Here are two freebies next week best suited for folks in downtown Baltimore and those who take the light rail from Timonium:

On Monday, MTA Light Rail passengers can sample Dunkin Donuts' new breakfast sandwich at the Timonium Light Rail stop in exchange for a donation of non-perishable food, personal hygiene items or money to the Maryland Food Bank. The promotion will be held from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.  on Nov. 23 and the samples will be given away while supplies last.

On Tuesday, the Downtown Partnership will throw its annual Holiday Lunch Party, with participating restaurants giving away free samples at one of six office building lobbies. Click the link to get details on the purveyors and locations for this Nov. 24 event.

Posted by Liz Kay at 2:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

Here's one way to ensure that you get the products you want at Black Friday prices --- without worrying that the items will be sold out if you decide to sleep in on the day after Thanksgiving.

Dealnews.com has compiled a list of stores that will match competitors' prices on Black Friday, including Walmart, Home Depot and Lowe's. Sears, on the other hand, will not. 

That way, no worries that an item will be out of stock and no need to stress out about early morning lines. As long as you're armed with a sales circular featuring your coveted product, you'll be able to stroll in hours after the retailers open, pluck your desired item off the shelves and then go camp out in the customer service line to get a manager to approve the competitor's price.

Just be sure to have an official circular, not one of the 'leaked' versions available on the Internet, warns dealnews.

I'd add this additional caveat: 

Continue reading "Price match on Black Friday : strategies to save" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Holiday shopping
        

All California Tortilla locations will be giving away a free 4 oz. cup of its turkey chili with any purchase today (Thursday, Nov. 19), heretofore known as "Free Turkey Chili Day".

Customers will also receive a coupon for a free 8 oz. cup of chili that can be redeemed within the next two weeks. 

The nearest California Tortilla locations seem to be on Pratt Street in downtown Baltimore, near BWI Airport and at Quarry Lake, although there are also shops in Laurel, Mount Airy and Annapolis.

The reason for the promotion, according to the press release that Sun dining blogger Elizabeth Large shared?

Continue reading "Free turkey chili at California Tortilla: Cheap Trick Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

Folks, I've got a few more candidates for inclusion on our list of the top 10 deals and discounts in the Baltimore region, part of baltimoresun.com's 10Spot feature counting down the 10 weeks to 2010.

Consuming Interests, The Sun's consumer blog, has been charged with finding the Baltimore region's best deals and discounts, and that list will be published Nov. 27 in honor of Black Friday.

In reviewing the ideas we've compiled thus far, I'm having a hard time gauging which of these bargains are too well known to mention and whether any have too small an audience to be deemed a valuable tip.

Please let us know which (if any) are your favorites, or if we've missed any winners, by weighing in via the comments field below.

Here's the original list, with the new candidates at the top: 

Continue reading "Baltimore's 10 best deals, discounts and bargains: more candidates" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 7:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

Time to check under the sofa cushions and break open the piggy bank! Coinstar is offering a $10 gift card if you exchange more than $40 in coins for a gift card or eCertificate.

Normally, Coinstar charges 8.9 percent to change coins into a voucher that can be exchanged for cash, but that fee is waived if you select to receive your currency in either an eCertificate (for Web merchants like Amazon.com or iTunes) or a gift card for stores like Old Navy or Pier 1. Check the Coinstar locator to find machines that offer eCertificates and gift cards (search for specific products).

And now through Dec. 6, if you put more than $40 in a Coinstar machine, you'll receive a claim form at the end of your voucher that can be redeemed for a $10 gift card or (updated) a $10 eCertificate. Just follow the mailing instructions on your slip and send it in by Jan. 6, and you'll get the $10 card in the mail.

Remember to keep a copy for your own records, and bear in mind that it will take 6 to 8 weeks to process the claim, so don't bank on using that $10 for any holiday gifts.

Thanks to the Frugal Living forums over at About.com for the tip.

Posted by Liz Kay at 1:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

Friends, here's a way to use your holiday shopping to support your favorite cause --- and maybe save a little money!

When you're hunting for gifts online, start your search at GoodShop.com, which partners with national merchants and retailers such as the Gap, Amazon.com, Dell and Target to donate a portion of sales to charities.

Here's how it works: search for your favorite nonprofit on the site, or add it to the database.

Then, look for your retailers. Be sure to check for any restrictions, as well as additional coupon codes. Some retailers offer free shipping or other offers to GoodShop customers, which they post on the individual store page.

Finally, click through to the merchant and make your purchase. Don't forget to hunt around for other coupons that might apply to this sale. 

Goodshop is brought to you by the people behind GoodSearch, which we have written about before. It allows Internet users to designate charities to receive a portion of the advertising dollars generated through web searches.

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Consumer Web Site of the Week, Holiday shopping, Shopping
        

UPDATE: Don't miss this post with even more deals and discounts for the Baltimore area.

The countdown to 2010 races at baltimoresun.com with our 10Spot feature. Every Friday for 10 weeks one Sun blog will post a top 10 list. Next week, in honor of Black Friday, your faithful Consuming Interests staff will bring you the region's top 10 hidden deals and discounts.

But first, we need your help! Let us know what you think of our suggestions below, and feel free to chime in with your own ideas.

Keep in mind, we are trying to highlight bargains that are local and unique to our area, but we're not restricting things to the city of Baltimore.

Without further ado, here are what we think are some of the best bargains in the region:

Continue reading "Top 10 hidden deals and discounts: 10Spot" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 3:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

Don't forget to consider taking advantage of some tax credits that Congress made available this year, Sun personal finance columnist Eileen Ambrose reminded us in her Sunday column.

There's been a lot of talk about the recently extended first-time homebuyer tax credit, but don't neglect to deduct the sales tax for any new cars you bought between Feb. 17 and the end of the year.

You can get credits for adding solar panels to your home, as well as even more money back for higher education through the American Opportunity credit --- up to $2,500 for books, tuition, fees and more. That's one more incentive to invest in yourself, especially if you want to freshen your skills or develop some new ones to stay employed in this rough economy.

Are you doing anything special this year with your taxes in mind? Let us know in the comments below.

Posted by Liz Kay at 6:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Taxes
        

There's a unusual item on the menu at the Hollywood Diner: legal advice.

On some Thursday afternoons, customers can sit down for 30 minutes with lawyers from Civil Justice, Inc. at Crema Coffee Company at the Hollywood Diner and get guidance on issues including taxes, housing, family law or employment law as well as criminal law in exchange for a $10 (cash only) donation.

Through the program, called The Legal Grind, attorneys can also help people expunge court records for only the cost of the filings (no donation required for this service).

It's an adaptation of a "coffee and counsel" model adopted by Jeffrey Hughes, the founder of Legal Grind cafes in southern California.

Law students at the University of Maryland School of Law help with the intake process and can sit in on the consultations if the clients permit, according to the video posted above.

The service started this summer and is designed to provide people better access to the legal system --- particularly if they make too much money to afford legal aid services, but not enough to be able to afford $150 an hour for an attorney. The lawyers aren't taking these folks on as clients, but will refer people to other resources as needed.

The Hollywood Diner isn't their only location, however ... 

Continue reading "Low-cost legal advice: Cheap Trick Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

Donate one of your old coats and get a 20 percent discount from Lands' End.

The retailer has teamed up with the National Coalition for the Homeless to collect coats for homeless people in a program called the Big Warm-Up.

Bring your gently used coats to any Lands' End store between now and Nov. 30 to get the coupon. You can also bring coats to any Sears with a Lands' End store-within-a-store.

Posted by Andrea Walker at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, charity
        

Blogging compadre Eileen Ambrose's column this week discusses new consumer protections for gift cards --- and the problems that still plague these presents.

Most cards are now free of early expiration dates or fees that eat up balances before purchases could be made. But you still might have to pay a fee to activate a general-use card backed by a credit card or bank, and you might not be able to split payment with it, either.

I'm curious what strategies Consuming Interests readers have developed to ensure they spend gift cards, gift certificates and other vouchers before they turn into useless plastic.

Personally ...

Continue reading "Gift card tips and strategies" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Shopping
        

Are you a Bank of America cardholder? Then you qualify for free admission this weekend to the American Visionary Art Museum or the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture.

You can take advantage of Bank of America's Museums on Us program with any Bank of America ATM, debit or credit card at participating institutions across the country --- not just these two in Maryland. 

Just bring it to the museum along with a photo ID to gain free admission during the first weekend of any month, which includes Nov. 7 and 8. 

Check the free museum admission site for more freebie weekends.

Then, if you need a pick-me-up after absorbing all that culture ... 

Continue reading "Free museum admission, free coffee and ice cream: Cheap Trick Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 3:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Free
        

Just a reminder: don't forget to take advantage of the chance to get some free financial advice from the Your Money Bus tour this week!

Eileen Ambrose already told us about the Your Money Bus events scheduled in Baltimore on Thursday, but in case you missed it, here's a recap:

From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today, bring your financial questions to Baltimore's City Hall to get answers from financial advisers.

