10 Tips to Save Money This Spring

The weather is warming up and tax season is coming to an end. Spring is here, and with summer just around the corner, now is a good time to start thinking about saving money.

1. Plan your Summer Vacation NOW

Summer may feel like it’s still a long way off, but if you are thinking about taking a vacation in July or August, you should think about finalizing your plans ASAP. Plane tickets, hotel rooms, and other travel expenses are usually cheaper when you book in advance.

2. Cut Bad Habits

Take a hard look at your bank and credit card statements and see if you can spot any bad financial habits. Eat a lot of fast food? Spend a lot of money on entertainment? Try cooking at home more or renting DVDs at Redbox machines instead of going to the movies.

3. Avoid ATM Fees

A few weeks ago I reported that some banks were testing $5 ATM fees; that means up to five bucks that you are essentially lighting on fire when you withdraw cash. To avoid these fees, all you need to do is make the extra effort to use your own bank’s ATM, or using withdrawal methods that don’t charge you, like getting cash back at grocery stores. It's also a good idea to keep an extra twenty in your wallet for emergencies.

4. Consider Buying Used

If you’re in the market for a lawn mower, a new desk or a bike, you might consider buying used. Warmer weather brings with it garage sales. And don’t forget about CraigsList or Oodle. Bargains abound and people are often willing to negotiate on price. Just remember to try before you buy!

5. Research Major Purchase Online

Thinking about buying a new computer or television? A little time spent researching your options can save you hundreds of dollars. Prices vary from retailer to retailer and from one manufacturer to the next. And don’t forget to look at online reviews. No matter how great the sale was, if your new computer or TV is a dud, you’ve wasted money. This tip goes way beyond electronics. If you’re looking for a new car, check out eBay motors. Ned a new cell phone, Amazon might have exactly what you are looking for at a fraction of the price. Get creative, and see how much money you can save!

6. Plant a Garden

Before it gets too hot out, plant a small garden in your back yard and in few weeks you can cut back on your weekly grocery bill. Consider vegetables such as radishes and arugula that grow quickly (an average of 30 and 35 days respectively). If you use fresh herbs in your cooking, you can grow almost everything you need in windowsill planter or on your kitchen counter. No more wasting store bought herbs that go bad before you can use them.

7. Programmable Thermostat

When the weather heats up the air conditioner starts working overtime. Now is the time to install a programmable thermostat. Running your air conditioning all day long can make for some shockingly high energy bills. By investing in a programmable thermostat you can set your air conditioning to only turn on before you get home from work.

8. Pay Bills Online

Saving 44 cents may not seem like much, but every little bit helps. Selecting paperless billing and paying your bills online saves you the cost of a postage stamp, and it also allows you to reduce the amount of unnecessary paper being wasted.

9. Cut Back Dryer Use

You can hang a clothesline in your backyard, or just lay a few items out over chairs inside your home. Dryers use a lot of electricity, and you can cut back your monthly bill significantly by letting a few garments air dry. Hang drying items indoors can even extend the life of your clothes.

10. Spring Cleaning Finance Style

Now is the time to get organized! Make sure you file all of your tax and financial documents from last year safely, and make a game plan for your bills and monthly budget. By staying on top of your finances, and expenses, you can avoid missing any payments or being hit with expensive late fees.

Save $50,000: Bundle Small Savings

If you follow these tips, you could save up to $50,000 over the next two to ten years. Some are more widely applicable than others, but I’m betting everyone can find somewhere to save.

From CNN.com:

1. Groceries. Buy store brands when possible; many private labels offer quality without the premium price, research shows. Upload virtual coupons from the store website to your smartphone for discounts at the register. Estimated savings: 25%.

2. Dining out. Snag discounts online (check out groupon.com and restaurant.com, which often runs sales offering $25 coupons at local restaurants for $2 to $3). And turn your freezer into a takeout alternative by cooking double batches of stir-fries and stews to thaw as needed, says Gary Foreman of the Dollar Stretcher. Savings: 45% of your monthly prepared food and restaurant bills.

3. Insurance. Kick up the deductible on your homeowners policy to $1,000 for a 25% savings; ditto for auto, and mention your clean driving record and good credit to lower car premiums by about 30%, says the Insurance Information Institute. Bundling auto and home coverage may save you up to 15%.

More here...

Can Using Gift Cards Help You Stick to a Budget?

Most of us only think to buy gift cards for birthday or holiday presents. However, some savvy shoppers are finding a new use for them: budgeting tools. By purchasing gift cards ahead of time for gas, food, and other necessities, it forces them to stick to the budget.

More from WalletPop.com:

The holiday shopping season is drawing near, and if you're like many Americans, you may be wondering where to find the discipline to stay within your budget. Here's a new idea for you: Try using gift cards. You pay for them up front and there's no interest or late fees to pay, unlike credit cards. In fact, you don't need to wait for the holidays; gift cards could help you budget for a big expense like a vacation or a home-improvement project.

But while gift cards might help you establish a greater degree of control over your holiday spending, there are a few things you should keep in mind to stay on track, says Ruth Susswein, deputy director of national priorities for watchdog group Consumer Action. "It's not a bad idea if it helps you stick to a spending limit," Susswein says, although she notes that the people who really need financial discipline might still be tempted to whip out a credit card if their spending goes over the pre-set amount on the card.

There can also be an issue with the cards themselves, Susswein warns. "One thing I would caution is the cards with the most flexibility may cost something to buy and you may not want to waste your limited funds on purchasing the gift card," she said. While most chain retailers don't charge anything beyond the amount that's loaded on the card, the drawback is that you can only use the card at that chain or occasionally at one of its sister brands. If you want a go-anywhere card, you'll generally have to pay for it, and those cards can also hit you with fees.

Furthermore, Susswein points out, gift cards are less secure than their credit or debit counterparts in the sense that if you lose a gift card, it's just like losing cash: It's gone forever. If you plan to purchase gift cards to help you stick to a budget, do your research first so you're informed about any limitations, caveats or fees imposed by the seller.

