a roadtrip this summer. An AP-Gfk poll found that 56 percent of Americans don't plan to take a leisure trip this summer. A majority of those people said they cancelled a trip for financial reasons.

Still, 42 percent of Americans do plan a leisure trip. For those hopping in the car, here are seven tips on how you can save money as you set out this summer.

1. Keep an eye out for welcome centers near state lines. They're an excellent source of coupons for nearby motels and tourist attractions.

2. Check the Internet for deals before you leave. A lot of hotels are offering discounts this summer. Super 8 Motels will take 15 percent off its nightly rate if you book eight days in advance. Even better--check the local newspaper online for the city you're visiting.

3. Bring a cooler. Food is one of the biggest expenses on any road trip. The more you get from the grocery store, the better. Travel site RoadTrip America lists dozens of "road food" recipes from blackberry rice krispies treats to the hardcore road tripper's omelet in a bag. See them at http://www.roadtripamerica.com/recipes/recipes.htm

4. Haggle. No room rate is fixed — especially when the hotel parking lot is empty. If a place seems largely vacant, feel free to inquire about a special discount. Mark Sedenquist, publisher of the roadtripamerica.com Web site and a frequent rate haggler, boasts a 70 percent success rate. "Motel owners are much more interested in having full occupancy than getting their standard rate," he said.

5. If you're visiting national parks and federal recreational lands, consider an annual pass. At $80 for the general public and $10 for seniors, it may be a cheaper way to get around. You can find more information about the passes here: http://store.usgs.gov/pass/general.html.

6. Sleuth around for hidden discounts. Soccer clubs, church groups, professional organizations and other groups have prearranged travel discounts at various hotels and tourist spots. See if you qualify.

7. House swapping is gaining in popularity. Christine has a former client who retired early and enjoys traveling across the U.S. and around the world with free accomodations through a home exchange program. Visit www.homeexchange.com for details. Her friend has never had a problem and just recommends to hide or leave financial documents and precious jewelry in safe deposit box or elsewhere.

Need a car--Get a Hyundai and Rest Assured!

2009-04-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking of getting a new car but are worried about possible job loss? If you have a safety net and can afford the estimated monthly payments without living on the edge--GO FOR IT--but get a Hyundai. Why? The Hyundai company took a giant risk--and the roll of the dice came up lucky numbers, for the company and its customers.

While other carmakers begged the government for a bailout, Hyundai offered to bailout customers if they lost their job. You probably heard of the "Hyundai Assurance" program where you can return a Hyundai if you lose your job, becomed disabled, are transferred abroad, or have to file personal bankruptcy. The program is working that Hyundai sales for the Sonata (that's my car! a small sedan) increased 85% in January!

When GM pulled out of the commercials for the Academy Awards, Hyundai filled the spot with seven commercials. They even advertised in the pricey Super Bowl.

Hyundai did not rely on government help or taxpayer's to bail them out but rather their own efforts. It's marketing and business genius! The other three US automakers followed suit three months later after Hyundai's immediate success.

ABC New's Nightline aired this special report on the "Hyundai Cinderella Story". Here are the highlights or click below to view the video (6 minutes).

Half of Hyundai autos are made in local USA plant in Alabama.
All workers are all non-union and trained for multiple tasks. Most employees have no prior automobile experience and come from local waffle house. No kidding. The fast food industry teaches valuable skills in multitasking.
It did not receive any money from stimulus package but it did receive millions in tax rebates for building its plant in Alabama.
Young, non union workforce is Hyundai's biggest advantage due to lower healthcare costs while other automakers are saddled with high health insurance premiums and actual medical costs.

I'm reminded of my days working for America West Airlines. As a reservationist, I earned $7.00 an hour while competing airlines paid $10.00 and higher for the same job. Why? America West was non-union and we were proud of it. $3.00 and hour difference in hourly rate is a significant amount times 40 hours a week over 52 weeks. However, our perks were free airfare and $50 to fly first class based on availability. Other airline employees had to pay a percentage of the airfare just to fly in coach. Free air travel ranked highest in our list of perks and we would not trade it for any union promises. At America West, we were not just a company, but a large family.

Back to Hyundai. I own a Sonata since 2004. I bought it one year used in 2003 and I LOVE MY HYUNDAI. At the time I spotted this sleek white car on the road, it looked exactly like the Jaguar without the animal token protruding from hood. It looked like the Jaguar, rode smoother than the Jaguar and consumer ratings were much higher. I saved over $20,000 buying one year used and a Hyundai. With only 20,000 miles on the car--there was plenty of warranty left--six years or 100,000 miles. It still runs smooth with routine maintenance and no other major repairs. I thought of getting a new one, but I love not having car payments. So I opted for moving to a new modern condo.
CHRISTINE

Six Ways to Save on Taxes and Go Green

2009-03-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

It's March 15th--that's 30 days and counting until tax day--April 15th. Have you completed your tax return? In case you have procrastinated and are only thinking about the green for upcoming St. Patrick's Day, you may not have to be leprechaun lucky to get some green back.

The new economic stimulus package bill, footed by you the American taxpayer, may have some direct benefit to you.

1. $500 for energy efficiency
It was a record frigid winter this year in northern states. If you waited until after Jan. 1 to install new insulation, energy-efficient windows or an energy-efficient furnace, boiler or air conditioner,
a tax credit of up to $500 that expired in 2007 has been renewed for 2009. It covers up to 10% of the cost of a range of projects that meet certain specifications.

Do $5,000 worth of qualifying work, and you not only get a $500 rebate, but also savings on energy bills for years to come. There's still time as many parts of the U.S. faced repeated winter storms and heavy snow. Why wait? Global warming has boiled summer time weather to new extreme. It could be a sweltering summer despite the bitter cold winter.

