Growing up, the day after Christmas was as a big of a shopping day as Black Friday. Not only can you get great deals on Christmas things, but many other items lumped in with "seasonal" or "holiday" including candles, candy, and all sorts of items classified as gift items. I've scored bath kits, grilling tools, and all sort of other goodies during after Christmas sales just because the items were included in the gift section.
Ready to update your stockings? Do you typically give ornaments as gifts? Do you send out holiday cards every year? Running low on gift wrap? This is the best time to stock up and store away those items for next year. You'll get major savings and be thrilled next year to have a few people already marked off of your shopping list.
Happy Holidays and Happy Post-Holiday Savings!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Friday, December 27, 2013
Uber - A New Way to Get Around
Within the last few years, I heard about Uber. Started as a sedan service, it brings additional convenience by letting you order the car from their mobile app with a network of drivers, often resulting in much shorter wait times. As someone who prefers to take public transportation when possible to save, I was a little skeptical about the value.
Evidently, I wasn't the only one. Uber then launched UberX - an additional fleet of drivers and hybid/midsize cars to provide an option that is less expensive than cabs.
I had a promo code and decided to give it a try when we went to my boyfriend's holiday party. The first thing to note is to make sure to slide the bar from "Black Car" to the left for "uberX". When you register and request your first car once you do the text confirmation, you have to do the request again, which was a little confusing (someone else I know faced the same issue as well), but once the request was in, we were alerted that our driver was on his way, given his name and a time estimate. We used Uber again to get to the airport for our recent Christmas travels and it truly was faster, easier, and less expensive than a taxi.
Also, no cash is exchanged. You load your credit card information into the app, and then it charges you and emails your receipt. You can also do a fare estimate before ordering the car, which gives you a range of what the cost might be to help you figure out if you want to order the car or not. Tipping is not expected, as the driver receives the majority of the fare, but you rate your driver after the ride through the app.
Over Christmas, I found out that a family member is driving for UberX in Chicago. He told us that the drivers get 80% of the fares (and get the full money even when the passenger uses a promo code) and it's a great side gig, especially during "surge" times when fares jump up (this is how he's spending his New Year's Eve, which is how this came up in the first place). The application process was quick and easy. He has a separate phone from them that he can turn on and then is offered a fare when he is the closest person. He then has a limited window (of seconds) to accept it or it goes to the next driver. As long as he takes one fare a month he can remain a driver. Consider checking out driving if you're looking for a new job or a flexible side gig.
Uber is now in over 50 cities and 25 countries. Check out and see if it's available where you live, or where you'll be traveling for work or pleasure. Download the app and use my promo code AVPKL for $10 off your first ride. After that, you'll have your own promo code you can share and new users you refer will get $10 off their first ride and you'll get $10 in credit when they use it as well.
Evidently, I wasn't the only one. Uber then launched UberX - an additional fleet of drivers and hybid/midsize cars to provide an option that is less expensive than cabs.
I had a promo code and decided to give it a try when we went to my boyfriend's holiday party. The first thing to note is to make sure to slide the bar from "Black Car" to the left for "uberX". When you register and request your first car once you do the text confirmation, you have to do the request again, which was a little confusing (someone else I know faced the same issue as well), but once the request was in, we were alerted that our driver was on his way, given his name and a time estimate. We used Uber again to get to the airport for our recent Christmas travels and it truly was faster, easier, and less expensive than a taxi.
Also, no cash is exchanged. You load your credit card information into the app, and then it charges you and emails your receipt. You can also do a fare estimate before ordering the car, which gives you a range of what the cost might be to help you figure out if you want to order the car or not. Tipping is not expected, as the driver receives the majority of the fare, but you rate your driver after the ride through the app.
Over Christmas, I found out that a family member is driving for UberX in Chicago. He told us that the drivers get 80% of the fares (and get the full money even when the passenger uses a promo code) and it's a great side gig, especially during "surge" times when fares jump up (this is how he's spending his New Year's Eve, which is how this came up in the first place). The application process was quick and easy. He has a separate phone from them that he can turn on and then is offered a fare when he is the closest person. He then has a limited window (of seconds) to accept it or it goes to the next driver. As long as he takes one fare a month he can remain a driver. Consider checking out driving if you're looking for a new job or a flexible side gig.
Uber is now in over 50 cities and 25 countries. Check out and see if it's available where you live, or where you'll be traveling for work or pleasure. Download the app and use my promo code AVPKL for $10 off your first ride. After that, you'll have your own promo code you can share and new users you refer will get $10 off their first ride and you'll get $10 in credit when they use it as well.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Target - Savings For Now & Savings Later
I've always been a big fan of Target. Well priced household products, cute clothes, and great gift items make it true one stop shopping. I've also learned from an inside source that their grocery items are sold basically at cost as way of getting people in the door. Since then, I browse that area and always pick up at least a few things (earlier this week I snagged Progresso light soups for $1.50 each there).
It was released yesterday that after the credit card data breach, Target is offering 10% off to all customers today and tomorrow. http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/20/news/companies/target-credit-hack/
Great timing for last minute Christmas shopping or just stocking up on essentials. Recently, I learned how to maximize savings at Target with their free cartwheel app. You browse through deals and then can add a certain number of them to your virtual cart.
