Turning E-Trash into Cash!

Saving is the new green! Retailers are finally reading our minds....."how can I get money for my old junk so I can buy new junk?"


Do you have gently used electronics laying around your house that aren't being used?  Gazelle.com is a web site that gives you the opportunity to turn your e-trash into cash.

You simply log onto Gazelle and enter the make and model of your electronics -- everything from cell phones, mp3 players, computers and cameras to GPS systems and gaming consoles. Gazelle then makes you an offer. Don't get too excited, however...it's not very much, but it's definitely more than you'd get for it at a garage sale and for much less hassle. If you accept the offer, Gazelle sends you a box to ship your item(s) in and even pays for the postage. It typically takes about a week before you're paid once they receive your package. 

Many major retailers are now also partnering with Gazelle. That means you can log onto the websites of Costco Wholesale, Wal-Mart and Sears to do your transaction. If you go that route, payment is remitted in store gift cards. Best Buy is running a deal where yorade in your electronics for store credit. It's generally pennies on the dollar, but if you were going to just toss it then you might as well try to get something for it!

Another option is good ole Ebay, Amazon, and Half.com    It's truly amazing what people will pay for your old stuff at online auctions.  Now realize, I get a natural high whenever I get a great deal, but there's something even better...or...uh....higher......donate your old cell phones or ipods to "Cell Phones for Soldiers." They'll even pay for the postage and the repairs if needed.

Finally, if you're looking at purchasing a new cell phone as a Christmas gift, you may be a bit overwhelmed with all of the packages and contracts out there. Cell phone company rates and plans are constantly changing, especially since the "Cell Phone Portability" law went into effect. So, in an effort to give you the most up to date offers, we've linked to sites that spend time daily researching plans and prices. We hope you find the plan that is right for you using these sites:

Cell Mania

Cell Update

Get Connected

Let's Talk

My Rate Plan

Point.com

Now that you've saved money on your new cell phone and earned money on your old one, don't forget to call your loved ones this holiday season!


CENTSerely,

Sister Thrifty

Cyber Monday

How did you all do on Black Friday? Get any incredible bargains? I snagged a few steals and deals, but I’m even more excited about Cyber Monday. Why? Because I can get great prices from the comfort of my home by shopping online!


Cyber Monday has become so popular and a part of our Christmas shopping lexicon that it’s even in Wikipedia now. The term Cyber Monday refers to the Monday immediately following Black Friday. Whereas Black Friday is associated with traditional brick and mortar stores, Cyber Monday symbolizes a busy day for online retailers. The premise was that consumers would return to their offices after the Black Friday weekend, making purchases online that they were not able to make in stores.

Each year www.walmart.com offers some of the best bargains and this year they’re in a price war with www.amazon.com We love that! Some of the common discounts include free shipping and percentages off the sales price. While I love going inside a real store and being able to touch the merchandise and get my picture taken with Santa, I REALLY love being able to stay home and shop in my pajamas!

Below are some really great web sites where you can see at a glance which retailers are offering discounts this week:

http://www.cybermonday.net/ 

www.cybermonday.fm/

www.offers.com/cyber-monday/

http://www.cybermondayonlinedeals.com/

www.dealtaker.com/cybermonday

www.visa.com/cybermonday

www.target.com/cybermonday

One of the great advantages to shopping online is that you can ship directly to your gift recipient, saving you hours of packaging presents, driving in crazy traffic to the post office, and standing in long lines during the busy holiday season!


Enjoy saving money this week online!

CENTSerely,

Sister Thrifty

Black Friday Bonanza

Saving money is all about being organized and thinking ahead. Black Friday is a perfect example. Most of us are completely exhausted after all of the busy activities of Thanksgiving and still have dirty dishes in the sink the next day, but the organized shopper wakes up early the next morning, ready to hit the stores and grab the bargains. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, and it marks the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season.

