Mr. Cheap Stuff» Dean

6 Ways To Get Organized For Less

Dean — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:30:24 +0000

Count me among the organizationally challenged. I’m one of those people who stares at a blank set of file folders, wondering how to label them. I scratch my head wondering where to stash that adorable picnic basket that I love, but only use once or twice a year in my temperamental Northeast Corridor climate. I just don’t have that organizing gene.

So you may wonder what I’m doing advising you how to get organized. Well, it’s precisely because I feel your pain. Natural-born neatniks don’t understand just how challenging this is, or what’s involved. Me, I’ve had to learn the hard way – and I don’t have money to pay a professional organizer, useful though it would be. Here, some fabulous easy, free and cheap ways to organize yourself. I’ve actually done these things, and believe me, if I can do it, you can, too.

1. A KEY ORGANIZING TIP

Do you go through the same frantic search for your keys every morning before you leave the house? I used to do that. I would come home in the evenings, and being tired and distracted, would just drop my keys down wherever…the kitchen table, my bedroom, or even leave them in a coat pocket. Then the next morning I would waste 5 or ten minutes and make myself late for work because I couldn’t find my keys.

Why aggravate yourself like that? Get a cheap rack with hooks, a cork board with hooks, or even just plastic stick-up hooks if you don’t have the time to drill holes. Check the dollar store, home stores and hardware stores and this will cost you less than $10 unless you really want a fancy-looking item.

Put the hooks on the wall right inside your front door. Then, train yourself to hang the keys up right away when you come home. It probably will take several days of reminding yourself, but once you’re in the habit, you’ll never scramble for your keys again. Seriously, this one tip has hugely reduced my stress level.

2. PAY BILLS AND KEEP RECORDS ONLINE

Clutter is usually a major issue when you’re disorganized. One great way to cut clutter is to reduce the amount of paper that piles up. I used to have stacks of paper bills, and the pile just grew. Now, I save bills only until it’s time to pay them. I keep each bill in its original envelope after opening it, and mark the amount and due date on the outside of the envelope; the bills are sorted in due date order.

I keep all the bills in a desk drawer, but you could always keep them somewhere else – just as long as it’s a place that you’ll remember. Then I go online to my bank account, pay the bills, and then I just throw the paper bills away. If I need to pull up records later, I can go online with the bank or with each company (for example, you can go online to check your phone account, mortgage, etc.). You can do this with many receipts as well – anything you’ve bought online, there’s a receipt online or in your email.

3. FILE IT EASY

There are still some records you’ll need to keep on paper, such as contracts, copies of your insurance policies, tax records, and some other things. For a complete list and explanation, check out this handy guide courtesy of Uncle Sam:
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/money/keeprecords/keeprecords.htm

If you don’t have time or skills to organize good files, here’s an easy solution that worked for me. Buy a portable, accordion-style expanding file case with pre-printed category labels and presto, an instant filing system! My file case came already labeled with categories like "automobile", "insurance", "medical", and "taxes". I just take my records and drop them into the proper slots. I found my file case at Wal-Mart but you could try Target, Staples, Office Max, and other places.

4. KEEP A CALENDAR AND TASK LIST

Very often, disorganized people not only clutter up their stuff, they also clutter up their minds because they don’t keep good track of their appointments or their ‘to do" list. I’m definitely one of those people. So I’ve always had to rely on writing everything down – or keeping track on the computer. Use whichever method is easiest. I like technology, so I now keep everything on my computer and it syncs to my smartphone. Or you can go low-tech and just buy a cheap paper planner. Get one that’s small enough to fit in your pocket or purse, so you will always have it with you. Also see tip #5 (below) to find out how to print your own planner for free.

5. PLAN IT AND PRINT IT FOR FREE

You already have a computer, now make it work for you. You might be surprised to learn that popular software already comes with many pre-designed forms, lists, calendars and planners that you can simply fill in and print out.

Microsoft Word

In MS Word 2007, open Word, click the button at top left, then "new", then "lists" from the template choices, then "home". You’ll find an amazing array of pre-formatted lists to help organize your life. Lots of To Do lists, chore lists and grocery lists to choose from. Also try "planners" from the template lists and you’ll see all kinds of printable schedule and task planners.

Microsoft Excel

In MS Excel 2007, use the same procedure as described above for Word: open Word, click the button at top left, then "new", then "lists" or "planners". You’ll find many different designs and choices, just pick the ones that you find easiest to use.

Apple Numbers

In Apple iWork Numbers, you can choose from many different forms, calculators and planners. One unique offering is a home inventory planner that allows you to drag and drop photos of your home and possessions.

6. RE-USE IT

While you could buy lots of fancy, attractive organizers, bins and storage systems, it’s not really necessary. I keep my scented body lotions and powders in a former Easter basket (minus the fake green grass, of course). Use shoebox lids upside down in drawers to create compartments for different items. Ice cube trays are nice for small things.

Dean writes, "Having a clear mind and organized home can save you a lot of money because you will realize how much stuff you have and how much stuff you just don’t need. In other words, maybe a messy house may be costing you money you don’t even realize."

Photo Credit via Flickr

Mr. Cheap Stuff Popular Coupons
1. $15 Buy.com Coupon
2. $30 Overstock.com Coupon
3. $10 Drugstore.com Coupon
Mr. Cheap Stuff Popular Posts
5 Massive Benefits of Not Having a TV
List of Restaurant that Give Free Birthday Meals
How to Make Free 411 Calls

Attention: Unless you are reading this from a RSS reader, you are reading a scraped feed. That means the site you are reading this from has violated copyright laws by stealing content from Mr. Cheap Stuff Please contact me to let me know where you reading this so I can take legal action against the scraper.
6 Ways To Get Organized For Less

2009 Black Friday Survival Guide: How to Score the Best Deals the Easy Way

Dean — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:04:03 +0000

So, there you are, stuffed full of turkey, another day off and nothing else to do…it can look mighty tempting to head out shopping on Black Friday and get everything on your list in one fell swoop. Is it really necessary? Probably not. The recession has prompted some incredible sales nearly every day of the year.

So if you’d rather skip the crowds, just wait till it’s closer to Christmas and you could see more doorbuster sales. You could even wait just a few days for "Cyber Monday" (Nov. 30 this year), when many retailers offer sweet online deals for all the office jockeys who shop from their desks.

In fact, 51 percent of Americans say they plan to hit the mall or the keyboard sometime between the Friday and Monday after Thanksgiving. But if you love the idea of getting your shopping done and out of the way Friday, you’ll need to do some planning to maximize your success. Here are top shopping tips for Black Friday 2009, including some new social networking strategies.

1. Do your research. Try this great site, which has handily listed all the top Black Friday offers in one neat chart, complete with links to the actual sale ads: Shopper Shop

Or check out this Black Friday Excel spreadsheet of the deals, downloadable via Media Fire

If you’re looking for something specific, you can search Black Friday sale ads on Bfads.net

2. Facebook for fabulous savings. Here are a couple of great sites that will alert you to the best deals:

Facebook Black Friday

3. Twitter your way to Black Friday. Here are a couple of sites to follow on Twitter. Plus, if you get Twitter on your phone, you’ll be alerted to the deals no matter where you are.

Twitter Black Friday

4. Got an iPhone and want to use it to find Black Friday specials? Yes, there’s an app for that:

iTunes Apps

5. You could just do your research the old fashioned way and buy a newspaper on Thanksgiving. It will be packed with ads and circulars promoting Black Friday deals. It might come in handy to have a hard copy of an ad to bring with you while shopping, to help you locate the deal or to show the store employees if needed.

6. Be wary of the "limited quantities" problem. This seems to happen especially with electronics and appliances; a store may have only three to five of the items on hand, and they may not offer a raincheck. Read the fine print in the Black Friday ads carefully. If you want one of the limited quantity deals, be prepared to stand in line early in the morning, and even then you may come home empty-handed.

7. For limited-time offers online, be ready to log onto your chosen shopping site the minute the deal is available. Set an alarm if you need to – and make sure your computer’s time is set correctly. Visit Time.gov for the U.S. Government official clock.

8. No matter how you shop, set a budget and stick to it. Don’t start the New Year in debt from your holiday shopping.

9. Black Friday store visits are not for amateurs. Some do’s and don’ts – DO: set your alarm to get there at the beginning of the sale; dress comfortably in light layers; check your destinations with your GPS or Google maps; bring a tote bag or backpack to stash a water bottle, snacks and your smaller purchases. DON’T: bring kids or any other unwilling participants who will get tired, bored or cranky.