After my first trip using the app, I wasn't super impressed. My savings with it were under $1.00. However, after using it once, you get an extra spot in your virtual cart and then deals begin to be customized to you based on what you buy.
 |
| Merona® Women's Oxford Blazer - Assorted Colors |
To recap - go to Target this weekend for 10% off everything today and tomorrow. Download the cartwheel app, and be patient with the deals and savings. They get better with time. Happy shopping and happy saving!
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Volunteering - Give a Little, Get a Lot
Ok, this post title is cheesy, I admit it. However, I honestly believe it is completely accurate so I'm keeping it. Thanksgiving weekend was first weekend I can remember that hasn't included at least one day of volunteering, if not two. I've volunteered for a number of great organizations recently, but I only took pictures at one event this past month, so that' s the one I'm posting about!
The Corcoran Gallery of Art is an art gallery in Washington DC with a focus on education. Contemporary American art and artists have always been a focus for the Corcoran. I volunteered regularly for two years as a docent at the Corcoran through The Junior League of Washington. While I tranistioned to a different volunteer placement, I was excited to see an opportunity to volunteer at Corcoran Community Day. The family events and workshops for kids were always my favorite parts of being a docent.
At this event, I worked in one of the workshops, helping kids create catfish out of recycled materials, including water bottles. Inspired by Mia Feuer, an artist featured in NOW at the Corcoran whose work often depicts people's impact on the environment, we educated visitors about how people have polluted the Anacostia River to the point where catfish have been contaminated so badly that they should not be eaten. We had a staff member from the Anacostia River Project there educating people as well.
I had to make a model before the workshop started. Here it is:
I was pretty satisfied considering I can't remember the last time I did anything crafty. One little girl seemed to like it, as she wanted to take it home instead of hers. (I would have been cool with it, but her mom said no :) )
I had a great time working with and meeting families with kids ranging from toddlers to teenagers. It was awesome to see so many families taking advantage of this FREE community day, and really just being good parents trying to educate their kids.
One little friend I spent a lot of time with was Noah. Noah is an aspiring artist, and really had a great time. He showed me some of his artwork from home that he carried with him in his backpack. Superheros seemed to be his specialty, but he made a pretty awesome catfish.
The brightly colored electrical tape was a cool medium. Also, note that Noah's mom was cool with me taking his picture and I only asked (or even thought to take one) after she asked if she could take pictures and took a bunch of Noah and me together. What a cool little guy.
Anyways, to keep these posts somewhat informative, I encourage all of you to volunteer. It's free entertainment, and it makes you feel so good to be able to be part of something good.
The Corcoran Gallery of Art is an art gallery in Washington DC with a focus on education. Contemporary American art and artists have always been a focus for the Corcoran. I volunteered regularly for two years as a docent at the Corcoran through The Junior League of Washington. While I tranistioned to a different volunteer placement, I was excited to see an opportunity to volunteer at Corcoran Community Day. The family events and workshops for kids were always my favorite parts of being a docent.
At this event, I worked in one of the workshops, helping kids create catfish out of recycled materials, including water bottles. Inspired by Mia Feuer, an artist featured in NOW at the Corcoran whose work often depicts people's impact on the environment, we educated visitors about how people have polluted the Anacostia River to the point where catfish have been contaminated so badly that they should not be eaten. We had a staff member from the Anacostia River Project there educating people as well.
I had to make a model before the workshop started. Here it is:
I was pretty satisfied considering I can't remember the last time I did anything crafty. One little girl seemed to like it, as she wanted to take it home instead of hers. (I would have been cool with it, but her mom said no :) )
I had a great time working with and meeting families with kids ranging from toddlers to teenagers. It was awesome to see so many families taking advantage of this FREE community day, and really just being good parents trying to educate their kids.
One little friend I spent a lot of time with was Noah. Noah is an aspiring artist, and really had a great time. He showed me some of his artwork from home that he carried with him in his backpack. Superheros seemed to be his specialty, but he made a pretty awesome catfish.
The brightly colored electrical tape was a cool medium. Also, note that Noah's mom was cool with me taking his picture and I only asked (or even thought to take one) after she asked if she could take pictures and took a bunch of Noah and me together. What a cool little guy.
Anyways, to keep these posts somewhat informative, I encourage all of you to volunteer. It's free entertainment, and it makes you feel so good to be able to be part of something good.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Miscellaneous Monday - A Selection of Cyber Monday Deals
Happy Cyber Monday, everyone. I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving, and a great weekend. Today is one of those deal days when your inbox is overflowing with email promotions from every company that has your email address, and it can be overwhelming to sort through them all and find the really big deals.
Everyone knows about the big Cyber Monday deals from major retailers like Amazon (who has some great deals today, but I wanted to share a few of my favorite less known deals with you hear.
You can visit http://www.cybermonday.com/ for a comprehensive least of many (most?) of the deals today.
For the Sports Fans (or those shopping for them):
NFL Shop has 15% off everything (except Nike jerseys) and free shipping (no minimum purchase) with the promo code CYBMNNFL. This does combine with other discounts, including their current sale of all T-shirts 15%- 40% off!