The term dates back to at least 1966The term "Black Friday" originated in Philadelphia in reference to the heavy traffic on that day. More recently, the media have used it instead to refer to the beginning of the period in which retailers go from being in the red (i.e., posting a loss on the books) to being in the black (i.e., turning a profit). In many cities it is not uncommon to see shoppers lined up for hours before stores with big sales open. Once inside the stores, shoppers rush around and snatch up what they can, as many stores have only a few of the big-draw items. On occasion, injuries and even fatalities are reported. Now that’s a bit much just to save a few dollars!

This year, in hopes of surviving the rough economy, some stores have started their Black Friday sales already! Check out these helpful web sites to find some of the great deals out there:

www.blackfriday.info
http://www.bfads.net/
http://www.black-friday.net/
http://www.theblackfriday.com/
http://www.blackfriday.gottadeal.com/
www.retailmenot.com/black-friday


Here are some examples of what you can find:

Black Friday Free Stuff at Target

Target will open its doors at 5:00am on Black Friday.
Get $10 Gift Card With Any $100 In Store Purchase
Get $10 Gift Card With Select Video Game Purchases
Get $15 Gift Card With Any Apple 8GB iPod Nano Purchase
Get $20 Gift Card With Any DSi System Purchase
Get $30 Gift Card With Any Apple 32GB iPod Touch Purchase
Get $50 Gift Card With Any Call Of Duty Super Elite XBOX 360 System Bundle
Get $50 Gift Card With Any XBOX 360 120GB Elite Game System Bundle Purchase


Staples Freebies at Black Friday
Staples opens doors at 6:00am on Black Friday.
Items that are free after rebate:
- Free Canon Photo Printer With Purchase Of Any Digital Camera
- 4 Device Universal Remote
- Sharp Handheld Calculator
- 20 pack of Duracell Batteries (Free After Staples Rewards)
- Peachtree Pro Accounting 2010

Very cheap items:
$1 - 50-Pack of HP Everyday 8.5x11 Photo Paper

Toys R Us (Black Friday)
Toys R Us opens at 5:00am on Black Friday. Doorbuster items are marked with a *
Free Bendaroos 100 Piece Set With Any 500 Piece Set Purchase - Free
Free Easel Starter Kit With Any Imaginarium Deluxe Wooden Art Easel Purchase - Free
Free EVA Sleeve Kit With Any DSi Holiday Bundle - $0.00 *
Free Imaginarium Big Train Set With Any Arch Train Table Purchase - Free
Uno Card Game - B1G1 Free
Gear Monkey Video Game Accessories - B1G1 Free *
Batman Dark Knight 6 Figures - B1G2 Free
Select Nintendo DS Games - B1G1
School Zone Books And Flashcards - B2G1 Free *
scrabble Card Game - B1G1 Free
Go Fish Card Game - B1G1 Free
Rook Card Game - B1G1 Free
Animal Planet Foam Animals - B1G1 50% Off
Crazy Bones - B1G1 50% Off
Crayola Arts And Crafts Sets - 50% Off
Crayola Color Wonder Sets - 50% Off
Deal Or No Deal Board Game - 50% Off
Disney Wheel Of Fortune Board Game - 50% Off
Gnip Gnop Board Game - 50% Off
Ker Plunk Board Game - 50% Off
Othello Board Game - 50% Off
Pokemon, Club Penguin Or Yu-Gi-Oh! Booster Packs - B1G1 50% Off
Style Six Fashion Set - B1G1 50% Off *
Thomas The Tank Engine Bike - 50% Off *
Thomas The Tank Scooter - 50% Off *
Wii Fit Accessories - 50% Off *


To help you get better organized for the new year, along with a few freebies and coupons, are some free calendars:

Free 2010 calendar from Jump Start Coalition:
http://www.jumpstartcoalition.org/calendarrequest.cfm

Free 2010 calendar from Oriental Trading, which includes:
* A special money-saving offer for you each month!
* New tips & idea starters to help you plan fun events all year long!
* Shopping reminders for guaranteed holiday delivery.
* Tons of unique dates to celebrate every month, such as "National Ice Cream Day!"
ttp://www.orientaltrading.com/...

