Archive for the ‘Holiday Shopping & Saving’ Category

Labor Day Sales & Freebies Available Now

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

Labor Day weekend is only a few hours away, but you needn’t despair if you haven’t solidified your plans yet.  With great sales going on both in stores and online, there’s plenty of deal-chasing that can be done this weekend.  Here are some Labor Day sales worth checking out:

BareNecessities.com is offering 50% off all clearance items through September 7th (now that sounds like a deal), and a buy 2 bras, get 1 free Labor Day sale (no expiration dateLabor Day sales are HEREisgiven, though it probably expires after the weekend).

CVS.com has an online special offering $10 off a non-prescription purchase of $50 or more, plus free shipping with coupon code LABORDAY50.

Gap.com has free shipping through September 11th on all purchases over $50.  Use coupon code GAPSHIP50 at checkout.

Gymboree.com is running its Fill-A-Bag sale with 30% off storewide until September 5th.  $5 shipping is also available for a limited time.

JCPenney.com has free shipping on orders over $49 with coupon code 49WORKS through September 11th.  Not valid on furniture.  And don’t forget that all shoes at JCPenney.com ship free.

JosABank.com is reducing their clearance products by another 50% through Labor Day weekend.  There are some great deals here if you’re looking for men’s dress clothing.

Kohls.com is offering 15% off all purchases and free shipping on orders over $75 with coupon code SAVEON75, which expires today, September 2nd.

Macys.com has free shipping on all orders over $99 until September 6th as well as some great Labor Day sales that are online only until today, September 2nd.  You can also get free shipping through September 7th if you purchase a minimum amount from specific companies.  For a full list of these deals, click here.

OldNavy.com is offering 20% off a purchase of $100 or 25% off a purchase of $150 for all online purchases through September 6th with coupon code ONSAVEBIG.


And while you’re online, why not sign up for some great freebies that may not be available when the Labor Day sales are done?

A Tax Holiday is Coming Your Way!

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Let’s face it – we spend lots of money in the summer because (1) the days are longer (which means more time toTax Holidayhit the stores), (2) the kids are out of school (and begging for stuff), and (3) school is just around the corner (which means that you’ll have dozens of things on your back-to-school list).  With all this spending going on, it’s such a relief to have a tax holiday, and fortunately there are many of these bonanzas going on in August. Check the list below to see if your state is among the lucky ones.  If so, make sure to head to the stores during the sales tax holiday to save big.  Pair your tax holiday with coupons and in-stores sales for extra savings.  Be aware that not all items are exempt from sales tax (even during the tax holiday) and that local sales tax may still be applicable.  Still, the savings can be big – so enjoy your tax-free shopping!

State Tax Holiday Dates Applies To
Alabama August 6-8 All clothing up to $100 per item, computers priced up to $750 and school supplies priced up to $50 per item among other items.
Connecticut August 15-21 Clothing and footwear costing less than $300 per item.
Florida August 13-15 All clothing priced under $50 per item and all school supplies priced under $10 per item.
Illinois August 6-15 Clothing, footwear and school supplies priced up to $100 per item.
Iowa August 6-7 Clothing priced up to $100 per item.
Louisiana August 6-7 All purchases of tangible items costing under $2,500 with the exception of cars and restaurant purchases.
Maryland August 8-14 Clothing and footwear costing up to $100 per item.
Massachusetts August 14-15 Most items costing under $2,500.
New Mexico August 6-8 Clothing and footwear priced up to $100 per item, computers priced up to $1000, computer software priced up to $500 and school supplies priced up to $15 per unit.
North Carolina August 6-8 Clothing and footwear priced up to $100 per item, computers priced up to $3,500, computer software priced up to $250, sports equipment priced up to $50 per unit and school supplies priced up to $100 per unit.
Oklahoma August 6-8 Clothing priced up to $100 per item.
South Carolina August 6-8 Most clothing, footwear, school supplies, computers and baby items.  Some house wares are also included in the tax holiday.
Tennessee August 6-8 Clothing and school supplies priced up to $100 per item and computers priced up to $1,500.
Texas August 20-22 Clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced up to $100.  All accessories will be taxed.
Virginia August 6-8 Clothing and footwear priced up to $100 per item and school supplies priced up to $20 per item.


