The Cheap Diva

5 Tips for Saving Money at Memorial Day Sales

Memorial Day weekend is here which gives you an extra day to shop! Retailers will use any excuse to have store sales so follow these tips to spend your time and money wisely.

1. Visit the store website. Being on a store mailing list is not enough does not guarantee that you will be notified of Memorial Day Sales. I am on the mailing list for Half Price Books, but I had to visit their web site to find out about their fantastic 20% store wide sale through Memorial Day because they didn't notify me of the sale.

2. Be aware of coupon exclusions before you start shopping so you don't get excited about something that is not included in the promotion. Macys offers a printable 15% off coupon on their web site good through Memorial Day but their are several exclusions to watch out for.

3. Shop early. Kohls is having and Early Birds sale that starts at 7 a.m.! Shop before noon Saturday and  get a $10.00 coupon good towards a later purchase. Cute stuff at cheap prices disappears quickly so wherever you shop get there early so you can get the styles you love in the size you need.  

4. Know what you want to shop for ahead of time. Think about gaps in your wardrobe or upcoming events. Do you need a cute dress to wear to a wedding, comfortable shoes for outdoor walks? Knowing exctly what you want cuts down on impulse buys.

5. Shop with cash and give yourself a spending limit. This isn't the last sales event on earth. Be picky about your purchases and you will spend less and enjoy your purchases more.

Learn How to Get the Most Cash for Your Clutter

Learn how to cash in on your clutter at my free presentation revealing the secrets to selling your unwanted stuff for more money based on my book The Cheap Diva's Guide to Frugal and Fabulous Living: How to Shop Smart, Look Your Best, Decorate with Style, and Have Fun for Less Money! whih is available on amazon.com as a Kindle book for under $5.00 and as a paperback as well.

 

Join the Create. Learn. Renew group for the evening and enjoy a presentation by me, Stephanie Ann on how to sell your unwanted stuff quickly and for the most money this Thursday, May 24.  This informative yet relaxed get together takes place at Johnson County Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Merriam, KS.

You'll never waste time on ineffective selling strategies once you discover:

*The most popular and effective online and local sales outlets for home decor, clothing and media items.

*How to identify which sales outlet, web sites, consignment stores or used book stores etc. would generate the most cash for items you are selling.

*How to determine what your stuff is worth before trying to sell it based on supply and demand.

*Which items aren't worth the time to try to sell and should simply be donated instead.

So, if you've ever looked at something lying around the house and wondered "Could I get some money for this this thing?" That question will be answered in the presentation and in the book.

This Earth Day, Go Green and Save Green

Save money while saving the planet with these strategies from Andrea Woroch.

1. Sign up for the "no solicitation" registry. (catalogchoice.org, optoutprescreen.com, dmachoice.org)
That way, you can avoid getting credit card offers and other ads which will reduce paper clutter and save trees.

The Cheap Diva's Guide to Frugal and Fabulous Living: How to Shop Smart, Look Your Best, Decorate with Style, and Have Fun for Less Money! available on amazon.com as a Kindle book for under $5.00 and as a paperback as well.

2. Shop online to reduce your carbon footprint and save money.
According to a study by Carnegie Melon's Green Institute, shopping online reduced carbon emissions by 35 percent. The abundance of online coupons from such sites as FreeShipping.org makes this green practice a no-brainer.

3. Get out of the gym and exercise outdoors.
Freeze your gym membership and save up to 75 percent (or more) per month during the summer. You'll also rely less on those energy-sucking cardio machines.

4. Close blinds on hot days.
Before you head out for the day, close your blinds to keep the sun from warming your home while you're gone. Doing so will reduce your dependence on air conditioning and save energy.

5. Send an e-gift certificate for special occasions.
Not only are e-gift cards super convenient, you're also using less plastic resources and reducing fuel associated with shipping. If an e-card isn't available from a desired retailer, purchase gift cards at a discount from sites like Gift Card Granny. That way you recycle someone else's unwanted plastic and score great savings.

6. Eliminate paper invites and digitize your event announcement.
Save on postage and printing while reducing paper by using sites like pingg.com to create electronic announcements and invitations.

7. Use an irrigation controller to manage watering.
20 to 50 percent of your water use goes toward the landscape, even more in certain areas of the country. Invest in a controller to schedule irrigation to reduce overwatering.

8. Swap your stuff!
Use Swap.com to trade books, CDs, DVDs, sporting equipment and other goods. Not only are you saving money, but you're reducing future trash by re-using someone else's stuff.

9. Walk or bike to work to save on fuel.
With gas prices peaking at nearly $4 a gallon, you're doing your wallet and your health some good by walking or biking to work. If this isn't feasible, try public transportation.

10. Wash clothes with cold water.
Though some clothes suggest warm or hot water for washing, you can reduce your monthly heating bills and save energy by turning all cycles to cold. Don't worry, your clothes will still get clean.

11. Use mobile coupons to cut paper clutter.
Download the Coupon Sherpa mobile app to access discounts without using paper coupons. You can also save coupons to your supermarket loyalty card for paperless grocery savings.

12. Plug electronics into power strips.
Buy a surge protector for pricey electronics to save your valuables in the event of a lightning strike, and power down when not in use to cut five percent from your electricity bill.

13. Power down cable boxes.
Doing so will save you $40 per box, annually. You can also cut down on DVD waste by opting for Netflix, Hulu and Amazon streaming.

14. Go paperless.
This is a no-brainer -- when banks and service providers offer you the option to go paperless, take it. Check out Lifehacker's guide to going paperless for more ideas.

15. Hang dry your clothes.
Do laundry on the weekends and hang dry your clothes to save energy and reduce your electricity bill.

16. Shop garage and estate sales for clothes and home goods.
Recycling other people's unwanted items will not only save money but also reduces trash build-up in landfills.

17. Put the blow dryer down.
Consider going "au natural" several times during the week to save on energy spent by blow dryers, flat irons and other electronic hair products.

18. Take short showers.
The feeling of hot water on your skin is often hard to resist, but taking short, cooler showers reduces your heating bill and saves water and energy.

19. Wash dishes in a sink full of water.
Instead of washing dishes with the tap on, fill one side of the sink with soapy water to clean dishes, and only run the dishwasher when it's full to save energy.

20. Get a water filter and reusable water bottle.
Over 80 percent of plastic water bottles are tossed -- not recycled -- yielding 1.5 tons of waste per year, according to Mother Nature Network. Invest in a reusable water bottle (or two) and a filter, if your tap water is lacking.

