Hassle-Free Savings

Happy Holidays, everyone! The last few weeks have been super hectic for me and they’re going to get even busier before Christmas gets here. I haven’t done nearly enough in the way of holiday shopping, but then again I’ve always been a procrastinator.

That being said, I’m pretty pumped about a gift I have crossed off my list. I can’t go into details since it’s for my husband and he reads my blog (Hi babe!), but I can highlight some of the ways in which I got a smokin’ deal.

The main gift was purchased through Etsy, a community I find myself more enamoured by every day. The last gift I ordered through them was from this amazing steel artisan in Green Bay, WI. Here’s a shout-out to Chris Jauquet of FunctionalSculpture — you’re a genius, man! Seriously, how cool is this sign for our kitchen commemorating my husband’s ninja cooking skills?

Can you believe this bad boy cost me less than $100? You can’t beat the quality and price of custom orders on Etsy which is why I find myself browsing their wares more and more. Plus, supporting a super-talented individual is much more satisfying than forking over cash at Target.

I stumbled upon this year’s artisan through Pinterest and could not be more pleased with the final product. His turnaround time was lighting fast given the nature of the item (you’re intrigued, aren’t you?) and his price was also very reasonable.

With the main gift taken care of, I set out to complete the package with as little money as possible. As luck would have it, an Amazon Local deal landed in my inbox offering $90 off the service I needed. $90. That’s crazy-good savings, right? I redeemed the voucher this weekend and had a great experience with the shop owner. He helped me pick the best items for my budget and I left feeling pretty proud of myself.

The gift is a result of something my husband said in passing, which honestly could go one of two ways: 1) he’ll love it and commend me on my brilliant listening skills, or 2) he’ll wonder why I ever latched on to what was otherwise a fleeting thought. I’m hoping for the former, else all this chest-pounding will be for not.

Have you used Etsy or daily deals for your holiday shopping this year?

Happy Thanksgiving! Today’s post will be short and sweet as I share the yummy things I made for tonight’s feast. Carbs, anyone?

I’m super grateful for all the wonderful people in my life and am very blessed to be doing what I love. Cheers to all!

Photo by Pieter v Marion

As I’ve mentioned in a few posts, my husband is a seriously savvy shopper. I’ve picked up a few of his frugal habits including unit-price comparison and just walking away when the deal isn’t good enough.

While I spend most of my discretionary income on clothes and shoes, my husband has a weakness for tech gadgets. His electronic acumen saves us quite a bit of money, actually; for example, we don’t have cable or Tivo. Instead, we get over-the-air channels in HD thanks to some wicked-cool antennas he built for us and tethered in the attic. We stream Netflix, listen to our music collection and DVR all our favorite shows through a single computer he set up with Windows Media Center. He also helped turn my iPad into small laptop with the purchase of a Logitech tablet keyboard.

Oh, and he cooks. And homebrews. And changes the oil, filter and brake pads on our vehicles. Do I have it good or do I have it good?

Recently, he’s had his eye on the Bose Soundlink Mini Bluetooth speaker. It’s a pretty sweet device that streams music from your smartphone, tablet or MP3 player via bluetooth, and it sounds like a professional audio system. The listing price is $199 and he wasn’t about to pay it, so I thought it was just another gadget he’d swoon over until next year when it dropped in price. That’s why I was surprised to find a Verizon shopping bag on our counter when I came home last week.

Apparently he’d been to the store earlier that day with a coworker to purchase a smartphone upgrade for the business, and asked the sales clerk if she’d be willing to knock some money off the Bose speaker if they went with a certain upgrade. She offered him $25 off the purchase price, and with the $50 gift card he’s held onto for over to years, he got the speaker for nearly 40-percent off.

Despite everything I know about saving money, I’m still hesitant to ask for a discount when I don’t feel there is some compelling reason for the salesperson to give it to me. Granted, my husband’s discount was contingent upon them buying a smartphone, but they intended to do that anyway. Obviously I still have more to learn from my haggling husband.

Have you scored a discount by just asking? Do tell.

I can think of no better sendoff for October than Halloween, especially since I’m not the biggest fan of winter. My parents made Halloween a very special event for my brother and me and the excitement has never faded, save for a much more reserved approach to consuming candy.

I love dressing up for Halloween even when it falls on a workday. I’m not the type of girl to gravitate toward the “sexy” line of costumes so I don’t break the dress code with my outfits. Instead, I keep it simple with a few accessories to show off my quirky side. I also don’t like to spend a lot of money on costumes since it’s just one day out of the year and I’m a bit of a purist — I rarely wear the same costume twice.

