Just click on the graphic or here to pick your location and get a 7-day free trial!

Have fun (if you think exercise is fun…)

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

Upromise, Ebates, SwagBucks, Mr. Rebates, FatWallet…there are so many online shopping “portals” where you can earn rebates from your online shopping!  You hear about a deal and someone (maybe even me) tells you to remember to do the deal through one of these companies to make sure you get a little bit more back.

Next thing you know, you have 20 accounts with $.49 each in them!

Not the brightest idea, wouldn’t you agree?

One of my goals this year is to reduce clutter even more.  I am a huge fan of Flylady and her “lessons” have helped me control my house.  It’s not perfect (and to my readers who have been in my house:  there is no need to chime in with how imperfect my house is!), but it’s getting better every day.

Now I am looking to reduce clutter outside of the normal ways…and one of them is my online shopping portals.  I was shocked to go through my inbox and realize how many accounts I had.  I spent some time today going through them and closing out a few accounts (yes – I gave up a few dollars here and there…it was worth it in my mind) and am now down to only 3!

Ebates:  easily the most well-known of the online portals.  Very easy, love it.  Will use it for most of my online shopping.

SwagBucks:  I kinda forgot that I had it until a few days ago.  I love The Google, but The Google doesn’t pay me to search, does it?  As much searching as I do online, it seems stupid to NOT use it!  Some of the downfalls?  The online shopping benefits aren’t as great.  For instance, if I want to buy just 1 $25 Gift Certificate for $3 from Restaurant.com, I wouldn’t get credit through Swagbucks, as their deal is 1 Swagbucks for every $5 you spend (seems to be basically the same deal with the other online shopping through them).  Most other sites give you a straight percentage.  It may only be a difference of a few pennies per transaction but as we all know – pennies add up!

UPromise.com:  lets me accumulate money towards college and while my Hunt’s tomatoes aren’t going to pay for Harvard, it is the only place (that I know of)  where I can get money back in my “offline life”.  The new eCoupons are great.  There are new ones each month and I’m just going to get in the habit of loading them on to my card on the 1st of each month.  If I use them, great.  if not – oh well!  

Have you fallen in to the trap of too many online shopping portals?  If so, I highly recommend that you spend some time, look at the accounts that you have and start streamlining as well! 

Is there another site out there that you like or that we should know of?  Leave them in the comments!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

They aren’t as well-stocked as their last promotion (I have 3 restaurants that I always immediately check), but they have added some new ones!

Get a $25 Gift Certificate for only $3 when you click here and use the code:  SAVE at checkout!

Offer good through 1/26/09!

Of course, don’t forget that you can always do this through your Upromise account and get an additional 15% credited back to your Upromise account!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

I admit that when they gave out free Tacos on November 4th, I skipped it because when I think “fast food taco”, I think of Taco Bell and their skimpy little tacos.  Although California Tortilla may be one of our first choices for quick take-out, we always just stuck to their burritos and never gave the tacos any thought!

But then I got a free taco for voting for California Tortilla in the Shorty Awards (follow them on Twitter – there’s still time to vote!) and decided to go get it!

Let me tell you – these are NOTHING like Taco Bell tacos!  Unless you are my husband, one of these tacos is the perfect size for any meal!

So how do you get one?

First, go here to see if there is a California Tortilla near you.

Then just stroll in to your local store on Tuesday January 20th, walk up to the cashier and do a little dance (you don’t need to make a little love/get down tonight)

As a reward for your silliness, the cashier will give you a free taco AND a keychain full of savings!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

Like most other retailers, Old Navy is having a clearance sale.

Take an additional 50% off your clearance purchase, both online AND at the store when you use the code: EXTRA50 at checkout.

Offer good through January 19th!

If you are shopping online, don’t forget to go through your Ebates, Mr. Rebates or UPromise.com account to get an additional 3% back!

Thanks for the heads-up Darla!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

So some people got together and sued Federated Department Stores over makeup. 

Do I know why?  Nope!

Do I care why?  Not particularly!

All I know is that since I bought makeup at one of their stores between May of 1994 and July of 2003, I am a member of “the class” and am entitled to 1 free makeup item starting on January 20th and for the next 7 days (or while supplies last). And you probably are too if you bought any cosmetics at the department store during that time frame!!