21. Plant native shrubs and plants.
Native plants and shrubs subsist on whatever precipitation occurs in your area, making them an eco-friendly alternative to non-native plants that require additional watering and maintenance.

22. Use an eco-friendly shower head.
Basic showerheads disperse quite a bit of water per use, so investing in an eco-friendly one like the Oxygenics PowerMassage Handheld Shower Head can save up to 70 percent in water and energy consumption.

Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert who helps consumers live on less without radically changing their lifestyles. You can follow her on Twitter for daily savings advice and tips.

Money Saving Discount Web Sites

 

Shop Smart magazine is perfect for money savvy Divas who hate hype but love great advice. The May issue includes an article on Great Discount Sites. Here are a few web sites worth checking out.

CrateandBarrel.com/Outlet includes discontinued, past season and outlet furniture, home decor and kitchen and dining items. Like many clearance sections on a retail web site, the selection is limited, but with the contemporary and gimmick free style Crate and Barrel is famous for, just about any clearance item is a smart buy.

LandsEnd.com has a nice selection of overstock, discontinued, and less than perfect items at prices that are perfect for a savvy shopper. Some of the clothing items are hit or miss coming only in super small sizes like 2 and 4, but where else can you shop for a winter coat and a swimsuit on sale at the same time?

 I was surprised when I found out Walmart.com has a clearance section since they could easily sell off clearance inventory through their stores. The clothing selection is limited and some of the "clearance" prices are only dollar or two below the regular price. On the other hand, I've never gone broke having a shopping spree at Walmart so I will keep shopping their for basics so I can afford to splurge at other stores for special items like cute shoes.

Stock Up on Cheap Entertainment at Half Price Books

Half Price Books is a fun place to shop for affordable books, DVDs, magazines and music CDs. To make shopping at Half Price Books even more fun sign up for their email list so you can get coupons for 20% to 50% off merchandise March 19 to March 25. If that doesn't work, just call your local store and see if you can pick up coupons when you get there. Discounts vary from day to day with Friday and Saturday being the lowest at 20% off and the Sunday coupon offering the best discount at 50% off. As a used book store the selection is pretty random, so enjoy the treasure hunt and don't limit yourself to only looking for one or two specific titles that you may not find.

To get the best deal at Half Price Books, sell some of your unwanted books, magazines, DVDs etc. and combine your store credit with a coupon. I have purchased books for next to nothing using this strategy. One of the keys to selling your used media at any used book store is timing. Try to get there as early as you can and avoid peak hours if possible so you don't get stuck behind the bibliomaniac selling a enouch old paperbacks to stock a public library.

Get Paid for Being Frugal

Many web sites and blogs will post money saving articles from frugal Divas like us and then "pay" us in free publicity for our great ideas.  I don't know about you, but I can't pay my bills with free publicity. That's why I was delighted to discover The Krazy Coupon Lady. The savvy creators of this money saving blog are doing what few other blogs/web sites will do, paying real money for great content. They pay $50.00 per article for your original money saving strategies! So skip the penny pinching web sites looking for a free ride and spend some time with The Krazy Coupon Lady.

For tips and strategies on how to make the most of your money and generate extra cash, read The Cheap Diva's Guide to Frugal and Fabulous Living: How to Shop Smart, Look Your Best, Decorate with Style, and Have Fun for Less Money! available on amazon.com as a Kindle book for under $5.00 and as a paperback as well.

 

8 Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

Getting a generous tax refund makes all the hassle of doing taxes worth it, but if you are not careful your refund money can disappear faster than a cute pair of shoes at a clearance sale. Make the most of your tax refund with these tips from consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc.  Andrea Woroch.

1. Adjust Your Withholdings
If you consistently receive a large refund, it's a sign that you're withholding too much from your paycheck.The money you get in one lump sum every April could be saved, invested or used to pay down debt throughout the year, so update your W4 and strive to "break even" with the IRS. Use the IRS Withholding Calculator to help you determine how much to withhold.

2. Pay Down Debt
Paying down existing debt like student loans or credit card balances may not seem like much fun now, but doing so will lead you to guilt-free fun in the future. In addition to improving your credit score, you'll have more money each month once minimum payments are behind you instead of throwing away money on interest rates.

3. Invest in Your Home
Now is the time to tackle those home improvement projects you've been putting off. Such improvements will ultimately lead to an increase in your home's value so it's a wiser investment. Extend the value of your refund by purchasing discount gift cards to Home Depot from sites like GiftCardGranny.com, where you can save an average of 15 percent instantly.

4. Donate to Charity
Remember, what goes around comes around. That's why I recommend donating part or all of your tax refund. It is actually a tax write-off, so you can deduct your donation for next year's taxes. Find a list of eligible organizations within the IRS Publication 78 and be sure to itemize your deductions.

5. Open a Roth IRA
Roth IRAs are all the rage these days, and for good reason. In addition to being more flexible than other retirement plans relative to investments, Roth IRAs grant tax breaks when money is withdrawn during retirement and won't penalize you for withdrawing early either. Not convinced? Read this article from Kiplinger on why it's a smart investment plan.

6. Improve Yourself
Whether you brush up on your networking skills or learn the basics of social media, continuing education is the key to better job prospects. Look for courses at your community college or find out when and where the next regional conference in your industry is happening.

7. Fund Your Emergency Fund
If the contents of your savings account is comparable to that of your childhood piggy bank, consider using your refund to raise it to a more adult-worthy level. Travel snafus, car accidents and medical emergencies are inherently unpredictable, and having the peace of mind to pay for the unexpected expense during such stressful situations is priceless. For more information, check out "Why You Absolutely Need an Emergency Fund" from Investopedia.

8. Stretch Your Spending
If you've been saving up for a big purchase or simply looking to use the tax return to supplement your income in the short term, consider how to stretch those dollars. Purchase discount gift cards for various stores to reduce everyday costs and use coupons to trim expenses whenever possible.

For tips and strategies for making the most of your money year round read The Cheap Diva's Guide to Frugal and Fabulous Living: How to Shop Smart, Look Your Best, Decorate with Style, and Have Fun for Less Money! available on amazon.com as a Kindle book for under $5.00 and as a paperback as well.