This year, my costume cost $9.50. I dressed as Clark Kent/Superman after being inspired by this image on Pinterest. While you will not see me striking this pose today, I did think the ensemble was an easy and fun way to celebrate the season.

I already own black pants, a white button-up, and trendy black-rimmed glasses. I started my pursuit of a basic Superman tee early so as not to risk throwing the idea to the wind due to lack of planning. I went to Walmart and found juniors Superman tees, complete with cape and drawn-on belt for less than $10. However, I wanted something more fitted and without capes, because I take Edna’s advice on The Incredibles very seriously. I found what I was looking for in the boys clearance section — a two-piece pajama set featuring a Superman tank top. I tried it on and was relieved it wasn’t painfully tight. The best part of this find? It was $3.

I then searched for suspenders and found those in the men’s department. I wanted red ones but realized they might look nerdy, so I opted for classic black ‘spenders for the bargain price of $6.50.

As cheap and easy as this costume was, I’m a little concerned to realize that I look more like Drew Carey  than Clark Kent. Anyone else see it??

Now it’s your turn — do you love Halloween? Do you dress up at work or wait until after hours?

My love for autumn has only increased this week as temperatures  hover around 62 and blue skies create the perfect backdrop for red, gold and orange leaves. I know I’d miss snowstorms, spring flowers and summer rays, but on days like these I wish fall was a year-round event.

Crisp autumn mornings and evenings call for cozier attire, which is why the phrase “sweater season” has taken retail advertising by storm. Despite my attempts to avoid such marketing gimmicks, I can’t help but linger when I see all things cashmere and cable-knit on display. Some women are drawn to things that sparkle and while I’d never turn down bling, comfy knits are definitely my weakness.

This will go well with hot cocoa and a view of the Alps.

Elbow patches make me feel smart. Like Ivy League smart.

It is with that introduction that I admit to purchasing two sweaters this week despite my closet’s sizable inventory. I took advantage of a sale, loyalty points and reward dollars to save some serious moola. I told myself I wouldn’t spend over $60 and despite being tempted by an olive satin button-up, I came in way under budget at $35.

Seeing the savings in black and white — and red — makes me feel all giddy inside. I look forward to receiving these two beauties in the mail this week. I just hope I like them well enough to avoid exchanging them for the store’s brand-new lineup of fall sweaters, released today. Good thing I’m not tempted by marketing gimmicks, right?

My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 70s. I remember being surprised that she could get breast cancer later in life — goes to show you how naive I was by assuming you’re “in the clear” from cancer after a certain age. According to my mom, the cancerous area was so tiny that it may have been removed by the biopsy alone, but my grandma didn’t want to take any chances and opted for a double mastectomy. Thankfully, the cancer never never returned. The fact that breast cancer is part of my family medical history is always on the back of my mind.

Image by TipsTimes

As pretty much everyone knows by now, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Everything turns some shade of pink this time of year and I like to keep my eyes peeled for opportunities to contribute to the cause. While donating to the American Cancer Society is always an option, some retailers drum up awareness (and sales) by offering specially-made products to support the cause. Here’s a roundup of 10 such stores and their products if you’re looking for a unique way to donate — or need some thoughtful ideas for holiday gifts.

1. Ford
Ford’s Warriors in Pink program donates 100 percent of net proceeds from their apparel and accessories to a breast cancer prevention organization of your choice. At checkout, select between Susan G. Komen, The Pink Fund, Young Survival Coalition or Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation’s Act with Love program.

2. Aerie
Buy the limited-edition Bridget Bra from Aerie and 100 percent of sales go to Bright Pink, a non-profit organization supporting the early detection of both breast and ovarian cancers.

3. Oriental Trading Co.
Through May 31, 2014, Oriental Trading Co. will donate 15 percent of all Running Ribbon Product purchases to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. Available gear includes apparel, jewelry and party supplies.

4. Macy’s
Macy’s is supporting Ralph Lauren’s efforts to raise breast cancer awareness by selling his Pink Pony products and donating 25 percent of purchases to the Pink Pony Fund. Additionally, you can save 20-percent storewide at Macy’s when you purchase a limited-edition Pink Pony Pin, $3.50 of which will also be donated to the fund.