MLB Shop has buy one get one 50% on their site today. Read the fine print though, there are a few exclusions.
Fans Edge has 15% off everything and free shipping (no minimum purchase) as well. This is a great source for all sports, including college.
Other Favorites
Say Yes To (Carrots, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, etc.) offers really great natural products. I got their lotion in an event goody bag once, and it was awesome. Today, from 12pm - 2pm you can buy up to two of their products for $2 each! Great to try for yourself or a gift idea.
Lilly Pulitzer has some great gifts with purchase today including a Bow Ring and a tote bag free with any purchase, and a Bow Ring, Bow Bangle, and tote bag free with any purchase of $75 or more. They're also offering $2 gift wrapping which includes a free key chain.
Happy Shopping! Did you score any great deals today? We'd love to hear about them.
Everyone knows about the big Cyber Monday deals from major retailers like Amazon (who has some great deals today, but I wanted to share a few of my favorite less known deals with you hear.
You can visit http://www.cybermonday.com/ for a comprehensive least of many (most?) of the deals today.
For the Sports Fans (or those shopping for them):
NFL Shop has 15% off everything (except Nike jerseys) and free shipping (no minimum purchase) with the promo code CYBMNNFL. This does combine with other discounts, including their current sale of all T-shirts 15%- 40% off!
MLB Shop has buy one get one 50% on their site today. Read the fine print though, there are a few exclusions.
Fans Edge has 15% off everything and free shipping (no minimum purchase) as well. This is a great source for all sports, including college.
Other Favorites
Say Yes To (Carrots, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, etc.) offers really great natural products. I got their lotion in an event goody bag once, and it was awesome. Today, from 12pm - 2pm you can buy up to two of their products for $2 each! Great to try for yourself or a gift idea.
Happy Shopping! Did you score any great deals today? We'd love to hear about them.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Website Wednesday - Black Friday
Just in case any of you haven't discovered this yet, http://blackfriday.com/ is the go to website that compiles all Black Friday ads and deals. You no longer have to go out to get the newspaper to see the deals, like I did growing up! You can search by store or by product with details clear and easy to compare.
There have been a number of news stories lately about how some of the black Friday deals weren't the best deals of the year. I think that goes without saying. Of course, jewelry is going to be slightly cheaper in March when the holidays and Valentine's Day have passed, and of course winter coat prices will bottom out in June. However, if you're in the market for something personally or looking for a holiday gift, this is a great time to do it.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
There have been a number of news stories lately about how some of the black Friday deals weren't the best deals of the year. I think that goes without saying. Of course, jewelry is going to be slightly cheaper in March when the holidays and Valentine's Day have passed, and of course winter coat prices will bottom out in June. However, if you're in the market for something personally or looking for a holiday gift, this is a great time to do it.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Friday, November 15, 2013
Free Thing Friday - CVS
Happy Friday, everyone! This morning I stopped by CVS and I was enticed by the big display near the Coupon Center.
Every good saver who lives near a CVS (or approximately 25 of them, in my case) knows about the merits of CVS Extra Care Rewards. It's a standard rewards program where you swipe your card at every purchase, and then quarterly you get a coupon on your receipt for money to spend at CVS based on how much you spent that quarter.
However, not everyone takes advantage of the new(ish) coupon centers. You scan your rewards card and it prints out customized (or sometimes not customized...) coupons for you to use that day. To me that's worth 60 seconds to see if it's something valuable. Even better, lately they've been enticing people to use the coupon center with an awesome coupon that everyone gets for a product for free or close to free. I've gotten a brand name 2-liter of soda for less than 50 cents, and today, the deal at this location was for Extra Strength Pain Relief Capsules (ie generic Tylenol) for free ($4.99 off the item which is $4.99). Totally worth a minute of my time.
Check out the coupon center on your next trip, or stop by a CVS when you're nearby. It's worth popping in to see if they have this (or another) free offer.
Every good saver who lives near a CVS (or approximately 25 of them, in my case) knows about the merits of CVS Extra Care Rewards. It's a standard rewards program where you swipe your card at every purchase, and then quarterly you get a coupon on your receipt for money to spend at CVS based on how much you spent that quarter.
However, not everyone takes advantage of the new(ish) coupon centers. You scan your rewards card and it prints out customized (or sometimes not customized...) coupons for you to use that day. To me that's worth 60 seconds to see if it's something valuable. Even better, lately they've been enticing people to use the coupon center with an awesome coupon that everyone gets for a product for free or close to free. I've gotten a brand name 2-liter of soda for less than 50 cents, and today, the deal at this location was for Extra Strength Pain Relief Capsules (ie generic Tylenol) for free ($4.99 off the item which is $4.99). Totally worth a minute of my time.
Check out the coupon center on your next trip, or stop by a CVS when you're nearby. It's worth popping in to see if they have this (or another) free offer.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Girls Weekend Trip
Where did October go? My apologies for falling off the blogging train (I have at least two readers, since that's how many friends mentioned to me that they missed my posts - thanks friends!). October was a great month, but a busy one with two travel weekends, a close friend's wedding, and a birthday celebration.
Through all of these trips and events, I didn't deprive myself, but I made deliberate decisions to make sure my finances didn't take a huge hit. The point of this blog is to explain how I'm able to live comfortably and happily within my means on a not huge salary and how everyone can do the same.
