Code Violation

So we've lived in our same house for over seventeen years and we never had a garage sale, until this year. Actually, we've had three this year already, the most recent was last weekend. It was a quick, well organized event starting at 8 am and ending at 11 am when we promptly picked up the signs and then the traffic stopped coming. But the thing is, we live off of a busy thorough fare so we get lots of traffic, and there were usually at least three to six cars parked on our street during the sale those few hours, especially during the eight o'clock power hour (where we made over half our profits). It was a nice morning and everyone seemed happy to be able to score a deal - especially our repeat customers the ones who prowl the sales every Saturday morning.

 

Anyway, some anonymous person out there apparently doesn't appreciate our sales because they turned us into the City for a code enforcement violation. It seems that this little town doesn't allow yard sales more than once every 6 months. Well, who would have figured that one out?  Maybe its because It could be an eye sore or a traffic hassle. I'm thinking someone didn't like having to slow down to carefully drive through the cars parked on both sides of the street. I feel like parking both our cars on the road, one on each side to make the speeders slow down - but I'm too afraid they'll just smash one and drive on.

 

So, we've come up with a plan. We talked to our neighbor and we''re going to just have our next sale in our neighbors driveway across the street. We can have one every quarter if we alternate our driveway with her driveway. Besides then we'll have lots of stuff and not run out since thats usually why we close up shop when we run out of stuff. And actually we're learning about yard sales now that we've had a few. If you have your stuff priced right, you don't need to haggle - the product will sell to the next person. A lot of people asked me to sell something for $0.50 when it was marked a dollar and I said no, it would all be gone in a couple hours anyway. So they would just buy it at our price but they would check out with DH. After the first hour, he had three times the amount of money I had. I figured all the women who wanted to haggle but were turned down, just went to him to pay. Maybe it was one of them who turned us in, hmmm.

 

 

One Bottle to Saving Money, the Planet, and Your Sanity

A look at the ingredients list or price tag of any household cleaning spray or shampoo is usually enough to curl your toes.  
 

Parabens are called "gender-benders" in the scientific community for a reason, and bleach leaves an awful smell from vapors that actually irritate lungs, skin, and eyes, especially of children and pets.  Moreover, items like personal and home cleaning agents—even when on sale—aren't always cheap.  The cost on the environment is a heavy price to pay, and more directly, they aren't always cheap on our personal bank accounts, especially since they don't seem to last very long.

Conventional cosmetics and cleaning companies make us pay good money to feel like we're doing the earth and our bodies a favor.  But not Dr. Bronner. For over 60 years, Dr. Bronner's line of soaps has appealed to thrifty eco-enthusiasts across America.  Now, their line is fair trade, organic, and still affordable.  Best of all, they're multi-purpose.  Save money and time by making your own shampoo, face wash, and household cleaning spray with just one diluted bottle of Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap!
 

DIY Shampoo and Body Soap

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap
• Optional 2 tsp jojoba oil for dry hair
• Optional 5 drops of lavender or tea tree oil for oily hair

Mix the ingredients together in an empty bottle and shake before use.  It's watery, but its lathering capabilities will surprise you; try flipping your hair over your head in the shower and applying directly to your scalp so it doesn't just run down your neck.  Because lavender and tea tree oil are natural antiseptics, they'll help de-grease an extra grungy scalp (especially if you use a lot of hair products).  You can add the essential oils yourself or just buy the lavender or tea tree oil varieties they have at the store (they have 8 scents in all, each infused with different essential oils).  The eucalyptus and peppermint soaps do the best jobs at clearing sinuses, so stock up now in preparation for spring.
 

You'll find that as you use this gentle shampoo, your hair's natural moisture will keep you from having to spend as much money on hair products.  There's no sense in stripping your locks of helpful and natural oils just to replace them with parabens and petroleum.  As long as you wash a few times a week and use fewer chems, don't ever doubt your cleanliness.
 

DIY Face Wash

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap

No, you read that right.  It's that easy.  Whether you have fairly easy-to-please skin or the kind that has you prowling www.acne.org (which gives Dr. Bronner 4.5 out of 5 stars, by the way), Dr. Bronner's soaps are gentle on your skin and just tough enough on germs.  The mistake most people with problem skin make is stripping it dry, causing oil glands to go into overdrive.  Just follow cleansing with your typical toning and moisturizing routine and watch your pores shrivel, skin clear, and stress drop.
 

DIY Home Cleaning Disinfectant Spray

• 2 cups water
• 3 tbsp Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap
• 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil

Tea tree oil was recently discovered in an Italian study to inhibit the spread of bacteria—even the fearsome H1N1 virus.  Rather than relying on bleach (and its toxic vapors) or low-grade pesticides to clean your tiles and counters, try mixing these ingredients in an old spray bottle to disinfect almost any surface.  Tea tree oil isn't toxic (unless you down a whole bottle of it at once), so you don't have to worry about the kids and animals touching the surfaces you've cleaned.


Credit: Dr. Bronner
Bio: Alexis Bonari is currently a resident blogger at College Scholarships, where recently she's been. Whenever this WAHM gets some free time she enjoys doing yoga, cooking with the freshest organic in-season fare, and practicing the art of coupon clipping.