But if you're already booked or can't get downtown, there's still a chance to meet with these folks Friday ... 

Continue reading "Free financial advice on the Your Money Bus: Cheap Trick Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Personal finance
        

Sometimes you just can't get too much information, particularly when you're shopping online.

I've been researching some kitchen purchases lately, and I've spent a lot of time cross-referencing equipment recommendations from Alton Brown with tests by Consumer Reports and reviews by Cook's Illustrated.

There were some roadblocks, however, when AB recommended some product that CR had not tested or if the Cook's Illustrated best bet was no longer in stores.

If you are confronted by just such a conundrum, here's another site to add to the list: Cheapism.com, our Consumer Web Site of the Week.

Continue reading "Cheapism: Consumer Web Site of the Week" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 3:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Consumer Web Site of the Week
        

Boston Market CEO Lane Cardwell

As the CEO of Boston Market I must admit right off that I am biased. Let me tell you about the $1 promotion from our perspective, since everyone is entitled to an opinion.

When KFC released their press release on Thursday, Oct. 22 that they were going to repeat their 1 piece of chicken giveaway on Monday, Oct. 26 we decided this time to not let it go unchallenged. By late Thursday we had decided on our offer: $1 for 1/4 of a white meat chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn bread. A real meal, not a piece of chicken.

Our biggest challenge was in deciding whether our stores would have enough food, since they would not have time to place an order for more food before the promotion would begin. We decided that we were safe with up to a tripling of our normal business and would not be advertising or publicizing the promotion.

We e-mailed our 400,000 VIP Club members, included a "Forward to a friend" button, and sent out the e-mails on Sunday night. We expected the promotion to be picked up on the many "deal" websites and were okay with that.

Our mistake was in thinking that we were making things better by having the promotion run for a week, instead of 2-3 days. We never would have done a 1 day promo like KFC since it makes your guests jump through too many hoops to take advantage of it.

However, by the third day it was clear that instead of making the situation better from a guest standpoint, it make it worse. It allowed the coupon to take on viral properties and spread throughout the country. It gave time for people to come back a second, third, and fourth time, which we were okay with, but it made the lines longer, not shorter.

Our biggest difficulty is that ...

Continue reading "Boston Market CEO responds about coupon promotion" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

Just in time for the holiday consumption season! Exorcise our nation's shopping demons at a free screening tonight of What Would Jesus Buy?.

The 2007 documentary follows Bill Talen, also known as the Reverend Billy of the Church of Stop Shopping.

The screening, held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at The Windup Space, 12 W. North Ave., is brought to you by the Action! Film Series.

Afterward representatives from Ten Thousand Villages, Three Stone Steps, Zeke's Coffee, Heifer International and Green America, a nonprofit consumer organization, will be available to discuss responsible consumption as you embark on holiday shopping this year.

Posted by Liz Kay at 2:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

So did you get a chance to redeem a coupon for a $1 Boston Market chicken meal deal?

Blogging buddy Andrea Walker and I found ourselves at a Boston Market location in Delaware at about 9:15 p.m. Friday night (I'll admit it: we were avoiding the Delaware tolls).

While we were in the parking lot, wondering whether the store would accept coupons on our smart phones, a kind stranger overheard our conversation and gave us some hard copies from a stack he had in his car.

We got on a long line and learned that that there would be a 20-minute wait for chicken, but staff was offering turkey, brisket and meatloaf instead. By the time we got up to the front, the brisket and meatloaf was gone.

I thought the turkey tasted just fine, though --- and they didn't restrict the sides to just the advertised mashed potatoes. Employees seemed to be working calmly and efficiently. 

Food seemed to be in short supply, which doesn't come as a surprise given the demand. Some  Consuming Interests readers told us they were disappointed, however ...

Continue reading "Boston Market coupon promotion a success or failure? " »

Posted by Liz Kay at 1:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

Kids of all ages can eat free on Halloween!

It's not what you're thinking. In addition to all the gorging on candy and other treats this weekend, several restaurant chains have stepped up to offer free meals to children with an adult meal purchase. Thanks to the ladies over at CouponDivas.com for the tip.

Uno Chicago Grill will offer a free make-your-own-pizzas for costumed kids, decorate-your-own-pumpkins and Craisin dried cranberry trick-or-treat snacks in addition to other activities. The hours for the promotion are 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Locations will also offer a party for adults starting at 8 p.m. with contests and other events.

Call to be sure your nearest one is participating, but up to two kids will get free meals with an adult purchase all day Halloween at Austin Grill, in addition to other fun stuff. The restaurant also offers free kids meals every Tuesday with adult purchase, as well as a movie after 6 p.m.

At Applebee's locations, the restaurants are giving trick-or-treaters coupons for a free kids meal with an adult purchase (to be redeemed at a later date). Restaurants may also have additional coupons that diners could take home and distribute themselves.

What if you're not toting small children on Oct. 31? Kids of all ages will still get free treats ...

Continue reading "Eat free or cheap on Halloween!" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 10:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food, Free
        

This year Halloween falls on a weekend, which means that kids don't have to wait until school lets out to don their costumes and celebrate.

If you're still planning your Halloween itinerary, check out Charm City Mom blogger Kate's list of Halloween weekend fun. 

She's collected some great destinations there, including the free 3-D showing of Coraline at the Enoch Pratt Free Library and the Fells Point Halloween Children's Event, with costume contests, face painting and pumpkin decorating.

In addition, The Charles Theatre is offering free kids' admission to a film screening of Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein. 

(photo: Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun)

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Free
        

Still looking for cheap, easy Halloween costume ideas that are also clever and durable enough to last through a night of festivities? Consuming Interests comes to the rescue with inspiration and suggestions.

If you haven't checked baltimoresun.com's Halloween guide, you're missing a lot of good options, including this slideshow of cheap costumes. 

Seriously, thrift stores are your friend. I was at the Goodwill store in Locust Point last night and saw at least three store-bought costumes for sale, including a Peter Griffin mask from the Family Guy, something that looked like Robin Hood and a devil costume. There's also a conveniently labeled "fleece" aisle with lots of solid-color sweatshirts and sweatpants that serve as a good foundation for costumes.

Consumerist readers praised graduation gowns as an excellent foundation for many costumes. Depending on the color, you could be a witch, devil or Hermione from the Harry Potter series. I vaguely remember wearing a white gown in preschool as the base for an angel costume.

Trash bags can also be great supplies. Someone over at Consumerist.com cut trash bags with a drawstring into car-wash like strips to fashion a hula skirt. Justine recommended a White Trash costume on our last post about Halloween costumes.

Never underestimate the power of tape. Electrical tape comes in many colors, and so does duct tape. You could buy a roll of black electrical tape and use it to make lettering, stripes, logos ... and, it can hold parts of your costume together without sewing or the need for other sharp objects. Silver duct tape could form the lettering for a Hershey Bar costume. As Family Education suggested, boys could plaster a giant "E" to their chests and go as "E-Male".

My recommendation: bring the roll with you, in case you need to freshen up over the course of the night. 

Continue reading "More cheap, easy Halloween costumes: Cheap Trick Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

Ahoy there, readers! We here at Consuming Interests know you like coupons and discounts --- that's why those $1 Boston Market chicken meal coupons have been so popular.

So, for this Consumer Web Site of the Week, here's a site that delivers a little bit of potential savings into your inbox each day.

It's called Groupon, and here's how it works: 

Each day, Groupon advertises a deal for a local business. The inaugural special on Monday was a $30 worth of food and drink for $15 at John Steven Ltd. Five Points Tavern in Fells Point. Yesterday, they were pitching a $60 Jaccuzi massage for $25 at Sasa's Spa in Bolton Hill. 

Each day they set a limit for the the number of Groupons that need to be sold before the deal becomes valid. So today, 20 people need to sign up to purchase $25 gift certificates for $60 worth of purchases at Blu Vintage Boutique in Mount Vernon.

But then, when that minimum is reached ...

Continue reading "Groupon Baltimore: Consumer Web Site of the Week" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Consumer Web Site of the Week
        

Angel Food Ministries, a nondenominational Christian organization, offers low prices on foods that are staples in many American kitchens, including meats like chicken and beef, to anyone that eats.

Here's how it works: find a host site near you, place an order for boxes of groceries, and pick up the boxes at your host site several weeks later. Here's a link to what's included in the monthly menus for their $30 signature boxes, designed to serve a family of four for a week, as well special boxes of meats or fresh produce. Each comes with recipes for what's included.

Some of the families I met also bought boxes of "convenience" meals that could be packed for a work lunch.

They also sell holiday boxes, and the order deadline for $36 Thanksgiving boxes is Oct. 28.

Anyone can take advantage of these low prices, no matter what their financial situation is like. In fact, even if you can afford groceries in a traditional store, purchasing groceries from them allows the organization to harness the power of bulk buyng, Angel Food's spokesman said. 