 

 

The Simple Dollar Book Review

 The Simple Dollar: How One Man Wiped Out His Debts and Achieved the Life of His Dreams is not a typical book about creating a budget and doing a lot of other boring tedious stuff in an effort to become more financially well off. In a nutshell, the theme of this book is about how to develop a better relationship with m0ney and live richly by cultivating relationships and experiences that enrich your life beyond money. The book really has nothing new to say, and yet I enjoyed reading it. The common sense approach Trent Hamm uses to finances covers everything from automatic savings, goal setting, retirement to giving up things that offer very little now so you can put money towards something meaningful to you, such as quitting your job to start a new career.

If I had to categorize this book I would not classify it as a financial management book. Instead I would call it a financial motivational book that encourages the reader to look at their relationship with money and look at the thoughts, routines and personal relationships that affect how and why we spend.  Ultimately the book encourages us to have a bigger vision for our life that goes far beyond just getting by and paying our bills.

Save More in Department Stores

 Andrea Woroch is my shopping hero!  Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. and she was kind enough to sent me the following article.

JCPenney recently announced a permanent markdown of at least 40 percent on all it's merchandise - a preemptive move to introduce a tiered strategy of ongoing promotions to offer consumers more value.

Wouldn't it be nice if all department stores followed suit? Since it's likely they won't, now is a good time to brush up on your department-store shopping skills with these seven tips to save at your favorite stores.

1. Befriend Sales Associates
Though your knee-jerk reaction to eager salespeople may be "I'm just looking," consider taking them up on their offer to serve you. Better yet, seek them out every time you shop the store. Building a rapport with a sales associate leads to the inside-track on upcoming sales and yields better customer service.

2. Get Smart
Retailers are making it easy to stay informed about upcoming sales, thanks to e-mail alerts and Facebook updates. But how often have you left a coupon at home or failed to print it from your inbox? Mobile coupons to the rescue! Tools like the Coupon Sherpa mobile app give you access to mobile coupons to use in-store. Just pull up the offer and hand your smartphone to the cashier. Phew!

3. Shop Thursdays
While online shopping experiences a spike in sales on Mondays, department stores often mark down clothing on Thursdays in anticipation of weekend shoppers. Save your Saturday for lunch with the girls and a matinee, and turn Thursday afternoon into a savvy shopping day. For more tips on the best times of the week to shop, consult SmartMoney's guide.

4. Retain Receipts
In an effort to de-clutter our cars, purses and file cabinets, receipts are often tossed immediately after a purchase. However, it's a good idea to hang onto receipts for up to 30 days should the item you bought receive a price reduction. Keeping tabs on an item you've already purchased can score you unexpected savings.

5. Gift Yourself (and Your Wallet)
If you're anything like me, you've already burned through those gifts cards you received over the holidays. Nothing compares to spending someone else's money on something you want, but using a discount gift cards comes pretty close. Save up to 35 percent instantly when you buy gift cards at less than face value from such sites as GiftCardGranny.

6. Shop Seasonal Sales
This one's a no-brainer but with "80-percent off" promotions cluttering my inbox, I'd be remiss not to mention it. Shopping for winter clothing as retailers gear up for the spring and summer fashions will land you great deals on warm clothing to wear both now and after beach season is a distant memory.

7. Reward Yourself
Most credit cards have a rewards program, so take a look at your account to determine if you can redeem points for gift cards. If you have the budget and are disciplined enough to pay off your credit card every month, you might consider charging everyday expenses on your card to increase those reward points and pay for "fun" stuff with earned points. If you're credit card doesn't earn points, check out this list from CreditCards.com to find ones that do.

Save Money at Whole Foods

Whole Foods grocery has lots of healthy products, but their inflated prices aren't good for my financial health! Shopping at Whole foods without spending a fortune requires some simple strategies. Whole Foods is where I shop after hitting my local Target and/or Trader Joe's store. The organic products that I can't find at those lower priced stores are the ones I shop for at Whole Foods. I have learned from having to throw out expired perishible fruits and vegetables to buy fresh products in smaller quanities. Instead of buying a big bunch of bananas I will split that bunch in half and buy only a few bananas.

When Whole Foods puts nonperishible or frozen products that I normally buy on sale I stock up. After my most recent shopping trip I have enough canned soup to last for weeks! The down side of stocking up on sale items is that it temps me to buy bad products.

I bought several almond yogurts in various flavors because it was on sale. When I got up to the cash register the cashier told me that if I bought 2 more I would get a 10% case discount. Yippee! I snapped up 2 more almond yogurts and got my extra 10% discount. When I got home I tore open a container and after a few bites it was obvious I did NOT want to eat 9 more containers of this product, so immediately I returned all the unopened containers of yogurt and got my money back with no problem. Yes, you can return food at Whole Foods with a receipt! The 10% off case price is good on products throughout the store, look for the quanitiy that makes a "case" on the price label.

 

Save Big at Half Price Books 20% off Sale

When I found out Half Price Books stores was having a 20% off everything sale through December 30 I knew had get out today and do some serious shopping at th the local 2, count em' 2 local Half Price Book stores. After scouring both stores for hidden treasures I ended up buying a total of 3 magazines and 3 books all for under $20.00 for everything!  Half Price Books is ideal for persistent treasure hunters like me who will peruse every section that might have something relevant to my interests. I check out everything from the DVD section, the clearance area, magazine section, fashion area, home decor and mysteries.  A lot of the selection at Half Price Books comes from stuff they buy from customers which makes the selection pretty random. You can find everything from new releases to long forgotten books, DVD's and music. It's not the best place to look for specific titles, but it is a great place to look for bargains if you keep your options open and allow yourself enough time to find those hidden gems.

Holiday Slackers Can Save Too: Last-Minute Shopping Tips

What I really want for Christmas is not to go broke! Consumer and money saving expert Andrea Woroch has sent me such great tips, it's like getting a present from Santa! Here is what she has to say about how holiday slackers can spend smart.

With just a few days remaining until the holidays, shoppers with gifts left on their list feel the pressure to spend. But even if you've waited until the eleventh hour to pick up those last few presents, you don't have to buy the first thing you see or pay an absurd amount of money.

Check out these shopping tips to stay within budget even when the clock is ticking.

1. Re-gift
It's a dirty secret, but lots of people just put a new bow on an old gift. In fact, AzBusiness.com says 23 percent of U.S. residents re-gift. The most popular repeats are wine, candles and, of course, the perennial fruitcake. For some useful re-gifting do's and don'ts, check out this recent article from ABC News.

