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AARP will begin offering free tax assistance for low income people, with an emphasis on seniors, starting next week. For more information about the program, and whether you qualify for help, go here.
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Friday, January 30, 2009
The numbers don't look good
The latest report from credit-card research firm CardTrak.com shows that the average household with at least one credit card owed a fairly large sum in 2008: nearly $11,000. CardTrak said it has picked up on a disturbing trend in recent months: Consumers are paying a smaller portion of their outstanding balances each month. Read why here.
Tax credit confusion
The Internal Revenue Service says too many taxpayers are claiming the recovery rebate tax credit who aren't eligible, or they are claiming incorrect amounts. Even tax preparers are making mistakes on their clients' returns. For more information, go to www.irs.gov and click on "Avoid Recovery Rebate Credit Confusion."
Free activities at Michaels stores
Looking for free activities for your children? Check on the Michaels web site. The arts and crafts retailer has two free upcoming events, a Valentine card making activity this Saturday (Jan. 31) and another on Feb. 14 for kids interested in participating in a science fair. Check the web site details.
Clearance sale bonanza
I've been enjoying some great clearance sales in recent weeks, picking up a variety of clothes for my kids and scores of gifts for my gift closet - my stash of deeply-discounted stuff for birthdays, weddings, showers and even for next Christmas. I've been doing most of my shopping in traditional brick and mortar stores, but a number of Trib readers have really cleaned up online. A sampling of their deals: The truly brave have purchased items online for as much as 90 percent off at Linens N Things, which is liquidating. Others are buying up children's clothes for as little as $3 each at The Children's Place web site during their "Monster Sale." Often times you can get additional discounts off already deeply discounted items, so always google the name of the store and "coupon code" or "discount code" before placing your order. For example, American Eagle Outfitters has a promotion today offering 70 percent off a selection of clearance items. Dealnews.com points out that if you use code 30718045 you can save another 15 percent off your order.
All you can stuff in a bag
Resale clothing company Plato's Closet will be having a once-a-year sale on Feb. 7 that's sure to attract scores of bargain hunters along the Wasatch Front. For one day, customers at most of the chain's stores pay just $10 for all the clearance items they can stuff in one shopping bag. The chain, which focuses on teen fashion, has four Utah locations. Check with the one nearest you for details about their sale and their operating hours. If you go, plan to go right when the store opens that day (a little before it opens would be ideal) because within an hour or two there will be little, if any, clearance items left. This is a very popular sale and will probably be even more popular this year given the bad economy.
Free cupcakes
So Cupcake is celebrating its first anniversary by inviting people to come in and enjoy a free mini-cupcake tomorrow (January 31). The small bakery, which offers more than two dozen different types of specialty cupcakes, is located at 3939 S. Highland Drive in Salt Lake City. Phone: 274-8300 For more information, go here.
Free Financial Advice Today
Consumers can receive free financial advice today from the Jump-Start Your Retirement Plan Days promotion offered by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. The advice is offered by fee-only planners nationwide who normally charge $150 to $300 an hour. Planners can cover issues such as investment allocation, taxes, insurance, estate planning, and saving for college and retirement. For details, go to http://www.kiplinger.com/yourretirement/jumpstart/. The toll-free number to call is 888-919-2345. Anyone also can log on to www.kiplinger.com/links/jumpstart/ to chat with a planner online. Planners participating in the promotion are fee-only, meaning they earn income from fees and not through commissions earned by selling financial products to their clients.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
More frugal Valentine's Day tips
Spend too much on Valentine's Day each year? I found some more money-saving ideas here.
Free $10 Sam's Club Gift Card
Sam's Club is offering a $10 gift card for those who join the warehouse club as a new member. Offer is in an insert in the Trib, and it's good through Feb. 1.
Grocery store grand openings
If you're in the Provo area, you may want to check out the grand opening of Utah's first Buy Low Market. The California-based chain opened in a former Reams grocery store in the Plum Tree shopping center on University Parkway on Tuesday. Grocery stores often roll out some deeply discounted deals during their grand opening weeks. For more information about the grocery chain, go here.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Check your peanut butter products
There are so many products with peanut butter being recalled right now that The U.S. Food & Drug Administration is urging consumers to check in on their web site to see if they have any recalled items in their homes. When I checked today, I discovered that I have two recalled products on the list. I also signed up to get e-mail alerts of recalled products here.
How retailers are coping with frugal consumers
An interesting story from USA TODAY about what stores are doing to get consumers to spend.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Not likely, but you never know
Papa John's is offering a large one-topping pizza for 25 cents if you pre-register on their site and the opening kickoff of the Super Bowl is returned for a touchdown. Check it out here.
A discount at a place that's already cheap!
What's better than a 99-cent breakfast at IKEA?
A free breakfast at IKEA! But for only three days, Jan. 30-Feb. 1. You get not only a 99-cent breakfast, but a cup of coffee (a 99-cent value) too. For details, go to the IKEA web site.
From Freebie Land
Several readers were on the Internet today requesting a free 2-liter sample of new diet Dr. Pepper here. This offer is good for only a short time, I'm told.
Last night for anniversary deals at Spaghetti Co.
Tonight is your last opportunity to dine at a 40 percent discount at The Old Spaghetti Factory during their 40th anniversary celebration. A menu with the discounted prices can be found here.