And when you’re done with all of that shopping, relax in your favorite chair, light a free candle and read a free magazine:

Beauty Herbal Spa offers free Christmas herbal candle from their salon so that you can test candles out and see how you like it.
http://beautyherbalspa.com/GiftIdeasChristmas.html

For a limited time, receive your own FREE subscription to Successful Living Magazine!

http://www.successfulliving.com/subscribe


Enjoy this week with your loved ones and remember to take some time to offer thanks for all that you DO have.


Happy Thanksgiving!
CENTSerely,
Sister Thrifty

November deals

Since 2007, November means Daylight Savings begins.  November is now also officially “Movember” ….that is to say that men are wearing mustaches in support of prostate and testicular cancer research.  Wow, I’m glad we girls only have to wear a pink ribbon to show support for breast cancer research! 

You’re probably gearing up for Thanksgiving as well.  Here are some great web sites where you can find deals on turkeys and all the fixins, plus a few other fun Thanksgiving items:

www.SmithsFoodAndDrug.com/Circulars    coupons on turkeys and the fixins

www.BettyCrocker.com   free recipes, coupons

www.Pillsbury.com     free recipes, coupons

www.thanksgivingworld.com   all things Turkey Day

www.thanksgivinggreetings.net      free e-cards

www.theholidayspot.com/thankgiving/games    free Thanksgiving games

www.tnpsc.com/thanksgiving.htm    free Thanksgiving screensavers

And what happens the day after Thanksgiving?   The famous BLACK FRIDAY!  In a new retail development, Black Friday deals will be available from now throughout the remainder of the holiday season.

This change comes in the aftermath of Black Friday 2008 when a Wal-Mart employee was trampled to death by a mob of riotous shoppers in New York.

Wal-Mart in particular will be keeping a majority of its stores open 24 hours this year to avert a similar disaster. The mega-retailer plans to open on Thanksgiving morning at 6 a.m. and keep stores open through Friday evening.

But there's no need to wait until then to steal a deal. Retailers are rolling out the deals right now. For example, I saw a laptop at Best Buy for $249 – without standing in the cold or checkout in a long line. It was part of a one-day sale that Best Buy was having to kick off the Black Friday shopping season.

Find more Black Friday deals right now at these websites:

• BlackFriday.info
• GottaDeal.com
• BFAds.net

CENTSerely,
Sister Thrifty

How to complain and be heard

By the time you read this I’ll be in the air, flying to Boston for a business trip and I just wanted to share a great story about your consumer rights and satisfaction. Maybe you’ve heard about the famous “Gripe” song about United Airlines and how it has become a huge hit on YouTube.


An enterprising musician who had his guitar broken by United Airlines created a protest song that's become a runaway web sensation. Dave Carroll's $3,500 Taylor guitar was broken by United baggage handlers at Chicago's O'Hare Airport in the spring of 2008. During the ensuing 9-month period, Carroll attempted to get some compensation for the guitar, but he was repeatedly given the runaround by customer “no service” representatives.

His response? To film a video for an original song called "United Breaks Guitars" that has now gotten nearly 3 million views on YouTube.

After the surprising success of Carroll's clip, United came back with its tail between its legs and offered to make him whole. But the disgruntled musician refused and told United to donate the money to a charity of his choice.

The lesson here is that the web gives consumers a new level of power against businesses that have wronged them. There's a similar kind of power in sites like Yelp or TripAdvisor. Both sites cull the collective wisdom of users' experiences with a variety of companies so you know who is safe and who to avoid. The best way to have our consumer voices heard is through our spending dollars. If you're unhappy with a company, let them know that not only will you not shop there anymore, but that you will post your complaints online and encourage others to stop shopping there as well! A wise manager will do everything he can to make you happy again.

The Financial Times of London reports that 92% of people say they trust word of mouth from friends, associates and colleagues when it comes to making a consumer decision. 75% say they trust collective wisdom sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor. Only 60% of people report trusting traditional image-based advertising.

