Frugal Living -“Wiser Consumer Wednesday”

It is Wiser Consumer Wednesday here at the Frugal Living event and we have some great tips as consumers along with two YUMMY Buy 1 Get 1 FREEbies for you to enjoy.

FREEbies:Seattle Best Coffee: Buy a medium or large mocha or latte and receive a complimentary (FREEbie) mocha or latte of equal or lesser value with coupon. Click here for your coupon.


Baskin Robbins: Get a taste of Candy Bar Madness with a buy 1 sundae get 1 free coupon a Baskin Robbins. Click Here for your FREEbie coupon.




Quick Consumer Wisdom:

- Make one extra payment each year on a $150, 000 mortgage, and you will save $26,00 in interest.

- Pay $10 more each month over the minimum balances on your credit cards. It will take you less time to pay them off and you will save thousands in interest.

- Make a call to your credit card companies. Inform them that you are considering moving your business to another company (ask for the retention department). You may get another deal.

- Always watch your credit card statements for unannounced rate increases or fees. If you’re rarely late on a payment, you may get it forgiven with a phone call.





It’s Tax Time - Here are some tips:

- Although a yearly refund is attractive, consider that with a few adjustments in your withholding, you will get more money in your pocket monthly (and you’ll stop loaning it to Uncle Sam - he’s not paying you any interest!)

- Avoid “Rapid-Refund” offers. You’re not getting your refund any faster; you’re simply taking out a loan on money you’re owed from the IRS. Instead, opt for direct deposit from the IRS, which only takes 7-14 days.

Further Tax Assistance:
- www.irs.gov: Discover your correct withholding and trace your refund.
- www.turbotax.intuit.com and www.completetax.com for preparing your taxes.

Dollars and Sense – Your Checking and Savings Accounts:

- Evaluate what your checking or savings account is currently costing you. Do you really need all of those services? Look for accounts that have no minimum requirement, and review carefully offers of “free” checking.

- Paper-less Checking: Consider the potential savings of paying your bills online. Sometimes banks will give you a break on interest and fees when you use online bill payment. Decrease your risk for identity theft by eliminating papers with your personal information on them in your mailbox and elsewhere. Computer software programs, used in conjunction with online bill payment make tax time much easier.



Dollars and Sense Information:

Bankrate.com: tools for consumers to compare financial institutions around the nation
Fdic.com: ensure your bank is FDIC insured

Shopping (and comparison assistance) Resources Online: Be an informed consumer. Invest some time to save money and get the best price (and product) with a little research.

Consumerreports.org ($26/yr for most online content): You can check out the magazine issues or the buying guide at your local libraries for free!

ConsumerSearch.com: “Reviews of Product Reviews” in one place.

Credit Information:

AnnualCreditReport.com: All consumers are eligible to receive a free annual credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You must go through this website or call 1-877-322-8228.

Other Consumer Information/Inspiration Sites:

Consumercredit.com: Budgeting tools and payoff calculators
Moneypurposejoy.com: Author, personal finance expert and speaker Matt Bell
Myfico.com: Calculate your own credit score
Cardratings.com: Lists & reviews credit cards, tips and credit card calculators
Consumer-Action.org : Credit Card information regarding terms, rates and fees for dozens of credit card companies. Free brochures and guides on choosing/using credit.

Consumer Information:
Pueblo.gsa.gov: Federal Citizen Information Center – Helpful resources you can view online (or order for free or nearly free) regarding a large variety of financial, family, health and other topics.

Savingforcollege.com: Research college plans

Financialengines.com: Determine the right mix of stocks and bonds

Statecoverage.net: Health c overage information for your State

Carinsurance.com: Auto insurance comparisons

Nolo.com: Templates and instructions for writing a will



Frugal Quotes for Thought:

"All days are not same. Save for a rainy day. When you don't work, savings will work for you."
- M.K. Soni

“Rely on the ordinary virtues that intelligent human beings have relied on for centuries: common sense, thrift, realistic expectations, patience and perserverance.”
-John C. Bogle, American Investor, on weather the current economic crisis.

Frugal Book Review: “Your Money Map: A Proven 7-Step Guide to True Financial Freedom”, By Howard Dayton (CEO, Crown Financial Ministries)

The first thing you’ll notice about this book is that it not only tells you what to do, but it tells you why. In clear, concise language it explains (and even illustrates) the “whys” of FICO scores, home buying, spending plans and more. Chapters include easy reading tip boxes with key points and discussion questions. Suggest this book for your small group study or to form a financial alliance with your spouse.

Upcoming Thursday: Thrifty Meals, “A Month of Frugal, Healthy Meals”