Updates

A couple updates -

• The new Publix Sneak Peek matchups at Slickdeals have been moved to HERE to the wiki. They should be easier to find and keep track of.
• This upcoming RP & SS coupon inserts have a couple moneymaker coupons for use at Publix, so you may want to get a few extra - the $4/1 Zyrtec coupon is for ANY product and that will match up good with the $2/1 Publix Q from the pharmacy booklet, or even better with the $4/1 Target Q, for a nice moneymaker on the 5 ct ($6.49) or 3 ct package ($3.99).
• Also in the inserts is another Mars candy coupon for $1/2 ANY easter candy, so get the $0.50 Snickers egg and make $0.50 each.
• You may not have noticed that starting next Thursday 4/14, Publix is doing the $10 off $50 AMEX GC ($4.95 activation fee) deal again. I still have a couple cards left from last time, so I think I'll roll them over next week. This is a $5 moneymaker, plus you can use it to absorb your other moneymaker overage into it and get the $50 card for as low as $21 bucks or so.
• If you watched the TLC Extreme Couponing show you were probably appalled and amazed at the same time. Well, this blogger shows us proof that one of the shoppers was a scammer, check it out HERE.

Publix Sneak Peek BOGO's 4/14 - 4/23/11

BOGO's (note extended dates due to holiday!)


Dole Pineapple 20oz can, BOGO $1.75

Kraft or Seven Seas Dressing, 14-16oz bot, BOGO $3.27

FishEye Pinot Grigio Wine, or Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot, 750ml, BOGO $6.99 (Usually Regional)

Medium Shrimp Ring, 18oz pkg, BOGO $12.99

Bantry Bay Mussels, 16oz pkg, BOGO $4.99

Oscar Mayer Sliced Bacon 16oz pkg, or Center Cut, 12oz pkg, BOGO $7.19

Jones Dairy Farm Golden Brown Sausage, Links or Patties 7oz pkg, or Turkey Links 5oz pkg, BOGO $2.69

Simply Potatoes Diner’s Choice Mashed Potatoes, 32oz pkg, BOGO $4.19

Fresh Express Salad Blends, or Greens, 5-12oz pkg, BOGO- Surprisingly Low Price

Breyers Ice Cream, 48oz ctn, BOGO $6.17

Cool Whip Whipped Topping, 8oz bowl, BOGO $2.03

Alexia All Natuural Artisan Breads, 10.5-14oz pkg, BOGO $3.39

Sorrento Mozzarella Cheese, 16oz pkg, BOGO $4.69

Rondele Cheese Spread, 8oz cup, BOGO $4.69

Yoplait Yo-Plus Yogurt, 4pk 4oz cup, BOGO $2.00

Smary Balance Spread, 13-15oz or 2pk 7.5oz tub, or Spray 8oz bot, BOGO $3.59

Publix Deli Tea, 1gal, BOGO $2.59

Dove Silky Smooth Eggs or Promises, 8.5-9.5oz bag, BOGO $4.29

Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, or Cups or Hershey’s Candy Bars, Marshmallow Eggs, or Bunnies, or Almond Joy Eggs or Kit Kat, 6ct pkg, BOGO $4.19

Hellmann’s Mayonnaise, 30oz jar, BOGO $5.41

Pure Wesson Oil, 48oz bot, BOGO $4.29

Mt. Olive Pickles, 16-46oz jar, or Pickle or Jalapeno Pepper Slices Pak 4pk 3.7oz ctn, BOGO $2.79

Del Monte Vegetables, 11-15.25oz can, BOGO $1.33

Tuttorosso Tomatoes, or Tomato Sauce or Puree, 28-29oz can, BOGO $1.87

Lipton Tea Bags, 100ct box, BOGO $3.91

PAM Cooking Spray, 5-6oz can, BOGO $3.39

Ocean Spray Juice Cocktail, or Juice Drink or No Sugar Added 100% Cranberry Juice, 101-101.4oz bot, BOGO $5.39

Gatorade Thirst Quencher, or G2, 64oz bot, BOGO $2.60

Mott’s Apple Sauce, 46-48oz jar, BOGO $2.81

Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Cake Mix, (Excluding Angel Food) 18.25oz box, BOGO $2.05

Barilla Pasta, 13.25-16oz box, (Excluding Barilla Plus and Lasagna), BOGO $1.43

Uncle Ben’s Long Grain & Wild Rice, or Brown & Wild, 6-6.7oz box, BOGO $1.99

Idahoan Mashed Potatoes, 1.5-4.1oz pkg, or Scalloped or Au Gratin, 3.95oz box, BOGO $1.25

Kraft Velveeta Shells & Cheese Dinner, or Rotini & Cheese or Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese, 9.4-14oz box, BOGO $2.67

Duncan Hines Decadent Brownie Mix, 16.76-18oz box, or Decadent Cake Mix, 20.8-21.4oz box, BOGO $2.69

Kellogg’s Special K Cereal, 11.4-14oz box, or Low Fat Granola, 19.5oz box, BOGO $4.09

Krusteaz Cookie Mix, 15.5-17.5oz box, BOGO $2.19

Post Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal, 13-17oz box, or Vanilla Clusters 18oz box (Excluding Family Size), BOGO $4.09

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, 8.4-8.7oz box, BOGO $3.09

Kellogg’s Pop Tarts, 8ct 13.5-15.2oz box, BOGO $2.69

Quaker Instant Grits, 12pk 12oz box, BOGO $3.19

Nabisco Crackers, or Wheat Thins Stix, 5.5-10oz box, BOGO $ 3.49

Thomas’ English Muffins, 11-13oz pkg, BOGO $3.69

Mentos Pure Fresh Gum, 50ct bot, BOGO $3.29

Nabisco Ritz Crackers, or Ritz Bitz Sandwiches, or Munchables Pretzel Crisps, or Thins, 9.5-16oz box, BOGO $3.79