2. Free Expedited Shipping
Some retailers will offer free rush shipping in the last few days leading up to the holidays, so check FreeShipping.org for codes before paying expensive overnight delivery charges. While you're there, check out their list of shipping deadlines to find out which retailers can send gifts in time for the holidays.

3. Ship-to-Store Offers
For those who want to avoid long check-out lines of crazed shoppers or the shame of offering your gift post-holiday, quite a few retailers these days -- including Sears and REI -- offer free delivery to their brick-and-mortar stores. Usually, you'll receive an email notification when purchase is ready for pick up. Best Buy even boasts some items can be picked up in under an hour.

4. A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words
Another way to avoid rush charges is to purchase a present online and print out a picture, which you then wrap up for under the tree. After all, it's the thought that counts and your recipient doesn't have to worry about lugging the gift around town.

5. Magazine Subscriptions
There's a magazine for every interest, even for rodent fanciers. (Seriously. There's a magazine called "Rat & Mouse.") Surely you can find a monthly publication desired by that hard-to-buy-for loved one. Websites like Magazines.com and BestDealMagazines.com offer cut-rate deals, and the recipient will never know you paid such a great price.

6. Gift Cards
GIft cards are sold at almost any type of retailer including drugstores, supermarkets and some gas stations. Since most of these will be open late on Christmas Eve and some on Christmas, you can pick one up on your way to the festive holiday celebration. Otherwise, e-gift cards are life savers in a pinch. Send one via email directly to the recipient's inbox or print it from your home computer.

7. Beat the Masses
If in-store shopping is your only option, then don't let the stress of other shoppers get to you. Head to the stores at odd hours to enjoy less crowds and take advantage of last-minute sales. Select locations of stores like Toys R Us will be open 24/7 and others like Macy's, will stay open until 2 a.m. Through Dec. 23, Kohl’s will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight and Best Buy will welcome customers from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The Procrastinator's Guide to Holiday Shopping

Andrea Woroch, a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. sent me these wonderful holiday tips perfect for procrastinators. Use these handy tips to cut your costs and holiday stress!

Just because you waited until the last minute, however, doesn't mean you have to pay top price for the dregs of merchandise. In an effort to reduce their inventories further, some stores are dropping prices as Christmas approaches, so it sometimes pays to wait. Still, it's a lot more stressful and shoppers are more likely to grab the first thing they see, regardless of price. Avoid overshooting your budget by following these six tips for last-minute holiday shopping.

1. Skip the Hottest Toys
The odds of finding a Nerf Vortex or a Sesame Street Let's Rock Elmo rank up there with winning the lottery. Even if you could locate the object of your child's most expensive affection, stores will likely have jacked up prices as they know shoppers are desperate.

2. Read Your Junk Mail
Remember all those merchant e-newsletters you receive throughout the year? Well this is the time to start reading them. Online retailers usually include coupon codes that allow you to score great last-minute deals.

3. Take Advantage of Free Shipping Day
It's not too late to order gifts online. Scheduled in its fourth year for Dec. 16, Free Shipping Day allows procrastinators to shop from over 2,000 merchants with free shipping by Christmas Eve. You'll find both big-name and small business merchants at FreeShippingDay.com, along with many great deals.

4. Keep Comparing Prices
Stressed shoppers will often pay whatever a retailer charges for an item just to cross it off their gift list. However, it's important to comparison shop even when you're in a hurry, which is why sites like PriceGrabber.com are so helpful this time of year. Simply enter the product name and the site locates a store near you with the lowest price. Better yet, get notified via FreePriceAlerts, a free browser download that updates you via e-mail or mobile app when your desired item drops in price.

5. Seek Out Free Gifts
 American Express cardholders who spend $25 or more at select stores are receiving a surprise gift by email through their "Gift Chain Program" (while supplies last). Keep an eye out for such special deals as they're all over the place this year.

6. Last-minute Lifesavers
The secret to successful procrastination is making it seem like you plan things well in advance. Gift cards are a go-to solution for anyone facing a last-minute gifting challenge, especially now that they're available in printable, e-mail and mobile formats from popular merchants. You can also find printable gift wrap for small purchases from sites like gift-wrapit.com for last-minute packaging.

Frugal Holiday Tips to Help You Spend Smarter

This week the best place to find money saving holiday tips from the Cheap Diva is on other web sites! In an effort to share my knowledge (and shamelessly promote my blog and book) I wrote an article for The Dollar Stretcher titled Spend Smarter This Holiday Season which offers a variety of tips on how to save money on gifts. Another article I wrote titled Fabulously Frugal Holiday Shopping Tips from The Cheap Diva appears on tagsellit.com. That article focuses on saving money by shopping for gifts second hand. Both web sites offer lots of great money saving ideas, (besides mine) and I encourage you to check them out.

Here's a money saving tip not mentioned in either article. The holiday season is the best time of year to shop for you! Stores are under tremendous pressure to put everything on sale, so lately I have been stocking up on essentials. I have gotten great deals on everything from athletic socks, to plain turtlenecks and I just bought some much needed curtain panels at half off at Kmart! So keep your eyes open for coupons and deals on everyday essentials that will either go up in price or be hard to find after the holiday season is over.

This year give yourself or the Cheap Diva's in your life the gift that literally keeps on giving. My book  The Cheap Diva's Guide to Frugal and Fabulous Living: How to Shop Smart, Look Your Best, Decorate with Style, and Have Fun for Less Money!  is full of tips and strategies for making the most of your money during the holiday season and year round.

 

7 Black Friday Purchase Pitfalls to Avoid

I have never been a fan of Black Friday because the deals often don't live up to the hype. If you insist on joining the sale crazy crowds on Black Friday, here are some tips from consumer and money-saving expert Andrea Woroch to help you see past the the hype and spend smarter.

If you're the type who can't resist a "doorbuster" bargain, you're more likely to get true deals if you heed our advice and avoid the following seven Black Friday pitfalls.

1. Just Because It Says "Sale"...
...doesn't mean it's really a sale. For example, many stores are advertising blockbuster prices on the Kindle e-reader, but check with Amazon and you'll find there's no difference between the regular and so-called "sale" prices. Do a bit of research before you leave home by comparing the prices between clicks and bricks.

2. Overbuying
Do you fall into the frenzy of Black Friday? Everyone is grabbing and it's so easy to feel you might miss out on a good thing. Remember that list people always tell you to make before heading out? Well stick to it!