In order to have your consumer voice heard, you need to follow a few tips on how to complain properly. Some companies, like United Airlines, has completely eliminated all human contact customer service! Other companies use foreign call centers staffed by people with no authority to solve problems. Try some of these techniques to voice your opinion:

1) Document well – get names of everyone you talk to, the conversation you had, the date and time of day.

2) Know where to complain (the company or store). Know whom to complain to (department/manager/CEO). You can get this information from the Secretary of State's office.

3) Write a letter to that person or party, stating the problem concisely. Be specific and state exactly what you want such as the specific action. Keep a positive attitude and leave out emotions.

4) Ask for a response in a reasonable time and be sure to state how you can be reached.

5) Send the letter via certified mail with a register receipt.

6) If all else fails, make a song and post it on YouTube!

In other airline news, the price-fixing of fuel surcharges makes me cranky! When the cost of a barrel of oil dropped, the surcharges did not go away. The Wall Street Journal reports that the CEO of Virgin Atlantic Airways admits he was involved in the price-fixing of fuel surcharges with British Airways and other unnamed airlines.

Need another clear indication that fuel surcharges are just a bogus ploy? Consider this: A shorter international flight often has a higher surcharge than a longer flight.  There is a simple way to fix this: Require airlines to quote the entire price of a ticket (including fuel surcharges) in advertisements, to travel agents and on the web.

On a brighter note, airfares for both domestic and international travel will be fantastic this fall. Why? Air travel is discretionary and people simply aren't traveling like they once did. So look for deals from now up to mid-December -- except right around Thanksgiving.

When you get where you're going, the hotel rates will be great too. The Smith Travel Research firm says the average room rate has dropped 10% year over year. Travel to Vegas and you’ll see hotel prices drop like crazy! Check out my Columbus Day post to read more tips on how to travel on the cheap.


CENTSerely,

Sister Thrifty

Varying degrees of success...

 


Ever wonder what it takes to succeed at something? I stumbled across the list below and got a real kick out of some of the college degrees famous people have earned. Some will surprise you:   










Adam Sandler    -   Fine Arts
Alex Trebek     -  Philosophy
Andy Griffith    -   Music
Angela Bassett   -  Drama
Arnold Schwarzenegger   -  Physical Communications Art Garfunkel
Barbara Walters  -   English  
Barry Manilow    -   Music
Bill Clinton    -   Foreign Service
Bruce Lee   -   Philosophy
Cindy Crawford   -  Chemical Engineering
Clarence Thomas  -   English
Colin Powell   -  Geology
Conan O'Brien   -  American History and Literature
David Letterman   -  Telecommunications
Dick Cheney  -   Political Science
Donald Trump   -  Economics
Garth Brooks   -  Journalism/Advertising
George Clooney   -  Broadcasting
George W. Bush   -  History
Harrison Ford   -  Philosophy
Janet Reno   -  Chemistry
Julia Roberts   -  Veterinary Studies
Kevin Costner   -  Business Administration
Margaret Thatcher   -  Chemistry
Michael Crichton   -  Anthropology
Michael Jordan   -  Cultural Geography
Mick Jagger   -  Economics
Will Ferrell   -  Sports Information
Willard Scott   -  Religious Studies 

So, why did I want to share these with you today? Because I wanted to make a few points. You'll notice that some of the famous people listed above went on to achieve great things in their chosen field, while others did something completely different from their educational pursuit. You may have travelled down one of life's paths, planning for a specific destination, only to find that it wasn't what you thought it was going to be.  

You may be currently working in a profession that you don't enjoy or one that simply doesn't pay as much as you thought it would. You may even be out of a job right now.  Or you may have set aside your occupation for a time in order to stay home to raise your children.   I know that in between diaper changes you often ask yourself if you're succeeding at anything.  I've learned that, despite your best plans, life throws lots of twists and turns at you. 

Whatever education or training you’ve had in the past has probably prepared you to be the great homemaker that you are today.  It involves economics, housekeeping, time management, operations, banking, taxi driving, cooking, and juggling dozens of other tasks!  A happy home takes real work.  One of my favorite quotes is "No other success can compensate for failure in the home."