5. Caribou Coffee
Amy’s Blend was created In honor of Amy Erickson, a former Caribou Coffee “roastmaster” who died of breast cancer at 33. In addition to coffee and tea, you can buy a scarf, hair ties and lip gloss with 10 percent of the purchase going toward CancerCare. The organization offers emotional and financial support to individuals impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

6. LOFT
Inspired by Giuliana Rancic — a breast cancer survivor — Suzanna Dai designed jewelry for LOFT’s Live in Pink program. 60 percent of the purchase of one of two necklaces or a pair of earrings through Oct. 31 will go toward The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

7. National Football League
Football fans are used to seeing their favorite teams sport the color pink in honor of the NFL’s a Crucial Catch campaign in October. You can show your team spirit and support the cause by purchasing select items from the NFL Shop, a portion of which goes toward the American Cancer Society’s Community Health Advocates National Grants for Empowerment (CHANGE) program.

8. eBags
The popular online retailer of luggage, handbags and backpacks offers a year-round opportunity to contribute to the cause. eBags has a host of Pink products in every category, with 10 percent of the purchase price going toward the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation when you click the “Pick Pink” checkbox. Select Pink products are included in the eBags’ leather purse and handbag sale.

9. KitchenAid
In addition to pink-hued kitchen accessories, KitchenAid’s Cook for the Cure campaign includes the Pass the Plate program. Prepare a dish on a limited-edition plate and pass it on. The recipient registers the plate, prepares a dish and passes it on to the next recipient. For every registry received, KitchenAid donates $5 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

10. Estée Lauder
Through June 2014, 20 percent of every Pink Ribbon purchase from Estée Lauder will go toward The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Eligible products from the Evelyn Lauder Dream Collection include a Lip Collection, Jeweled Pin, Advanced Night Repair and Solid Perfume Metal Compact.

Photo by Rox Steady.

As I mentioned in my last post, I’m a big fan of autumn and equally enamored by Halloween. Playing dress-up and giving myself a reason to gorge on candy is a recipe for hassle-free happiness, in my opinion. Plus, it offers a fun twist on otherwise prosaic topics like, I don’t know, shopping habits.

The uber-cool Jessica over at Mo’ Money Mo’ Houses agreed to a guest post on her site. I combined my love for Halloween with my love for shopping into a killer story about the seven deadly shopping sins.

Check it out here and prepare to be spooked.

I have no idea if I’m doing this #tag thing right but I’m going to give it a go! I can’t pass up an opportunity to wax poetic about my favorite season. Special thanks to Girl Meets Debt for the #ILoveAutumn tag and for coming up with all the questions. Makes this blogger’s job easy!

Last year’s pumpkins grown proudly by my husband. Photo by me.

1. What signifies the start of Autumn for you?
A cool breeze and the changing of the leaves. We have beautiful autumns here in Northern Colorado thanks to all the mature trees in town. Restaurants also start putting pumpkin EVERYTHING on their menu, and the breweries typically have some pumpkin-inspired seasonal.

2. What is your favorite Fall scent?
Apple cider. I don’t even like apple cider that much but for some reason, I love the smell of it. I’m playing with the idea of making fresh apple cider using my juicer.

3. What is your favorite Autumn color?
I love the whole color palette of Autumn so much that it looks like fall year-round in my house. My favorite color is burnt orange, but I’m also a big fan of olive green.

4. What is your favorite Fall drink?
Does red wine count? My summer drinks are homebrew and gin-and-tonics, and cooler weather triggers a desire deep within for a good Zinfandel. I also like Starbucks’ Salted Caramel Mocha, though I attribute that drink more to the holidays.

5. What TV show, new or old are you looking forward to this Fall?
We don’t have cable so we DVR everything on the over-the-air shows. I like NCIS, Revenge, Scandal, Blue Bloods, The Mentalist, and (please don’t judge me) Once Upon a Time! I recorded the pilot episode of Ironside — I’m a sucker for cop shows, I guess!

6. What is your favorite Fall fashion trend?
Boots, boots and more boots. I hope to get a pair of lace-up ankle boots this year — I’m just waiting on a “we’ve missed you” coupon from DSW offering me $20 off $49. I’m intrigued by the over-the-knee boot trend but can’t try them on without thinking of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. I love that movie and I love her character, but the boots scream “hooker! hooker! hooker!”.

7. What is your favorite frugal Autumn activity?
Baking. I made a peach-raspberry crisp last weekend (that might be more end-of-summer than autumn) and this morning I sauteed Granny Smith apples in butter, brown sugar and cinnamon to sprinkle over our oatmeal. On my list to make soon – pumpkin bread, cinnamon coffee cake and peaches-and-cream pie. Who’s coming over??

