Sunbeam Sweepstakes

Enter to win a year of energy savings (up to $2,100) and an energy saving electric blanket.
You may enter once daily (per email address) through 1/31/09.

Sunbeam Turn Down the Heat, Turn Up the Warmth Sweepstakes

Win a Sony Blu-Ray From Electronic House

There are a couple days left to enter the Electronic House Sweepstakes.
Enter to win a Sony Blu-Ray Player and Five Movie Titles.
Contest Ends 12/30/08.

Electronics House Sony Blu-Ray Sweepstakes

Merry Christmas!

Additional 30% Off Clearance at Aeropostale

Enter promo code 30CHEER at checkout and get an additional 30% off already reduced clearance items at Aeropostale.

Just In Time For Christmas Shopping: WootOff at Woot.com

Find some good deals today!
Woot.com has what they call a WootOff for today. New deals throughout the day, one sells out, then a new one starts.

Slingshot Animal $2.99 - Fun Christmas Idea!

Handhelditems.com is selling the slingshot animals for $2.99 with coupon code: slinganimal.
Can only get one for this price.
Looks like a very fun gift for Christmas! There is even a monkey dressed up in a Christmas hat and scarf.
Shipping is $2.85.

Slingshot Parachute Flying Monkey For $2.99 with coupon code -slinganimal-

25 Days of Free Holiday Music at Amazon.com

Amazon is giving away a free holiday MP3 for each day of December through Christmas. Previous giveaways are still available. You will have to install a lightweight 'downloader' application but it works well and will automatically add the song to your iTunes or Windows Media Player library.

Amazon 25Days of Free Holiday Music

While there, check out the other free MP3 downloads they have available.

Amazon Special and Free MP3 Deals

eToys 10% Off Today Only

Get 10% off your order at eToys.com.
Today only (12/5/08)
Enter Code: FNTMDLD5 at checkout.

Enter Hellmann's $10,000 Grocery Giveaway

Contest ends Jan. 7, 2009.
Win Grand Prize of $10,000 to spend at your local supermarket.
Runner Up Prizes:
$100 in Groceries
Copy of Bobby Flay's 'Grill It'
$50 Omaha Steaks Gift Card

Hellmann's $10,000 Grocery Giveaway

Little Debbie "Miles of Smiles Giveaway"

Enter to win one of the following:
-5 Home Theater Systems
-3 Race Weekends For Two
-10 Digital Video Recorders
-25 Digital Cameras
-50 Digital Photo Frames
-1,000 Plush Koala Bears

You have to watch a brief commercial and then select a name for their Koala bear.
You may enter daily. According to the box of Little Debbie snacks I have for the kids (no really...the kids), the contest ends on 11/30/2008.

Little Debbie Miles of Smiles Giveaway

DeepDiscount.com 25% Off DVD's and Blu-ray

Enter Promo Code: SUPERSALE
Get 25% off all DVD's and Blu-Ray discs and Free Shipping.
Expires 11/24/08.

DeepDiscount

Woot is Having a WootOff Today

Find some good deals today!
Woot.com has what they call a WootOff for today. New deals throughout the day, one sells out, then a new one starts.

Win a Plantronic's Gaming Headset from Newegg.com

Newegg.com is hosting a sweepstakes to give away five Plantronic's headsets. Enter through 11/24/2008.

Plantronics Gamecom 777 Headset Give Away

Another NO Out-Of-Pocket Cost TV Digital Converter

My previous post listed one option for a no out-of-pocket cost digital TV converter; I just came across another CECB digital converter box that is offered with free shipping and sells at $40.00 each which nets out to $0.00 with your coupon. Once again, you have to buy two to get the special price and free shipping.

This model is a Sansonic FT-300A which according to Consumer Reports has great video quality but is lacking in features (no program guide, no directly tuning to channels, no size/font adjustments). Guess it depends what you want.

Buy it through Consumer Electronics Group.

Get a Digital Converter Box With NO Out-Of-Pocket Cost

After nosing around for quite some time on the internet, I found a site where you can buy a pair of digital converter boxes (alternatively known as CECB's...Coupon Eligible Converter Boxes) by using two of the TV Converter Box Coupons. This is the only deal I came across where the net to you is $0.00. Through November 30,2008 they are offering free shipping when you purchase two units.

To start, you have to get your two coupons from the government:
TV Converter Box Coupon Program

They mail out in batches, so depending on the timing of things it could take you a while to receive them and you may not be able to take advantage of this deal. I ordered mine on Oct. 19th and received them on Nov. 13th or 14th (can't remember)...anyways, it was roughly three weeks.

The site that is offering the totally free unit is FreeTVSignal. They are on the authorized list at the DTV2009, the government site. You'll see on their homepage their deal of the month. Click on the deal and you will be taken to the product page for the Sunkey SK-801ATSC. You will see on the product page that the sale price for two units is $80.00. With your coupon $0.00. The sale price and free shipping is valid through 11/30/08.

The Sunkey SK-801ATSC, from what I've read, appears to be a fairly decent unit. I like that it has buttons on the box to turn it off and change the channel (some boxes you need the remote...I'm always worried about misplacing the remote). The unit has analog pass through which is good in case you have some low power stations in your area which aren't required to go digital. It has a remote control (not universal), decent program guide, and I think (don't hold me to it) it even comes with the A/V cables (RCA type). It seemed to have gotten decent comments in the AV Science Forum. It hasn't yet been reviewed in Consumer Reports.