Keebler Chips Deluxe Cookies, or Sandies Sortbread, 14.5-18oz bag, BOGO $3.99

Entenmann’s Softees Donuts, 10oz pkg, BOGO $4.39

Nabisco Newtons, 8-14oz pkg, BOGO $3.89

Lay’s Potato Chips, 10-10.5oz bag, (Excluding Kettle Cooked, Baked, Light, and Natural) BOGO $3.99

Keebler Club Crackers, 11-16oz box, BOGO $4.09

Planters Nuts, Regular Mixed Nuts, Cashews Halves & Peanuts, or Honey Roasted Peanuts & Cashews, $4.43

Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn, 12-19.8oz box, or 30oz jar, BOGO $5.07

Wise Cheese Flavored Corn Snacks, Cheez Doodles 8.5oz bag, or Puffed Baked Cheez Doodle O’s 8oz bag, BOGO $2.99

Chinet Classic White Plates, 24-55ct pkg, BOGO $6.17

Vanity Fair Napkins, 40ct pkg, or Premium 40 or 100ct pkg, BOGO $2.35

Finish Automatic Dishwasher Detergent, 25 or 32ct box, BOGO $6.99

Thanks to Slickdeals Publix Thread!!!

Online Coupons: Changing the Way You Save

Online coupons can help you cut back on your spending if you are a frequent online shopper. A lot of businesses have turned to using coupons as a way of luring consumers to buy from them. There is a wide range of coupons you can benefit from. All of them offer discounts on the indicated services and products. One of the most respected and top distributor of coupons is Valpak. The company offers coupons for a range of products and services. Restaurants and food courts, grocery stores, car shops, clothing malls, electronics, massage parlors and hair dressers are just some of the products/services covered by Valpak coupons.

Other than the instant discounts you get when you use online coupons, you can benefit from loyalty points and reward programs. This is for people who use Valpak coupons frequently. Keep looking out for these offers so you can apply for those that you qualify for. Large companies often partner with Valpak to give tremendous offers that can go a long way in helping you save money. You could win yourself a three month supply of grocery or get free car service worth $5,000 at a particular service station. This is a clever way that businesses use to attract customers. If you happen to be one of the lucky customers to win these packages, you get to save quite an amount of cash in the process.

You have every reason to use online coupons because coupons work with all major credit cards. Also, you probably buy most of your stuff online as most people shop for nearly everything online. If you get coupons for half the items you’ve added to your shopping cart, you will have saved a considerable amount of money. How can you find these free online coupons, you ask? Simply visit the Valpak website for a list of available coupons. The company has recently categorized coupons based on location so that consumers who would like to get discounts at their local stores can benefit. At the website, type in your zip code for a list of coupons available in your area. You can choose those that you would like from this list and print them out.

Online coupons can only be used on the net, not in physical stores; except where stated otherwise. Check also that the coupon is available for all shoppers as some are specifically for first time shoppers only. To get the most out of your coupons, choose those that can be used over and over again. Coupons with a one-time-use promo/discount code have a clear warning that they cannot be used again. But even this one-time discount is worth having. As a caution, always check the validity of the coupon before picking it. Many online coupons are designed to last only a few days so do not get one if you do not intend to use it until a month later. Others do not have a validity period indicated; it is the store that decides when they can be availed, depending on the demand of items on offer.

Sally is frugal shopper, a health nut and a workout fanatic. She’s an expecting mother and elementary school teacher in the Chicago area.

#Rays Get 10 Strikeouts! Kanes Strikeout Contest 2011 - Free Pizza Time Again

I love this promotion and its back again this year! When the Tampa Bay #Rays strike out 10 or more batters in a home game, their sponser Kanes Furniture offers a free Papa Johns personal pizza, for a limited time. Last year we got dozens of pizzas because the Rays were so HOT. This year I'm not so sure since they lost their first four games...

But today April 6th, the Rays struck out 10 players, so within 24 hours you must click HERE and register and print out a certificate, and then within 3 days bring it to a Tampa area Kanes furniture store customer service desk and they will give you a little card that you redeem at Papa Johns for a free 10" cheese pizza (or upgrade for $5 to a large with toppings). You have to get your butt into Kanes within 3 days of a strike out, but the card for a free pizza is good until ?? (I'll let you know when I get mine). At least that's how it worked in previous years.

EDIT: It looks like this year they might require the ticket stub from the home game, rather than accepting printed certificates - they have taken down the web page now. This would be a bummer! Anyway, I'll keep you posted if I hear any good news. I might even stop by Kanes to find out what the real deal is.

Extreme Couponing

Well, all the other bloggers are doing posts on Extreme Couponing so I figured I might as well too. Unless you live under a rock, you probably know that the series on TLC is premiering tonight after my fav show Survivor.  Extreme Couponing is going to be the death of us all. All the couponers that is. There are going to be a bunch of noobs out there in the stores throwing coupons at the cashiers demanding they get paid to shop! Its going to be havoc, and the stores know this. So they are tightening up their belts and shoving out their chests and saying "THIS IS HOW IT IS NOW" - no we won't take that competitor, no you can't buy that many, no you can't use that many coupons, no no no!

It already is a getting to be a pain that there are so many of us out there who want the deals, there isn't enough merchandise to satisfy our hunting desires. The shelves are already bare. What will the new couponers do? Hopefully, they'll give it up - and soon.

I might just take a break for a while to avoid the frustration...

Tax Refunds Rolling In

 

Yeah! I got my income tax refund yesterday, what a great mail day. I prepared them online using Tax Act and it was really quick and easy. If you haven't done your taxes yet, what are you waiting for?