8. Are you a bigger fan of Thanksgiving or Halloween?
That’s a toughie — I think I’m more partial to Halloween because I love dressing up and seeing all the kiddos dressed up, too. It also brings back super-fond memories of my mom making amazing costumes for us, decorating the house in DIY decor (she has mad skills) and waiting with a bowl of chili after our trick-or-treating adventure. My dad took us trick-or-treating every year snow or shine, dutifully escorting us to each house with his travel mug of coffee in hand. Good times!

Special thanks again to Girl Meets Debt — what a fun topic!

Photo by kellyhogaboom

Taking time to think about a purchase is one of the best ways to save money and spend wisely. The urgency associated with buying something — whether it’s from internal or external pressures — can lead to a bad purchasing decision. Waiting helps you avoid that mistake because it gives you time to think clearly. Holding off can also land you a better deal, something a friend of mine experienced recently.

We went shopping in a nearby town this past weekend, excited about hitting up the stores we don’t have locally. After ogling at the overpriced goods at Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn, we walked into Macy’s. As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m in the market for some olive-colored skinny jeans and my friend found a few pairs for me to try on. The denim didn’t work out, but she met me in the fitting room wearing a gorgeous Calvin Klein coat. It was one of those garments that appeared to be made just for her. Despite obviously wanting to take it home, she decided it was priced beyond what she was willing to pay and put it back.

During our mid-day walk around the office this week, she said her husband was surprised she didn’t come home with more shopping bags from our trip. I joked about the coat, telling her she could always have purchased it to meet his expectations. That’s when she admitted to having ordered the coat online the night before!

Apparently she was still thinking about the coat after our trip, so she went online the next day to see if it was offered at the same discount as in-store. As luck would have it, Macy’s was having a one-day, online-only sale that increased her savings to over 50 percent. The deal was too good to pass up and she ordered it on the spot.

Holding off on the purchase netted her a better deal on something she still wanted after the excitement of the first look passed. While extra savings aren’t always guaranteed, wise spending typically is when you take time to think about it.

Summer is coming to a close and though it’s making a moisture-rich departure in my neck of the woods, I can already feel the cool winds of autumn permeate the otherwise warm days. Fall is my favorite season thanks to the changing colors, mild temperatures and preponderance of cozy outfit ensembles.

Autumn in Charles City, IA. Photo by me.

That last point gets me in trouble, however, as the minute retailers start advertising the latest fall fashion trends, the desire to scratch the “spend money itch” takes on a chicken pox-like urgency. I know the beginning of the season is the worst time to spend money on clothing and yet, I can’t help but be tempted.

Since I find myself in this quandary on an annual basis, I’ve developed a few strategies to keep myself from spending too much on fall fashion without sacrificing my style. In putting together this list, it occurred to me these strategies work well for just about any purchase. The following tips are presented in the fashion context but feel free to adapt them to your personal purchase!

Know what you want (and what you’re willing to spend) — This year, I’m searching for olive skinny jeans and lace-up shooties (worst shoe name ever, I know), and already have a gift card and rewards points to help me save on the latter. Getting the former for a good deal should prove challenging though. Luckily, I slay challenges.

Look everywhere — Last year, I had my sights set on adding wine skinny jeans to my wardrobe. After finding what I wanted for the ridiculous price of $74.90, I searched everywhere for a cheaper alternative. I left no stone unturned and always kept a keen eye out for the perfect pair.

Keep on top of sales — Knowing when to buy is key to saving money, which is why I’m a proponent of signing up for retailer newsletters. I want to know when they’re having a storewide blowout and I also want “exclusive access” to the best deals.

Compare deals and coupon codes — I always search for coupon codes when shopping online, but Emily over at Evolving Personal Finance recently put us all to shame when she summarized her deal-comparison process. She raises an excellent point however, since comparing coupons, online promo codes, cash-back rewards and the like will help you land the best deal in the long run.

Be patient — I waited a few months to buy those wine skinny jeans and my patience paid off. I ended up snagging the exact pants I wanted for $23 by applying all of the aforementioned tips. After having scoured the earth for a cheaper alternative, I bought them at the price point I wanted during a 50-percent off sale using reward points for extra savings. POW!

Showin’ off my prize at the office.

Now it’s your turn — what strategies do you use to consistently save money?