I scream, You Scream, We all Scream for (cheap) Ice Cream

I don't know about you, but I could use a pick me up in the middle of this week, and I've found one.

Starting today (April 22 - April 24) Baskin Robbins is hosting Scoopfest! This was the first I've heard of this, which is an annual tradition where all Baskin Robbins stores offer one scoop cones for $1, two scoop cones for $2, and three scoop cones (for the ambitious) for $3.

This is a great way to get a cheap treat with your family, your friends, significant other, or just for you.  Enjoy!

Tax Day Deals

Happy Tax Day!  Whether you filed months ago or are completing your forms last minute today, everyone can benefit from some tax day deals.  For years all types of businesses have used April 15th as an excuse for a marketing promotion, and I say why not?  The more deals the merrier!

Here are a few links to lists of deals from the following sources:

ABC News
DealNews
Forbes
TIME

Some promotions are creative, like Hard Rock Cafe's Sing for Your Supper, where anyone who is willing to publicly sing one of ten songs gets a free entree tonight.

Others require you to download/print a coupon in advance, like Arby's free curly fries - coupon linked here.

High rollers can take advantage of the one day sale on Google Glass for $1500, which still creeps me out no matter how much it costs :)

What deals and promotions did you find today?

Cheap Fix - White Vinegar

A few years ago, while volunteering with a local tour of homes through Junior League, I was a docent in a home where the owners worked to live a life of zero waste.  Their spotless home was cleaned naturally with just white vinegar and baking soda.  Several of the other docents and I marveled at how clean it was, especially with children in their home and no traditional cleaning products.

That should have been enough of an endorsement for me to explore this miracle substance, but, alas, it was not.  However, when I was having issues with my garbage disposal, everything I read directed me to white vinegar.  I decided to give it a try. 

First, put 1/2 cup of baking soda down the disposal, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar.  Immediately after you pour the vinegar, cover the drain with a cloth.  This keeps it from completely bubbling out.  After ten minutes, pour boiling water down to flush out the disposal.

I was amazed at how well it worked, and impressed by the simplicity of it.  After cleaning the garbage disposal and the sink drains, I knew this was a household item I planned to keep in stock. 

I've since then discovered that mixed with baking soda, it makes a great cleaner for glass shower doors.  Also, when my boyfriend's athletic polo shirts still smelled right out of the wash, I was deeply disturbed and googled ideas for how to prevent/fix this. Again, I found white vinegar was the most popular remedy.  You can either pre soak the items in the vinegar or you can add a cup of the vinegar to the laundry load with your regular detergent.  I've found this to be effective, particularly the pre soaking.

What are your favorite cheap cleaning tricks?  Have you used white vinegar?

Miscellaneous Monday

Work has been pretty all consuming these days.  I started to think about what I should blog about today, and I realized that I could just share the intel about the free stuff I got today :)

1. Victoria's Secret - Ladies, sign up for their mailing list.  With a free card in the mail (that expired today), I scored a pair of free underwear (no purchase necessary!)  and I have another one that starts tomorrow. Also, for anyone who shops at Victoria's Secret regularly, check out the discounts on Retail Me Not.  They almost always have good discount codes to use.

2. CVS - I swear the goal was not just to recycle old posts, but I ran to CVS to pick up a few things for a work event tomorrow, and the very helpful cashier told me at the coupon center I could get a free roll of paper towels with my CVS card.  Major win. 

Happy Monday.  I hope you all have a great week.

Free Slurpee at 7-11

Text DIETCOKE to 711-711 for a free small slurpee at 7-11 in honor of the new Cherry Diet Coke flavored slurpees.  You're welcome.  Happy Monday.

Last chance to set up a 2013 Roth IRA & a reason to do so

Have you filed your 2013 taxes?  If not, you can still make a Roth IRA contribution for 2013. My post on saving for retirement outlines some of the benefits of a Roth IRA. However, I missed out on a compelling reason, especially for those who may be hesitant to commit the money. You can withdraw your contributions for any reason with no penalty at any time.  How amazing is that?? You could incur penalties for withdrawing your earnings on that money, but you can withdraw up to the amount you contributed at any point in time, penalty free.  (For full withdrawal rules on earnings, check out this post by the Oblivious Investor.)