10. Create a backup plan. Your world won’t crumble if you miss out on a deal. Do your research to know where else you can get it and what you will pay. Or forego the malls altogether and spend Black Friday baking, crafting, building or sewing home-made gifts.

Photo credit via Flickr

Site Problems Resolved

Dean — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:40:24 +0000

Sorry everyone, the website was having some problems and some links on the site were not working properly. I have resolved this issue but please let me know if there are any problems. Thanks, Dean Mr. Cheap Stuff Popular Coupons 1. $15 Buy.com Coupon 2. $30 Overstock.com Coupon 3. $10 Drugstore.com Coupon Mr. Cheap Stuff Popular Posts 5 Massive Benefits of [...]

Restaurant.com $25 Certificates for $4

Dean — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:31:18 +0000

Restaurant.com is has another 60% off discount coupon. Use coupon code: "ENJOY". That allows you to buy $25 restaurant certificates for as low as $4. This 60% discount can also be used for Dinner of the Month purchases.

Try going the site and entering your zip code to see nearby restaurants that offer Restaurant.com certificates. Not all $25 certificates can be purchases for $4 so please read the details. People that live in bigger cities will have more choices of restaurants. This is a good way to try a new restaurant in your area.

Expiration: 10/08/09

Restaurant.com – Use Coupon Code: ENJOY

Zappos Free Overnight Shipping VIP Membership

Dean — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:12:59 +0000

Right now Zappos is allowing new and old members to sign up for free VIP memberships. The membership entitles you to free overnight shipping on your orders. Zappos has recently expanded their product line by not only selling shoes but apparel, bags, watches, sunglasses, jewelry, housewares, etc.

Zappos is known for the awesome customer service. One thing I really like about Zappos is their return policy. If you don’t like the shoe for any reason you can return them for free with the prepaid return labels. Even if your not a Zappos member I would suggest signing up so if you decide to buy something from Zappos in the future you will get free overnight shipping.

Expiration: Limited Time

Zappos VIP Membership – Free Overnight Shipping

Cheap Photo Gifts From Shutterfly.com

Dean — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:08:47 +0000

Save 30% on calendars and up to 30% on prints at Shutterfly. You can also get up to 30 free prints for creating a share site. Offer ends 7/13/09. Use coupon code: saveprints at checkout.

Shutterfly.com allows you to create affordable and personal gifts for just about any occasion. So many people have hundreds of great photos saved on their computer, but never print them out. Shutterfly.com allows you to easily print and share your photos with family and friends at a great price. Their calendars and poster prints are a great way to fill those empty walls or bare tables at your home or office.

Expiration Date: 7/13/09

Shutterfly.com 30% off select items

Website Technical Issues

Dean — Tue, 19 May 2009 10:27:33 +0000

Sorry for the inconvinience, yesterday we had technical issues with they website. I site is now working properly and I will be watching it carefully for reliability. Please email me at info@mrcheapstuff.com if you experience any problems. Thanks again, Dean Mr. Cheap Stuff Popular Coupons 1. $15 Buy.com Coupon 2. $30 Overstock.com Coupon 3. $10 Drugstore.com Coupon Mr. Cheap [...]

Cheap Vacations: Where To Go to Get More For Your Dollar

Dean — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:57:06 +0000

A European vacation can be pricey thanks to the Euro’s strength against the dollar. U.S. currency exchange rates have improved somewhat, but there are still much cheaper alternatives to Europe. Here’s a list of exciting places that won’t break your vacation budget and where the dollar is still fairly strong.

1. ARGENTINA

link: http://www.turismo.gov.ar/eng/menu.htm

Buenos Aires is a sophisticated city filled with great restaurants, culture and nightlife. Argentina is famed for its excellent beef, as well as Italian cuisine, owing to the country’s many Italian immigrants. And of course, there’s tango, the beautiful and passionate dance which is known throughout the world. To get a real feel for Argentina, try some Argentine tango lessons before you leave home. Look for a teacher who regularly visits Buenos Aires (most of the good tango teachers do) – they can offer you some good travel tips.

To find Argentine tango teachers/dance events in your location, check out:

http://www.todotango.com/english/links/sitios_por_pais.asp?pais=United%20States

2. MEXICO

link: http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-guides/page.php?id=2366467

Mexico is one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations, and why not? It has something for everyone – white sand beaches and clear blue ocean, Mayan ruins, vibrant music and folklore. For a tropical beach getaway, there’s always Cancun, but for great culture try Mexico City, booming with new museums, a historical architectural revival and an active music and arts scene. The city’s huge Museum of Modern Art has works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and costs just $2.

3. CZECH REPUBLIC

link: http://www.czechtourism.com/eng/uk/docs/what-to-see/czech-republic/index.html

In Prague, you’ll enjoy all the elegance of a beautiful old-world European city without the high prices. The Czech Republic is known for history, architecture and, interestingly enough, delicious and cheap beer. There’s history, Pilsner Urquell was invented in the Czech Republic and is probably the most beloved brew in the country. If beer is not your thing, how about a massage and facial? The Czech Republic is also world-famous for its spas.

4. BALI

Link: http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/bali/index.html

The Indonesian island of Bali is truly a tropical paradise, far away and exotic yet affordable. You’ll find some of the world’s best beaches plus a a rich history and culture. There are numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. The Balinese are skilled artisans, particularly in woodcarving and in making objects of tortoiseshell and of gold, silver and other metals. The Balinese are also noted for their traditional dance, the distinctive music of the gamelan and for their skills in weaving cloth.

5. TUNISIA

link: http://www.tourismtunisia.com/

This beautiful and exotic North African country offers pristine beaches, Roman ruins, the Sahara Desert, mosques, Andalusian architecture, sophisticated resorts, camel rides, jeep excursions, weavers, and traditional musicians.

Visit the capital city Tunis’s medina, or old city, founded in the seventh century, to see narrow, winding streets with surprises around every corner. You’ll see locals wearing traditional robes and barter in open-air markets amidst the smell of fresh bread, spices, and honey-drenched pastries.

6. GUATEMALA

link: http://www.planetware.com/guatemala-tourism-vacations-gua.htm

Guatemala is a land of tropical jungles, active volcanoes, mountain lakes, mountain cloud forests, volcanic beaches and coral reefs. The ancient ruins of Tikal provide a look at Mayan culture with plazas, an acropolis, pyramids, temples and a museum. Weaving is a popular business with a rainbow of colors found in the villagers’ hand-woven clothes. Each village has its own unique pattern and color. It is still possible to experience the clamor and color of an outdoor Indian market where handicrafts are made and sold in the same manner as in days gone by.

in the city of Antigua, Guatemala, visitors stroll the same cobblestone streets, enjoy many of the same buildings and monuments that stood when this was regarded as one of the most beautiful capitals in Spanish America. In Antigua and Guatemala City, the celebrations for Lent and Holy Week are still spectacular and attract people from all over the world.

Photo Credit from Flickr

Dean writes:

With the global recession I think if you can afford it, now is one of the best times to travel. Overall the global tourism industry is hurting which mean there are deal to be found. Hotel rates just about everywhere have been dropping.

For those of you on a really tight budget you might also want to try these sites.

Couch Surfing – Made for the younger backpack crowd.

Hostels.com – Large database with reviews of thousands of hostels.

Kayak.com – My favorite site for airline travel deals.

Anybody can recommend other great places to visit where the dollar is still strong?

Cheap Hawaii Vacation – 3 Nights Air/Hotel $299 – Wow!

Dean — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 02:21:32 +0000

I don’t normally post Travel deals but I recently found one of the best Hawaii travel deals I’ve seen in a long time. It is a 3 night vacation with hotel and air starting at $299! You have to fly out of LAX (L.A.) and SFO (San Francisco). This deal won’t last long but if you are looking for a cheap mini vacation this is one of the best prices I have seen for Hawaii. You can also choose different hotels and islands including Maui, Oahu and Kauai.

I don’t know how the weather is where you live but right now in Honolulu it is about 75 degrees. Visit Pleasant Holidays for details. Aloha!

Expires: Very soon

5 Delicious, Cheap & Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

Dean — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:02:37 +0000

Slow cookers are allow you to make cheap, hearty and easy meals. Especially around the busy holidays now might be a good time use your slow cooker. Here are 5 slow cooker meals that you should give a try.

