Saving Freak

Did you ever mistype an address on your computer only to get some weird looking site?  A common tactic by identity thieves is to register a domain name that is similar to that of a popular website, ex. googl.com instead of google.com.  They then have a program on there called a key logger.  A key logger is a piece of malware (similar to a virus) that lets the thief know all the keys you are typing on your computer as well as the web pages you are visiting.  Now imagine if you got one of these programs on your computer and then went and did your online banking.  Obviously it could get ugly fast from there.

So when I cam across HauteSecure while listening to Clark Howard on the Radio I thought this would be a great service to help others.  The really cool thing about this program is that it integrates blocklists from three different sources and then also takes content from the users.  So if you find out about a site that has a virus or spyware and report it you are helping out everyone who uses the HauteSecure software.  So far it is getting top ratings from sites like Download.com (part of Cnet who does tons of ratings on software and technology).  Installation and scanning were a snap and in my opinion this is a must have for keeping you information and computer safe.

For no apparent reason this did not post in the morning.  Oh well, guess everyone makes mistakes, even the Saving Freak.

Freeze Leftover Coke for Ice

My husband drinks a lot of coke but most of the time he leaves
about a cup full.  I use to throw it away but now I put it in a
small container with a lid and put it in the freezer.  I use this
frozen coke instead of ice.  So no more wasted coke and no more
watered down drink.
By Nancy Mc from Peabody, MA

Maintain Your Boots In Brand New Condition

Cut off the legs from panty hose.  Use plastic bags you get at
the grocery store and stuff them to the size of your boot/shoe.
You can also use newspaper. This will help your boots by standing
up straight in your closet and looking new. Goodbye to those
wrinkled boots.
By Bonnie from Lompoc, CA

Shower Rings Can Be Used as a Gate Closure

It Pays to Keep Things - If you save your old metal shower
curtain rings, you can use one as a lock for your yard gate. It
keeps the gate closed and the kids and pets tucked safely inside.
By Marie from West Dundee, IL

Use Dryer Sheets Three Different Ways Each Time

To get the most out of my dryer sheets, I use them in three ways
before tossing them.  The first use is to put them in my closet
and dresser drawers to give my clothes a nice clean scent.  After
about a week or two I then use them in the dryer with a load of
laundry.  After getting it from the dryer, I use it to dust with
because it seems to catch dust better than regular dusting cloths
(and it’s cheaper).
By Tonya from Knightdale, NC

Keep Free Address Labels In Your Wallet

When charities send them, cut them into strips, cut off the
artwork, and put some in your wallet.  They’re great for use on
small forms such as raffle or door prize tickets, rebate forms,
or anywhere else that a tiny name and address is required.
They’ll also identify things you’re lending, such as dishes and
utensils for a pot luck dinner, or craft equipment.
By Nance from Statesboro, GA

Here are all the major retailers that I could find that will give you some perks for spending your stimulus check with them.

Food

Kroger
The Deal: Kroger, which operates stores in 31 states, is offering its customers a 10% bonus added to the purchase of $300, $600, or $1,200 Kroger gift certificates. (That’s like getting $330, $660, etc.) The cards can be used at any Kroger-owned store, including City Market, Fred Meyer, and Fry’s Food.
The Fine Print: The program has a per household limit of $1,200 and expires July 31. Customers who don’t have a hard copy of their checks (i.e., those who received their checks via direct deposit) can buy their gift cards with cash, personal check, or credit card. The gift cards can’t be used to purchase alcohol, lottery tickets, pharmaceuticals, or tobacco.

Safeway
The Deal: Starting May 14, all Safeway stores will cash your government stimulus check for free and give Club Card customers a 10% off gift card. Deal applies at all Safeway-owned stores including Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Carrs, Dominick’s, Genuardi’s, and Pak ‘n Save.
The Fine Print: Deal ends July 19. Gift card expires 2 days after being issued.

ShopRite
The Deal: ShopRite is offering its Price Plus members the opportunity to receive a 10% bonus with the purchase of every $300, $600, or $1,200 gift card. ShopRite will also cash your rebate check for free with a gift card purchase. Price Plus is free to join.
The Fine Print: ShopRite’s offer expires August 2. If your refund check was deposited into your bank account, ShopRite requires a copy of your bank statement as proof of direct deposit. You can then purchase gift cards with cash or bank debit card only. Gift cards cannot be used to purchase alcohol, lottery tickets, tobacco, postage stamps, money orders, bus tickets, fuel and Metro passes, or additional gift cards.