The chain has locations in Salt Lake City's Trolley Square shopping center and in Taylorsville and Orem, at University Mall.
Utah State's extension offices a valuable resource
Many people think of Utah State University's extension offices as a resource for gardening information. But the offices can be a valuable resource to people who are trying to better manage their money as well. Check out the offerings at an extension office near you here. Some county exttension offices, such as the one in Salt Lake County, offer free or low-cost classes on a variety of financial topics, including buying a home and budgeting. Two upcoming topics: "How advertisers mess with our minds and wallets," and another on how to prepare a good budget, plan nutritious meals and shop wisely.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Free tax help available for low-income workers
Free tax filing assistance is available starting this Thursday for low-income taxpayers who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC.
The tax credit, which this year can be worth as much as $4,800, is designed to put more money into the pockets of low-income workers. Because it is refundable, it can increase the size of a individual or family's refund, reduce the amount of taxes owed or even generate a refund even for those who had no federal income tax withheld from their paycheck.
But as many as one in four taxpayers who are eligible for the credit fail to claim the free money, the IRS estimates. That's why the agency arranges for community volunteers to offer filing assistance to those who may qualify for the credit each year. Tax assistance this Thursday and Friday is available in Salt Lake City, Kaysville, Ogden, Logan, and St. George. For information about the free help and what documents you need to bring with you and whether you need to make an appointment or simply walk in at various locations, dial 211.
The tax credit, which this year can be worth as much as $4,800, is designed to put more money into the pockets of low-income workers. Because it is refundable, it can increase the size of a individual or family's refund, reduce the amount of taxes owed or even generate a refund even for those who had no federal income tax withheld from their paycheck.
But as many as one in four taxpayers who are eligible for the credit fail to claim the free money, the IRS estimates. That's why the agency arranges for community volunteers to offer filing assistance to those who may qualify for the credit each year. Tax assistance this Thursday and Friday is available in Salt Lake City, Kaysville, Ogden, Logan, and St. George. For information about the free help and what documents you need to bring with you and whether you need to make an appointment or simply walk in at various locations, dial 211.
Free Admission at Hogle Zoo this Wednesday
As part of its "Wild Wednesdays" promotion, Hogle Zoo offers free admission on the last Wednesday of January and February.
That's this Wednesday, Jan. 28 as well as Feb. 25.
Sure, it's a cold time of year. But the savings for a large family can be substantial. Regular adult admission is $8. Seniors age 65 and older and children 3 to 12 usually have to pay $6. Children 2 and under are always free.
These are the last two months to enjoy free admission as part of this promotion. It starts up again in November.
That's this Wednesday, Jan. 28 as well as Feb. 25.
Sure, it's a cold time of year. But the savings for a large family can be substantial. Regular adult admission is $8. Seniors age 65 and older and children 3 to 12 usually have to pay $6. Children 2 and under are always free.
These are the last two months to enjoy free admission as part of this promotion. It starts up again in November.
Friday, January 23, 2009
A thrifty Valentine's Day
I received an e-mail today from a reader who just bought some Christmas candy at 90 percent off that she is planning to give to her children, husband and friends in a few weeks for Valentine's Day. At least she's not saving it for Halloween! Anyhow, the Thriftyfun.com web site has some other perhaps more mainstream ideas to help you save money on what has become one of the biggest retail events of the year.
Where are mortgage rates headed?
Mortgage rates did something unexpected over the past week - they actually increased. Average rates on 30-year home loans nationwide rose to 5.12 percent, from an all-time low of 4.96 percent the prior week, mortgage company Freddie Mac reported. The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages also was higher, rising to 4.8 percent from 4.65 percent the week before. Experts say those who are buying a home or refinancing who haven't yet locked in a rate shouldn't worry too much, though. There is hardly anything at all that would suggest that rates will increase by any significant amount anytime soon. As a general rule, bad economic news equals low mortgage rates (an oversimplification, but one that's pretty accurate). And we'll probably continue to have bad economic news for some time.
Hunting for low gas prices
A friend asked me this morning why I'm still bothering to shop around for the lowest possible gas prices when the cost of fuel is so low right now. Take one look at http://www.saltlakegasprices.com/ and you'll see why I'm still comparison shopping for gasoline. Stations not all that far from each other (sometimes within walking distance) still can have as much as a 20-cent or more difference in prices. That adds up, especially if you drive a gas guzzler with a large tank. While the average cost of a gallon of unleaded in Utah is $1.65 today, according to travel-services company AAA, there are numerous stations along the Wasatch Front where you can get fuel for as little as $1.50 per gallon. By the way, if you don't already know: Most experts agree that prices in Utah and elsewhere probably bottomed out over the holidays. We all could be paying $2 to $3 for a gallon of unleaded gasoline later this year.
Grocery store coupons on the web
More and more, it pays to check out the web sites of your favorite grocery stores. I logged on to Target's web site this morning and clicked on "grocery coupons" and got this web page. The great things about Target's "store" coupons is that they can be combined with a manufacturer's coupon for extra savings. For example, the site has a Target store coupon good for $1 off a 46-ounce or larger Ocean Spray juice. Combine that store coupon with a manufacturer's coupon, and you could get the juice for a minimal amount, or even free. Smith's Food & Drug also has coupons on its web site, and customers can even download them to a Fresh Values shopper loyalty card. Most of the coupons available on the Smith's web site, however, are manufacturer's coupons. You can only use one manufacturer's coupon per item. But that's still better than no coupon at all!
