Guest Post: Cyber Monday: What to Buy & How to Save

by

Andrea Woroch

While Black Friday gets all the headlines, Cyber Monday quietly steals the show as the biggest online shopping day of the year. In 2014, the event pulled in over $2 billion in e-sales and became the heaviest day of online spending in history. Comparatively, Black Friday pulled in 30-percent less in online sales last year.

With an overwhelming number of online deals, knowing where to find the best prices and tracking hourly sales is tricky. Here are some tips to get the most use from your digital dollar.

Best Cyber Monday Buys

• Apparel: Look for free shipping offers plus site-wide savings of up to 60 percent from a host of apparel brands including Express, Carter's, Joe's Jeans, Kenneth Cole, J. Jill and more.
• Shoes: Like apparel, shoes are a popular Cyber Monday deal with stores like Famous Footwear offering the deepest discounts of the year. Look for free delivery as well as BOGO savings from online shoe stores.
• Toys: Experts agree toys are a better buy after Black Friday, with brands like Mattel and Fisher-Price offering delivery deals and site-wide sales of up to 30-percent off.
• Beauty Products: Stock up on cosmetics and skincare items at a discount for yourself and as gifts. In addition to deals from specialty retailers like Sephora and Ulta, look for savings from specific beauty brands like Clinique.
• Travel: An oft-overlooked deal on Cyber Monday, hotels, airlines, booking sites and other travel companies woo customers with discounts. For example, Starwood Hotels and Resorts is already offering savings of up to 50 percent on over 1,00 properties (blackout dates apply), while Red Roof Inn is offering up to 30-percent off stays through March 31, 2016.

Cyber Monday Shopping Tips

• Shop Safe: Never use public Wifi for online shopping as hackers can easily steal your payment info. Check the reputability of the sites you're shopping with at ResellerRatings.com or BizRate.com.
• Take Advantage of Early Savings: Walmart is launching its Cyber Monday deals starting at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 29, while Target is continuing its 10 Days of Deals through Dec. 1. Start browsing on Sunday and snag early-bird deals. Plus, fill up your cart with coveted items and store payment info for quick checkout.
• Know Price Histories: Like brick-and-mortar stores, online retailers will often inflate the original cost of an item to make their CyberMonday discount seem like a steal. Use Pricespider.com to ensure you're getting a good deal, and try CamelCamelCamel.com for price histories of products sold by Amazon.
• Compare Offers: Find a comprehensive list of Cyber Monday deals and promo codes at sites like CouponSherpa.com which aggregates top deals all in one spot for fast reference.
• Think Fast with Doorbusters: If you've got an online doorbuster on your list, don't let it languish in your shopping cart while you browse for other products. It might be gone when you're ready to check out. Buy it immediately, then head back to shop for other items.
• Review Return Policies: Review return policies so there's no surprise fees if you're dissatisfied with a purchase. You can snag free return shipping when you checkout with your PayPal account, or enjoy a no-risk money guarantee plus free shipping both ways from eBay.

Andrea Woroch is a money-saving expert who transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers by sharing smart spending tips and personal finance advice. As a sought-after media source, she has been featured among such top news outlets as Good Morning America, Today, CNN, Dr. OZ, New York Times, MONEY Magazine, Consumer Reports, Forbes and many more. In addition, Andrea's stories have been published among leading publications and sites such as Yahoo!, AOL Daily Finance, CNN.com, Huffington Post, LearnVest and New York Daily News. Check out Andrea's demo reel or visit her website at AndreaWoroch.com for more information about booking an interview or requesting an original written article. You can also follow her on Twitter or Facebook for daily money tips.

Guest Post: How to Establish Emergency Savings During Market Uncertainty

by

Andrea Woroch

Wall Street sustained a major plunge after China's Black Monday spread stock market fears worldwide on August 24, but experts advise consumers to treat the bounce back with caution. Ups and downs in the economic and industry cycles are unavoidable, and with 47% of Americans admitting they have little to no savings, there is no better time than now to establish and build an emergency fund.

Nothing can prepare you for a recession or layoff, but money to cover your expenses can help lessen the blow to your budget! Here are 6 tips for creating a cushion to give you peace of mind in these unpredictable times.