3. Not Checking for Quality
Many sale items are of substandard quality. Clothes are a particular example this season, as the increased cost of cotton drove manufacturers to use less of the popular raw material. Many hems aren't properly finished, sleeves are shorter than normal, and manufacturers are using gathered seams to save on fabric. Consumer electronics also are subject to this syndrome. Look carefully before you buy.

4. Ignoring Coupons
There's a reason the Thanksgiving newspaper is the fattest of the year. All those fliers contain some really juicy coupons. If you don't receive a paper or are looking for extra deals, check the Black Friday page of CouponSherpa.com for offers from your merchants.

5. Comparing Apples to Oranges
Naming no names, but some big-box stores order electronics and appliances with a slightly different model name or number, so you can't comparison shop properly. If you want to price check an item, compare features, and not model numbers.

6. Forgetting About Extras
One of the best examples here is the computer printer. Manufacturers like to offer printers at what look like blazingly great prices. Unfortunately, the printer ink or toner will cost the gift recipient more than the printer cost you. The same goes with batteries for larger toys and electronics.

7. Setting Your Sites on Freebies
Babies R Us is offering a free $10 gift card on toy purchases of $75, leading you to add enough items to your basket until you've hit the magic $75 mark. Express gives you $25 in Express Cash when you spend $50, which means you'll likely spend more than the $25 on other purchases. Sometimes free isn't really free.

Give the Money Saving Gift that Keeps on Giving!

When shopping for affordable holiday gifts, keep in mind that the women on your gift list are probably just as concerned about making the most of thier money as you are. This year give the Cheap Diva's in your life the gift that keeps on giving. My book  The Cheap Diva's Guide to Frugal and Fabulous Living: How to Shop Smart, Look Your Best, Decorate with Style, and Have Fun for Less Money!  is full of tips and strategies for making the most of your money during the holiday season and year round. It's literally the gift that keeps on giving.

Packed with easy strategies for shopping smarter, making the most of the fashion, beauty, and home decor products you already have and hassle free entertaining ideas, this book is perfect for busy women on a budget.

Some of the money saving strategies in the book include how to avoid common retail rip offs, how to save money on gifts, the money saving benefits of using local beauty school, the smart way to buy and sell items at consignment stores, ways to create a more stylish look at home an in your personal appearance on a budget and cutting food and other costs associated with entertaining.

The book is available in paperback and for the tech savvy gals on your gift list the Kindle version of this book is only $2.99 and you don't have to have a Kindle device to use the Kindle service!

Many Happy Returns! The Real Deal on Retail Return Policies

Just in time for the holiday shopping frenzy, freeshipping.org sent me and email with the following roundup of retailer return policies.

Holiday e-shopping has begun, and with it the potential for gift returns. Because online merchants have different policies, it pays to read the fine print before you buy.

Some stores only give 30-days leeway, which means recipients can't return purchases after Christmas. Happily, some merchants are changing these deadlines for the holidays but, because there are websites who truly believe "fineprint" means "itsy bitsy print in a very pale pastel," FreeShipping.org compiled a list of major e-retailers and their return policies for 2011.

Bath & Body Works
Because Bath and Body Works believes "no sale is ever final," they don't need to extend their holiday deadline. You don't need a sales receipt or shipping invoice for gifts, but they can only be returned to brick-and-mortar Bath and Body Works stores.

Best Buy
Enjoy Best Buy free shipping now through Dec. 27, and return gift purchases -- with no exclusions -- from Nov. 13 through Jan. 4. The electronics behemoth is spreading the holiday cheer even further by removing restocking fees for all products, including special orders, within this timeframe.

endless.com
The online-only shoe merchant provides a generous 365 days for returns with guaranteed free shipping. Use the Endless online returns center for proper processing.

JCPenney
The best part of JCPenney's online returns is they pay for shipping and handling, no matter what your reason for returning the product. You have up to 90 days and, with a gift receipt, will receive a JCPenney gift card in the amount of purchase.

Kohl's
Return any item, anytime, for any reason. Have your receipt? You'll get a full refund or even exchange. No receipt? No problem. Kohl's will give you a refund, an exchange or store credit.

L.L.Bean
The sky's the limit with L.L. Bean, which has no return deadline and doesn't require authorization before you ship your gift back to them. Just download and fill out an online form or use the form printed on the packing slip.

Macy's
The return deadline for Macy's is a generous 180 days and you don't need a receipt because they have a program that identifies products in their system. Too cool! Gifts will receive a store credit or exchange. Please note the deadline for jewelry purchases is only 30 days.

Victoria's Secret
Now through Nov. 16, you can enjoy Victoria's Secret free shipping, but you've got 90 days to return that lacy tidbit for cash. Ater that deadline, Victoria's Secret will only provide store credit. To return gifts, check the box on the Return/Exchange Form attached to the original invoice indicating you're returning a gift and provide your shipping information. If you don't have the original invoice, use their printable return and exchange form.

Walmart
You can return or exchange most store items with a receipt within 90 days of purchase. Visit walmartstores.com to see exceptions for electronic and regulated items. You can return online purchases to any Walmart store.

Zappos
Another great shoe deal: Zappos free shipping is good both for purchases and returns. Whether you're unhappy with a purchase or simply change your mind, Zappos will provide a full refund or exchange within 365 days of purchase. You'll need the original packaging, however, to make the return.

Advertising Indoctrination: Tips for Avoiding Targeted Online Ads

I get a ton of advertising email so when Andrea Woroch, a nationally recognized consumer and money-saving expert, sent me thesee tips on avoiding online ads, I was happy to share them.

Human beings look at the world and see a complex network of interconnected individuals, each with their own autonomy and free will. This perception is a far cry from what credit card companies see. Instead, they view individuals as big bundles of data from which they can profit.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported both MasterCard and VISA are working on plans targeting online ads to consumers based on previous credit card purchases. The idea is you pick up a bag of dog food from the store and charge it to your credit card. When you get home and go online, you start seeing ads for corresponding products and services, like dog toys and dog grooming.

Despite the massive amount of personal data we transmit every day, there are still ways to protect yourself from targeted online ads. Try a few of these tips to avoid the watchful eye of Big Brother.

1. Don't Over-share
Countless websites and stores ask us to provide phone numbers, email addresses and ZIP codes to help them build a marketing profile. Don't bother sharing your details unless they're essential to your purchase. If the guilt of creating fake information keeps you tossing and turning at night, GuerrillaMail.com provides temporary email addresses that last for just 60 minutes.