CROCKPOT COQ AU VIN

–6 to 8 frozen chicken thighs

–6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon (regular or turkey bacon)

–8 oz sliced baby portabella mushrooms (they are right next to the regular mushrooms)

–1 cup baby carrots

–1 chopped yellow onion

–3 cloves chopped or minced garlic

–1/2 tsp. black pepper

–1/2 tbsp. kosher salt

–1/2 cup chicken broth

–1 1/2 cup inexpensive red wine (or cooking wine)

–2 large fresh thyme sprigs, or dash of dried, powdered thyme

Coq au Vin is French for "Chicken in Wine". The alcohol burns off, leaving just the flavor, by the way. This is a great recipe for a holiday or special occasion.

First, cook the bacon separately. Dump the frozen chicken into your crockpot and start layering in the rest of the ingredients, including the cooked bacon.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Serve with French bread and salad.

POT ROAST OR BRISKET

2 to 3 potatoes, thinly sliced

2 to 3 carrots, pared and thinly sliced

1 to 2 onions, peeled and sliced

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

3 to 4 lb. brisket, rump roast, or pot roast

1/2 c. water

Here’s a perfect recipe for a classic cold weather meal.

Put vegetables in bottom of crockpot. Salt and pepper meat, then put in pot. Add liquid. Cover and cook on low 10 to 12 hours (high 5 to 6 hours). Remove meat and vegetables with spatula and thicken for gravy if desired.

Or you can make this recipe with without vegetables: Season meat with salt and pepper. Add no liquid. Cook as directed.

CROCKPOT 15 BEAN SOUP

16 oz. dry bean soup mix

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. celery salt

2 stalk celery, chopped

1 bay leaf

1 dash cayenne (red) pepper

1 tsp. ground black pepper

(optional) 1 sausage, sliced

This is a very filling and inexpensive soup. It’s vegetarian if you don’t use the sausage.

Wash beans thoroughly. Soak overnight, changing water two times. Drain

Place beans in crockpot and cover with 1 inch water. All all other ingredients except sausage. Cover and cook on high for one hour; turn to low and cook 6-8 hours. Stir once or twice during cooking.

One hour before serving, check texture of soup. If it’s too thin, mash some of the beans to thicken it. Add sausage, if you are using sausage. Cook for one hour.

OBAMA FAMILY SLOW COOKER CHILI

-1 can kidney beans (do not drain)

–1 lb lean ground turkey or beef

–1 green bell pepper, chopped

–1 large onion, chopped

–5-6 medium tomatoes, chopped (include seeds and all)

–4 chopped cloves of garlic

–1 tsp cumin

–1 tsp oregano

–1 tsp basil

–1 tsp turmeric

–1 or 2 tsp chili powder, depending how spicy you like your chili

–1 tsp salt

–3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

Yes, this is President-elect Obama’s actual chili recipe, slightly adapted for crockpots. He provided it to a New Hampshire newspaper a year ago, even before the first primary election.

Chop up the tomatoes, garlic, onion, and bell pepper. Add to the crockpot. Open the can of beans, and pour in the whole thing. Add the ground meat. Stir in all of the spices and the red wine vinegar.

Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours, or on high for 4-5. I cooked our chili on low for 9 hours.

Season with a bit more salt, to taste. Serve over rice. Garnish with grated cheddar cheese, onions and sour cream.

EASY SEAFOOD CHOWDER

–1 lb of white fish (such as cod)

–3 cups of chicken broth, canned or homemade

–9 baby potatoes

–1 cup frozen corn

–1/2 white onion

–1/2 cup sliced carrots or baby carrots

–heart of celery

–3-4 cloves of garlic

–1/2 tsp. black pepper

–salt (to taste, especially if using homemade broth)

–2 cups frozen shrimp (to add later)

–1 cup heavy whipping cream (to add later)

I love creamy seafood chowder like this. It’s filling enough for a meal. Serve with rolls on the side.

Chop up all the vegetables. Partially thaw the fish in the microwave, and cut it into chunks. Put all ingredients in the crockpot except for the cream and the shrimp. Cook on low for 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. 30 minutes before serving, stir in your cup of cream and the frozen shrimp. Turn your crockpot to high for and cook for 30 minutes.

Photo Credit

Stack And Tilt Review

Dean — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 21:32:09 +0000

Are you an amateur Golf player and want to have the best swing on course? Or maybe you are already a golf professional with occasional problems in your swing? Whichever is the case; the Stack and Tilt Golf Swing will change your game forever and teach you to make the best swings. In order to evaluate the stack and tilt package, let’s examine some of its salient features.

However, before we do take a look at its details, shall we peek at its history? The stack and tilt golf swing was carefully devised and developed by two master swing teachers- Andy Plummer and Mike Bennett over a course of twenty long years! The benefits of such a careful, time consuming golf swing development clearly shows in the product as many golf professionals have now shifted to this pattern with fabulous results.

The stack and tilt method ensures that you get he maximum power and distance behind your swing. It achieves this by training you to keep your own weight stacked over the ball during the swing back-lift. And following this, when you do make the swing, the method trains you to put your weight forward and the swing bottoms out right in front of the ball making full contact. The best thing is that you can repeat the swing pattern shot after shot!

Professionals who have shifted to the Stack and Tilt golf Swing have noticed a number of benefits. These include improved swing plane, better grip, a more comfortable posture, accurate alignment with the ball, ball position and vastly improved game tempo. These benefits arise out of a number of analyses you can do with the package. For example, the Stack and Tilt Golf Swing makes it possible for you to self-analyze your posture, backswing, downswing and even the follow- through after the shot! A detailed shot analysis is also possible studying different aspects such as slice, hook, fat and thin shots.

So what does the Stack and Tilt golf swing package, priced at slightly less than 20 dollars comprise of? Well, the product contains Stack and Tilt videos that provide comprehensive, easy to follow coverage of the technique. Besides this, there is a set of 3 very useful Getstacked DVDs that set-out step-wise directions for the golf swing right from the fundamentals. The DVD instructions are from the master Swing teachers themselves. The Stack and Tilt golf swing package is also offering a special, limited-period, game DVD from its makers.

If you are into golf, then do go in for the Stack and tilt golf swing if you intend to learn and practice the hottest swing pattern on the course!

$4.99 Boston Market Value Priced Meals – Plus Free Cupcake Coupon

Dean — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 01:40:20 +0000

Boston Market has lowered the price of its five value meal-size deals from $5.99 to $4.99. For those of you tired of the fast food burger and fries this is a quick and cheap meal. There are over 600 location nationwide. By the way, there are no Boston Market restaurants in Hawaii.

Here are the 5 new $4.99 meal deals

1/4 dark piece Chicken and Gourmet Side (anything from their new Borracho Beans and Brown Rice to Mashed Potatoes and Gravy or their famous Mac & Cheese)
Pastry Top Chicken Pot Pie
Meatloaf and Gourmet Side
Three Side Item Sampler (for those who can’t pick just one)
Side Salad and Bowl of Soup – including their Chicken Noodle and Chicken Tortilla soup – both filled with Boston Market’s famous rotisserie chicken

And of course, all of these items come with Boston Market’s signature corn bread.

Boston Market Free Cupcake Coupon

Promotion Expires: Unknown

10 Las Vegas Buffet Deals

Dean — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:33:07 +0000

Article submitted by: Courtney Mills

Las Vegas is known for its glitz & glamour and it is usually what draws people in, in the first place. But all of the glitz and glamour can tend to get a little pricey, especially if you are looking to dine at some of the finest restaurants Vegas has to offer. However, you don’t need to get all dressed up to have a great meal. The buffets of Las Vegas make for a great option, especially for families and those who have a hearty appetite. At the buffets, there are great food options and there is always tons of variety to choose from, allowing there to be something for everyone in your party. Tons of food doesn’t ALWAYS have to mean a big price tag though. Today, we are here to lead you towards some of the best buffets with the best deals in the city!

Wagon Wheel Buffet (Whiskey Pete’s): As one of the first establishments you will even see while driving to Las Vegas from California, you must stop by for their buffet! They have great “down-home cooking” options, that will fill you up for your trip to Vegas. Breakfast is available for as low as $5.95, lunch for $6.95, and dinner for only $6.95!

Paradise Garden Buffet (Flamingo Las Vegas): As one of the original hotels of Las Vegas, you know that the food here is that of an authentic Vegas buffet! With lots of kid-friendly options, this buffet is perfect for those traveling with children. Breakfast is as low as $5.99, lunch for $6.99, and dinner for $8.99. They also have a budget saving seafood buffet on Fridays for about $11.99 and an all night buffet for about $11.99.

Feast Around the World Buffet (Sunset Station): If you are looking to get away from the tourist crowds of the Strip, this buffet is a perfect option for you. Located just outside of the Las Vegas in Henderson, this buffet has great deals for you and your family. Breakfast is served for as low as $4.95, lunch for $7.95, and dinner for $10.95. If you are in the mood for steak, you will want to be here on Tuesdays for their Steakout, for around $12. Or, if you love seafood, you can eat all of the seafood your heart desires on Fridays here for as low as $15.95.

