Our family has always purchased the Entertainment/ Happenings book. I realized how much money this can save - everything from dry cleaning to auto rentals and restaurants or shows, it is all included in this book.
Here are some savings I had from the book:
- $5 off my dry cleaning (twice!- $10 savings)
- $11 Twins tickets (originally $22 each - saved $22)
- $7 calzone- buy one, get one free
- $7 soup - buy one, get one free
- free pizza with the purchase of another
- $5 free burger
- $3 free coffee
This is nearly $70 of savings for a $10 purchase (I bought my book late- right now they are $25 online- original price is $35).
Plus, I share the coupons I don't use with family and friends. That too is really fun!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Transit: less pollution and money!
Lori my college friend writes:
Last April I took the plunge into Metro Transit. I live 25 miles away from my place of employment, saw gas prices continually rising, and figured I needed to try alternative transportation. I know not all these factors will apply to everyone, but I found these advantages at my disposal which made Metro Transit work for me and add up to big savings!
Free Park-N-Ride lot near my house (cutting my drive from 50 miles a day to only 10) Employer-subsidized transit options (they cover over 50% of transit fees) Tax- deferred payments for transit (what I pay for transit passes comes out of my salary on a pre-tax basis) No need for a parking permit at work (parking in Minneapolis is not cheap!)
I initially said, "I'll try this for a week." Now eight months later, I think I have driven to/from work less than a dozen times. I also started tracking my financial savings. The amount I am saving is directly dependent upon the cost of gas, since all other costs/savings remain constant. At the peak of gas prices, I was saving over $100 each month! Now with gas prices around $1.60, my savings is around $44 per month. I also lowered my insurance premium by declaring my car a minimum-use vehicle.
Plus, there were these non-monetary factors:
Non-stop express bus service to/from downtown meant no long waits, stops, or layovers
A wonderful boss who supported my commuting and let me adjust my hours. By not driving, I reclaimed some time in the day for me: I can relax by reading or sleeping on the bus, in turn making me more energized when I get to work and more relaxed when I get home.
I hope my story may be inspiring to anyone who is considering trying Metro Transit for themselves.
Last April I took the plunge into Metro Transit. I live 25 miles away from my place of employment, saw gas prices continually rising, and figured I needed to try alternative transportation. I know not all these factors will apply to everyone, but I found these advantages at my disposal which made Metro Transit work for me and add up to big savings!
Free Park-N-Ride lot near my house (cutting my drive from 50 miles a day to only 10) Employer-subsidized transit options (they cover over 50% of transit fees) Tax- deferred payments for transit (what I pay for transit passes comes out of my salary on a pre-tax basis) No need for a parking permit at work (parking in Minneapolis is not cheap!)
I initially said, "I'll try this for a week." Now eight months later, I think I have driven to/from work less than a dozen times. I also started tracking my financial savings. The amount I am saving is directly dependent upon the cost of gas, since all other costs/savings remain constant. At the peak of gas prices, I was saving over $100 each month! Now with gas prices around $1.60, my savings is around $44 per month. I also lowered my insurance premium by declaring my car a minimum-use vehicle.
Plus, there were these non-monetary factors:
Non-stop express bus service to/from downtown meant no long waits, stops, or layovers
A wonderful boss who supported my commuting and let me adjust my hours. By not driving, I reclaimed some time in the day for me: I can relax by reading or sleeping on the bus, in turn making me more energized when I get to work and more relaxed when I get home.
I hope my story may be inspiring to anyone who is considering trying Metro Transit for themselves.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Save on haircuts!
Great Clips is currently running a promotion for $9.99 pre-paid haircuts. Pre-paid cuts are loaded on a gift card your present at each visit. The normal cost for a haircut is $14. Stock up for the year and save big! We just bought 15 haircuts which should cover my husband and me through the end of this year and 2009, saving us $60.15!
My college friend, Lori submitted this entry. She and I were Resident Assistants together - another good way we saved money - to live for free. :) Gotta love that!
My college friend, Lori submitted this entry. She and I were Resident Assistants together - another good way we saved money - to live for free. :) Gotta love that!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Long time, no post
Wow, as I just posted the message from Erin, I realize that there is more need for postings. We can all benefit from sharing ideas in this tough economic time. Please write!
Photo Greetings- Money saver
Here is a great tip to save money on photo cards. The idea is from Erin (Doering) Forster. She was a friend of my sister's growing up. I remembered they had matching sweaters- I was jealous- and Erin came with us to Dayton's (now Macy's) 8th floor! She writes:
"If you usually do the photo greeting card for the holidays, you might want to consider ordering a "collage photo" from www.snapfish.com instead - it is a ton cheaper (9 cents instead of 35+ cents) and you don't have to pick just one photo! :) Expect one in your mailbox. :)"
Enjoy!
"If you usually do the photo greeting card for the holidays, you might want to consider ordering a "collage photo" from www.snapfish.com instead - it is a ton cheaper (9 cents instead of 35+ cents) and you don't have to pick just one photo! :) Expect one in your mailbox. :)"
Enjoy!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Look for entertainment deals
Being a student, I sometimes get offers to do things at student prices. Last night, a classmate and I went to the Guthrie Theater production for $2. The tickets were originally priced $43. This was a great evening of amazing entertainment. With a snack and soda, the whole night was $10 worth of fun!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Free $100 ACT FAST!
Suze Orman is promoting a free $100 for all people that open a savings account BY MARCH 31. The purpose is to encourage everyone to save money and take control of their finances. To qualify, you need to add $50 each month for the next year and then $100 will be credited to your account. For more information go here.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Negotiate a deal
Another one from my friend Sean M., the best contributor!