Look at that list above again. Wow, who knew Cindy Crawford had beauty AND brains?! What did it take for those people to succeed? Persistence. Talent. Time. Hard work. Tenacity.  You have all of those things too!  Another diaper.  Another day. You can do this!

Now, to reward you for all that you do, enjoy this week’s freebies from companies who recognize how great you are:

Free Bagel Fridays from Noah's (Expires 11/3)
Print coupon and get free bagel at Noah's on free bagel fridays before 11am (This reusable coupon is good until 11/3/2009)
http://email.metsource.com/Einstein/4409_Noahs_10_21/



Random Samples from Ritter Pen
Request catalog or random samples. Simple form.
http://www.ritterpen.com/CatalogRequest.htm
New Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Body Wash Sample

Get a free sample of new Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Body Wash from P&G brand Sampler.
https://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/olay/brandsampler-login.jsp


Become EcoSMART Product Tester
This is a new promotion from EcoSmart: The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 10/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers! EcoSMART is the world leader in organic pesticides and bug sprays.
Visit this offer and leave a comment on their blog.
http://blog.ecosmart.com/index.php/2009/10/20/theres-nothing-quiet-like-the-fire-beetle/


Free Subscription to Creative Ideas Magazine from Lowe's
Receive Lowe's exclusive bi-monthly printed publication full of great ideas for your home and garden.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=Signup/mag_signup.html
Free 8x10 portrait at Target Portrait Studio
Printable coupon for a Free 8x10" portrait at Target Portrait Studio. No sitting fees.
http://sites.target.com/site/en/spot/page.jsp?title=ptstudio_four_coupon
Free TLC CHEWY Bar Sample from Kashi
Allergen Information: Kashi� TLC� Chewy Trail Mix Granola Bars contain wheat, almond, soy, peanut and milk ingredients, and may contain traces of other tree nuts.

Fill out the form for your free sample of Chewy Trail Mix Granola Bar.
http://ad.doubleclick.net



Complimentary Subscription to Islands Magazine
Added: 10/23/2009 in category: Magazines
Islands magazine focuses on the islands of the world from the major travel destinations. It explores island lifestyles, culture and history through its regular departments. Features specifically cover such island-related topics as the arts, food, sports, nature and books. This subscription to Islands was purchased on your behalf by Restaurant.com and available at Valuemags

http://www.valuemags.com/freeoffer/freeoffer.asp?offer=Islands-RDC.asp


32 Free Classroom Magazines
Added: 10/21/2009 in category: Magazines
You may get up to 32 different magazine samples for free
http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/classmags/sample.asp



Free Food for Veterans at McCormick and Schmick's (11/08)
Added: 10/21/2009 in category: Food
"To Veterans Who Have Served in War and Peace" On Sunday, November 8, 2009, Veterans may receive a COMPLIMENTARY entree from a special menu.
http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/featured-promotion/Veterans-Appreciation-Day.aspx



Free Admission to Comedy Central Show (NYC)
Added: 10/21/2009 in category: Free Stuff
The show will tape November 4th through November 9th, 2009. Select a ShowTime and register.
http://www.ocatv.com/shows/show/26



Free Sample of a New Granola Nut Clusters
Added: 10/24/2009 in category: Free Samples
Get a free Nature Valley trail mix bar plus a new granola nut clusters when you sign up for the Eat Better America newsletter.
http://freesample.naturevalley.com/NatureValley/Default.aspx

Free Sample of EverPure from Loreal
Click on EverPure image and sign in or register. Various coupons and sweepstakes available also on the same page.
http://www.lorealparisusa.com/_us/_en/default.aspx#/?page=top{userdata//d+d//|diagnostic|main:mylorealoffers|media:_blank|nav|overlay:_blank}

Free $5 Coupon for Neutrogena's Complete Acne Therapy System
Register to receive a free $5 coupon for Neutrogena's Complete Acne Therapy System
https://acnekit.neutrogena.com