1. Track living expenses.
If you don't know how much you spend each month on the necessities, you can't plan accordingly. Track your spending for one to three months (use an app like Mint for help) to determine how much money goes toward essentials like mortgage or rent, insurance, food, transportation and utilities. Estimate the monthly average and multiply it by six or nine; this will give you the amount of cash you need to cover your bills for six to nine months.

2. Set a savings goal and plan.
Stashing away extra cash for living expenses will take time. In fact, you may feel discouraged after calculating the total amount you'd like to put aside, since it may seem like an impossible goal. To combat this, devise a savings plan with specific steps to help you reach that target figure, which may include cutting back on Saturday night dinner dates and saving a set amount of money each month.

3. Treat emergency funds as a bill.
When you're saving for an emergency fund, the goal may be hard to stick to without looming due dates, interest rates or late fees forcing you to pay up. Since there's no immediate or obvious repercussion for missing your savings goal each month, it's important to treat it like a bill. Better yet, automate the savings by setting up a weekly or monthly transfer of funds between your checking account and the emergency fund.

4. Slash everyday expenses.
Look for ways to slash your everyday expenses so you can reach your goal faster. For example, you can carpool or take public transportation to cut down on fuel costs. Instead of relying on takeout during the week, prep meals on the weekends and freeze them for quick access on weeknights. You can also try budget hacking, or the process of reducing your fixed expenses by calling up providers and requesting discounts or reduced payments on such things as car insurance, mobile plan costs and cable TV.

5. Get savvier with spending.
Cutting back on your discretionary spending can feel rough at times and can lead to burnout and goal abandonment. To avoid this, find savvy ways to curb your spending without cutting out all the fun. For example, tools like the Coupon Sherpa mobile app offer instant discounts to retail, restaurant and local service establishments. Currently, you can save up to 20% off your check from Olive Garden, or use a Macy's coupon for an extra 20% off sale and clearance items.

6. Diversify income.
Expanding your income stream will provide protection against the inevitable swings of the economic cycles. Plus, the extra money earned can be used to boost your savings budget and possibly set you up for a new career. Whether you want to turn a passion into a side job or believe your professional skills can help individuals or small businesses through consulting, check out eLance.com and Fiverr to start the process. If nothing comes to mind, tap into TaskRabbit.com where you can help other people with their errands during your spare time for a small fee. 

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. As a sought-after media source, she has been featured among such top news outlets as Good Morning America, Today, CNN, Dr. OZ, New York Times, MONEY Magazine, Huffington Post, Forbes and many more. For more information, visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Twitter for daily savings advice and tips.

Guest Post: 9 Ways To Reduce Takeout Expenses

by

Andrea Woroch

In a time when nearly everything is available at our fingertips, we're growing more dependent on convenience, especially when it comes to food. With a number of food delivery apps like OrderUp, Seamless and the newly launched UberEats requiring a single tap on a smartphone to order dinner, it's no wonder more people are choosing takeout. While ordering out is a time-saving measure, it's important to weigh the additional costs of this convenience: every year, Americans spend an average of $1,100 per year on takeout alone.

While working families are more inclined to reach for their smartphones over the frying pan during the back-to-school rush, there are ways to keep dinner simple and inexpensive without depending on restaurants. Consider these 9 tips for quick and affordable meals.

1. Track your takeout spending.
To reduce spending takeout, you first have to know how much it's actually costing you each month. Track how much money you dish out each month by using a service like Mint, which links all your accounts in one place and categorizes your spending. This will help you quickly pinpoint the dollars going toward dining out so you can create a better budgeting plan.

2. Order groceries online.
If the task of grocery shopping is holding you back from cooking your own meals, consider ordering all your food online. Services like AmazonFresh and FreshDirect may not be the cheapest way to buy groceries, but they offer a convenient service that will ultimately help you reduce your takeout dependence and save money in the long run. Many grocery stores including Safeway offer delivery services, too, so do your research and compare rates.

3. Download free meal plans.
Creating a meal plan is a great way to save money on dinner, but in itself requires quite a bit of time! While services like eMeals make the task of meal planning and creating grocery lists easier, they can be costly. Instead, turn to Pinterest or the Internet for meal plans. You can find them at LifeAsMom, 100DaysofRealFood or this month of dinners compiled by Real Simple magazine.