I spent a lot of time reading about these units. Here are some links with information:
Consumer Reports
AV Science Forum
DTV Converter Boxes Blog
DTV 2009
WIKI Comparison of CECB Units

You will find so many conflicting reports on the quality of each of the boxes. Take for example the Dish Network TR-40 CRA (which I was originally going to buy because it is free with $8.95 shipping until I found this totally free one). You will find some sites highly acclaiming this unit (it does have the best EPG...Electronic Program Guide); you will find some sites criticizing it. I think there are so many variables (quality of your tv, cables, antenna, position of the unit/antenna, etc.) that even the best units can perform poorly depending on the circumstances. I opted to search for a free unit because I see the units as eventually a throw away as my aging tv's will get replaced over the next few years. I have not yet received the free unit (I'll be ordering it shortly) so I can't attest to its quality at this point.

If anyone else finds some totally free deals, please post in the comments so others can find (especially for when this deal expires).

Yugster.com is Having a YugDown Today

Yugster has what they call a YugDown for today. New deals throughout the day, one sells out, then a new one starts.

May find a good deal or two throughout the day.

Office Depot 15% Off

Office Depot has a 15% off your entire order code. Valid through Nov. 22, 2008 on-line and over the phone. Enter code 19574436.
You may also enter code 32776683 (on-line only) if you are spending $100 or more to receive a free Coby CD Radio Boombox.

Shop Office Depot

Amazon List of 500+ Free MP3's

Amazon has a lot of free MP3's on its site. A lot of stuff I never heard of, but some aren't a bad addition to your library.
You can listen to a 10 second preview of each song right from the list. To download Amazon songs, you have to install the Amazon MP3 Downloader. It's a small program that will manage you Amazon downloads and automatically add them to your iTunes or Windows Media Player library.

See the list here:

Amazon 500+ Free MP3's

Enter to Win a $5,000 Newegg Gift Certificate

Chance to buy all the tech stuff you ever wanted!
Enter to win a $5,000 Newegg.com gift certificate. One grand prize winner and ten runner up prizes of $1,000 Newegg.com gift certificates. Contest sponsored by Microsoft. Enter through December 11, 2008.

Enter here:

Newegg.com Holiday Wish List Sweepstakes

Void in NY, RI and FL...darn it!

Enter to Win a Plasma TV and Blue-Ray Player

Supermediastore.com is having a sweepstakes to give away:
-Samsung PN42A450 42" 720p Plasma HDTV
-Sony BDP-S300 1080p Blue-ray Player

(not sure why they didn't include a 1080p capable TV...but, hey it's a giveaway)

Sweepstakes ends 12/31/08; drawing held on 1/5/09.

Enter here: Supermedia.com Sweepstakes

Enter to Win a Dual N-Band Wireless Router

Electronic House is giving away 12 Cisco (made by Linksys) Dual N-Band Wireless Routers
One entry per person. Sweepstakes closes Nov. 16, 2008.

Fair Warning...
You get subscribed to their bi-weekly email newsletter. Use your 'junk' email address.

Electronic House Sweepstakes

Get a Free Sample of Dunkin' Donuts Dark Roast Coffee

Dunkin' Donuts donuts is giving away a free sample of their Dark Roast coffee (grounds to make at home) while supplies last.

Woot is Planning a Woot-Off for Tomorrow

Beginning at midnight (probably Central Time since they are based in Dallas) Woot.com is planning a Woot Off. Great deals, one item at a time. After an item sells out, then another is offered. Opportunity to find some good deals (if you feel like sitting in front of your computer for the whole day).

Train Lovers Enter 'Classic Toy Trains 2009 Holiday Sweepstakes'

Enter to win some great toy train prizes valued up to $1,000!

Classic Toy Trains Magazine 2009 Holiday Sweepstakes

Big Lots 20% Off In-Store Coupon

Big Lots has a printable 20% off in-store coupon valid today through Saturday. Doesn't appear to be many exclusions (rentals, alcohol, gift cards).

Print the coupon here.

Free Schick Quattro Razor

Schick is giving away your choice of a free razor. Worth about $10.00!

Select either:
Schick Quattro Titanium Razor
Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmer

Get your free razor here.

Enter to Win GE Microwave and Bertolli Pasta Products

Contest from Ellen (warning...when you go to the website, a video from Ellen starts playing).
Nonetheless, enter to win a GE microwave and some Bertiolli microwave pasta (don't know if that sounds appetizing or not). Enter at the following link:

Bertolli Giveaway

Walgreens $5 off $20 In-Store Coupon

Print a coupon valid today (Friday 9/26) and tomorrow (Saturday 9/27) for $5 off an in-store purchase of $20 or more. Some minor exclusions (alcohol, tobacco, stamps, prescriptions, gift and prepaid cards, passes). Click link below to print coupon:

Walgreens Coupon

YugDown at Yugster.com Today

Yugster has what they call a YugDown for today. New deals throughout the day, one sells out, then a new one starts.

Some good deals to be found here (if you're surfing for the day).