One final point: Many rewards cards out there will let you cash in your points or miles for gift cards. Susswein advises against this, pointing out that because of the cards' various conversion rates, you almost always get a better bang for your buck if you take an available cash-back option. So instead of using $100 worth of points to purchase a gift card, she says, have those points applied as a statement credit, then take the cash and use it to buy a gift card at a retail store.

Read more here

Five Ways to Save Money on Thanksgiving Travel Now

Since tomorrow is the beginning of October, taxpayers across the country are beginning to make travel arrangements for the upcoming holiday. Since so many members travel to see family for Thanksgiving, the expenses can quickly add up. Earlier today I came across this article from WalletPop.com with advice on how to save on your holiday travel arrangements. You can find a few of the tips below, or check out the full article here.

1. Book now. For the last few weeks, editors at SmarterTravel.com have monitored prices between 100 of the most popular cities for Thanksgiving travel and found that fares are slowly dropping as we approach the end of the month. The same trend occurred last fall, when airlines put Thanksgiving fares on sale in early October, Banas said. At Bing, fareologists said there are 50% more price drops during the holidays if you know how to look for them.

2. Set alerts. Sites that let you search flights on multiple airlines at the same time, like Expedia, Bing and Kayak, will track prices for you routes of your choice. When the prices fall, they will send an alert to your e-mail. These alerts will help you benchmark prices over several days.

3. Be flexible. If you plan to leave the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and return the Sunday after, you could pay as much as $170 more for your ticket, said Genevieve Shaw Brown, Travelocity's senior editor. Some experts suggest that traveling on Thanksgiving day is a good way to snag a cheap seat. Most travelers stay on average for five-and-a-half days, so extending your trip, or shortening it, could also lower your ticket price.

"Consider flying out early on Thanksgiving day itself, when flights can be exceptionally discounted and airports less crowded," said Darren Frei, editorial director at ShermansTravel.com. "But be aware that you always run the risk of delays or cancellations, which could mean missing out on the big feast."

4 Ways to Cut Winter Energy Bills

Today is the first day of autumn, and Americans across the country are preparing for the cold season, and heating bills that will follow suit. CNNMoney.com has put together a helpful new article with advice on how to cut down on your energy bills this winter, you can find a few of their tips below or check out the full list at CNNMoney.com.

Storm windows that go inside, not out

Typical cost: $1,875*

Annual energy savings: $770

Pays for itself within: 3 year

If your windows are old and drafty, but you're not eager to spend $1,000 apiece to have a professional install energy-efficient vinyl-clad wood replacements, there's another alternative: interior storms.

"They're a better value," says Bruce Harley, technical director of Conservation Services Group in Westborough, Mass., and author of Cut Your Energy Bills Now.

These products, which typically have an aluminum frame that spring-loads to fit your window, generally cost the same as or less than exterior storms and are just as energy saving. (Both can reduce heat loss by 25% to 50%.) But they're much easier to put in and take out; no more teetering on a ladder or paying someone else to.

Thermal leak detector

Typical cost: $50

Annual energy savings: $220

Pays for itself within: 5 months

Wonder why your heating bills are high even though you've done everything you can think of to make your home airtight?

You could hire a professional to do a home energy audit, which will set you back $100 to $400. (Some utility companies offer free audits, but they may not be as comprehensive.) Or you could buy a thermal leak detector.

Current models, such as the Black & Decker Thermal Heat Detector, accurately pinpoint where energy seepage is happening. (Two common trouble spots: around outlets and light fixtures.)

20 Rules to Live By for Cheapskates

In our tough economy, living frugal has become a lifestyle for many American taxpayers. Earlier today one of my favorite finance blogs, WalletPop.com, put together a helpful list of 20 rules to live by in order to save money. I have included a few of their “cheapskate” tips below, but you can find the full list at WalletPop.com.

Use technology to help you compare prices and look for coupons. Josh Smith, our resident tech guru and the editor of Notebooks.com, says that if you have a smart phone, "there are plenty of apps that will scan the bar code --- ShopSavvy is one -- and will find the best prices for you. And if you're online, visit RetailMeNot.com and enter the store name to see current coupons."

Think ahead with your child's friends' birthday parties. Bonnie McCarthy, who writes a lot about family and money, suggests that people buy "cool gifts that are age-appropriate to your own darling children." That way, "the next time they're invited to a birthday soiree, you'll have a well-priced gift ready to go." That's a definite help with the "time is money" factor. Plus, if you do buy gifts ahead and really put some thought into it, you might find some good choices on sale, making your inner cheapskate even happier. And you have to love Bonnie's other advice: "Let your child make the birthday card, or craft a simple tag to put on the gift. Unless there's money inside a birthday card, it will be quickly tossed aside by even those with the best manners, and those cards cost upwards for $3 a piece!"

Skip the Groupon and mass e-mail coupon sales. Yes, they're loads of fun, concedes Vera Gibbons, who writes about women and money for WalletPop, but she says, "People are buying all sorts of stuff they never thought they wanted, and there's way too much impulse-buying going on. I know social buying websites like Groupon.com are extremely popular right now, but we're ending up with all sorts of stuff we never thought we wanted, from horseback riding lessons to harbor tours."

Continue reading at WalletPop.com…

Sending your Child Back to School Without Breaking the Bank

According to a recent survey, nearly 60 percent of parents plan to change the way they shop for back to school items for their children because of the poor economy. The same survey also found that over a quarter of the parents in this country said their children needed more expensive items, such as computers, because of education related budget cuts.

Although not all U.S. taxpayers have children, the back to school season is second only to December holiday shopping when it comes to the amount of money American consumers spend in a month. To help the readers of my blog looking to send their children back to school without breaking the bank, I have put together the following list of money saving tips.

Read Reviews Online

Before you embark on a back to school shopping trip you should always do some online research, especially if you are going to buy expensive items like a computer or laptop. Read reviews from other customers, and run a few searches to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Shop Online

These days it is easy to buy supplies online, and a lot of retailers even offer free shipping on some purchases. Even if you have to pay for shipping, the money you save will often outweigh the added shipping expenses.