Because you can always take out the money you contributed, it makes sense to put as much savings as you can here. Obviously, if possible, it's ideal to leave the money there for retirement and truly maximize the benefit of starting early, but even if you need the money later down the road, you can withdraw some of your contributions and still leave the interest you have earned in the account.  Most importantly, I think this helps alleviate the fear of putting this money away that prevents people from putting money away for retirement.

  

Lancome at Macy's Gift With Purchase

This weekend I scored the Lancome gift with purchase available at Macy's. With only a $35 purchase, you get a wealth of high quality products.  I scored 2oz of Lancome body wash, 2oz of clarifying cleanser, Advanced Genifique concentrate, night lifting and firming cream, mascara, lipstick, and a cosmetic bag, all free.  For my purchase, I went with a basic high quality black eyeliner and a shimmery gold (technically burnt sand) eye shadow.  The splurge on these two products was totally worth it.  They are both staples that will last a long time and are great for every day wear, and are made that much sweeter by the high quality freebies that accompany them.

I have great memories of Lancome, dating back to a childhood trip to New York City to visit my Grandma. My grandma was getting a few products and had them do my makeup and then offered to buy everything they used for me.  Even at that age, I knew that was too generous, but we settled on the lip gloss and I was thrilled.

Visit your local Macy's soon if you're interested.  For the makeup option, they were out of both blushes and one lipstick (good thing I liked the neutral one better anyway!).  Supplies are genuinely limited.

Olive Garden - (More than) two for $25

Sunday we loaded up with groceries for the week, but we felt like something easy and different for dinner.  I suggested Olive Garden and my guy was a good sport and agreed.  I knew there was a 2 for $25 special I had heard advertised, but brought a coupon (not valid with other deals) just in case we didn't see anything we wanted on the special menu.

When we walked in the doors, it was a mad house.  Think crowded bar or club.  Lesson for Olive Garden -put more restaurants in the DC metro area.  The demand is there!  We considered just leaving, but I asked about the wait time just in case.  It was 45 minutes to an hour estimated wait, but we discovered the bar area and surrounding tables were first come and snagged a table there immediately.

After we looked at the menus, I asked my guy if he saw anything he liked on the 2 for $25 menu or if we should order from the regular one, and he said there was no way we could not order from the 2 for $25 based on what a good deal it was.  I'm so proud!

The 2 for $25 menu was really extensive.  Between and soup and breadsticks, we knew we wouldn't need or even want dessert or the small plates, but we opted for the small plates (easier to bring home).

We went with the Chicken Gnocchi and the Zupa Toscana respectively, which were both great.  By the time we had our soups with the breadsticks (what draws me to the Olive Garden in the first place) and a few bites of the crispy risotto balls (I was a fan) and the chicken meatballs (not so much a fan) we were stuffed by the time our entrees came.  We each had a few bites (Parmesan Crusted Chicken for me, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce for him), and then packed up the majority of our entrees as well as the majority of our appetizers.  The bonus?  From past experience, I've learned they will send you home with extra breadsticks with a bag and instructions to reheat them if you ask.  Seriously, the breadsticks are my absolute favorite part so this makes me way too excited.

Anyways, we had a relaxing, tasty, super reasonably priced dinner out (I treated as it was my random craving) AND now have more than enough food for a big dinner tonight.  Thus, 2 for $25 becomes 4 for $25:)

2014 Olympic Games

Once every two years (it used to be once every four years until they split up summer and winter) the world has a great source of free entertainment - the Olympic games.  The summer Olympics tend to get more hype, but the winter Olympics provide enough variety that everyone can at least find a few events they enjoy.