Also note these important limits, which cap the amount you can claim for any particular project:- Windows: $200- Exterior doors, roofing or insulation: $500- Most heating, ventilation and air-conditioning improvements: $300- Furnaces or hot water heaters: $150

Remember, your overall tax credit is capped at $500, so if you install $5,000 worth of exterior doors and $2,000 worth of new windows, for a total of $7,000, you can still only claim $500 - even though 10 percent of all qualifying work equals $700. Also, the tax credit applies only to equipment, not labor.

Find more information at the Alliance to Save Energy or Energy Star or Department of Energy Web sites. Note that much of this information reflects the tax incentives in place in 2006 and 2007; for the most part, the 2009 tax credits are identical, but updated criteria for which products qualify, for instance, will be published soon.

2. $2,000 for geothermal
The new tax breaks include a new incentive to install ground-source heat pumps, according to Alliance to Save Energy.

The old credits had been capped at $300 and were included under the overall energy efficiency improvement cap of $500. No longer. Now you can claim up to $2,000 of the cost of installing a geothermal heating and cooling system, and the cost is separated completely from other energy-efficiency improvements you might claim. Like the energy-efficient tax breaks, however, this incentive doesn't apply to work done in 2008.

Ground-source heat pumps are installed underground and use the constant 50-degree subsurface temperature to cool air or water in the summer, and heat it in the winter - both of which reduce the cost of heating or cooling year round.

3. $2,000 or more for solar power systems
The bill extends for another eight years a tax credit that covers 30 percent of the cost of new photovoltaic solar power systems on homes.

The existing tax credit, which was capped at $2,000, would have expired at the end of 2008. Now, it's good through 2016 - and there's no longer a dollar cap on the 30 percent rebate.

4. $500 or more for a fuel cell or microturbine
The tax incentive that had covered 30 percent of the cost of fuel cell or microturbine systems in homes, which lapsed in 2008, has been restored for 2009 and through 2016. It covers up to $500 per 0.5 kw of capacity.

5. $7,500 for plug-in hybrid cars
Are thinking of taking advantage of the great deals on new cars sales and buying a Mini Cooper or Smart Car? Hold your racing horses! Consider a hybrid. The first 250,000 buyers of plug-in hybrid vehicles now qualify for a $7,500 tax rebate. A similar tax credit for hybrid vehicles had been capped at $3,500.

6. Wildcard
Keep an eye out for new incentives from your state, since the bill also authorizes an $800 million government bond program that encourages states to create incentives for new and existing energy conservation and related programs. Some of that money may be earmarked toward state tax breaks and other incentives that will vary by location.

"Do you have people?"
If you're unsure who to turn to for your tax return, especially if you have invested in any energy-efficient products, email me and I will refer you to the best tax expert I know! "I'll contact my people". christine.michaels@yahoo.com

How Not to Get Scammed!

2009-02-24T15:00:00.001-08:00

In today's tumultuous economy, everyone is looking to make extra money--honest people looking to supplement their income and bad people looking for an easy way to scam innocent folks. The Dr. Phil Show today presented an episode title "How Not to Get Scammed". Fortunately I was aware of most of these scams but still learned a thing or two.

Here is a list of RED FLAGS I put together as a helpful reference for anyone who's looking for a "work at home job" through the internet, or selling items on Internet. Beware also of the security pitfalls of Facebook where hackers can steal your identity. How? Check out the link to Dr. Phil, where one man's Facebook was hijacked and hacker pretended to be the user and asked his friends to send money because his family lost everything on a vacation in London after being robbed at gunpoint. The real user of the Facebook could not access his site since the hacker had blocked him. One friend did wire over $1,100 unknowingly. Sadly, he will never get that money back. Obviously Facebook still needs to improve their security measures.

1- When looking for a "work at home" job via the Internet, get the official name of the company and ask for a headquarter address and phone number. Then be sure to look them up in the Better Business Bureau to ensure the company exists and the type of rating for doing business.

2- NEVER deposit a check of any kind (cashier's check or wired money) from a job or from selling items on Craig's List into your bank account without verifying that the "bank" on the check is a real bank. If you deposit the check, your bank will post the money to the account. If you start to draw money from your account and it turns out the check was not real, you lose that amount that was credited to your account. You are ultimately responsible for paying that money back to the bank if you withdrew it.

3- BEWARE of any job posting over the Internet or newspaper listing that asks you to send money via Western Union. Again, do some homework and be sure the company really exists. Also, another red flag is when a company asks to do an interview over Instant Message or email. Insist on telephone interview and ask for their company address and telephone number.

4- When creating your Facebook, read the PRIVACY POLICY carefully and think twice before you open it to anyone. As a marketing professional, Facebook is a tremendous marketing phenomena. As a user, I have not started a Facebook yet because of concerns of security issues. For one, I am not comfortable with the fact that I have to sign up in Facebook in order to view my friend's Facebook. Therefore I created a personal blog that anyone can see but does not have to open a blog account. Secondly, Facebook still has security pitfalls as I learn of hijackers and hackers taking over your Facebook. The Dr. Phill Show presented this story. Check it out.

If you have other tips or lessons learned--please share them by posting a comment below! Scammers and computer hackers are increasingly clever and finding new ways to steal our money and identity. Protect Yourself by educating yourself and if something sounds too good to be true--it usually is!

Christine

Is Extreme Thrifty-ness Helpful or Harmful?

2009-02-22T17:29:00.000-08:00

Below is an article from the NY Times which speaks to the crippling effect of thrifty-ness in the country of Japan. As a commentary, I wonder if well-off Americans go to the extreme of eating cabbage versus expensive meats, or reusing water to wash dishes or laundry. After reading this article, if you are switching religions from free-spending to thrifty-ness, please share examples of your conversion and what drives you to adhere to such practice.

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As Japan shows, thrifty isn't always a good thing
The habits built during Asia's Lost Decade still have a hold on the Japanese economy, even years after recovery.