Publix Sneak Peek Weekly Ad 4/7-4/13/11

BOGO's

Prego 100% Natural Italian Sauce, Traditional, Flavored with Meat, Fresh Mushrooms, or Chunky Garden Combo, 45oz jar, BOGO $3.79
Mueller's Pasta, 12-16oz box (Excluding Lasagna, Jumbo Shells, and Egg Noodles), BOGO $1.43
Nabisco Snack Well's Brownie Bites, 5.3-6.9oz box, BOGO Surprisingly Low Price
Sunkist Almond Accents, 3.5-3.75oz bag, BOGO $2.99
Toufayan Pita Bread, 12oz pkg, BOGO $1.29
Juicy Juice 100% Juice, 8pk. 6.75oz box, BOGO $3.25
Ocean Spray Craisins, 6oz bag, BOGO $2.29
Del Monte Tomatoes, 14.5oz can, BOGO $1.57
V8 V.Fusion Vegetable & Fruit Juice, 46oz bot., BOGO $3.99
Wish-Bone Dressing, 16oz bot., BOGO $2.97
Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 32oz bot., BOGO $11.99
Ken's or Sweet Baby Ray's Marinade & Sauce, 16oz bot., BOGO $2.99
StarKist Chunk Light Tuna, 4pk 5oz can, BOGO $3.89
A1 Steak Sauce, 10oz bot, BOGO $4.41
Post Cereal, Selects or Great Grains 13-16oz box or Trail Mix Crunch 17oz box, BOGO $4.41
Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats Cereal, 15.8-20.4oz box or Unfrosted Mini-Wheats 18oz box, BOGO $4.51
Nature Valley or Fiber One Granola Bars, 14.1-17.8oz box, BOGO $5.99
Emerald Mixed Nuts, or Almonds or Cashews, 10-11.5oz cnstr., BOGO $5.79
Rold Gold Pretzels, 7-16oz bag, BOGO $2.99
Keebler Town House Crackers, 7.7-16oz box, BOGO $4.09
Nabisco Single Serve Tray Packs, 12 or 15ct 9.45-25.2oz pkg, BOGO $6.17
Snickers Minis Candies, or M&Ms Chocolate Candies, M&Ms Mix, Minis Mix, or Variety Bag Fun Size, 30-42oz bag, BOGO $9.99
Arnold Whole Grains Bread, or Grains & More, Healthfull, or Country White, 24oz loaf, BOGO $3.99
Pepperidge Farm Milano Melts Crispy Cookies, or Distinctive Milano, 5.75-7.5oz bag, BOGO $3.49
6-Pack Estrella Damm Lager Beer, 11.2oz bot, BOGO $7.99 (Usually a regional deal)
I Cant Believe Its Not Butter, Spread 15oz or 2pk 7.5oz tub, 16oz bot, or 10oz bot, or Spray 8oz bot, BOGO $3.29
Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers Vegetables, 11 or 12oz bag, BOGO $2.39
Diana's Bananas Banana Babies, 10.5oz box, BOGO $4.49
Morey's Fish Creations, 10oz box, BOGO $6.99
Birds Eye Voila Meal, 21-23oz bag, BOGO $5.15
Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes, or French Toast, 6-40ct 12.5-14.8oz box, BOGO $2.77
Banquet Breaded Chicken Patties, or Nuggets, or Chicken Breast Tenders or Strips, or Popcorn Chicken, 24oz pkg, BOGO $5.49
Playtex HandSaver Gloves, BOGO $1.99
Purina Beggin Strips Dog Snack, 6oz pkg, BOGO $3.50
Crest Toothpaste, 6.4oz tube, BOGO $2.99
Lysol Disinfectant Bathroom Cleaner, 32oz bot, BOGO $3.73
Glass Plus Glass & Multi-Surface Cleaner, 32oz bot, BOGO $2.49
Clear Eyes Eye Drops, 15ml bot (Excluding Complete 7 Symptom Relief), BOGO $3.99
Beech-Nut Stage 2 Baby Food, 4oz jar, BOGO $0.57

Thanks to Slickdeals Publix Thread (remainder of Ad and coupon matchups here)

Calculating Your Cart

It happened again last night. My grocery order at Publix went negative. I had to pull back a $2 coupon from the cashier, and grab a pack of gum to get my order to $0.87. I still saved over $91, but I left $2 on the counter literally. I guess I didn't think quick enough because I could have grabbed 3 packs of gum, and used my $2 coupon and still paid less than a dollar.

 

The point is I miscalculated my cart. We all do this when couponing, in our hunt to get the lowest total possible, sometimes its just too close. Of course, I prefer to make up my spreadsheet and shop from a list, but we all know that doesn't always work. Most of the time lately, items have been out of stock if there is a moneymaker deal, so you have to go to plan B. I wish I had an iphone or an android phone so I could pull up my excel spreadsheet on Google docs and change the numbers based on what I get. That would make my life a lot easier, but alas that is not to be. I'm not giving up my $30 a month Sprint plan just so I can get out of doing a bunch of math in my head. At least I bring a pencil now to write down numbers.

 

When you calculate your cart to make sure your order doesn't go negative and/or require manager intervention for an override, there are four sets of numbers you need to calculate.