We hosted a somewhat last minute gathering on Friday night for the Socchi Opening Ceremony, and it was a blast.  It was a great way to socialize and celebrate the Olympics.  Despite the technical glitch with the Olympic rings, I thought the ceremony was well done.  It's always fascinating just to see the parade of countries participating and how many athletes are representing each nation.

All of us figure skating fans get a bonus this year with the new team figure skating competition as well as the individual events.  The Olympics are a great opportunity to discover new sports as well.  Mogul skiing was a new one for me this weekend.  It just looks so incredibly challenging that you immediately have an incredible respect for the athletes.

Whether it's having a small party, making a special night for your family, or some enjoyable down time alone, I encourage you not to miss out on the enjoyment of the Olympics this year. 

Website Wednesday - TaskRabbit

Have you heard about TaskRabbit?  This summer I was researching easy ways to save or make money, and I stumbled across an article from CNN Money that praised the site. Background checked (they require your social security number) Task Rabbits are eligible to bid on tasks posted.  Posters can either set a fixed price or let Rabbits make offers.  Rabbits are rated by Posters so Posters have information on past performance when selecting a Rabbit.

Tasks vary and can be skilled or unskilled but often include things like moving furniture, doing minor home repairs, event help, and online data collection.  I joined the site this summer (after extensive research on them before giving them my social security number). All of the tasks I've completed so far have been virtual, but have included reading and reviewing books (discovered a great author that way!), trying and reviewing a beta version of a cell phone game app, and providing feedback for product reviews.  

I've found it to be an easy way to generate some extra money without taking on a part time job.  The screening process makes it safer than Craigslist.  It can also be a great way to get odd jobs done for a reasonable price.  A friend in another city bought a piece of furniture on Craigslist and then found a Task Rabbit with a truck to pick it up and transport it, resulting in big savings for her.

Check it out, and let me know what you think!

Weekend Recap

I hope that everyone had a great weekend.  After another crazy work week for both of us, we stayed in on Friday and took advantage of the Papa John's Superbowl Deal and got a credit for a free pizza for next time.

Saturday was cleaning and starting to train for the two half marathons I'm running this spring.  My boyfriend suggested we see Lone Survivor, which sounded good to me.  In typical saver style, I told him that I had a certificate from Coke Rewards for one AMC Theatres ticket and a soda. When he went to redeem it, they actually gave us both tickets, which was unexpected but appreciated.

When we got to the theater, there were signs that if you text BEST to 242424, they text you back with a certificate for a free small popcorn.  They replied back with it right away, one time use, valid until March 6.  It's an AMC Theatres nationwide promotion, so make sure you take advantage of it if you have an AMC Theatres near you.

We weren't really hungry so we enjoyed our soda and held off on the popcorn, but have it to use for next time.  My boyfriend marveled that the entire movie experience was free.  It's nice when he appreciates my saving ways :)

Lone Survivor was amazing.  I highly recommend it.  The acting was top notch and the story completely draws you in.  The fact that the story is true makes it even more emotional and at times painful to watch. From what I'm told, it was an accurate portrayal of the SEAL culture and overall what happened.  I was in disbelief of the comm failures that took place, but I'm told that sadly those failures are not that uncommon. The film is a great tribute to the brave men of Operation Red Wings and a look into the struggles faced by the heroic men and women of the United States military.

Sunday was errands, cleaning, and then going to our friends' place to watch the Super Bowl.

How was your weekend?

Free Thing Friday - Super Bowl Edition

An occasion is always an occasion for deals.

Chances are you didn't get free Super Bowl tickets like this person by calling the phone number in the Old Spice commercial (good marketing), but there are still some deals you can take advantage of this weekend.

No matter who you're cheering on this Sunday (or if you're in it for the commercials), here are a few great deals:

Free Bloomin' Onion at Outback Steakhouse with any purchase on Monday when you say "Super Bloom"

Place any Papa John's order of $15 or more online this weekend with promo code PJMVP and get a free large pizza with up to three toppings on a future order (no additional purchase required for future order).