One woman I interviewed, Katrina Watson of Nottingham, said the program has saved her both time and money. "I wish I could show you my spreadsheet," she said, because she had taken the menu list to her supermarket and compared the prices. 

Continue reading "Cheap groceries: Angel Food Ministries" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 5:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

The free KFC grilled chicken is not the only cheap meal deal available today or this week!

Hungry readers with a coupon can get a full Boston Market chicken meal for only $1 through Nov. 1.

In an e-mail blast to Boston Market VIP Club members, Boston Market sent $1 coupons good for a quarter chicken, mashed potatoes and cornbread. You read correctly --- not $1 off, but $1 for the entire meal!

Popular coupon sites such as FatWallet.com have posted the coupon already, but watch this post. We will update it later with a direct link to the coupon that you can print out yourself.

UPDATED: Click this link to download the $1 Boston Market chicken meal coupons. Only one coupon can be redeemed per person, per visit.

UPDATED again: While you're enjoying your free chicken and planning your cheap chicken meals, don't miss the free Black Jack tacos from Taco Bell on Halloween.

One more update: Don't miss free food on Halloween, including national chains that are offering free kids meals with an adult purchase! 

Final update: What did you think of Boston Market's $1 chicken meal coupon promotion? Did you get some cheap food, or did stores run out?

Posted by Liz Kay at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (23)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

So who is going to brave the fast-food marketplace to take advantage of KFC's free grilled chicken offer today?

As we told you last week, the Colonel is offering a free piece of KFC grilled chicken to anyone who walks through its doors today (Monday, Oct. 26). 

Just to review, the store gets to pick what piece you get, and it's only one piece per customer.

Cary D. said he was going. Who else is joining him?

UPDATED: Don't miss more cheap chicken! Get coupons for $1 Boston Market chicken meals here.

UPDATED again: If you're getting free chicken today, don't miss getting a free Black Jack taco from Taco Bell on Halloween!

Posted by Liz Kay at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

It's a stimulus program that even the kids can enjoy!

A number of local dentists' offices are hosting Halloween Candy Buyback programs to encourage trick-or-treaters to take it easy with the sweet stuff, as @juliemore told us in today's paper. 

The dentists usually pay about $1 per pound of candy. Some also give away freebies such as fun toothbrushes to encourage kids to brush after enjoying the rest of their holiday haul.

Check the Halloween Candy Buyback Web site for locations near you, and call participating dentists for more information.

The treats will be sent by Operation Gratitude to troops serving overseas.

(photo: Associated Press)

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

Early birds will get $100 $10 gift cards at Filene's Basement tomorrow.

Be one of the first 100 customers at any of their locations when the store opens for business on Saturday, Oct. 24, and receive a $100 $10 gift card for your trouble. 

In Maryland, Filene's Basement is located at 600 East Pratt Street in the Inner Harbor and 11840 Rockville Pike in Rockville.

Both stores open for business at 10 a.m. Thanks to the Downtown Partnership for the tip!

UPDATED: An earlier version of this blog post incorrectly stated the value of the gift card that Filene's Basement would be giving away earlier. They will be $10.

Posted by Liz Kay at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Shopping
        

KFC is handing out more free grilled chicken on Monday, Oct. 26, a promotion I'm sure that many people are eager to avoid after a free KFC grilled chicken coupon offer first mentioned on the Oprah Winfrey Show in May.

It ended disastrously when overloaded servers turned away unhappy customers in droves when they ran out of chicken or just decided not to participate. The Louisville, Kentucky-based company ended up having to issue grilled chicken rainchecks to frustrated diners.

But KFC executives aren't giving up. This time, no downloads, printing or paper coupons are required. Just go to the store and pick up your free chicken, according to the Associated Press.

In case you were wondering, here are the details from KFC: 

Continue reading "more free KFC Grilled Chicken: Cheap Trick Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 3:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Free
        

This year, fewer people plan to celebrate Halloween, due to the state of the economy --- only 62 percent, compared to 64.5 percent last year, according to the National Retail Federation.

And according to an NRF survey of consumers, those who will trick-or-treat expect to spend only about $56, about $10 less than they spent last year on costumes, decorations and other Halloween gear.

But the dress-up holiday is a little more than a week away, so you've still got enough time to beat the rush and plan an easy, CHEAP Halloween costume to rival anything you put together for yourself or your children last year --- and for far less than the price of something store-bought.

You could start with a stop at baltimoresun.com's Halloween guide, including a list of clever Baltimore-themed costumes that would be a hit at any party in the metro area. Extra props to anyone who manages to get a light-up heart for a Man/Woman statue costume.

Here are some ideas from elsewhere around the Interwebs:

Continue reading "Cheap, easy Halloween costumes: Cheap Trick Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

Sometimes you need to spend money to save money, like investing in energy-efficient changes that would lower heating costs. But if you're spending too much on energy bills you may never save enough to pay for cost-cutting improvements.

To combat this problem, Constellation Energy Group is donating $1 million over three years to replace old furnaces for low- or limited-income Baltimore residents, some of whom might not qualify for other state or federal aid.

City weatherization auditors who will be assessing the need for energy-efficient options such as water heater blankets, attic insulation and caulking and other weatherproofing for windows will determine who needs for a replacement paid for by the Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. Heating System Fund, city officials said.

Right now, only homeowners who earn no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level would qualify for the furnace replacement program. However, a spokeswoman for Baltimore's Department of Housing and Community Development said they are waiting for U.S. Department of Energy approval to expand the program to include people who make up to 60 percent of the median income for the Baltimore metro area. Right now HUD says the median is $82,100 for a family of four, so 60 percent would be $49,260.

For more information about the program, including what kind of information applicants will need to provide, check out the Weatherization Assistance Program page at baltimorehousing.org.

Don't forget that energy assistance is also available to help Marylanders who meet income eligibility standards pay their utility bills. Here's the breakdown for this year, according to the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs:

Continue reading "BGE Heating System Fund: more details" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities
        

I wrote today about how BWI Airport has seen an uptick in passengers in four out of the last six months because people are flying its discount airlines.

Thanks to economy, many people aren't traveling at all. But those who are taking trips are looking for the best price out there.

More than 63 percent of BWI's flights are with discount airlines Southwest, AirTran and JetBlue. If you do enough comparison shopping you can normally find a good deal.

Take our poll and let us know how you decide which airport to use.

Photo by Amy Davis at The Sun

Posted by Andrea Walker at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Airlines, Budgeting, Cheap/Frugal, Travel
        

If you're caring for a child or aging adult, here's one way to cut down on costs for some brand-name products.

The Caregivers Marketplace works with companies to negotiate rebates on products like Huggies, Pull-Ups or GoodNites diapers, Depends, nutritional supplements and pain relief creams such as Aspercreme or IcyHot.

Just save your receipts, fill out the Cash Back Form and send it in along with the original receipts (save a copy for yourself).

There's no limit to the number of forms you can submit, and you don't have to qualify to take advantage. The only catch I've discovered is ...

Continue reading "The Caregivers Marketplace: Consumer Web Site of the Week" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

I've been writing about a book war that started among retailers when Walmart.com announced that it would sell popular books for as little as $10.

The retailer dropped the price twice after Amazon.com lowered its prices. Now both retailers and Target.com  are selling books for $8.99.

And today Sears Corp. announced it was joining in too. The company, which operates Sears and Kmart, says it will give customers a $9 credit if they buy any of ten titles at Sears.com, Walmart.com, Target.com or Amazon.com.

The credit can be used toward a purchase of $45 or more at Sears.com.

Posted by Andrea Walker at 5:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Holiday shopping, Shopping
        

After hearing that Bank of America has started charging annual fees of $29 to $99 on some credit cards, Consuming Interests readers told us loud and clear: they plan to cancel their credit cards if the card issuer starts levying a yearly 'membership' payment.

Today, business columnist Eileen Ambrose reviewed the potential impact canceling a credit card would have on your credit history and credit score.

It might come as a surprise to discover that a good payment history for a card would remain on your credit report long after you've canceled it.

Also, you can mitigate some of the other negative effects, like having a smaller amount of available credit, by opening another card with a similar credit limit as the one you plan to close. Eileen's column has more details.

But, consumers tend to be very loyal to their credit cards, Eileen said. So, we're wondering: what would prompt you to go to the trouble of dropping the plastic you've been using for years? Let us know in the poll and feel free to elaborate in the comments below.

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Credit cards, Naughty businesses/NBotW
        

Jamie the Real Estate Wonk mentions this morning that average rents in the Baltimore metro region have dropped this summer, compared to last year.

This is good news if you're a tenant looking to cut costs, and if rent is one of your major expenses. And, if you plead your case correctly, you can make cutting your rent sound like a good deal for your landlord as well.

Basically, if you're willing to move, you could consider shopping around for a cheaper apartment. Perhaps you could find a place that offers a shorter commute, more space or better amenities.