By HIROKO TABUCHI, New York Times

Last update: February 22, 2009 - 12:02 AM
Featured comment

TOKYO - As recession-wary Americans adapt to a new frugality, Japan offers a peek at how thrift can take lasting hold of a consumer society, to disastrous effect.

The economic malaise that plagued Japan from the 1990s until the early 2000s brought stunted wages and depressed stock prices, turning free-spending consumers into misers and making them dead weight on Japan's economy.

Today, years after the recovery, even well-off Japanese households use old bath water to do laundry, a popular way to save on utility bills. Sales of whiskey, the favorite drink among moneyed Tokyo residents in the booming 1980s, have fallen to a fifth of their peak. And the nation is losing interest in cars; sales have fallen by half since 1990.

The Takigasaki family in the Tokyo suburb of Nakano goes further to save a yen or two. Although the family has a comfortable nest egg, Hiroko Takigasaki carefully rations her vegetables. When she goes through too many in a given week, she reverts to her cost-saving standby: cabbage stew.

"You can make almost anything with some cabbage and perhaps some potato," says Takigasaki, 49, who works part time at a home for the disabled.

Her husband has a well-paying job with the electronics giant Fujitsu, but "I don't know when the ax will drop," she says.

Japan eventually pulled itself out of the Lost Decade of the 1990s, thanks in part to a boom in exports to the United States and China. But even as the economy expanded, shell-shocked consumers refused to spend. Between 2001 and 2007, per-capita consumer spending rose only 0.2 percent. Now, as exports dry up amid a worldwide collapse in demand, Japan's economy is in free-fall because it cannot rely on domestic consumption.

In the last three months of 2008, Japan's economy shrank at an annualized rate of 12.7 percent, the sharpest decline since the oil shocks of the 1970s.
"Japan is so dependent on exports that when overseas markets slow down, Japan's economy teeters on collapse," said Hideo Kumano, an economist at the Dai-chi Life Research Institute. "On the surface, Japan looked like it had recovered from its Lost Decade of the 1990s. But Japan in fact entered a second Lost Decade -- that of lost consumption."

Economic stimulus programs have been hampered in Japan by deflation, the downward spiral of prices and wages that occurs when consumers hold down spending -- in part because they expect goods to be cheaper in the future.

Economists say deflation could interfere with the 2 trillion yen ($21 billion) in cash handouts that the Japanese government is planning, because consumers might save the extra money on the hunch that it will be more valuable in the future. The same fear grips many U.S. economists and policymakers.

How Well Do You Know Your Tax Preparer?

2009-02-15T08:32:00.001-08:00

You've heard the saying "penny wise pound foolish". When it comes to certain services and purchases, I've learned through experience, that it's best to pay a little more to minimize greater expenses later.

Tax Preparation is one of them. Lucky for me, I have the best tax preparer in the world. However, in listening to friends and coworkers, there are nightmare stories that rival the most painful stories of car repairs and attorney's socking it to you. At some point, either the IRS will audit you, make inquiries or you will have to amend a past return and end up paying taxes. If you felt the sting of the latter--many would opt for a root canal instead.

When it comes to tax preparation, it's not so much the name of the company (Ie. H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt or CPA firm) but the person doing your taxes. Like I always say, "It's the not the name of the hair salon, but the actual person who cuts my hair that makes the difference."

In listening to the stories and experience of many individuals and couples for writing this post, collectively I have learned, the safest route is to hire a CPA from a CPA firm if you have a home, investments, other property, etc which is a more complex return. However, hiring a CPA is the most expensive route. If you can afford it, do not hesitate to hire one.

Companies like H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt are good, sometimes. It all depends on the person. These companies charge less than CPA firms, but if you have a complex return, you don't want someone who's only been doing taxes for two-three years. A plus about the known tax firm H&R Block, is that if the tax preparer makes a mistake, they correct it at no cost and assist you in every step. You are backed by a well-known company, a piece of mind.

Lessons Learned:
* Interview your tax preparer just like you would hire someone to work for you, such as contractor for your home remodel.
* Ask how many years the tax preparer has been doing taxes or ask to see their "certificate".
* Ask which is the most complex return they have completed.
* Ask if they are a CPA? (Even if they work at H&R Block, they could be a CPA)
* Unless you are single, with no property and investments, don't go to a mom -and- pop tax service. From the collective stories I heard, the rate of mistakes is high. If the IRS sends you a letter with questions about your return, the mom- and- pop services will not necessarily assist you or if they do, they charge more.
* Find a good tax preparer through recommendations of friends. However, if they have a relative do their taxes, reconsider. Hire a professional person that is recommended.

I highly recommend my tax preparer. Elizabeth is a CPA but she does not work for CPA firm. She enjoys doing taxes on her own and has many clients throughout the 25 plus years of her career. She charges less than CPA firm rate, and even a little less than H&R Block. Her service is a great value. When I once attempted to do my taxes on my own and did not feel 100% confident that I did it correctly, I went to Elizabeth to double check. She ended up finding additonal deductions and was able to get me $500 more in refund.

Elizabeth has clients from across the country. Most of them mail all their paperwork to her. Some even fly to Florida to meet with her. One client lives in another country but has property and investments here in U.S. I learned he always calls her in January to make is appointment with her in March.

The best part is that if you receive an inquiry from the IRS, Elizabeth is ready to help you. I once received such a letter (as we all do at least once in a lifetime) and since it was minor, she didn't even charge me.

In a brief interview of my tax preparer, I asked her why she does not charge as much as other CPAs. Elizabeth shared her story with me--how she sees the middle class pay the most relative to their income and struggle the most. It's her way of helping her community and country. Her clients come from all income levels, but most are "middle class". Hence she has a following of clients for many years.