I'm not that cheap
I was sitting with my family in a restaurant, and I could tell after ordering that the waitress had sized us up and figured she wasn't going to get much of a tip from us. We were using a coupon (two coupons, to be exact) and all of us had requested water as our drinks. We said no thanks to any appetizers.
We may rarely go out to eat without a coupon and we may drink water instead of soda most of the time, but we nearly always tip 20 percent of what the bill would have been, before any discounts. Even if the waiter or waitress isn't very attentive, we still fork over 15 percent. There are just some areas that we don't skimp. We have agreed that if we can't afford to give the wait staff a decent tip, we can't afford to go out to eat. Back at the restaurant, we tidied up our table, left a nice cash tip and slowly got ready to leave. On our way out, the waitress actually chased us down and told us to have a great evening and thanked us for coming in. The best part? She handed us some more coupons to use next time.
We may rarely go out to eat without a coupon and we may drink water instead of soda most of the time, but we nearly always tip 20 percent of what the bill would have been, before any discounts. Even if the waiter or waitress isn't very attentive, we still fork over 15 percent. There are just some areas that we don't skimp. We have agreed that if we can't afford to give the wait staff a decent tip, we can't afford to go out to eat. Back at the restaurant, we tidied up our table, left a nice cash tip and slowly got ready to leave. On our way out, the waitress actually chased us down and told us to have a great evening and thanked us for coming in. The best part? She handed us some more coupons to use next time.
Top Comebacks of 2009
WalletPop.com has compiled a list of what they believe will be the top "comebacks" of 2009. My favorites:
--Brown Bag Lunches
Hard times means that fewer people can afford to go out to eat every day. Even those who can afford to eat out are cutting back their trips to restaurants and fast-food outlets.
--Cheap Foods
People are using cheaper cuts of meat, more pasta and hamburger (on sale of course) to put together less expensive family meals.
-- The Iron
The iron is coming back out of the closet as people are less likely to pay someone press their clothes this year.
--The Clothes Line
Clothes lines used to be a symbol of poverty, but no more. More people will line-dry clothes this year to save money.
-- Cash
More people are putting their credit cards away, or cutting them up altogether, and using real money to make purchases.
--Cheap Vacations
Expensive cruises and exotic locales are out. People will look for more affordable vacation and activity alternatives this year, such as camping, fishing and hiking.
--Savings Accounts
"To a generation convinced that an adequate rainy day fund consisted of unused credit on a credit card, the notion of actually stashing away money seemed antiquated," according to WalletPop.com. "After the fall, however, many are rethinking their finances, and returning to that old, staid standby of the frugal consumer, the savings account."
--Brown Bag Lunches
Hard times means that fewer people can afford to go out to eat every day. Even those who can afford to eat out are cutting back their trips to restaurants and fast-food outlets.
--Cheap Foods
People are using cheaper cuts of meat, more pasta and hamburger (on sale of course) to put together less expensive family meals.
-- The Iron
The iron is coming back out of the closet as people are less likely to pay someone press their clothes this year.
--The Clothes Line
Clothes lines used to be a symbol of poverty, but no more. More people will line-dry clothes this year to save money.
-- Cash
More people are putting their credit cards away, or cutting them up altogether, and using real money to make purchases.
--Cheap Vacations
Expensive cruises and exotic locales are out. People will look for more affordable vacation and activity alternatives this year, such as camping, fishing and hiking.
--Savings Accounts
"To a generation convinced that an adequate rainy day fund consisted of unused credit on a credit card, the notion of actually stashing away money seemed antiquated," according to WalletPop.com. "After the fall, however, many are rethinking their finances, and returning to that old, staid standby of the frugal consumer, the savings account."
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Another Utah penny pincher
I came across this blog today and it had some good information for those trying to save more money. It's written by Utahn Erin Pettingill. Check it out.
The next Savers 50 percent off sale
Thrift-store chain Savers has scheduled its next big sale — 50 percent off all used items — on Feb. 16. Read about it here. If you haven't been to one of this retailer's big sales, you may want to check it out. In Utah, Savers has locations in Ogden, Layton, Midvale, Taylorsville and Orem. For more information, go here. I have been to all the Savers locations along the Wasatch Front. My favorite location for finding designer clothes, winter coats and outerwear and other apparel items for the kids has been the Ogden location. For some reason, this location always has some really great stuff.
AAA discounts
If you have a card from travel-services company AAA, you probably already know you can get discounts at hotels and car-rental companies. But the card also can get you discounts at some restaurants, shops and a few other places as well. Check it out here.
Need some help saving for a downpayment?
If you meet certain income limits and other criteria, you may be able to get help saving for a downpayment to buy a home. Through the Utah Individual Development Account Network, low-income families can save up to $1,500 and get a match of as much as $4,500, which could mean a downpayment of as much as $6,000. For more information, go here or call 1-877-787-0727.