2. Cut Down on Cookies
"Cookie" is an important keyword here. These small files are stored on your computer every time you visit a website. They're the reason you don't have to log in to Facebook 10 times a day and why you see ads for a pair of shoes viewed yesterday when you're checking your email today. Luckily, the Network Advertising Initiative can help you opt-out of advertising cookies. With just a few simple steps, you're able to block major marketers from access to your browsing habits.

3. Privatize Your Purchases
Don't forget about the main culprits in this personal information panic. All told, VISA and MasterCard process nearly 70 billion transactions each year. All the while, they're collecting and analyzing this massive amount of data. Avoid having your information inspected by opting-out of their analytics programs. MasterCard makes it especially easy; all you have to do is follow this link and opt out of programs in which you don't want to participate. VISA makes it more complicated, but look here for details.

4. Beef Up Your Browser
In response to growing discontent over privacy issues, popular Web browsers like Internet Explorer and Firefox are making it easier to protect personal information. Their latest versions include a private browsing option you can enable to keep your online habits confidential. The browser then won't store such information as cookies, passwords and files you download.

5. Leave No Paper Trail
Paperless statements are good for the environment and also good for your security. Not only does online banking eliminate the amount of personal information you dump in the trash, it also lets you track each purchase instantly. It's a smart security strategy to check your online bank accounts often. This way, you can ensure suspicious items don't slip through the cracks.

6. Get Off the Grid
Credit has practically become our official currency. If you're tired of stressing about credit card security, go old-fashioned. While cash doesn't work online, it doesn't require you share any personal details, either. Gift cards are another good way to avoid using credit. Buying gift cards at less than face value from sites like GiftCardGranny provides instant savings, plus you can use them both in-store and online. Even better, gift cards aren't attached to any of your personal info.

7. Avoid Auto-Fill
Keeping your credit card number, billing address and shipping address on file at Amazon is handy, but it also makes you more vulnerable. Something simple like forgetting to log out at the library can place your personal details in the wrong hands. Though it's tedious and takes extra time, enter your information anew with each order.

8. Ensure You're Secure
It's surprisingly easy to confirm an online merchant has secure checkout. Always look for "https" in the Web address, instead of just "http." That extra "s" shows your connection is encrypted and unauthorized users will have to go to greater measures to get your information. You can learn more about site-specific security by clicking the appropriate box near the address bar in your browser.

This Holiday Buy the Gift that Keeps on Giving

The holiday season is so close I can practically see the selection of tacky and useless gifts clogging the shopping malls. This holiday season give yourself and/or someone on your gift list the gift that literally pays for itselft. My book  The Cheap Diva's Guide to Frugal and Fabulous Living: How to Shop Smart, Look Your Best, Decorate with Style, and Have Fun for Less Money!  is packed with so many tips and strategies for making the most of your money during the holiday season and year round. it's literally the gift that keeps on giving. Packed with easy strategies for shopping smarter, making the most of the fashion, beauty, and home decor products you already have and hassle free entertaining ideas, this book is perfect for busy women on a budget. The book is available in paperback and for the tech savvy gals on your gift list the Kindle version of this book is under $5.00 and you don't have to have a Kindle device to use the Kindle service.

9 Supermarket Strategies Designed to Make You Spend More

Here are nine tricks supermarkets like to spring on consumers to encourage overspending along with ways you can overcome them sent to me by Andrea Woroch, who is a nationally recognized consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc.

1. Something smells really good.
The bombardment starts as soon as the front door swings open. Those mouth-watering smells emanate from the nearby bakery or deli, enticing you to buy the more expensive prepared foods. A grocer in New York City even pipes artificial smells into it's facility to induce shoppers to buy more.

The rule, as you've often heard, is to never shop on an empty stomach.

2. Distance makes the heart grow fonder.
Ever notice how the things you need most frequently are the furthest away from the door? That's intentional; supermarkets guide you through aisles of the most attractive foods, hoping you'll give in to impulse buys.

If you only need one item, it's actually cheaper in the long run to shop at a small market where you'll be less tempted to buy unneeded items.

3. End caps aren't your friend.
End caps are the shelving units at the end of each aisle, where supermarkets place "sale" items that aren't always that cheap. They're counting on our preference to avoid heading down an aisle, so we'll just grab an end-cap item that seems reasonably priced.

Don't give in; wait until you can comparison shop midst the appropriate aisle. Better yet, find grocery coupons on your smartphone from sites like CouponSherpa.com, and see if the product on your list is available at a discount.

4. Bend and stretch your way to better prices.
Manufacturers pay big bucks for prime real estate, usually at adult eye level or, in the case of products marketed specifically to children, on the lower shelves. These corporations shell out extra cash because they know we're more likely to buy something we can see easily.

Before you grab the first item you see, take a moment to scan the entire shelf and make sure you're truly getting a good deal.

5. Losing with loss leaders.
There's a reason supermarkets advertise such cheap prices on milk, bread and other basics. These under-priced items are known as loss leaders because the supermarket is willing to take a loss to bait you into the store, where they'll make up the difference with more purchases.

There's no reason you shouldn't take advantage of loss leaders; just don't let it rule which store you shop and what you buy.

6. BOGO can be a no-go.
Deals that offer "seven for $5.50" are designed to confuse shoppers who aren't quick with the mental calculator. The same trick applies to the now popular 10 for $10 game making the supermarket rounds.

Bulk buying can be cost effective, but there are a number of variables to consider. You can fool grocery stores at their own game by checking the unit price for competing products and selecting the one that truly offers the best deal.

7. Expensive eye candy.
Product packaging is usually mind-bogglingly bright, featuring plenty of yellows and reds because these colors attract our eyes. Between this visual whirl and the bright store lights, grocery shopping can lead to migraines.

Buying generic brands is one of many ways to combat escalating food prices. Before grabbing the first item that attracts your eyes, look for less-gaudy house brands and compare unit prices.

8. Super sized can equal undervalue.
Bigger isn't always better, particularly when a manufacturer increases package size while hitting the contents with a shrink ray. This practice has become particularly popular in recent years since you're not really expected to check whether a box or can is full.

Give it a shake or visually compare product contents.

9. The checkout stand is a supermarket's last chance.
The checkout aisle is akin to its own mini mart, featuring all kinds of impulse buys. Supermarkets know we're a captive audience, so they squeeze in everything and anything that might grab your attention and add to the final bill.