She then added "I often gained clients from people who went to a mom-and-pop service only to receive a letter from the IRS. The person who originally did the tax preparation did not want to assist. When I reviewed the return, I would find many errors, and the customer ends up having to pay more in taxes. Despite having to pay more that year, if they returned, I was able to help them and explain how they may be eligible for other deductions. "

Before recommending my tax preparer, Elizabeth did warn me she has many clients and therefore can only accept a few new clients for the month of February and first two weeks of March.

If you would like her contact information, please email me at christine.michaels@yahoo.com.
With tax laws constantly changing, you want the right person for the job!

10 Money Lessons from the Great Depression

2009-01-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

The U.S. may not technically be in a recession. After all, the U.S. Commerce Department says the economy grew at a 0.6% pace in the first quarter.

But most people look at things more like legendary investor Warren Buffett, who defined a recession as when "people are doing less well than they were three months, six months or eight months earlier."

For most economists it is no longer whether there is going to be a recession, but what type of recession it is going to be: short recessions like the one from 1990 to 1991 and the one from March to November 2001, or something like the Great Depression.

No matter which it ends up being, one of the best places to look for sound advice is from those people who have survived the worst of economic times - namely your grandparents.

Here are 10 ideas you may want to take from them:

1. Frugality Is Not a Bad F Word

There was a time when a person who was frugal was looked upon with esteem rather than someone without the means to buy more. Many people seem to equate frugality with "cheapness," but that couldn't be further from the truth. Being frugal is simply getting the most out of what you have and purchase, and not purchasing things that you really don't need. While your grandparents learned frugality during the hard times, many of them continued to practice it even when times got better, which helped them build wealth. Learning to be frugal could help a lot of people who haven't learned to live within their means.

2. Use What You Have

In a consumer society, whatever problem you may have can always be solved by buying something else. If something breaks, go out and buy a new one. If something isn't exactly right, go buy something that is. In your grandparents' time, when something broke, they first took a look to see if it could be fixed. If it couldn't be fixed, before it ended up in the trash can, they would consider whether it could still be useful for something else. There is no reason to go out and spend money on something new if you can get the same thing accomplished with the things that you already have.

3. Doing It Yourself Is the Way to Go

When it comes to fixing things, the first people that your grandparents looked at were themselves. Instead of calling someone to fix something that broke, they fixed it on their own most of the time. In a society where we now hire people to do most basic repair and maintenance, it's important to remember that most repairs aren't nearly as difficult as they may appear and that you can do much of it on your own with a how-to book and patience.

4. Things Have More Than One Use

People tend to buy stuff with a specific purpose in mind and use it exclusively for that intended purpose. What your grandparents knew is that most things can have multiple uses throughout their useful life. That T-shirt can become a night shirt when the collar gets worn and can't be worn outside, and then a painting shirt when it starts to get holes and eventually rags when the holes get too big.

5. Debt Is to Be Avoided

In the age of credit cards, where spending what you don't have now is encouraged left and right, it's hard to believe there was a time when people actually believed that debt was to be avoided, but those are the words that your grandparents lived by. If they didn't have the money, then they would simply need to figure out a different plan on how to get what they needed. It might be saving up money or finding something that could be used instead. Going into debt to get it accomplished was not an option.

6. Save for Rainy Days

As many people are finding out, rainy days eventually come. And when it rains, it pours. Your grandparents were well aware of this and specifically put aside money for these rainy days. It's now what is commonly referred to as an emergency fund and something that comes in quite handy when your financial plans don't go exactly as you imagined they would.

7. Used Can Be Just as Good as New

This concept isn't completely foreign even to today's generation. The notion that buying a quality two- to three-year-old car has become basic mainstream financial advice when it comes to car ownership. Your grandparents knew that just because something happened to be pre-owned doesn't make it something to be dismissed as unworthy. They also know that this concept doesn't stop with cars and can be expanded to almost any other area where a second-hand market is available.

8. Functional Trumps Fashion

When it comes to making purchases, your grandparents knew that it wasn't what the device looked like, but what it could do that mattered. It was much more important to buy something that did what needed to be done regardless of what it actually looked like. That Rolex may look great, but it doesn't tell time any better than a standard watch bought at the local discount store. Learning to buy for function rather than looks is a great way to save money.

9. Bargains -are not just found in the basement

When it was time to purchase something, your grandparents didn't just go out an get it that day. They took the time to look for a bargain. That meant doing research and waiting until the price was right rather than pulling out a credit card and buying it even when they didn't have the money. Bargains take planning and time to find, but when they are found, you know you have gotten a great deal.

10. Homemade Cookies Are Delicious

In a society where everything is pre-made and sold for convenience, it may be hard to remember the last time you had a meal made from scratch. What your grandparents knew was that not only is it less expensive to cook this way, the resulting meal is also a lot more delicious. Think of it this way; would you ever consider trading in a plate of your grandmother's homemade cookies for any store bought brand?

While the way that your grandparents handled money may seem unsophisticated with all the financial tools that are available today, the basics of living below their means, saving for a rainy day, getting an education and investing in their future are values that a lot of people could financially benefit from today.

Do you practice any of these habits? Did your parents or grandparents instill these habits? Share with us your opinion by leaving a comment below!

Drop Your Debt Fast

2009-01-02T16:31:00.000-08:00

It's the New Year and still time to make a new and different kind of resolution. If you have been swept up by the tornado of endless credit limit, and want to recover from the debris of looming debt, then you may want to consider this guide Drop your Debt Fast with personal coach, Debra Moore. That's right. It's like having a personal fitness trainer. Only this time, Debra is your financial trainer. However, please know this is not a free resource. Like many self help or popular books, you must purchase this book and the cost is $29.95. Debra also offers a 100% guarantee full refund after six months if you do not reduce your debt. Sounds like a no lose situation.

If you order the guide, after a few weeks or months, please visit this posting again and share your experience in the comment section below. We're all in this economy together. So if this works for you, please spread the word!