Free Laptop Sleeve from Chelsey Henry

I think it will be more styled for the ladies.
Get a free laptop sleeve at Chelsey Henry.
Have to provide your name, address, phone number and email.
Thanks Bargainist for finding this one.

Free Cookie From Kashi

Enter your mailing information and get a free cookie from Kashi!

Kashi Free Cookie Offer

Panasonic Home Theater Sweepstakes by Electronic House

Electronic House is giving away a Panasonic Home Theater System including an HDTV.
One entry per person. Sweepstakes closes Oct. 15, 2008; drawing on Oct. 16, 2008.

Fair Warning...
You get subscribed to their bi-weekly email newsletter. Use your 'junk' email address.

Electronic House Sweepstakes

APC Back-UPS Contest

APC (the maker of quality power products for electronics) is giving away one of their UPS devices (to supply enough power to bring your devices down gently in a power outage).

At the link below enter key code: c654w to get to this particular promotion.
I found this one in a PC magazine that I got for free.

APC Enter to Win a Back-UPS ES 750G

Sears Clearance and Closeouts

Sears has a bunch of stuff on clearance on-line.

Find the main page here:

Sears Clearance

Decent deal on a sandwich maker:

Total Chef 4 in 1 Grill $19.97

I think they charge tax for shipping to most states. Shipping charges kill some of the deals, but many do offer free pickup at the store.

CompUSA 100 PC's in 100 Days Sweepstakes

CompUSA is giving away 100 PC's. Sweepstakes started on June 20th but continues through September 27th so there are still plenty of PC's to win. Note that you will get put on CompUSA's email list (so use that junk email account).

Each winner recieves:

• HP Athlon 64 Dual Core Desktop PC
• Viewsonic 22" LCD Monitor
• HP OfficeJet All-In-One Printer

Enter daily through 9/27/08:

CompUSA 100 PC's in 100 Days Sweepstakes

Free Sample of Seattle's Best Coffee

Not sure how big of a sample it is. I'm sure it's enough to brew a pot.
Fill out your name and address and get a free sample of Seattle's Best Coffee. Your choice of three varieties. As always with these giveaways, expect to be put on a mailing list. Give them that email address that you don't care about (I set one up in hotmail just for such purposes). Maybe get a piece of junk mail or two at home (just file right in the recycling bin!).

Seattles Best Coffee - Free Sample

Staples / Bed Bath & Beyond Sweepstakes

The theme of this sweepstakes, sponsored by Staples and Bed Bath & Beyond, is 'shop smart for college'. So they are giving away a pair of those Smart ForTwo Coupes (or $30,970 cash if you don't like the looks of these funny high mpg cars). Runner up prizes are gift cards.

Hey, it doesn't cost anything to enter (except maybe some junk mail) so why not.

Enter daily through September 2nd.

Enter Here.

Aeropostale - Additional 20% Off Clearance Code

Just in time for back to school shopping.
Aeropostale has a code for an additional 20% off clearance items (you know how much I love clearance).
Enter code: FRIDAY20

IRS Raises Mileage Rate to 58.5 cents per mile Effective July 1

For those of you with business travel...
The IRS just announced an increase in the mileage reimbursement rate to 58.5 cents per mile effective July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. This in large part due to the increase in gas prices but it is also influenced by increases in insurance costs and other variable costs (repairs, etc.).

IRS Increases Mileage Rates through Dec. 31, 2008

Keep An Eye Out For Those Clearance Items

I just ran out on my lunch hour because I had to stop at the mall to look at some dishes (divorce left me without a set that can go in the microwave). From previous posts, you know I'm a habitual clearance rack shopper. In fact, I have to restrain myself because in the past I'd impulse buy on the clearance racks and never use the product. Anyways, our local Sears always has a section of clearance shoes (which I do always scope out) but I never found any incredible deals. Today they had all clearance 'buy one get one half price'. On top of that they reduced a bunch of the shoes to $9.99 (some fairly decent ones at that). I bought myself 4 pairs (3 sneakers and 1 work shoe) for only $29.96 plus tax. You can't get one pair for that price. I was able, at this price, to try some different styles. One of the pairs of sneakers, I thought, would look good with the Khakis I wear to work. These shoes easily would have run over $100.00 (and that would have been a sale.

Keep those eyes peeled for the specials; but restrain yourself to buy just what you need.

Gevalia Coffee/Coffee Maker/Thermal Carafe/Mug $22.95

Gevalia has a great deal to try their service. For $22.95 you get their Coffee Lovers Kit which includes:

-Two 1/2 pound packages of coffee
-12 Cup Programmable Stainless Steel Coffee Maker
-Stainless Steel Thermal Carafe
-Travel Mug

Worth a try. You may cancel the service at any time (otherwise you get periodic coffee shipments).

Friend Request Me On Facebook

I've never been much for these social networking sites (myspace, twitter, etc.). But I found a bunch of my business contacts on Facebook so I figured, what the hay!

You can find me here:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1260726563

Sorry I put a photo on there, so you have to look at my mug!

Friend request me (include a note that you found me through Thrifty Living...if the system lets you do that). The network lets you set up groups...maybe I can create one for those of us that are thrifty.

