Birthday Bonuses

Birthday's are another fun way to get freebies from restaurants and stores. I just celebrated mine, and no I will not tell my age! Let's just say old enough to learn a few savings tips but young enough to learn more!

When you are out and about, notice who has birthday clubs. I got on several mailing lists that I don't even recall signing up for. This year I received a Vicoria's Secret gift card for $10, a Mervyn's gift card for $10, a free entree at Sizzler's, a free hamburger at Red Robbins, and a free meal at Hometown Buffet. I also received discount cards from Hallmarks, Toyota service, and Bath and Body works. Not bad for just getting older! I even forgot to get my free car wash from a neighborhood business. My employer also gives a nice little bonus, two movie tickets and a $5 Starbucks gift certificate.

So start noticing which companies want to honor you (and keep your business), and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Happy Birthday to you whenever it is and many happy savings. Lisa:)

Redbox

I don't know about you, but I have been so busy watching the Olympics that I haven't had time to watch a movie. As you know I already suggested getting your dvds and videos free at your local library. If you aren't happy with their selection or are not lucky enough to live where there is a larger library that is well stocked, then there are still a couple of other options that are less expensive than going to your local Blockbuster or Hollywood Video store.

Many grocery stores and in some areas, McDonald's have a Redbox. This is a nice little vending machine that is for dvds. It only costs one dollar per dvd per day. Nice price, eh? Just remember to turn them back in on time. There are other brands besides Redbox so check around. When you first sign up with Redbox you get a couple of free rentals as well. You can check it out on redbox.com.

Also, if you watch a lot of movies you might want to check out Netflix. You pay a yearly fee and get to keep your movies out without late penalties. They are mailed right to your home and you put them back in the prepaid envelope and mail back when you are done. A little more money but well worth it in my case. Netflix can also be found at Netflix.com.

Wishing you many movie adventures, with money to spare. Lisa

Brown Bagging It

Okay, lets be real. Most people who bring their lunch to work really don't use brown bags anymore. I find people tend to use their plastic grocery store bags or have purchased a lunch cooler like I have.

It is much less expensive to plan ahead and not be tempted to eat out each day. I buy easy to pack items that I like and that are healthy. I'm vegetarian so sometimes I have to get creative or I get stuck in a rut. But lately I take string cheese, v-8 juice, low fat microwave popcorn, a fiber one bar, cherry tomatoes and fruit. It's all healthy, low fat and filling.

If you want to make sure you can stick with it, be sure to pack things that you will look forward to eating. Don't get in a boring peanut butter and jelly rut. Though that is rather tasty now and again! Make sure you get some fruits and veggies in there and a treat as well.

It is much less expensive than going out for lunch each day. And that means more money for your banks. They must be filling up by now.

It must not feel like a punishment or sacrifice or you know you won't do it. I give myself a treat every now and then by going to McDonalds and getting an ice cream cone. It is less than a dollar and only 3 points on Weight Watcher's. Can't beat that and it tastes soooo good on a hot summer day.

So get creative and start packing those lunches, and happy savings. Lisa

Freebies

It seems I have picked a very good time to give money saving tips. After all, the media says we are either heading for or are in a recession, depending who you listen to. It's a good thing we are already putting into practice money saving ideas. Sounds like we will definitly need them. So let's move on to another way to save.

One of my favorite things is to get free things that I like and will use. One way to do this is to join MyPoints.com. It costs nothing to join and all you have to do is click on the ads. Usually there are about 3 aday. Each click is worth 5 points. When you get a certain amount of points you then turn them in for gift cards. I am waiting for my $25 Subway card to arrive in the mail. How much your gift card is worth is based on how many points you earn. You can shop through my points on line as well to earn even more points.

I have had gift cards from Target, Starbucks, and now Subway. There are many to choose from. I am hoping to find another website similar to this. If any of you know of one I would love to hear about it. Meanwhile, happy clicking and may you enjoy your rewards soon. Happy Savings, Lisa :)