Almost everything that you buy at retail price is negotiable. Shoes is a great example. If I need shoes, I’ll go directly to the clearance section. I’ll find a pair of shoes that I like and bargain the price down further. You can also negotiate the price of the full price shoes. Typically retailers have about a 40-60 percent mark up on their cost for goods. You can almost always get 5 -10 percent off a pair of shoes just for asking. I once bought a pair of boots listed at $70 for $15 just because I negotiated with the salesperson.
Almost everything that you buy at retail price is negotiable. Shoes is a great example. If I need shoes, I’ll go directly to the clearance section. I’ll find a pair of shoes that I like and bargain the price down further. You can also negotiate the price of the full price shoes. Typically retailers have about a 40-60 percent mark up on their cost for goods. You can almost always get 5 -10 percent off a pair of shoes just for asking. I once bought a pair of boots listed at $70 for $15 just because I negotiated with the salesperson.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Travel books
I just spent four days in New York. Before I left I checked out the New York travel book from the St. Paul Library. It was GREAT! We found tips to save both time and money- the best was reserving our tickets for the Statue of Liberty and walking onto the ferry while people stood in lines for HOURS.
The book was so good, that the girls that I stayed with asked if they could keep it- they stay for another week. An added bonus is that it is no clutter in your home after you take the trip. Going again? Just check it out a second time!
The book was so good, that the girls that I stayed with asked if they could keep it- they stay for another week. An added bonus is that it is no clutter in your home after you take the trip. Going again? Just check it out a second time!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
A cheap date
Here is another idea from Sean McDermott
A favorite of ours is to go out to the movies, but attend the “Cheap Theater” which shows movies a few weeks after they have been released instead of the high-dollar theater. Of course you won’t be able to watch the newly released blockbuster, but you will be able to watch that blockbuster for as little as $1 before it is released on DVD to rent.
A favorite of ours is to go out to the movies, but attend the “Cheap Theater” which shows movies a few weeks after they have been released instead of the high-dollar theater. Of course you won’t be able to watch the newly released blockbuster, but you will be able to watch that blockbuster for as little as $1 before it is released on DVD to rent.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Lowering your interest rate through negotiation
From my friend Sean McDermott:
You can negotiate your credit card’s annual percentage rate. Call your credit card company and tell them that you’re considering another card because it offers a lower APR (it is good to have an actual number, say 12 percent, as your offer from the other company). Tell your credit card company that you would be willing to stay with them if they drop the APR on your current card.
Sean and I became friends when we traveled together to Washington, D.C. to attend the 2000 Presidential Inauguration conference. As broke college students, we enjoyed eating desserts at D.C. restaurants. This allowed us to see the town and eat at nice restaurants without the full meal costs. Plus, we gotta eat dessert!
You can negotiate your credit card’s annual percentage rate. Call your credit card company and tell them that you’re considering another card because it offers a lower APR (it is good to have an actual number, say 12 percent, as your offer from the other company). Tell your credit card company that you would be willing to stay with them if they drop the APR on your current card.
Sean and I became friends when we traveled together to Washington, D.C. to attend the 2000 Presidential Inauguration conference. As broke college students, we enjoyed eating desserts at D.C. restaurants. This allowed us to see the town and eat at nice restaurants without the full meal costs. Plus, we gotta eat dessert!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Free entertainment
The St. Paul and Minneapolis Public Libraries have begun a new program that allows you to check out museum passes for free. Simply bring in your library card and check out admissions. These are good for two to four free admissions at various Twin Cities locations. You can only check out one per week.
I also use the library to rent DVDs. The request item allows you to place an order and pick them up when they are available. Nothing better than a free movie!
I also use the library to rent DVDs. The request item allows you to place an order and pick them up when they are available. Nothing better than a free movie!
Medication rebates
Did you know you can get reimbursed for your out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs? Simply search for your drug name and rebate online. Fill out the form, follow the instructions and mail it in. I have already saved more than $100 by doing this!
Warning--this typically does not apply to generic drugs.
Warning--this typically does not apply to generic drugs.
Freezing chopped onions
I read that you could buy chopped onions but I couldn't find them in my grocery store.
I chopped my own and put it in a freezer bag. Whenever, I want to add onions to my soups, potatoes and dishes, I simply open this bag and add.
This saves money since you don't need to buy a new onion every time you go to the grocery store. The better part is you have less hassle since you only need to chop that onion once!
I chopped my own and put it in a freezer bag. Whenever, I want to add onions to my soups, potatoes and dishes, I simply open this bag and add.
This saves money since you don't need to buy a new onion every time you go to the grocery store. The better part is you have less hassle since you only need to chop that onion once!
The rationale behind this site
I am always looking for creative ideas to save some money. I love reading about money and learning creative tip to save some cash. Whether it is cutting coupons and matching these to sales, stretching items in your kitchen, making products last longer, finding savings for fun trips or entertainment, or investing your money in a new area, I thought we could all learn from each other.
The concept is simple. I want this to be OUR page. Share your ideas, take some. Save some money, and hopefully watch your wallet grow.
They say good things happen in community, so I want you this to be about us! Please send me your good ideas and I will post them. You can also add your own comments to postings. I hope you enjoy our adventure!
The concept is simple. I want this to be OUR page. Share your ideas, take some. Save some money, and hopefully watch your wallet grow.
They say good things happen in community, so I want you this to be about us! Please send me your good ideas and I will post them. You can also add your own comments to postings. I hope you enjoy our adventure!
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