SuperValu
The Deal: SuperValu is offering a 10% bonus with the purchase of every $300, $600, or $1,200 gift card.
The Fine Print: SuperValu’s offer is valid through July 31 and can be used at all SuperValu stores including Acme, Albertsons, bigg’s, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Hornbacher’s, Jewel-Osco, Lucky, Shaw’s / Star Market, Shop ‘n Save, and Shoppers Food & Pharmacy.

Apparel, Home & Electronics

Meijer
The Deal: Meijer is offering a 10% off coupon with the purchase of every $300, $600, or $1,200 gift card. The coupons may be used with your next “general merchandise and apparel” purchase. The gift cards must be bought with credit card, cash, or personal check.
Small Print: Meijer’s bonus coupon offer expires May 31. Reward coupons cannot be combined with other offers and cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, prescriptions, gas station and C-Stop items, baby diapers and wipes, and park and entertainment tickets. In addition, they cannot be used for any online purchases, making this one of the most restrictive “bonuses” we’ve seen.

RadioShack
The Deal: Use your stimulus check or IRS tax refund on any $50 or more purchase at RadioShack and get 10% off that purchase. No product exclusions apply.
Small Print: Offer ends July 12. The unspent portion of your check is converted into a prepaid Vision Silver MasterCard that can be used at any store. There is a $2,500 maximum redemption per refund check.

Sam’s Club
The Deal: In addition to free stimulus check cashing, Sam’s Club is offering non-members free annual membership with the purchase of select products. Current members will receive a $40 gift card with their purchases.
The Fine Print: Deal ends May 31 and only applies with the purchase of select items including BF Goodrich tires, a Brighton Patio dining set, Serta mattresses, select Samsung LCD TVs, a Blue-ray home theater system, Nikon digital camera, and more.

Sears / Kmart
The Deal: Purchase a Sears or Kmart gift card with your government check and receive a 10% bonus added to the total value of your gift card.
The Fine Print: This offer is valid through July 19. To qualify you must convert the full value of your stimulus check into a Sears, Kmart, or Lands’ End gift card. The gift cards have no expirations dates or fees and at the time of this writing can only be purchased with a hard copy of your government check.

Staples.com
The Deal: Staples.com is offering special coupon codes designed to stretch your rebate check. Although promoted as a stimulus check deals, these coupons aren’t tied to your stimulus check. Coupon codes “74894″ and “80486″ take $150 off furniture purchases of $1,000 or more and $40 off purchases of $300 or more, respectively (they expire May 18 and May 25). Also, use coupon code “31831″ when you spend $499 or more with your credit card and you’ll pay no interest or make payments for 6 months (expires June 30).
The Fine Print: To date, all of Staples’ coupons exclude laptop and desktop purchases.

Wal-Mart
The Deal: Wal-Mart will cash your rebate check for free, no purchase required.
The Fine Print: None, but your bank will also cash it for free if you have a checking account.

Travel & Transportation

Rosenau Powersports
Deal: Michigan-based Rosenau Powersports will double your stimulus check up to $600 with the purchase of a new motorcycle, scooter, ATV, or watercraft when you use coupon code “SACP-040814″.
The Fine Print: Coupon valid for newsletter subscribers only and must be claimed 10 days after your rebate check date. Select vehicles may be excluded.

Zonder.com
The Deal: Use coupon code “TAXES” during checkout at this travel search engine and take 10% off bookings of $600 or more.
The Fine Print: Deal ends August 1. Proof of tax rebate not required.

The American Girl doll is a phenomenon.  The dolls are well made and come with a book that explains what life was like in the country and time period for the outfit the doll is wearing.  The books are very educational and many homeschooling groups have created history classes for young girls based off the American Girl dolls.  The problem is the Dolls can cost upwards of $100.  This does not even count the accessories and clothes that can be purchased (which can cost more than the clothes on the children buying them).