 

1. Item Count – this is the number of items in your cart. Its easiest to keep like items together and I jot down the count about halfway through the shop and then keep track of the running count as I'm getting fillers at the end of the shop. Fillers are any items you put in your cart that don't have a coupon associated with them.
2. Coupon Count – this is the number of coupons you'll be using. Its important that you have an equal or greater number of items in your order to avoid an override. To do this I keep a number of coupons in my kit that apply one coupon to more than one item, like a $1/3 or the koolaid coupon B10G5. I've found that if you need less than 8 filler items, it's cheapest to just get a chunk of garlic, a jalapeno pepper, or ramen. If you need more when you are stacking 2 coupons on a lot of items, the koolaid B10G5 coupon gives you 15 filler items, and adds only one coupon to your count.
3. Coupon Values – this is the amount that all your coupons add up to. Add them all together and remember (or write down) the cost. Your item value must exceed this coupon value. Plus it helps you realize if you qualify to add another $/$$ competitor or PQ to your order, if it passes a price threshold.
4. Item Cost – this is the amount the register will ring up for your products. Remember that BOGO sale items only add cost for one item per pair. If you have BOGO coupons, both items will add cost. You'll have to remember the cost of all the items in your cart and add them up to determine your final price. I don't worry about tax, that just pads your bill. If your item cost is less than your coupon value, then you need to buy something to bring up your total, or buy a gift card for whatever your deficit is, plus a buck or two.

This is a lot of math and it helps that DH adds up one and I add up the other so we each have less to calculate. If you don't have a nice hubby to bring along, bring a calculator.

Lawn Mower Class Action Settlement Update

Last year I posted about the Lawn Mower Class Action Settlement and I was wondering if anyone has gotten their settlement yet, I haven't.

On August 16, 2010, Judge Adelman granted Plaintiffs’ motion for final approval of the settlements with all defendants. Subsequently, some of the class members who objected to the terms of the settlements filed notices of appeal with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals recently dismissed the relevant appeals and the settlement proceeds will soon be ready for distribution to class members. The Claims Administrator is currently processing the claims received by class members. Class members who filed a valid claim can expect to receive a cash payment and engine warranty certificate (if applicable) by April, 2011.


Please be patient and check this website (http://www.lawnmowerclass.com/) or call 1-877-773-8196 for timely updates. The updates on the website and toll-free telephone line contain the most up-to-date information available, so please refrain from contacting Rust Consulting or Class Counsel directly if your questions relate to the status of the Court’s decision on Final Approval or any appeals.

Change Your Mindset, Save Some Money

Most frugal living blogs out there will give you specific advice for saving money on one or more aspects of life, like how to cut down on your grocery bill, how to pay off your student or credit card debt, or how to avoid spending too much during vacation. While these types of articles can be very helpful for those of us who are financially impaired, I think some more general advice about money can be equally as enlightening. Based on a few articles I've read about the psychology of money, here are a few tips for spending money using your head.

 

1. Don't spend a lot of money on a new hobby until you've achieved a certain level of mastery.

Although this tip is pretty specific, it can apply to lots of different areas of financial health as well. I've noticed that many people have a tendency to buy all the most expensive gear for new hobbies before even really learning the hobby. For example, you may buy a nice guitar before really knowing how to play it, or you'll buy a pricey treadmill before really dedicating the time to exercising. Invest cheap and reward yourself with better gear once you've really achieved some measure of success.

 

2. Never go to the grocery store hungry. Or, don't spend money when you've been deprived.

This is an oldie but it's a goodie, and it's generally true in life as well. We human beings have lower reserves of will power than we'd like to think. As such, if you've been depriving yourself of anything for awhile, you'll inevitably go overboard whenever you do finally decide to give in.

 

3. Saving is not the same as penny-pinching.

Saving money is something that we all reasonably aspire to, and it's definitely a noble and worthwhile goal, as good finances are part and parcel of a good psychological health. At the same time however, penny-pinching is the act of going to an extreme, which can be devastating to your emotional well-being, too. If you plan your budget well, leaving room for the occasional slip up, and you enjoy your spending your money when you do spend it, then you are on your way to financial success.

 

4. Avoiding a financial problem will never make it go away. Trust me, I've tried.

There's something about keeping track of bills and other money matters that makes nearly everyone I know cringe and sometimes engage in avoidant behavior. When I was in college and had problems keeping track of overdraft fees, I'd continue spending money. For some reason, I just avoided checking my balance because part of me simply didn't want to know. As you can probably guess, this was a terrible strategy and I ended up in the red more times than I'd care to admit. Denial never really works in any respect, not least of which with money. So if you find yourself thinking about a bill or anything related to money, stop what you're doing and get it done immediately. You'd be surprised by how mood-lifting tackling money problems right away can be.

 

Alvina Lopez is a freelance writer and blog junkie, who blogs about accredited online colleges.  She welcomes your comments at her email Id: alvina.lopez @gmail.com. 

Publix Sneak Peek Weekly Ad 3/31-4/6/11

BOGOs:
Sabra Hummus, 4 pk, 2 oz cup or 10 oz pkg, save up to 3.99

Home Run Inn Chicago's Premium Pizza, 27 to 31 oz box, save up to 6.99

Klondike or Slim-a-Bear Ice Cream Treats, 16 to 27 oz box, save up to 3.39

Publix Fresh Chilled Chicken Tenders, any size pkg or equal or lesser price, save up to 7.69

Kellogg's Cereal Raisin Bran Crunch or Frosted Flakes, 23 or 25.5 oz box, Rice Krispies, 18 oz box, or Smorz, Cinnabon or Eggo Cereal, 8.9 to 10 oz box, save up to 3.99

Ragu Pasta Sauce Old World Style, Traditional: Regular or With Meat, or Chunky Gardenstyle: Garlic & Onions, Green Pepper & Mushrooms or Super Mushroom, 45 oz jar, save up to 2.99

Ronzoni Pasta, 12 or 16 oz box (excluding Lasagna, Jumbo Shells, Manicotti, Healthy Harvest and Smart Taste), save up to 1.39