Start Early & Watch for Sales

It is already August, and some children will begin going back to school in a week or two. There is no need to wait until your child’s first day of class to purchase all of the supplies they need. Start shopping now, and be on the lookout for good sales. If you do not know what supplies your child will need, then you could try contacting either their teachers or parents of other students in the same grade.

Buy in Bulk

With basic supplies – such as pencils, paper, glue sticks, etc. – you might want to consider buying in bulk. Although your son or daughter obviously does not need a few dozen pencils on the first day of class, you can stock up now and use the supplies throughout the year. During back to school season many education essentials are discounted significantly, and by stocking up now you can save a decent amount of money throughout the year.

Take Advantage of Sales Tax Free Weekends

If you live in a state that has a sales tax free weekend you should try to plan your back to school shopping around the days when the tax breaks are in affect. Many stores also offer additional discounts on school supplies during sales tax free weekends. There are dozens of states offering some type of tax free holidays including Florida, Texas, New York, Iowa, and many others. To see if your state is offering a tax free holiday, check out this article on About.com.

Donate a Backpack

While you are purchasing supplies for your child, it is important to remember that there are thousands of children in this country without the supplies they need to succeed. During back to school season there are always charity drives asking for backpack donations, and if you can afford the extra expense I highly recommend making a contribution. In addition to helping out a child in need, you can also keep the receipt and claim the donation as a charitable contribution on your next tax return.

Four Tips to Save Gasoline This Summer

During the summer months many American families go on vacations. Because of the poor economy, more and more taxpayers are taking road trips, but the gasoline bills can quickly add up. WalletPop.com put together a helpful article with four ways to save gasoline. I have included a few tips below, but you can find the full list including a video here.

Turn off your air conditioner

Consumer Reports found that driving 65 MPH in a Honda Accord with the air conditioner running reduced mileage by 3%. But turning off your air conditioner and driving instead with the windows down is controversial, with some saying the drag on the car's aerodynamics cuts down on fuel efficiency and others saying no problem. The Consumer Reports team didn't find any measurable difference in fuel efficiency driving with the windows down, but others have. The jury is still out.

If you're hot, or your car is older, just roll down your windows already. Give your car a break and be kind to the environment.

This tip might not be realistic if you live in desert areas like Las Vegas or Phoenix. Still, you can help keep your car cool by parking in the shade, and using a windshield light reflector when parked.

Stop driving like a maniac and keep to the speed limit

Although it's tempting to speed, the urge will end up costing you. Besides breaking the law if you go over the speed limit, (and a couple of $200 speeding tickets will not help your wallet any this summer) driving aggressively will lower your gas mileage by 33% on the highway and by at least 5% on surface streets. An Edmunds.com independent test found this one tip resulted in more savings than any of them. The lesson? Try to drive zen. You'll get where you're going, we promise.

Continue reading at WalletPop.com…

Money Makeover: Married Couple, Separate Finances

Earlier today, I came across this interesting article from CNN Money.com on Michelle Spranger and Scott Zuckerberg. The article discusses the story of a couple that has been married for eight years, but maintain separate finances. According to the article, they finally decide to merge their finances to make their lives a little easier.

Scott, 43, has a full-service broker, variable annuities, and a union pension, while Michelle, 42, uses a discount brokerage account and IRAs. Neither knows what the other is doing.

"The only thing we have together is a checking account," Michelle says. "We need to merge and have a common goal."

Troy, Mich., planner Warren McIntyre agrees. For starters, the couple isn’t even sure how much they're saving annually. Both are self-employed: Michelle is a freelance producer, meeting planner, and writer earning $90,000 to $115,000 a year; Scott makes $60,000 to $75,000 as a lighting and rigging technician for films.

With fluctuating incomes, they must be really diligent about saving. McIntyre's advice: Sock away at least 15% of their pay. That, plus Scott's pension and their real estate, should get them to a comfortable retirement.

Continue reading at CNN.com…

Swap Your Gift Cards For Cash

Looking for extra money? Look no further than your unspent gift cards. “The average household has about $300 in unspent gift cards in their house," says Gary Briggs, chief executive of Plastic Jungle. Kiplinger.com shows you how to dump the gift cards you aren’t using and get your hands on the always-useful cash.

Websites like Plastic Jungle, which lets you buy, sell, exchange or donate unused gift cards, are popping up everywhere. You probably will not get the full value of your card, but some cash in hand is better than a piece of plastic you won’t use. Even better, some websites offer free shipping when you sell a card.

So, use this long holiday weekend to round up all your old gift cards. Odds are, you’ve got more money lying around than you think!

Stupid things people do in the hope of saving money

In this economy, everyone is looking for ways to save money. Unfortunately, some ways to save are not always the wisest. WalletPop.com’s Sarah Gilbert shares 9 not-so-smart things people do trying to save a buck. Here are a few of my favorites:

Membership – paying a fee for the privilege of saving money rarely works in your favor. More often than not, we end up spending more “to get our money’s worth” when all we are doing is buying unnecessary things.

Free Shipping – When you shop online, many retailers give you free shipping if you spend more than $50. So, what do we do? We find something we want to buy, and then go looking for MORE things to buy just to avoid shipping costs. Wouldn’t it make sense to just buy the product at your local store the next time you’re out and avoid the shipping altogether?

Buy One Get One Free – Oh, we do love to get something for free. But this is the oldest retail trick in the book. You take an item that isn’t selling – even in quantities of one – and make it a Buy One Get One Free deal. So, instead of having one item you probably would never buy, you have two of them.

I know we’ve all been guilty of these missteps, but let this article remind you that the real way to save money is simply to stop spending it.
Find more financial missteps here.

Saving For Retirement On a Part-Time Salary

These days, many Americans assume that saving for retirement is something that only older taxpayers should worry about. However, as I have explained before, you are never too young to begin planning for your future.

