Giveaways

I am sure most everyone has heard the old adage – “There are two guarantees in life — death and taxes.”  For many, the though the mere thought of preparing their taxes themselves is as just as frightening as death itself.  However, there is really no reason to fear your taxes.

For the past 10 years, I’ve been using Turbo Tax to file our personal taxes.  I love that it just guides me step by step through it all.  It asks me every single question that should be addressed. I just fill in the blanks with the information from my records and it populates all of the forms, does the math and even checks for possible errors.

When it came time for me to prepare taxes for our business, I did get nervous.  This was something that I knew nothing about — other than the fact that I knew it would require me to prepare a Schedule C Form.   My husband and I continued using Turbo Tax — but had to purchase the Home & Business Edition.  Just as I expected, completing those forms was just as easy at the other ones.

The one thing we also always have done when using Turbo Tax is electronically file.  What is great about that is that your refund (if you are getting one) is usually in your checking account within a couple of weeks!  No waiting to mail your taxes and then wait for your check to arrive weeks later.  To be honest, our state return is usually deposited in 2 – 3 days after we file.  The turn around has been amazing.

If you are wanting to save money on your taxes, you should look into preparing them yourself.  With software like Turbo Tax, it really is easy to do!  You can find great deals on your tax software over at Office Depot!  The experts who work there can help you determine which software package you need to purchase, so that you do not get home with the wrong one in your hand.  Definitely check out the Turbo Tax deals at Office Depot!!

THE GIVEAWAY:

One reader will receive Turbo Tax Home & Business Software 2012 – courtesy of Office Depot®

Entry is simple — just leave one comment answering the question of the day. If you would like to gain some bonus entries, you can complete any or all of the additional items listed — just leave a separate comment for method of entry. Note: All comments must be left HERE on the blog. Comments left via Facebook or Twitter will not be included.

REQUIRED ENTRY:

1.  Do you normally do your taxes yourself?  Why or why not?

BONUS ENTRIES:

1. Follow Penny Pinchin’ Mom on a reader or through the daily e-mail digest.

2. Follow Penny Pinchin’ Mom on Twitter or Facebook.

This contest will be open until February 3rd at 11:59 p.m. CST. The winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Said winner will have 48 hours in which to provide me with their mailing address so that the prize can be forwarded to them. GOODLUCK!!!

Penny Pinchin’ Mom received nothing in exchange for hosting this giveaway.  Office Depot® is the sponsor of the prizes. All opinions contained within this post are her own and were not influenced by any other parties. Be entering this giveaway/sweepstakes, you are attesting that you have read and can comply with the Giveaway Terms & Conditions.

I’ve got a GREAT giveaway for all of you going on right now!  I’ve partnered with some other great bloggers to bring you a chance to win a 40″ LCD Television!!!!  If you want to get entered, head over to Facebook and LIKE us and then click the 40″ TV Giveaway tab.  You just have to like each of the pages listed and you’ll instantly be entered!  Good luck!!!!

I’ve got a GREAT giveaway for all of you going on right now!  I’ve partnered with some other great bloggers to bring you a chance to win a 40″ LCD Television!!!!  If you want to get entered, head over to Facebook and LIKE us and then click the 40″ TV Giveaway tab.  You just have to like each of the pages listed and you’ll instantly be entered!  Good luck!!!!

And the Winner Is: Cheryl – cschmidtoe@xxxxx

It is not any secret that I love chocolate.  I mean LOVE chocolate.  It is a weakness of mine that I have had as long as I can remember.  Of course, it needs to be the good stuff — like Ghirardelli.  I have such a hard time turning it down – it is so delicious!

I recently tried their newest item Ghirardelli Gourmet Milk™  – and I found it to be better than the other products they sell.   I am not sure how they do it, but it seems to tantalize all of your taste buds as you eat it.  You honestly just have to try this yourself if you have a chance.

Part of indulgences includes upgrading your life.  In fact, for 2012 that is what Ghirardellii wants to know.  What do you plan to do to upgrade your life?  How do you use your little indulgences to help?   For example, you might take your lunch to work and indulge on premium chocolate as your indulgence — spend a little and save a little.

Over the next few weeks we will be posting tips from Jeanette Pavini, lifestyle expert and Marketwatch about upgrading your finances and lifestyle 2012 by adding small changes that don’t feel like you are cutting back, and then adding small indulgences to make you feel good. Whether you want to feel better about your relationships, your health or your career, she will show you how to focus on small changes that can turn an average experience into a sensual, enjoyable, satisfying one.  You can find out more on Facebook – so make sure you follow them to learn more!

THE GIVEAWAY:

One Reader will receive a Ghirardelli Gourmet Milk™ Gift Package

Entry is simple — just leave one comment answering the question of the day. If you would like to gain some bonus entries, you can complete any or all of the additional items listed — just leave a separate comment for method of entry. Note: All comments must be left HERE on the blog. Comments left via Facebook or Twitter will not be included.