My best friend from growing up is super woman. She works full time, is an amazing mom to three, keeps her house spotless, and managed to get in great shape on top of all of this. Needless to say, there's some stress that comes with that schedule. Both of us were feeling this summer like we could really use a mini life break, and we live across the country from each other now and don't get to see each other as much as we would like, so we booked a weekend trip to Columbus, Ohio on somewhat of a whim.
Since we've both gotten into running these past few years (hilarious because we were the ones in gym class who thought running the mile was cruel and unusual punishment), and decided to do the Run Like a Girl 10k in Columbus. Other than that, we pretty much had no plans.
We had such a great weekend, and it was exactly what we needed. We stayed up late Friday night after getting in just talking sleepover style instead of forcing ourselves to go to sleep like responsible adults. Saturday we ran the race (and my friend had a 10k PR!), did a little shopping, and then ended up hanging out in the hotel room eating pizza (we discovered Donatos, which was amazing) and having a few drinks. It was seriously one of the best weekends ever.
How did we keep this trip reasonable from a cost perspective?
1. Used hotel points for the room
Tip - register for the rewards program any time you stay in a hotel or fly on an airplane. They add up. Consider getting a credit or debit card that gives you hotel points or miles (my credit card is linked to my favorite hotel chain).
2. Saved a little with a promo code for a discount on the race registration fee.
Tip - when there is a promo code box, take a minute to search for a code. Usually, it pays off, and it feels like such a win when it does.
3. Remembered what was important to us. Our goal was just to spend time together, just us, relaxing so that was the focus. The first night when we got in, we ate at Wendy's, and basically closed out the place. That was all that was right by our hotel, but we enjoyed the experience as much as if we would have found a real restaurant (no offense, Wendy's - we love you!). We took time to see Columbus, and listened to friend recommendations and hit up Jeni's for ice cream on our last day - totally worth the trip, and totally had ice cream for lunch:)
Tip - just because you're traveling doesn't have to mean going out to expensive meals all of the time. Make a big expense deliberate, even when you're traveling.
4. Always had deals handy. We ended up having lunch at TGI Fridays for lunch on Saturday, and I realized I had credit through their Give me More Stripes Rewards Program which I joined in college, and rarely use. We saved $8 on our lunch!
Tip - when possible keep your deals loaded through apps on your phone so they're always available.
5. Timing is everything. We considered going to the casino there on Saturday night, but because a round trip cab was going to be very pricey we decided to just stop by to see it on Sunday, when we could drive ourselves because we wouldn't be drinking at the casino.
Tip - keep in mind that you can adjust your schedule to do everything you want, and a few adjustments can mean big savings.
The icing on the cake? When I checked in at the airport for my return flight, it was overbooked. I immediately went to the gate agent once I got through security to see if they needed volunteers and what the new itinerary would be, and I was routed on different flights, getting me in earlier than my original flight schedule, and a $150 flight voucher richer:) It's always worth asking what the option for volunteers is when a flight is overbooked. I did get especially lucky on that one though.
Through all of these trips and events, I didn't deprive myself, but I made deliberate decisions to make sure my finances didn't take a huge hit. The point of this blog is to explain how I'm able to live comfortably and happily within my means on a not huge salary and how everyone can do the same.
My best friend from growing up is super woman. She works full time, is an amazing mom to three, keeps her house spotless, and managed to get in great shape on top of all of this. Needless to say, there's some stress that comes with that schedule. Both of us were feeling this summer like we could really use a mini life break, and we live across the country from each other now and don't get to see each other as much as we would like, so we booked a weekend trip to Columbus, Ohio on somewhat of a whim.
Since we've both gotten into running these past few years (hilarious because we were the ones in gym class who thought running the mile was cruel and unusual punishment), and decided to do the Run Like a Girl 10k in Columbus. Other than that, we pretty much had no plans.
We had such a great weekend, and it was exactly what we needed. We stayed up late Friday night after getting in just talking sleepover style instead of forcing ourselves to go to sleep like responsible adults. Saturday we ran the race (and my friend had a 10k PR!), did a little shopping, and then ended up hanging out in the hotel room eating pizza (we discovered Donatos, which was amazing) and having a few drinks. It was seriously one of the best weekends ever.
 |
| Run Like a Girl 10k - Great, well run new race with a sparkly medal and other great giveaways. |
How did we keep this trip reasonable from a cost perspective?
1. Used hotel points for the room
Tip - register for the rewards program any time you stay in a hotel or fly on an airplane. They add up. Consider getting a credit or debit card that gives you hotel points or miles (my credit card is linked to my favorite hotel chain).
2. Saved a little with a promo code for a discount on the race registration fee.
Tip - when there is a promo code box, take a minute to search for a code. Usually, it pays off, and it feels like such a win when it does.
3. Remembered what was important to us. Our goal was just to spend time together, just us, relaxing so that was the focus. The first night when we got in, we ate at Wendy's, and basically closed out the place. That was all that was right by our hotel, but we enjoyed the experience as much as if we would have found a real restaurant (no offense, Wendy's - we love you!). We took time to see Columbus, and listened to friend recommendations and hit up Jeni's for ice cream on our last day - totally worth the trip, and totally had ice cream for lunch:)
Tip - just because you're traveling doesn't have to mean going out to expensive meals all of the time. Make a big expense deliberate, even when you're traveling.