Feast Gourmet Buffet (Palace Station): With a comfortable atmosphere and five live action food stations, you are sure to enjoy this buffet. The food is cooked right before your eyes, so you know the food here is fresh and not just sitting under a heating lamp. They have great variety and for as low as $4.99! Breakfast is around $4.99, lunch $6.99, and dinner $6.99.

French Market Buffet (Orleans Las Vegas): Definitely a great buffet at a great price! There are so many options at this buffet, you may want to take a lap or two before deciding on your meal. For breakfast as low as $5.95, lunch at $6.95, and dinner as low as $11.95 you won’t want to miss it. They also have a great seafood buffet on Mondays and steak buffet on Wednesdays, both for under $20!

The Buffet (Las Vegas Hilton): You will not want to miss this classic Vegas dining spot. There are several live cooking stations, allowing you to customize your meal. It is also great because it is off Strip, so you can avoid the crowds (think more food for you!). A little pricier than other places, but not by much, you are sure to leave pleased. Breakfast has been said to be around $9, lunch around $10, and dinner for a low $14.

Golden Nugget Buffet (Golden Nugget Las Vegas): Looking for a bargain downtown? This is it! Breakfast and lunch can be found for under $8 and dinner for under $14! This classy downtown hotel does buffets right with their fabulous spread! High booths give you the feel of a fancy five-star restaurant and their ever changing menu never gives you the same experience twice!

Circus Circus Buffet (Circus Circus Hotel): A buffet bargain on the Strip? Unheard of, but NOT HERE! The buffet at Circus Circus is one of the best and most well-known in Vegas! It is a great option for those staying along the Strip and those with kids. The fun atmosphere and great selection make it one of our top deal picks! Breakfast is under $10 and dinner is under $12! What a deal! It’s a great bargain for those traveling with numerous people in your party.

Emperor’s Buffet (Imperial Palace Las Vegas): Breakfast, lunch, and dinner…all for under $15! Only in Vegas! This buffet is perfect for those with a hungry appetite. Perfect for large groups and located right on the Strip! They have classic buffet favorites like prime rib, crab legs, an omelet station in the morning, and more!

World’s Fare Buffet (Riviera Hotel): As one of the oldest and most well known hotels on the Strip, this place knows Vegas buffets and what their customers are looking for: a bargain and great food. That’s what you will find here. They have a variety of Mexican, Chinese, Italian, and American cuisine! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all under $15, a great deal for a Strip buffet!

See! It’s easy! You really can save money at one of the most over-the-top cities in the world and still get delicious cuisine!

10 Simple Ways to Go Green & Save Money

Dean — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:29:10 +0000

After a long period of thought, have you finally decided to go green and save the environment? But when you look at the options, you suddenly find that ways to environment friendliness are expensive. Are there ways to go green and save money at the same time? Indeed, there are several simple, yet powerful ways to achieve this goal.

1. Usable water is one of the most precious things on this planet. Judicious use of water goes a long way to protecting the environment and also serves to bring down your water bill. Simple steps like fixing pipe and faucet leaks, remembering to close taps tightly every time and not allowing the tap water to run continuously while brushing or lathering, etc… useful ways to save water.

2. Avoid using disposable razors and switch to safety razors. Apart from costing more, the plastic packing around disposable razors is a major threat to the environment. Also, disposable razors with all their extra packing take up more storage space in the house. Safety razors that require only replaceable blades are a more economical option. Multi-packs of razor blades come cheaply and with much less plastic wrapped around them.

3. As far as possible try to use energy efficient devices. For example switching from ordinary light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs or CFLBs can save an enormous amount of power and can serve to bring down your electricity bill quite drastically.

4. Another simple way to save the environment and save money is to cook food at home. People who eat at fast food joints not only damage the environment but also add to their monthly food bills. Buying groceries and vegetables from the store and then cooking your favorite dinner back home is the best option.

5. House insulation is an important contributor to unwarranted power consumption. In improperly insulted homes, both heating and cooling will take up more power compared to well-insulated homes. Having a correctly insulated home saves power and money.

6. As far as possible buy and use second-hand items. Furniture, toys, clothing and kitchenware are good examples of items that can be bought second-hand. This prolongs the journey of these items into the garbage bin. This option is both environment friendly as well as a great money saver.

7. Prudent use of your printer can go a long way to saving paper, ink and money. Before you choose to press the print button on your computer, please stop for a moment and think twice about the necessity of a hard-copy. And if you do decide to print out a document, try to use economy-mode. This saves paper, ink and makes sure that the cartridge doesn’t need refilling very often.

8. Stop buying bottled water. Invest in a nice water bottle and it will pay for itself quickly. Not buying bottled water means less plastic bottles and more money in your pocket.

9. Try to recycle items that are amenable to the process. This avoids garbage pile up and the need to buy new things very often.

10. Try to use a glass water bottle that be used again and again instead of using several disposable plastic water cups over the course of the day.

Got any more tips to go green while saving money? Let me know. Photo Credit

Attention UK readers

For all you UK readers looking for coupons I recommend checking out PromotionalCodes.org.uk. Not only do they have tons of updated coupons and promotional codes, they also have a great blog going with money saving ideas and frugal hacks. One of their popular coupons right now is their Comet promotion code. Please let me know if you can recommend any other great websites to share with our readers.

14 No-Brainer Things You Should Own to Save Money

Dean — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:26:54 +0000

Many people find it very difficult to save money. It is possible to save money and accumulate a nice nest egg. There are tons of ways that you can save money. The following are 14 simple things you can buy that will save you money in the long run. You can think of these things as investments and while you could invest your money is many other things the ROI of these items are pretty darn hard to beat.

1. Programmable Thermostat - Manual thermostats cost homes more money than programmable thermostats. When a person wants to heat or cool a room, they usually adjust the thermostat temperature beyond the level they want in hopes of making the house cool or warm more quickly. A programmable thermostat can help save and pay for itself in a few months.

2. Faucet Aerator - Faucet aerators are small devices you can place on the faucets in your house. They reduce the water flow coming out of the faucet by about half. Using faucet aerators will save a typical family of four about 280 gallons of water a month and pay for themselves in less than a year.

3. Low Flow Shower Heads – Replacing regular shower heads with low-flow shower heads can reduce your hot-water consumption while showering by as much as 30%. If you use the shower an average of 30 minutes a day, will save you about $100 a year in twofold savings. Check out Treehugger.com to learn more.

4. Compact Fluorescent Lights – Compact fluorescent (CF) light bulbs cost more than regular incandescent light bulbs, but they use about 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than conventional ones.

5. LED Lights – Light-emitting diode (LED) holiday lights cost a bit more than standard holiday lights, but they use 80 – 90% less electricity than standard lights and last 5 times longer than standard lights. Because of the way they are made, they are also virtually indestructible. In the next couple of years you will see LED light bulbs prices drop and they will soon the light bulb of choice.

6. Sale Items – Anything that you use on a regular basis that goes on sale is worth buying and stockpiling. Following this strategy should get you a from an instant 20% to 50% return on the money you spend. Don’t go overboard, make sure you will be able to use the items you buy. In fact most people could eat for a couple of weeks by just eating out of their freezer and pantry.

7. Rechargeable Batteries – Batteries can cost a small fortune, especially if you regularly use electronic equipment that are “high drain” devices. While initially more expensive than regular alkaline batteries, purchasing Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries can save you a lot of money in the long run.

8. Clothes Line or Clothes Rack – If you can line dry your clothes, purchasing a clothes line will save you more than $100 a year over using a dryer. Alternatively, purchasing a clothes rack or two for drying will save you the same amount. Most cost around $20 meaning that you will regain the cost in a few months.

9. Safe Deposit Box - This may not save you money on a yearly basis, but it will save you a lot of money if any type of accident, disaster or robbery takes place. It’ll save you a ton of grief in settling claims since you’ll have all the documentation to take care of anything that might arise. I also recommend scanning and storing documents online.

10. Water Filter – If you are concerned about the quality of your tap water and regularly buy bottled water, purchase a water filter to save you hundreds of dollars over time. A quality water filter will make your water just as pure as most bottled water and pay for itself within months in most cases.

11. Water Bottle – If your going to buy a water filter be sure to buy a couple of water bottles. You can buy a cheap one or spend the money and buy a quality water bottle. If your worried about the BPA plastic there are now a bunch of stylish BPA water bottles available.