Click here for more details (thanks Maria!)

One free makeup item?  That TOTALLY makes up for that whole Chanel addiction I had in the mid ’90s…but I’ll take it!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

To help launch the new BRight Choices line of lighter ice creams at Baskin Robbins, stores will be giving out 1 free scoop of the new BRight Choices flavors on Thursday January 15th!

To get your free scoop, you do need to show a membership card  for a gym (I’m hoping that the YMCA is good enough) between 11:00am and 10:00pm.

Don’t have a gym membership?  Click here for a $1 coupon that you can use instead!

More details here

(I’m trying to figure out the logic of handing out ice cream to people who are trying to lose weight, but still…..)

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

Darla asked me if I knew of any good deals on doing your taxes, and since she is one of the coolest people I know, I happily went “hunting” for her!

The IRS is opening up the eFile system on January 16th and if you are due a refund, why wait until the last possible moment to get it?  Get your papers together now and get ready!

If you are one that does your taxes yourself, there are several options available, including some free ones! 

PLEASE NOTE:  if you have very long or complicated returns and have always had an accountant do them and are not very organized, it might be better to stick with the accountant.  Yes – we are all trying to cut costs, but if there is anything in this life you don’t want to mess up…it’s your tax returns!

TaxCut is my favorite program.  We have used it for years. 

If you don’t need to itemize your deductions, they have a free online program that you can use.  you can then print out your return and mail it!  e-Filing is an additional $14.95.  

If you need to itemize, they have a program for $39.95 that includes e-Filing

State returns are an additional cost

TurboTax is the other “big name” one.

If you don’t need to itemize, they also have a free version of the software that you can use

Need to itemize?  Their Deluxe version is only $29.95 and includes e-Filing

State Returns are an additional cost

And then there are two “up & coming” sites.

 Taxhead.com

allows you to prepare and print your 1040EZ OR your 1040A for free.

eFiling (before April 1st) is only $12.95

if you need to do the 1040 “long form”, this is not the site for you

1040Return.com

Cost is $14.95 for 1040EZ/A or $15.95 for the 1040 and includes the e-Filing for free

State returns are an additional $9.95 and includes the cost of e-Filing

Do you know of any other good deals on doing your taxes?  Post them in the comments!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

The pedometer offer comes and goes and ALWAYS sells out quickly.

Click on the above graphic or here to get it!

When you can’t see the picture any longer, they are gone!

This one is gone too!  At least it lasted about 2 days this time!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

Sorry for the late notice, but click here to have Suave mail you a coupon for a free bottle of Suave (up to $3)

Offer good today (Wednesday, January 14, 2009) only!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

If you like Hickory Farms products, now is a great time to order them as they are offering 75% off EVERYTHING on the site!

AND

Take an additional 15% off your order when you use the code:  849358

AND

do the transaction through your Mr. Rebates account and get an additional 7% back!

note:  this doesn’t mean that you save 92% (75 + 15 + 7).  It works out to more like 81%

Thanks to Darla for pointing out this deal!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

With all the new freebies coming out, my mailbox is going to fill up again!  Don’t forget one of the best parts about getting the freebies:  very often they include coupons as well!

Get a free sample of Sunsilk here (note:  at the top it says they will send a coupon, but at the bottom you also get to pick a sample)

Get a $2 Coupon for Aveeno Positively Ageless here

Get a sample of Stetson Rich Suede cologne here

Get a free Mr. Clean Mini Magic Eraser here

Get a free sample of Quaker Oats Mini Delights here

Don’t forget these freebies that are still available

Dunkin Donuts Dark Coffee

SoyJoy bars

Free healthy samples from RemedyLife

Always Infinity Pads

Always Infinity Pads (sample #2)

Pantene Pro-V

Get winter healthy samples

Dove Hair Care

Cream of Wheat

Free $10 Coupon Book from Betty Crocker

Total Cranberry Crunch

Splenda with Fiber

Metamucil Berry Burst

Degree Absolute Protection

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

I saw this a few days ago, kept meaning to post it and then just plain forgot.  So thanks to Carol for emailing me and reminding me about it!