COUPON & GIFT CARD ALERT

2008-12-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

Blog Sisters has uncovered these high value coupons that you won't find at any coupon website. These are straight from the companies offering the coupons. For example, instead of 50 cents for buying two items, Progresso Soup is offering $1 for two items, $2 for four items. Many grocery stores are also offering 4 cans for a reduced price.

Check the tool bar to the right for these money saving coupons:

Bertolli - $2 coupon
Progresso Soup - $1 and $2 coupon
Macy's--Get an additional 20% from December 10-15 as a Friend of this popular department store.

Download Indiana Jones for 99 cents!

2008-11-28T17:34:00.000-08:00

If you're an Indy fan, then jump, leap, or tarzan swing over to this site to download Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull for only $0.99. Get it now! This is for a limited time only for the holidays.

Download Popular Movies for $10, Music for $6

2008-11-25T14:34:00.000-08:00

BLOG SISTERS continues to search for terrific deals this holiday season to save you from camping out in mall parking lots for Black Friday. There's no need. While the bad news is the economy, the good news are the incredible deals out there. We really don't have to work hard to find them. They're everywhere. So to make life easier, we're just going to collect the best deals and add them to this blog. So bookmark this blog as an easy reference for your ONE STOP SHOPPING. Save time, save gas, sit in your pyjamas, and let your hand and mouse do all the shopping. Christmas shopping can be stress free. Let's begin...

Starting today, classic movies like It's a Wonderful Life (1946) will be available for digital download for about $10 on various online services such as Amazon.com and Blockbuster.com.

In checking the Amazon site, we verified the offer was available by entering the name of the movie, and scanning the right tool bar section, there is an option for WATCH IT NOW, Amazon Video on Demand for $9.99. Or you could just buy it for $13.99 plus shipping.

We found other great movies for as low as $3.99 and $4.99: Million Dollar Baby, Phantom of the Opera and The Secret Garden

The next big movie hit since Harry Potter, is Twilight. The book turned movie is about a teenage girl who falls in love with a vampire. Opening night at theaters was heralded with lines of young girls in anticipation and inlove. The Twilight soundtrack is also available for $10 on Amazon.com or for $6.99 to download onto your MP3. If you have a teenage daughter, this will be her best Christmas ever. Or buy it now and save it later for a reward!

If you're a fan of James Bond like Christine, then grab this James Bond Ultimate Collector's Set for only $217.00 with 21 James Bond movies including your favorite Bond--Sean Connery or Roger Moore.

Women Surviving the Economy with Makeup--AVON

2008-11-12T12:56:00.000-08:00

Recently, Good Morning America featured a bright star in this dark economy. Avon sales, revenue and profit all increased this third quarter!! In this economy? Yes indeed! Third quarter revenue increased 13% and profits soared by 60%.

The main highlight was that women around the world were turning to Avon to supplement their income. For a mere $10, anyone can join the independent sales force of Avon and earn a few dollars a week, to hundreds of dollars a month. The story is inspiring as Diane Sawyer interviews the CEO of Avon, a woman, Andrea Jeung.

After watching the interview and drawing from our own experience in selling cosmetics, health products and other items, here's our summary:

Can anyone do it? Sure. Diane Sawyer very directly asks Andrea the most important question: how does one get the nerve to knock on neighbors' doors or ask friends to try or buy Avon? Andrea's answer is right on--just tell your own story.

a- How you discovered Avon

b- What it has done for you

c- It's affordability (this is a biggie)

Is it easy? From our experience working in the same industry, No. It does take work. For extra pocket money, we compare it to, a brisk walk in the park--everyday. The more time you dedicate AND the more consistent you are in your efforts, the more money you will earn.

Before anyone embarks on an entreprenurial venture, we strongly recommend you spend time analyzing the different MLM's and their compensation program. In other words, do lots of homework! Read respectable newspapers or business magazines, talk to friends, send emails asking your contacts for their thoughts and experience. You will be surprised how many people have tried selling Avon, Amway, Mary Kay, travel clubs, and also financial planning. This one video alone on GMA, should not cause you to rush and sign up. Here's what else we do know:

1. Avon is a multi-level marketing company. Yes an MLM. It's not a deceptive or illegal practice. It's quite legal and the advantage is that an independent sales person does not need a storefront or have to invest an initial $100K for a franchise like McDonalds. Two things: first, if you want to earn the $60K plus a year--it takes years to reach that income level and second, you will invest a windfall in buying new products and training materials etc. And yes, your home because an inventory warehouse to a degree.

2. Does one have to get involved in the whole recruiting part right away? NO! We suggest if you are considering an MLM like Avon, start just by retailing the products. Don't let anyone pressure you into investing more to get to that first "tier" where income potential is higher. You can make that extra pocketful of cash just by starting at step one, retailing, and getting to know the products, and becoming comfortable in sharing your story. But remember, in retailing, you're only making a pocketful of cash. Stories like Dawn in the GMA video, are not common.

3. MLMs are good for individuals with some extra time that they can really devote to a part-time job, minimum 15 hours a week and are not at the brink of financial disaster. MLMs are suitable for individuals who are financially stable and looking to make some extra cash.

4. With that said, while most MLMs have disappeared or declined in sales, Avon is a stalwart in independent or MLM sales. Avon is a pioneer and has successfully introduced innovative and unique products. For example, AVON announced in May of this year the deal to carry and market the new Bond Girl perfume. The product launched this past month--see Christine's fashion blog. Despite a dim economy, we know that cosmetics and personal care are the last cutbacks women and men make. Blog Sisters also believes (no qualitative research was performed, this is our own observation) that Avon's "smart value" is a major draw and women are cutting back on more expensive cosmetic brands.