Distract yourself by reviewing your grocery list, a tangible reminder that everything you need is already in your cart.

 

The 10 Best Online Return Policies

 FreeShipping.com is  the largest resource on the Internet linking shoppers to free-shipping deals offered by over 4,000 online merchants. They were kind enough to send me the following information which of course I just had to pass on to all my shopping savvy Divas! 

1. endless.com
The online-only shoe merchant gives shoppers a full 365 days to return unwanted or flawed footwear with guaranteed free shipping both ways on domestic orders. Use the endless.com online returns center for proper processing.
2. L.L.Bean
There's no time limit on returns with L.L. Bean and no authorization is required. Simply download and fill out an online form or use the form printed on your packing slip. Return shipping is free for L.L.Bean Visa Cardmembers; just use a prepaid label for fast and free service.
3. Shoebacca.com
As with endless.com, Shoebacca provides totally free shipping both ways and a 365-day window in which to return or exchange your unwanted, unworn footwear or defective products. Returns must have the original tags still attached and shipped in the original packaging.
4. Lands' End
Want to return a purchase and replace it with a different size or color? Lands' End offers free return shipping with no end date for re-orders. For returns without an exchange, use the Easy Return Label for a flat shipping fee of $6.95. To get the best value, look for Lands' End free shipping codes when you purchase, and return unwanted items to any Sears store to avoid return shipping costs.
5. Zappos
Here's another great shoe deal. Zappos free shipping is good both for purchases and returns. Whether you're unhappy with a purchase or simply change your mind, Zappos will provide a full refund or exchange within 365 days of purchase. Returns must be unworn (unless defective) and shipped in the original packaging.
6. Overland
Use the Overland free shipping label provided online for a free return via FedEx. Purchases made with a credit card are charged back within 24 hours of receipt and refund checks are issued for orders paid for with cash or a check.
7. Macy's
No receipt is necessary when returning a Macy's purchase because the merchant has a program that identifies products in their system. The department store provides a full refund or exchange within 180 days of purchase, except for jewelry, which is limited to 30 days. You can mail the item back or bring your purchase into any Macy's store for a refund.
8. Kohl's
Kohl's free shipping offers come and go, but you can return your purchase any time for any reason. Lost your receipt? They'll let you exchange your purchase for a comparably priced item or give you store credit. No cash back is available, however, without a receipt.
9. Costco
Here's a rare deal for a warehouse store. Costco will not only refund the cost of your purchase but it will also pick up the tab for shipping and handling. Just return the item to any Costco outlet and they'll remit your refund in your original form of payment. Most items may be returned at any time with the original receipts attached and in the original packaging. Most electronics, however, must be returned within 90 days.
10. Toys R Us and Babies R Us
Children change their minds so fast it can make your head spin, so a hassle-free return policy can make all the difference. The "R" Us folks accept returns within 90 days for cash back, if you paid with check or cash. Shipping costs also are refunded, but online purchases must be returned within 30 days and electronics in 45 days. No receipt is necessary if the item was purchased with plastic or from a gift registry. Shipping costs are refunded if the product is defective or damaged.

Missoni for Target Ignites a National Shopping Spree

After weeks of hype and heavy advertising, Target's limited edition line of clothing and home decor from Missoni launched an national shopping spree so intense that many stores sold most of their Missoni stock within hours of the store opening and the target.com web site crashed and was down for most of the day the Missoni line launched.  Because this is a limited edition line Target will not restock this line. The good news is that you can still get you hands on some pieces of the Target for Missoni line. The bad news is that many of the shopper who snapped up Missoni pieces were eBay seller who bought products to sell at a profit. A recent search on eBay for Missoni for Target pieces turned up hundreds of pages of products. So it's possible to buy the coveted Missoni pieces but you will be bidding against other frugal fashionistas who didn't join the stampede to their local Target stores the first day the line was available. To narrow down you options try to be more specific in your search criteria and do a search for "Missoni for Target skirt" for example. (Missoni for Target Zig Zag pattern flats are pictured here.)

Magazine Rip Offs Revealed

I love style magazines so much I seriously don't know how many subsciptions to home decor, fashion and women's magazines I have. One thing I do know is that I have to pay attention to how I handle my subsciptions if I don't want to get ripped off. Some of the subscription renewals I get in the mail are pretty misleading. The wording makes it sound like I need to renew  my subsciption right now even though it doesn't expire for several months. Some promotional offers where they give me a chance to renew my subsciption and give a gift subscription are worded in a way that makes it look like I need to renew my subsciption, when in reality it's just a promotion. I think the biggest rip off I have come across was when I got a renewal notice for my Architectural Digest magazine at a "special rate" only to find out that the price for a new subscibtion is about $12.00 less than it for a renewal subscribtion for returning subscibers like me! I realized it would actually be cheaper to let my subscription expire and start over with a brand new subscription which is exactly what I plan on doing.  After all, 12 bucks is 12 bucks!

Six Ways to Maximize Labor Day Savings

Money saving expert Andrea Woroch generously emailed me the following 6 strategies so that I could share them with savvy shoppers like you. Thanks Andrea!

1. Do Your Due Diligence
Find out the average price of your coveted purchase before Labor Day, using sites like Pricespider.com. This will keep you from being fooled by false promotions, and help you identify the best sale price.

 2. Shop in Your PJs
Labor Day triggers the holiday shopping madness that continues into the New Year. Let the masses scurry about the stores and highways while you casually shop multiple online stores in the comfort of your own home. Not only will your blood pressure thank you, but you'll realize savings in fuel, too.

 3. Save More
In addition to Labor Day price reductions, be sure to find online coupons for more savings. Shipping should also be free or greatly reduced; merchants like Lands' End and JCPenney typically offer free shipping codes during this high-volume weekend.

 4. Negotiate
Major sale events represent an excellent opportunity to hone your haggling skills, especially on big items like televisions and appliances. Compare prices between various competitors and ask retailers if they can meet or beat your preferred price. Not comfortable with bartering? Check out this article on ConsumerReports.org for tips on making the negotiating practice work for you.

 5. Socialize
Before hitting a store's sale rack or browsing Labor Day deals online, remember to follow or "like" the retailer or brand on Facebook and/orTwitter to find exclusive coupon codes and promotional offers. It pays to join these social media networks.