4. Always had deals handy. We ended up having lunch at TGI Fridays for lunch on Saturday, and I realized I had credit through their Give me More Stripes Rewards Program which I joined in college, and rarely use. We saved $8 on our lunch!
Tip - when possible keep your deals loaded through apps on your phone so they're always available.
5. Timing is everything. We considered going to the casino there on Saturday night, but because a round trip cab was going to be very pricey we decided to just stop by to see it on Sunday, when we could drive ourselves because we wouldn't be drinking at the casino.
Tip - keep in mind that you can adjust your schedule to do everything you want, and a few adjustments can mean big savings.
The icing on the cake? When I checked in at the airport for my return flight, it was overbooked. I immediately went to the gate agent once I got through security to see if they needed volunteers and what the new itinerary would be, and I was routed on different flights, getting me in earlier than my original flight schedule, and a $150 flight voucher richer:) It's always worth asking what the option for volunteers is when a flight is overbooked. I did get especially lucky on that one though.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Not "Just For The Taste of It"
The theme of this post is basically that doing little things can result in big savings. I love points. Hotel points, airline miles, give me an opportunity to earn them and I'm there and tracking. This has resulted in rarely paying for hotel rooms and often avoiding high air fares by using miles. Those should really be two other posts, but this one is about a less utilized source of points by most people. Coke Points. My coke rewards, if we're being formal.
To encourage loyalty, all Coke products have a code in the cap (for bottles) or on the cardboard (for packs of cans). I got into saving and tracking these in college with my then roommate (who is an amazing deal finder and saver) and still close friend. In the rewards catalog at that time, there was this red ball gown we joked about saving for.
While the dress sadly disappeared from the catalog, never to be worn by either of us, we have both gotten a number of great things we would have paid for otherwise. I've gotten numerous magazine subscriptions - I used to order Oprah's O magazine every year for my mom, and I currently have Real Simple. I have gotten a $10 livenation.com voucher which I applied towards concert tickets I was already buying. I have gotten Nike giftcards and free movie tickets. All just for the limited amount of time it takes to enter those codes.
A lot of people don't think entering codes for things is worth it. I completely understand that time is valuable. However, all it takes is a few minutes (often while watching tv) to enter in the pile of codes that have accumulated. In return I've saved money by getting things for free I would have paid for otherwise. I encourage you to visit mycokerewards.com and give it a try.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Website Wednesday - Retail Me Not
I don't know about you, but my one of my pet peeves is making a purchase online and seeing a promo code or coupon code box and having nothing to input into it, knowing that I'm missing out on a saving opportunity.
Typically in this event, I'll google "Company X promo code" and see what I can get. One great consolidated resource is Retail Me Not. This site is the most comprehensive list I've found of current promo codes for a variety of retailers. You can search by store or just view the top deals of the day (currently 15% off at Kate Spade, 20% off at Old Navy, and 20% off at Bed, Bath, & Beyond just to name a few) or enter the retailer you're looking for in the search field. They have a list of deal options from a number of stores including the overall success rate by users.
There is a separate section for all free shipping deals, printable in store coupons, and printable grocery coupons that can be searched by category.
Next time you stumble across a promo code box, and have nothing to enter, give Retail Me Not a quick visit and see if you can get in on whatever deal opportunities are out there.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Pottery Barn Deal- 15% Off
Investing in quality pieces can actually save money in the long run. Pottery Barn is a great place to do just that. They currently have a special where you can get 15% off everything online from now through Thursday, September 19 , including sale items, with Promo Code 4WPF-66QV-X8NT.
Here are a few of my dream items:
Here are a few of my dream items:
PEARCE UPHOLSTERED LEFT-ARM 2-PIECE SECTIONAL WITH CHAISE, DOWN-BLEND WRAP CUSHIONS, EVERYDAYSUEDE™ in NUTMEG
A good couch can really make a living room. I miss my old roommate's sectional, and this one is one is classic and comfortable.
GABRIELLA TIERED PLATTER STAND
This would be great for entertaining.
REED RUG IN STONE
I like how has both a modern and a classic look at the same time.
I'll likely hold off on purchases this time, but it's still fun to look and get ideas. If you've had your eye on something and planned for it in your budget, this is the time to go for it with the extra 15% off.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Redbox Deal and This Is 40
Friday night was a redbox and dinner at home kind of night. Redbox by design is a great source of super low cost entertainment. $1.20 for a movie instead of spending $12 per person for tickets speaks for itself. However, the deal gets even better when it's free.
There are a number of promo codes floating around out there. DVDONME has worked for me in the past for a free rental. You can use it once per credit/debit card. Since I've already used it for all of my cards and my boyfriend's cards as well, I did a little hunting for new codes. I found a large list and tried a few of them with no avail, but then entered the next one DVDNIGHT and it worked like a charm - free movie!
My chosen selection was This Is 40. I went with my boyfriend's pick for last time, and thought this movie looked hilarious. He was hesitant because the Rotten Tomatoes rating was so bad, but we figured for free we had nothing to lose.