But don't forget that moving costs money, even if you rely on the kindness of friends and family to do the heavy lifting (literally). You'll need the cash for deposits as well as all the incidentals that crop up when outfitting a new (or new-to-you) home.

So before you give notice, tell your current landlord about your plans, and see if s/he can work with you to come up with a monthly rent that works for both of you.

After all, your landlord may lose a month's rent or more while preparing the place and advertising for a new tenant --- and with the average leases going for less in this region, there's no guarantee that a new renter will bring in the same or more money as you.

So how to do it?

Continue reading "How to negotiate leases and lower your rent" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 10:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Home/Real Estate, Rent
        

When I came in this morning one of the big news stories of the day was Toys R Us offering layaway on high-priced items, such as bikes, play kitchens, trampolines and pools and water slides.

But not in Maryland.

A short sentence at the end of a press release said Maryland isn't included in the program, but didn't say why.

I called a spokesperson and got a vague email that said:  "We are working through some of the internal systems requirements unique to implementing the layaway program in Maryland."

Yeah, I don't know what that means either.

I called for further explanation but haven't heard back. I also called the Maryland Attorney General's office, which regulates layaway policies, to see if they know what the reasoning could be. I'll let you know when I hear back.

Toys R Us is offering the layaway program to compete for cash-strapped consumers during the important holiday season. Many consumers will be on tight budgets this year.

 Layway allows people to pay off gifts over time and can be a good alternative to charging on a credit card.  But watch for fees. The Toys R Us program has a $10 fee, for example.

Most stores don't offer layaway anymore, but there are a few, including Marshalls, Kmart and Sears.  I recently blogged about some other things Sears and Kmart are doing for the holidays.

Posted by Andrea Walker at 9:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Budgeting, Cheap/Frugal, Holiday shopping, Shopping
        

We wrote yesterday that Walmart.com was selling for $10 popular books that are due out in November, including the memoir by Sarah Palin.

Well, Amazon didn't want to be outdone and matched the price, only to have Walmart come back quickly and lower the price to $9. Now, Amazon has the books at $9 too. Shew!

The two sides seemed to have come to a truce at that $9 price for now. But we'll keep watching to see if the prices come down anymore.

Find out more information about it at the Read Street blog.

Posted by Andrea Walker at 4:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, online shopping
        

A recent survey of Baltimore residents revealed some intriguing stats about shopping patterns within the city.

According to the University of Baltimore poll, commissioned by Mayor Sheila M. Dixon's office,

Shopping trends revealed that most - 46 percent - leave the city when they want to buy consumer goods. Less than 1 percent said they shop online. Dixon wants more stores to open and pointed to her efforts lobbying retailers such as Filene's Basement to stay in the city.

Grocery stores, though, appear to be available, with 78 percent saying they live near a "well-stocked" grocery store.

Retail reporter Andrea Walker said that the supermarket data follows national trends. Generally, most people buy groceries near their homes. Also, more supermarkets have opened in Baltimore, giving people more options.

And, she points out, it's not surprising how many people head to the counties to shop because there are more choices. Let's face it, there aren't any traditional department stores within the city limits --- Filene's Basement is more of an off-price, discount store --- and only one Walmart and Target. 

But the overall shopping patterns are pretty fascinating when broken down by race.

Continue reading "Where do you shop? " »

Posted by Liz Kay at 4:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food, Shopping
        

More bargains for you cost conscious consumers. And once again they're from Walmart.

Walmart.com said this morning it will start selling the Top 10 pre-selling books for $10, including shipping, on its Website.

The list of books is available now at walmart.com/books.

The books are scheduled for release in November and include "Under the Dome," by Stephen King, "Going Rogue: An American Life" by Sarah Palin, "Alex Cross" by James Patterson and "Ford County: Stories by John Grisham."

Walmart.com is also introducing a new book program, "America's Reading List," which will allow shoppers to buy the nation's 200 best-selling books at a 50 percent discount. Book titles include, "True Compass: A Memoir by Ted Kennedy" and "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett.

The retailer is discounting books just as the competitive holiday season is about to begin. Consumers are still penny-pinching because of the economy and retailers are trying to entice them with bargains. Walmart also recently announced it was selling 100 toys for $10.

Posted by Andrea Walker at 9:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Shopping
        

And so it begins!

Bank of America has informed a small group of its credit cardholders that they will be charged an annual "membership" fee starting in February 2010, according to the Associated Press.

Customers could reject the fee by the Dec. 16 deadline, but then the account would be closed, according to the story.

Apparently the fees, which will range from $29 to $99, are targeted at those who rarely carry a balance or incur penalties. 

This is exactly the kind of tactic that banking experts predicted credit card issuers would try. And unlike the friendly incentive Andrea Walker's credit card company offered her, this punishes consumers AND the credit card company alike.

Why so?

Continue reading "Bank of America begins charging annual fees on some credit cards" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (49)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Credit cards
        

Here's a humorous site that supports the notion that brown-bagging it will save you money.

Rod Cockerham measured the amounts of each sandwich component he enjoys --- mayo, deli meats, veggies --- and determined that a homemade PBJ or roast-beef-and-cheese will cost far less than whatever Subway, Quiznos or Panera will charge you.

To prove it to his loyal readers at Cockeyed.com, he developed a sandwich price calculator with drop-down menus for different ingredients of his choosing. Check out his analysis of how much is inside a sandwich.

Although he does factor in the spoilage factor on his fresh lettuce and tomatoes, there is one important cost element Cockerham has neglected:

Continue reading "How much will that sandwich cost you: Consumer Web Site of the Week" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Consumer Web Site of the Week
        

You can save on food by trying store brands at the supermarket, as we've told you before.

That philosophy can help you out when buying in bulk at a warehouse club like Costco, according to this Hawaii Star-Bulletin article I found via consumerworld.org.

Costco's Kirkland store brands have fared well against national brands in tests by Consumer Reports, and the savings can be significant because the retailer, like supermarkets, doesn't have to spend extra money marketing its products.

According to the story, they also reap savings through efficient packaging that also leads to lower prices:

Continue reading "Store brands cheaper at warehouse clubs, too" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

Baltimore homeowners: got a gas-powered lawnmower that spews out emissions as it roars around your yard?

Then bring it to the Herring Run Watershed Association's native plant sale next weekend (October 18) and trade that gas guzzler for a voucher toward the purchase of a quiet, energy-efficient lawnmower with a rechargable battery.

The "Cash for Lawn Guzzlers" program, sponsored by Together Green, Audubon Maryland-DC and the Herring Run Watershed Association, will allow Baltimore gardeners to exchange their gas-powered mowers for $110 coupons toward the purchase of a Neuton battery mower. Prices for the cordless, rechargeable mowers range from $299 for a reconditioned model to $439.

According to the program, using a gas-powered mower releases as much emissions as driving 10 cars for that same amount of time, and their electric counterparts only use $5 worth of electricity per year. The exchanged mowers --- just push models, no riding mowers --- will be recycled by Baltimore's Department of Public Works.

To take advantage of the program ... 

Continue reading "Trade in your gas-powered lawnmower & save" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 3:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Home/Real Estate
        

The Ethan Allen stores in Towson, Annapolis and Catonsville are clearing their showroom floors to bring in new furniture and are having a warehouse sale this weekend to get rid of the excess.

Ethan Allen employee Allison Fleischer was at the warehouse today helping to set up everything. She said shoppers will be able to save up to 80 percent off of furniture, accessories, accents and window treatments.

The sale is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Ethan Allen warehouse at 917 Middle River Road in Middle River.

Posted by Andrea Walker at 1:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Shopping
        

Restaurant critic Elizabeth Large has noted a trend over at her blog Dining@Large that is intriguing.

Apparently some restaurants offer surveys that come with rewards --- as in savings on future meals.

It's funny, because Community Coordinator Maryann had just told me that she was encouraged to fill out a survey after a recent meal at P.F. Chang's, and she received a 10 percent off coupon for her trouble. UPDATED: Actually it's a 10 percent off card for EVERY MEAL until the end of the year, Maryann said.

I'm also constantly amazed by the mile-long receipts at some drugstores, usually inviting us to fill out a survey to be entered in some sort of sweepstakes.

To tell you the truth, even if there is the promise of a reward, I'm always a little reluctant to fill out a survey ... 

Continue reading "Survey for savings: more Cheap Trick Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 1:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

Eileen's live chat this week covered free online games that teach financial literacy to people of all ages.

If you're looking for a more traditional means to learn the foundations of personal finance, however, you won't have to shell out a lot of money to do it. 

As recommended in a recent Marketplace Money show, your local cooperative extension can be a great resource for financial basics.

The Maryland Cooperative Extension, for example, offers free financial education materials available on its Web site, including "Managing Money in Tough Times" and "Prescription for Financial Wellness" --- a course meant to be tackled in four 2-hour sessions.

One helpful article for city workers who *won't* be working during Friday: Facing a Furlough? Develop a Plan. 

There's also ...