Check out this coupon and rebate book
Some grocery stores have made available a coupon and rebate book titled "Big Game, Big Party, Big Savings." Grab one. Aside from a number of coupons, the book contains several great rebates. I already have sent in two, one worth $10 after a purchase of at least $10 in bottled water, and another worth $15 after a purchase of at least $15 of deli or pizza items. That's $25 worth of free stuff I was going to buy anyway. Check the beer aisle of your local grocery store for this coupon book. These coupon/rebates can be hard to find, and some stores don't carry them. I've seen them in a number of Smith's grocery stores, but not all. But once you find a store that does carry them, for little effort you can use these rebates to stretch your buying power. And remember, you don't have to buy any beer!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
KB Toy liquidation in Park City
I checked out the liquidation sale at the KB Toy Outlet in Park City, which is located in the Tanger outlet mall. I thought that the prices were great on most items, and although the inventory is dwindling quickly, I was still able to find a number of things worth buying at deep discounts. Employees say the store likely will be open for a few more weeks. For more information about this store, call (435) 655-2688. I also found some deeply discounted buys at a number of non-liquidating stores in the mall, such as Old Navy, where I picked up a bag full of kids' clothes for $2 to $3 each.
Living on a Shoestring
Penny Pincher Anna Florin, a member of the Tribune's Money Matters reader panel, has written a book, "Living On A Shoestring- Common Sense Ways to Save Money." More information about her self-published book is available at www.FeatherwoodPublishing.com.
Free home repairs for low-income Salt Lake City residents
Low-income, elderly and disabled people living in Salt Lake City may apply to receive free home repair assistance available through Salt Lake City's Housing & Neighborhood Development. The agency is working with World Changers 2009, a volunteer organization that provides labor to repair homes for those in need. Nearly 300 volunteers from across the nation have signed up to volunteer in Salt Lake City from July 6-10. Volunteers will replace or repair roofs, siding, windows and porches as well as build wheelchair ramps and do other types of work on at least 28 homes. Salt Lake City is raising money to pay for the materials needed to complete the repairs and will supervise volunteers to ensure all work is up to standard. Anyone interested in applying for the assistance may call Sara Richardson at (801) 535-6035 or go to www.slcgov.com/hand. Applications are due February 1.
More money-saving tips
Utah Saves, an organization designed to help people learn to save money, has posted a variety of money saving tips here. There are a variety of good ideas nicely organized in categories.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Free Makeup?
Check out how the settlement of a class-action lawsuit can enable you to get a free cosmetic item in this article on the MSNBC web site.
Here's another Obama-inspired freebie
From Jan. 21-25, Starbucks is giving away a free tall cup of coffee to those who pledge to participate in five or more hours of community service. For details, go here.
Another retailer no longer taking expired coupons
I had lunch at Sweet Tomatoes in Sandy over the weekend, and found out they too no longer accept expired coupons. The restaurant is among a growing number of outlets, including Bed, Bath & Beyond, that have done away with their policy of accepting coupons even after their expiration date.
Pizza freebie
A few of you had trouble with the link to the Little Caesars pizza coupon. Try this one.
Where to go for your credit score
The best place to order your credit score, in my opinion, is from Fair Isaac, a pioneer in creating credit-scoring systems. What are credit scores? Your credit score is a three-digit number that summarizes what's in your credit report and provides lenders with an idea of how you repay debt. Scores typically range from the 500s to as high as 850. The higher the score, the better, and the lower rates you are going to pay on loans. On Fair Isaac's web site, for example, there's a chart that shows that while someone with a credit score of only 620 may be able to get a mortgage at about 6 percent, someone with a credit score of 760 may pay as little as 4.4 percent for the same loan. During January, the company is taking 20 percent off its standard fees for ordering credit scores off its web site. Use promotional code FICO2009 when ordering.
Monday, January 19, 2009
26 Fabulous Freebies
Kiplinger's magazine has published a nice list of more than two dozen things that are free. Check it out here.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Check out IRS "Free File"
Many taxpayers don't realize they can file their taxes electronically, for free. To find out if you are eligible for the Internal Revenue Service's Free File program, go to the IRS web site and click on Free File.
Circuit City Liquidation
A judge approved a plan today by Circuit City to liquidate nearly 570 U.S. stores, including stores in the Salt Lake City area, Ogden and Orem. That could mean the start of liquidation sales within days, although employees at Wasatch Front Circuit City stores said today they had no information on when exactly the sales would start. A listing of Circuit City stores along the Wasatch Front can be found here. Just remember that Circuit City has hired liquidation companies to handle the sale. This company aims not only to get rid of all the chain's inventory but to make as much money as possible doing it. You can get good deals at liquidation sales. But many times, goods are marked up before discounts are taken, which means you may be able to buy the item on sale elsewhere for less money. Customer service with liquidation companies may not be as good. Plus, all items are non-returnable. You probably wouldn't care about all that if you buy something like a music CD. But I would probably steer clear of buying more expensive items at liquidation sales, such as televisions, stereo systems and fancy electronics.
Report Card freebies
It's that time again for kids at some schools - report card time. Kids can always take their report cards to Krispy Kreme in Layton or Orem, the only two Utah locations left, for a free small box of donuts. For information on the Utah locations, go here.
The only other report card freebie I have found is for girls, at the apparel store Justice (formerly Limited Too). The store offers $5 in store credit for girls who bring in their report card. For Utah locations, go here.