Earlier in the week, a college student working only part-time hours wrote into Money Magazine asking if they should start contributing to an IRA. Check out the authors answer below courtesy of CNN.com.

Yes, you almost certainly can. And if you can swing it, you probably should, since contributing to an IRA early in life can be an excellent way to lay the foundation for a more secure financial future.

That's true, by the way, not just for someone in your position, but for high school and college grads starting new jobs, not to mention students with summer gigs.

Although the rules governing IRA contributions can get a bit convoluted (as this IRS publication makes painfully clear), the gist is that as long as you have earned income, you can contribute as much as you make in a given year up to a maximum of $5,000. People 50 and older can do an extra $1,000 catch-up contribution, but that's not going to apply to many college students.

So, for example, if you earn $5,000 or more from your part-time work, you can salt away the max. If you're paid, say, $3,000, then you can contribute up to three grand.

Just to be clear, the dollars you contribute to an IRA don't have to be the same dollars you earn. Let's say, you earn $5,000, but after expenses manage to put only $2,500 into the IRA. If you can come up with an additional $2,500 from other sources, such as savings or a cash infusion from mom, dad or a kind relative, you can throw that money into your IRA account to get you to the $5,000 limit. Any parents looking to help their kids parlay a summer job into a leg up on their eventual retirement security may want to keep this in mind.

Continue reading at CNN.com…

Don’t Let Cooling Costs Get You Hot

After a slow start, the summer heat is finally hitting Northern California. Here in Sacramento, summer temperatures routinely hit 100 degrees. With heat like this you need some cooling strategies. MSNBC shared some ways to keep your cooling costs down this summer.

Air Conditioners

Choosing the right a/c unit for your home is crucial. Make sure you get the right size and power for your home, too small and you’ll never get cool, but too big and the unit will not work efficiently and leave you feeling damp and uncomfortable.

If you are installing a new central a/c unit, remember to look for that Energy Star label, and see if you qualify for “Green” tax credits. They can give you up to 30% of the unit’s purchase price on your 2010 tax filings. Not too shabby!

Seal and Maintain

No matter how well your a/c system works, if your home isn’t properly sealed you are just wasting money. Even minor air leaks can cause huge energy bills! Sealing your window frames, installing proper weather stripping on your doors and ensuring proper installation of your air conditioner helps make sure you keep every bit of that cool air in your home.

For more tips on reducing energy costs while staying cool this summer, read the full article on MSNBC.com.

Paring Back So You Can Retire Comfortably

According to a 2010 survey on retirement confidence, about 70% of workers plan to work for pay during retirement. In today’s poor economic conditions many Americans have no idea how to plan for retirement. Fortunately, SmartMoney.com has published a great article explaining how you can make reductions in your sending now to help save for your future. Check out a section of their useful article below.

Trim your housing costs

Consider trading down to a smaller home. Doing so can not only allow you to plow your gains (if you have them) into a retirement savings account, it can also help shrink your taxes, utility bills and home maintenance costs, says Jean Setzfand, the director of financial security for AARP. If you plan to buy rather than rent, which might also deliver some savings in this market especially, be realistic. Purchase only what you need, not what others will buy, she says. “A house is not an investment.”

Keep taxes in mind

Consider moving to a place that offers tax advantages, suggests Mark Kennedy, the president of Kennedy Wealth Management, an investment advisory firm in Woodland Hills, Calif. Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Wyoming and Washington, for example, don’t have state income taxes. New Hampshire and Tennessee tax dividend and interest income only, while Oregon, Alaska, Delaware, Montana and New Hampshire don’t levy a sales tax. Further, he adds that homeowners over the age of 55 who move within the same county in California can carry their property tax basis with them as long as the new home is of equal or lesser value than the former home. (Note that this transaction is only allowed once in a single individual’s lifetime.)

Eliminate pricey debts

Although some debt such as a mortgage and student loans can offer valuable tax deductions, other debts are just plain worthless. Before you can even begin to save, you have to eliminate high priced debts such as credit cards or payday loans, says Adam. Even mortgages can keep you lodged in a hole, she says. “Start paying down extra on mortgage or your credit cards each month, then you can really save.”

Continue reading at Smart Money.com…

Cost-Saving Moving Tips

Now is a great time to buy a new home! However, to qualify for the $8000 tax credit, you must know that time is of the essence. To qualify for the tax credit, you need to be in a signed contract by April 30th and you’ll have until June 30th, 2010 for the sale to close. One of the extra expenses of a new home is the cost of moving. A recent Kiplinger’s article provides some great tips on how to save on your move into your new home. Take a look at a couple of money-saving tips below and don’t forget to go to my Tax Help Blog to check-out whether you qualify to deduct some of your moving expenses on next year’s tax return.

1. Don’t Pay Full Freight. Are you going cross-country? A move for a 3-bedroom home could cost as much as $8,000! Try to move in the off-season, between October and April and you can save 10%. Get several written estimates with rates per hour (for a local move) or per pound (for an interstate move). Bids should cover every room in your house and should be done in person.

2. Kick the tires. If you're moving across town, ask around for recommendations and then go to the Better Business Bureau's Web site to make sure there haven't been any complaints filed against your prospects. If you're moving across state lines, your first pit stop is the web site of the American Moving & Storage Association, a trade group. From the home page, click on "Find a ProMover Now," and as many as six movers will call to set up an in-home estimate. If you have a firm you want to use for an interstate move, you can make sure it's licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and view the company's complaint and safety record by clicking "Search Movers & Complaint History."

3. Let Uncle Sam help pay for it. If your move is job-related, you may be able to deduct some of your moving expenses whether or not you itemize your deductions. You must move within a year of your first day at the new job. In addition, your new office has to be at least 50 miles farther from your old house and office. If you qualify, you can deduct the cost of moving your household goods and traveling, but not meals. Some moving-related expenses that can be deducted for a job-related move include:

• Packing and transportation costs for moving household goods
• The cost of shipping goods from a place other than your former home (such as a storage unit)
• Any storage bills, or fees for disconnecting or reconnecting utilities
• All move-related travel expenses (such as mileage, tolls, lodging, parking fees, etc.)
• Expenses of shipping or relocating your car and pets to your new home

Continue reading Kiplinger’s full article here.