Continue reading "Free financial education: Cheap Trick Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Personal finance
        

You've probably gotten the familar Valpak coupon bundles in the mail, and hopefully at least a few of them have been useful.

Now enjoy the savings from these promotions without the hassle of recycling junk mail with the Valpak app for the iPhone and iPhone Touch.

Use the app to search for savings in certain categories, like "Dining" or "Beauty", or use the Map function to hunt for deals near you.

Some reviewers found few deals in their neighborhoods, but I entered The Sun's zip code and discovered discounts for oil changes, framing services and numerous pizza offers within 6 miles. And if anyone feels this blog has a Baltimore city bias, there seem to be quite a few offers in the county, folks!

But you don't need an iPhone to get Valpak savings ... 

Continue reading "Valpak coupons on your iPhone: Consumer Web Site of the Week" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Consumer Web Site of the Week
        

Eddie Bauer is opening a store at Westfield Annapolis Mall Friday and is giving away freebies in celebration. The store opens at 9 a.m that day.

The promotions include:

Free $20 savings card to the first 100 customers in the door to be used on opening day. 

Peel & Reveal card giveaway to all customers on opening day good for 30, 20 or 15 percnet off of an entire purchase

Raffle drawing for two Eddie Bauer Expedition Large Rolling Duffel Bags

Double points for Eddie Bauer Friends customers during the entire grand opening weekend from October 9-11

Posted by Andrea Walker at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Shopping
        

Chances are you're not getting that diamond bracelet you've been eyeing for Christmas this year.

The National Retail Federation is expected to announce today that consumers are still being pretty cautious about spending. And with national unemployment nearing 10 percent who can blame them? NRF expects holiday spending to decline 1 percent.

So don't be offended this year if you get a lot of practical, low-priced gifts. We're talking grocery store gift cards, candy and things like that. Maybe your best friend will buy your kids a little treat and give you a card or a hug.

Save the diamonds for when the economy gets better.

What are your plans for holiday spending? Are you buying and spending less? Are you bold enough to ban gifts all together? Tell us what you're doing.

Posted by Andrea Walker at 1:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Holiday shopping
        

Let's face it: rebates are annoying. I'd MUCH rather pay a lower price for a product instead of jumping through all the hoops that retailers and manufacturers set up to stop me from reaping the rewards promised on the advertising claiming that something is eligible for a rebate.

Generally speaking, the same folks who stuck that advertising on your product are hoping you won't follow through with mailing receipts, UPC codes or other documentation in to receive your money back. The instructions are often deliberately obtuse, and if you can't figure it out or are otherwise denied ... you've often already torn up the packaging and can't return the item.

Now they've come up with another way to prevent you from cashing in ...

Continue reading "Rebates issued as check cards instead of checks" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Shopping
        

Try a cup of Starbucks new VIA Ready-Brew instant coffee today through Monday at all locations as part of the VIA Ready-Brew Taste Challenge.

They want to see if you can taste the difference between the instant variety and the regularly brewed stuff. In exchange, you'll get either a gift card for a free tall brewed coffee --- or, if you're sold on VIA, $1 off a 3-pack or 12-pack of the Ready Brew.

The coupon for the free coffee must be redeemed on a future visit, by the way.

Thanks to Matt Brown over at In Good Faith for the tip.

 (photo: Associated Press)

Posted by Liz Kay at 11:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food, Free
        

Two Ace Hardware stores -- Waverly Ace Hardware and Federal Hill Ace Hardware -- will give away free smoke-alarm batteries in exchange for used ones next week.

The promotion, from October 4 through October 10, is part of National Fire Prevention Week.

The old batteries will be recycled through the Ace Hardware battery recycling program. Just bring each old battery (individually encased in a plastic bag) to any Ace Hardware location. The batteries will be recycled by AERC Recycling Solutions in southern Virginia.

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Consumer safety, Free
        

Luxury spas are springing up all over the Baltimore area, despite the economic distress many are facing, Andrea Walker wrote in her story today.

If you're tempted to indulge in a professional massage, facial or manicure but don't want to pay luxury-spa prices, see if you can hold off until Spa Week from October 12 to 18.

Each service at one of the dozen or so participating salons in Baltimore or the surrounding counties costs $50.

If you can't wait, the site also lists regular spa "steals and deals" from a few area salons, including A Day Spa & Salon by Zina in Canton Square.

You can also find coupons by checking newspaper advertising as well as salon Web sites --- get a free manicure with any massage or facial or a free cut with color treatment at About Faces' Canton location.

What do you do if $50 if just too much to swing?

Continue reading "Spa Week returns with savings" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

I will admit it: I go to some lengths to use up every bit of product that I have purchased. 

The shampoo bottles in my shower are usually resting upside-down, to allow gravity to draw the viscous liquid toward the cap. I stopped buying lotions if they were sold in pump bottles that could not be unscrewed, preventing me from tapping or shaking out the last few drops.

With some products, it's hard to determine when a bottle or container is really empty, or whether some of the contents still remains.

In this month's issue, Consumer Reports studied how much product is wasted inside packaging after the usual means of extraction have been exhausted. Their findings weren't that surprising, with as much as 25 percent of skin lotion and up to 13 percent of toothpaste remaining in tubes and bottles.

CR's Tightwad Tod weighed in with his secrets to getting the last bits of everything, including employing a rubber spatula to scrape the last tablespoon of mayonnaise from the jar and using water or cider vinegar to rinse out the last bits of ketchup or barbeque sauce from their bottles.

Since that usually waters down the product, I use a different approach for viscous liquids housed in narrow-mouthed containers ...

Continue reading "Product wasted due to packaging design: Frugal Dilemmas" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

Smithsonian Museum Day is almost upon us!

The Smithsonian Museums in Washington are always free, as are institutions such as the Baltimore Museum of Art. But on Saturday, September 26, you and a guest can enjoy free admission to a number of venues in Baltimore and beyond.

These sites include the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African-American History and Culture, and the National Museum of Dentistry (please disregard the location on the Google mashup; the museum is located at the corner of Greene and Lombard streets in downtown Baltimore).

(Did you know that the University of Maryland is home to the world's first dental school?)

Just print out the free admission card and bring it with you on Saturday. What's the catch? You are only allowed one card for two people per household.

Posted by Liz Kay at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

Bring gently worn sneakers, loafers or other footwear to Benjamin Lovell Shoes in Harbor East to save $10 off a new pair of Clarks.

Soles4Souls will give the donated pairs to someone in need --- a victim of a natural disaster or someone living in extreme poverty.

Benjamin Lovell will offer the discount from Saturday, September 26 through October 10.

(photo: Jed Kirschbaum/Baltimore Sun)

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Shopping
        

At Boston Market, now TWO kids can eat free with an adult purchase of $6 or more.

This is very different from most kids' meal deals, which usually only offer one free kids' meal per adult purchase. However, the Boston Market promotion recognizes that nearly a third of American families are headed by a single parent, and more than 20 percent of families have three or more children, according to statistics cited by the restaurant.

So, now through October 31, buying an adult meal gets you two free kids' meals as well at all Boston Market locations nationwide.

No coupons are required, but the children must be present. Meals cost $3.79 or $4.29 and include entree, small side, cornbread and beverage. 

And, if you buy a family meal, get FOUR free kids meals on top of that. Sounds like enough food to feed families of Duggar-like proportions.

Posted by Liz Kay at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

Some grocery chains, such as Whole Foods, are weighing whether to continue to cash paychecks or to accept personal checks as payment, according to the Los Angeles Times.

These days customers have a number of choices of ways to pay for their food bills, including credit or debit cards. ATMs have become ubiquitous, and some larger supermarkets even house bank branches within their stores, making it easier for consumers to handle financial errands in places other than the checkout line.

And then, I know some people complain that it seems longer when someone ahead of you pays by check ... and time is money when it comes to retail, especially given how many Consuming Interests readers say they would abandon cart if lines are too long to be worth the wait.

How would a grocery store ban on accepting or cashing personal checks affect you? 

Posted by Liz Kay at 2:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

Learn how to make environmentally friendly cleaning products at a workshop Saturday at the Red Clover Collective.

You might have already read about this event over on the Bmore Green blog, but Aliza Sollins of the Baltimore DIY Squad will be teaching folks how to put together green laundry detergent, dish soap and all-purpose cleaner.

Bring a bottle and take it home full of one of the products you'll be making!

The workshop, which costs $5, is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 20. Red Clover Collective is in Waverly. Click here to register.

Now why would you want to make your own cleaning and laundry products? 

Continue reading "DIY laundry detergent & other green cleaners" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 2:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Greenies
        

Mark your calendars: get a free Lil' Rounder ice cream sandwich at Carvel stores from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 24 --- otherwise known as Customer Appreciation Day.

Lil' Rounders are made with Carvel soft-serve ice cream served between two Oreo cookie wafers.

On that day, an 18-pack of the treats will also cost $9.99. You can also print out a Carvel coupon to save $3 off an 18-pack. The coupon expires on September 30.

