I found some great frugal bargains in a recent Real Simple magazine issue that I would like to highlight. For more frugal tips and ideas, check out frugal tips.

Recycle Rewards

• Apple: Go go apple.com/recycling to find out if your Mac or PC is worth anything. If it is, you’ll get that dollar amount applied toward an Apple gift card.
• MAC Cosmetics: Customers who return six used MAC product containers receive a free lipstick.
• Staples: Bring any used ink or toner cartridge to a store and receive $2 in Staples Rewards for a future purchase.

• Best Western Hotels: Up to 20 percent off room rates
• Hard Rock Cafe: 10 percent off.
• Lenscrafters and Pearle Vision: 30 percent off eye exams, eyewear, sunglasses and accessories.
• Hilton Worldwide hotels: At least 5 percent off room rates
• Hyatt Hotels: 10 percent off room rates
• Target.com: 10 percent off online purchases (via AAA.com)
• Starwood hotels: 5 to 15 percent off room rates
• El Torito restaurants: 10 percent off, up to 4 adult entrees

• Einstein Bros. Bagels: Coffee in your personal mug costs just $1 – that’s 40% off regular price.
• Peet’s Coffee & Tea: 10 cents off with a refillable cup
• Starbucks: Save 10 cents when you bring a mug. Bonus: Free refills with a Gold card.

MAXIMIZE YOUR SAVINGS & CREDIT

This year we can hopefully all see a light at the end of this dismal economic tunnel. There are of course numerous ways to spend less on almost everything, however, there are several ways can we maximize the savings or credit we have.

Money magazine’s end of 2011 issue highlights several action plans we can take in order to save wisely and borrow judiciously.

Search For Yield

Online banks, with less overhead, are a great place to start. Savings accounts at American Express or Discover Bank yield 1% – no great shakes but five times the national average. Also, check out high-yielding checking options at a local bank, where you can often find rates above 2%. There are trade-offs, though. For instance, to get that rate, you may have to commit to making at least 10 debit card transactions a month and sign up for direct deposit.

Search for the best rates where you live by visiting moneyrates.com/rewardschecking.htm. Call the bank about terms and qualifications that may apply. Also, check for the best savings and CD rates at MoneyAisle.com. 

Also, visit bankrate.com to make sure the banks you’re considering earn at least three stars for safety.