Last Minute Father’s Day Deals & Freebies

Friday, June 18th, 2010

If you’re reading this post, you’re probably worrying about the upcoming Father’s Day which is only 3 days away. Chances are good that if you’re still searching for Father’s Day deals, you haven’t yet found that perfect gift…or any gift. But fear not! Even though there are only a few hours to go, you’ve still got plenty of time to take advantage of great Father’s Day deals. OK, you may not have plenty of time, but you definitely have some – so read on and get to work!

  • Free ice cream. If your father isn’t reading this post, you can bring him a free ice cream from either TCBY or tasti-D-lite, both of which are offering a free small cup or cone to dads.  Of course, you need to be a father to get the free ice cream – but if you’re not, you can always take your father out to the store to enjoy his free treat.
  • Free collage print. What father doesn’t love a collage made of pictures of his children (or grandchildren), or of family memories from way-back-when.  Create the collage at Walgreen’s online and have it mailed (you’ll pay for shipping, and it may not get there in time), or pick it up in-store so that it’s totally free.  Use coupon code GOBIG8X10 to get your print for free.  This coupon code is good until Saturday, June 19th.
  • Free breakfast at Ikea.  Take your father to the closest Ikea and get a free breakfast between 9:30 and 11am.  While you’re there, the kids can make you (or grandpa) a free picture frame, at participating stores.

Of course, if you don’t want to give only a Father’s Day freebie, you can also take advantage of some great deals going on now.  Some of my favorites include:

  • Watches from Overstock.com.  You can save 5% on your purchase if it’s your first time at Overstock.com, and you can take advantage of some of the great sales they have in their clearance section.  Plus, your dad will probably appreciate the gift (even if he has a watch).
  • An iPod from eBay. I’ve found that eBay is one of the best places to buy an iPod (or any mp3 player) because you can bid your price and possibly win an auction for an extremely low bid.  If your father doesn’t currently have an mp3 player, he’ll likely enjoy it, as it’s great for the commute, working out or just tuning out ‘background noise’.
  • Busted Tees from Brad’s Deals.  Having given out dozens of t-shirts myself, I can tell you firsthand how people just love getting cute t-shirts.  While some of their shirts are a bit risque, many of them are extremely hilarious and if your father has a sense of humor, he will love one.  Shipping costs almost as much as the t-shirt, but it’s still a great gift for under $20.
  • Even if buying these Father’s Day gifts today won’t ensure that they’ll arrive on time (though you may be able to choose expedited shipping), you’ll be able to tell him that something is on the way.  And that definitely counts for something if you ask me!

    Happy Father’s Day,

Got an Unwanted Gift? Make the Most of It!

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

If you’ve received an unwanted gift this holiday season, you can rest assured you’re not alone.  I myself was lucky enough to receive only 1 ugly sweater this year.  But of course, I find it equally difficult to be enthused over my new fishing rod (mostly since I haven’t gone fishing since I moved away from a viable source of fish).  So this year, like every year, I find myself asking- unwanted_giftwhat can I do with that dreaded unwanted gift?  Is there a way to get something out of it?  To dispose of it without hurting the giver’s feelings?  Here are some things that I’ve tried in the past, as well as some new suggestions from some of my clever friends.  Hope they help you turn an unwanted gift into a welcome item.

- Sell it online. Surprisingly, this may be one of the best ways to get rid of unwanted gift.  For example, I may not be able to use a fishing rod where I live, but someone who lives along the shore may be thrilled to buy it from me at a discounted price.  And believe me, I’ll be happy to sell it, so that I can make money and keep my closet clean.  You may not believe it but you can even auction unwanted gift cards on eBay.  Definitely worth checking out.

-  Offer it at a garage sale. If you live in a warm location or don’t mind waiting until the summer, why not try to unload your things at a garage sale?  You’d be surprised how your junk can quickly become someone else’s treasure.

-  Donate it. Is your unwanted gift something that you can donate to another person?  Perhaps someone a little bit less fortunate than yourself?  Though I’m not sure exactly where I can donate my fishing rod, there may very well be some charities that would be happy to take it, and to write me a tax-deductible receipt for this purchase (which, incidentally, is almost as good as cash).

