Frugal Blog

Use Your iPhone to Spend Less!

September 10, 2011

The iPhone has tons of cool free apps that make it simple to save some cash. Check out some of my favorite iPhone apps and start saving money today!

• GasBuddy - find the cheapest gas on the go! Locate gas stations near you and see their current gas prices.

• I Love Free Things - quick and easy access to free samples and freebie offers. For example, I often take advantage of their weekly list of promo codes for free Blockbuster Express movies!

• Yelp - save time (and money) by checking out local reviews of where to eat, shop, drink, relax, play, etc.. Some merchants even has special deals just for Yelpers!

• ATM Hunter - locate nearby ATM machines that won't charge a fee. Plus it gives you helpful tips on how to be smarter with your money and safer at ATM locations.

• Craigslist Mobile - find (almost) anything you want and need in your budget on Craigslist on the go!

• RedLaser - scans the bar code of any product while you're shopping and tells you how much it costs at other chains and online stores.

• Wi-Fi Finder - instantly find free Wi-Fi internet hotspots wherever you are in the world online or offline.

• Grocery eCoupons - get free paperless eCoupons redeemable at over 24,000 supermarkets and drugstores nationwide.

• Garage Sale Rover - quickly view garage sales from Craigslist and other sources on a map. And navigate there with GPS voice operated turn-by-turn directions.

For more ways to spend less... visit SpendLessOnEverything.com!

Posted by Marissa Winfrey. Posted In : Money Saving Tips

FREE Caribbean Vacations!

September 8, 2011

Who says there’s no such thing as legitimate free stuff. I found this awesome website that gives away complimentary travel certificates to the caribbean. Most hotels and resorts are never booked to full capacity, except perhaps during the holidays and long weekends.

Some of the exotic locations include Cabo San Lucas & Cancun, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Aruba, and many more destinations. Check their website for updated information.

Check out this website, they truly give you a free trip to the caribbean! The only thing you and your guest(s) need to do is attend a 90 minute no-obligation presentation and pay the room tax.

Go to www.RedeemTrip.com and mention the certificate promo code: GFF547 to receive your free exotic vacation! For more frugal deals, visit TheFrugalLifestyle.

Posted by Marissa Winfrey. Posted In : Travel

Inexpensive Cars Under $16,000

September 8, 2011

In the June 2011 article in AAA’s Westways magazine, Peter Bohr wrote about how there really are affordable new cars under $16,000! He has assembled a list of his favorites and he shares it with his readers. Here’s an excerpt of the article:

Every car on the list comes with luxury and safety items. I considered only cars that included air conditioning for my $16,000 price limit. Every vehicle has a host of safety features, including side air bags. Except for the Ford Ranger, each also has curtain air bags. Except for the Suzuki SX4, each has stability control. All have, at a minimum, a 36-month/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Most have combined EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings in the high 20-mpg or low 30-mpg range.

I used manufacturer suggested retail prices including destination fee, minus any advertised factory-to-consumer rebates. The prices do not include sales tax or fees, which typically add another 10 to 12 percent. In alphabetical order, here’s the terrific 10:

• Fiat 500 – $16,000 including remote keyless entry, cruise control.

• Ford Fiesta SE sedan – $15,590 (after $500 rebate), including automatic transmission, remote keyless entry.

• Ford Ranger XL two-door – $15,255 (after $3,500 rebate).

• Honda Fit – $15,850, including remote keyless entry, cruise control.

• Kia Soul – $13,995, with 60-month/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

• Mazda 2 Sport – $15,775, including automatic transmission, remote keyless entry.

• Nissan Cube – $15,070, including remote keyless entry.

• Nissan Sentra 2.0 Sedan – $14,980 (after $2,500 rebate), including automatic transmission.

• Suzuki SX4 Sport S sedan – $15,874 (after $1,250 rebate), including navigation system, alloy wheels, remote keyless entry.

• Toyota Yaris three-door hatchback – $15,839 (after $500 rebate), including automatic transmission, remote keyless entry, iPod interface, 24-month/24,000-mile free maintenance.