Log Cabin Syrup, Lite or Original, 24 oz bottle, save up to 3.89

V8 100% Vegetable Juice, 46 oz bottle, save up to 2.85

Mott's Apple Sauce, 6 pk, 3.9 or 4 oz cup, save up to 1.81

Kraft Mayo Real Mayonnaise Original, Light or Miracle Whip, 22 oz bottle, save up to 4.69

Luzianne Family Size Tea Bags Original or Green Tea, 24 ct box (excluding Decaf, 24 ct box), save up to 2.29

Hunt's Tomato Ketchup, 24 oz bottle, save up to 1.65

Hormal Premium Breast of Chicken with Rib Meat, in Water, 12.5 oz can, save up to 3.39

Publix Soft Drinks or Seltzer Water, 2L bottle, save up to 0.89

Thomas' Bagels, 6 ct, 20 oz bag, save up to 4.19

Cheetos Cheese Flavored Snacks, 8 to 9.75 oz bag, (excluding Baked! and Natural), save up to 3.49

Entenmann's Little Bites, 8.25 to 8.8 oz box, save up to 4.29

Nabisco Honey Maid Grahams or Original Grahams, 12.2 to 14.4 oz box, save up to 3.99

Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies or E.L. Fudge, 6.6 to 15 oz pkg, save up to 3.49

Hershey's Miniatures or Kisses or Nuggets Assortment or Reese's Peanut Butter cups or Reese's and Kit Kat Minis Assortment, 38.5 or 40 oz bag, save up to 9.99

Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Bread, 24 oz loaf, save up to 3.89

Vitalicious VitaMuffin VitaTops, 4 ct, 8 oz box, or VitaSandwich, 2 ct, 9.1 oz box, save up to 4.49

Mayfield Ice Cream, 48 oz carton, save up to 5.99

Gardein Garden Protein Meat-Free Entrees, 9 or 10 oz pkg, save up to 3.99

Tai Pei Entrees, 12 to 14.2 oz box, save up to 2.99

Starkist SeaSations Fish Fillets Atlantic Whole White: Savory Lemon & Herb, Thai with Basil, Mediterranean Tomato & Basil, or Teriyaki Orange & Ginger, 9.2 or 11.4 oz box, save up to 5.99

Reynolds Wrap Foil Heavy Duty, 18 inch wide, 75 sq ft pkg, save up to 5.99

Purina Cat Chow Cat Food Indoor or Complete Formula or Kitten Chow, 3.5 lb bag, save up to 4.99

Purina Friskies Party Mix Cat Treats, 2.1 oz pkg, save up to 1.75

Lysol Disinfectant All Purpose Cleaner, 40 oz bottle, save up to 3.19

Fab Laundry Detergent, Powder 3.41 lb oz, or Liquid, 50 oz bottle, save up to 3.99

Schick Quattro or Intuition Razors, 1 ct pkg, save up to 8.99

Mennen Speed Stick Anti-Perspirant or Deodorant, 2.7 to 3.25 oz pkg, or Lady Speed Stick, 2.25 or 2.3 oz pkg, (excluding 24/7 and Stainguard), save up to 2.33

Earth's Best Organic Baby Food, 6 Months and Up, 4 oz jar, save up to 0.85

Bakery:
All Butter Pound Cake, 12 or 16 oz pkg, 3.79
Italian Five Grain Bread, Wheat or White, 16 oz loaf, 2.89
Breakfast Bread, 20 oz loaf, 4.19
Baker's Dozen Cookes, 13 ct, Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Sugar or Oatmeal, 14 oz pkg, 4.39
Seven Sisters Meltaway Buns, 13 or 18 oz size, 4.79
New York Style Cheesecake with Strawberries, 6 inch, 32 oz, 9.99
New York Style Cheesecake plain, 6 inch, 23 oz, 6.99
Croissants, 2 oz size, 10/$10

Dairy:
Yoplait Yogurt, 4 or 6 oz cup, 20/$10
Smart Balance Milk, half-gallon, 2/$5
Eggland's Best Large Eggs, 12 ct carton, 2/$4
Land O Lakes Sweet Cream Butter Salted, Unsalted or Light Salted, 4 sticks, or Salted, 8-half sticks, 16 oz box, 2/$6
Nestle Coffee-mate Flavored Creamer, 32 oz bottle, (excluding non-dairy creamers), 2/$5
Publix Shredded Cheese, 8 oz pkg, 2/$4
Publix Crumbled Cheese Feta, Gorgonzola or Blue Cheese, Regular or Reduced Fat, 4 oz pkg, 2/$4

Deli:
Publix Deli Imported Brie Wedge Cheese, 9.99/lb
Publix Deli Turkey and Swiss Sandwich, Pre-packaged, 3.29
Boar's Head Deli Turkey and Swiss Sandwich, Pre-packaged, 3.79
Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps, 7.2 oz pkg, (excluding Chocolate and White Chocolate Varieties), 2/$5
Boar's Head Maple Honey Ham, 8.49/lb

Frozen:
Lean Cuisine Entrees, 6 to 12.5 oz pkg, 4/$10
P.F. Chang's Home Menu Perfect for Two Meal, 22 oz pkg, 6.99
Michelina's Entrees, 4.5 to 9.5 oz box, 10/$10
Aunt Jemima Breakfast Entrees, 5.25 to 6.8 oz box, 10/$10