Overall? Mixed opinions. Pros: Great cast, some hilarious one liners, and awesome cameo by the Philadelphia Flyers. Cons: An uncomfortable amount of tension in the majority of scenes and too many subplots that weren't completely developed.
It was entertaining, and a good movie to just rent (especially for free) instead of seeing in the theatres.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Bargain Beauty Products from e.l.f.
A great source for inexpensive cosmetics is e.l.f. (eyes lips face). Their prices are amazing. Sure, I have a number of tried and true products that I continue to buy from pricier places, but for basics or trying something different, this is a great place to go. Some of my favorites from there are:
This is a good classic foundation brush, and priced at $3. I always go with the studio collection as opposed to their regular brushes. They are more durable, and a little more expensive, if you can even call $3 expensive:)
This is a new find from my last order. It's great to use as a finishing touch on top of your makeup or to keep in your bag in the warmer months for a quick fix if you feel like you might get the dreaded shiny look. It is also priced at $3.
Right now in honor of New York Fashion Week, with every $30 purchase you get the special catwalk collection set (a $30 value) included for free with the code CATWALK.
Valid through 9/9.
Set includes: Beauty School Essential 6 Piece Brush Set
Studio High Definition Powder in Translucent
Studio Pout Perfecter
Studio Makeup Remover Pen
Studio Makeup Mist and Set
Studio HD Blush in Diva
Essential Travel Mirror
Essential Shine Eraser
Studio High Definition Powder in Translucent
Studio Pout Perfecter
Studio Makeup Remover Pen
Studio Makeup Mist and Set
Studio HD Blush in Diva
Essential Travel Mirror
Essential Shine Eraser
There is also free shipping automatically with all orders $35 or more.
Happy shopping!
Happy shopping!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Labor Day Staycation
I hope that everyone had a great Labor Day weekend. Mine was filled with a nice dinner out (yes, actually with a deal voucher), pool time, grilling, and an adventure with some work friends. I considered a weekend trip away, but ended up going with the staycation model, and it was great. There was no travel expense or travel stress, and we were able to relax and treat it like a real vacation, while still doing the normal things (go to the grocery store, go to the gym) that I often feel behind on when I get back from a trip.
This was a great reminder that any weekend can feel truly relaxing when you get your to-do list done in advance (or most of it at least), and can focus most of the weekend truly enjoying the break with deliberate relaxation with people you want to spend time with.
I considered doing some Labor Day deal shopping, but ended up taking a pass. The h.h. gregg ad was tempting though. Their sale is actually extended through September 7 if you're in the market for appliances or electronics. Updating my kitchen is on my to-do list, but it's such a big expense and overall project that I've been putting it off. Had I gotten the measure done in advance, I would be jumping all over their prices. I am going to save the print ad and see how the prices compare to their holiday weekend deals the next few months.
Happy September!
This was a great reminder that any weekend can feel truly relaxing when you get your to-do list done in advance (or most of it at least), and can focus most of the weekend truly enjoying the break with deliberate relaxation with people you want to spend time with.
I considered doing some Labor Day deal shopping, but ended up taking a pass. The h.h. gregg ad was tempting though. Their sale is actually extended through September 7 if you're in the market for appliances or electronics. Updating my kitchen is on my to-do list, but it's such a big expense and overall project that I've been putting it off. Had I gotten the measure done in advance, I would be jumping all over their prices. I am going to save the print ad and see how the prices compare to their holiday weekend deals the next few months.
Happy September!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Beauty Deal for DC Ladies
Given all of this, I was thrilled to see another deal offer come out for Blowout Bar, this time through The Capitol Deal. A blowout voucher is available for $20 and you can buy up to two for yourself and up to two for friends. Click here for the direct link.
This is a great special treat before a big night out or even just a nice pick me up. The salon is new, which is likely why they're running the deals now, so I'm stocking up now. Check them out and let me know what you think!
Friday, August 23, 2013
Free Money Friday - Capital One 360
It's time for another Free Money Friday! First and foremost, thanks to everyone for the support and positive feedback on this new blogging adventure. I've only rolled this out to a limited group at this point, but have gotten a number of really kind responses. I appreciate all of you! One that sticks with me is a friend who told me that the blog was great, that I am so good at this stuff, and he wishes he were. I responded that he can be. That's the whole point of this. Anyone can do this stuff, and I want to make it even easier for everyone. You don't have to be a financial genius, you just need to be aware of things and keep it on your mind.
Now, it's time for the free money of the week:) Many years ago (when CD interest rates where around 5.5%, sigh....), my sister introduced me to INGdirect. They offered great interest rates on savings accounts and CDs, and the online site linked easily to any checking account for easy, quick transfers back and forth. In 2012, INGdirect was merged into Capital One, becoming Capital One 360. The name is different, but everything else is the same.
Through my referral link, you can get your hands on some free money:
The link will show you the account options and your bonuses, but just to give an overview of the bonus amounts and account types:
The referral offer doesn't have an expiration date, but I always recommend taking advantage of these opportunities quickly because you never know how long they'll keep the offers open for.
Visit CapitalOne360 for more information. Happy Free Money Friday!
