Fru-Gal Column December 16

When people say to me “I love your column!”, I then say do you use my suggestions, some say yes but some say not yet but I need to. This Special New Year - 1/11/11 is the time to start a new routine. I can’t stress enough that the tips I give throughout the year in my column and on my website can save you thousands. I already had someone come up to me this holiday season and tell me that I saved her over $300 on her holiday shopping. I am not asking you to do a major overhaul but let’s start with doing five small things in January to help you on your way to becoming financially, emotionally, and physically better this 2011. Watch to see what my five suggestions in February will be.

1. If you don’t have a slow cooker put it on your gift list. Just this Sunday my husband made a terrific dinner. When we sat down he said you know this dinner cost around $20 and if we went out to dinner it would be at least $80. The kicker is with the leftovers we had enough for lunch the next day. I know when you work all day the last thing you want to do is make dinner. The best dinner is when you come home and all you have to do is make some side dishes because your main dish is already made in your slow cooker. Go online to get some tips and recipes on how to use your slow-cooker. http://www.slowandsimple.com/

2. I hate to say this over and over again but you need to know how much money is coming in and how much money is going out. Mint.com is a wonderful resource to help you figure this out. When you have this information in hand you will be able to better understand your finances. The feeling of paying off all your bills will offset all the anxiety you may have starting this process.
3. Last Friday I spent too many hours looking for a piece of paper I needed to fill out a form. Let me tell you after a trash bag of shredded paper and a backseat of stuff for Goodwill I felt better because my office became less cluttered. Plan on making your live less cluttered especially after all the presents you receive for the holidays. If you received a new sweater let’s give an old sweater to Goodwill or Salvation Army. During my rant on Friday, I couldn’t believe all the paper that I accumulate. The Federal Trade Commission wants to help. The credit bureaus offer a toll-free number that enables you to “opt-out” of having pre-approved credit offers sent to you for five years. Call 1-888-567-8688 or visit www.optoutprescreen.com. Many of your cable, phone and other expenses offer you a special gift if you go paperless. Check it out.

4. I tell you time and time again that you can have family time for free. Your local library is a wonderful resource for free entertainment. You can check out movies, books, music even games or participate in all of their free programs offered. Go online to Kentucky.com for all the latest free events happening in the area. If it is a newly released film you want to see check out your local theatres for discounted matinee times. Want to get a free rental at Blockbuster Express just enter promotional code XU14A doesn’t expire until January 7. Don’t forget to look for those Orville Redenbacher popcorn boxes that offer free Redbox codes inside.

5. Take a walk. Kentucky is blessed with many beautiful walking trails take advantage of this free resource. Now open is the Legacy Trail a 12 mile walking, biking, interpretive trail and public art venue. Go to your local parks and recreation website to find all their offerings.

Enjoy online storytime by Barnes & Noble with this month’s featured story “Polar Express” read by the book’s author Chris Van Allsburg. Every month they feature a new popular kids story read out loud. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/storytime/index.asp

Send a personalized call from Santa http://www.sendacallfromsanta.com/

Get a free personalized letter from Santa courtesy of Walgreens http://www.mdmgames.net/npnWalgreens/

Get a free personalized Christmas, Birthday or Love song to send to someone special. http://instasong.com/servlets/InstaSong?method=setup_registration_page&csrc=6010800566

Send a magical card to the North Pole on behalf of a child and Santa Claus will send back a personalized video. http://magicsanta.ca/

Elf yourself at Office Max by creating your own personalized elf to send to family and friends. http://www.elfyourself.com/

Send your friends and family a personalized greeting via Coca-Cola and Facebook. They’ll receive a cute polar bear video and a coupon for 99 cents off a 14,16 or 20oz Coke. A fresh supply of coupons arrive every Monday at 6pm. http://apps.facebook.com/ahhgiver/splash.php

Lowe’s is having a Last-Minute Gift-A-Thon! Get up to 90% off! Just like them on their facebook page and on Friday, December 17 at 10am thru December 19 till 11pm they will have limited amount of 90% off values. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109292545809222

$10 off when you spend $20 or more in apparel and accessories purchase at Sears coupon http://www.sears.com/ue/clth/1215_Apparel_Coupon.pdf

Coupons.com has a new $5 coupon off Shrek Forever After DVD. www.coupons.com

This week only the Disney Store is offering buy one get one free on plush animals and kids sleepware. www.disneystore.com

Meijer Store is running a Levi Jean promotion this week: Buy any two signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Jeans or Casual Pants for the family and get a $10 Meijer gift card by mail. (rebate form will print out at register) Boy’s and Girl’s Denim are on sale for $13 each.
Get your free sample of Pampers UnderJams. https://www.pampers.com/en_US/underjams-sample

Pick up a free sample of Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Liquid Nude when you stop by Sephora inside JCPenney with coupon. http://f.jcpenneyem.com/i/2/95827765/20101212_sijcp_gifts.jpg

Get your free sample of Magic Spice even add your own personalized message to the sample. http://yourmagicspice.com/Say-it-with-Seasoning.html

Feed it Forward and Restaurant.com want to build community and lift people’s spirits by giving the gift of $10 Restaurant.com gift certificates for free. You can give up to 40 $10 Restaurant.com gift certificates every day until December 31. http://feeditforward.restaurant.com/?showLogin=true&ReturnUrl=%2fHome%2fGiveGifts

This week at Rite Aid buy two Rite Aid brand gift wrap tape where they are buy one get one free costing you just $1.49 but use your wellness card and receive $2.00 back in UPs rewards which will in the end have you making 51 cents on the deal.
Like Birds Eye Vegetables on their facebook page and receive a coupon for 50 cents. They are on sale for 88 cents at Krogers this week making them free-remember the coupon will double. http://www.facebook.com/BirdsEyeVegetables?v=app_168499426506502

Free cup of Yoplait yogurt. https://www.yoplait.com/get-your-free-cup

Like Bic on their facebook page for a high-value $5 coupon on any BIC mark-it permanent markers http://www.facebook.com/BICMarkit?v=app_7146470109

Like Heluva Good Dip on their facebook page for $1 coupon to help with spreading holiday cheer http://www.facebook.com/HeluvaGood?v=app_10467688569

Like Kenmore on their facebook page and they will send a dozen cookies to a soldier away from with a personal message of support. http://www.facebook.com/kenmore?ref=ts&v=app_155844884458429

Visit Life Adventure Center, 570 Milner Rd. Versailles and meet their Reindeer on Thursday, December 16th from 3pm to 6pm. You will be able to learn about the reindeer, enjoy festive music, sip on hot chocolate and make “Magic Reindeer Dust” for FREE. http://www.lacbg.com/default.htm