Fru-Gal Column October 14

The holidays will be here before we know it. This is a time for reality about your finances. I listen to many people tell me that they are living check by check but then they go out and buy their child or there selves something extravagant. We have to ask ourselves did we help push this country into a recession. Start by being personally responsible for yourself. Ask yourself “Do I really need this?” Not understanding the difference between a need and a want or splurging can put you in financial trouble. I say every year that a gift from the heart is far more valuable than expensive gift from the store. The United States government has a website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. It will help you design a spending plan, help manage your debt and credit plus much more. They also have set up a toll-free hotline, (888) 696-6639 which you can use to order a packet of information with financial tips. www.mymoney.gov
Compute the real cost of buying presents on your credit card. If you are a minimum amount due type payer, you end up shelling out 68% more for an item when you buy it on a credit card. This means that great deal of 50% off is no bargain if you cannot pay with cash. Add up to 70% to your purchase price of something about to go on plastic it is surprising how that stops you from making an unnecessary purchase.
Now let’s think why you are actually buying the item. Did you have a bad day? Did it trigger a nostalgic memory? Consumers aren’t aware of the underlying psychology that drives them to buy. Stop your emotional spending. Think before you buy.
Take care of what you do own. The National Association of Realtors wants to help you become an expert in areas like home improvement, maintenance, taxes, finance and insurance. Learn how to protect and increase the value of your home by becoming a more confident homeowner. www.houselogic.com
For savings on maintaining your car Quaker State oil is giving you a $5 rebate if you buy 5 bottles of Quaker Motor Oil or $5 rebate on a Quaker State Oil Change. Sign up for their oil change reminder program now and get a certificate for up to $20 off your second Quaker State oil change. http://www.quakerstate.com/#/hms-rebate
Stop and make a list of whom you are buying gifts for this holiday season. Sears and Kmart offer a layaway program where you go online locate the layaway icon on your products and select layaway at checkout. Make payments online over a 8 week period for all your layaway contracts. Pick up at the layaway location you selected at checkout. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/dap_10153_12605_DAP_Sears%20Layaway?origin=prod&prop17=layaway
Visit the new HP kiosk at Walmart Photo Center near you to redeem coupon for two free 5 x 7 photo greeting cards that was in your 10/10 Sunday Parade or print online at www.hp.com/go/walmartfreecard
October is National Popcorn Month. The Popcorn Factory would like to send you a trio of fresh-popped favorites for FREE. Order their Try Me Trio of customer favorites, pay only shipping and handling charges of $5.99 and you’ll receive three of their popular flavors along with a $10 Promo Code to use on your next order. http://www.thepopcornfactory.com/try-me-popcorn-trio.product.4011311.10101?
Get a free music download from Volume Vote when you listen to certain clips and vote on the songs. The top rated song will be featured for free download. www.volumevote.com
Stop by Sephora counter located inside JCPenney for a free sample of Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture with coupon. http://f.jcpenneyem.com/i/2/95827765/100710_FB_Viva.pdf
Origins stores are offering a free Energizing mini facial on October 18 through 24th. You will also receive a free 1 month supply GinZing Refreshing eye cream (no purchase necessary) and a Instant energy tip card from Real Simple. You do need to make an appointment. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=130284197024400&index=1
Sign up for Rack Room e-mail coupons and receive a $5 gift card to Rack Room will be sent to you http://www.rackroomshoes.com/fallmakeover/
Get a free ZingGo Peanut Butter Energy Bar when you enter promotional code fb9898 at checkout. http://www.zinggo4life.com/collections/frontpage/products/zinggo-single-bar
Now through November 6th you can create a small 5 x 7 Photo Book from Kodak Gallery for only $1.99 shipped. Simply use promotional code TARGBOOK at checkout. http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/welcome.jsp
Coffee Lovers Like Green Mountain Coffee on Mondays at their facebook page and receive a sample of Fair Trade Vermont Country Blend Coffee. http://www.facebook.com/GreenMountainCoffee?v=app_100986888577#!/GreenMountainCoffee?v=wall
Keep your kids safe online with Norton Online Family Parental Control Software for FREE. With this you can know what your kids are really doing online, spot potential dangers before they become problems and easily manage your kids’ computer time. https://onlinefamily.norton.com/familysafety/loginStart.fs
If your toddler or preschooler is reaching for your iPhone, get two packs of virtual cards free from Parents magazine. The iPhone app teaches colors, shapes, the alphabet, and more. Just search “Parents” at the app store.
The Other White Meat is offering free Kids Pork Cookbook along with other recipes booklets. http://www.theotherwhitemeat.com/TOWM_fshome1freebies.aspx
While supplies last get a free DVD on Solar Cooking in a Sun Over from Utah Sun Ovens. http://www.utahsunovens.com/index.php?p_resource=September2010FreeDVD
Sign your cat up for Petite Cuisine Birthday Club and he or she will receive a free can of Petite Cuisine. http://petitecuisine.com/view/424/22812/Birthday-Club.html
Target wants to help kids get on the right path towards graduation. Pledge time to read with a child and they will donate a book to children in need. http://reading.target.com/?&ref=corporateCareersBillboard_1&ref=tgt_email_RX010101&emseq=85673263
Barilia Pasta is trying to build closer family relationship by bringing families together at dinnertime. Just click on the Yes, I do believe in meaningful meals button and Barilia will donate $1 to Meals On Wheels Association of America . http://www.barillaus.com/Pages/Share-The-Table-Landing.aspx
Help SunnyD brighten children’s future by donating twenty Sunny D labels and receive twenty classroom books for your child’s school. www.sunnyd.com
Read a book online with someone you love and The Pearson Foundation will donate a book to a leading literacy group on your behalf. The more you read, the more they give. www.wegivebooks.org
Gorey Stories playing at the Guilgnol Theatre , University of Kentucky from October 7 thru October 17 is a compilation of Edward Gorey’s stories, poems and limericks. It has a mix of unusual creatures, curious landscapes, insanity, dance, music and opera. Open to public for $15 per person but if you wear a costume you can get buy one get one free ticket deal. Call (859) 257-4929 for tickets or information. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161288643881608&index=1
Trick or Treat at Joseph-Beth, 161 Lexington Green Circle on October 30 from 11am to 12pm! Join them for their annual in-store Trick or Treat. Come in your scariest Halloween costume and they will share spooky songs and stories, then Trick or Treat around the store.
Trick or Treat on Moore Drive, Saturday, October 30th. Pick up a trick or treat bag donated from Raising Cane’s then go to Moore Drive businesses from noon to 2pm for treats. There will be live music and food vending, visit with Stitches, the Kentucky Children’s Hospital Mascot, Craft Booths and Games. Wear your costume to enter the Celebrity Judged Costume Contest at 2pm at Orlandos. Proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass.
Trick or Treat at Whole Foods, 161 Lexington Green from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, October 30.
Learn how to eat delicious, healthy,high-quality foods on a budget. Sign up for the Value Tour at Whole Foods on October 18th starting at 6pm. All participants receive a goodie bag of money-saving coupons and treats from the store. Registration required call (859) 971-8600. Class size is limited.

Saturday, October 17 is Secretariat Day at Keeneland Racetrack. Bring your ticket stub from the movie and get free admission on Saturday.

On Veterans Day, November 11, 2010, Sam’s Club locations nationwide will be giving away 36,000 Hugo canes free of charge to United States Military Veterans in need of mobility assistance. Limited quantities per club, available only while supplies last. Membership is not required. Proof of military service may be required. http://www.hugosalutes.com/