Woot Is Having a Woot Off Today

Find some good deals today!
Woot.com has what they call a WootOff for today. New deals throughout the day, one sells out, then a new one starts.

My Dad Once Said...

"After the third marriage I think I would have just gotten a dog". A random comment from my Dad (miss you Dad) a few years ago in response to a news story about a celebrity getting divorced for the third time.

This past Monday I was divorced for the second time. Makes me feel embarrassed (haven't told anyone at the office as of yet). Makes me feel like a failure. Makes me feel like I've sinned. At 40 years old, I feel like I just have some 'stuff' but no substance...if that makes any sense.

Well, I just wanted to do a brief post to let you know what was getting me down. Actually there are a few more issues that happened in the last year which only compounded things. I'm not really good at talking about myself, but maybe I'll force myself to write about it sometime soon.

Yes this was probably the worst year of my life. I guess that the best part is that I can only go up from here.

Thanks Karen and Mercedes...I think I will do the occasional 'venting'. Maybe that will help solve my sleeping problem (very restless).

So, what should it be...a Beagle or a Labrador?

You Don't Even Want To Know

Sorry no posts lately. There are some things going on in my personal life that have me a bit stressed out. Hopefully get back to normal soon :-(

Another Woot Off Today

They must be out of warehouse space because it looks like they are doing another day of WootOff's.

Woot.com has what they call a WootOff for today. New deals throughout the day, one sells out, then a new one starts.

$10 Off a $10 Order at DiscountOfficeSupplies.com Thru 6/30/08

Enter Promo code BETTER to receive $10 off an order of $10 or more at DiscountOfficeSupplies.com.
One use per customer.
Plenty of time...doesn't expire until 6/30/08.

Enter Troy-Bilt Love Your Yard Sweepstakes

Troy-Bilt is running a sweepstakes through 5/25/08 where you can win a prize package valued at $17,000. Package includes:

• $3,000 cash
• Zero Turn Riding Mower
• Push Mower
• Tiller
• String Trimmer

You can enter daily through 5/25/08 at the link below:
Troy-Bilt Love Your Yard Sweepstakes

Winner announced 7/1/08.

Free PDF Copy of the novel 'Infected'

Follow the link below and get a free PDF copy of the novel 'Infected' by Scott Sigler. Thanks to Twitter follower cc_chapman for finding this freebie!

Infected by Scott Sigler courtesy of Random House

Woot Off Continues Today

Woot.com has what they call a WootOff for today. New deals throughout the day, one sells out, then a new one starts.

Dell Outlet 10% off Inspiron or XPS PC's or Laptops

My readers are aware that I'm a big fan of refurbished computers from Dell. I've had great luck with them and saved a ton of money (see either this post or this one).

Anyways, here is another great opportunity to save off of the already low prices at Dell Outlet.
Save 10% on Dell Outlet Inspiron or XPS desktops or laptops.

Enter code: WP5JXCBTV24V9P
Expires: 3/31/08

Woot.com Has a Woot Off Today

Woot.com has what they call a WootOff for today. New deals throughout the day, one sells out, then a new one starts.

Evernote Software Free Today at GiveAwayoftheDay

Evernote, one of the most useful and productive pieces of software that I use, is a free giveaway today at GiveAwayOfTheDay.com. They are actually promoting the giveaway of the 3.0 Beta version; but if your not comfortable being a beta tester they are also giving away version 2.2 (I'm going to download both).

A couple months ago they gave away the portable version which installs on a USB drive (see my previous post). I first became aware of Evernote with this giveaway. I've been using it on my USB drive extensively.

With this software you can not only take notes, but you can clip items. Clip entire web pages, clip portions of a web page, clip parts from your email, clip excel spreadsheets, clip word documents, etc...get the picture! It has a very robust system of cataloging items. You can even set up a folder, let's say recipes, where every time you clip a recipe, it will automatically detect a keyword (in this case, maybe 'recipe') and file the clip in that folder.

Want to search for a particular clip, fine, do a key word search. It will not only search text for that key word, but images also. Let's say you clip a photo that had a street sign which reads "Niagara Falls" in the photo. Now, do a search of your Evernote database for "Niagara". This incredible program will include this photo in your search because it can recognize text within an image!

Unfortunately, the portable version isn't offered as part of this giveaway; but get the desktop version today while it's free (this offer expires today). If you add the portable version at some point, you will be able to synchronize between the desktop and the portable thus always having your information with you.

Circuit City 10% off Coupon Code (Expires 3/19/08)

Got an email from Circuit City offering a 10% off coupon code: 2DAV625AFZ.
Free shipping on orders $24 and up.
Circuit City

CompUSA Win A Wii Contest

CompUSA is giving away a Wii daily (I think all this month). Enter daily at the link below. Note that you have to check back daily to see if you are a winner and claim your prize within 72 hours.

CompUSA Win a Wii Contest

Looks Like Others Love Target for Clearance Merchandise Too

The Buffalo News today had an article about a system of shopping for clearance items at Target. The term 'perimeter perusing' was dubbed in the article for the practice of looking at the stores endcaps facing the walls for the best clearance deals.

I have been shopping like this at Target for probably over 10 years now. I've found deals ranging from a $15 hot/cold water cooler (regularly $80+) to $2 pants for the kids. See my post from January about one of my clearance shopping runs. My most recent purchase (last week) was a gas grill cover for my Mom for $6.48 regularly $27 because it was one of the good PVC lined covers.