-  Swap it. You may not want your new lamp, but you may enjoy your friend’s unwanted cheese platter.  Why not host a swap-night through which your friends – and friends of friends- can enjoy exchanging unwanted gifts?  In the old days, someone might host an ugly sweater party, but in today’s day and age, there’s no reason to limit it to just ugly sweaters.  Trust me, you have no idea what treasures you may find in someone else’s unwanted gift pile!

Exchange it. Few gift recipients actually think about exchanging unwanted gifts, but if you know where it was purchased from you may be able to get store credit back.  If you’re not sure where it came from, you can always try hinting to the giver, and hoping for the best.  Or, be direct and explain the problem.  There’s a good chance that your hideous slipper socks came from Target, and that you can get something you really want with the store credit.

-   (And finally) regift it.  It stands to reason that if you got an unwanted gift, it may have been somebody else’s reject (it may have even been a few other people’s reject).  The question is, however, if you know someone who can use that gift.  And I don’t mean someone you can just pass it off to, but someone who can actually use and enjoy it.  It’s unlikely that someone you know will enjoy those reindeer antlers, so don’t even think about regifting them.  But don’t worry- you’ve just seen that there are other options…

Do you have any other ideas about how to get rid of unwanted gifts?  I’d love to hear them!

Happy Holidays,

Billy

11 Inexpensive Last Minute Gift Ideas for Any Occasion

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

Still haven’t finished your holiday shopping? You may be surprised to learn that I am also a last-minute shopper from time to time. But the holidays aren’t the only time that people scramble for a last minute gift. Whether you’re a husband who forgot an anniversary, a daughter who forgot her mother’s birthday, or you’ve forgotten to get a thank-you gift for your child’s teacher, there are plenty of reasons why someone might need a last minute gift- and plenty of inexpensive ways to solve this dilemma. Here are some of my favorite last minute gift ideas:

gift card1- While some gift-givers may feel like a gift card is a cop-out, I have no doubt that everyone loves receiving a gift card. There’s nothing quite like splurging on yourself (with someone else’s money) or appreciating not having to pay for something that you’d otherwise have to shell out for. Some of my favorite gift cards are to restaurants, gas stations, bookstores, or even the coffee bar you know your loved one frequents.

2- There are a few reasons why magazine subscriptions are at the top of my last minute gift list. Firstly, they are always available, and there are always deals on great reads. Secondly, they provide long-term enjoyment. Thirdly, you can order them online without having to run out to the store and pick it up when you’re already in a rush.

3- Depending on the nature of the gift, candy can be a cheap and easy gift. Throw some Hershey Kisses onto some kind of serving platter, and you can have a gift for under or around $10. Same thing if you fill a small vase with M&Ms or Skittles. Great for teachers or friends with a sweet tooth.

4- Stores like Bath & Body Works often have deals on their smaller soaps- pair two or three together for an inexpensive gift for any woman or teenage girl. Of course, if you can stock up on these when you know they’re on sale, you can always have a last minute gift on hand.

5- It’s easy to find great deals on books, so if you know an author that the gift recipient likes, a book can be a quick and easy last minute gift. If you’re not sure what book to get, consider a bathroom reader or a cookbook- those are usually welcome by women who are bored of their recipes- and by men who can select recipes for their partners to cook.

6-  Everyone appreciates a new CD. Everyone appreciates it more if it’s exchangeable locally, in case they don’t like that artist or already have the CD selected.

7- With infinite options, you should have no problem finding a bottle of wine for the recipient to enjoy. If you’re really in a rush, choose something from your own wine rack.

8- If you need a last minute gift for a child, art supplies are the way to go. I try to stock up when there are sales (back to school sales, for example). But even if you haven’t stocked up, you can probably find something at a discount (stickers are also a great option, and they’re really inexpensive).

9-  Hair accessories are another inexpensive gift that is great for little girls. And possibly teenage girls, depending on your selection.

10- Who doesn’t love a tray of home-baked or gourmet cookies? Kids love cookies because they’re junk food, adults love them because they’re yummy (and accessible and they didn’t have to make them).

11- Most people I know (ok, everyone I know!) enjoys watching movies from the comfort of their home.  Choose a 1-3 month online DVD rental subscription (depending on your budget), and let the recipient enjoy. Who knows, he (or she) may even invite you over for a night out!

Happy Holidays,

Billy

How to Save on Holiday Entertaining

Monday, December 21st, 2009

The shopping is nearly finished, you’ve started to wrap the presents, and you’ve even begun writing some of the cards.  But now that the dust has settled, you may be wondering how you’ll be able to afford holiday entertaining and the gifts that have already been purchased.  If you’re like most people, serving macaroni and cheese won’t be sufficiently sophisticated.  So how can you save on holiday entertaining without sacrificing on taste or ambiance?  Here are 7 ways to save- try one, and you’ll save a little.  Use them all, and you’ll be amazed at how much money stays in your pocket.

1- Host a pot luck dinner. If you’re hosting 20 of your closest family members and friends, there’s no reason not to ask them to pitch in.  Chances are good that your guests would otherwise spend money on a hostess gift.  Since you probably don’t need another vase or creamer pitcher, why not just ask your guests to bring a side dish or salad instead?  Getting everyone to help out will save you on holiday entertaining and also reduce the anxiety associated with preparing dinner for 20.

2- Ditch the expensive decorations. There’s absolutely no reason why you need to shell out money for fancy candles, table sparkles or other standard décor items.Ditch the expensive decorations  Instead, enlist your children to find pinecones, beautiful leaves or other free items to decorate the table with.  If you don’t mind going for a homemade look, encourage your children to create holiday art projects or hand-drawn cutouts to sprinkle across the table. If you don’t have young children, consider decorating the table in unexpected and inexpensive ways- scatter a handful of jelly beans across the table to create a splash of color, light up some tea lights or simply drag out your fancy napkin rings to create interest at the table.

3- Buy in bulk. Few would argue that buying in bulk will save you a bundle on your entertaining expenses.  And, if you play your cards right, you may even have extra paper goods or food items to use in the future.  (Just make sure that you don’t opt for the Santa plates or Rudolph napkins).  If you shop at wholesale clubs like Costco or BJ’s, be aware the not everything is cheaper in bulk.  Pay attention to prices on things like produce and dairy, as these items may actually be cheaper in other stores.

4- Go green. Using paper goods is one of the most obvious holiday entertaining ideas- but it’s also one of the most expensive.  If you’re inviting a manageable crowd, consider using real dishes, glasses and silverware, and breaking out the cloth napkins instead of paper ones.  Using real dishes and napkins will not only help you save, but will help save the environment as well.

5- Make recipes that require items you already own. There’s no better way to save money on holiday entertaining than to shop your own pantry closet.  Got two bags of noodles?  Why not serve sesame noodles?  Got some canned pumpkin?  A pumpkin pie it is!  Take a few moments to search your cupboards before heading to the store.  It will likely save you significantly on your holiday menu.

6- Cut back on the alcohol. Alcoholic beverages can be a significant part of the holiday entertaining bill.  In order to reduce these expenses, ask guests to bring their favorite drink (especially those who are not bringing any food), or offer mixers instead of straight-up alcohol.  It may require a bit more work to make the drink, but the result will be both fun and financially responsible.

7- Remember that less is more. Most people think that one of the underlying principles of holiday entertaining requires the host to prepare everything in their cookbook.  Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth.  One of my favorite holiday entertaining ideas is that less is more.  Instead of cooking everything you’ve ever made, choose a few of your favorites.  Your guests will be satisfied and you’ll have done a fantastic job on a few select dishes, instead of serving too many lukewarm dishes because you didn’t have enough room in the oven.

Happy Entertaining,

Billy

It's Not Too Late to Enjoy Online Dating Deals This Season

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

Are you nervous or sad because you’re about to spend the holiday season alone?  Or maybe you’re looking for the perfect gift for a friend who hasn’t yet found that special someone?  Either way, I’ve got the solution to your problems (don’t I always?!)- why not take advantage of online dating deals NOW, so that you can find your companion before the holidays arrive?

As it happens, Chemistry.com is offering 3 months for the price of 1. For around $50, you can give yourself or your friend what is potentially the best gift on earth- the gift of love.

You may never have thought about online dating as a viable way to meet the right person.  But Chemistry is different because it offers technologically-based matching which is designed to offer more relevant matches than online dating sites that allow singles to search for their own partner.  online datingChemistry allows users to view up to 5 potential matches a day.  Just think about it- with 15 days until New Years, that’s 75 potential suitors, and only one of them needs to be of interest.

If Chemisty isn’t the ideal online dating service for you (or the friend you’re thinking of), you can consider gifting online dating memberships to other sites.  Perfectmatch.com offers a gift membership which is around $110.  Likewise, Match.com offers a 3 month gift membership option which can be purchased only by calling their customer service center.  Don’t be afraid to read online dating reviews before you make your selection so that you can make sure you’re choosing the best service for you or your loved one.

There are millions of singles looking for love online- and it’s not too late for you to become one of them.  Why spend the holiday alone when you can take advantage of some great online dating deals while taking control of your future?

Happy Dating,

Billy

Save on Digital Photo Gifts and Printing this December

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

Tired of getting your father a tie clip as a gift, or purchasing yet another book for your mother?  Looking for a unique holiday gift for a friend, family member or loved one?  Since private journeys to space won’t be readily available for another few years, you may want to consider something a bit more practical and affordable.  Some of my favorite unique holiday gifts are photo gifts.  And I don’t just mean your face plastered on the side of a mug.  Today there are some really fabulous photo gifts- and some great deals on these unique holiday gifts, so that you can gift a truly one-of-a-kind present while saving some of your pennies for a rainy day.

My favorite digital photo printing company is Snapfish, a subsidiary of Hewlett Packard.  Their user-friendly website makes it extremely easy to find and produce creative digital photo gifts, or even just to print out your digital photos extremely quickly.  Snapfish is always offering a plethora of promotions, but you have to know to look for them or you may miss out on savings.

Below are some great ways to save on digital photo gifts or digital photo printing from your recent (or future) holiday adventures.  Keep in mind that it may be worthwhile to process several orders depending on how many photo gifts you want to buy, in order to make the most out of each promotion. (To actualize these savings, simply enter the coupon code in the shopping cart during checkout).

- 30% off gifts under $20.  Coupon code 30GIFT20.  Expires on December 31, 2009.

- 20% off the entire site.  Coupon code HOLIDAY09.  Expires on December 31, 2009.

- 30% off calendars. Coupon code 30CAL2009.  Expires on December 31, 2009.

- Free shipping on orders of $30 or more.  Coupon code 30SHIP09. Expires on December 31, 2009.

- $10 off orders of $35 or more. Coupon code XPCOUP1209. Expires on December 31, 2009.

Oh, and one more thing- Snapfish is offering additional daily deals through Christmas.  So check out their site or sign up for their daily deal emails for a chance to get additional savings on unique holiday gifts or prints that you may want this winter.

Happy Printing,

Billy

Save Big on Your Holiday Vacation

Monday, December 7th, 2009

It’s that time of year again- time to start thinking about your holiday vacation if you haven’t already.  You may be hankering to visit the Caribbean, and wondering how you’ll be able to afford it.  Or, perhaps you have your eye on that ski vacation, but aren’t sure how to reduce the costs to a manageable sum.  Fortunately, saving big is my specialty, and I’m here to help you get the most bang for your buck during this year’s holiday vacation.  Here are my top 7 suggestions for how to save money on your holiday getaway.

1- Eat in. It may sound counterintuitive, but eating in during your holiday vacation is a great way to save hundreds of dollars on the cost of your trip.  Consider purchasing travel food packages from your local caterer or grocery store.  Or, make a trip to the local grocery store near your hotel and stock up on bread, peanut butter and cereal (don’t forget the disposable plates and utensils).  Instead of splurging on the hotel’s breakfast, grab a bowl of cereal in your hotel room and head out for the day.  Pack yourself a sandwich so that you won’t feel obligated to stop at an expensive restaurant for lunch.  Choose your top 2 or 3 restaurants to enjoy during your holiday vacation and skip the rest- you’ll not only save money, but calories as well.