Kia Soul $13,995

Posted by Marissa Winfrey. Posted In : Cars

Freebies and Discounts on your Birthday!

June 8, 2011

There is an upside to turning a year older. Here's some sweet b'day perks, courtesy of Real Simple magazine. Check with each merchant to make sure these birthday offers still apply.

AVEDA: I have taken advantage of this treat myself. Birthday-club members receive a free product - up to a $25 value - custom blended with the aroma of their choice to be redeemed within two months. The body lotion is quite popular, one time I waited almost 2 months until they got more in.

BASKIN-ROBBINS: You'll receive an e-mail coupon for a free scoop of ice cream and a discount on a birthday cake when you join the Birthday Club.

BENIHANA: Sign up for the Chef's Table e-newsletter and you will get an e-mail with a gift certificate for dinner worth up to $30 to be used during your birth month.

COLD STONE CREAMERY: Sign up for its birthday club and receive a free treat on your special day.

DSW: Loyalty members, who participate in a rewards program, get a $5 certificate that's good through the member's entire birthday month.

EXPRESS: Customers who are store credit-card holders receive a $10 coupon to be applied toward their next purchase during their birth month.

IHOP: By joining the Pancake Revolution, you'll eat for free three times - once when you sign up for IHOP's mailing list, once on your birthday, and once a year after you register.

NEW YORK & COMPANY: Store credit-card holders receive a coupon for up to 25 percent off purchases (in store and online), valid during their birth month.

OLD NAVY: Subscribe to Old Navy e-mails and receive $10 off purchases of $50 or more (online and in stores) for two weeks during your birth month.

RED ROBIN: Enroll in the eClub or the Red Royalty program and score a free burger!

RUBY TUESDAY'S: Sign up for the So Connected list at rubytuesday.com and get a free burger on your birthday and other food and bar redemption offers during the year.

STARBUCKS: Toast your day with a free cappuccino (or any another drink of your choice) when you have a My Starbucks Rewards card. Pick one at any location. The more you use it, the more freebies you can get, including gratis syrup and refills. In addition, I personally have received many free drink cards in the mail after I've ordered 15 drinks.

VICTORIA'S SECRET: Angel credit-card holders receive either a $10-off coupon for in-store purchases or an e-mailed coupon code good for $10 off online during their birth month.

PLUS a birthday gift for your pet ...

PETCO: Register Fido's D.O.B (or adoption date) in the Birthday Club and get 10 percent off products during that month.

Posted by Marissa Winfrey. Posted In : Money Saving Tips

Save Money On Your Energy Bills

May 28, 2011

Energy deregulation has opened up the marketplace in a number of states and has enabled consumers to choose from multiple electricity providers who now compete for their business.

Before deregulation, consumers did not have a choice. The local utility company purchased electricity directly from power plants and charged the consumer a standard rate for electric service. If a consumer needed electricity and/or natural gas, they had no choice but to purchase it at the standard rate from the local utility company.

In areas where the energy marketplace is still regulated, consumers have only one option when it comes to choosing an electricity and/or natural gas provider (the incumbent). The point of deregulation is ultimately to reduce prices by introducing competition and choice into the market.

You now have the power to choose a different energy company to supply your electricity and natural gas. SpendLessOnUtilities.com provides a number of options for residential consumers and business owners to choose from to find the best rates. Just like shopping for insurance or airline tickets, this website will help you shop for the best energy rates.

In addition, there is also an opportunity to earn money by helping people save money on their utility bills. Click here to learn how.

Posted by Marissa Winfrey. Posted In : Frugal Utilities

Bargains and Deals Galore

April 27, 2011

I found some great frugal bargains in Real Simple magazine that I would like to highlight. For more frugal tips and ideas, please visit my Frugal Tips page.

RECYCLE REWARDS

Staples: 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.

AAA MEMBERSHIP DEALS

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

PAY LESS FOR COFFEE

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.