Download a free copy of Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan here.  This is $9.99 on Amazon, so if you don’t mind reading it on your computer, you can’t beat it! (and if you do mind, then learn to deal…it’s a $10 freebie!)

Offer good until January 15, 2009 at 11:59pm CT

I’m a “Dave Ramsay gal” and I really don’t pay attention to Suze (because Dave is working out so well for us, although I know that Suze is a little more well-known than Dave), but I’m looking forward to reading this!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

After 2 months of no freebies, they are finally coming back!

Get a free sample of SoyJoy bars here

And while you’re waiting for them to come in the mail, get a $1/5 coupon  here

And just a helpful hint….the bars that I have tasted were just “ok” .  But crumble them up and put them over low-fat vanilla yogurt?  YUM!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

I usually only post the Restaurant.com deals when they are offering the $25 for $2, but with the addition of the $10 bonus gift certificate, this makes this deal worth it!

Simply click here and use the code:  DEAL at checkout to get your $25 Gift Certificate AND an additional $10 Gift Certificate!

(Note:  just buy your $25 gift certificate…do NOT pick out your $10!  After you have completed checkout they will email you a code that you can use to get your free $10 certificate!)

Offer good through 1/12/09

Please note:  different restaurants have different restrictions.  Some may limit you to weekday dining, some may requre a minimum purchase.  Please read the requirements before purchasing!

(oh – and a note to my super-local readers…a certain local favorite Italian restaurant and Mexican restaurant have been re-stocked as well.  And this time I got MY certificates before you people bought them all!)

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

(note to any potential commenters.  I am no shrinking violet.  Don’t think that a few harsh words are going to intimidate me in to reversing my position.  All you will do is piss me off and get me all ranty on you, while also lowering my opinion of both Aldi and Aldi shoppers.  Way to go!  Oh – and next time I publish email and IP addresses)

It seems that this post touched a nerve.    What was written almost 2 months ago sat largely unnoticed until the past week.  Since then, I have deleted several comments and received more than a few emails from people determined to defend Aldi and tell me what a bad person I am for not worshipping at the Altar of Aldi!

Why the sudden interest?  Your guess is as good as mine!  Is it National I-Love-Aldi month?

So let’s get a few things straight (and address the 2 relatively tame comments that I allowed to stay up):

1.  It’s not as if I said that Aldi was evil…I mean, it’s not like it is Walmart or anything.  As a matter of fact, I pointed out that some items were cheaper than my grocery stores, even with a coupon.  The price on dried beans blew me away!  I also pointed out that if one lives where they don’t double coupons (or simply lives closer to an Aldi than I do), Aldi can be a wonderful thing.

2.  Perhaps the store near me is not one of the better ones, perhaps it was a bad day…..but rotten fruit is rotten fruit.  You couldn’t have paid me to eat any of the fruit on display that day.

3.  I didn’t tell anyone NOT to go to Aldi.  I simply gave my opinion of it.  I realize that many many people think Aldi is the best thing since sliced Schnitzbrot and if you are among them, go forth and save!  You have my blessing (not that you need it anyway!).  My husband thinks I am wrong, wrong, wrong for hating ketchup…but he doesn’t see the need to chastise me for it (both on this site and off).  Why do you?

4.  Addressing the comment from Dan:  the cost of the newspaper?  Most weeks I save a minimum $15 from one $1 newspaper.  I’m still up $14.  How many additional trips?  None.  Aldi is not one-stop shopping for most people. Perhaps for some, but not all!

5.  And to Sam:  thank you for your opinion of my time management skills.  As for your comments about the fresh fruits and vegetables?  See #2.  Oh – and on the off-chance that you are an employee for “Aldi Corporate” (your use of the word “tinned” indicates that you are likely not an American…most Americans say “canned”.), and on a PR mission for Aldi?  Let your bosses know that it was your comment that was the final straw and inspired this post.  Good job!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

Get your free sample of Gold Bond Lotion here

Get a free sample of Barbaras Bakery Organic Cereal here

 Get a free sample (non-medicated) and $7 coupon for Nicoderm CQ with SmartControl here

Join Cooks Central and be entered to win a free KitchenAid stand mixer

Get a free sample of Benefiber here

Ideal Bite – Fun, free eco living tips delivered M-F to your inbox. Click Here

Get a free sample of Kotex Lightdays Thin here

Don’t forget to sign up with Betty Crocker and Pillsbury (separate offers) to have them mail you plenty of coupons here and here

Get a free sample of Kirkland Brand Diapers from Costco here

Choose from 100s of Free Trade Publication Subscriptions here

Get a Free Sample of Bear Naked Granola here

Get your winter healthy samples Here

Get a coupon for a free bottle of Country Bob’s All-Purpose Sauce here (note to my local readers:  it isn’t available within 100 miles of my house, but if you have relatives who live in the South, you can always send it to them!)

