Frugal Living

My Favorite Money Saving Apps

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by Joshua Rodriguez on May 24, 2013 · 1 comment

Hey everyone and thank you for coming back to join me for this week’s Friday Finance with Josh! Today, I decided to call my Mom and find out what Moms want to know this week. She told me about an app her friend told her about and that an article about the best money saving apps. Who better to get a topic idea from than Mom! I thought it was great so, today I’d like to talk about apps that moms can use to save money. These days, the new technologies are all the rage and there is no shortage of them in the personal finance realm of things.

DealSnap

DealSnap is a pretty neat tool to have when you are out shopping for gifts or even every day items that you’d like a better deal on. All you need to do is download the app, focus the product barcode in your screen and tell DealSnap to do what it does best, find local deals. The app will generate a description of the product and image to make sure it’s the product you’re looking for. It will also display great local deals on that product. So, when you are at a store that claims to always have the best prices and, you find a better price with DealSnap, you can often use your app to put the price match guarantee into action!

Decide.com

Decide.com is a great app for those of us who love electronics or are looking to buy gifts for an electronic lover. From cameras to computers and more, Decide.com can help you make sure the deal you see is the best deal you can get. When it comes to electronics, prices often fluctuate. Simply waiting a week to make a purchase can save you tons! Decide.com predicts the price fluctuations in electronics so you don’t have to.  It also gives you a way to know when the best price has hit on an item you’ve been watching with price alerts. The downside to this one is that it’s only available for Iphone but, if you have a smart phone you can go to Decide.com right from your browser and get the same benefits.

The Coupons App

If you didn’t like coupons, chances are, you wouldn’t be a reader of Penny Pinchin’ Mom! That being said, The Coupons App has a name that says it all but doesn’t say quite enough. It will generate a list of local coupons, often for free things like a free sandwich at a local restaurant or free drink at a local bar. It also gives you the ability to save the coupon directly to your phone in an easy to find place so you won’t find yourself searching for too long at the checkout! But, that’s not all it does. This nifty app also has a gas price comparison to help you make sure you pay as little as possible at the pump!

SavingStar

Last but not least, SavingStar is a great way to save on the every day items like those you get at grocery stores or pharmacies. This app manages your store loyalty cards for you. It will provide you with coupons for the stores that you enjoy shopping at and, when you link your loyalty cards, it will credit your account for the purchases you make using the coupons. Your credits earned will eventually turn into cash back!

Final Thoughts

I have to start today’s final thoughts by saying, thanks Mom, I hope you enjoyed my article! Now, where was I…Oh yea, in today’s world of technology, there are few limits on how and when you are able to save money. Simple concepts like money saving apps provide us ways to save every day. These are some of my favorites but, there are tons out there. I’d love to hear about the apps you’ve found in the comments below!

About The Author – Joshua Rodriguez

This article was written by Joshua Rodriguez, proud owner and founder of CNA Finance and avid personal finance journalist. Join the conversation about any personal finance topic on Google+. I’d love to help you reach financial stability!

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How to Help Tornado Victims

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by Tracie on May 21, 2013

cbs

Image Credit: www.cbsnews.com

As we all sit in shock taking in the devastation and loss that has affected thousands upon thousands of people in Oklahoma, we might feel helpless.  The natural instinct for so many is to want to get out and do something to help.  No matter where you live in the country, you actually CAN help.

You may start seeing collection centers where you can drop off items.  The things that people need to remember to donate include water, non-perishable items, diapers, formula, baby food and pet food.  If you can find one of these close to your home, it is certainly a great and simple way to help.  Remember, you can buy a 24 pack of water for less than $5 – so why not do something simple to help someone else out as I am sure others would be there for you if the shoe was on the other foot.

If you want to do something right now, monetary donations might be the way to go.  There are several organizations you can contact and make a donation to them to help pay for their relief efforts directly.  Below are several of them.  As I learn of more, I will add to the list.  Remember that the need will be beyond the next week or two — it will continue for months and months as these families work hard to pick up the pieces and start over.

Of course, the simplest — and least expensive — thing you can do is pray.  Simply take a moment to pray for them.  Pray for the responders who are searching for victims.  Pray for the parents and others who have lost family members.  Pray for those who have lost everything they own.  Prayer is a powerful thing.

Red Cross:  You can make a cash donation to the Red Cross to help victims on both sides of the state line by heading to their site and donating.  You can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 instantly or donate blood at your local branch.

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.  You can make a donation online or just text FOOD to 32333 and instantly donate $10.

Disaster Relief Oklahoma.  You can help at this time by making monetary donations as they are not accepting anything at this time.

Heart to Heart International:  This is a company based out of Olathe, KS.  You can donate online at www.hearttoheart.org, calling 913-764-5200, or mailing it to 401 S. Clairborne, Suite 302, Olathe, KS 66062.  You can also sign up to volunteer if you have medical training — call 913-764-5200 or email volunteer@hearttoheart.org.  You can also put together hygiene kits — get more information on Heart to Heart’s website at www.hearttoheart.org.