Grocery:
Kellogg's Special K Cereal, Family Size, 15.5 to 18 oz box (excluding Low Fat Granola), 3.49
Special K Bars, 3.8 to 4.86 oz box, 2.$5
Truvia Nature's Calorie Free Sweetener, 4.9 oz box, 2.99
Gatorade Thirst Quencher or G2 Low-Calorie Electrolyte Beverage, 128 oz bottle, or 6 pk, 12 oz bottles, 2/$6
Chef Boyardee Pasta, 14.5 to 15 oz can, 10/$10
Del Monte Fruit or Fruit & Gel 4 pk, 3.75 to 4.5 oz cup or Fruit Chillers, 8 ct, 2 oz tubes, 3/$5
Starbucks Coffee, 11 or 12 oz bag, 6.99
Coca-Cola 2 L bottles, $1 off two
Aquafina Pure Water, 24 pk, 16.9 oz bottles, 3.99
Pepsi Products, 8 pk, 12 oz bottles, 3/$10
Cape Cod Kettle-Cooked Potato Chips, 2/$5
Campbell's Condensed Soup, 10.5 to 11.5 oz can (excluding Won ton, Cream of Shrimp and Oyster Stew), 10/$10
Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Snack Crackers or Grahams, 6.6 to 8 oz pkg, 10/$10
Frito-Lay Snacks, 3.25 to 5.5 oz canister, 10/$10
Idahoan Mashed Potatoes or Scalloped or Au Gratin, 1.5 to 4.1 oz pkg, 10/$10
Jolly Time Microwave Popcorn Healthy Pop: 100 Calorie Butter, Butter or Kettle Corn, 4.8 or 9 oz box, or Blast O Butter Ultimate Theatre Style, 10.5 oz box, 10/$10
Knorr Sides, 3.8 to 6.4 oz pouch, 10/$10

Health & Beauty:
Garnier Fructis Hair Products, 3 to 13 oz pkg, 2.19
Dove Body Wash, 18 or 24 oz bottle, or Bar Soap, 6 ct, 4.2 or 4.25 oz box, 5.19
Dove Men+ Care Body and FAce Wash, 13.5 oz bottle, 3.49
Vaseline Skin Care Lotion, 24.5 oz bottle, 4.99
Softsoap Liquid or Foaming Hand Soap, 8 or 8.5 oz bottle, 2/$4
Kellogg's Special K Protein Meal Bar, 6 ct box, 2/$10
Arm & Hammer Advance White Toothpaste, 6 or 6.3 oz tube, 2.29
Bayer Aspirin, 24 to 36 ct box, 1.99
Centrum Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplement, 60 to 220 ct bottle, 25% off
MiraLax Laxative Powder for Solution, 14 Once-Daily Doses, 8.3 oz pkg, 7.99
FRS Healthy Energy Drink, 11.5 oz can, 10/$10
DenTek Floss Picks, 75 or 90 ct pkg, 10/$10

Household:
Charmin Bathroom Tissue Ultra Strong or Ultra Soft, Mega, 12 roll pkg, or Big Roll, 24 roll pkg, 12.99
Bounty Giant Paper Towels Select-A-size, Prints or White, 8 roll pkg, 10.99
Publix Instant Light Charcoal Briquets, 12.5 lb bag, 6.99
Publix Decorated Paper Plates, 7, 8 1/2 or 10 1/4 inch, 24 to 55 ct pkg or Decorated Paper Bowls, 20 oz, 25 ct pkg, 2.19
Kleenex Tissues, 75 to 200 ct box, 4/$5
Publix Long Lasting Alkaline Batteries, 2 to 10 ct pkg, 4.49
3M Micro Allergen Reduction Filter, 9.99
3M Ultra Allergen Reduction Filters 13.99
Gain Detergent, 100 oz bottle, 9.99
Cascade Dishwasher Detergent Gel or Powder, 75 oz, or ActionPacs, 16 or 20 ct pkg (excluding Cascade Complete), 3.99
Febreze Air Effects Air Refresher 9.7 oz can or Set & Refresh 5.5 ml pkg or 2-in-1 Noticeables Scented Oil Warmer 1 ct pkg, 2/$5
Bounce Dryer Sheets or Downy, 105 or 120 ct box, or Bounce Dryer Bar, 1 ct box, 4.99

Meat:
Porterhouse or t-Bone Steaks, 6.99/lb
Ground Round, 3.69/lb
Ground Round Patties, 3.99/lb
Boneless Shoulder Roast, 3.69/lb
Boneless Shoulder Steaks, 3.99/lb
Center-Cut Pork Rib Chops or Thick-Cut, 3.49/lb
Center-Cut Pork Loin chops, 3.59/lb
Eye Round Roast, 3.69/lb
Eye Round Steaks, 3.99/lb
Boston Butt Roast, 2.39/lb
Boston Butt Steaks, 2.69/lb
Hormel Country Crock Side Dishes, 21 to 24 oz tub, 2/$6
Boneless, Skinnless Chicken Breast Cutlets, 3.99/lb
Publix GreenWise Market Boneless, Skinnless Chicken Breast Cutlets, 5.99/lb
Publix Mild or Hot Italian Sausage, 3.69/lb
Publix Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon Original, Lower Sodium, Lower Sodium Thick-Sliced, 16 oz pkg, or Center-Cut, 12 oz pkg, 2/$7
Ball Park Angus Beef Franks, 15 or 16 oz pkg, or Deli Beef Bun Length Franks, 15 oz pkg, 2/$6
John Morrell Off the Bone Sliced Ham Honey or Brown Sugar, 9 oz pkg, or Oven Roasted Turkey, 8 oz pkg, 2/$6

Pet:
Purina Dog Chow, 34 lb bag, 15.99
Cesar Canine Cuisine Dog food, 3.5 oz can, 10/$7
Iams Dog Treats, Original Formula, Small Biscuit, 24 oz bag, 2.49