So how do you save on these expensive toys?  Well there is always the clearance rack, but I suspect that many parents have already been there and done that.  Ther two places I looked first were Amazon and Ebay.  Each led me to some great results.

Amazon — Amazon’s biggest asset in this arena is that people sell things used.  With the used dolls going for much less than the brand new ones you can save a bundle on the dolls themselves.  Amazon also puts items on clearance regularly so you can save money on brand new doll clothes there.

Ebay — Ebay of course has a ton of used items.  What really caught my attention here was the number of knock off accessories and clothes there were.  As with any high quality item there are going to be imitators that sell at a considerable discount.  With Ebay cluing you in to all the off brand names you can search for great deals locally if you do not feel comfortable with the Ebay format.

Overall these two sites could save you hundreds if you have an American Girl enthusiast in your home.

The average car loan in America is now 70 months.  That right 70!! What are we doing to ourselves?  I cannot even look at the math involved in this.  Here is my experience with car loans.  I purchased a vehicle in 2004 and took out a loan for 75% of the value (25% down).  It took me 19 months to pay that vehicle off.  I NEVER want to go back to making car payments.  It sucks the life out of your budget.  $389 per month is the average car payment in the US.  Not having that hanging over you is like getting a $6000 per year raise (before taxes).  You see our problem isn’t that we do not have enough money.  It is that we spend our money in very poor ways.  Cars go down in value 99.9% of the time.  So when you are done paying off that vehicle it is worth as little as one fifth of what you paid for it (if you bought a Dodge even less).  So instead of going out and buying that shiny new vehicle why not deal with the clunker a little longer and save up your money for a nice used vehicle (that vehicle I puchased above only had 28,000 miles on it).  This way you do not take the big cut in value and get a great vehicle.  There is only one way to keep the house from winning in the game of car loans, and that is to not play.

It is hard to believe I have been writing for over six months now, but the number above does not lie.  It’s been a fun and I look forward to further sharing all the crazy things I learn about saving money.

More coffee samples from Dunkin Donuts just fill out a shot survey.

Free sample of Protein to Go from Designer Whey

Free sample of Sydney’s Shea Souffle Folicle Balm

Perry Noble is the pastor at New Spring Church (where my wife and I attend).  Turns out he is a big Celine Dione fan (proof of fanhood).  I hope this free sample of Celine Dion’s Sensational perfume makes him happy!

Free sample of Purina Healthful Life Cat demon food

Free sample of Vitaxan vitamin supplement

Free Dove Skin Savvy Pack includes samples and coupons.

Free sample of Quick Wrap Bags

Join Vocal Point and get free samples and coupons from P&G

Free Home Journal is giving away a Big Savings Gift Pack with free samples and $24 in coupons.

Free sample of Remergent Skin Care

Free sample of Staph A Septic First Aid Gel

Free sample of Heatlhy 2 Go Drink mix

Free sample of Eucerin Calming Creme

And finally a $5 off coupon for Iams pet food

International travel is a very sticky endeavor.  You have to make sure you have your passport (which these days is no small task) and make sure you do not get ripped off.  The truth is there are traps all over the place to traveling internationally.  Even the cruise industry is really sneaky with the way it does things.  So how does an amateur avoid all these extra fees and weird tax policies?

Get a travel agent.

Yes I said it.  An experienced travel agent can be a real asset when planning overseas vacations.  For a small fee you can save yourself hundreds of dollars.  Just a few examples of things I had to search long and hard for that could be common knowledge to a good travel agent.

–The cruise industry started adding a fuel surcharge that did not appear until after you had booked your cruise.

–England is one of the most expensive places to fly.  It is less expensive to Fedex your bags to your hotel and then fly into France and take a train to England.

–Your cell phone will cost you a fortune to use overseas and on a cruise (even if you are docked).  You are better off going prepaid

I am sure there are tons more of these little tips that are annoying and require way too much time to hunt them all down.  An experienced travel agent can really save you in these situations.

The problem is, the travel industry is in the dumps with the emergence of the Internet.  So finding a good agent can be difficult.  The best way is to get a recommendation from a friend or family member.   This way you know that you are getting a quality person.  If your friends and family do not travel then you can try the ASTA.  This is a reputable group and can really help you narrow down your choice.  If you are looking to take a cruise a good place to try would be the CLIA.  In searching on these pages I picked up a lot of great info and was cued into some good travel agents.  Happy Vacationing!