The only other report card freebie I have found is for girls, at the apparel store Justice (formerly Limited Too). The store offers $5 in store credit for girls who bring in their report card. For Utah locations, go here.
Free credit report confusion
Several readers have expressed confusion over where they can go on the web to order free credit reports. There are a number of look-alike sites that aren't the real thing. Under federal law, each of the nation's three credit-reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – are required, upon request, to provide consumers with a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months. Go to the Federal Trade Commission's web site, for information about the free reports and where to order them.
Check out these freebies
Coupon Cabin has one of the best and most frequently updated lists of freebies on the web. Check it out here. But there are others, which can be found by googling "free samples" or "freebies." A number of Utahns spend a few minutes each day signing up for freebies as a way to not only try out new products but to cut down how much they are spending on things such as soap, toothpaste and other personal care items.
Don't throw away that recalled item
With the number of things being recalled these days, you may want to check out the list of recalled items on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's web site. I check it regularly and in recent years have discovered that I had ended up with a few recalled children's items. But I didn't throw away the items in question. I returned them to the manufacturers (many will provide a postage-paid box). The manufacturer either issued a gift card equal to the amount of a replacement toy or simply sent a replacement toy. When shopping secondhand, you also may want to consult the CPSC to avoid buying something that has been recalled.
One Cheap Meal
Many frugal Trib readers say they have been heading over to IKEA, the massive furniture and home decor store in Draper, to chow down on an all -you-can-eat meal of penne pasta with marinara sauce for $1.99. The offer is available through Jan. 19. There's also an inexpensive breakfast in the store's restaurant that includes eggs, bacon and potatoes for 99 cents. The trick is getting to the restaurant and out of the store without buying a bunch of things you don't really need, which can be hard to do in a place full of neat stuff. For the hours each meal is served and any other details, call the store at (801) 572-4532.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Prescription Transfer Offers
I've blogged in the past about my love of prescription transfer offers, in which retailers such as Walgreens, Rite Aid, Kmart and Target give you gift cards typically ranging from $10 to $30 just for filling a prescription at their pharmacy or transferring one there. Offers vary among retailers, which change their plans from time to time. Check out Rite Aid's latest offer here. You can even print the transfer offer right off their web site instead of clipping it out of the Sunday newspaper, where most of these offers can be found.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling said many consumers struggling to pay their debts don't realize the protections they are afforded under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. For more information on the act, read this.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
It's raining rebates
It's nice to see something other than the post-holiday credit card statement in the mail this month. I'm getting a number of rebates on items I purchased over the holidays. At the urging of a penny-pinching reader, I tried sending in for a number of rebates. Some are easier than others. I purchased items at both Walgreens and Rite-Aid, both of which offer a very easy online rebate submission system. That means no postage costs and no clipping UPC codes. You simply input information from your register receipt and get a check or gift card in the mail. Some items end up being free. Walgreens sent their rebate the fastest — I received my rebate in less than a week after submitting my information online. If you select the gift card option (instead of a check) you get a 10 percent bonus. On a $5 rebate, for example, they sent me a gift card worth $5.50. Rite Aid just sent a check. If, like me, you're new to the whole idea of rebates, you may want to give those two stores a try first.
Bed Bath and Beyond is getting tough
Many retailers accept store coupons even after they have expired, and Bed, Bath & Beyond has been one of those types of stores. But no more, apparently. In their most recent promotional mailer, the words "Coupon cannot be accepted after expiration date" is printed on one side, with "Please use before expiration date" and "Coupon cannot be accepted after 2/23/09" printed on the other side. I patronize a handful of businesses that accept coupons even after they have expired. Hopefully, more stores won't follow this retailer's decision.
Discount ski pass promotion
The Canyons Resort outside Park City is offering its Pair Pass Promotion again this year, and it's a pretty good deal. For $109, you can get two lift tickets, two burgers, and two beers. The retail value of each lift ticket alone is $79. The burgers retail for $10.50 each, and the beers retail for $5 each. If you purchased everything individually, without any discounts, you would pay $189, the resort says. You must purchase the Pair Pass at www.pairpass.com and pick it up at the ticket window at The Canyons. The promotion runs through Feb. 12.
Another New Year's Financial Resolution
Here's a nice tip from Bill Hardekopf, CEO of the credit-card comparison web site LowCards.com: If you carry a credit card balance and are used to paying only the minimum monthly payment, pledge this year to pay more than the minimum. Says Hardekopf: Your minimum payment typically accounts for only 2 percent to 3 percent of your balance. When you pay only the minimum, it will take you many, many years to pay off your debt, assuming you don't make any new charges, which most people do. His advice? Pay at least double the minimum monthly payment. For example, if your interest rate is 12 percent, you have a balance of $8,000 and you pay only the minimum payment of 2 percent each month, it will take 346 months to pay off the balance and you'll have paid a whopping $7,696 in interest. But if you pay 5 percent of your balance each month, it will take you only 113 months to pay off your balance and you'll pay only $1,974 in interest.
Log on to get a free full-size Suave product
From Freebie Land: Today, Jan. 14 only, value-oriented shampoo brand Suave is offering a coupon good for a free full size bottle of one of its products. (Value up to $3.) Log on to Suave.com for details. One bottle of shampoo, conditioner or other product per household.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
What is it about liquidation sales?