REQUIRED ENTRY:

1.  What are you willing to change in your life to allow for the indulgences you want?

BONUS ENTRIES:

1. Follow Penny Pinchin’ Mom on a reader or through the daily e-mail digest.

2. Follow Penny Pinchin’ Mom on Twitter or Facebook.

3. Follow Ghirardelli on Facebook.

This contest will be open until January 27th at 11:59 p.m. CST. The winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Said winner will have 48 hours in which to provide me with their mailing address so that the prize can be forwarded to them. GOODLUCK!!!

Penny Pinchin’ Mom received the same prize package in exchange for hosting this giveaway. All opinions contained within this post are her own and were not influenced by any other parties. Be entering this giveaway/sweepstakes, you are attesting that you have read and can comply with the Giveaway Terms & Conditions.

The one thing I always am doing is striving to make this site meet the needs of you, my readers.   Part of that is to compile reader demographics so that can ensure that is what you can find here at Penny Pinchin’ Mom.

I have created a short survey which should take you less than 5 minutes to complete.  If you do, you will be automatically entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card!  Keep in mind that the information collected in this survey is being done so only for use for this site and will not b be sold, shared or distributed in any manner and all data will be held in strictest confidence.

I’m going to leave this survey open for the next week (through January 26th) to allow all of you an opportunity to answer the questions and have a chance to win!  Thank you for your help!!

CLICK HERE TO START SURVEY

And the Winner Is: Alicia K – pixystik4u@xxxxxxx

When it comes to taking care of ourselves, it can be hard to make that lifestyle change.  I know that I am guilty of this personally and really, I need help and motivation to keep me on track.  Tyson® has a new site called 30days30ways30rewards which can actually help YOU to change your way of thinking about your health and other aspects of your life.

Lisa Lillien aka Hungry Girl battles the same food issues women struggle with every day so she understands how difficult it can be to stay on track. Hungry Girl has some realistic tips to help women achieve a balanced, guilt-free lifestyle, while still enjoying the foods they love. She suggests:

• Find better-for-you swaps for the indulgent foods you crave. Love potato chips by the bagful? Look for baked or popped chips in single-serving bags. Are you a bagel ‘n cream cheese fiend? Go for thin bagels with light spreadable cheese. You can save hundreds of calories this way without giving up the tastes you crave.
  
  
• Plan ahead, and be realistic. Before a grocery run, make a list, and think about what you really need for all your meals and snacks. Don’t buy ingredients for an entrée that takes three hours to make if you know you’re gonna come home starving and end up ordering a pizza.

• Set mini goals for yourself. Don’t take on challenges that are impossible. Setting out to drop 20 pounds by February is not realistic and isn’t safe. And don’t expect to run a marathon if you’ve never jogged a mile. Make small changes, like drinking more water, filling your plate with lots of veggies, walking more often, and keeping track of what you eat. Soon these habits will become second nature, and you’ll experience results at a healthy rate.

• Let yourself indulge a little. It’s okay to splurge on foods that aren’t “diet-friendly” once in a while. (I can’t resist the pretzel bread at one of my favorite restaurants.) Just get right back on track. Don’t let a weekend splurge turn into an excuse to overdo it all week!  

Head on over to 30days30ways30rewards for 30 days to help kick-off your best year ever!  One click a day reveals three great ways to balance an active lifestyle with ease, flavor and good-for-you fun.  Get a nutritious and quick recipe for dinner tonight, a clever tip, and a chance to win some exciting prizes, each day for the next 30 days.

THE GIVEAWAY:

One reader will receive a Lis Lillien’s newest book, Hungry Girl Supermarket Survival: Aisle by Aisle, HG Style! AND a full-value Tyson® Grilled & Ready® products coupon (up to $9.99 value). 

Entry is simple — just leave one comment answering the question of the day. If you would like to gain some bonus entries, you can complete any or all of the additional items listed — just leave a separate comment for method of entry. Note: All comments must be left HERE on the blog. Comments left via Facebook or Twitter will not be included.

REQUIRED ENTRY:

1.  What changes do you plan on making in your life to take better care of yourself?

BONUS ENTRIES:

1. Follow Penny Pinchin’ Mom on a reader or through the daily e-mail digest.

2. Follow Penny Pinchin’ Mom on Twitter or Facebook.

This contest will be open until January 21st at 11:59 p.m. CST. The winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Said winner will have 48 hours in which to provide me with their mailing address so that the prize can be forwarded to them. GOODLUCK!!!

Penny Pinchin’ Mom received the same products as in the giveaway in exchange for hosting this giveaway. Buxr is the sponsor of the prizes. All opinions contained within this post are her own and were not influenced by any other parties. Be entering this giveaway/sweepstakes, you are attesting that you have read and can comply with the Giveaway Terms & Conditions.