Produce:
Fresh Express Salad Blends or Greens, 5 to 12 oz bag, 2/$5
Grape Tomatoes, 1 pint pkg, 1.99
Publix Premium Orange Juice, $1.00 off the purchase of two
Broccoli, bunch, 1.69
Red or White Seedless Grapes, 1.69/lb
Bartlett Pears, 0.99/lb
Sweet Onions, 0.99/lb
Salad Peppers, 2 lb bag, 2.99
Idaho Potatoes, 5 lb bag, 2.99
Idaho Potatoes, 10 lb bag, 5.89
Cantaloupe, 2/$3
Cantaloupe chunks, 2.99/lb
Mushrooms, Sliced 12 oz pkg, 2.49
Hass Avocados, 2/$4
Organic Green Beans, 12 oz pkg, 2.99
Del Monte Fruit Naturals, 6 to 7 oz cup, 10/$10

Seafood:
Medium White Shrimp, Easy-to-Peel, Farm-Raised, Previously Frozen, 41 to 50 per pound, 4.99/lb
Medium White Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined, 51 to 60 per pound, 5.99
Fresh Tilapia Fillets, 6.39/lb
Fresh Rainbow Trout Fillets, 7.99/lb
Fresh Swordfish Steaks, 5.6 oz minimum, 8.99
Publix Coho Salmon Fillets, 12 oz pkg, 9.99

In Ad Qs:
Gerber Good Start Infant Formula Powder $5/1 With Iron: Gentle Plus, Soy Plus, Protect Plus or Good Start 2, Gentle Plus, 22 to 25.7 oz canister
Huggies Diapers, 3.00 off Supreme, 48 to 84 oz box, or Snug & Dry, 60 to 156 ct box.

 

thanks to Slickdeals Publix thread, tn-native

Be Smart and Avoid Contractor Scams

 

Spring cleaning means a lot of things to a lot of different people.

Inside chores such as cleaning out the basement, attic, or garage are generally easier for the homeowner and family members to do themselves. This is also the case with most yard clean up and a number of other odd jobs around the premises.

However, when it comes to fixing part of the roof, windows, or other damages incurred during the wintry months most of us feel the need to put our trust in a hired professional.

It's here that things can get tricky because of all the great contractors out there a few good scam artists know how to work the field ripping off a lot of innocent customers with schemes and offers too good to be true. Yes, being frugal is admirable but taking unnecessary financial risks isn't.

That's why when it comes to spending your hard earned cash don't underestimate the power of the customer over a convincing sales pitch and your right to say no.

In order to fully appreciate how easy it is to get caught up in great deals consider the following red flags when handling contractors:

1.      Did you find them or did they find you? If a contractor knocked on your door because he was in the neighborhood on another job or had some left over supplies from another job and 'noticed' you needed a similar repair be careful.

2.      Request references and to see their license and insurance documents. If they refuse or don't have an official office it's a big question mark.

3.      Don't be rushed into making a decision. If they won't let you take your time and say the price is only good for a day or two it's probably a scam. Check them out, get a second opinion, and don't worry about losing the deal of the century.

4.      Be suspicious if they want to come inside and inspect your home for pressing repairs because they will always find something. If you do let them in never leave them alone in a particular room and never agree to anything on the spot.
  
5.      Be suspicious if they don't want to sign a contract.

6.      Be suspicious if they want the entire payment up front. 

7.      Be suspicious if they want cash only. Always pay with a check to document the deal.

8.      Be suspicious if extra expenses come up in the middle of a job outside of the quote and what's written in the contract. If they made a mistake or misquoted its up to them to take the hit, not the customer. Sometimes hidden expenses arise but hopefully by then you've done your homework and have a certain level of trust.

9.      Be suspicious if they won't let you take pictures of the job. They don't have to be in the shot themselves but photos are a good way to document each stage in case of a problem down the road.

10.  Be suspicious if you have elderly parents or friends living alone and a contractor approaches them about doing work. Seniors are easy targets who can't always verify things in hard to reach places and will rely on others. Make sure they don't agree to anything without running it by you first.

Jakob Barry writes for www.Networx.com a growing community of homeowners and contractors getting the most from their resources by sharing and monitoring home improvement projects together. He covers various home improvement topics including green gardening tips and general contracting.

#Tampa 2011 Friday Extra Concert Series

One of my favorite FREE seasonal events is about to start this spring, the Friday Night Concerts. This year's Friday Extra Concert Series features some of the Tampa area's most talented acts playing jazz, rock, blues and country.

The series runs Friday evenings in April and May beginning at 7 p.m.. April's concerts take place downtown at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park while May's shows happen at the Lowry Park Bandshell.

The 2011 Friday Extra lineup:

April 1: O Som Do Jazz with Larue Nickelson and Jeremy Powell (jazz)

April 8: Poetry n Lotion (bluegrass/jazz) with Acho Brother (Latin/electronica)

April 15: Lois Greco with Al "Coffee" McDaniel (blues)

Please note: there will be no concert on Good Friday, April 22.

April 29: Whitney James with Roberts and Vanstone (jazz)

May 6: Ditchflowers with Ed Woltil and Steve Robinson (pop-rock)

May 13: Have Gun, Will Travel with Lauris Vidal (alt-country)

May 20:Rubix Cubed with Undercover Band (covers)

May 27: Amanda Drake & the Barnburners with Suite Caroline (country)


Admission to all concerts is free. Alcohol is prohibited in city parks (but this is not really enforced if you're discrete).  The Friday Extra Concert Series is produced by the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored by Tampa Tribune and the Friends of Tampa Recreation, Inc.