12. Tire Gauge – This cheap little gadget can save you a bunch especially with the gas prices today. Next time you fill up gas check your tire pressure and fill them to the recommend psi. Your return on investment in buying a tire gauge could justified in its first use.

13. Water Heater Timer – A water heater is a major energy consuming appliance. Getting a timer will allow you to turn your water heater off and on only when you need it. Get one today and you will notice a difference in your electricity bill.

14. Ceiling Fan – If you use an air conditioner then getting a ceiling fan can keep you cool at a fraction of the price. I also recommend Vornado fans for those that don’t want to install a ceiling fan.

For those of you looking to learn more on how to save money on your electricity bill check out this awesome site by Micheal Bluejay aka Mr. Electricity.

Photo Credit

10 Commandments for Saving Money

Dean — Mon, 26 May 2008 21:56:01 +0000

Featured Guest Article by Sunnie Hedley

Dollars even cents can go a long way, especially when your budget is being stretched due to high energy costs, the threat of a recession and an unstable job market. People love to ask me about a new purchase I’ve made. There’s always a story behind my purchase, some wild journey with a fairy tale ending as myself, the Victor against the high cost of retail mark-up!

A lot of this may sound like common sense to you, but sometimes you need to hear or read to actually apply and do. This monkey see monkey do venture will pay You in the end!

I.    CLIP: Clip coupons, anywhere and everywhere. I am a faithful Sunday morning newspaper reader because of the coupons. Clip the coupons that you wouldn’t normally because, well I’ll tell you why in Commandment II.

II.     CLEARANCE AISLE: Do not pass up your clearance aisles. Most retailers are getting hip to designating an aisle or a certain section of an aisle for clearance items. You can really clean up, especially if you have a corresponding coupon with a coveted clearance product. You can get up to a 95% savings in some cases. (Those are the ones that I brag about at the dinner table!)

III.    CHECK YOUR RECEIPTS: Your receipts can be a little fortune of savings or give aways. Make sure you check the back and the bottom of your receipts for future savings just for returning to that store and/or restaurant in the near future.

IV.    LISTEN: Watch your morning news programs. They are a fantastic, up-to-date source for what events, big sales, and where the going out of business/we lost our lease sales are in your city or town. If there’s a coupon or rebate they’ll make sure you know where to get them.   I’ve had good luck with local radio stations as well.

V.    NETWORK: Do you know a savvy spender and someone like myself that is a bargain saving nut? Talk with them, get to know what makes them tick and make it work for you too.

VI.    SURVEY SAYS! Surveys, they’re annoying, who knows if they’re really worth your time. Does the information you supply trickle down to the right people, who knows. Taking the 30 seconds to 15 minutes to complete a survey opportunity you get on your register receipts, etc. has paid off big for my family. We entered a survey for Jack In The Box after a lunch of deep fried goodness! Almost a month later we received a call from Jack In The Box asking us a few qualifying questions and they mailed us a Jack Gift Card worth $100 along with a personalized signed letter from "Jack" himself. That’s a lot of tacos mi amigos!

VII.    APPLY FOR ON-LINE E-NEWSLETTERS: Perfect example, Mr. Cheapstuff.com, this site helped me to look on-line for freebies and coupons. I have to admit, I was more old school when it came to saving money. Thanks to Dean, I’ve jumped into 2008. You can find me feverishly surfing the net looking up coupons and deals on line. Beware and sign up for reliable sites like mrcheapstuff.com. Be sure to look at the ads on your personal e-mail or internet service. Yahoo and AOL have been great at advertising give aways and coupons that I’ve submitted to mrcheapstuff.com.

VIII.    REBATES: Take the time, pay the stamp to send in the rebates, some can be a little as $1.00 or up to $20.00 or more for items that you and I buy on a regular to semi-regular basis. We completed a rebate for Jose Cuervo ready made Margaritas and received a $15.00 rebate check a couple months later. In terms of dollars and cents we only paid the sales tax for that bottle of good times! Viva la Cuervo!

IX.    DUMB LUCK: Sometimes you just stumble into a great deal. My all time claim to fame is shopping at my local Old Navy for a t-shirt for my then 5 year old daughter. The sales associate walked by and announced the wall to her left was being marked down to 50 cents. 50 cents for full sized children’s back packs and matching pencil holders and other items. I bought every single back pack and pencil holder totaling a little over $25.00, this was 50 items. 50 items that I sold separately for $5.00 each to family and friends. My $25 investment netted me an over $200.00 profit.

X.    CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE: You’ve heard the saying attitude is everything so change it, saving your own money is not a burden or a chore, it’s a competitive sport! When you reach the finish line or score that goal, the reward is all yours! When I walk into a store armed with my ads, coupons and my shopping cart, retail doesn’t stand a chance!

The bottom line is your money is your money. You work hard for it! A couple of hours a week to research the best deals, gather up the coupons and make an informed decision on your purchases will net you a substantial savings that you can feed your piggy bank with…GUARANTEED!

Photo Credit

The Hidden Cost of Being Cheap

Dean — Thu, 15 May 2008 23:19:19 +0000

Saving money is great but there is a fine line between being smart with your money and being a "cheap bastard". Everybody knows of a “cheap” friend or family member, if you don’t, you might be that person!

Cheap people drive all the way across town to save 50 cents on soda or 5 cents on a gallon of gasoline. They also might spend 10 hours of online research to save $20 on a airline ticket (Dammit, I have to admit I have been guilty of this one). Cheap people also might not want to contribute money for group or work activity or make a big deal when they do pay for things.

While I am all for saving money, I think you should always consider the hidden costs of saving money.

Why Do You Save Money?

So why do you save money? You always want to begin with the end in mind. A lot of people save money just to save money, in other words they might save $10 at the grocery store but blow $1000 on a new LCD television or some other liability. Another example is some people might skimp on a gift for someone they care about and during that same week they spend $20 getting their Starbucks fix.

Finding your "reason" does require some thought. I’m sure there are many parents out there that could be putting the money that they save towards their child’s education instead of more toys or video games.

Why Be Rich if You’re Still Cheap

Many people have the idea that being cheap is an great way to get rich or accumulate a lot of money. The problem with becoming rich by being cheap is that you are still cheap. Think about it, why be rich if your going to behave like a cheap person. Many people think when they have more money then I’ll stop being cheap. The problem is tomorrow almost never comes.

"I think those type of "cheap” rich people give rich people a bad reputation."

Personally, the reason why I choose to be smart with my money is to be generous or to give it back. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy my liabilities and toys but ultimately I do it so that I can be generous to the people and causes I care about.

Look at Value not Price

To go one step further I think it is important to look at the value of things not just price. For example, the price of staying at a nicer hotel for your family vacation may be more expensive, but the value is very high because your family gets to enjoy the superior amenities, location and excellent service.

If you had chosen the cheaper hotel you would not get a good location, you may have a higher chance of dealing with bad service (potential stress) and your family might not enjoy their hotel stay. So you could get the cheaper hotel and save money but in terms of value the nicer hotel is a much better deal.

The 80/20 Rule

"Buy what you love not what you like" – Louis Vuitton Shoe Photo Credit

I remember reading this article that said most people’s wardrobes follow the 80/20 rule, meaning people only wear about 20% or less of their clothes on a daily basis. I have to admit that this is true for myself. In my closet is a bunch of clothes I haven’t used in years.

By taking this rule into consideration, why not buy nice clothes that you will use often. Many people skimp on clothes because it might be expensive, but buy two pairs of cheap clothes that they don’t end up wearing. Again, you want to look at value not price. If you spend a hundred dollars on a really nice dress shirt or blouse that you really love and will therefore wear often, then you will get your money’s worth.

"Follow the 80/20 rule. When it comes to clothes, don’t look at price, buy only what you love not like."

Stop Being Cheap to Yourself

As you can see being cheap really means cheating yourself. Again, it is nice to save money but always consider the hidden costs. Can you put values on relations with friends and family, your integrity, time and happiness? Also, don’t forget to look at the value of things not the price. Just something to think as the cheapest price is not always the best choice.

Photo Credit

Free Sample True Lemon

Dean — Wed, 14 May 2008 23:40:10 +0000

Get a free sample of True Lemon water flavors. True Lemon, True Lime and True Orange are made with 100% all-natural ingredients. They also have 0 calories, 0 carbs, no preservatives or sodium, no sugar or artificial sweeteners.

I never tried True Lemon before but this product sounds pretty good if you want a healthier alternative to drinking high calorie juice. Also, if you drink a lot of water this is a nice way to add a refreshing taste.