Now, it's time for the free money of the week:) Many years ago (when CD interest rates where around 5.5%, sigh....), my sister introduced me to INGdirect. They offered great interest rates on savings accounts and CDs, and the online site linked easily to any checking account for easy, quick transfers back and forth. In 2012, INGdirect was merged into Capital One, becoming Capital One 360. The name is different, but everything else is the same.
Through my referral link, you can get your hands on some free money:
The link will show you the account options and your bonuses, but just to give an overview of the bonus amounts and account types:
- $25 bonus for opening a savings account. "No fees, no minimums, and no need to change banks." I have a savings account with them, and right now the interest is .75% APY which is better than either of my CDs! Their rates are continuously competitive. Check out www.bankrate.com to see how interest rates for savings accounts (and anything else!) compare.
- $50 bonus for opening a checking account. "No fees and no minimums."
- For those with kids, $25 bonus for opening kids savings accounts. "No fees, no minimums, and kids get their own sign-in information." I love this! What a great way to start kids on the right track with money.
The referral offer doesn't have an expiration date, but I always recommend taking advantage of these opportunities quickly because you never know how long they'll keep the offers open for.
Visit CapitalOne360 for more information. Happy Free Money Friday!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
A Fresh Take On Budgeting
Because I've always been conservative with money, for years I never laid out a budget. I was putting a significant portion of my income into savings each month, so I didn't see a need. Then I discovered www.mint.com. This site is amazing.
You link each of your accounts (it's safe, I promise - https://www.mint.com/how-it-works/security/) and set up a budget with spending amounts for each category. (Have no fear - these can always be adjusted later.) Each month, it codes the transactions for you (but you can adjust them to code the restaurant expense that was actually happy hour to "alcohol" or the Bed, Bath, & Beyond wedding gift from home purchases to "gifts"). You can also set up goals which you can track along the way.
I'm obsessed. I really like knowing exactly where my money goes each month. While I can notice trends like "Wow, I've been eating out a lot", it's a whole different level of accuracy having things all laid out there. It also tabulates your net worth, and updates all of your accounts in real time. This saves me from opening my stock account, my savings account, my cds, etc. and adding them all up to see where I am. One login and boom, there it all is.
For people who are struggling with their savings goals, this tool can be invaluable. I've had a number of friends start to use the site and then marvel at how they had no idea how much they were spending on a particular category (dining out, alcohol, entertainment, even just things like convenience store runs can add up exponentially).
I highly suggest giving it a try. It takes very little time to set up and even less to maintain. That being said, it doesn't do anything if you don't look at it. You don't need to monitor every day, but figure out what works for you. Maybe you check things once a week, once a month, or every pay period.
Overall, I think you will see that just having this set up and checking it every once in awhile will really help you stay on track.
You link each of your accounts (it's safe, I promise - https://www.mint.com/how-it-works/security/) and set up a budget with spending amounts for each category. (Have no fear - these can always be adjusted later.) Each month, it codes the transactions for you (but you can adjust them to code the restaurant expense that was actually happy hour to "alcohol" or the Bed, Bath, & Beyond wedding gift from home purchases to "gifts"). You can also set up goals which you can track along the way.
I'm obsessed. I really like knowing exactly where my money goes each month. While I can notice trends like "Wow, I've been eating out a lot", it's a whole different level of accuracy having things all laid out there. It also tabulates your net worth, and updates all of your accounts in real time. This saves me from opening my stock account, my savings account, my cds, etc. and adding them all up to see where I am. One login and boom, there it all is.
For people who are struggling with their savings goals, this tool can be invaluable. I've had a number of friends start to use the site and then marvel at how they had no idea how much they were spending on a particular category (dining out, alcohol, entertainment, even just things like convenience store runs can add up exponentially).
I highly suggest giving it a try. It takes very little time to set up and even less to maintain. That being said, it doesn't do anything if you don't look at it. You don't need to monitor every day, but figure out what works for you. Maybe you check things once a week, once a month, or every pay period.
Overall, I think you will see that just having this set up and checking it every once in awhile will really help you stay on track.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Summer Reading without Summer Spending
I don't know about you, but I always find myself reading more in the summer. It's not even that I necessarily have any more free time, but that I always have a number of weekends with days spent lounging at the pool with a good book. I love reading, but I do not love paying full price for books when there are so many other ways to get them for free or at a deep discount.
- FREE - the library! I love the library. I volunteered for two years at my local library for two hours each Sunday just because I am such a supporter of what libraries do and are. Friends and I joke that for part of a friend's upcoming wedding, I need to pay her library fines (approximately $8, I believe, less than even the cost of one book!) so she can get her card back. My local library is amazing. When I hear of a book I want to read, I simply go online and put the book on hold. If it's available, I can pick it up right away. If all copies are checked out or if it's so new that it's still on order, they will put me in the waiting list and email me when my hold is available. Check to see if your local library offers these services. Many libraries (including mine) also offer ebooks as well as DVD rentals and CDs (ie how I got my entire playlist for my half marathon for free).
- FREE - book swap with friends! This can be a formal event or an informal "hey, can I browse your bookshelf for something I can borrow?" Most readers love to share books. Just be a good borrower and return the book (in the same condition you got it) when you're done.