4. Buy ready-made.
Purchasing ready-made meals may seem pretty similar to takeout, but typically you get more bang for your buck in the form of leftovers. Most grocery stores offer ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken for around $6, offering a quick and healthy main course for your family. Any leftovers can be made into sandwiches or thrown into salads and pastas for extra protein. For added convenience and nutrients, grab a bag of frozen veggies - these side dishes are flash-frozen at peak ripeness and nutrient levels, which means they're both healthful and convenient!

5. Stock the freezer.
When you or your family are hungry and there's nothing in the refrigerator to eat, ordering out seems like a fast and simple solution after a long day. Avoid these situations by stocking your freezer with meat and fish, stir-fry veggies, pizza and other ready-to-cook foods to make meals in a snap. This way, you have a back-up plan that doesn't include pricey takeout meals.

6. Schedule a prep day.
Prepare food for the week on Sunday (or whatever day you have some spare time) and make quick meals that your family can pop in the microwave before and after work or school. Do all the chopping, dicing and mincing of the ingredients you'll need throughout the week for faster cooking.

7. Get a slow cooker.
The closest you can get to having dinner ready when you get home is a slow cooker! Throw all your ingredients together in the morning and come home to the delicious smells of dinner ready to serve. Stores like Macy's, Kohl's and Best Buy offer a range of slow cookers, so compare prices and look for coupons for additional savings. For example, you can use a Best Buy coupon code from CouponSherpa.com to save 20% on a highly-rated Hamilton Beach appliance, spending less than $45.

8. Repurpose leftovers.
While leftovers are the easiest way to save money and avoid food waste, consuming lasagna for the third time in a week is a tough sell for most kids. Instead of letting the meal rot in the back of your fridge, look for ways to repurpose leftovers into new dishes. Use the LoveYourLeftovers App for inspiration and recipes to remake the food you're sick of eating.

9. Cook what you have.
If spending over $1,000 per year on takeout wasn't shocking enough, consider this: Americans waste an average of $165 billion in food every year, with a family of four throwing away over $2,200 annually. Be a better steward of your food and your finances by using SuperCook.com, a website that creates recipes around items you already have in your refrigerator and pantry. Spend a few minutes entering the ingredients and you'll be greeted with several recipe options to prepare. 

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. As a sought-after media source, she has been featured among such top news outlets as Good Morning America, Today, CNN, Dr. OZ, New York Times, MONEY Magazine, Huffington Post, Forbes and many more. For more information, visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Twitter for daily savings advice and tips.

Guest Post: Raising Money-Smart Kids: 7 Lessons from Back-to-School Shopping

by

Andrea Woroch

One of the biggest obstacles parents face during the back-to-school shopping rush is their kids' desire for the latest-and-greatest products, including expensive items like the newest Apple device, designer jeans and name-brand sneakers. Since schedules fill up quickly this time of year, it's tempting to save time and give into those pricey requests. But instead of letting this shopping craze get out of hand, consider it a great opportunity to teach your children about budgeting and saving.

Turn back-to-school shopping on its head by imparting these seven important lessons about money management.

1. Establishing a budget.
Once you receive the school supply list, sit down with your son or daughter to review items and separate the needs from the wants. Take inventory of what you already have at home and establish a budget for the missing supplies. If your kids protest about using last year's supplies, point out the cushion their budget now has for use on items in their wish lists!

2. Setting a savings goal.
If there's something your child desperately wants like a new pair of Nike sneakers or Ugg boots, teach him or her how to set a savings goal. Offer to match their savings to pay for the "want," assign money-making chores or encourage them to increase their babysitting or lawn care tasks to pull in more money. Demonstrating how money must be earned in order to fully finance a want is a wonderful lesson, and your kids may decide all their hard work is worth more than a pair of trendy shoes.

3. Sourcing used options first.
If your son wants that Ninja Turtles backpack or your teenage daughter is requesting designer jeans, show him and her the less expensive options at consignment shops, and how much more a dollar can buy by scouting used over regular retail. In addition to secondhand stores in your community, introduce sites like ThredUp.com for like-new clothing and accessories at up to 90% savings.