Of course you could always just buy a fresh lemon or lime but this products is much more convenient. Personally, I am like drinking iced green tea from Itoen.

This offer is also available for Canadian residents. Yeah!

Expiration Date: While Supplies Last

10 Cheap But Fun Dates

Dean — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:42:58 +0000

You don’t have to spend a fortune in order to enjoy a date. There are many creative things that you can do that will cost you next to nothing. Some of the best dates are ones that are creative and inexpensive. The following is a list of 10 cheap fun dates.

Note: You don’t have to go on a date to enjoy these fun dates, you can go with friends, family or your significant other.

1. The Coffee Date

This scenario is only realistic for the initial date. Cafes are great for first dates as they’re casual and you’ll likely only be footing the bill for a couple of lattes and biscotti. I recommend going to coffee or tea shop that is unique, try to avoid going to Starbucks and choose a place your date has never been. Maybe someplace that is not as high traffic more cozy and quiet.

2. The Brunch Date

The brunch date is a natural extension of the coffee date and is accordingly best used on the first or second date. Usually, no alcohol is involved and because this date happens in the morning or early afternoon, there’s a high likelihood that she won’t think you have ulterior motives.

Personally I don’t care for buffets because I usually go for quality instead of quantity. Also, I find that conversation is much more difficult because you eat as soon at you get there. There is no wait and more interruption so the conversation flow is disrupted. Take my advice, stay away from buffets if you want good conversation.

3. The Hike or Bike Ride

If you’re really hard up, this may be your best bet. Granted, this is only a viable option if you live within close vicinity to a hiking trail (Sorry, I live in Hawaii). A walk through nature provides a wonderful opportunity to flirt with your date, enjoy the outdoors and show her you’re a versatile guy. Just make sure you know where your going or familiar with the trail. Getting lost and rescued my helicopter might now make the best impression. If a hiking trail is not in the cards, try renting a bike.

Don’t forget to pack enough water for the two of you. Also, bring sunscreen, bug spray and a camera.

4. The Art Museum

I’m going to get all "artsy fartsy" on you. Most art museums have one day of the week where entry is discounted or free. Take advantage of this opportunity to take your date out for some quality culture. Spend some time reading up on the current exhibits prior to your date. This way, you can at least maintain the facade that you have your finger on the pulse of the art world.

5. The Picnic

If you don’t live near a large body of water, a park will do. The key is to find a setting that has scenic vistas. A long drive will provide sufficient opportunity for you to connect with your date along the way. Only a few simple items are required to make your picnic basket impress: a halfway decent bottle of wine, some cheese, bread, and fresh fruit. "Go get um tiger".

6. The Dinner Party

If you like to cook, pasta dinner, with salad and inexpensive wine, makes for a great budget dinner. Don’t forget to have candles on the table, for that romantic touch. Yes, it really is the little things.

I key here is to learn one or two dishes really well. Refine it and make it your own by making it a little different from the norm. Pasta is a great dish because everybody loves pasta even vegetarians and it is quick and easy to make. Check online for good recipes.

7. The Farmer’s Market or Street Fair

In most places in the U.S., you can find a farmer’s market or street fair at certain times of the year. These kinds of events provide an overabundance of visual stimuli and entertainment. You will likely find plenty of opportunities for conversation. Also, check your local newspaper for weekend events, if you live in a big city you should have no problem finding something interesting to do.

8. Knock ‘em Over?

This is not an obvious date option, but bowling with your girl can be the most fun. Book a lane, rent a pair of bowling shoes and show of your bowling skills. A little healthy competition never hurt anyone, right?

9. Hang with the Animals?

The zoo or an aquarium is the perfect setting for a date. It’s quiet enough that you can have one-on-one time with your date, but there’s also something to look at if you’re stumped for conversation. Plus, if you pass gas you can always blame the elephants.

10. Cinema at Home?

Once you take into account the ticket, snacks and drinks, going to the movies these days is expensive. Get your girl to come over, rent a pile of DVDs, make some popcorn and darken your living room. You’ll save money and be more comfortable cuddling up on your couch! Check out Netflix plans starting at $4.99.

Extra: 11. Board Game Date

Board games have become very popular again all across America. Many families have "game night", which is a great way to spend quality time. I think many board games work best with at least three people but there are many that work great with just two. Just swing by your local Walmart and you can pick up a fun board game for under $15.

As you can see fun dates don’t have to be expensive. Got any other ideas of fun and cheap dates?
Photo Credit

It’s Back, One Free Year PC Magazine Subscription

Dean — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:58:19 +0000

For a limited time get a free one year subscription to PC Magazine. Usually the free year subscription does not last long so sign up while you can. PC Magazines is the #1 computer technology magazine. Be sure to tell all your "tech geek" friends about this one.

This is personally one of my favorite magazine reads. Usually this magazine subscription goes for around $24 a year. The annual newsstand price is over $80. Allow 4-6 weeks for your magazines to start arriving. This is for the actual print edition not the the digital edition. Enjoy.

Expiration: While Supplies Last

Enfamil Free Breastfeeding Kit

Dean — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:28:25 +0000

Here is another freebie from Enfamil. Get a Free Enfamil LIPIL Breastfeed Support Kit. If you know of anyone expecting you might want to pass this along to them. Having a baby is very costly especially with all those diapers.

Also check these money saving Enfamil coupons

What Do You Get?

Sample Expecta LIPIL DHA supplements
The Nursing Mother’s Companion guide by Kathleen Huggins (Excerpts only)
Free Sample Enfamil LIPIL

To receive you Breastfeeding Kit just print out the form and take it to your doctor on your next visit. One per doctor visit. Enjoy.

Update: Looks like the Breastfeeding Kits have been exhausted. Check back for more freebies.

Expiration: While Supplies Last

Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Own

Dean — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:25:10 +0000

Forbes magazine recently publish their list of the top 10 cheapest cars to own. With gas prices skyrocketing and projected to go even higher I think many people that live in the suburbs should take a look at purchasing a more economical car. I have read some reports or analysis saying in a couple of years we could see $6-$7 a gallon due to a bubble. Thank goodness I work from home.

Note that the cheapest cars to buy are not necessarily the cheapest cars to own. For example a Kia or Hyundai may be cheaper to purchase than a Toyota or Honda but the resale value is much stronger for a Toyota or Honda, also in general it is more reliable. Many people buy cars not thinking about the resale value and other long term costs. By the way, I think in the past couple of years resale values of those gas guzzling SUV must have really taken a nose dive. Supply and demand, nobody wants a gas guzzler anymore.

Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Own:

Toyota Yaris
Honda Fit
Chevrolet Aveo5
Nissan Versa S
Hyundai Accent GS
Dodge CAliber SE
Kia Rio
Chevrolet Cobalt LS
Scion xD
Honda Civic DX Sedan

See Full List

Check out the 2009 Toyota Prius which is rumored to get up to 80 miles per gallon. They are also talking about bring out a plug in version of the Prius in 2010 or 2011 which would easily be a 100+ mile per gallon car.

An Even Cheaper Ride

On a side note, I have been thinking about purchasing a bike since I live in the city of Honolulu. I think I want to purchase a foldable bike because it is very convenient and allows you to put it in your car, office, home or even on the bus. It is a bit smaller and easier to ride. Plus the weather is great and I could use the exercise. My only concern is my own safety from aggressive drivers.

I recommend anyone that lives in a large city to check this list of foldable bikes at TreeHugger. Parking in downtown Honolulu can cost as much as $250 a month. When I visited Japan, I was amazed how many people used bikes and public transportation. I think as gas prices go up we will see more bikes friendly cities.

Photo Credit

Printable Enfamil Coupon – Free Enfamil Products

Dean — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:18:40 +0000

Use this printable Enfamil coupon to receive a free sample of one of Enfamil’s popular baby formula products. Baby formula ain’t cheap so don’t forget to let your expecting or young parents know about this freebie.

Update: You can still get more printable Enfamil coupons are available here.

Enfamil Products Available:

Nutramigen Lipil – Resolves Colic Symptoms often within 48 hours
Enfamil Gentlease LIPIL – 1/5 lactose of full lactose milk based formula.
Enfamil A.R. LIPIL – Clinically Shown to provide approximately four times as many split-up free freedings.

To get your printable Enfamil coupon just choose your baby formula and click on the print button. Be sure to check if the baby formula is right for your baby with your doctor.

Expiration: While Supplies Last

1 Year Free Subscription to PC Magazine

Dean — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:00:49 +0000

Right now you can get a free 1 year subscription to PC Magazine. This is one of the most popular magazines featuring computer hardware and software news and reviews. This is for a limited time so sign up quickly if you want to get it. There are also dozens of other free business magazines subscriptions available.