- Very cheap - Thrift stores. Obviously, this isn't the go to for the new best seller you're eyeing, but for a few books to bring on a trip, this is the way to go. I seriously can't remember a time in the last few years when I bought a book that wasn't a gift for someone at anywhere other than Goodwill. The books are typically under a dollar, and the money goes to job training and helping people find employment - a win all around in my book (no pun intended.....)
- Cheap - half.com This site isn't just for text books. You can get recently released books at a discount, and slightly older books very cheap - ie The Hunger Games paperback in Very Good Condition for 75 cents or brand new for $2.66.
- Discounted - If 1 -4 don't work for the book you're after, I encourage you to still not pay full price. Amazon has discounted new and used books (not just text books!) Discount stores and warehouse stores offer a discount off the cover price both in store and online.
Happy Summer Reading! Where are some of your favorite places to get books?
Friday, August 16, 2013
Free Money Friday - Upromise
What could be better than free things? Free money.
Actual free money.
Upromise – This site is terrific. It’s also completely legit. Created by SallieMae, the idea is to provide
savings/earnings to spend on education, but the money can be used for
absolutely anything! You can earn money
by:
- Shopping online retailers (almost all major ones) through their site and getting a % of the amount you spend back
- Linking credit or debit card, and then getting a % of the amount you spend dining, on travel, and shopping at certain places back.
The money in your account can
either go to pay off student loans, start a 529 College Savings Account (for
you, a child, or anyone else), or get a check from them. I’ve always opted for the check option and
just got one from them for $48.
Sign up with my referral link - http://t.co/qELcGwRkSw and you will get an automatic $5 in your new account. My coworker recently signed up
through me and it worked. Offer is only valid until 9/14/2013 so sign
up soon. There is seriously nothing to
lose. You can learn more about Upromise at
upromise.com, but make sure you sign up through my referral link so you get the
free $5.
Simple little free things can add up quickly, and this one is incredibly easy.
Simple little free things can add up quickly, and this one is incredibly easy.
Sharing the Savings
I have a passion for saving money. I always have. Growing up, getting good deals and finding things on sale was a game I loved to play. In high school, I worked at local restaurant and to the disbelief of my friends, saved that money instead of splurging on a fancy car or little indulgences that add up. I left my small town and headed to Washington DC for college. By working jobs and internships through college and graduating a semester early (as well as scholarship assistance), I managed to pay off all of my college loans upon graduation.
Now in my late 20s, my passion for deals and saving and overall financial well being has served me incredibly well. While working in the nonprofit sector (obviously not the best paying field, but one I truly enjoy), I have managed to build an incredibly strong financial profile. I purchased a condo in 2010 and put 20% down. My excellent credit score got me a great interest rate, and earlier this year I refinanced for an even better one. I have a solid savings, and am ahead of track for my age on retirement investments.
I constantly find myself sharing savings ideas, deals, and opportunities with friends, family, and co-workers. They come to me for help and ideas, and I love to do it.
I also live an incredibly full life. Being financially responsible doesn’t mean being deprived. There are people who prefer to truly live on the minimal amount needed to maximize savings to their fullest, but I support a more balanced approach. It’s what works for me. I’ve thought about starting this blog for quite some time, and I’m finally moving on it. Last weekend, my boyfriend and I went to a comedy show by a celebrity and a major league baseball game and we paid a total of $12 for admission for the two of us combined to both. That was when I told myself I’ve got to start this blog.
This is a streamlined way for me to share ideas for getting great deals and finding free and low cost opportunities for fun with my friends, family, and anyone else who may be interested. Instead of emailing a bunch of people when I find an exciting opportunity, I can just post it here for those who might be interested.
I am not a financial planner, and am not presenting myself as one. I’m simply someone who has always been “good with money” who wants to share the love.
Now in my late 20s, my passion for deals and saving and overall financial well being has served me incredibly well. While working in the nonprofit sector (obviously not the best paying field, but one I truly enjoy), I have managed to build an incredibly strong financial profile. I purchased a condo in 2010 and put 20% down. My excellent credit score got me a great interest rate, and earlier this year I refinanced for an even better one. I have a solid savings, and am ahead of track for my age on retirement investments.
I constantly find myself sharing savings ideas, deals, and opportunities with friends, family, and co-workers. They come to me for help and ideas, and I love to do it.
I also live an incredibly full life. Being financially responsible doesn’t mean being deprived. There are people who prefer to truly live on the minimal amount needed to maximize savings to their fullest, but I support a more balanced approach. It’s what works for me. I’ve thought about starting this blog for quite some time, and I’m finally moving on it. Last weekend, my boyfriend and I went to a comedy show by a celebrity and a major league baseball game and we paid a total of $12 for admission for the two of us combined to both. That was when I told myself I’ve got to start this blog.
This is a streamlined way for me to share ideas for getting great deals and finding free and low cost opportunities for fun with my friends, family, and anyone else who may be interested. Instead of emailing a bunch of people when I find an exciting opportunity, I can just post it here for those who might be interested.
I am not a financial planner, and am not presenting myself as one. I’m simply someone who has always been “good with money” who wants to share the love.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)