Americares.  You can mke a donation to this organization online through their website.

Salvation Army.  You can submit a check to the Salvation Army to help with relief efforts.  The information is available to donate online or you can mail a check to the address provided.

Humane Society:  You can make a donation to help the animals affected by the storm.

Operation BBQ Relief: Another site where you can make a monetary donation.  (Thank you John).

Local Drop Offs:  These are starting to come up all over the place.  Check with your local community to find one close to where you live.

http://www.operationbbqrelief.org/

I know that there are MANY more ways to donate and help — I’ve listed only a few here.    Thank you all for you warm and giving hearts.

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How To Make Home Made Laundry Soap

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by Tracie on May 14, 2013 · 1 comment

laundrysoap

One thing that we all have to purchase is laundry detergent.  An easy to way to really save money is to make your own soap!  The recipe is very, very simple and you can wash your clothes for just pennies a load – which can really help you with that budget!

There is a lot of information available and several recipes you can try.  I always like to make sure that these are proven before I pass them along to you.  Reader Mary found (and uses) one that works for her and she was kind enough to pass it along to me to share with all of you!

1 bar Ivory soap shredded
1 cup Borax
1 cup Arm and Hammer washing soda

Mix well until the soap is well combined into the dry ingredients. Store in airtight container.  Use 1-2 tablespoons per load. Works well in both regular and HE washers.

Helpful Hint:  Cut up the soap into chunks and throw all of the ingredients into a food processor.  You can also triple the recipe so you have to make it less often.  You can substitute Ivory Soap with Fels Naptha soap, but if you have sensitive skin, you might stick with Ivory.

Thanks for sharing with us Mary!!!

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*CLOSED* Microsoft Store: It is More than Just Windows – It is an Experience #GoMicrosoft — $100 Microsoft Gift Card Giveaway!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

by Tracie on May 13, 2013

1

This is a sponsored post by Microsoft.  All opinions are my own and were not influenced by any parties.

Winner:   jenn.1105@xxxxxxx

To be honest, when I first think Microsoft Store, I think “just another computer store.”  Or, at least that is what I use to think.  I recently had a chance to visit our local store and walked away with a head full of knowledge and anxious to go back to learn more and spend more time there!

When I first arrived at the store, I was instantly greeted by someone.  When I told her I wanted to just learn more about their store, I was introduced to a gentleman and without hesitation, he took the time to give me a complete tour of their store.  We went through each and every department and service that they offer and he explained them all in detail (and he didn’t even have to look at at any notes — he really knew everything).  Being a consumer, I appreciated his knowledge and the way he explained product features and differences in language I could actually understand!

He shared information about the different Surface Tablets (which are totally incredible, by the way), the difference between ultrabooks and laptops.  He showed me what the windows phones functions could offer.  I learned about Smart Glass — a feature which allows you to take your games and other Xbox items with you on your mobile device.  I experienced the Xbox 360 corner and checked out all of the accessories they sell.  It was more than just products, I also learned about services.

Surface Pro

They offer Answer Desk as well as personal training and workshops.  You can get free technical support and protection right in the store – with highly qualified technicians.  While you can make an appointment if you need help, you don’t need to do that.  You can walk in with your PC and they will help you out.  They can teach you everything from how to put parental controls to work to how to set up your mailbox.   If your PC has malware or registry errors, they can do a tune-up and get that taken care of for you.  The best part of all – you did not even need to purchase your product from them to get this service!    If you can’t get into the store, they can even try to remote connect and fix your PC in your home!  I love the Answer Desk (and am sure I’ll be using it to get my husband’s PC fixed up – it is a mess).

The other feature they offer is the theater.  You can actually host organization meetings (Girl Scounts), birthday parties, meetings, homeschool sessions – anything you want  You can bring in your own food and beverages to make your meeting just what you want for it to be.  And believe it or not, this is all free!  If you happen to host 6 or more sessions within a year, you will be entered to win a $50 gift card.  They’ve always supported non-profit organizations from Girl Scouts to the YMCA, so helping support your local group by hosting a meeting is something that they are more than thrilled to offer (available only in stores with the theater – contact your store to arrange a meeting).

Theater

Make sure you also check your local store for Youth Spark Summer Camps, starting June 3rd; Tech Tots camps for kids ages 2 – 5 to learn things such as keyboard skill; they even offer different Gaming Events.

tots

Microsoft offers 31 full-line stores (which include a theater) and 35 specialty stores (no theater).  So there are stores available coast to coast.  You can learn more:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MicrosoftStore
Microsoft retail store website - http://content.microsoftstore.com/Home.aspx

I really was impressed with not only the knowledge of those working at the store, but the store itself.
Like I said above – going to this store is more than shopping – it is an experience!

You can learn more and join in some fun during our Twitter party this next week!!!  We’ll be on Twitter – follow the #GoMicrosoft hashtag to track the conversation. You can see the details and RSVP via this Twtvite:  http://twtvite.com/GoMicrosoft.  The party is Tuesday, May 14 at 1p ET/noon CT/10a PT).  Sign up – we will have a lot of fun!