In addition to these two big national deals, there are lots of drink and food specials (often free food) and local bars and restaurants so spend a few minutes doing some internet research or making some phone calls to make sure that your Super Bowl plans don't break the bank.  Also, if your group supports it, consider getting together at someone's house or apartment.  Everyone saves big, and it's often more fun.

Taking the Mystery Out of Retirement Saving

Happy New Year!  This is the time of year that many people focus or refocus on getting their finances in better shape, and it's a great opportunity to take a quick inventory of your spending, saving, and investments to see where there can be improvement.

Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor and all advice is just personal advice from me based on what I've learned and my research.

Retirement planning does not sound like the most exciting of topics, but it honestly is to me.  It can be so incredibly rewarding to put money away and just watch it grow.

The biggest advice that I (or anyone else) can give is start early, and contribute what you can, even if it doesn't seem like much.  Compounding returns can be a powerful thing over time.  I was fortunate enough when I got my first full time job to have a (now ex)boyfriend in the accounting/finance field who instilled in me the fear of becoming a Walmart greeter if we didn't contribute enough to our retirement accounts, so I was stowing away 7% of my small nonprofit salary, which I'm now incredibly grateful for. The money is taken out of each paycheck automatically so you get used to what your take home pay is after this adjustment. There are a number of free online 401k calculators, like this one from Bloomberg that can show you how your contributions over time build up.  There are also many articles like this one that explain the benefits of starting early.  However, there is no time like the present to get going!

401k Plans
The beginning of the year (whether or not this coincides with a pay increase, but especially if it does) is a great time to look at your retirement contribution amounts.  If your company offers a 401k (or a 403b), I highly encourage you to take advantage of it.  These plans allow you to contribute pre-tax income, lowering your taxable income.  You can contribute up to the maximum annual amount ($17,500 for 2014).  An additional "catch up amount" is allowed for those 50 and over.

If you are fortunate enough to work somewhere that offers a 401k match (some employers will match up to a certain percentage of your income if you contribute that much or a part of that, for example Company A will match 100% of your contributions up to 5% of your salary and Company B will match 50% of your contributions up to 3% of your salary), take advantage of it if it's at all financially possible for you to contribute that amount.  If you don't, you're leaving money on the table.

Roth IRA Plans
Roth IRAs allow you to contribute post tax money up to $5,500, but then you do not pay taxes in retirement on the growth.  There are income limits to contributions (you can contribute up to the maximum if your adjusted gross income is $114,000 or less and you're single or $181,000 or less for a married couple), but check the guidelines if you're slightly over those numbers to see what you can contribute.  You can contribute as soon as the new year starts, but you can also do your contribution any time before you file your taxes (ie you can do your 2013 contribution now before you file your 2014 taxes).  I've always been encouraged to do the contribution earlier in the year just for longer amount of earnings, but depending on cash flow, do what makes sense for you.  I started my Roth IRA a few years ago and I wish I would've started it much earlier.  Even if your earnings are under $5,500 for the year, you can contribute up to the amount you learned.  A friend in college encouraged me to set one up, but I didn't follow through with it.  This would have been a great way to start retirement savings in high school or college when working a part time job.  Parents, encourage your children to get started early if they can.

The basics in order:
1. If your employer offers a 401k or 403b match contribute enough to get the maximum match.  Check with the HR department if you aren't sure what your employer offers.
2. After that if you can still contribute more(or if you don't have an employer match), contribute to a Roth IRA as much as you can up to the maximum allowed.
3. Still able to save more?  Contribute to your 401k or 403b up to the maximum.

Happy saving!

Post Holiday Sales

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!

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.

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. 

During my first trip with the app, I picked up a blazer for $34.99 (no app savings, just well priced item)

 

Merona® Women's Oxford Blazer - Assorted Colors

After that, one of my deal options was 25% off the same item.  On my next trip, I picked up the same blazer in a different color with the discount, and scored some other great deals with the app including 40% off any one menswear item, and a number of other deals resulting in over $25 of savings through the app.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.