Tax Day Freebies!

The tax deadline has finally arrived, and although today is not usually a day that taxpayers associate with saving money, many businesses are running tax day promotions to help out consumers strapped for cash. This year there are dozens of businesses offering freebies such as Starbucks, IHOP, and P.F. Chang’s, among others. The Associated Press put together a comprehensive collection of tax day discounts, check out a few of my favorites below or click here for the full list.

• CINNABON: Get two free bite-sized cupcakes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at participating mall locations as part of "Tax Day Bites!" Flavors include Chocolate Passion, 24-Carrot Cake, Vanilla Bliss and Cinnacake Classic.

• MAGGIEMOO'S: Get one free slice of ice cream pizza — ice cream with red frosting to look like sauce and white chocolate to look like cheese — at participating locations from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.

• STARBUCKS: Get free brewed coffee all day Thursday if you bring your own mug, a promotion the cafe chain says is friendly to the environment as well as taxpayers.

• BOSTON MARKET: For a "last-minute tax break" — one free meal for each one you buy Thursday through Sunday — show this coupon: http://bit.ly/d1YlRO

• IHOP: Expanding on the tax deduction parents get for kids, the restaurant chain is offering free dinner for one child age 12 or younger with each adult meal purchased 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. all month long.

• P.F. CHANG'S: Get 15 percent off food purchases for dine-in or take-out, excluding alcohol and happy hour food and beverages.

• HYDROMASSAGE: Get a free massage Thursday through Sunday at participating locations. The mall-based massage chain suggests calling ahead to book an appointment. Find a location at http://www.hydromassage.com/taxday.

Top 10 Money-Savvy New Year’s Resolutions

Now that 2010 has begun, people across the country will make pledges to change or alter their behavior in the New Year. However, instead of making a resolution to visit the gym more often or reduce your sugar intake, why not focus on taking control of your finances? I often encourage friends and family members to setup money-savvy New Years resolutions, and this year I decided to share my advice with all of my blog readers as well.

1. Shop Smart

The average family in America spends $700 or more per month on food, much of which goes to waste. This year how about making a resolution to eat out less or save money on food by planning your meals in advance and buying in bulk. If you enjoy eating lunch out with coworkers every day, then you might consider making a resolution to only eat lunch out once a week.

2. Do Not Be Lazy

No one likes to admit it, but laziness can cost you a lot of money. I am talking about that overdraft fee you had to pay for not depositing your paycheck right away or that late fee you had to pay a few months ago for forgetting to send your rent in on time. This year, take a more proactive approach to life and you will be surprised to see how much easier it is to manage your finances. By keeping your bills organized, balancing your checkbook, and keeping a budget, you can take control of your money.

3. Cut out Credit

These days credit cards are so common that people do not think anything of using them on a regular basis. However, this is dangerous, and can cost you thousands of dollars per year in interest. Instead, why not make it a resolution to pay with cash or your ATM card unless absolutely necessary.

4. Quit Something Pricey

Are you ignoring a habit that is costing you a lot of money? Whether it is smoking, shoe shopping, or even gambling, many of us have at least a few pricey habits. By making a resolution to cut out your bad habit, you can find yourself saving quite a bit of money this year. Some might not even need to be quit all together. If your indulgence is getting expensive cocktails with dinner then you might try making a drink at home before you go out. On the other hand, if your pricey habit is buying lots of electronics then you could make it a resolution to reduce your spending.

5. Pick up Good Habits

While dropping a few habits that waste money, you should also think about picking up a few that will help you manage your finances. It could be something as easy as turning lights off when you are not home, or something more severe like making charitable contributions on a regular basis, which can help lower your taxable income.

6. Dump Debt

For some of us, making regular monthly payments to reduce a debt has become a common part of life. However, making low or minimum payments will keep your debt alive for years to come. Instead, make it a resolution this year to dramatically reduce your debt. Make payments of as much as you can afford, and pay off bills with the highest interest rates first. Then, next year you can celebrate with less or possibly no debt.

7. Make Time for Banking

If you find yourself frequently over drawing your checking account, or are often shocked to find you have less money in your bank account than previously thought, then you might want to make a resolution to spend more time managing your bank account. Try setting aside ten or twenty minutes every few days to check your accounts online, or balance your checkbook.

8. Prepare for your Future

If you do not already have a retirement account setup, then finally opening one should be at the top of your list of potential resolutions. Depending on the type of retirement account you select, it could also help lower your tax bill for 2009 and years to come.

9. Stay Tax Savvy

Although most Americans wait until March or April to start worrying about their taxes, this is definitely not a good financial strategy. There are plenty of ways you can stay on top of your taxes, and keeping a low tax bill is a year-round process. Keeping documents organized, and staying up to date on the latest tax laws is a great resolution that can certainly help you keep your finances in check.

10. Retrain Yourself

No matter how many tips you read and think you will follow, after a few days or weeks, there is always a possibility that you will fall back in to your old habits. In order to avoid this common resolution problem, you need to completely retrain yourself when it comes to money. Instead of wasting your extra money on an expensive evening out, put some of it into a retirement account or donate it to a qualified charity. If you commit, then you will see staying money-savvy in 2010 is actually easier then you might assume.

101 Ways to Save Money this December

The month of December comes with holiday expenses, a looming new tax year, and high heating bills. With all of the holiday cheer, it can be easy to spend more than you can afford. Fortunately, there are literally hundreds of ways you can save money this month. To help out my readers looking to keep costs down, I have compiled the following list of my favorite 101 tips to save money in December.

Send me a message on FaceBook, or an @ Reply on Twitter if you have a tip that you do not see on my list!