THE GIVEAWAY:

One reader will receive a $100 Microsoft Giftcard!

This contest will be open until May 15, 2013, at 11:59 p.m. CST. The winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email and the giftcard mailed to them at the address provided on the form.  GOODLUCK!!!

Be entering this giveaway/sweepstakes, you are attesting that you have read and can comply with the Giveaway Terms & Conditions.

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Happy Mother’s Day

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by Tracie on May 12, 2013

mothersday

I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.  Today isn’t so much about the gifts as much as it is about being able to take the time to just enjoy and cherish your families today — and put work and other things aside.     Motherhood is the toughest job you’ll ever love.  I know I would not trade it for anything else in the world.

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Stamp Out Hunger Tomorrow – May 11, 2013 #stampouthunger

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

by Tracie on May 10, 2013

food banks drive

Did you know that 50 million Americans – including 17 million children – are facing hunger?  Food banks currently feed nearly 6 million people each and every week.  that means they need food.  Each year, on the 2nd Saturday in May, the National Association of Letter Carriers hosts is annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.  This is the 21st year of this event, which truly helps put food on American tables.

It is so simple for you to get involved – and you don’t even have to leave your home!!  Take a look in your pantry and at some of those non-perishable you might have picked up at the store.  Items such as cereal, canned vegetables, peanut butter, etc are great items to donate.   Place those items in a bag and leave it at your mailbox tomorrow morning.  Your letter carrier will pick the items up and they will be delivered to your local food bank.    That’s it!

You don’t have to do much.  Imagine how much food they would have if each person gave one or two items to this cause.  Together we could feed millions of people!  Pass the word by sharing this post!!!

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Beware When Answering Credit Card Debt Relief Sales Calls!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

by Joshua Rodriguez on May 10, 2013

Although, there have been several laws passed about the use of telemarketing to make unsolicited phone calls, this is still one of the favorite sales options for quite a few different industries. Unfortunately, credit card debt relief is one of the industries that has chosen telemarketing as a great marketing tactic. So, you may get calls from pushy salesman contracted to sell something that they really don’t know about. All they know is that in their mind, their product is a perfect fit for everyone and it is their duty to help consumers they call. Unfortunately, there are usually a few missed steps here…

The #1 Problem With Credit Card Debt Relief Telemarketers – They Have No Idea What They Are Selling

During the training process for all debt relief salesman, they will be told about how great the product may be. For instance, debt settlement can save consumers a huge percentage of their balance on payoff. When it comes to who should consider the option, the answer is anyone with $10,000.00 in credit card debt or more. However, what is often left out of these training sessions is the effect it will have on a consumer’s credit score. The truth is, although, these salesman are trained to believe otherwise, there is no one size fits all credit card debt solution.

The #2 Problem With Debt Relief Telemarketers – They Are Generally Paid Commission

Even if the slick talking salesman is well versed in the option that he is selling, he is probably going to be paid commission only or, a small salary plus commission. With this payment plan in place, the salesman on the other end of the line feels like they have to sell everyone they talk to in order to make a decent paycheck. Therefore, the salesman may consider the fact that you are not a good candidate for what he is selling and enroll you into his services anyway to get a better paycheck!

The #3 Problem With Debt Relief Telemarketers – Sales Quota Demands

If the salesman that calls you is not paid a salary, he is most likely being held to a weekly or monthly sales quota. If the salesman doesn’t meet the quota he will lose his job. Although, if used reasonably, I completely condone this form of management. However, unreasonable expectations cause even the most educated debt relief salesman to make mistakes due to feeling rushed to make the sale. Making a good credit card debt relief decision takes at least a couple of hours. I general tell my prospects not to make the decision until they have slept on it. This way, common sense has time to kick in. However, in a high pressure sales environment, a high percentage of salesman are expected to have phone calls that last no more than 20 or 30 minutes. Longer than that and, they won’t have time to reach minimum quotas.

Should You Ever Purchase A Debt Relief Service Over The Phone?

I didn’t write this article to tell you that all debt relief companies that use telemarketing as a way to market their products are horrible companies and you shouldn’t do business with them. I wrote this article so that you understand the dangers in making a 20 minute credit card debt decision as the result of a pushy salesman. The only time you should ever buy a credit card debt relief service over the phone is if the salesman is not push and, gives you information and time to think. By information, I mean the company name, phone number and the special details of the option he offers. Ask the salesman to give you a day or two to think and do research on the company and the option provided. Even if it is a reputable company, make sure that the option is a good option for you!

About The Author – Joshua Rodriguez

Hi, I’m Joshua Rodriguez, I’m the proud owner of CNA Finance and an avid personal finance journalist. I’m currently working on a new project entitled “The 7 Habits of Financially Stable People“! Join the conversation about this article, my series or the personal finance topic of your choice on facebook. I hope to see you next week for the next post on Friday Finance with Josh!

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