I recently checked out the liquidation sale at the Office Depot in the Gateway Shopping Center, which will be closing at some point soon. This particular store has been one of my favorite places to get deeply discounted clearance items, such as art and office supplies and photo paper. They simply had a great clearance section. But I wasn't impressed with the prices at their liquidation sale, and my favorite clearance aisle didn't have any great deals. I also didn't find much at the liquidation sale at the Kmart in Salt Lake City, which ended with the store's closure late last year. And Mervyns, which was one of my favorite stores to buy children's clothes? I was unimpressed with that liquidation sale, too. I haven't given up on Office Depot, though. They still have plenty of inventory left at discounts of 10 percent to 50 percent.
Coupon class
The folks at pinchingyourpennies.com periodically offer free classes on using coupons as a way to save money. The next one is Jan. 15 in Ogden. For more information, or to reserve a spot, call Mike Eames at 801-625-4415.
Gas prices continue to rise
Today, Utah's official average for a gallon of unleaded gasoline is $1.63. But it pays to shop around. On www.utahgasprices.com, a gas-price tracking web site, motorists said Tuesday they were filling up for as little as $1.51 per gallon — more than 10 cents below the state’s average. To see how Utah stacks up against other states — and the nation as a whole — go to AAA's web site.
What's troubling, though, is that Utah's unleaded average is up a hefty 20 cents from just the holidays. According to AAA, there's no real economic reason gas prices should be increasing right now. Most everything that affects gasoline prices — retail sales, corporate profits, oil prices, housing and unemployment — all should be pushing pump prices lower. The good news is that Utah's average remains well under the state's peak of $4.22 set in July of last year. And Utah still has the sixth-lowest gas prices among all states.
What's better than a dollar store?
I recently was in a Honk's dollar store, where they told me that they lower their prices on individual items from $1 to 88 cents on Tuesdays, this month only.
By the way, most dollar stores are clearing out holiday items right now at two for $1, three for $1 or even four for $1. I've picked up some cheap wrapping paper, place mats, napkins, crafts for the kids and holiday-themed stationery and put them away for next year.
By the way, most dollar stores are clearing out holiday items right now at two for $1, three for $1 or even four for $1. I've picked up some cheap wrapping paper, place mats, napkins, crafts for the kids and holiday-themed stationery and put them away for next year.
One coupon tip
One reader said she keeps a pile of unclipped coupons from the Sunday newspaper for a couple of weeks in a file rather than simply discarding any she doesn't clip right away. Occasionally, items will go on sale at a deep enough discount in later weeks that you could get some of them for very little, or for free, by going back to some coupons you didn't clip, cutting them out and redeeming them while the item is on sale. Sounds like a great tip for me, since I only cut out a limited number of coupons that I think I may need.
You can tell the economy is getting worse
When the economy is good, it seems as if I don't see as many people shopping at thrift stores. But when the economy is not so good, it seems as if these types of stores are very, very busy. On Monday, I visited a Savers thrift store near my house that had marked down by 50 percent a variety of new toys and other merchandise (many Savers stores stock new and used merchandise). The store was jammed with people, and I had to wait a fair amount of time to check out. The good news is that I snagged some great deals on brand-new games and toys for upcoming birthdays and even for next Christmas.
Double-coupon shopping at Albertson's
I organized my coupons over the weekend and went double-coupon shopping at Albertsons, drastically cutting my grocery bill. For starters, I used several store coupons to buy potatoes, cereal and butter and also purchased a variety of sale items using manufacturer's coupons. The store doubled the face value of six of those coupons (there's a limit of six using a promotion printed in last week's grocery ad). By buying sale items, using store coupons and manufacturer's coupons and having some of them doubled whittled down my total purchase, including tax, from $74.27 to $30.77. Once I paid the balance, I also received a $15 credit off any future Albertsons purchase because I qualified for yet another promotion — I bought $30 (before coupons) worth of brand-name products being promoted the past week as described in their weekly ad. That means I technically got just under $75 worth of groceries for a $15.77 value. Paying attention to all the promotions out there on any given week can pay off. I do have to say this shopping visit took a bit of planning. I probably spent about 20 minutes matching coupons to sale items before I went to the store, and it took a little longer to shop to make sure I purchased the right items to get the $15 credit off a future purchase.
Credit card companies are getting stingier
Check out this story in USA TODAY about how some credit card companies are making their rewards programs less desirable amid the national economic downturn.
Free Financial Advice Today
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The Old Spaghetti Factory anniversary celebration
The Old Spaghetti Factory is offering a 40 percent discount off selected dinners tonight (Jan. 13) starting at 5 p.m. For more information, go here. The discount also is available on Jan. 19, 20, 26 and 27. The restaurant chain has locations in the Trolley Square shopping center as well as Taylorsville and Orem.