 6. Use Tunnel Vision
Knowing what you want before Labor Day is easy; sticking to just that in the heat of the moment can be challenging. Be strong. Whenever you find yourself straying from the main purchase, gently remind yourself to "stay focused" and move on.

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc.  As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Bargain Shopping in Kansas

Bargain hunting is so popular it's become a national pastime. What's exciting for us Cheap Diva's living here in the midwest are all the new opportunities to get you hands on some seriously stylish stuff.  The H&M retail chain is famous for their super trendy clothes at super cheap prices. The arrival of an H&M store on the Kansas City Plaza before the holiday season is a frugal fashionistas dream come true.

For deal seeking Divas with more tastes then money, the Legends in Kansas City, Kansas is adding some legendary names to their list of outlet and discount stores. Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and J. Crew are expected to open there before the summer is over.  Not to be outdone, upscale Nordstroms is opening a Nordstrom Rack at 9540 Quivera Road in Lenexa Kansas across the street from Oak Park Mall. 

Whenever I open a credit card bill that's high enough to give me a heart attack I take a look at what I bought. Inevitably most of the bill is not for designer handbags or other fun goodies. No, most of the credit card charges are for healthy organic food.  Thank goodness Trader Joe's has come to town and come to my rescue. Trader Joe's is famous for selling healthy food at affordable prices. After only one shopping trip to Trader Joe's it was obvious that I could buy a lot of healthy oganic food for less than I spend at Whole Foods. The selection at Trader Joe's is a lot smaller than Whole Foods so there are a few items I will need to pop into Whole Foods for, but I found plenty of  healthy and affordable food to stock my pantry with at Trader Joe's. Trader Joe's is located at 8600 Ward Parkway in Ward Parkway Center in the Kansas City area, and at 119 and Roe in Leawood.

If you are not fortunate enough to live in a fashion and lifestyle mecca like Kansas, check the web site of your favorite stores to see if they are opening a location near you.

Buy Coupons on eBay and Save Big

Just when I was getting over my eBay addiction I find out they sell coupons! Yes you can add coupons to the virtually endless list of things you get can buy on eBay. Many of the coupon deals are too much of a good thing (I don't need 10 coupons for 10 bottles of moisturizer, my skin isn't that dry) but some of them are a great deal. The larger ticket coupons, such as a set of $5.00 coupons for Kohl's are definitely worth checking out.

The trick to buying eBay coupons the smart way is to know exactly what you are buying. What is the expiration date for the coupon and do you have plenty of time to buy the product? How many coupons are included in deal? If the coupons are for perishable products like food or poducts like toothpaste that have active ingredients then I wouldn't buy a big batch of these coupons because I wouldn't stock up on those types of products in quantity. Other bidders will go after the best deals, so have a set limit in mind before you go crazy bidding and accidentally spend more than the coupon is worth.

Cheap ways to Escape the Heat

I didn't pay much attention to this heat wave until I got my electric bill. Wow! I have never seen an air conditioning bill that high!  I have decided to use less air conditioning by turning up the thermostat a few degrees and getting out more to enjoy free air conditoning paid for by someone else.

My favorite place to enjoy free air conditoning is an indoor mall. I can window shop to my heart's content and pick out all the goodies I am going to buy with the money I save on air conditioning. As long as I can resist the food court it's free entertainment.

Public libraries are also a great place to hang out. I can find a nice comfortable chair and read celebrity magazines that I am too cheap to buy and stock up on my summer reading. Movie theaters, assuming I have a coupon or it's a cheap matinee, is another option. Meeting friends at a local yogurt places is another cheap and entertaining way to beat the heat while consuming fewe calories than a bucket of popcorn.

Learning How to Shop Smarter Just Got Cheaper!

Listen up you cheapskates and frugal fashionistas, my entertaining and informative book The Cheap Diva's Guide to Frugal and Fabulous Living: How to Shop Smart, Look Your Best, Decorate with Style, and Have Fun for Less Money!  is now available in Kindle for just $4.26! It's also available as a paperback.

For the first time every you can learn the secrets to living better by spending smarter for just $4.26! This book is filled with easy strategies to help you shop smarter, dress fashionably for less, enhance your beauty, improve your home décor and have fun without spending a fortune. Whether entertaining at home, or stepping out to enjoy local attractions, take the hassle out of hosting fun get-togethers by using the cheap and easy entertaining ideas included in this book.

I’m sharing  my best tips and techniques on how to get the look for less by knowing where to shop for bargains, expanding your wardrobe options without buying a thing, and how to make good use of “bad” beauty products instead of throwing them away. I also discuss a variety of stylish home decorating solutions such as using affordable household furnishings in new ways to create a more personal look. 

In this helpful style guide you will learn how to make money as well save it. I reveal the secrets to getting the most cash for your clutter and how to create your own part-time job. The proven and practical strategies in this book are designed to save you time as well as money. There are no complicated budgets to keep track of. Just simple strategies that fit into your busy lifestyle with ease.

If you enjoy this book please write a short review of it on amazon.com. As a writer I really appreciate that king of support. Thanks!

Borders Going Out of Business Sales

Borders Books and Music stores is going out of business. Starting as early as this Friday and going through September they are going to start liquidation sales.

These kinds of sales always test my shopping skills. My inner shopaholic has wants to buy lots of things NOW before the store closes their doors for good. But my inner cheapskate tells me to take a closer look at the prices and be sure they are lower that what I would pay through other retailers before buying anything. 

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

My strategy for this sale will be to call the store ahead of time and ask if they are having any special sales. This is more tactful than asking of they are closing their doors next week and reminding the employee that they will soon be out of a job. I will make a short list of a few hot titles I want and track them down when I first enter the store. If the price isn't competitive, I will move on to things that only go on sale when a store goes out of business like magazines. Borders already had one location in my area go out of business and the merchandise got picked over pretty fast, so I plan on being there when the sales start.

Fitness is Fun

Recently I started taking a belly dancing class with a couple of gal pals and I'm having a lot more fun than I even had walking on a tedious treadmill or doing sit ups.  A belly dancing class is a great way to burn calories and hang out with other women looking for a fun way to get fit.  So get off the couch and check out your local community centers for to see what kind of exercise/dance classes they offer and start shaking those hips! Paying for a class does not involve the the same financial commitment as joining a gym.

In between  classes you can perfect your shimmy with the help of a cheap and easy DVD like Belly Dance for Beginners for $7.99.