I just found her article on-line, read it at the link below:
Are 'secret sales' real or delusions? by Samantha Maziarz Christmann of The Buffalo News

Office Depot 10% Off ANY Purchase (Expires 4/8/08)

Just got a mailing from Office Depot with a big sticker:
10% Off
No Minimum Purchase
Coupon Code: 69745625
Expires: 4/8/08 (plenty of time to shop)

Should come in handy for those of us that don't always spend $75 or $100 (even for our offices). With this code not expiring until 4/8, keep it handy in case those last minute office needs arise.

Update: Another 10% off code: 27783448 also expires 4/8/08 (excludes technology category.

Dell Outlet: Another 15% Off Coupon Code

Haven't found a deal worthy of a Deal of the Day in a while. Finally found one!

Another great opportunity to get a PC (desktop or laptop) on the cheap. I've purchased a few refurbs from Dell Outlet and was very happy with them.

Get 15% off any Inspirion or XPC PC (desktop or laptop) with the following code:
Code: G5V5DHTL9RMPC6
Expires 3/10/08

A Lenten Meditation

This was in our Church bulletin this past weekend (courtesy of Fr. Mike Uebler at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Tonawanda NY).

Fasting and Feasting for Lent

Fast from "give me."
Feast on "thank you."
Fast from criticism.
Feast on praise.
Fast from shouting.
Feast on gentle words.
Fast from being "right."
Feast on agreeing and compromise.
Fast from a long face.
Feast on smiling.
Fast from anger.
Feast on kindness.
Fast from laziness.
Feast on helping and healing.
Fast from talking.
Feast on listening.
Fast from selfishness.
Feast on service.
Fast from worry and doing.
Feast on praying.

The meditation ends there; but I'm sure we can add to it. What would you add to this meditation in the spirit of the lenten season.

Research Shows Blogging Good for Your Health

Read the Discovery News article in the link below. Apparently the psychological benefits of blogging can be good for your health. According to the article, "Blogging can help you feel less isolated, more connected to a community and more satisfied with your friendships, both online and face-to-face...". I guess that's an added incentive to keep writing and communicating with your fellow bloggers.

Blogging's Good For Your Health - Discovery News

Trick Out Your Car for Spring and Save 10%

JC Whitney has a special for the month of March. Spend $100 or more and save 10%.
JCW -10% Off at $100 - Use BAWBCX8 at check out!

JC Penney $10 or $15 or $20 off Coupon Codes Through March 4, 2008

JC Penney has an on-line coupon code offering:
-$10 off $50
-$15 off $75
-$20 off $100

Enter Coupon Code: XTRMSL
Expires 3/4/08

Click on their weekly ad on their home page and you can print out the same coupons to use in-store.

They are calling this their 'Xtreme Sale'; hence the coupon code...get it.

Olympus FE-210 7MP Digital Camera $69 at Office Max

Great Deal at Office Max on the Olympus FE-210 Digital Camera. Only $69.00
-7Megapixel
-3x Optical Zoom
-2.5" LCD
-uses AA batteries
Even better...Use coupon code: SAVECASH after spending $6 more and get another $15.00 off. This code is worth $15 off a $75 order and expires 3/1/08.
I ordered the camera and a Sandisk 512MB XD Memory card for $14; my order came to $68 after the coupon and before tax (shipping is free with $50 order).
Note that XD memory is a little pricey (from what I've read, it is fairly fast, though).
This camera received mixed reviews...some sites good reviews (newegg), others users were mixed (circuit city). For this price, you can't miss, though.
Camera will be the first listing under Digital Cameras.

Discover What's Racking Up The Electric Bill

I've heard of this product before. Buy.com currently has a pretty good deal on it (unfortunately shipping isn't free). Plug an appliance into this unit and get a readout of the Kilowatts consumed by it. Might be a worthwhile investment to plug up those 'electric leaks'. Shipping is about $7.

P3 P4400 Kill A Watt Appliance Tester $17.99





Update: Newegg has it for $17.99 with $4.99 shipping (just search for item P4400).

Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Came across this post at The Simple Dollar (while Stumbling...StumbleUpon Firefox Extension). At the very least, it looks like an interesting home science experiment.

How To Make Your Own Laundry Detergent - And Save Big Money (The Simple Dollar)

Save 15% at Sears Parts Direct thru 5/31/08 (yes May 31)

Got a Sears appliance or yard machine? Now through May 31, 2008 get 15% off parts using code 80029.

Sears Parts Direct

Save 10% Coupon Code at Circuit City

Enter coupon code LYAP4NTAU9 at Circuit City to save 10% through 2/20/08.
Circuit City

IRS has Web Page for Information on Economic Stimulus Payments

See the link below for information on the IRS website regarding the Economic Stimulus plan.
There are links to question & answer pages as well as information to help previous non-filers get the rebate (as noted in my previous post). There is an example (kind of vague) showing low income filers how to fill out form 1040A.

Information on Stimulus Payments (IRS)

If anyone has any questions, leave them in comments, I'll try to poke around and find answers.