1. Make a winter budget that lists all of the expenses you anticipate this month. Then, stick to your budget and refer to it for all major purchases.

2. Before you buy any expensive presents for the holidays, make sure to look online to see if you can find a cheaper price than you would at a local store. Just be sure to order with enough time for shipping!

3. Instead of throwing away aluminum cans or plastic bottles, take them to a local recycling center to get a little spare cash.

4. Make a donation to your favorite charity and keep the receipt. You may be able to deduct this amount from your taxable income for the year, which may increase your income tax refund.

5. Avoid malls! In addition to their inflated prices, I find it almost impossible to go into a mall without buying dozens of items I did not intend to purchase. Instead, do your shopping online.

6. Make your own Christmas wreath. Instead of buying an expensive one, stop by your local craft store and you can easily put together a festive wreath for under $20.

7. Bundle up. By convincing everyone in the household to wear warmer attire, you can turn down the heat and save on your energy bill.

8. Love to read books by the fire during the winter? After finishing a book, take it to a used bookstore where you can put the credit towards a new book to read.

9. If you love to put up Christmas lights but always forget to turn them off, then consider investing in a light timer. It will reduce your energy bill this year, and can turn into a long-term investment if you put up lights every December.

10. Instead of buying expensive wrapping paper you could make your own from cheap shipping paper decorated with paint and stickers.

11. Although we usually think of buying loved ones presents, Kwanzaa traditionally encourages people to give gifts that are handmade and heartfelt. Get into the spirit of Kwanzaa and make a handful of presents this year to save extra cash!

12. Go with the generic option. Brand name household items, such as soap and shampoo, are often double the price of the generic brand and usually have the exact same main ingredients.

13. If you are a big soda drinker then be sure to shop the sales. Stores often have huge discounts on soda and by stocking up when it is on sale you can save quite a bit on your grocery bills. Or just give up the habit and start drinking water or low-cost tea.

14. Book all flights and hotel reservations for holiday travels in advance. If you buy a plane ticket later in the month then you are going to pay an inflated fare.

15. Everyone is busy in December. Instead of eating out more often, try setting up a crock-pot meal that can cook while you’re away. That way you will have a fresh and affordable—not to mention delicious—meal waiting for you when you return.

16. Save on your energy bill by placing a towel at the foot of any doors with a draft.

17. Drive the speed limit! It is always a good idea to drive more cautiously in winter weather, but going the speed limit can also help improve your gas mileage.

18. Know someone with a young child? Consider giving them a coupon for a free night of babysitting as a gift this holiday season.

19. Instead of just buying pricey chicken breasts, go for the whole bird. You can remove the breasts and use the rest of the meat as well. You could even use the extra meat and bones to brew your own chicken broth.

20. Visit Starbucks often? Well, quit the habit. Granted, their holiday cups are cute and their latte’s are addictive. However, by brewing your own coffee you can save quite a bit of money.

21. You can save even more on your energy bill by letting in natural light through the windows, and turning off lights whenever you do not absolutely need them.

22. Coupons are a great way to save, but the trick is to only use them for things that you were going to buy already.

23. Take advantage of free gift-wrapping if you purchase an item in a store that offers it. Remember, every little bit you save helps!

24. Create your own Christmas decorations. In addition to making your own wreath, you could also save by gathering pinecones and making your own festive decorations.

25. Buy batteries when you see them on a good sale. You never know when you are going to need batteries so it is a good idea to purchase them in advance.

26. If you are worried about buying gifts for all of your coworkers and friends, then you might want to suggest going the “Secret Santa” route. It is cheaper, and also adds an element of mystery to the season.

27. If you receive a lot of holiday cards in the mail, then you could save by reusing them the next year. Just cut off the message and use the picture as a post card. Though make sure that you do not send it to the same person who sent it to you last year!

28. If you have Christmas or Chanukah cards from last year, and do not want to reuse them as postcards, then you can use them for seasonal gift tags.

29. Re-gift a favorite book that is in good condition. This will save you cash, and free up some room on the bookshelf. You could even write a personalized message on the inside of the cover.

30. Empty boxes or picture frames wrapped to look like presents make for cute, low-cost holiday decorations.

31. While family members may require more thought, mass producing a standard gift—like a recipe jar—for a handful of coworkers or friends can save you lots.

32. If you are not a fan of “Secret Santa”, then try a white elephant gift exchange. In addition to saving on gifts, the game can also help you save on entertainment expenses.

33. Be sure to close the fireplace flue when leaving home for long periods of time. Otherwise, your warm indoor air will go right out the chimney and your heating bill will skyrocket.

34. Make a grocery list and stick to it. It is also a good idea to always go grocery shopping on a full stomach, that way you can avoid those impulse purchases.

35. Clean out your freezer and remove any items that you do not intend to use. It takes double the energy to keep a full freezer cold, so by cleaning it out you can save on your electric bill.

36. A subscription to your favorite magazine could make for an excellent gift. Additionally, publications usually offer screaming discounts during the holidays.

37. Spinning the Chanukah dreidel is an annual tradition, but to cut costs try using candy instead of cash while betting.

38. Use the Kwanzaa colors (black, green, and red) in your house to save big on decorations. Other traditional low cost decorations include corn and straw.

39. Weather-stripping doors and windows where needed may cost a little now, but will save you money on your energy bill for years to come.

40. To avoid expensive, last minute spending, start shopping for gifts early. Then you can avoid busy stores all together later in the month.

41. Get your children involved! If you have kids then you could set aside time to do some holiday crafts with them. You can make season gifts and also enjoy extra time with your family.

42. Do all of your shopping in one trip. Instead of driving to the mall dozens of times this month and wasting gas in traffic, brainstorm on a list and make only a few trips.

43. Lots of places offer free, or cheap ice-skating during the holidays. Instead of spending tons of money to see a movie this December, you could spend the evening ice-skating.

44. If you enjoy updating your winter wardrobe every year, then you might want to sell old ones to a consignment store for spare cash. Alternatively, you could donate them to a “coats for kids” charity drive.

