Happy 5th Anniversary eBay Mobile! (Spon)

Apple iPhone 3GS, Motorola Milestone and LG GW60 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Technology.  Multitasking.  Multitasking with Technology.  

Love it.  Hate it.  They're both here to stay.    Consumers typically shop, read, or search through multiple devices and platforms – whether PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone, starting the task on one device and continuing on another or use multiple devices at once to manage multiple tasks, shopping while watching TV, reading while listening to music, etc.  The list can go on.  I have seen many using their laptops with their smartphones (checking texts periodically) next to them as they are watching TV, while sitting with others in the same room doing the same things.  Is this our culture today?  It seems so.

Multitasking with technology has its pros and cons.  

Some Pros: I have been known to find great deals on eBay on  my Smartphone or laptop. (Did you know there is eBay Mobile?)  Oftentimes, you can save money or be one of the firsts to experience something before others.  

Some Cons: I have been known to walk in the mall, reading texts, checking emails or the latest shopping experience while walking with my hubby and son.  When I realized that, I tried to set limits for myself.  I thought of the Golden Rule: Treat others the way, you would like to be treated.  So when others are not multi-tasking with their pieces of technology, that is an example of myself doing the same.  I want to create memories not make time pass by with a blur.  I am not perfect oftentimes  I will be using my smartphone or my laptop (like I am doing now) in the presence of others.  Are you a multi-device user or do you usually stick to just one at a time?

So in honor of eBay Mobile's Anniversary, there is a Twitter Party:

Date: Wednesday, July 10
Time: 12-1pm PST
Party URL: www.ebay.com/mobile5 (Party URL will be live on the day of the event. Please note: you must participate from the URL to be elegible to win) 

Hashtag: #eBayMobile 
Prizes: $25 eBay gift cards given away every 5 minutes to a Tweeter who has RSVPd below and is actively participating in the party from the above URL.

RSVP URL: http://splashcreativemedia.com/2013/07/celebrate-the-ebay-mobile-5th-anniversary-twitter-party/ 

*FTC disclosure: This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Splash Creative Media for eBay Mobile. 

FREE Family Activities in the Chicago Area!

We have been hard at work lining up some great promotions for you and your family this summer. Just wanted to share some of the FREE activities that you can take advantage of as well as share with family and friends! 

• AMF Summer Unplugged- Kids Bowl FREE all summer.
• Orbit Skate Center- Free Summer Skating for Students.
• My Gym- Free membership till June 30th. (Plus 30% off classes)
• LegoLand Discovery Center- Free child’s admission with paid adult admission.
• Elite Kids- Free Baby Gymnastics Classes & FREE Toddler Dance Classes.
• Magic Waters- July 4th, Free admission with military ID.
• Reading Eggs- 2 Free weeks.
• Speekee TV- Free month trial.

Also check out all the coupons to save on family fun- http://www.windycitykidsguide.com/coupons.php.

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Guest Post: Adjust Your Picture: 6 Tips for Saving Money on TVs

by 

Andrea Woroch

With spring fever striking and another five months until football season starts, TV shopping has dropped to the bottom of the priority list for many Americans. If you count yourself among those willing to wait for another round of holiday deals, you may want to reconsider your strategy.

Consumer Reports recently reported that many television manufacturers are changing their pricing policies as of April 1. The new policies will prevent stores from selling TVs at a price lower than the one suggested by manufacturers. Though these policies are designed to protect stores from losing ground to Internet retailers, they also mean higher prices for consumers. Luckily, you still have a chance avoid this impending price hike by following these tips.

1. Research First
Even though it feels like the clock is ticking on your remaining time to buy a TV, don't succumb to the shopping pressure. A new television is a big expense and worth buying for quality instead of a bargain. Often product specs are analyzed in detail by review sites, but they neglect the user experience over time. CNET.com provides a nice pairing of expert reviews with user reviews to give you a complete picture.

2. Buy Old Models
If you're still lugging around one of those bulky tube TVs, the picture on an HDTV from last year versus the picture from the latest release will be unrecognizable. What you will be able to notice is the huge discrepancy in price. Manufacturers turn out new television technology all the time, and stores will still slash prices to make room for units that make them the most money. Before you go shopping, brush up on some key HDTV terms so you don't end up like a deer in the headlights.

3. Using Coupons
Whenever the tyranny of high prices threatens innocent consumers, coupons come to the rescue. These money-savers are especially important when you're planning to order your TV online. For example, TigerDirect coupons from sites like FreeShipping.orgwill often combine a discount with free shipping and help you get a better deal all around.

4. Open Box Specials
Most stores have a section at the end of an aisle or off in a corner filled with open-box items. While the name is somewhat offputting, don't mix these discounted products up with damaged goods. They're generally items that were opened and returned, but are still in working condition. Sometimes open-box items will have different rules regarding warranties, so be sure to ask first.

5. Buy Used
Buying used electronics isn't for everyone. However, if you need your TV for utilitarian purposes like video games or a spare bedroom, there are always plenty available locally on Craigslist or at a pawn shop. Just make sure you check what the same model is selling for new. People often ask outrageous prices for their unwanted sets and sometimes you can get an identical TV right out of the box for less than it's listed for online.

6. Buy Accessories Separately
It's astounding what stores will charge for HDMI cables. One simple, six-foot cord can run upwards of $30 when purchased directly from stores like Best Buy. A quick search of Amazon will produce dozens of results at a fraction of the price. If stores are already going to raise prices on TVs, don't let them nickel-and-dime you on the accessories.

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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• Build These 10 Shopping Habits To Save Big (businessinsider.com)
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