But that's not the only cheap ice cream available on September 24 ... 

Continue reading "Free ice cream: Cheap Trick Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Greenies
        

If you're having a hard time paying your bills and qualify for assistance such as food stamps, then the Lifeline telephone program might help you stay connected.

In Maryland, low-income households that receive food stamps, supplemental security income (SSI), energy assistance or other subsidies can also get discounted, affordable telephone service and installation through the Lifeline and Life Up programs.

Through the programs, partially supported by federal money, eligible consumers can pay only 66 cents for their basic monthly telephone bill, which would include 30 phone calls.

Have more questions about this program?

Continue reading "Lifeline telephone bill assistance available" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cellular/Landline/Voice over Internet, Cheap/Frugal
        

Free samples are one way to save some cash. Rather than risk your own cash to taste a new snack or see whether a new product is right for you.

There are a number of sites that list sources of free samples --- often directing readers to manufacturers' sites to enter their mailing addresses to take advantage of the offer.

For example, right now you can pick up some free ...

Continue reading "Free samples: Cheap Trick Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

Restaurant.com is marking 99 hours of savings starting today in honor of Sept. 9, 2009 (9/9).

Get 90 percent off the site's restaurant gift certificates through September 13.

Here's how it works: Restaurant.com normally sells gift certificates for discounted restaurant meals at participating restaurants, such as a gift certificate worth $100 for $40. Now, they cost only a tenth of the original price --- $4!

UPDATE: Just enter the code "NINETY" at checkout to see the discount applied to your order.

Of course, it's important to pay attention to the caveats ... 

Continue reading "Restaurant.com coupons --- 90 percent off!" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 3:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

Take advantage of other people's fall cleaning and purging this weekend, because it seems a lot of neighborhoods are having community yard sales. I drove past a sign for the Bolton Hill Community Yard Sale on Saturday, September 12, for example.

Trying to figure out the best way to hit them all? As Community Coordinator Carla suggested, use the Yard Sale Treasure Map to plot your course through myriad Craiglist posts about tag sales and garage sales in your community.

Just enter the name of your town and how far you're willing to travel and receive a Google mash-up of yard sales advertised via Craigslist. Then, delete the listings that don't interest you, reorder the points to create the most efficient route, and print the directions. 

I also got a heads up about another garage sales directory ... 

Continue reading "Garage & yard sale directories: Consumer Web Site of the Week" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Shopping
        

I recently wrote about the high cost of college textbooks and ways students could save on the costs.

Internet sites like Half.com, chegg.com and bookfinder.com, either sell or rent books at costs way below your typical bookstore.

After my story a couple of Baltimore entrepreneurs called to tell me they too had just launched a Website for textbooks - textspotter.com.

The site, started by new college graduates Jimmy Slatkin and Ben Rosin, is a price comparison engine that launched earlier this week. Slatkin and Rosin, old friends from the Park School, said the service will save students more than $100 per semester, or $5 to $80 per book.

A couple of readers also wrote in to say that Bookholders on York Road in Towson is also a good place to buy textbooks. The retailer's website also says they have a store in College Park.

Posted by Andrea Walker at 9:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Shopping, textbooks
        

Research firm Nielsen put out the results of a survey Thursday that said more affluent consumers, or those making more than $70,000, are the heaviest coupon users.

About 39 percent of this demographic are "super heavy coupon users," meaning they purchase 51 to 103 items on coupons semi-annually. That's compared to 35 percent of all other households.

Low income households are less likely to use coupons.

Maybe wealthier households have more access to newspapers and computers where they can clip or download coupons?

In general, coupon usage is up, which is no surprise given the economy. More than 1.6 billion coupons were used in 2009, according to Nielsen. That's an increase of 23 percent from last year.

Posted by Andrea Walker at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Shopping
        

Everyone likes free stuff. Buy a shirt get one free. Free kids meals with the purchase of an adult meal. Buy perfume and get a free bag.

Well, now Kiplinger has compiled a list of Internet sites where you can get all kinds of free stuff. They call it their Fabulous Freebies 2009 list - 30 goods and services, which won’t cost a cent.

Here is a sampling. Go to their website to get the rest.

FREE LODGING. Try hospitality exchange sites such as www.CouchSurfing.com, www.HomeExchange.com and www.IntervacUS.com.

FREE DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE.  Try 1-800-GOOG-411 for business phone numbers and  1-800-FREE-411 for business and residential directory assistance.

 FREE TV AND MOVIES. www.OVGuide.com will give you a list of TV and movie sites including www.Hulu.com, www.Veoh.com and www.Fancast.com.  

FREE FINANCIAL PLANNING. Voyant is a site where users can map their financial goals.        

FREE E-BOOKS At www.Gutenberg.org, you can download more than 30,000 e-books, including works by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and James Joyce, according to Kiplinger. Google Books allows users to search the text of seven million books.
 

FREE BIRTHDAY GOODIES. Get free admission to Disneyland or Disney World parks. The birthday club at Toys R Us gets a kid a free toy or gift card every year. Get a free meal at Famous Dave's BBQ and free ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery and Baskin Robbins. 

 FREE TOUR GUIDES. The Global Greeter Network organizes volunteers to give free tours in cities worldwide—including New York, Houston, Chicago, Paris, Buenos Aires, Melbourne, and Toronto.    

Posted by Andrea Walker at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

Savvy retail reporter Andrea Walker told you about ShopGoodwill.com earlier this week --- an easy way to hunt for thrift store bargains from the convenience of your own computer.

In honor of Consumer Web Site of the Week, here's a few other recessionista shopping options I found through ShopSmart Magazine (via Consumerist):

Sales of clothes and accessories from ShopHousingWorks.com supports Housing Works, a nonprofit that provides housing for homeless AIDS patients.

SomeLikeItVintage.Com is the online site of a Toronto-based resale shop.

With the HousingWorks and Goodwill sites, you can not only get a great deal on gently worn or sometimes even new clothing, accessories or other items, but you also support valuable causes. Plus, the charities benefit too, because these online auctions help them garner perhaps higher prices for items that would be exposed to just a limited audience in a brick-and-mortar thrift store.

Any other charities flogging their items online? Got a favorite way to keep your wardrobe looking chic while saving your pennies? Please share!

Posted by Liz Kay at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, online shopping
        

More consumers are trading down to store brands to save money during the recession and Consumer Reports found they're not giving up taste or quality to do it.

The magazine did a blind taste test of 29 store-brand foods and found that 23 tasted as good as, or better than, national brands.

For instance, Consumer Reports tasters preferred Archer Farms Chewy Soft Baked cookies, a Target store brand, to similar products by Pepperdige Farm. It liked Kirkland Signature Organic Medium Salsa by Cotsco over Old El Paso and Great Value Whipped Topping by Walmart to that by Kraft.

 “Our tests should erase any lingering doubts that store-brand packaged goods aren’t at least worth a try," Tod Marks, senior project editor, Consumer Reports Shopping, said in a statement. "In many cases, you’ll save money without compromising on quality.”

Consumer Reports said its test also found 19 other store-brand foods that tasted just as good—albeit a bit different— as their name brand competitor. Duncan Hines Family Style Chewy Fudge and Target’s Market Pantry Fudge brownies, and Grey Poupon and Publix’s GreenWise Market Organic mustard are just a few items on store shelves locked in a taste test tie, the magazine said.

The store-brand foods that Consumer Reports tested cost an average of 27 percent less than big-name counterparts—about as much as consumers will find across all product categories, according to industry experts.

The biggest price difference was 35 cents per ounce for Costco’s vanilla extract vs. $3.34 for McCormick’s.

Consumer Reports says the price gaps have less to do with what goes into the package than with the research, development, and marketing costs that help build a household name.

Tasters found America’s Choice (A&P) multigrain spaghetti with omega-3 at $1.59 per box to be similar to the costlier Barilla Plus at $2.25 per box (14.5 oz for each box). Testers found the difference to be marginal; "both pastas have a mild whole-grain flavor and are quite tasty with a nice sauce," the study found.

So how many of you are trading down to private brands? Do they taste as good as the national brands? What are some of your favorites?

Posted by Andrea Walker at 6:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Budgeting, Cheap/Frugal, Food, Shopping
        

Maryland Del. Jon Cardin has repaid the City of Baltimore $300 for use of a city helicopter, a patrol boat and an unspecified number of on-duty officers to stage an elaborate mock raid in the Inner Harbor to surprise his girlfriend with a very sentimental piece of contraband: an engagement ring.

Now, $300 may seem like a shockingly low amount, but that's the price tag the city assigned for 15 minutes' worth of boat and helicopter fuel, as well as the officers' time. To be fair, Cardin also donated an undisclosed amount to the police department's campaign to keep its mounted horse unit as well. 

But Community Coordinator Phill McGowan and I wondered how much it would cost for a humble citizen to re-create a similarly hair-raising spectacle to pop the question --- minus the invoice for the rock itself, of course.