45. When the weather is cold, remove window air conditioner units to save on your heating bill.

46. Any plain glass hurricane or candleholder can instantly be transformed into holiday decor with some simple holiday ribbon or candy.

47. Leave your credit cards at home! If you make a list and can estimate how much money you will need for your shopping trip, then just bring enough cash with you to cover your purchase. By leaving extra money and credit cards at home you can make sure you stick to your list.

48. Give to your talent. If you enjoy painting, or singing, etc., then try coming up with a gift that uses your talent. You could paint a picture for a friend, or even record a CD for a family member.

49. If you can, try to gather your own firewood instead of buying at a local home improvement store.

50. If you enjoy renting a cabin for the holidays, start checking prices now. Get several estimates, and make a list of attendees in advance to save.

51. Providing alcohol at a holiday party is always going to be expensive. First, consider having all attendees bring their own alcohol. However if you must host, then go to BevMo or a bulk store for prices lower than you would find at the local liquor store.

52. Instead of buying a new Christmas stocking you could modify your old one with some glitter and a few ribbons.

53. Another great way to save on your heating bill is to wash your clothes in cold water, unless you have a stained item you need to use hot water to treat.

54. If you are looking for ways to reduce your grocery bill then try cutting meat out of a few meals. A few garden salads, or cucumber sandwiches will help you save money while improving your health!

55. Instead of giving your kids money to buy gifts for their friends, you can schedule a family craft day when you can make dozens of presents to give out.

56. If you are lucky enough to live near an outlet mall then be sure that you stop by! Outlet stores sell high-end overstocked items for much less than a department store.

57. Save on hiring a landscaper to shovel snow or trim hedges by enlisting a friend or neighbor to help out. You could make an exchange and help them with their own yard work too.

58. Creating gift price limits with family and friends will help everyone save money this year.

59. If you have a lot of tile in your home, try putting down a few rugs to keep your feet warm instead of turning up the heat.

60. There has never been a better time to quit smoking than the present. Tobacco taxes are always on the rise, and by making the cut you can save hundreds of dollars per year. And thousands of dollars down the road in higher health insurance and medical bills.

61. Have your children help make baked goods for gifts or entertaining. This keeps them busy, and helps get the job done quickly.

62. Turn down the thermostat when you are baking. The oven will usually heat up the house on its own.

63. If you get cold during the nights, try investing in an electric blanket instead of cranking up the heat.

64. After opening holiday presents be sure to keep all boxes, paper, and bows for next year.

65. Instead of buying a gift for each of your children’s teachers, buy in bulk and make the same gift for each teacher.

66. Buy seasonal fruits and vegetables from your local grocery store. They are usually cheaper, and you can even plan meals around them.

67. Start a carpool! Find out if any of your coworkers live in your area and put together a carpool system to save on gas.

68. If you want to reduce your cable or satellite bill then you could try watching movies and shows online, or start a Netflix account.

69. Before you buy your son or daughter a new puppy for Christmas, make sure that you can really afford it. Remember, vet bills and other pet expenses add up very quickly and can become a massive expense.

70. Everyone loves a big hot meal on a cold winter night. After you have had enough, make sure to save the leftovers for the next day’s lunch.

71. Encourage the whole family to keep the thermostat low by putting soft blankets or throws over chairs and couches in social areas.

73. Check your withholdings one more time to see if adjusting them before 2010 begins will benefit you financially.

74. Cooking is low-cost fun for the whole family. Homemade chocolates and baked goods also make great gifts!

75. Knitting your own scarves is a fun, easy project that can keep your warm all December.

76. If you frequent certain stores a lot, see what sort of discounts they offer loyal shoppers. You might be able to sign up for a frequent shopper card, or possibly even open up a credit card for additional discounts.

77. A good quality fake Christmas tree looks very close to the real thing, and if you find a good sale you might even get a fake tree for cheaper than a real one. Additionally, you can reuse the fake tree for years to come.

78. While shopping for loved ones, it is easy to get distracted and buy yourself a little present as well. Just be sure you plan for this and put it into your December budget.

79. If your gas bill seems a little high, have the company who provides it for you come out and service your furnace. Having leaks fixed, filters checked, and burners adjusted could save you a lot of money.

80. If you are already engaged, consider getting married this December! Wedding experts say you can find the best deals in the winter months since most couples prefer to get married in the summer.

81. If you are hosting for many, but do not have all the accommodations then consider renting tables, chairs and other necessities instead of buying.

82. If you need to do some yard work but do not have a working lawn mower or proper hedge trimmers then ask a neighbor if you can borrow theirs before making an expensive purchase.

83. Never make the mistake of turning your heat all the way off in especially cold weather, or you could freeze and burst your pipes. Turning the thermostat down is a much more practical solution to lowering your heating bill.

84. Cranberries and popcorn strung on some thread make cheap decorations for your home and tree during the holidays.

85. Leave the kids behind! When you go shopping try to have someone watch your children instead of taking him or her with you. It will help you stick to your list since you will not have anyone asking you to buy them extra presents.

86. If you like to read then why not sign up for a card at your local library instead of purchasing new books to read.

87. Skiing and snowboarding are fun, but expensive hobbies. If you visit the slopes often then you might want to buy a season pass instead of paying for admittance every time you go.

88. Instead of giving individual gifts to your family or friends, try giving one gift that everyone can utilize such as a board game.

89. The holiday season is all about family, and if your family likes to talk on their cell phones frequently then you might save by switching to a family plan.

90. Stock up on candles! Not only will they give your home that warm holiday glow, but they will also help you save on heating and electricity bills.

91. Love to cook? Type up some of your best recipes and give out a cookbook as gifts for friends and family.

92. Making your own Chanukah candles can save you money, and will also give a more personal touch to the celebration.

93. Practice layering. By wearing tank tops under long-sleeved shirts you can keep warm without turning up the heat.

94. Instead of spending money on regular holiday cards, try going the e-card route. You will save on both materials and postage.

