Tis the season to save money whenever possible. Actually that never goes out of style. Here are some ways I’ve recently saved dollars.
Shared Work Program
This program may be available in your state, and is offered through the Department of Economic Security (DES). Business owners can apply, and if approved, will have up to 40% of their employee payroll paid by the state. It is basically partial unemployment. A full-time (40 hour/week) employee would work reduced hours (24 hour/week) and claim 2 days/week of unemployment. Employees do not have to look for work elsewhere, and aside from the initial sign-up form, do not have to complete weekly unemployment reports.
American Express
Turn your Blue Sky points into gift cards. Two $50 gift cards are heading my way, and all it cost me were points. Earn 1 point for every dollar you spend. $25 gift cards available starting at 3,250 points.
Google Shopping
Find the best price for gifts. To access Google Shopping, go to http://www.google.com/products. Type in the gift you are looking for, press enter, and the results return immediately. You can refine your search by price or ratings.
Automatic Renewal
Pay attention to automatic renewal notices. If you no longer want/need the product, cancel your membership. While on the American Express site, I noticed a $79.00 fee from Amazon had been applied to my account. It was for their Premier Shipping, a program I signed up for two Christmases ago. While it suited my needs in the past, it doesn’t suit them now. The fee was 100% refundable. I also contacted Proactiv and Consumer Reports and canceled those automatic renewals.
Mac
Apple is offering 12-months interest free financing on new Macs, plus $100 rebate when you purchase a Mac and a printer. Printers start at $99.95. Qualify for the rebate through January 18, 2010. Rumor has it Apple will be offering huge discounts on Black Friday.
Coupon Codes
Before finalizing your online shopping orders, search for coupon codes. Google the name of the E-tailer plus the word coupon. Using this technique, I received free shipping from Snapfish, a savings of $6.11.
• Do you have a money-saving tip to share?
• Have you started Christmas shopping?
• How will you spend Black Friday?
Special thanks to my friend Marian for informing me of the free-printer offer.
Jean Has Been Shopping 
Those all seem like great ways to save a little money Jean. Thanks for the tips!
I’m not very good at saving money myself. I wish I was but I’m an impulse buyer. I know, shame on me but I just can’t help it. LOL
If you ever get the impulse to buy me a gift, let me know. 😀
bwahahahahahahaha….will do!
Good ideas, Jean. Glad you saved some money here and there. I’m a frugal queen!
I went to Target the other day and purchased Christmas gifts for my son. Buying Christmas gifts for others is so stressful for me.
I stay away from retail shops on Black Friday, if I can help it.
I love Target! I hope your son is easy to shop for.
I’m with you. No Black Fri. shopping for me.
Thanks Tammy!
Great money saving tips! I don’t do the Black Friday shopping thing. I hate huge crowds like that. I haven’t started Christmas shopping. But I had better think about it.
Hard to believe there are only 30 days til Christmas, Era.
I don’t shop Black Friday either, but I’ve been glancing at some of the online deals. Haven’t seen anything I need yet.
Best of luck with your shopping!
I thought of a couple money saving tips I do around the house to save a little $.
First, we reuse bath water. The first person to take a bath in the house leaves the water in the tub for the rest of us to use. We use it for a few days before letting the water down the drain and then start the process over again. Saves on the water bill and CONSERVES!
Also, I reuse paper towels and toilet paper. After using a paper towel for something or toilet paper, I gently rinse them, ring them out and set them on a counter top or over the shower curtain rod to dry. Saves some money at the grocery store and CONSERVES.
I’m all about being green!
Gary, those are the grossest money saving tips I’ve ever heard! Poor Paula and your boys!
bwahahahahahahaha….hey, what’s wrong with saving a buck or two however you can? LOL
I REALLY am at a loss for words over what Gary said! I do believe YOU have some pretty cool tips. I see your comments around, so I thought I’d stop in! Happy Turkey Day!
Gary’s green tips are really unsanitary! LOL!
Thank you, Doraz! It’s such a pleasure to have you pop in. 😀
Enjoy! I will be around. I will be really busy getting ready for Thanksgiving at my house! Be good!
Luisa Doraz
I hope your Thanksgiving was great, Doraz! Thanks for the cheery stop-motion video. My daughter and I are smiling. 😀
YES! I AM SOOO HAPPY! 🙂
Great tips! I’m not allowed to do any shopping until we move. I don’t know how long I can hold out for.
Did you find a place yet, Jessica?
Very cool post. I meant to do something similar, got busy seeing old friends and shopping myself this weekend.
I sent this out on Facebook, but I shop under My Points. Earned enough to get $75 in gift certificates to Outback and I couldn’t be happier.
I got my entire Arbonne order 65% off on Black Friday. That was my deal of the day. I am done shopping, and 2/3 are wrapped and the rest on their way. I love Cyber Monday, too!
I need to hear more about My Points! You’ve snagged some excellent deals, Girl From the Ghetto.