4. Comparing prices for the best deal.
The ShopSavvy app uses a barcode scanner to compare competitor prices for a specific good at both online and nearby brick-and-mortar retailers so you know the cheapest place to buy that item. Plus, everyone will have fun playing detective in the hunt for the lowest price! Encourage your child to request a price match from customer service, as most stores are willing to meet a competitor's discount. Some stores like Staples will even go a step further, offering 110% price match guarantee.

5. Considering generic or store-brands for select items.
While shopping for supply basics, your kids may instantly reach for the Elmer's brand of glue or FiveStar brand of notebook. This is a great time to point out the generic or store-brand versions of these products and demonstrate how much less the item costs for very little difference in appearance and utility. Reinforce that saving money on these supplies leaves extra room in the budget for more desirable purchases, like backpacks and apparel.

6. Using digital tools to enhance savings.
In addition to the comparison-shopping app referenced above, there are other digital tools your child can use to save money. For instance, Coupon Sherpa's free coupon app lists deals to hundreds of stores for instant redemption, including 20% off at Sports Authority or 30% off at Aeropostale. The Savings Catcher tool on Walmart's app is another great resource, offering cash back in the form of a gift card for products you purchase that are better priced elsewhere.

7. Boosting budget by selling unwanted items.
In addition to saving money, teaching children how to earn money represents another great opportunity this time of year. If your kid is desirous of a pricey product, suggest selling clothes for consignment or trading in an old gadget or video game at sites like Glyde.com or Gazelle.com. Padding budgets is just as important and stretching them, and this is a great lesson in side hustles! 

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. As a sought-after media source, she has been featured among such top news outlets as Good Morning America, Today, CNN, Dr. OZ, New York Times, MONEY Magazine, Huffington Post, Forbes and many more. For more information, visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Twitter for daily savings advice and tips.

College-Bound: How to Save on Dorm Room Furnishings

by 

Andrea Woroch

While overall spending on back-to-school is slightly down this year compared to last year, one category is poised to see a big uptick: dorm decor and furnishings. According to the National Retail Federation, college-bound students and their families will dish out over $126 on goods for their rooms, a nearly 25-percent increase over spending reports from 2014.

Since dorms and off-college abodes can be expensive to furnish, buying desks, futon frames and chairs from flea markets and Craigslist is a good idea. However, it's important to know what your other options are when community inventory runs thin. Plus, everybody has a style and you likely want to impart some of your flare on your furnishings!

Read on for seven ways to get college-ready for less.

Scout delivery options close to campus.
To compete with online retailers, brick-and-mortar stores are increasingly offering "ship-to-store" options to customers. This strategy is great for college kids on the move, as relocating hefty pieces of furniture across the state or country can be a cumbersome and expensive endeavor. Shop stores like Kohl's and Best Buy and get your products delivered to the store located closest to campus. JCPenney takes is a step further, offering free shipping to anywhere in the country - including dorm rooms! - on orders of $99 or more. 

Find furniture at discount retailers.
Ross, TJMaxx and HomeGoods all have selections of furnishings great for dorm rooms and apartments, not to mention cheap decor items. Look for end tables, desk chairs, dressers and even recliners and dining room chairs. Increase your savings by purchasing a discounted gift card to these retailers through Gift Card Granny, a discount gift card comparison site. Currently, you can save up to 20% off cards to TJMaxx.

Network for savings.
Remember when your parents brought your Girl Scout or Boy Scout fundraiser to their workplaces and you made bank? Well, they can take a similar approach now that you're heading off to college. Ask your parents if they'd be willing to send an email to their networks - business, social, etc. - asking if anyone has furnishings they're planning to get rid of. This will capture anyone who planned to sell or give away furnishings but hadn't posted it to Craigslist or Facebook yet, giving you first dibs!

Take advantage of gift cards.
Back-to-school is a huge event for "free gift card with purchase" offers, and while you may be tempted to go on a shopping spree with these freebies, it's best to apply them strategically. Instead of buying all your dorm room furnishings, decor items and other needed supplies in one haul, calculate which items you should purchase to score a free gift card, then purchase the rest in a separate transaction and use the gift card to offset your total expense. For example, Target is currently offering a free $20 gift card when you spend $100 on college items. Additionally, you can find Target coupon codes through sites like CouponSherpa.com, and save an additional $25 off your $100 purchase through Aug. 1.

