American Girl Prices are not Cheap

I have a pre-teen daughter and all she can talk about is American Girl. The dolls cost $100 and then it's about $28 for each additional outfit purchased. I told my daughter to save her own money and she did for several months. She finally purchased her American Girl and days later said all of her friends have two dolls. I don't agree with parents who buy so much for their kids. Why are two dolls needed? As for the outfits, I bought some preemie baby clothes at Walmart for about $3-6 an outfit vs. $28 at American Girl. I've heard Target has some nice doll clothes, too. Of course my daughter doesn't think the cheap doll clothes from Walmart are good enough so I've once again told her to save her own money. I'm sorry but my parents did not overindulge me with material items and I don't plan to do that for her either. But the clever marketing of American Girl, especially their catalogs that come to my home, makes my daughter more than happy to spend every dollar she has at their store. [END OF POST] Click Here to Read More..

Get Cheap Subs in this Recession

Deals on cheap sub sandwiches abound during this weak economy. Subway is advertising their $5 footlongs. Quiznos Gives Away a Million Subs - click to receive a coupon in your email box for a free sub. Another chain that is popular in Atlanta, Jersey Mike's, sent a $5-off coupon to my home. I used it today and only paid 80-cents for my lunch. I've always thought the prices for subs were too high so I am liking this trend. [END OF POST] Click Here to Read More..

Starbucks Introduces Instant Coffee

My first response to hearing about Starbucks Instant Coffee is "bleh". I have never had a good experience with instant coffee. But Starbucks is promising its VIA™ Ready Brew instant coffee is like none you've tasted before. It's not available yet but will soon be on it's way to local Starbucks stores. I'm curious to see if deals on this coffee will be attractive. If it tastes good and it's cheap, it may be a winner. [END OF POST] Click Here to Read More..

Cheap Way to File Taxes Yourself

If you typically pay a few hundred bucks to get your taxes done, you may want to consider doing them yourself. I have gone both routes and quite honestly, I found it took me more time and effort to meet with the accountant, than to just fill them out myself.

I'd heard it's too complicated to file taxes yourself if:

-You're an Independent Contractor
-You bought or sold a house
-You have a rental property
-You moved to a new state
-You've bought or sold stocks

Well, I'm here to tell you I've handled all of these issues myself, using either Turbo Tax or Tax Act. I discovered Tax Act online last year. It is better than cheap, it is FREE to e-file a federal tax return. Tax Act charges you for the state return only. The company has customer support you can email if you get stuck on something, too. I was very pleased with the service. So file your free tax return and keep your money in your pocket. [END OF POST] Click Here to Read More..

When you Want to Buy Cheap, Patience is a Virtue

Having self-control when it comes to shopping is one of the hardest things to do but mastering it will pad your pocketbook in a major way. There are two things I have been wanting to buy all winter: a pair of Nikes and a nice winter coat. I figured the Nikes would run me about $50 and the coat about $100. I decided to be patient and wait until I found a really good deal. It bothered me immensely wearing my old coat and shoes for another winter but I tried to ignore it. My patience paid off this week at Kohl's. I found both the perfect Nikes and the perfect coat in the 60-80% off winter clearance section. On top of that, I had a Kohl's 30% off coupon I got in the mail (sent to Kohl's credit card holders only). I ended up getting my perfect brown wool $150 coat for under $25. The Nikes were $27. I'm so happy! [END OF POST] Click Here to Read More..

Is the Economy Causing the Upper Class to Eat More Burgers and Fries?‏

This is an interesting article. Affluent consumers are scaling back from gourmet food to fast food burgers. And those in the lower income brackets are buying less fast food (maybe eating at home more?)

My family has a few cheap meals we keep in the rotation, through good times and bad. Taco Bell is one of those. We spend about $10 to feed the 3 of us at Taco Bell (no drinks). We also eat Stouffer's Macaroni & Cheese once a week or so. It's about $6 for the family size. There's a pizzeria nearby that has a $7.99 large one-topping carryout so that's not too bad either. I used to spend money like crazy on restaurant food (dine in and takeout) until I went through several years of financial hardship. Now I have a decent paycheck but have learned to be cautious. Splurging on a good meal once in awhile is well deserved but there's no need to buy it every day. [END OF POST] Click Here to Read More..

Buy Candy in Holiday Colors and Themes to Save Money

I love shopping after ANY holiday because I know I can get things 50-75% off. You know the big bags of M&M's made in pastel colors for Easter or green & red for Christmas? The grocery stores are stuck with those after the holiday is over and nobody wants them. My taste buds do not seem to care what color my M&M's are.

After Christmas I found a container of fine Ghiradelli dark chocolates in holiday wrappers. It was $10 before Christmas but it was $2.50 for me. I'll often take my daughter into the drug store AFTER a holiday and let her choose small candies or toys. Kids do not mind waiting a day or two - they don't even know the difference. I found great Hannah Montana items in the Walmart Christmas clearance aisle for 90% off. These items would make perfect favors for a girl's party. Keep an open mind and lots of cheap candy deals you will find! [END OF POST]

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Is this Recession as Bad as we Think?‏

I found this article about the recession interesting and informative. It compares our current recession to those of the 1970's and 80's and the Great Depression. The author also suggests the possibility that the Obama adminstration, and the media, have over-hyped the weak economy to win the White House. So maybe things aren't quite as bad as we think? [END OF POST] Click Here to Read More..