Woot-Off at Woot Today - Opportunity to Get Some Great Deals

Woot.com has what they call a WootOff for today. New deals throughout the day, one sells out, then a new one starts.

Dell Outlet 15% Off Coupon Codes

Dell Outlet has some new codes for 15% off various refurbished products.

For 15% off any refurbished Inspirion or XPS Desktop or Laptop enter the following code:
Code: MJ5P5L?102FB2R
Expires 2/18/08

For 15 % off any refurbished Dell Printer enter the following code:
Code: 9GH05KGTX0F7S6
Expires 2/18/08 or after first 300 redemptions (hurry on this one).

Great Deal on a USB Hub $7.99 Shipped

Buy.com has a great deal on USB Hub...only $7.99 and shipped free.

I purchased a similar one for my son a couple weeks back. The most difficulty I had was finding one with a cable longer than one foot. Most are intended for use on a laptop, but if you have a desktop PC you need a bit of cable to get it to a convenient location (especially if you have a tower case sitting on the floor). Just to buy the cable separately will run you $5-$10.

This looks like a good deal to me because it says it includes a 3.3 foot cable.

Targus Ultra Mini 4-Port USB Hub Model: PA055U OEM $7.99

YugDown at Yugster.com Today

Yugster.com has what they call a YugDown for today. New deals throughout the day, one sells out, then a new one starts.

Once in a while there are some unique/hard to find items here.

Seniors May Have to File 2007 Return to Get Rebate

It looks like seniors (low income or living on social security) who generally don't file tax returns are being included in the economic stimulus rebate. BUT it looks like they may have to file a 2007 tax return. Read the article at the link below for more information:

Rebates for Seniors (CNN Money)

Cheap Memory Card for that New Cell Phone

Good price on a 1GB Micro SD memory card at J&R...$5.99. Unfortunately shipping will set you back another $4.00.
This size is used by a lot of new cell phones. 1GB is plenty for most of us.

$5.99 - Dane-Elec 1 GB Micro SD Card

Cubicle Humor at Target

While in Target the other day, I walked through their dollar section. In one of the bins were a couple signs maybe a little bigger than a bumpersticker. One of them read something to the effect of, "How can I think outside the box when I work in a cubicle".
Don't know how many of you work in a cubicle setting, but a 'Dilbert' like myself had to laugh at this one. We relocated our office about 3 years ago and decided to just put up cubicles (although they were almost as expensive as building walls). Miss my private office with a window (always liked fresh air while I'm working).
Anyways, I should have bought it for a buck.
It's the little things in life (especially since the big things are so far out of reach).

A "Thrifty" Valentine's Day Poem

I wish I had the creativity Deborah at Simply Thrifty has.
Read her poem to her 'thrifty' husband (she didn't use thrifty).
Thanks for the laugh, Deborah

A Valentine's Ode... at Simply Thrifty

Speaking of Cheap Tools...

I did splurge on a deal at Lowes over the weekend. I somehow got on a mailing list at Lowes. I don't know if I signed up for the list on the web or if they just put me on the list when I had the pellets for my pellet stove delivered by them the last two years. Anyways... They had sent me this card for $10 off a $25 purchase. Well, it was going to expire Sunday. So as I was heading home from my Mom's (me and my brother were moving the shed that blew over), I remembered the card in my wallet and figured 'Lowes is right at the exit off the thruway'; so I took an hour long stroll through the store.
I finally came across something that I have been wanting to purchase for years. A tool that can track an outlet to a circuit breaker. I have an old house and there is some crazy wiring in here. With this maybe I will finally be motivated to map all my circuits. Anyways, it cost $29; with the coupon, only $19...woohoo! Couldn't let that coupon go to waste...heck it's almost half off.

Cheap Tools Try Harbor Freight USA

If you have one in your area, sign up for weekly specials at HarborFreightUSA and you'll get a weekly email with a couple dozen coupons. Like a typical guy, I sometimes go out of control with tools (buying stuff there is no way I would ever use). Historically I've always been partial to Sears Craftsman tools (lifetime guarantee on hand tools). When some project comes up where you need a specific tool to use for only that one use, Harbor Freight is great for getting it cheap.

Target $5 off $50 Coupon Code Thru 2/6/08

Target has a coupon code for $5 off a $50 order at target.com
Enter code: TC7RHE38
Expires 2/6/08

Lowest Ever for a 2GB USB Flash Drive - $9.95

I know I've posted deals about these flash drives several times and I told myself that was it. But this deal is too good to not share. Buy.com has a Kingston 2GB flash drive for only $9.95 with free shipping. This is a decent one with no cap to worry about losing...the USB port retracts.

I carry a 2GB flash drive in my pocket (on my key ring...I don't think this one has a loop for a key ring, though). I use software I installed on mine called Evernote Portable which allows me to 'clip' web pages, emails, word doc's, excel schedules and file them in an organized fashion. I've found it handier than bookmarking sites; especially if there is something useful which may not remain on the site for long.

These have so many uses whether you are employed, in college, in high school. Store documents, spreadsheets, photos, etc.