Monday, January 12, 2009
It all adds up
Kim Danger, a family savings expert for the Coupons.com web site, estimates the potential annual cost savings on 11 different money-saving ideas:
1. Rethink entertainment and find more low-cost and free stuff to do ($600)
2. Eat out less ($1,300)
3. Clip coupons, shop sales ($2,100)
4. Take a simpler, less expensive vacation, or stay at home ($800-$1200)
5. Buy less clothing ($1,000)
6. Comparison shop for auto and homeowner's insurance and raise deductibles ($480)
7. Properly maintain your car - and put off getting a new one ($2000)
8. Rethink gift giving, such as drawing names around the holidays, setting monetary limits, sending only cards for birthdays or making homemade gifts ($1,000)
9. Exercise the old fashioned way - do something free and low cost such as hiking instead of buying a gym membership ($900)
10. Reduce debt and stop paying all that interest ($800-$1,500)
11. Limit extracurricular activities for everyone in the family ($1,200)
1. Rethink entertainment and find more low-cost and free stuff to do ($600)
2. Eat out less ($1,300)
3. Clip coupons, shop sales ($2,100)
4. Take a simpler, less expensive vacation, or stay at home ($800-$1200)
5. Buy less clothing ($1,000)
6. Comparison shop for auto and homeowner's insurance and raise deductibles ($480)
7. Properly maintain your car - and put off getting a new one ($2000)
8. Rethink gift giving, such as drawing names around the holidays, setting monetary limits, sending only cards for birthdays or making homemade gifts ($1,000)
9. Exercise the old fashioned way - do something free and low cost such as hiking instead of buying a gym membership ($900)
10. Reduce debt and stop paying all that interest ($800-$1,500)
11. Limit extracurricular activities for everyone in the family ($1,200)
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Free pizza, free peanuts!
Two other new rebate/coupon offers from Budweiser seen on the beer aisle (remember, no beer purchase required.)
-Buy one 12" Digiorno pizza, mail in a rebate form, cash register receipt and UPC and get a coupon for a free pizza.
- Buy two 1.75-ounce packages of Planters peanuts, get two free. This is not a rebate, but a coupon you can use immediately.
Remember, these types of rebates and coupons are available in the area of a store where beer is sold but require no beer purchase. They can be difficult to find. If the store you shop at most frequently isn't good about putting these offers out on shelves, ask to talk to the store manager or check at another store.
-Buy one 12" Digiorno pizza, mail in a rebate form, cash register receipt and UPC and get a coupon for a free pizza.
- Buy two 1.75-ounce packages of Planters peanuts, get two free. This is not a rebate, but a coupon you can use immediately.
Remember, these types of rebates and coupons are available in the area of a store where beer is sold but require no beer purchase. They can be difficult to find. If the store you shop at most frequently isn't good about putting these offers out on shelves, ask to talk to the store manager or check at another store.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Check out these classes
Utah Saves, an initiative designed to encourage people to become savers, has a listing of financial education classes on its web site here. Check out the class on making New Year's Financial Resolutions on Jan. 21 in Salt Lake City.
Coupon codes
Whenever you shop online, always search for coupon codes for the retailer you are purchasing from. Coupon codes, when entered at checkout, can provide discounts, free and reduced shipping and other perks. Sometimes, you can combine offers for even greater savings. I blogged earlier about the post-holiday sale on the Hickory Farms web site. Many items are marked 75 percent off the original price. One reader used coupon code VISA15 this morning, which she found by googling "Hickory Farms" and "coupon code." After she entered the code at checkout in the "source code" spot, she got an additional 15 percent discount off her already-discounted total. Not a bad deal.
Free clinics for kids
The children-oriented clinics offered by home-improvement chains Home Depot and Lowe's are great ways to teach kids how to use a hammer and build things. And the best part is that the clinics are free, and kids who participate get to take the toy or other project they built home. Check with your local store; some require you to sign up your children in advance. Lowe's is offering a clinic this Saturday, Jan. 10. This month's project is a time capsule. Next month's project is a jewelry box. For more information, go here.
New beer rebate spotted
Coors Light is offering a rebate good for $7.50 off a $30 purchase of Tostitos chips and/or dips and/or soda, deli items, condiments, ice, paper plates or plastic cups (any brand, any size.) Offer expires Feb. 7. You'll need a rebate form from a store that sells beer. For the uninitiated: Beer companies offer sizeable rebates, and you don't have to buy any beer to get them. Start by looking regularly for the rebates in the beer aisle of your local grocery store. Don't get discouraged if you don't see them right away. They can be a bit difficult to find, and some stores are better than others in carrying them. Ask a store manager if you don't see them. Rebate offers vary in the amount of the rebate and what you have to buy. I recently sent in one that offered a $10 rebate of a $10 purchase of snack foods.
No thanks to the Grocery Game
For $1, I signed up for a trial of The Grocery Game, a web-based service designed to help consumers cut their food bills by matching manufacturer's coupons to sale items in grocery stores and other retail outlets. If you are just starting out clipping coupons, you may benefit from this service for a short time because it provides lists of sale items and shows you which coupons from the newspaper to use for maximum savings. But after you learn the basics, though, it's not really all that hard to do this on your own.
Grand openings are great
Rubio's, a Mexican style fast-food restaurant, is giving the first 50 guests age 18 and older who come to its new Murray location at 5283 S. State St. today (Jan. 9) a nice freebie: One free meal each week for a year, a $7 weekly value. The grand opening starts at 10:30 a.m. Even if you're not among the first 50 people, you can still get free food. The restaurant published a coupon in Thursday's newspaper good for one free taco. The coupon is good until Feb. 1.