The Lipstick Effect - Women Buy More Lipstick in a Down Economy

I had never heard of this until I read this article.

In an economic recession, women tend to buy cheap things, like lipstick, instead of expensive clothes, shoes, perfume etc. I know that for me personally, shopping does lift my spirits, even if I only make a small purchase. So I can see how the theory holds true! [END OF POST]

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It's a Great Time to Buy a New Coat!

As merchandisers start moving winter coats to the clearance racks and hauling out their displays of bikinis and Bermuda shorts, consider whether or not you might need a new coat. I have been wearing the same leather jacket for 10 years so I have been on the prawl for one of those.

My best coat purchase ever was at Value City Department Store a few years ago. I happened upon some awesome Perry Ellis Portfolio coats in the men's section. They looked feminine to me, which is probably why men did not buy them. These $350 suede, fur-lined coats were on clearance and they were the most beautiful coats I'd ever seen in my life. In fact, the deal was buy-one-get-one-free. I got one for $75 and a free one which I gave my mother for Christmas and boy, did she think I spent a lot on her! This coat is by far the nicest thing in my wardrobe and essentially cost me $37.50.

This week I have been online scanning eBay men's coat category. I hope to pick up another awesome coat or jacket to add to my wardrobe. As coats are not selling too well right now, especially high-end brands, I'm betting I can find an awesome cheap coat! [END OF POST] Click Here to Read More..

I Love Cheap Necklaces from Kohl's!

I like to wear fashion necklaces almost every day. You know the kind that are kind of artsy and colorful and not precious gems or anything like that. I find the best deals at Kohl's. Not so much on their website but in their stores. The normal prices for these cheap necklaces is $15-20 but I shop the clearance racks where you can get up to 90% off. I normally pay about $5 for a necklace and get a lot of compliments on it. These items make great gifts, too. What fun! [END OF POST] Click Here to Read More..

Office Cafeterias - Is it Worth Driving Out to Lunch to Save a Couple of Bucks?

The office building where I work has a cafeteria inside, with a nice assortment of sandwiches, salads, etc. Of course, like with most office cafeterias, you'll find high prices. It's $5 for a sandwich (no chips, no drink). I made a salad at the salad bar and it was $7.31. I know, I know, bringing your lunch is the best way to go to save money. But buying lunch is sometimes the highlight of my day - a time to take a break and get something tasty.

Due to high prices, I decided I should venture down the road to get lunch. It's only a mile or two to all of the restaurants but boy does it take a long time due to heavy traffic. I started thinking...if I am saving a couple of bucks by dining off-site, but I am using extra gas and time, is it really worth it? [END OF POST] Click Here to Read More..

We Splurged on Dinner at Cheesecake Factory

My husband took me out to dinner to celebrate my new job. Keep in mind I am the queen of cheapness. We rarely dine out with out a coupon, deal or mystery shop offer. I chose The Cheesecake Factory as my destination of choice. For two entrees, two iced teas, tax and tip it was $50. Seems a little steep to me.
Cheesecake Factory is handing out Valentine's Day cards with a special offer inside. If you return on a weeknight and spend $30, you get a free slice of cheesecake. The recession must be impacting their restaurant. I've never seen them offer any special deal like this.
If you haven't been to a Cheesecake Factory, I have to tell you they are awesome. Don't let the name fool you, there are about 100 different entree choices including pizza, sandwiches, pasta, salads, Thai, seafood, etc. Everything is high quality and large portions. And the restaurant gets its name from its huge assortment of cheesecake. I hope I get to return for my free cheesecake. If you want to try the restaurant without spending a fortune, go for lunch. You can get two sandwiches and soft drinks for $30. [END OF POST] Click Here to Read More..

Disney Rewards Visa Offering Me 5X Disney Dreams Dollars

I carry the Disney Rewards Visa which allows me to earn Disney Dream Dollars, rather than miles, cash back or another incentive. I earn Disney Dollars for my purchases and can redeem them for theme park tickets or Disney merchandise. I recently received an offer in the mail that impressed me. It says I will earn five times the amount of Dream Dollars I would normally earn for certain purchases (gas, groceries, restaurants and airlines) in January, February and March. Wowee! Of course if you carry a balance on your card, you will not want to run it up since you're paying interest on it. But mine is paid off and I am going to earn my 5X Disney Dream Dollars fast. [END OF POST] Click Here to Read More..

Raid the Men's Clearance Rack for Cool Tees at a Bargain

One of my best strategies for finding cool, cheap designer t-shirts is to check the men's clearance racks. I wear a Misses size large, which is like a men's medium. The thing is, not many men wear a medium. I find great t-shirts at stores like T.J. Maxx....designer brands like Ralph Lauren Polo, American Eagle, Tommy Hilfiger, etc. If they are in a girly color, like pink or purple, they are even more likely to be passed up by men and wind up on the clearance rack. This strategy has worked well for me at Old Navy, too, where I have sometimes found cool logo shirts for 99-cents![END OF POST] Click Here to Read More..