After all, as columnist Laura Vozzella discovered, some future grooms spend hundreds if not thousands hiring professional proposal consultants to ensure the question of whether to get hitched goes off without a hitch. 

And let's not forget the thousands of wanna-be husbands who go the D.I.Y approach by taking on the coordination tasks themselves, orchestrating romantic details and surprises as well as herding family members together to witness the happy occasion themselves.

Continue reading "Real price of Cardin's mock-raid proposal? Try $1,200" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 3:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

Date nights can be expensive, especially if you've got a family.

Not only do you have the expense of showing your loved one a good time --- you might need a babysitter, too.

But for this Cheap Trick Thursday, we wanted to share a way that some parents have cut back on child-care costs --- without sacrificing together-time: by organizing babysitter co-ops, according to the Associated Press.

Families in the swapping service take turns watching each other's tykes in exchange for similar favors at other times. 

I'd be surprised if informal versions of these sorts of arrangements haven't existed for decades, but today's parents are apparently developing elaborate methods to ensure each co-op member contributes an equal amount of effort.

Some more structured groups, including those organized through Web sites such as babysittercoop.com assign points to each babysitting request for the number of kids being watched and the time of day --- whether the kids are awake or not, for example.

The AP story recommends some other ways to save on baby-sitting and child care ...

Continue reading "Babysitting co-ops" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

It isn't what you think.

Most people might assume that new cars, pretty clothes or a fancy house with all the trimmings could make them feel satisfied with life.

However, researchers have found that giving to charity, buying things for others and investing in experiences like vacations or performances makes people happier than any of these trinkets, according to an article in the Boston Globe's Ideas section.

Even giving a small amount, such as $5, could make a significant impact in a person's outlook, the researchers said. 

Another point: investing in vacations and dinners with friends leads to fonder memories down the road, perhaps because these indulgences let us enjoy time with others and because recollections of any unpleasant aspects of a trip --- missed flights, etc. --- seem to fade with time.

On the flip side, the Globe article also discussed how being focused on money can also less likely to invest in activities with other people.

These findings leave me with a lot of questions ... 

Continue reading "Frugal dilemmas: happiness that money can buy" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Budgeting, Cheap/Frugal, Food, Shopping
        

Do you find yourself editing your shopping cart --- grocery or online --- more often given the state of your wallet?

Brick-and-mortar stores are littered with more detritus created by fickle consumers who pick up items but then talk themselves out of the purchase as they are waiting at the cash register, according to the Associated Press.

And more people are failing to complete their checkout online, adding things to their cart but then never getting around to completing the purchase, the story states.

The phenomenon is compounded at retail stores that have fewer employees to gather the rejected products and return them to their proper homes --- leaving toiletries languishing on the candy displays and clothing strewn around the racks of accessories near the cashier.

Now, in this era where many stores fail to put price tags on items, customers are often forced to use the cash register for price checks --- or hold back a few indulgences until they see the total. I say it's nothing to feel guilty about, if it protects your bottom line. After all, they don't want you to reshelve books at the library, either, right?

However, if you have changed your mind, it's probably a little bit more considerate in a regular store to hand your unwanted items directly to a clerk instead of dumping it.

Here are some general tips to limit the last-minute rejection and impulse purchases before you reach the checkout:

Continue reading "Abandoning items at the store" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Shopping, online shopping
        

Kids 12 and under eat dinner free at IHOP restaurants nationwide with an adult meal purchase through September 13.

From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at IHOPs in Dundalk, Randallstown, Towson and elsewhere, kids will receive one Kid's Meal per adult meal purchase. Drinks are not included unless included on the kids menu.

(photo: Associated Press)

Posted by Liz Kay at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

Cheap Trick Thursday continues with coupon offers great for stocking up for back-to-school courtesy of our friends on Twitter.

Save at Champs Sports with this 30 percent off coupon, thanks to SteveNoviello. The coupon is valid through Aug. 23, and there's an online code too. Be sure to read the fine print!

Get end-of-season savings at Delia's, where summer clothes are marked down as much as 80 percent, courtesy of OnlineDeals4U.

Here's a coupon to save 20 percent on a purchase of $50 or more at OshKosh stores through August 26, courtesy of Baby GoodBuys.

And Borders Rewards is offering 40 percent DVD box sets, in-store only, through Aug. 23 (limit 2). Each coupon is single-use, so sign up to save. 

Posted by Liz Kay at 2:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Shopping
        

With a little research, you can book a fabulous hotel stay for a ridiculously low price --- if you follow these instructions for how to bid on Priceline from Consumers' Checkbook.

The membership site, known for its reviews of auto mechanics, contractors and now doctors, has a  step-by-step guide for finding four- and five-star hotel rooms for a fraction of the list price.

Priceline works by finding a sweet spot between your desire to stay in a hotel and the hotel's desire to make money on rooms that would otherwise go unfilled. If you can find a mutually agreeable middle ground, you've got yourself a room --- and they've got a paying customer.

This system takes advantage of some of Priceline's features and restrictions. You get the best deals by "naming your price" --- otherwise known as bidding on a room. But you're not allowed to choose which hotel you're booking. If the site finds one that meets your specifications (geographic area, star ranking) and price, it locks you in.

But, you can't just bid something ridiculously low and just keep upping your price until you score. Priceline blocks bids using the same credit card --- and credit card billing address -- for 24 hours after a bid.

So how can you get outrageously low prices on a room? I don't want to give away all their secrets, so look at the Consumers' Checkbook site for more details, but it involves ...

Continue reading "Priceline your way to cheap hotel rooms" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Travel
        

Headed to the airport? If public transportation is not an option, and if you have exhausted all the airport-ride favors owed to you, then perhaps BestParking.com could be of assistance.

The site shows the best price for parking at the airport based on your arrival and departure time. For example, the lowest price from Friday morning to Monday night was offered at the BWI Airport Long Term Parking Lots A or B. 

Now, these prices don't reflect any Internet discounts or coupons you might find on a company's Web site or elsewhere. And, you should call to confirm the rates, if they are not guaranteed. But, it's a good place to get some trip planning information.

I discovered BestParking via ShopSmart magazine, which points out that the site also compares best places to park in cities like Washington, Philadelphia and New York. 

Posted by Liz Kay at 1:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cars, Cheap/Frugal, Travel
        

Is it okay to lie about your age to get a discount? What about lying about your child's age?

I'm asking after reading an interesting post by a mother (discovered via Consumerist) where she recounted how she had instructed her 12-year-old daughter to lie about her age twice --- once, to be old enough to take advantage of a free swim club membership without adult supervision, and another time to get a free kid's meal at a restaurant.

It's a situation that you might encounter frequently when kids reach "faultline" ages like the transition from toddler to preschooler, or pre-teen to teen, when suddenly airlines start requiring kids be in their own seats or that they need bigger meals than their siblings. 

I know this sort of fudging goes on with student and senior discounts, too. As some Consumerist readers argued, is it enough to carry a college ID and claim one is a "student of life"? And if someone is willing to claim they are eligible for a senior discount, shouldn't they get it, considering all the negative connotations our youth-obsessed culture assigns to older adults?

These sorts of deals and discounts also create situations where service employees have to make a call --- do you card a 12-year-old to see if they still qualify for a Happy Meal? 

Here's my take: 

Continue reading "Frugal dilemmas: the age-based discount" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

It’s hard to believe, but the holidays are just a few months away. And if current trends continue, there’s not going to be a lot of spending on gifts this year.

A survey by PriceGrabber.com found that 75.3 percent of consumers are concerned about holiday gift giving this year because of the economy.

The online shopping site has put together a list of tips on how to save $1000 over the next three months, so you’ll have a little more cash for holiday gifts.

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? Let us know some of your savings tips.

1. Pack a lunch. Eating out five days a week at $10 a day costs $50 per week. Preparing a daily meal at home with $3 worth of groceries can yield savings of $35 a week. Potential 3 month savings: $420

2. Downsize the cell phone plan. Cell phone rates vary based on the desired amount of coverage. Downsizing from a $140-per-month plan to a $60-per-month plan could lead to savings of $80 per month. Potential 3 month savings: $240

3. Live without the latte. Drinking the free coffee in the office instead of spending $3 on coffeehouse coffee every work day can save $15 a week and $60 a month. Potential 3 month savings: $180

4. Search online for coupons and discounts. Taking the time to cut $30 worth of coupons online or in the newspaper can add up each month. Potential 3 month savings: $90

5. Join the library. Checking out two books a month instead of buying two books at $15 a piece can help consumers save $30 a month. Potential 3 month savings: $90

Total potential 3 month savings: $1020

(Photo: Doug Kapustiin)

Posted by Andrea Walker at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Budgeting, Cheap/Frugal, Holiday shopping, Shopping
        

Boston Market is offering teachers and other school employees a deal as the new school year approaches!

Teachers and school staff get 20 percent off any Boston Market restaurant or catering purchase Monday through Friday with a school ID badge. Then, on weekends, get one free meal with every meal purchase (not counting kids meals).