Consider craft stores.
For unique storage solutions, kitschy decor and even night stands, check out such craft chain stores as Hobby Lobby and JoAnn Fabric. While these stores specialize in fabric and craft-making, they also have tons of decor items and select furnishings that often cost much less than furniture stores. Plus, you can typically find a coupon for 40 to 50% off one item from each store and redeem it through your smartphone using a coupon app.

Shop online for savings.
Online stores like Wayfair and Overstock offer tons of furnishings and decor items available for free or low-cost shipping. These cute side tables on Overstock, for example, are currently 50-percent off and ship for just $2.95. Wayfair is advertising up to 70% off dorm-room essentials including a Mesh Task Chair for $48.99 (originally $199.99) and a chic six-piece comforter set for $43.99 (originally $92.99). It's always a good idea to compare prices, so install the PriceBlink or Invisible Hand browser add-ons to get notified if something you're looking at is better priced elsewhere. Just don't forget to factor in shipping costs!

Bring the outdoors in.
Summer is eclipsed by back-to-school season, making all things warm-weather and carefree on clearance. That includes patio furniture and accessories, and some of these items look and function just as nicely indoors. Think wicker chairs, mosaic accent tables and area rugs. For example, Wayfair currently has a stylish 5-foot square grey and beige outdoor area rug available for $64.99, down from the original price of $125.51. 

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. As a sought-after media source, she has been featured among such top news outlets as Good Morning America, Today, CNN, Dr. OZ, New York Times, MONEY Magazine, Huffington Post, Forbes and many more. For more information, visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Twitter for daily savings advice and tips.

Guest Post: 8 Tips to Save on Dining Out

by

Andrea Woroch

Residents and visitors of New York and Los Angeles are currently enjoying Restaurant Week; the annual event when high-end restaurants open their doors to people of all incomes with specials on prix fixe menu items. If you're lucky enough to be in these cities during the festivities, you can enjoy the crème de  la crème of cuisine without the typical price tag.  

But what about the rest of us? Living in other parts of the country can leave you feeling a little left out of the gourmet experience. Happily, there are many ways to save on dining, whether it's at your favorite diner or the best restaurant in town. Read on for tips to enjoy a tasty evening without overindulging your financial appetite.

1. Tune Your Radar
Since celebrity chefs congregate in big cities like New York and Los Angeles, you may assume Restaurant Week is only available in those locations. Wrong! If you live in or near cities such as Denver, Chicago, Charleston, Ann Arbor and San Diego, you have access to great food for less, too. A quick Google search should educate you on the timeframe and participating restaurants in your area.

2. Get Rewarded for Research
By now you know to never enter a new restaurant without first reading reviews. Sites like Yelp.com dominate restaurant review resources, but sometimes you can also find a voucher for additional savings. This is especially true for new restaurants hoping to build a customer base.

3. Facebook It
Social media enables you to get personalized recommendations from people you trust the most -- your family and friends! Before trying a new restaurant or selecting one in your city, ask friends for advice. You may discover a new favorite spot or know to avoid an over-hyped establishment.

4. Use Tech to Save
FourSquare is a popular app for restaurant deals, but be sure to broaden your technological horizons for extra savings. The Coupon Sherpa mobile app has coupons to popular chain restaurants, while BiteHunter aggregates local restaurant deals by cuisine and/or location.

5. Fill Up During Happy Hour
Happy hour is a great opportunity to try a new place you've been curious about, or afford a high-end restaurant you wouldn't otherwise try. Drinks and appetizers often fill you up before the main course anyway, leaving the rest of the evening to take in a movie or hit up your favorite ice-cream joint for dessert.

6. Get Free Meals for Kids
Dining as a twosome can be expensive; add in a child or two and you're looking at a hefty dinner check. Thankfully, most chain restaurants offer free meals for kids under a certain age on particular days. Consult this list for the when and where, and schedule your family date night accordingly.

7. Share for Savings
The easiest way to cut down on your dining bill is to order only one appetizer, entree and dessert. You can enjoy a three or four-course meal on the cheap by splitting it with your dining partner. Thanks to enormous portion sizes, you'll leave the restaurant with a slimmer waistline and heavier pockets.