So if you are considering an MLM, Avon is probably the better and safer choice given its years in business (since early 1900's) and reputable brand and products. Very important--it helps to be a product of the product. If the makeup enhances your beauty, like Dawn Parrino in the video, then customers will want to look like you! Good Luck!

Note: Christine used to sell IDN, a nutritional line of NuSkin company for almost two years (1994-1996). She broke even in the end. Alicia sold Mary Kay and profited a small sum after a year (minus ALL expenses)--the equivalent to an $8/hour part-time job. The only difference, is that she worked her own hours.

Turn Craft Show Visitors into Year Round Income

2008-11-03T14:49:00.001-08:00

Here's another posting about crafts.

If you're one of many people who make a living full-time in designing and creating custom crafts, and travel to shows across the country to sell your artistic goods, then this posting is for you.

Traveling to "arts festivals" or craft shows is costly--rising gas prices, wear-and-tear of your vehicle, hotel and the cost of the booth amounts to hundreds of dollars. But you're most valuable tool is that fishbowl with entry forms for a prize giveaway (asking permission to send them updates). If you don't have one--DROP EVERYTHING and GET ONE NOW!

We came across a report that may help you boost your income by turning craft show visitors into year round income. The report is only $4.99. Wow--that's less than a sandwich and juice for lunch!

Blog Sisters has not purchased the report, but know that Marte Cliff is a successful marketer, helping small businesses and large corporations alike.

If you're a professional crafts person, let us know how this report boosted your business by posting a comment here!

Rich Dad, Poor Dad

2008-10-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank Dan for his comment on our last post and his recommendation of the Book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad".

Dan, both Christine and I read this book years ago and agree it's a confidence booster and expands your knowledge and view of money.

The author, Robert Kiyosaki, reinforces a basic concept - the difference between having a big salary and building wealth.

On the other hand, Kiyosaki also has a definition of an asset versus a liability that is different from conventional accounting. Investors generally focus on accumulating assets and avoid liabilities. Simply stated, assets generate income or cash. Liabilities consume cash. Rich people accumulate assets. People who aren't rich accumulate liabilities. Some things that look like assets are actually liabilities - for example: a residence, a car, a boat. When we accumulate these things, we are not really accumulating wealth, we are consuming it. If we haven't accumulated sufficient assets and we acquire these "toy" liabilities, we are putting the cart before the horse. Instead, we should emphasize regularly acquiring stocks, bonds, tax lien certificates, rental real estate, and other investments. We also need to learn to build value and get some tax shelter by building our own business.

Christine and I agree on this principle. We each purchased used cars only one year old vs. new and saved thousands of dollars. The savings went towards stock purchases and other investments. Ladies--this means less shoes and purses. Oh yes.

Kiyosaki acknowledges that it is possible to use the principle of compound interest and regular saving to achieve financial independence. The problem with this approach is it's a long, patient one. Most people get started too late for it to make millions.

We [Blog Sisters] encourage reading and pouring through books and journals for a basic foundation, inspiration and courage to fight the evil clutches of credit card offers, to patiently dig out of debt, and to start your own path for building wealth. It's not a quick fix. Read-study-ask questions-read-study-ask questions. Repeat the cycle until you're ready to implement your new philosophy.

Read the book? Other books that made a difference? Share your comments!

Are You Rich?

2008-09-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

In the face of grim news of the U.S. economy, we still read and hear stories of families who triumphantly overcome financial woes. They clip coupons and buy a week's worth of groceries for $14. Can you top that? They change light bulbs, switch from hot to cold water and save hundreds of dollars a year. Have your green tricks saved you green bucks? They scan websites for promo codes, discount coupons and "stack them" to buy electronics and more for 70% off original prices. What deals are you most proud of? They have a home, no debt and can control costs. The constant--they live within their means. In our opinion, these families are rich.

The wonderful thing about this country--with deals and loyalty programs and the Internet, there is a WAY. When there is a will, there is a way in good ole' USA, during economic woes and all. The same is true of other developed nations.

Our previous posts offer several solid and doable tips to save or make money. We welcome your potpourri of tips. Therefore, we invite any reader to share their story. Email us (blog.sisters@yahoo.com) or post a comment. You can use a code name or use your real name.

Your story can make this bleak economy a little brighter. One tip can enlighten a struggling single mother, or school teacher or laid off manager, to keep a family from drowning in debt, or lose their medical insurance or protect their credit. You may think your story is silly or simple. The simpler the better. But you never know what will inspire another. In the weeks, months, and years to come, we look forward to hearing and interviewing readers for your real story.

Here's to making the world a little better and brighter by sharing with neighbors.
Blog Sisters,
Alicia & Christine

Going Green can Save you More than Cha-Ching!

2008-09-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

The housing marketing crisis, gas and grocery prices skyrocketing and financial institutions collapsing--no one is untouched. If you're a family of four, with an average household income of $50,000 or less, more than likely you're feeling the pinch, the strangling.

Inspired by my Blog Sisters' Christine recent posting on "Fishing at Lake Valdez", here are some ideas that can save your family hundreds of dollars a year in your electric bill. Going Green does not always mean spending first. In this case, we recommend changing a few settings or habits in your home. It's easy. Nothing scientific or complicated.

Change a light bulb. Changing all the old-fashioned "incandescent" light bulbs in your home to "compact fluorescent" bulbs (CFLs), can save you a couple of hundred dollars a year. How? CFLs convert the energy into light rather than heat. Changing one incandescent bulb can save you $83 over the life of the CFL.

Unplug things that glow. Did you know appliances and electronics continue to draw power when left plugged in? Anything that has an LED (light emitting diode) that glows even after you turn it off is sucking up power. Unplug them from the wall sockets and plug them into power strips instead. This alone could save $200 a year.

Change temperature settings. Increase your Air Condition thermostat by several degrees when no one is home. Or reduce the heater settings. Installing a programmable thermostat can help information over-loaded human memory banks. They cost about $40.

Wash full loads. Whenever you wash just a few clothes or dishes at a time, your using up water, power, and money. The average American family washes about 540 loads of laundry a year, and 150 loads of dishes. Most of the energy consumed goes toward heating the water. Washing full loads of laundry and using cold or warm rather than hot water in the clothes washer racks up savings.

Do you have a story to share of tough times turned rosey by making these simple changes? POST A COMMENT!!!

6 Hobbies that Make Big Money

2008-09-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

Do you have a flair for baking specialty desserts or creating arts and crafts like Martha Stewart? Do friends or family regularly encourage you to enter your cooking recipes for contests or compete in Iron Man Chef shows?? Well, even if you're camera shy, remember the Emeril Lagasse's and Wolfgang Pucks of the world didn't start in the media industry.

If you have an itch or passion to take your hobby to the next level and earn an income, whether part-time or full time, you may want read this article by Bankrate.com that touches on six hobbies.

1. Custom Baking

2. Professional Organizer

3. Arts & Crafts

4. Exotic Birds

5. Personal Shopper

6. Day Lilies

Cooking and baking is the easiest venture to start and market. If you possess a "Ratatouille" talent, chances are your friends and family already enjoy your culinary delights and can easily spread your idea word of mouth. The key is to let people TASTE the product. We recommend hosting a sampling event to invite friends, neighbors to taste your recipes. Similar to a Mary Kay party. That's how Mrs. Fields cookies started. She gave away free samples on the street to passing strangers. Of course her fresh baked cookies were a sensation and customers salivated all the way to her store for more cookies.

Cupcakes are another easy, creative baking idea. We found this blog that is entirely about cupcakes. http://www.allthingscupcake.com/ How many ways can you decorate a cupcake? These pictures are impressive and very appealing.

Arts & Crafts is a burgeoning business. Designing and creating jewelry is a popular hobby and trend now. Christine's cousin Lorena, studying her doctorate at University of Florida, is like any college student--tight on funds. She enjoys creating jewelry as a hobby and gives them as gifts to friends and family for birthays and holidays. The jewelry is unique and recipients are flattered when the jewelry is in their favorite color or design to complement their own style.

JeGem jewerly started the old fashioned way as mentioned above and now expanded into a webstore filling and delivering orders WORLDWIDE.

[Alicia] Our favorite from a client perspective is the Personal Shopper. As a former executive, I hired a personal shopper to run pesky errands (pick up drycleaning, drop off and pick up dog at groomer, return items at stores, purchase missing ingredients for cooking dinner that night...) Spending time with the children at outside-the-home activities, and cooking and eating meals as a family was the priority with little precious time. My personal shopper, Kendra, was a life saver--a time saver! It sounds like fun too!

ANIMAL CARE

Maybe your fingers aren't nimble for fine, detailed work required for crafts or you're more left brained and lack the creative right brain. No problem. If you possess a special talent for breeding or caring for certain animals, there's a niche for you. With some due diligence, you can carve your piece of the market pie and earn some sweet cash.

GREEN THUMB

If you enjoy gardening and have the green thumb acumen for growing specialty flowers (we never heard of Day Lilies but I'm sure we've probably seen them in arrangements), you can make your grass greener by tapping into your talents.

Read the full article for the necessary skills, potential markets and areas of growth for each of these six hobbies that can supplement your income.

If you already embarked on one of these ventures or are starting--SHARE YOUR STORY, BY POSTING A COMMENT. What works? Did you have a mentor? How did you get the word out?

For some inspiration, remember how Martha Stewart started her empire--in the basement of her home! She and a former modeling colleague, started a catering business in 1976. The rest is history!

Does Your Car Hold Value?

2008-08-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

Does your car hold more than gas and synthetic oil? Does it retain value over the years? We all know that cars are a luxury and not an investment as they lose value with purchase--at least in most parts of the world. If you buy a car, do you ever consider how long you want to keep it?Until hub caps fall off or get swiped? When it reaches a magic mileage number? When the automatic sunroof becomes a manual operation? I wonder if car buyers ever calculate the average cost of maintenance over the years (based on how long they plan to keep it) and the estimated value when they're ready to sell it vs. what they paid for the car.

In the Grecco household, we normally keep a car until the engine is huffing and puffing beyond the chitty-chitty bang-bang stage (a classic children's movie). Thankfully we know good mechanics in Minnesota for major repairs and my husband John has always tended to regular maintenance. Our family has a Toyota Camry--it's the perfect family size car--roomy, comfortable, plenty of trunk storage, good gas mileage, not ridiculously large like SUVs, and at the time was considered a "Value Holder". We were surprised not to see it listed in the

"10 Best and 10 Worst cars to hold their value". But I'm confident when the time comes, it will sell easily if we continue to take excellent care.

How does your car fare? Did you recently sell a car? Share your story here by POSTING A COMMENT! Go ahead!

"Hidden" eBay Auctions

2008-08-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

Attention eBay lovers in U.S., Australia, Canada, UK, Italy, France, Netherlands

Have we got a tip for you! The ever popular eBay has some deals. Yes, even better than the ones listed. What do we mean? Often deals are deep discounted because they didn't auction or sell fast. Why didn't they sell fast? That's because many times the vendor misspelled a word in the title and in the description of the item. Not everyone is a marketer, proofreader, or regular vendor on eBay.

eBay's own built-in search function can only check for correct spellings. This site employs a special program to check for misspelled brand names, and other words for eBay auctions and items. Give it a whirl if you love to shop on eBay!

Happy bargain hunting!

See How Americans Spent their Economic Stimulus Check!