The offer is valid now through September 30.

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

Rite Aid is offering more coupons online through its new "Video Values" program ... simply watch commercials on the Web site and print out the coupons for the products after you're done.

Plus, for every commercial you watch, you earn credits toward a $5-off-a-$20-purchase coupon at Rite Aid.

You've got to register to earn the credits, but the savings seem pretty good on a variety of products that Rite Aid stocks: $2 off Claritin Liqui-Gels, for example, or $2 off Anti Monkey Butt Powder (yes, this is a real product) and lots of fancy shampoo-conditioner sets.

This seems like ...

Continue reading "Watch ads, save $: Cheap Trick Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Shopping
        

Coupons on a smart phone? Consuming Interests has got you covered.

Last week, Andrea Walker blogged about how some local grocery stores have adopted e-coupons, making coupons more convenient by eliminating the "clip'n'save" steps in the process. Instead, you can go on Safeway's or Giant's or SuperFresh's Web sites, select the coupons for the products you want, and load them on your store loyalty card. 

Loyal reader Evan, who tested the e-coupons at SuperFresh, said:

Wonderful idea, wonderful timing what with print advertising and the green movement and all. Now if these folks could just figure out a way to have coupons that could be used on a smart phone ...

Funny he should mention this ... 

Continue reading "Coupons on your smart phone: Consumer Web Site of the Week " »

Posted by Liz Kay at 2:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cellular/Landline/Voice over Internet, Cheap/Frugal, Consumer Web Site of the Week
        

Safeway said today that it is slashing prices on thousands of items in its stores. The reductions will be as much as 25 percent.

The grocery market is more competitive than ever and everyone is looking for ways to drive people into their stores. Wegmans and Giant have also reduced prices. Whole Foods has a newsletter that gives shoppers tips on how to shop its stores frugally.

Safeway will mark its reductions with yellow tags that show the new and old price. On some items, there will be additional savings for people who use their club cards.

(Photo: Kenneth Lam/The Baltimore Sun)

Posted by Andrea Walker at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Budgeting, Cheap/Frugal, Food, Shopping
        

I wrote earlier this week about Giant and Safeway now offering electronic coupons.

Well, Superfresh started the service today as well.

If you have one of their club cards you can log onto their website and save coupons to the card. The savings will automatically be deducted at the cash register. Enjoy.

Posted by Andrea Walker at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Budgeting, Cheap/Frugal, Food, Shopping
        

Dunkin' Donuts locations in the Baltimore area are thanking nurses every Tuesday in August with a free medium coffee. To take advantage of the "Thank You to Heroes" program, nurses should just show their hospital badges on Tuesdays.

Not a nurse? Dunkin' Donuts will thank teachers in September, fire fighters in October, veterans and active military personnel in November and police officers in December.

Dunkin' Donuts locations in Baltimore as well as Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, Howard, Talbot, Queen Anne, and Kent counties are participating.

Thanks to blogger Susan Reimer over at Garden Variety for the tip!

(photo: Associated Press)

Posted by Liz Kay at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

Shoppers still aren’t spending. The nation’s retailers reported another month of miserable sales Thursday, with July sales falling by around 5 percent, according to various groups that track retail spending.

One of the things that hurt retailers was that there weren’t as many sales and clearance merchandise, some analysts said. Stores ordered less inventory, so had less excess merchandise to mark down and get rid of.

But in talking to consumers at the Mall in Columbia yesterday, just about everyone was in search of a bargain. Most said they weren’t going to buy if the merchandise wasn't discounted and were planning their trips around a store’s sale.

Macy’s CEO Tony Lundgren recently told the Wall Street Journal: “The only way customers are going to start buying at full price again, (is) when they can’t have their own way on discounts. The key is to give good value, but it doesn’t have to be 80 percent off.”

The dilemma for retailers is if they sell at too steep of a discount, they don’t make a profit. If they don’t make a profit, they have to downsize and cut jobs and you know the rest.

But perhaps the clothes are marked up too high in the first place if they’re able to discount some and still make a profit.

What do you shoppers out there think? Will you even think of buying anything at full price?

Posted by Andrea Walker at 9:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Social Security
        

Leave the car but bring the kids to the Metro Family Movie Night Saturday at the Milford Mill subway stop parking lot, organized by the Maryland Transit Administration Metro Subway.

Events, including kids' activities, start at 6 p.m., and the film "Hotel for Dogs" starts at 8:30 p.m.

Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets and enter to win prizes and giveaways. 

Not a regular Metro subway rider? Here's a link to MTA Maryland system maps and schedules. 

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

In need of a cheap summer destination where you or the kids can cool off? Look no further than the new Y Aquatic Center in Dundalk, where they are offering free swimming through August 16.

This offer is restricted to early mornings on weekdays, but on weekends it extends from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Sunday.

It's open to both lap swimmers and recreational paddlers, but free swim tests are also available for those considering swim classes in the fall.

The Dundalk center boasts a 25-meter, six lane pool with wide lanes, according to the Y. Open swim fees are usually $7 for adults and $3 for kids. 

(photo: Patrick Smith/Baltimore Sun)

Posted by Liz Kay at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

For the first time in my life I’ve been clipping coupons as I try to become more responsible with my money. But being the disorganized person that I am, I often end up at the store and the coupons are still sitting at home on my kitchen table.

Some area grocers are now giving shoppers like me another way to get coupon savings – electronic coupons. Now you can download certain coupons onto your grocery store value card. That way when you go to pay, the cashier swipes your value card and you get the savings. Convenient.

This doesn’t mean I’m advocating people stop cutting coupons from the newspaper. Electronic coupons are still in the early stages and somewhat limited. For one, not every grocery store offers it. Giant and Safeway do, for instance. Wegmans doesn’t and has no immediate plans to change that. ShopRite is exploring the option. You’re also not going to get the same variety from electronic coupons. But electronic coupons can enhance your coupon cutting.

To get Giant’s coupons you have to sign up for their electronic monthly newsletter, which the grocer will email to you. The newsletter will include monthly coupons you can download. A recent special was three free ears of locally grown corn.

Safeway rolled out electronic coupons to all its stores in June. Safeway partners with shortscuts.com, cell fire and P&G eSaver – all providers of online coupons. Consumers log onto Safeway’s website and connect to the couponLink page. They then browse coupons on the above sites and download them to their value card.

I haven’t tried either service yet, but plan to do so. Have others out there tried electronic coupons? What do you think? Any tips for us newbies? What other advice do you have for using coupons?

Posted by Andrea Walker at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Budgeting, Cheap/Frugal, Food, Shopping
        

Check out the Crab Soup Stakes today to kick off Baltimore Restaurant Week.

Try free samples of crab soup --- both vegetable and cream options --- made by Baltimore restaurants at the Harborplace Amphitheater from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday. Then vote for your favorites.

The rain is supposed to clear up in time for the event, but in case of inclement weather the tasting will move inside the Light Street Pavilion, said Downtown Partnership spokesman Michael Evitts.

(Full disclosure: seems that Sam Sessa from the Midnight Sun blog will be a celebrity judge for the contest.)

Then, as a palate cleanser, head north on Charles Street to the nut butter tasting at The Peanut Shoppe in Charles Plaza (next to the Superfresh).

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the store will offer samples of the nut butters they make fresh in-house, including cashew, almond and the old standby, peanut --- as well as a mixed nut butter.

AND ... if you'd like a taste of history, here's a free option for you:

Continue reading "Downtown Baltimore freebies: Cheap Trick Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

Looking for some cheap eats or drinks? 600block, which compiles data on happy hours and dinner specials at bars and restaurants around Baltimore, has a new feature: SOTW, or special of the week. 

Every Tuesday, the SOTW site will feature one particularly good deal. This week, it's the tea-infused sangria at Teavolve. Try it for $5 a glass, along with other wines and $5 appetizers, which change daily.

Not interested in that particular deal? Check elsewhere on the site for deals and specials organized by type (dinner or happy hour) and by neighborhood.

Posted by Liz Kay at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Consumer Web Site of the Week, Food
        

Surplus grocery stores, banana box retailers, dent 'n scratch or grocery clearance centers --- there are a lot of different names for retailers in the secondary grocery market.

But no matter what you call it, they all mean the same thing: low prices, though you might have to overlook a few cosmetic problems.

We first told you about the two surplus grocers in Pennsylvania last year, and the Associated Press just did a story about salvage grocers. Many carry a wide assortment of overstocks, discontinued flavors, promotional items as well as store brands from far-away supermarket chains and items in seasonal packaging.

Some products may also be close to their "best if used by" dates, a deadline set by the manufacturer for optimum quality. 

What's the advantage? You can get all these products for as much as 75 percent off what these items would cost in a traditional grocery store.

If you would like to see for yourself ...

Continue reading "Salvage grocers: another way to lower your food bill " »

Posted by Liz Kay at 5:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food