Other Popular Business Magazine Subscription Available:

MacWorld Magazine
Oracle Magazine
Website Magazine
eWeek
PC World

Usually you can only get a 2 month subscription to PC Magazine but this is a rare 1 year free subscription. There are some requirements to receive some magazine subscriptions, just fill in your information to see if you meet the requirements. Business magazines are a quick way to keep tabs on the news in your industry. Even though they are supported by advertisers within the magazine, ads also a good source of information.

Expiration: Limited Time

How to Give a 30% Bigger Tip Without Spending a Dime

Dean — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:42:56 +0000

More and more people are paying with credit cards and debit cards because it is convenient and you can collect credit card rewards miles/points. But before you pay your restaurant bill with your favorite card I recommend at least paying your tip in cash.

Why pay in cash? It is very simple, when you pay with a credit card it is accounted for electronically and therefore Uncle Sam will almost always gets his cut.

When you pay with cash it is not as easily traceable and therefore not all tips are reported. Before you scream tax fraud, let’s be real, a lot of people don’t claim 100% of the tips they collect to the IRS. This is not only true for waiters/waitresses but just about any service job that accepts tips like cab drivers, tour guides, hotel workers, etc. I’m not saying it is right but thats just the way it is.

Depending on their tax bracket you could be giving them a substantial bonus. Many people like to pay with credit cards and debit cards for convenience and for the rewards program. I do too, but if possible I like to just pay the food bill with a card and the tip with cash. I know my waiter or waitress will appreciate that.

Just something to think about next time you charge your entire lunch or dinner. Here a the kicker, if you don’t like the service leave a smaller tip and pay your tip with your credit or debit card, hehe. Another place I like to pay cash is local mom and pop stores for the same reasons above.

I am not promoting or suggesting tax fraud but believe me your favorite waiter or store owner will thank you.

Any waiters or waitress want to weigh in on this one?

Photo Credit

10 Frugal Questions With Jason White From FrugalDad.com

Dean — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 22:31:30 +0000

I stumbled upon FrugalDad.com not too long ago and was impressed with the sites content. There are many good reads on this site and I recommend checking it out if you want more money saving tips. I was fortunate enough to be able to interview Jason White the blogger behind the blog. He offers some great advice and tips.

10 Questions with Jason White from FrugalDad.com

1. So what is FrugalDad.com all about? How & Why did you start your blog?

FrugalDad.com is a site featuring ideas on frugal living, but it’s really more than that. I like to share my ideas and opinions on broader personal finance topics, careers, personal development, parenting, and even blogging. I started FrugalDad.com as a creative outlet to cultivate my interest in writing, and as a way to connect with other frugal families. I wrote articles for Associated Content for nearly a year before deciding to venture out on my own.

2. So what is a day in your shoes like? Location, Age, Job, Interests?

Since beginning my blog my days have become even longer. I start the day around 4:30am to get some time to myself for writing, researching, responding to readers, etc. I get most everything related to Frugal Dad out of the way during those precious two hours before the wife and kids are awake. A quick breakfast with the family and I’m out the door to work my regular 8-5, as a database administrator/web designer.

Afternoons are spent helping the wife prepare dinner, playing outside with the kids (Spring in the southeast means long, warm afternoons where you can play outside until 8:00pm). I finish the day off with catching up on email, prepping the next day’s article and then off to bed around 10:30.

3. Ok, now the fun questions, what is your favorite cheap meals that you make at home and when you’re eating out?

I probably ought to come up with some intriguing made-from-scratch meal here, but I’d be lying if I said I was a good cook. My favorite meal is my wife’s spaghetti, and while I haven’t done a full cost breakdown I’m guessing it is around $1.00 per person, per meal. She makes a double batch and I eat it four or five meals in a row, including my lunches at work for two days. We don’t eat out often, but when we do we like to order an appetizer as a meal, or split an entrée. We also like to hit restaurants on the nights when kids eat free.

Dean, "Ahh, spaghetti it is one of those meals that really fills you up. I never thought of doing a double batch, great idea."

4. What is the one thing you own under $20 that has gotten the most bang for your buck?

We bought an indoor griddle on sale at Target for around $20 and that thing has been the best purchase in our household. We use it for the traditional breakfast items such as pancakes, eggs, etc., but the real value is how well it cooks meats.

It sure beats heating up the whole house to bake meats in the summer, or standing outside in a cold rain in the winter to use an outdoor grill. Homemade hamburgers are delicious cooked on the griddle, and because of its design much of the fat runs off into a drip container making meals even healthier.

Dean, "I agree, those indoor grills are fast, convenient and easy to clean. I like to marinate meats the night before then throw them on the grill for a quick and easy dinner."

5. You seem to be an avid reader with plans to read one book every week for 52 weeks. What are your top 3 life changing books you can recommend for people wanting to learn more about money or finances?

I haven’t always been an avid reader. Like most people, I burned out after doing so much required reading in college. However, I soon realized that there is a common thread amongst the most successful people – they read a lot! The very first life-changing book I read on the subject of personal finances was The Millionaire Mind by Thomas Stanley. I read it on a business trip to Ft. Lauderdale, and it completely changed the way I thought about millionaires.

Next on the list is The Total Money Makeover, by Dave Ramsey, which forever changed my attitude towards credit cards, and debt in general. It even moved me to change careers, out of the financial industry and into technology. Your Money or Your Life, by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin, probably had the most profound effect on my life in general, not just financially. It really forced me to stop and think about the things for which I was exchanging my life energy.

Dean, "I have "The Millionaire Mind" audio book, nice pick"

6. Can you share your number 1 tip in being a "frugal dad"?

My number one tip is to be frugal, but flexible. Sometimes we frugal dads let the pendulum swing too far, and the whole family suffers from our obsessive belt-tightening. Life is meant to be enjoyed. My grandfather wrote me a letter when I turned 20 and reminded me to "smell the roses." Over a decade later I still think of that advice when my first inclination is to say "no" to anything my family wants to do that requires money.

Dean, "Very true, it is very important not to lose track of why you are saving money. Too many people save money just to save money. If you save money on one thing then blow it on something meaningless, what is the point."

7. In your blog you recently wrote that you downgraded your cable television package, how is that transition going?

It was one of the best moves we’ve ever made! My daughter was initially upset because she lost the Disney Channel, but it’s been surprising how little she mentions it now. We spend more time outside in the evenings and on weekends. My wife and I spend more time reading after the kids are in bed. If it were up to me we would pull the plug on cable television altogether, but remember my tip – be flexible.

Dean, "I couldn’t agree with you more, I wrote about my experience of actually living without a TV. Personally I don’t think there are a lot of good shows on television, maybe I’m just getting old. I also don’t like the confinement of static programming, that is why I love my Netflix, I get to watch what I want when I want."

8. What is one of the biggest mistakes or problems you feel parents make when it comes to teaching kids about money?

One of the biggest mistakes I see parents making is cosigning for a credit card for their teenager in the interest of "building their credit score." When that teenager hits college they will inundated with offers for credit, and by normalizing it you have in fact encouraged them to take on a credit card of their own.

Before they know it, they are $10,000 in debt from pizzas, Xbox games, clothes and iPods. Instead, teach kids to use cash. Teach them to save for large purchases. Credit cards are not evil by themselves, and used wisely they can be a useful financial tool.

However, they are not for the financially inexperienced. Giving a teenager a credit card is like giving a 12 year-old a learner’s permit to drive. They may have the physical skills necessary to operate a car, but they do not yet have the maturity nor the experience required to make responsible decisions. I would rather see a young person avoid credit cards until they are on their own financially and earning their own way.

Dean, "Very good point, I bet there are a lot of young adults in debt that with their parents taught them how to be fiscally responsible."

9. Give me your top 3 blog posts that every Mr. Cheap Stuff reader should read.

How I’ve Survived Without the Help of Wii, TomTom or iPod

Teach Your Kids About Money With Only Four Quarters

How to Implement an Envelope Budgeting System

10. Finally, can you give me your favorite tip on how do you use the Internet to save money or time?

Like most men I despise clothes shopping. For me it ranks up there with dental checkups and an annual physical. However, thanks to sites like eBay I’ve managed to avoid mall shopping for all but a few required articles of clothing.

When the time comes to add to my wardrobe I visit a mall and try on several styles of pants and shirts. I carry along a pen and piece of paper and note the size, style and any other unique characteristics of the things I like. I leave the mall and go home to look up the items on eBay. Run a search for the item with the tag "NWT" added to the end of your query. You can usually find your item new-with-tag (NWT) at half the costs of retail prices.