8. Don't Forget Daily Deals
While you may be suffering from daily deal fatigue, sites such as Groupon and LivingSocial are still great resources for trying new restaurants for less. Typically, new companies partner with daily-deal sites to drive traffic and build a customer base. That means drink and appetizer specials, 50-percent off entrees and more big savings. 

Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert who helps consumers live on less without radically changing their lifestyles. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. She has been featured among top news outlets such asGood Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. You can follow her on Twitter for daily savings advice and tips.

Guest Post: 7 Ways to Save on Wedding Registry Gifts

Summer is wedding season and this year, no one knows that better than me. I'm in two weddings and attending four more, making my weekends all about dress fittings and bachelorette parties. In addition to traveling around the country -- Florida, California and New York -- I also need to budget for six wedding gift

by

Andrea Woroch

Gift registries make this part of the process easy, but shipping costs and indecision often contribute to a stressful experience. Consider these seven ways to save on wedding gifts, six of which I'll definitely be using this season.

1. Buy a group gift with friends.
Most of my friends already have the small household items that comprise traditional registries. If this sounds familiar, consider going in on a pricey gift with friends. Not only will you be getting the couple something they really need, but you may end up spending less in the long run. Edivvy.com makes it easy to organize the group gift without the hassle of calling around and coordinating payment.

2. Shop discount retailers.
If your friends are registered for Cuisinart pans or Kitchenaid cooking utensils, find them for less at such discount retailers as Ross, Marshall's or HomeGoods. You can also find things like cookbooks, picture frames and bath essentials for a fraction of department store prices.

3. Look for coupons.
Macy's is the go-to registry for most brides, so I was pleased to find a coupon for $20 off $100 worth of registry items on CouponSherpa. Luckily, you don't need registry-specific coupons to save on your purchase, so search the Web before clicking "submit."

4. Frame the wedding invitation.
Brides and the occasional groom spend lots of time and money creating the wedding invitation, only to distribute them to others. Make it into a creative keepsake by framing it. You can even buy a double frame with space for the couple's favorite wedding portrait for an added touch.

5. DIY - literally.
Are you handy, artistic or gastronomic? Consider a gift you can give based on your own business or skills. Paint a painting for their new home, offer your makeup or hair artistry skills to the bride, or bake the wedding cake. Your friend will be grateful for both the thoughtful gift and for cutting down her expenses.

6. Use (or give) discount gift cards.
Gift cards are much appreciated by modern couples and are often found at the bottom of registries. Click here to avoid paying full price for these versatile gifts by comparing discounts on cards to retailers, restaurants and other establishments. If you'd still prefer purchasing a tangible gift from the registry, purchase a discount gift card for yourself to offset the cost.

7. Shop for daily deals.
If you know the person well enough, you can get away with using the registry as inspiration for the right gift at the right price. For example, one of my friends registered for a set of chef knives that I know won't last. That's why I was thrilled to find a great set of premium chef knives for 60-percent off at one of the daily deal sites I'm subscribed to. Check out Groupon, LivingSocial or Seize the Deal for daily offers. 

Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert who helps consumers live on less without radically changing their lifestyles. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. She has been featured among top news outlets such asGood Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. 

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Guest Post: Midsummer Savings: What to Buy in July

by 

Andrea Woroch

Thanks to Independence Day, you can find great deals on pretty much everything as retailers clamour to grab your attention away from the barbeque. Still, if you prefer to keep it mellow this Wednesday and avoid the crowds, there's plenty of time for savings later this month.

Consider the following advice and enjoy great savings on everything from fruit to furniture.

1. Replace that couch.
Even Oprah agrees that July is the best time to buy furniture. Thanks to Independence Day and new styles arriving in August, sales floor associates are buzzing to upsell you on that leather recliner. Scout preferred styles before sale time and do your research on the cost so as not to be fooled by inflated prices.

2. Update your lingerie.
Thanks to the Victoria's Secret semi-annual sale, other lingerie retailers attempt to snatch up some of their customers by offering deals on intimates. Benefit from the retailer showdown with great deals, and be sure to check here for the latest online offers from America's favorite lingerie store.

