Frugal Forum December 16, 2012

I can’t believe that it is almost 2013. VISA puts out a great monthly newsletter  called Practical Money Skills just sign up at www.practicalmoneyskills.com  to learn what opportunities are available to save you money and get your financial budget in shape before December 31, 2012. Making charitable gifts can benefit a wonderful cause plus you can declare a tax deduction. If you are making a cash donation over $250 you do have to have a letter of acknowledgment from the charity, showing the date and amount and whether you received any tangible benefit in exchange such as a thank you gift. You must have a receipt to claim deductions for cash or property, no matter the amount. Check out the GoodGiving Guide for 68 legitimate local charities plus you will be eligible for a number of gifts and prize drawings www.goodgivingguide.net. Contribute to a 529 college savings plan for your child or grandchild. You can invest as little as $15 to $25 a month in various types of mutual funds, for long-term growth. The grandchild or child gets the money tax-free for higher education. You may be able to deduct part or your entire gift on your state tax return. If you were planning on making energy saving home improvement you can claim a tax credit of up to 30% of the costs. The improvements must meet federal energy-efficiency standards in order to qualify for the credit. For more information on what qualifies look  at www.energystar.gov.  Check with a financial advisor at your bank to see if you qualify for IRA account. You need to set up the Individual Retirement Account by December 31, 2012 but you have until April 15, 2013 to make contributions that can be deducted on your 2012 taxes. Now would be a great time to review your credit report. You get three for free a year so claim one now at www.annualcreditreport.com and get three more in 2013. I know this isn’t what you want to do during the holidays but reviewing your financial records will put you in a good place for 2013.

Watch Santa feed the reindeer everyday on ReindeerCam at 11am, 6pm and 9pm everyday. http://reindeercam.com/

Teachers sign up for free Colgate Bright Smiles or Bright Futures Kit. http://kindergarten.colgatebsbf.com/

Free Delights Sweets Snacks at Thornton coupon expires December 17, 2012 https://www.facebook.com/thorntonsinc/app_116119781806554

Free six month digital subscription to Martha Stewart Living magazine https://martha.zt01.net/MSL/July12/11.php

$5 off $25 or more purchase at Save-A-Lot coupon https://www.facebook.com/dialog/oauth/?client_id=440760939316386&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsavealot%3Fsk%3Dapp_440760939316386&scope=publish_stream

Save 50% off a photo book at MyPublisher good until December 20, 2012 http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=aLb5i3f6MAM&offerid=250397.10000237&type=3&subid=0

Receive a mail in rebate for your purchase price (up to $3.00) by mail for your purchase of LYSOL Dual Action Wipes http://www.lysol.com/special-offers/dual-action-wipes-rebate/

Starting December 13th, the Starbucks Rekindle Share Event begins in stores. From 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, stop by a participating Starbucks and purchase a holiday drink and get one free.Starbucks Holiday Drinks include Caramel Brulee latte,Gingerbread latte and Peppermint mocha.  Starbucks Rekindle Event begins December 13th and ends December 16th, 2012.

Check out Amazon’s shipping deadlines for Christmas delivery. Until December 18, 2012 you can still order with free super saver shipping. http://www.amazon.com/gp/gift-central/event/holiday-shipping/?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&pf_rd_i=navbar-4201&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=1441179362&pf_rd_r=050Z27P1BCJ1E9ZZ6Q8J&pf_rd_s=nav-sitewide-msg&pf_rd_t=4201&tag=fothmo03-20

Look for specially marked boxes of Totinos pizza to receive a $5 rebate when you purchase four http://www.useyourcash.com/totinosgrocerycash/

Get FREE $5 off Fandango Code to see The Hobbit - just enter your email address and sign up for an email notification of when The Hobbit’ blu- ray is available for pre-order (don’t need to buy), and you will get a Free $5 off Fandango code to see ‘The Hobbit’. http://see.walmart.com/moviecenter

No coupons this week but here are some extra ways to save on holiday gifts.

Rite Aid Deals:

Russell Stover box chocolates 24 oz. $8.99 receive $3 +UPs rewards

All Fragrance and Cosmetic Gift Sets buy one get one 50% off plus receive $5 +UPs rewards

Twenty 4 x 8 Photo Greeting Cards just $9.99 plus buy Picture Package(1 8x10, 2 5x7 and 4 4x6) for $5 and receive $5 +UPs rewards

Don’t forget to stock up on toilet paper for your company Rite Aid brand 12pk $6.49 receive $2 +UPs reward

CVS Deals:

Purchase $30 worth of Hallmark ornaments, storybooks  or  cards receive $10 extracare bucks

Spend $10 on any Physicians Formula Cosmetics receive $6 extracare bucks

Spend  $10 on any Conair or Scunci Hair accessories receive $5 extracare bucks

Buy any Nivea Men’s 3pc gift set or Axe 4pc gift set $9.99 receive $2 extracare bucks

Walgreens Deals:

Welch’s Sparkling Grape Juice on sale two for $6 plus use $1 in store coupon

Tums Fresheners $4.99 receive $4.99 register rewards

Frugal Tip:

If you are a holiday procrastinator then you will want to take note of free shipping day which will take place this Monday, December 17^th. Check out their website at www.freeshippingday.com which will enable you to tackle all your online shopping and guarantee that it arrives in time for Christmas.