2- Opt for last minute holiday getaways. If you don’t have specific plans to attend Aunt Millie’s 90th birthday in Atlanta, there isn’t an immediate rush to book your travel plans.  If you aren’t set on a specific destination, don’t be afraid to take advantage of last minute deals.  I happen to really enjoy Priceline, because you can bid on your hotel room price, rental car deals, and other expenses- and your low bid may even get accepted.  Who knows- you may actually enjoy the excitement of a last-minute holiday getaway!

3- Enjoy your holiday vacation on the beach. There’s no question that warm destinations generally cost more during the holiday season.  The upside is, however, that once you’re there, spending time on the beach is a remarkably affordable way to pass the time (in fact, most often, it’s free!).  Instead of choosing a destination where you’ll have to pay expensive entrance fees (such as ski lift tickets, theme park entrances, and the like), consider a tropical getaway that will allow you to just relax your worries away on the beach. 

4- Consider a house swap. You may be itching to escape for a brief holiday getaway, but you’d be surprised how many people may be interested in escaping to your home.  Save on your holiday vacation expenses by looking for a house swap, or even by renting out your home to vacationers during the holiday.

5- Look for coupons or discounts. A great way to save on your next holiday vacation is to search for coupons or discounts to the attractions that you’re interested in.   AAA, for example, offers discounts to its members at thousands of attractions throughout the United States.  Major cities also offer a City Pass, which is a booklet through which you can enjoy savings on many of the city’s most popular attractions.

6- Drive, don’t fly. Although driving may limit the number of places that you can spend your holiday getaway, you may be surprised to learn how many interesting places are within driving distance from your home.  Driving to your destination will not only save money on airline tickets, but it will prevent you from spending money on a rental car as well.

7- Bring your own water during day trips. It sounds funny, but a significant expense of most vacations is the expense for drinks during the day.  A small bottle of water at a theme park or nature reserve café can cost up to 5 times the amount that a similar bottle costs in the local grocery store.  If you intend to pursue vigorous activities, to spend time in the sun, or just to be thirsty during the day, you can save a bundle by bringing your own water bottles with you.  Save extra money by refilling the bottles with tap water, or purchase an economy pack of water bottles so that you won’t run out during your vacation.

Happy Vacationing,

Billy

Cyber Monday Deals – Stay Safe and Smart in Cyberspace

Monday, November 30th, 2009

By now you know I enjoy getting great deals as much as the next guy (and probably more so). So Cyber Monday is probably one of my favorite days of the year. That’s because I know that I can get the stuff I have my eye on (especially electronics!) at a significant discount. The thing is, many people don’t realize that with all of the hype about Cyber Monday deals, it’s important to know your prices- and to know how to keep your information secure when shopping online. As it happens, I have extensive experience shopping online, and I’m happy to share my expertise with you, so that you can enjoy safe shopping whether you’re taking advantage of Cyber Monday deals or purchasing something throughout the rest of the year.

Most importantly, when taking advantage of Cyber Monday sales, I highly recommend buying from a reputable internet site. If you’re new to the site (ie, it’s not a well-known website like my favorites Target.com or Overstock.com), look for accreditation such as approval from the BBB (Better Business Bureau), a hacker-safe seal from a dependable company (like McAfee), or, at the very least, an https denotation on the checkout page, which will confirm that your information will be transmitted securely (this can be found at the beginning of the address bar in your web browser). Similarly, when pursuing Cyber Monday sales, it’s a good idea to know your prices first. If you have time, check the prices of the items that interest you the week before Cyber Monday so that you’ll know whether the Cyber Monday ad you’ve seen is really a good deal or just hype about a standard price. If not, do a quick comparison shop before making an impulse buy to make sure that you’re truly getting the best price. In addition to purchasing items with reduced prices, see if you can score free shipping (or lower-priced shipping)- oftentimes if an item costs a lot for shipping, it may be cheaper to just go to the store and buy it there to save a few bucks on the shipping.

Finally, to take advantage of the best Cyber Monday deals, make sure to shop early. Although shopping online is a bit less painful than waking up at the crack of dawn to hit the stores on Black Friday, it’s still important to set time aside (preferably before work), so that your favorite items don’t get sold out at the lowest possible prices.

So I hope that you’ve made the most of Cyber Monday 2009- and that now you’ll know what to look for when the Cyber Monday deals start rolling out next year.

Happy Cyber Surfing,

Billy