Visit PlanningFamily.com for free baby coupons, free baby samples, free baby magazines and more! Click Here

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

You don’t need to have a Kroger card to get this freebie (note that it says “optional” where it asks for your Kroger card), and this probably won’t last long!

Click here to get it!

(thanks Heather!)

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

If you are pregnant, know someone who is, or thinking about getting pregnant, get a free copy of “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” when you sign up for the Duet Advantage email list. (thanks Crystal!)

Register for free at Planning Family and get free samples for baby, coupons and more

Get a free sippy cup from Juicy Juice here (don’t forget to check off that you want the cup at the bottom of the form!)

Get more free stuff for new and expectant parents here

Quality Health has re-stocked with Winter Samples.  Get them here!  Go here to see what Fall Samples they still have left!

Get a free sample of Total Cranberry Crunch here

Get your free sample of Fruit Roll-Ups here

Get $10 in free coupons from Betty Crocker here

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

About a year ago, we had a California Tortilla open near us and it remains one of our favorite “fast food” places.  The Thai Chicken Burrito is to die for (and HUGE!  Brad & I usually each get our own burritos but he gets half of mine because I can’t finish it!).  And the Queso…..ah, the Queso!

If you don’t have a California Tortilla near you, then you are really missing out! 

Today and next Monday (12/29) they are having “Double Loyalty Points” days.  Make sure that you take your Burrito Elito Card with you so that you can take advantage of this promotion!

Oh – and if you are on Twitter…nominate them for a Shorty Award and get a free taco on January 6th!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

You only have about 9 hours left to take advantage of this deal (it is available online at Staples.com as well as at the stores)

Today (Monday, December 22) only, you can get a free copy of QuickBooks Pro 2009, after Mail-in-rebate and Instant Savings.

I have used QuickBooks for many years and they are a great platform for accounting.  QuickBooks Pro may be a bit more than many people need, but this would make a great gift!

Note:  the cost is $199 and there is a $40 instant savings.  Then there is a $159 mail-in-rebate.  Since this product qualifies for free shipping, the only thing you should pay is sales tax, after rebate!

Click here to get more info. (limit 1 per customer)

Don’t need all the bells & whistles of QuickBooks Pro?  Then go to the QuickBooks website and download a free copy of their most basic product:  SimpleStartFree (click on “Free Edition” right under the Add to Cart button)

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

What happens when you make the decision to live within your means (or to cut back on spending to achieve your goals) and yet you still have expensive tastes?

Are you doomed to a life of cheap clothes, cheap shoes, scratchy sheets and Dollar Store housewares?

Not if you have a T.J. Maxx or Marshall’s near you!

I can sum up my love of these stores in one word:  DaVinci Syrups, shoes, Ralph Lauren, shoes, Liz Clairborne, shoes, kitchen stuff, shoes, housewares, shoes, linens, shoes, children’s clothes, shoes and toys (and shoes).

Ok – that may have been more than one word, but that is because there are so many reasons to love these stores (and I may have a thing for shoes)!

I’ve been a Marshall’s and T J Maxx shopper for longer than I’ve been “Professionally Frugal”.  It just made sense to sense to pay less for designer clothing if I could.  And so before I headed to Macy’s or Bloomingdales, I would stop at these stores to see what they had…and I always found something! 

When I got hooked on Vanilla Lattes but didn’t want to pay coffeehouse prices?  I found Sugar-free Davinci syrups for half the price of the supermarkets and coffeehouses and started making them at home!

When I “needed” a pair of hot-pink high-heeled sandals?  I headed to Marshall’s shoe department and bought a pair that would have cost $50 for only $14.99 (they have normal shoes as well…but there is nothing like those pink shoes!)