2008-08-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

Since this blog is all about money and how to spend, save, invest...we think you'll really enjoy this one. In our research, we came across a very interesting blog site for Americans and U.S. residents to share their story on how they spent their gift from Uncle Sam. The stories range from wads of cash spent on weddings & honeymoons, to paying down debts, to vacations within the U.S. and abroad. It would appear based on this site that most Americans reinvested that money back into the U.S. economy. Many spent their check for something they have wanted or needed for some time now.

A few heart-string tugs included one reader who received the check from Uncle Sam in time to travel to the funeral of another Uncle in the immediate family.

Below, Mauren Antkowski traveled to Granada, Nicaragua as a volunteer to teach art classes on behalf of Building New Hope (http://www.buildingnewhope.org/). Now that is inspiration.

One grad student, with no health insurance and high debt, spent it on an i-Phone. She needs Suze Oreman not Uncle Sam!

Christine spent hers on her first flatscreen TV. She thinks she's the last American to get one.

For the Grecco family, the money means we can take a family vacation this summer and perhaps venture outside of Minnesota.

The site allows you to post a picture, a title, and a brief paragraph to tell your story.
Christine is going to dress up as Vanna White to show off her new TV. Always the marketing queen...

How did you spend your economic stimulus check from Uncle Sam? To our international readers, President Bush passed this act to boost the economy. Essentially many residents received money back either $300 or $600 depending on income and number of dependents. Does your country ever pass similar acts? If it were to do the same, how would you spend it?

Tell us by leaving a COMMENT!

12 Ways to Make Your Home a Cash Cow

2008-06-23T18:29:00.001-07:00

Whether you live in a rancher, or a house with white picket fence in the suburb or a condominium in a hustling city, there's a tip for everyone. The one that caught Christine's attention is a Hollywood closeup. Not for her, but her condo could appear in a commercial or film!

From Christine: Yes siree. I recall as a marketing manager for a food chain company, working on sets for filming commercials. On several occasions we used someone's home to film family shots in the living room or dining room. The owners of the home earned several THOUSAND dollars for a 24 hour period. Not bad for a non-day's work.

Take pictures of the inside and outside of your house and the surrounding area and views. What you may think is boring or useless could prove to be picture-perfect for a movie. Nowadays we hear the gloom and doom of new condominiums, especially in Miami, where the number of foreclosures is so high, the remaining residents are forced to pay higher maintenance fees to pay for their neighbor's misfortune. That's the downside of a condominium. However, many of these buildings are located right in the heart of downtown overlooking scenic Biscayne Bay. Taking many semi-professional photographs and sending them out to local and state film offices, may win them the filming lottery.

At Pollo Tropical we also set up filming camp in the parking lot of a church to park our vans and equipment while filming on the street in front of the church lined with palm trees. We made a sizable "donation" to the church. That's another idea. So if your church is in need of some dire funds--advise your pastor or church leader to sign them up with your local or state film office. Sending them to local advertising agencies or production companies is also another great idea. Remember advertising agencies and filming companies turn to production companies to do all the legwork. Click here for more Home-Generating Cash tips. Happy Cow Cashing!

Eight EASY Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill this Summer!

2008-06-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some great, easy tips from SmartMoney.com to start reducing your electric bill as the heat waves approach your home.

With summer finally kicking into gear across the country, you can almost hear the gentle hum of air conditioners ratcheting up. And with it, climbs home energy bills.

These days, the average household spends $1,900 annually on energy (based on electricity and gas usage), according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). But much of that, say energy conservationists, is money wasted.

The good news: Cutting back doesn't mean you need to be a tree-hugging naturalist, suffering stoically as you read by candlelight. These days, you can do right by the environment and your pocketbook—without any major lifestyle sacrifices. In fact, by taking some relatively painless steps, you can cut your bills by one-third or more.

Here are eight easy ways to save this summer (including a few tips that will work year-round).

Turn $451 a month into a Million Bucks

2008-06-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

With a shaky economy and news 24/7 about difficult times, the plummeting housing market, loss of jobs, there's an equal number of financial tips and suggestions to not only help you keep head above water, but even plans suggesting you CAN be a millionaire by retirement. If you're in your 20's and 30's it's definitely possible. Not necessarily easy but possible.

As Blog Sisters, we enjoy reading these "tips" during our research to see if we have it on our list, or already have followed it as part of our financial discipline. The trick in all this is similar to attempting to lose weight or body fat--creating a plan, making gradual changes and solidifying those changes into permanent habits. Yes, it's all about discipline and PRIORITIES.

In the U.S., at least, we lived in a highly commercialized world--the pressure to keep up with the Jones', getting the latest technology (wii's and flatscreen TVs, iphones, etc), spending more on credit than we have in the bank and swimming in mounting debt--this is American culture. It's also preventing many Americans from planning for retirement.

We know many people of all ages with different approaches and spending habits. You have the traditional, straightforward Accountant "a penny saved is a penny earned", the clever financier who knows how to make that penny multiply through investments (both high and low risks), the young person who thinks he's immortal and buys the shiny new Mustang, with pimped out rims, and spends more on his car and club/bar hopping than on his school books. "Retirement" is as realistic to a 25 year-old as living on planet Mars.

Nevertheless, we would like to encourage any of you (alias can be used to protect identities) to share your success or failures as learning lessons for the rest of us. As an amateur dabbler in the stock market, Christine would love to learn more helpful tips to expand on her basic Motley Fool approach. So far she's done well but ready to take it the next level.

Alicia has been very successful and luckily sold stocks before the market turned, hence it's now part of her income.

PLEASE SHARE YOUR STORY by leaving a comment here (at the bottom of this post). Or you can send us an email directly to blog.sisters@yahoo.com.

So here's one tip we found that makes sense. If you can follow these tips, the trick is to automatically set that money aside before spending it on a new car (when the one you have runs well or new flatscreen TV). First things first, PAY OFF CREDIT CARD DEBT.

Then here's a good starting point to plan for your retirement. Turn $451 a month into a Million Bucks from Kiplinger.com.