STUDENT OR TEACHER ID PERKS

Apple: Students, teachers and school administrators receive $50 to $450 off computers.
Club Monaco: 20 percent off for college students and professors.
J. Crew: 15 percent off for college students and professors.
Topshop: 10 percent off with a valid high school or college ID

Posted by Marissa Winfrey. Posted In : Money Saving Tips

Home Decor on a Budget

April 6, 2011

People have been more budget conscious on how they spend their money on non-essential items such as home decor. Even when our economy bounces back from this recession, continue to practice the art of smart and savvy decorating. It will not only be more rewarding financially but creatively as well. You can proudly say to your friends that you've furnished your room for less than 3 months worth of coffee at Starbucks!

Shop resources such as discount stores, outlet stores, garage sales, swap meets, flea markets, estate sales, Craigslist, even curbside discards! Let your friends and family know you are re-decorating, you'll be surprise what hand me down treasures they'll pass on to you. For more frugal home decor ideas, check out our Home Decor page.

Check out the guest room below that I furnished for $160 total. Happy decorating!
• Floor Lamp - Rose Bowl Swap Meet $10
• Loveseat - FREE Curbside Discard
• Slipcover for Loveseat - Target $30
• Window Shade - Target $20
• Stool for Fan - Flea Market $10
• White Tray - Yard Sale $5
• Flower Vase - FREE Water Glass Bottle
• Pillows - Ross & Marshall's $15
• Vintage Fan - Antique Store $40
• Stack of Boxes - Michael's $20
• Guest Room Book - Gift from my friend Jeanine
• Woven Floor Covering - Sample Sale Prop $10

Posted by Marissa Winfrey. Posted In : Home Decor

Resources on Spending Less & Saving More

March 6, 2011

Here are my top 5 eBook resources that I think give the best advice on how we can all spend less and save more on everyday things. For more great eBook resources on frugal living, click here.

Living On A Dime - Save Money and Get Out of Debt

Common Cents - A Simple Guide to Saving, Making and Managing Money

100 Ways To Save Money

Save Thousands Grocery Shopping

Better Groceries For Less Cash

Posted by Marissa Winfrey. Posted In : Save Money

Last Minute Affordable Valentine's Day Gifts

February 10, 2011

Valentine's Day is just right around the corner! If you or someone you know haven't done their shopping for that special something, you are in luck, Stauer has a great selection on last minute V-Day gifts. Visit Stauer.com today.

$20 Off $100 at Stauer.com: Diamon Aura Set

Posted by Marissa Winfrey. Posted In : Shopping

Top 5 Make Money Online Businesses

February 4, 2011

In this tough economic times, unemployment has hit you or someone you know. It's time to take charge of your future so that you don't have to depend on an employer for your income. We have compiled a list of online businesses where you can earn an incredible amount of money. The best part about all these businesses is that they are all FREE to start up. Some of the benefits in having an online business are ... you set your own hours, you can work from the comfort of your own home, be your own boss! It's up to you how much money you want to make, by putting in the effort and a strong desire to succeed, you truly can live a "richer" life. For complete details, please check out HelpWantedImmediately.com.

But wait, there's more! Click HERE for more online businesses you can do for FREE.

To get more details, please click on the banner below or visit HelpWantedImmediately.com.

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Posted by Marissa Winfrey. Posted In : Earn Money

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About Me

Marissa Lauren Winfrey

Hello, my name is Marissa Lauren Winfrey and I have been living the frugal life ever since I can remember. I have always looked for great bargains and getting the best value for my money without compromising style and quality. My background is in visual display and interior decorating. It's always been my objective to recommend cost effective solutions to my clients. I, of course practice what I preach ... I have furnished my own homes mostly with furnishings and decor items from estate sales, discount stores, flea markets, yard sales or thrift stores (even curbside discarded furniture)! My frugal practice goes beyond the home. I offer money saving tips on just about everything, from shoe shopping to car insurance. I hope this website will inspire everyone to be their own Frugalista.