Standard travel is different depending on with whom you talk.  For me standard travel, in the realm of vacations, is limited to either driving or flying to somewhere inside the U.S.  If you do not live in the states this would mean inside your country or, in the case of Europeans, continent.  This is by far the least expensive way to vacation.  By staying in your own country you do not need a passport to travel.

When staying in a hotel, flying, or renting a car I have yet to find a better way to score a deal than using Hotwire and Priceline in conjunction with each other.  You can see my post on this strategy Here.  In that same post I explained how VRBO.com works.  This is another great way to save money on housing while on vacation and is a recommended site.

For the more adventurous I have recently learned of the National Parks and Federal Recreation Land Pass.   This looks like a great deal if you enjoy the out doors and go to national parks frequently.  For $80 a year you plus three adults can get into the parks for no charge (kids under 16 are free).  This also covers standard amenities fees at any of these parks.  BUT WAIT!!! If you are a senior (62+ years old) the deal gets really sweet.  Instead of $80 the pass is $10.  And instead of being a one year pass it is a lifetime pass.  This means you can camp at national parks for a one time fee of $10.  Now in many ways this is not a great deal because you paid a lifetime of taxes for this to be available, but why not take advantage of what is there.  Either way for most families this is a good deal when you consider how much a week long stay could cost you.   A good example is everglades national park.  You can enjoy the great out doors and the amazing environment of the everglades and then easily take a day trip over to Miami for some urban fun.  Just one trip would more than pay for the $80 pass and any more you made during the year would just be a steal.  You can check out all the park locations here.

Since we talked about standard travel today I will be covering a little bit of what I consider non-standard travel tomorrow.  See you then.

I don’t tend to take very long vacations.  There is so much going on that missing a bunch of days just does not work.  Each year my wife’s family plans a one week vacation, usually to the beach.  I tend to be there for half the week and am back home for the other half.  I do however like the idea of taking more weekend getaways and such especially during the summer.  For this reason I have become somewhat of a travel connoisseur.  I can find great rates on travel for just about anywhere, especially given enough time.  I have talked about travel a few times before and will be doing the same for the next couple of days as we approach the vacation season.

As I stated previously I do not take long vacations but for those who do I would start out by looking at Tug2.net.   This is a timeshare site where you can purchase timeshares second hand (instead of from the developer).  By doing this you can save a bundle if you like the idea of a timeshare, but the costs involved seem too high.  The other options available here are to rent a time share or to swap weeks with people.  By renting a timeshare you can try out a specific resort without taking the burden of a contract.  The big advantage here is that most people who are renting their time share are trying to get rid of it.  So if you fall in love with a particular area you can many times purchase the timeshare, at a very discounted rate, from a person who is desperately trying to drop it.

Swapping weeks is for people who already own a timeshare and are tired of the location.  By doing this you can check out other places without having to sell your timeshare and purchase another one.  Many people purchase timeshares just to be able to swap with other owners.  This way they get to travel to many different resorts and enjoy varied destinations.

You should never buy a timeshare from a developer.  Always get it from someone who is tired of the timeshare and trying to dump the liability.  Tug2.net and Ebay are by far the best two places I have seen to purchase timeshares second hand.

Mother’s Day is here once again and I know many of us have not gotten anything for mom yet.  Hope some of these Mother’s Day deals help.

Linen’s N Things has 20% off one item using coupon cod “MOM08″

1-800-Flowers has $10 off on select flowers plust you can get a $10 gift card for  your next purchase

For the do it yourself mom, you can get $5 off a $50 purchase at Home Depot using code “SPRING08″

If you don’t get to see your mother very often why not take a flight to see her for only $37 one way with United’s Farewell to Spring sale

If you want to get really techy you could create a web based tribute to Mom with 30% off domain registrations at Godaddy.com using code “gdp0505q”

If you are brave  you can purchase some clothing for mom at Bedford Fair for 40% off using Code”942416″ (ends tomorrow)

And if you still forget about Mother’s Day it will take a few days for Mom to talk to you so take her out for an iced coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts.  Next Thursday (5/15) is free iced coffee day at participating stores.