$10,000 "Bailout"
Utah-based online merchant Overstock.com is giving away $10,000 as part of its Family Bailout Contest. To enter, go here.
Cheap stuff on the web
Salt Lake Tribune Money Matters panelist Denise Price, who operates www.stretchthatdollar.com, a Utah-based web site designed for people who want to save money, has been finding all kinds of great deals online in recent days as retailers close out a variety of merchandise. She has found some items for as little as $2, and that includes shipping. Interested? Check out her site's discussion of great deals here.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Online closeouts
Sometimes it pays to wait until after Christmas to buy. One reader said she just received a rather large gift basket from Hickory Farms. She paid only $25, which is only one-quarter of the pre-Christmas price of $100.
Low-cost or free art education
YouthCity Artways, Salt Lake City’s arts education program, offers free and low cost classes for everyone from toddlers to adults. Check out their offerings here.
Try out cross-country skiing or snowshoeing — for free
Learn about nordic skiing and snowshoeing for free this Saturday, Jan. 10, as part of the 2009 Winter Trails event. For more information, go here.
Utah's gas prices creeping up
Are the days of super-low gas prices in Utah ending? The average cost of a gallon of unleaded gasoline in Utah is now $1.55, up 4 cents in just one day. Utah no longer has the lowest gas prices in the country. States with a lower unleaded average include Wyoming ($1.44), Montana ($1.48) and Colorado ($1.53) Utah's average, however, is lower than the national average of $1.76 and remains much lower than the state's record of $4.05 set in July of last year. Experts say motorists in Utah and around the country aren't likely to see $4-per gallon gasoline again anytime soon, but a per-gallon price between $2 to $3 per gallon for unleaded is not out of the question. To find low gas prices near you, go here.
Baskin Robbins Freebie
Ice cream retailer Baskin-Robbins said on Jan. 15 it will provide a free 2.5 ounce scoop of its new Bright Choices ice cream to anyone who shows a gym membership card. The new type of ice cream apparently has half the fat of its regular ice cream. For any details of this offer, call your local Baskin-Robbins.
Is Frugality Fun?
I hear all the time from people whose finances are a mess that being frugal simply isn't any fun. They say they would rather continue living beyond their means than live a life of "deprivation." But every time I talk to those folks who are frugal, who live within (or below) their means, I'm struck by how much fun they have devising ways to save money. To me, being frugal isn't about giving up or going without, it's about getting more out of life for the same amount of money. And I can't think of anything more fun than that!
Double coupons at Albertsons!
Several weeks ago, Kmart offered a double-coupon promotion, and now Albertsons is doing the same. These promotions are great ways to get food and other items at a steep discount, or even for free. Unlike the Kmart promotion, however, which automatically doubled coupons at checkout, Albertsons requires you to have store coupons from their weekly grocery ad to get the deal. Each store coupon (there are two in each ad) is good for three double-coupon offers, for a total of six coupons that can be doubled with each ad. The Sunday newspaper is a great source of coupons that can be doubled. You also can get coupons online, but some, such as the ones I printed out today from www.coolsavings.com, say they cannot be doubled.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
How Low Can They Go?
The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is only 5.07 percent, and the average rate on a 15-year loan is only 4.67 percent, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported today in its weekly mortgage applications survey. It may make sense to refinance right now to get out of a higher-rate first or second mortgage or to avoid the uncertainty of an adjustable-rate loan. The trick: Getting qualified. It's harder to qualify for home loans right now, especially if your home has dropped in value or your credit is not so good. But with rates this low, it may be well worth trying to refinance. At the very least, you'll find out where you stand among lenders, and a loan officer will let you know what you need to do to qualify in the future if you can't get the loan now.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
One calendar worth paying for
I just paid $3 for a calendar from the thrift-store chain Savers. Check one out before they are gone. The calendar is full of great coupons that could save you hundreds of dollars off already low thrift store prices every month through the end of the year. The company has locations in Layton, Midvale, Ogden, Orem and Taylorsville. For more information, or directions, go here.
Looking for a cheap meal?
Friday, January 2, 2009
Best time of the year to shop at thrift stores
Utahns trying to meet the tax deadline for making charitable donations have flooded thrift stores run by charities such as Deseret Industries with all kinds of things in the past week, from books and clothes to collectibles. Others made donations after watching their homes fill up with even more stuff on Christmas. All that inventory makes January one of the best times of the year to check out thrift stores. The best time to go is during the week, when there are fewer bargain-hunters out looking for deals. Shopping at thrift stores can be a great money saver, especially on children's items. My children have a number of clothes with designer labels, all purchased from Savers for $1 to $4 a piece. They also have a full library of hundreds of books from Deseret Industries, most purchased for no more than 50 cents a piece. The trick, as with shopping at any store, though, is to make sure you're not buying more "stuff" you don't need!
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About Lesley
Lesley Mitchell has been a business reporter at The Tribune since 1997, covering real estate, the retail industry, personal finance and economic development. She's been a devotee of frugal living for more than three decades, starting when she was 8 and began washing cars (rain insurance anyone?) as a way to fund her goal of early retirement. A graduate of Utah State University's MBA program, Lesley, and her family, are dedicated to finding creative ways to save money, avoid debt and still have fun.
Feedback
How do you and your family save money? Send an e-mail to lesley@sltrib.com.