3. Take in a show.
Tourists and uncivilized New Yorkers alike can usually find good deals on Broadway tickets in July, thanks to the opening of new shows in August. Though no one from the Upper East Side would be caught dead in the Theater District midsummer, the peons get the double advantage of cheap tickets and cordial company.

4. Channel your inner James Bond.
Listen up, gents: now's the time to replace that suit you've been wearing for the last ten years. July is a great time to save on lightweight monkeysuits because shops are making room for fall fashion. A well-fitting suit is always an investment, so check outthese snarky-yet-savvy tips from Esquire for selecting the best look.

5. Make a fruit salad.
Summertime is one of the best times to enjoy a multitude of fresh produce, for which you otherwise pay a premium during the rest of the year. Take advantage of the warm weather and hit up your local farmers' market for berries, melons and crisp veggies.

6. Upgrade your dishwasher.
Sales on appliances abound during holidays like the Fourth of July, so now's the time to upgrade that failing dishwasher. In addition to marked-down prices, you can score additional savings with no-interest payment plans. Review offers from multiple stores and see if your preferred retailer will offer a price match.

7. Get out of town.
July represents one of the best times to travel to Las Vegas because it's scorching hot and even the locals would prefer to be elsewhere. Thank goodness for elaborate pools and over-air conditioned casinos. Check Kayak.com for airfare comparisons between popular airlines, and book your flight on a Tuesday afternoon for the best rate. 

Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert who helps consumers live on less without radically changing their lifestyles. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. She has been featured among top news outlets such asGood Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more.

Guest Post: 11 Ways to Save Money at the Movies

by 

Andrea Woroch

With summer around the corner, Hollywood is about to roll out a slew of sequels, blockbusters and indie films sure to satisfy most people's craving for easy entertainment. Before making your summer selections, however, you should consider how best to spend your movie money.

According to TIME Moneyland, ticket prices are expected to increase this year thanks to lackluster sales in 2011 -- and that's not including the exorbitant cost of concessions. Don't let the inflated cost of the cinema deflate your family's desire to catch the season's best flicks on the big screen.

Follow these 11 tips to avoid blowing your movie budget.

1. Join AAA
The automobile club offers $8 tickets to Regal, United Artists and Edwards movie theaters. The catch is that you have to go to one of their offices to buy them.

2. Buy Movie Packs
This is the way to go for families. You can buy a four-pack of tickets from Costco, good for a variety of theatres, for just $34.99 and a 10-pack for $82.99. There's no expiration date and you can use the tickets seven days a week. BulkTix.com also saves you an average of $2 to $3 off a ticket's face value for seven different chains.

3. Attend Second-Run Theatres
There are several chains that show movies a bit past their prime. If you can wait to see the latest iteration of a Marvel comic, you'll pay anywhere from $3 to $6 for the same movie.

4. Ask for Senior Rates
If you're 60 or over, you'll get a discount from select locations of AMC Theatres. And Cinemark offers Seniors Day every Monday at some locations for seniors 62 and older. Ultimately, it helps to ask the cashier or one of the theatre managers about available discounts for seniors. Just be prepared to show your ID.

5. Skip the Concession Stand
Eat before you head out to the movies so you won't be tempted by the many treats on offer. Granted this is how theaters make their money, but it's also how you double the cost of your ticket.

6. Use Discount Gift Cards
Save 10 to 30 percent by purchasing discount movie theater gift cards from such sites as GiftCardGranny. In addition to saving instantly on ticket prices, you can cut the cost of concessions if the smell of popcorn is too tempting to overcome.

7. Swipe Your Plastic
Credit card companies and banks have increased their reward perks over the last few years and some of those include free passes to the theater. Visa Signature offers their credit card holders two-for-one movie tickets via Fandango on Fridays. Deutsche Bank Debit Card users can get one free pass for every one ticket purchased through BookMyShow.com. Ask your credit card or bank about such reward perks and take advantage of the discount.

8. Be Loyal
Kerasotes Theaters has the FiveBuckClub, which sends weekly emails with a list of movies members can see for $5. AMC Theatres offers points toward discounts, concession upgrades and more if you join their Stubs Rewards Program. Check with your local theatres to see if they provide similar deals for loyal customers.