Anyways, you won't find one cheaper without a rebate; check it out:
Kingston 2GB Hi-Speed DataTraveler USB Flash Drive - DT100/2GBKR $9.95

Sale and Clearance Summary in my Sidebar

Look in my sidebar (just below Thrifty Sites I Follow). I'm building a list of links for various websites where they have recurring deals of some sort (daily, weekly, etc.) or a page with clearance items. I've found this list to be a handy 'bookmark' for myself (I'm always trolling for clearance items). Check back periodically; I'll be adding more as I find them.

Feeds Redirected Through Feedburner

I just redirected my feeds through Feedburner. Subscribers update your reader program:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/ThriftyLiving

Tips for Avoiding Identity Theft

RealSimple.com has a good article with tips on avoiding identity theft. It includes some I've mentioned here like the Opt Out Line. At the end of the article is a PDF document with a checklist that looks very handy.

Simple Strategies to Avoid Identity Theft (RealSimple.com)

Exxon Sets Record Quarterly and Annual Profits

Does this make anyone a little angry other than myself. I know there are other issues; but some of us need a break too. Interesting fact in the CNN article...the $40+billion Exxon earned last year works out to $1,300.00 per second. I'm not a big fan of regulation, but maybe it's time...

Exxon Shatters Profit Records on CNN

List of Money Saving Tips at Frugal For Life

Dawn at Frugal For Life posted a list with some good ides for saving money.
Checkout the list here:
The BIG list of tips to save money at Frugal For Life

Shed in a windstorm

We have a pretty bad storm going on today. Lots of power outages and damage. This picture was a shed at my Mom's house...
The winds are pretty much 30-40mph with gusts over 60mph (there has even been one reported gust over 80mph...hurricane strength). To make matters worse, we have lake effect snow coming and going...creating whiteouts with the wind.
When I left my house this morning, the only damage I had thus far were some down tree limbs and a piece of trim blown off the house. Hopefully there won't be more surprises tonight.

Deal of the Day: Kingston 4GB Flash Drive $19.95

I know I've had these flash drives as my 'Deal of the Day' before. But the prices keep coming down and these things are very useful to carry around for anyone that works on computers. Kingston is one of the most trusted names in memory.
Buy.com is offering free shipping on this item also!

Kingston 4GB Hi-Speed DataTraveler USB Flash Drive - DT100/4GBKR $19.95

Super Saturday Sale at Sears

Just got an email from Sears. They are having a sale in-store and on-line this Saturday from 9AM until 12Noon. May be some good deals.

Circuit City 10% Off Coupon Code

Just got an email from Circuit City . Through this Saturday, they have a coupon code for 10% off your on-line purchase when you choose in-store pickup as your shipping option.

Code: FKAR57YAQH
Expires 1/26/08

Circuit City

On-Line Student Resources - Great List by Lifehack.org

Check out the list which includes: applications, tools, research sources and other useful websites.

The Ultimate Student Resource List - Lifehack.org

PC World List of Free On-Line Digital Photography Services

It is a nice list of sources including:
-Photo Organizers
-Photo Editors
-Photo Printing
-Photo Storage

See the article here:
PC World - Free Digital Photography Goodies

Gotta Love Target for Clearance Merchandise!

Over the last week or so I've restocked the kids clothes supply (they just won't stop growing) by going through the Target clearance racks.
My younger son (kids section):

• Pants: $2.48
• Pants: $4.48
• Pants: $3.24
• Pants: $3.24
• Gloves (2 pack): $1.38

My older son (mens section):

• Half Zip Sweatshirt: $4.48 (bought myself one too...big spender)
• Hooded Sweatshirt: $4.98
• 2 Piece Short Sleeve over Long Sleeve: $4.98
• Hooded Sweatshirt: $6.24
• Jeans (destroyed like the kids like 'em...holes in them): $8.74
• Steel Toed Boots (size 12...yes he's grown): $19.98

Everything except the boots was 75% off; the boots were 50%.

I'll say it again...gotta love Target for clearance!

Deal of the Day: Almost Free Printer (after rebate) at Buy.com

Buy.com has another great rebate they are running through 3/31/08 where you can get $70.00 back on select Epson printers when you purchase a digital camera at the same time (on the same order).
The digital camera has to be sold from Buy.com not one of the 3rd parties that sometimes sell through their site. They have some cheapo digital cameras as low as $10 that are accepted for this deal!
Check out the Epson printer below which looks fairly decent. I have an Epson at home and love it...would buy it again.

Epson Stylus CX7450 Multifunction Color Inkjet Printer - C11C689231

Free Schick Quattro Titanium Razor

Fill out the form for a FREE RAZOR!

Free Schick Quattro Titanium Razor

Another Great Deal of the Day at Amazon.com - Omron HJ-112 Pedometer $15.99

Look in the Amazon widget once again in my sidebar to the right. Mouse over 'Deal of the Day'. Todays deal is an Omron HJ-112 Pedometer. I've wanted one of these for a while. It's always gotten great reviews. Now it's only $15.99. Shipping will be free if you spend more than $25.00. I ordered two (one for myself, one for a gift).

Deal of the Day: Sandisk M250 2GB MP3 Player $24.99 - Bulk Packaging

Another Sandisk MP3 player that has gotten great reviews. Buy.com has a factory overstock marked refurbished and bulk packaged for only $24.99. Free shipping to boot.