Your Local Library

Many of you may be wondering why I am writing about libraries on a blog about saving money. But do you really know what is inside a library? It is not a dusty building full of boring books. That is what many people think. I believe this is left over from days when you HAD to go to the library to research and study. Back when librarians were exremely strict and hushed you all the time. Well, things have changed. It is still respectful to keep your voice low as people will be studying, but wait until you see the changes!
Libraries are a wonderful place to go for FREE things. Did you know you can check out the newest dvd's, cd's, bestseller books, books on cd, use the internet, get magazines, find out about free entertainment in your city, get bus schedules or in some libraries, even check out artwork? This is just a partial list. Are you intrigued yet? I hope so.
I love to read, but rarely purchase a book. I don't have to. I have a library card. I keep my eye out for the latest best sellers or anything that looks good and then order it online. The same goes for dvd's and cd's. The sooner you know the release date the better to be on top of the waiting list. How much do you spend at video stores or for cable tv? You may find you can live without these by making use of library resources.
Do you dislike reading but like a good story? Why not try a book on cd? Pop it in your car cd player as you commute and it helps make road rage disappear. You can learn a new language, a new hobby, or hear a new story all while driving along. You may find you are looking forward to sitting in traffic so you can finish listening to a chapter!
Do you subscribe to magazines and then just toss them when you are done? Why not check them out from the library? Not only does it save you money, but you are not helping to not fill up our landfills as well.
The Library is also a wonderful place for children. The picture book selection is huge. You can find out what book is your child's favorite and then purchase it rather than just guess what they might like. They also have children's reading programs, art projects, entertainment and more. If your child feels at home in a library at an early age, hopefully when he or she is older they will keep on using it and feel comfortable to use it to study!
Have I mentioned I love coupons? LOL! Well, your library subscribes to many newspapers with coupon inserts. It can't hurt to ask if they will save them for you, or at least let you go though them. They usually throw this part of the paper out.
So come on, what's stopping you, check out your local library today and watch your savings continue to grow! Happy savings, Lisa:)

Banks

Now that you are well on your way to having extra money in your pockets, you may be wondering where to store it so you don't just run out and spend it again! Banks are a great option, whether it is a piggy bank or a financial institution, or both.

Let's start with piggy banks. Of course we have all seen the cute little ceramic pig. But banks come in many varities. Pick one that suits your personality. I use one that counts the coins digitally so I will not be tempted to take any of my savings out. Mine is exactly like the one above. It gives me satisfaction to put the coins in and watch the total grow. You want a bank that is not easy to open if you are the type who will be tempted to withdraw your money before meeting your goal.

Now , let's talk about financial institutions. Let's say your goal is to save $50 in a month from coupons, and sales. If you are just going to go out and squander it, there really was no point in saving it in the first place. You should set yourself a goal of perhaps getting to spend 1/2 or 1/3 of your savings for a special treat. The rest can go into opening a savings account. They will pay interest, and that again is FREE money. It's not much but over time does add up. When you get more advanced and want to invest you will have the money to do so. Each easy little step adds up to more money and bigger payoffs for you.

So, set a few goals. Is it that your savings stay in a piggy bank for a much needed vacation. Or, perhaps some goes in the piggy and some goes for a night out with your honey. Or maybe your goal is to put it all in a financial institution while you learn about investing. It's all up to you. Have fun and happy savings. Lisa

Shop the Sales

Now that you are successfully using your coupons, lets talk about shopping the sales. Honestly, it doesn't take much effort to find where the best prices are on any product. Where to start? How about your mailbox? How many times do you throw away all the "junk mail" without looking at it? Every week I get ads from my local grocery stores, restaurants, car washes, etc. Do you need all of them? Of course not. Just do a quick look through and toss out what you know you won't use.
Lets start with grocery ads, Look and see who is offering the best prices on items that you would normally buy. Do you have a coupon for it? Even better! Stock up when prices are low. Each store usually has their weekly specials. If it is an item you use, buy as many as they allow. Is it worth it to go to more than one store a week? Sure, if the savings are significant and you don't have to drive too far. Remember, you don't want to make it a hardship or you won't do it. Give yourself incentives. It can be immediate, such as stopping for a treat ( iced coffee for me) or the satisfaction you will feel as you drop the extra savings into your bank.
My dad used to tease me about my "general store". It is a cupboard where I store all my extra toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrushes, lotions etc. When a guest comes to stay I am prepared. Most of my extra items cost me less than $.50 or were free. All from using coupons and shopping sales. My "general store" is stocked with quality items. I don't just buy something because it is inexpensive. It has to be a brand I like.
Shopping sales means saving on small items and big ticket items as well. We will get into that another day. Just remember to save your receipts. You want to keep track of just how much you are saving, I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Happy shopping, Lisa