9. Daily Deal It
Though daily deals for restaurants and spa services overwhelm your inbox, you have good reason to search through the clutter. Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial have featured movie theater savings of up to 50 percent, and will likely offer similar promotions this summer. The vouchers typically expire within a couple months so make note of the date and use them up before then.

10. Early-Bird Deals
Matinees can save you anywhere from 30 to 50 percent off prime-time ticket prices, leaving more money in your wallet for warm summer evenings.

11. Say Something
Have you ever watched a movie where the sound system was off enough to drive you crazy? Perhaps you ended up surrounded by a swarm of teenagers who shouted at the screen throughout the film. Don't be afraid to ask for a voucher or your money back if you have a bad experience. You may be surprised how often theaters will accommodate a polite request.

Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert who helps consumers live on less without radically changing their lifestyles. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. She has been featured among top news outlets such asGood Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. You can follow her on Twitter for daily savings advice and tips.

Monthly Focus: 10 Daily Budget Fixes for Newly Engaged Couples

by

Andrea Woroch

Make a few budget tweaks to kick off your wedding savings.  Here are 10 easy ways to help you spend less and save more.

1. Dine out less.
With an expensive event to save for, look for areas in your lifestyle that can greatly reduce the amount of money you spend. Dining out regularly, for example, eats into your budget to the tune of $200 per month, according to the National Restaurant Association. Cooking at home will not only save money, but also provides a unique bonding opportunity with your soon-to-be spouse.

2. Sell your stuff.
Peruse your closet for clothes, shoes and accessories you haven't worn for a year and start purging. Post the goods online via Craigslist and eBay, or sell through your local consignment shop. The same goes for furniture, home goods and sporting equipment. You can even exchange gift cards for cash on sites 

like GiftCardGranny.com.

3. Trim salon visits.
Whether you're a hair-color fiend or addicted to manicures and massages, it's time to trim those salon visits. Let your hair grow out a little longer to stretch time between visits and save on cuts. Give yourself at-home mani-pedis with inexpensive drugstore kits. Though weekly massages may help you relax, make a date with your bathtub and suds it up with a little mellow music to help you unwind.

4. Movie night alternatives.
Skip the $5 movie from you cable provider for a $1 Redbox rental, or get your cinema fix via online streaming with Hulu. You can also pick up free DVDs at your local library, or swap movies you own with friends for something new to watch.

5. Find a side gig.
From weekend bartending (up to $300 nightly) to watching the neighbors kids ($15 per hour), you could supplement your savings with extra cash from a side gig. Just make sure you don't spread yourself too thin with the added workload. Wedding planning takes time, after all, and you don't want to kill yourself saving up for an extra plate of foie gras.

6. Nix dry cleaning.
Instead of paying $10 to $20 per item for dry cleaning, use at-home dry-cleaning kits ($13 for 6 pouches), which freshen up your clothes in the dryer instantly. Going forward, check clothing labels for care requirements and try to avoid dry clean-only garments.

7. Brew your own cup of joe.
Wake up a few minutes early and make your own coffee. This is one of the most common -- and yet most overlooked -- daily savings tips. With coffee and espresso running anywhere from $1 to $5 per serving, potential savings could reach $35 per week or $140 monthly.

8. Redeem reward points.
According to a study by Colloquy, the average household participating in loyalty programs -- like those offered by credit cards -- earns approximately $622 in rewards annually, and fails to redeem $205. If you're guilty of leaving 200 bones on the table, now is the time to start redeeming those points. Get gift cards to use toward wedding expenses or try to pay for a portion of your honeymoon travel expenses with the points.

9. Use your tax refund wisely.
The average tax refund in 2011 was nearly $3,000, according to CNNMoney. If you're fortunate enough to receive that kind of sum again this year, open a high-interest savings account and deposit the refund immediately. Then, review the W4 you have on file with your employer and adjust your withholding. You don't want to miss out on an extra $250 of income each month going forward.

10. Mass transportation for massive savings.
For city dwellers, vow to take the subway or bus to work instead of a taxi to yield a savings potential up to $20 per day. For those who cab it around town because alcohol is involved, many props to you. However, you may consider electing a sober driver or ween yourself from the costly activity altogether.

Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc.