Entry bubble Sneaky Tips for Shopping Online

By: Nancy | December 11, 2008 | Category: Money

Are you finding this holiday season rushed, stressful and confusing?

I am! And my being sick isn’t helping. (Would you believe that I have laryngitis AGAIN? ) Third time this year. The last time I had it back in July, I decided to do all my car buying negotiations online. Bidding seven dealers against each other, I ended up getting a great price. That experience worked so well, I’ve decided during this latest bout of speechlessness to forgo the mall and do all of my holiday shopping online too.

There are some great bargains out there. But I’ve got some sneaky tips that can help you get even better deals, not just during the holidays, but anytime you’re shopping online.

I’m kind of methodical when I’m buying something. I hit websites like CNET.com and ConsumerSearch.com to compare features, read professional reviews and get the ratings and reviews of people who already bought the product I’m considering.

Once I figure out the brand and model number, I use sites like Shopzilla and MySimon to compare prices.

Now for the sneaky part: coupon codes. As you’re getting ready to make your purchase on most online stores, you’ll see a little box to type in a coupon, promotional, or discount code. Online stores usually send coupon codes to their email update subscribers. Happily, you don’t need to clog up your email in-box with every store’s email updates. Just go to a site like CouponCabin.com and type in the name of the online store you’re interested in, to see what offer pops up. Cut and paste or type the coupon code into the box before you check out of the online store and depending on the offer, you can get a percentage off discount or even free merchandise.

The thing I don’t like about buying from online stores is their shipping and handling fee. Is it my imagination or do some online stores seem to inflate their shipping costs? I’m so cheap. So I was delighted when I found websites like FreeShipping.org that search online stores for free shipping deals. In the past week, I’ve saved over $20 in shipping from one online store alone, using the free shipping code I found on FreeShipping.org.

For ways to make sure the online seller you’ve chosen is reputable and for tips on what to do if your purchase isn’t what you hoped it would be, check out USA.gov’s section on shopping from home.

What are you buying online this holiday season?

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Entry bubble Confessions of a Coupon Clipper

By: Jim | March 24, 2008 | Category: Money

When I was a smart aleck teenager back in Akron, Ohio I’d tease my mom about some of her frugal habits by calling her “Queen of the Margarine Tubs.” Her retort, “Who needs Tupperware?!” I swore she had enough tubs stashed in the kitchen cupboards to pack away leftovers from a 12-person Thanksgiving dinner. And then some. Now, guess who’s saying, “Ain’t it funny how the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree?”

Even with Mom’s encouragement, my thrifty tendencies didn't take root until I came to work for FCIC nearly 12 years ago. Part of my job involves getting publications from government agencies to Pueblo, Colorado for distribution. One day I glanced through a copy of our publication 66 Ways to Save Money, and somehow I got the saving message.

scissors cutting coupon

Nowadays, I plop myself down on the couch with scissors and my one large, strong cup of coffee to peruse the Washington Post’s Sunday coupons. Hey, don’t laugh! Coupon clipping is respectable – September is National Coupon Month. Even Reader’s Digest offers coupon clipping tips. One tip is to clip only what you know you’ll use and leave the rest. Get Rich Slowly offers a great glimpse into the dangers of overbuying because you were tempted by a good deal.

So what do I do with my unused coupons? I bring them to the office on Monday to trade with fellow FCIC blogger Nancy as we lunch on leftovers.

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Entry bubble Digital TV Transition

By: Sommer | January 11, 2008 | Category: General

By now, you've probably heard that on February 17, 2009, television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Last week, the Consumer Electronics Association reported that half of American households had purchased a digital TV to date. However, if you’re one of the more than 14 million households that rely on analog, over-the-air signals to watch TV you’ll need to take action before February 2009.

Let’s find out how the switch will affect you.

Do you own: Get your programming from: By Feb 17, 2009 you’ll need:
Analog TV Over-the-air or an antenna A Digital-to-Analog Converter box or to purchase a digital TV
Analog TV Cable, satellite, or other paid service You DO NOT need a converter box. Contact your service provider.
Digital or High Definition TV Over-the-air or an antenna Do nothing
Digital or High Definition TV Cable, satellite, or other paid service You DO NOT need a converter box. Contact your service provider.


If you need a converter box, the government’s TV Converter Box Coupon Program can help you save money. Here’s how it works:

  • Each household can apply for two coupons but you can only use one coupon per converter box.Digital TV
  • Apply for the coupons between January 1, 2008 and March 2009, while supplies last, in one of four ways:
    • Apply online
    • Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634. (Operators in 7 languages: English: French, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese)
    • Download a coupon application and mail it to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000
    • Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)

Fine print:

  • The converter boxes will be available in February or March 2008 through designated retailers and are expected to cost between $50 and $70 each.
  • The coupons expire after three months – don’t let your coupons expire because you can’t get more than two.
  • Only certain converter box models qualify for the coupon. The DTV2009.gov list will expand in the coming months so keep checking the website for more information.
  • There are a limited number of coupons available so order yours soon to make sure you get one.

Take a quiz to see if you’re ready for the DTV transition.

Then, take another quiz to become a DTV deputy so you’re qualified to teach your friends and family all they need to know about the transition.

| View Comments [7] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: analog   coupons   digital   dtv   government   sommer   transition   tv  

 

Entry bubble New Year's Resolutions

By: Colleen | December 31, 2007 | Category: General

So long to 2007, the year when Britney officially went bonkers. Bring on 2008 and whatever it has in store—I'm predicting many more Hollywood divorces and rehab stints.

For us everyday Joes and Janes, it's New Year's resolution time! Each year, millions of Americans resolve to make themselves or the world around them better. Here is a list of the most popular pledges for the next 365 days.

At the top of the heap: Lose weight. No big shocker here. As the holiday season comes to a close, we're all carrying around a little chub. Many thanks to all those cookies, second helpings of mashed potatoes, and the rounds of drinks with friends. The time has come to get back on track, or better yet—the treadmill.

Others hope to get their finances in order. With personal debt at an all-time high (student loans anyone? Years of credit card abuse?) now is the perfect time to sit down and take a hard look at your money. Get on a payment plan, stop spending what you don't have, and work your way to a desirable credit score.

Those living behind a computer screen 9-5 each day vow to take a trip. Most Americans to not even use the full vacation time they are allotted each year. Allow me to help rectify this by letting you in on a secret: the work will always be there, and the universe will remain intact should you not be in the office for a few days. A plug for a few of my favorite vacay destinations to give you some ideas: Key West, FL. Nassau, Bahamas. San Diego, CA. London, England. Places to avoid: Boston, MA. The entire state of Ohio.

Never one to be entirely conventional, here are some ideas for resolutions that stray slightly from the standard.

  • Use coupons more frequently
  • Drink more water
  • Make purchases from local businesses instead of large chain stores
  • TURN OFF THE BLACKBERRY

Best of luck with whatever resolution you chose this year!

| View Comments [4] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: blackberry   britney   colleen   coupons   credit   destination   finances   loss   new   resoltions   vacation   water   weight   year