Sandisk Sansa m250 Digital Audio Player 2GB w/FM & Voice Recording - New Factory Overstock $24.99

Deal of the Day: Omron HEM-637 Blood Pressure Monitor only $49.99 at Amazon Today Only

This blood pressure monitor got great reviews. It's at about half price at Amazon for today only.
Look in my sidebar to the right. Scroll down to the Amazon widget and mouse over the 'Deal of the Day' tab.

Deal of the Day: Kingston 2GB Flash Drive $10.95

At Buy.com!
No rebates.
Free shipping!
This is a lot of storage for $10.95. The USB connector retracts so it makes for easy transport (even in your pocket) without worrying about losing a cap.
Kingston is one of the most trusted names in memory.

Kingston 2GB Hi-Speed DataTraveler USB Flash Drive - DT100/2GBKR $10.95

Get a Free Buffet Meal By Joining Email Club

Join the email club at the link below and get a free buffet meal (coupon via email) at one of the restaurants listed below. You'll also get special offers if you enter your birthday and anniversary.

I usually use one of those hotmail accounts that I set up specifically for stuff like this...if it gets spammed I don't care.

For this offer, you only have to enter your name, email address and birthday (although I think it's optional)

Restaurants include:

• Country Buffet
• Old Country Buffet
• Ryans
• Fire Mountain
• Hometown Buffet

Join Our Club for Free Buffet Meal

Deal of the Day: Sandisk C150 2GB MP3 Player $29.99 after $20 rebate

This looks like a great deal on a decent MP3 player. This player did get good reviews by consumers on price grabber. Frys.com has a refurbished unit for only $29.99 after a $20.00 rebate (rebate is through Frys and expires 2/29/08). I've bought many refurbished items and have had good luck with them.

Sandisk C150 2GB MP3 Player at Frys.com

$5 off a $25 Purchase at Faithwear.com

Enter code: 5ARC0108
Get $5 off of any $25 Purchase.
Expires 1/31/08.
Visit Faithwear.com for lots of nice t-shirts with a great Christian message.

$20 Instant Savings on Kellogg's, Keebler, and More at Amazon Grocery (expires 1/31/08)

Save $20 instantly on an order of $49 or more of select products (Kellogg's, Keebler, and several others).
At checkout, use promotion code: KELLOGG1
Instant savings expires 1/31/08.
Even better...orders over $25 qualify for free shipping!

$20 Instant Savings on Kellogg's, Keebler, and More

Interesting Calendar at Lifehacker

Whether it's practical or not, you decide. The concept though is interesting. The creator reduced the 2008 calendar to a summary of only about 75 characters. This could easily be committed to memory and with only a little effort you can calculate what any given day falls on.

Thanks, Gina at Lifehacker for finding this tool.
Check it out...

2008 Postage Stamp-Sized Mini Calendar at Lifehacker.com

$5 off a $5 Purchase at Sears (expires 1/22/08)

Print this coupon to get $5 off a tool or lawn & garden purchase of $5 or more at Sears stores (in-store only).
Not valid on clearance or closeout items (and certain other items).

Thanks Karen at Balance In Diet for finding this coupon!
Check out Karen's weekly Freebie Friday post.

Model Railroader 2008 Sweepstakes

Model train enthusiasts enter the Model Railroader 2008 Sweepstakes for a shot at winning:

Grand Prize:
-Lifetime subscription to Model Railroader and
-$1,000 Hobby Shop Buying Spree

First Prize:
-$1,000 Gift Certificate for BlueLine products from Broadway Limited (1 awarded)

Second Prize:
-NCE PowerCab System (1 awarded)

Third Prize:
-Complete HO Track Cleaning Package from Aztec Manufacturing (1 awarded)

Forth Prize:
-$50 Walthers gift certificate (5 awarded)

Fifth Prize:
-1-year subscription to Model Railroader magazine (5 awarded)

(Yes...I do have a thing for Lionel Trains)

Don't Rely on Technology This Much!

I guess this fellow followed his GPS instructions and turned right onto train tracks. I assume they mean he was riding on the rails not just simply crossing the tracks. Apparently the GPS called for a turn, so he turned. CNN summed it up well: Doh!

Ignore my earlier post on a GPS Deal at Buy.com and stick with paper maps if technology wins out over common sense.

CNN.com: Doh! Man follows GPS onto train tracks

'Tis the Season for Giveaways!

A little post-holiday treat from Little Fun; Little Learning (sponsored by iMommies)...three $10 gift cards to F.Y.E.

Little Fun; Little Learning: Another Great Giveaway

Tempting Deal on a GPS at Buy.com

My wife has a different make for which I paid almost 3 times more. I really can't spend the money right now, but I wish I could on this basic unit. The only thing I'm not sure of is if it tracks the satellites as well as our Garmin does.

Navtour NT-147 GPS Portable Navigation System 3.5" LCD with MP3 Player & Voice Recorder. - New Factory Sealed! $119.99 Free Shipping

UPDATE: I found the manufacturers website and looked in the FAQ. I found in there a question about map updates. Unfortunately for this model it states, "GPS model NT-147 will NOT receive any map updates." Here's the link: Navtour FAQ
Maybe this isn't much of a concern if you live in an area that hasn't had new development. The maps may be a couple years old...take that into consideration...the price is still good.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!