Free TENA product samples
Select TENA Protective Underwear, TENA Briefs, TENA Serenity Light Pads, TENA Male Guards or TENA Underpads.
http://www.tenahomecare.com/lalo-sample-order-form/index.htm

100k Chocolate Dipped Fruit Giveaway (facebook)
Edible Arrangements is giving away 100,000 boxes of their chocolate dipped fruit. The coupon for the FREE box of dipped fruit will be delivered to your email within 1-2 days of your submission. It does not happen instantly. This offer is on their facebook fan page. Promotion ends 11/16/009
http://www.facebook.com/dofruit?v=app_172875521384

CENTSerely,

Sister Thrifty

Halloween Savings that aren't SCARY

I've never liked scary movies and I have never read a single Steven King novel, although I hear he is an excellent writer. I just don't like being scared. I started reading those popular "Goosebumps" books with my kids, but quickly convinced them to switch to Calvin and Hobbs comics. Give me a good ole musical comedy any day!

Don't get me wrong, I really like Halloween and all of the free chocolate, but when it comes to costumed trick or treaters, I'd rather give my precious Snickers bar to a cute Tinkerbell toddler than a prepubescent goul with blood and guts rolling down his cape. My boys think I'm a dork because instead of decorating our front yard with cool, creepy tombstones and vampires, I display happy pumpkins and harvest designs. I'm just not going to spend my hard-earned money on yucky plastic decor that gushes with fake blood. EESH.

If you’re a chicken like me and you think spending money is scary enough, you just might want to try a Freddy Kruger whack at these Halloween savings:

• Free Mattel Toy: Bring your child (dressed in a Halloween costume) to Sears on Halloween and they will receive a FREE Mattel toy! No purchase necessary, but while supplies last only.

• Free “Boo”rito at Chipotle on Halloween: Must be dressed as a burrito or Chipotle-like.

• Free Halloween events at Bas Pro Shops: check out their web site for schedule http://www.bassproshops.com/

• Free YoCrunch yogurt coupon: trade in our candy wrappers! One submission per household. Mail your candy wrappers to:

Shaina Zalma

YoCrunch

9507 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 300

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

• Free Halloween crafts: http://www.allcrafts.net/halloween.htm

• Free Halloween decorating idea and costume ebook http://www.favecrafts.com/Halloween-Crafts/How-To-Halloween-Projects-from-Bloggers#

• Free Halloween printable designs: http://www.halloween-printable.com/

• Free Halloween stationery, screen saver, cell phone apps and more: http://www.thefreesite.com/Seasonal_Freebies/Halloween/

• Free Halloween games and puzzles: http://www.freehalloween.com/

• Free pumpkin carving stencils and patterns for all ages:

http://www.examiner.com/x-26847-SF-Holidays-Examiner~y2009m10d20-Free-Halloween-pumpkin-carving-stencils-and-patterns--for-all-ages

• FREE GRILLED CHICKEN AT KFC on October 26 – Kentucky Fried Chicken launches another FREE Grilled Chicken promotion. Don’t worry Oprah is not involved in this one…you will get your free chicken this time, they promise!!! Visit KFC on October 26th (Monday) for your FREE KFC Grilled Chicken! Over 5,000 locations will be a part of this promotion so call your local KFC ahead of time to make sure that they are indeed participating in the promotion.

• And lastly, once you’ve taken all of those pictures of your cute trick or treaters, you can put them in a FREE hard cover photo book from Cozi! IF you are a member of http://www.cozi.com/ , log in and you’ll get a code for a FREE 8×8 Hard Cover Photo Book from Shutterfly! These photo books are valued at $29.99!!! FYI- Your code is valid thru November, 15, 2009! If you aren’t a member yet you can sign up (it’s free) and you’ll be able to get a $10 off coupon code for the same photo book! All you have to do is complete your checklist, “Getting Started”, by November 4th to get your code!

Happy Halloween!

CENTSerely,

Sister Thrifty