And, of course, there is the toy department.  I have found countless books, toys and videos/DVDs for my children!

To help you discover the wonder that is TJ Maxx and Marshalls, they have given me a $25 gift card to each and I’m giving them away!

To enter, simply enter your name and email address in the form below.  Your email will not be used for any other purpose except picking a winner and will not be shared with anyone (and the list will be deleted once the winners have been notified)

ENTRIES HAVE BEEN CLOSED.  THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!

 
This giveaway will remain open until Monday at 6:00pm EST at which time I will pick 2 winners and notify them.  The first one to respond will get their choice of the two gift cards.  The remaining one will go to the second winner!

And while leaving a comment here won’t enter you in the giveaway, it would be great if you let others know your favorite find at T J Maxx and Marshall’s!

Good Luck!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

Restaurant.com has lots of promos, but this one can’t be beat!  Local restaurants have been restocked and some new ones added.

Just click here and use the code:  SANTA at checkout to get $25 Gift Cards for $2!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

Thanks to everyone who entered the Caftea $50 Gift Basket Giveaway.  Using Randomizer.org, the winner is entry #58, which is…….

Katie Klein (katers2714@xxxx.xxx)

Katie – I’ll be sending you an email in the next few minutes.  Please respond ASAP so that we can get your gift basket sent out by the UPS deadline!  In the event that I don’t hear from you by 10:30pm Thursday night (EST), I will need to pick a new winner.

Don’t forget that all Moms Need To Know readers can get 10% off their $40 order at Caftea!  Just use the code:  MNTK1 at checkout!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

There are two Pantene Samples available right now!

Pantene Expressions (this one has been around for a while and has not reset, so if you got it once you won’t be able to get it again)

and the new one…

Click here for a sample of (what I think is) “traditional” Pantene

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

Get a free Reach ACCESS Flosser here

Get a free Charmin Extender here

Get a free headband from Crest when you click here (you must sign up for VocalPoint in order to get it, but seriously – SIGN UP FOR VOCALPOINT!  I get mailed the best coupons from them)

Choose from 100s of free business/trade magazines here

Get a free sample of Tampax Pearl here

Get a free Christmas Lapel Pin (choose from 5) here

Get a free sample of Dark Lips Treatment cream here

Get a free Guide to Weight Loss Success from Slim Fast here

Join HUGGIES Baby Network and get a free sample of Huggies when you Click Here

Get a free Cleanup Bags Dispenser here

Get a free sample of KickButt Energy Balls here

Get free Poison Control/Prevention Educational Materials here

Baby on the way? Get free baby samples and coupons. Click Here

Get a free Dryer Vent Tool Kit here

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

Through 12/31/08, Get 75 Free 4×6 prints when you join the Kodak Gallery! (you don’t have to use them right away, but you do only have until the end of the month)

But wait! There’s more!

Get your photo Christmas Cards at a huge discount!  Upload your Holiday photo and create 30 cards (3 sets) of 5×7 Photo Print Cards.  Then use the Coupon Code:  20FREECARDS to Get 20 Free Photo Cards and pay as little as $6.99 for 30 Photo Cards.

But wait!  There’s more!

Have them sent to your local CVS, Kroger, Albertsons and many more stores (click on “find a store”) and pick them up the next day for only a $2.49 convenience fee and eliminate any other shipping charges!

But wait!  There (might be) more!

If your order total is over $30, use the Coupon Code: HOLIDAYGREEN to get another 20% off your entire order!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

With all of the craziness of Thanksgiving, the funeral and 11 hour drives that turned in to 16 hour drives, I didn’t get a chance to pick a winner last week for this giveaway.

But I am pleased to announce that the winner of this book is Trina from Frugal Dr. Mom!  Congratulations!

Trina:  I sent you an email a few minutes ago….

Stay tuned for another giveaway that is starting today or tomorrow.  It’s a $50 gift basket filled with coffee, tea & goodies from Caftea!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

Thanks to Stacey for the heads-up on this!

HP has teamed up with 50 bloggers to have them each review and give away $6000 in HP products!

Click here for details!

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!

Send a free Thanksgiving eCard without having to register and give away your first-born!

Just click here !

Get all the codes you need for your online shopping at my Online Coupon Database!