Photo Credit

New Dell XPS and Inspiron Coupons

Dean — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:35:23 +0000

Dell has a bunch of updated coupons for their XPS and Inspiron laptops. These are some of the best XPS coupons I have seen in a while. They are good for the popular and award winning XPS 1330 and 1530 laptops. Here is a Dell XPS 1330 review from Cnet.com.

Update – See All Updated Dell XPS Inspiron Coupons Here

Inspiron Coupons:

Save $200 on all Inspiron™ Desktop purchases over $749 (before tax, fees, shipping & handling)

Save 30% on Inspiron™ laptop purchases over $1299 (before tax, fees, shipping & handling) + FREE Standard Shipping!

XPS Coupons:

Save $200 on all XPS™ M1330 & M1530 laptop purchases over $1249 (before tax, fees, shipping & handling)

Save $350 on all XPS™ M1330 & M1530 laptop purchases over $1599 (before tax, fees, shipping & handling)

Updated – See all updated Dell coupons here.

25 Ways to Save Money – The Lazy Man’s Way

Dean — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:52:27 +0000

Article Contribution by Danielle:

One of my biggest pet peeves is not having enough money for things that I want to purchase or invest in. I’m frugal when it comes to paying bills such as my student loan, phone bill, delinquent credit card bill, etc. Frugal meaning, once a month I will shop at the local dollar store just to save money to pay my bills. I will wait to Super $5 Tuesday’s at the movies so that I don’t have to pay full-price for a movie ticket. One day I even walked 15 miles to work (both ways) just to avoid putting gas in my tank. That didn’t help because I tripped and twisted my ankle while crossing the street – I limped to the hospital and lost a day of pay. That basically defeated the purpose of me walking, which was to save money.

I eventually learned how to be frugal with my money. Why did I decide to live frugally? First, because it allows you to spend a lot less than you earn. You can use the difference to pay off debt, save or invest. Second, because the less you spend your money, the less you need to earn extra money. Getting a second job just to earn more money was out of the question for me, I barely like getting out of bed in the mornings make it to my first job. The following are proven tips that will help you live a frugal life.

1.    Purchase a small-sized vehicle. You can save hundreds of dollars by driving a smaller vehicle. Unless you have a large family, don’t purchase a SUV. You will save a lot of money on gas by driving a small vehicle.
2.    Go with a smaller house. Heating a large house can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars just to heat during the winter and air condition during the summer.
3.    Eat out less – Eat in More. The average person spends over $2000 per year on eating out at restaurants. You can save a bundle by cooking your own food.
4.    Brown bag it to work. Bring your lunch instead of ordering out for lunch.
5.    Adopt a minimalist wardrobe. When purchasing clothes, purchase separates (shirts, pants, blouses, skirts, etc.) With separates, you can turn a 5-piece wardrobe set into a 10-15 piece wardrobe set.
6.    Stop online impulse buying. Instead of purchasing items online every week, purchase only once a month or every two months. This will ultimately save you money.
7.    Cancel cable. This will save you a bundle every month (in my neighborhood, about $45, or more than $500 a year). As a substitute, I do things like read or I rent DVDs at the video store.
8.    Use the library. Instead of purchasing books, check them out at the library. You can also find a selection of DVDs (depending on where you live) this will save you even more money.
9.    Find free entertainment. You can find cheap ways to have fun. Entertainment can cost a lot of money. The average person spends more than $1,800 a year on entertainment. You can find free entertainment in your local newspaper and on the Internet.
10.    Stay healthy. Visiting the doctor and going to the hospital for catching the flu can be costly. Eat healthily, and exercise. This will help you from getting sick.
11.    Commute by bike. Commuting by bike to work or the store will save you money on gas and transportation.
12.    Carpool or ride the bus. Take public transportation to work or school. You can even carpool and save a bundle on gas. Carpool or ride the bus. OK, you don’t want to bike it. So find a friend or neighbor who works near you, and arrange a carpool. Or take public transportation. Simple advice, but something a lot of people ignore.
13.    Walk. If you are traveling locally like the corner store, or to a place of business that’s less than a mile away.   This will also save you money on transportation.
14.    Sell your clutter. You can sell your clutter at a garage sale or even on eBay. You can make a few extra bucks and free up space in your house or apartment.
15.    Frugal gifting. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on gift giving. Gift cards make perfect gifts if you’re not sure what to purchase and they come in denominations as low as $20.
16.    Quit smoking. It is estimated that people spend over $3000 on cigarettes. Quitting smoking will not only save you money but will improve your health.
17.    Quit drinking. People who go to happy hour more than once a week, spend a lot of money on drinks. Beer is much cheaper.
18.    Sweets in moderation. Cut back on sweets (you don’t have to completely eliminate them entirely) this will help you to save money and cut calories.
19.    Drink water. Instead of buying bottled water, get a filter for your kitchen faucet.
20.    Stay home. Become a homebody. You don’t have to go out in order to have fun. You can cook a nice meal, watch a good DVD or listen to music.
21.    Stop using credit cards. Avoid credit card debt and only use it for emergencies. By the way, $200 designer bag is not an emergency.
22.    Cancel magazine subscriptions. If you have more than 3 magazine subscriptions, cancel them. Many magazines can be found on the Internet
23.    Make your own. Instead of buying a bookshelf, make one. There are many do-it-yourself projects that you can make instead of buying.
24.    Save energy. You can actually lower your monthly power bill by turning off your the lights when not in use.
25.    Telecommute. Instead of commuting to work everyday, ask your employer if you could telecommute to work. This will help you save money on transportation.

Hopefully, the above tips will help you to become more frugal with your spending. Just like everything, practice makes perfect. In time, you will begin to notice the benefits of cutting back on your spending.

Photo Credit

Forget the Movie Theater – Free redbox dvd rentals

Dean — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:38:46 +0000

Guest Post By Sunny:

The last time my husband and I went to the movies it set us back about $40 USD. FORTY BUCKS to get my theater chair kicked by the fluffy man sitting behind me. We missed important scenes because of the fluffy man’s constant editorials. And come home with flu like symptoms from the fluffy man expelling his germs into the air with his over exuberant laughter!

Now you can have Movie Night at home for FREE with no fluffy man (unless you live with one). redbox (It is spelled with a lower case "r") has locations all across the country in grocery stores, retail stores, your favorite fast food chain, etc. It’s simple, easy, and hassle free. Just select your DVD, choose a credit or debit card and it’s $1/per night/per DVD. redbox wants you to try them out if you haven’t allready.

By giving them your e-mail address, they in turn e-mail you a coupon code that you simply type into the machine upon rental check out. I’ve done it and your DVD rental is free! BONUS: when you give them your e-mail address, they send you additional coupon codes at different times during the year for more free rentals. Also, you can return your DVD to any redbox location. If I were to rent a DVD in St. Louis, I could return it in Colorado when I’m out visiting my family on the ski slopes.

Find redbox locations here.

Expiration Date: Unknown

Dean writes:

Sunny makes a great point, does anybody really want to go to the movies anymore considering the price. On top of that it seem like everyone seems to have a home theater. Personally I’m a Netflix subscriber, I love the convenience and selection, plus you can view many movies online on your computer. If you are a hardcore tv watcher than you will love all the TV series DVDs available.

Ricky Gervais is David Brent in "The Office" – Photo Credit

I have been watching one of my new favorite shows "The Office" and the original British version of "The Office". It is one of the few shows that can literally make me laugh out loud. Brilliant!

Bath & Body Signature Collection Freebie

Dean — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:38:43 +0000

Guest Post By Sunny:

Free Body Lotion just for signing up to receive their e-mails of upcoming Special Promotions and Offers. I know what you’re thinking, not another sign up for e-mails that I’m just going to delete or ignore. I bet not! If you love this store and their products you’ll be more than excited to receive their special promotions, especially around the Holiday’s when they have fantastic deals.

It’s worth stocking up on those everyday favorites and splurge items. Plus they’ve expanded from just their own brand of products to include independent skin care lines for men and women, as well as products for tweens, children & baby. All are high quality and backed with a 100% money back guarantee.

I’ve taken them up on this offer when I’ve purchased scents that didn’t work so well when I came home, but smelled good at the time. (Okay, I’m sugar coating it – it was an impulse buy, but to no worries, they took it back with no hassles.) Their lotions are a compliment to your daily routine with smells that are light and non-offensive. The 2oz. bottle they’re giving away with this promotion is perfect to keep in your purse, brief case, etc.

Expiration Date: 3/26/08