95. Use holiday lights made out of LEDs. They use less electricity and will also last much longer than regular lights.

96. Make your own snacks. Instead of buying expensive snacks for yourself, or your child’s lunch box, try making your own. All you need is a bag of granola, some raisins, and a couple different types of nuts and you have an instant trail mix.

97. For a great low cost holiday party, try hosting a seasonal movie night. You can easily rent a movie and buy a few frozen pizzas for only a few bucks.

98. Make your own Christmas ornaments by filling or painting clear glass bulbs, wood shapes, or pinecones.

99. Save your receipts! Odds are you will not use every single decoration and present that you purchase. By keeping your receipts somewhere safe you can make returns without any hassle.

100. On December 26^th stores will put everything related to Christmas on discount. Take advantage by purchasing supplies for next year in advance. You can also use some items, such as holiday colored zip lock bags throughout the year.

101. Visit your tax attorney before the years end and be sure you take advantage of every credit and deduction available to you before the New Year begins.

Top 10 Tips to Getting the Best Bargains on Black Friday

Tomorrow is one of the most popular shopping days of the year, with stores all across the country offering discounts on all types of products. However, before you head out tomorrow morning be sure to check out the following 10 tips for getting the best bargains from About.com.

1. Check Out the Ads

Your local Thanksgiving Day newspaper will be stuffed like your Thanksgiving turkey with ads, coupons, and circulars. This will be your number one source to local Black Friday savings. It will also help you organize your day to maximize savings, since many stores offer special discounts that are time specific. Example: Receive an extra 10 percent off if you shop before 11 a.m.

2. Do Your Research Before Friday:

If you are hoping to scoop up a deal on Friday on a big-ticket item, go ahead and get your research out of the way as soon as possible. A bad product is a bad deal no matter how cheap it costs. Being knowledgeable about the products you want to buy will help you avoid being sucker-punched with loud advertising for poor products. About.com is chocked full of buying advice on a wide variety of products from professionals who have the knowledge to help you make good decisions.

3. Compare Prices:

Utilize price-comparison Internet shopping sites such as PriceGrabber.com to assist you in comparing product prices. Compare the "options" included with the product. Some retailers will low-ball the advertised price on a stripped down product, and then you will be charged extra for the necessary parts that will make the product perform as expected. A good example of this is often seen with super low-priced computer printers that come without the cable (cord) or printer ink.

4. Look for Early Bird Shopper Discounts:

The Early Bird Shopper will be the real winner on Black Friday. Stores offering early-day shopper specials usually run the deals from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. and with no "rain checks," which means once they run out of the products, you are out of luck. Scanning the ads and routing your trip based on your buying priorities will be important with the time-sensitive deals that will be offered.

Continued at About.com…

10 Easy Ways to Save Money this Thanksgiving

With the holiday season just around the corner, millions of taxpayers are looking for ways to save money this Thanksgiving. Between travel expenses, food and supplies for a huge dinner, and other expenses, the total costs for “Turkey Day” can add up quickly. To help my readers have a fun-filled Thanksgiving without breaking the budget, I have put together the following list of ways to save money this year.

1. Be the Early Bird

If you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner for your family and friends then you can benefit greatly from planning your meal and purchasing supplies as early as possible. This way you can be on the look out for discounts on non-perishable products. You can also avoid the huge crowds of last minute shoppers.

2. Request RSVP's

While having some extra turkey and stuffing leftover to make sandwiches can be fun, having TOO many leftovers because of no-shows is basically like throwing money in the trash. By asking your guests to RSVP ahead of time you can get a better estimate of how much food you should buy.

3. Coupon Clip

Food companies know that people buy extra food around Thanksgiving and often print especially good coupons. Even if you are not the “coupon type,” you might be surprised to learn how much you can save this Thanksgiving just by using a handful of coupons. You should also be on the look out for groceries that offer discounts on holiday related products.

4. The Thanksgiving Turkey

The Thanksgiving turkey can easily become one of your biggest expenses, depending on the size of the bird you select. Frozen turkeys are usually a little cheaper, but can take longer to prepare due to the necessary defrost time. Also, be on the look out for stores that offer specials on turkeys. Many will even give you a turkey for spending a certain amount of money. If you can plan it so that you purchase all of your supplies in one trip then you may be able to get a free turkey.

5. Do NOT go Overboard

Although it can be easy to get carried away and create a lavish meal with dozens of sides and desserts, do you really need to? Odds are that most of this extra food will go uneaten and find it’s way to the trashcan. Instead, limit the number of dishes you create and focus your attention on the Turkey.

6. Discount Decor

Another easy way to drain your bank account is by going overboard with decorations. However, there are several ways that you can decorate your Thanksgiving table for little or nothing. Try using dried leaves and pinecones to create a season centerpiece. If you do not have any trees with pretty enough leaves, then you could make them out of orange and brown colored paper.

7. Drink Decisions

There are so many yummy fall beverages that it can be hard to choose between them, and you can very quickly spent too much. Save money by making your own eggnog and cider at home. Search for easy recopies online, and be sure to read the reviews to make sure that they come with good recommendations.

8. Perhaps a Potluck?

If hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner seems like too much, then you can always suggest a potluck to your friends and family. Everyone loves a potluck, and it can save you a decent amount of money if you are supposed to host the dinner. It will also allow you to focus your attention on other tasks, like creating festive decorations.

9. Traveling Tips

If you are traveling for the holiday, then the sooner you book your flight the better. The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest traveling day of the year, which usually results in huge crowds and delayed flights. In addition to buying your tickets early, you could also try arriving a day or two early to avoid the day before Thanksgiving ticket mark ups. If you have enough time, you could even try driving to your destination.

10. Have a Heart

One of the easiest ways to save on Thanksgiving dinner is not to have one. By replacing your family’s meal with something cheap and donating the turkey and fixings to a local charity you can get into the holiday spirit and get a valuable tax deduction. Just be sure to keep your grocery receipt, and make sure you are donating to a qualified charity.