September 29th, 2006 by Yvonne

• ISBN13: 9781573443630
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
The recession has put a lot of strain on the grocery bill, especially for those with families or friends to feed. But that doesn’t mean having to skip gourmet food and a balanced diet. Noted chef and “four-star frugal gourmet” Lynette Shirk shows readers how to creatively and cleverly use ingredients and leftovers to produce wonderful inexpensive meals for any occasion. This book has everything, from roasting coffee at home to concocting inexpensive crave-worthy cas… More >>

The Frugal Foodie Cookbook: Waste-Not Recipes for the Wise Cook

September 29th, 2006 by Yvonne

Have you already received your Tax Rebate check, or as they are now referred to, Economic Stimulus Check? Do you know the facts about this check? Do you know how yours will be delivered? Do you have important plans for your check? Just getting by? Paying off bills? No matter what you have planned our first concern is for the safe delivery of the check. With so many rumors floating around I decided to some research and find out more about the Economic Stimulus Check and dispel the myths surrounding it.

The Economic Stimulus Check is a tax rebate to taxpayers as a result of several income tax changes. Payments are sent out over the course of several weeks, with the mailing date to vary according the last two digits of the taxpayers Social Security number. For tax payers who filed electronically and had their tax refund direct deposited (or payment direct withdrawal) your income tax rebate will be direct deposited to your bank that was used for your deposit or payment. Taxpayers who submitted their income tax return via mail will have their checks issued the same day as those who filed electronically, however, their payments will be delivered via regular U.S. mail. If you have not paid your taxes or filed your return yet, your rebate will be held until that step is completed.

Many already know the amount to be issued to tax payers: $600.00 for individual taxpayer, $1200.00 for married filing jointly, and a possible $300.00 per qualifying child, born after December, 1990. However, many people do not know that they may not receive those amounts. It is possible that your Economic Stimulus Check may be offset by back taxes owed, unpaid student loans and several other government factors. How will this affect you? It is hard to tell, and you won’t know your exact amount until your check arrives.

With the availability of money and the use of technology, it is no wonder that a new phishing scam has been created regarding the Economic Stimulus Check. Phishing scams are emails that attempt to lure you to a website to gain personal or financial information. One of the newest scams is a message that appears to be from the Internal Revenue Service delivered to your email address. And like many other phishing scams this message appears to be authentic and legitimate, especially since many tax payers file electronically and use their email address to confirm their filing status.

This message is used to gain your name, address, social security and even bank account information and provides you with a link to a website and the instructions to “click the link below and fill out the necessary information to receive your 2008 Stimulus Economic Refund.” If you do click the link, you are at the very least verifying that the message was sent to a “real” email address, leaving yourself open to other phishing scams, even if you do not complete the “form.”

The Internal Revenue Service website requests that if you receive this message you forward it to phishing@irs.gov. Do not open it. Not only can this message be a phishing scam but it could also contain viruses harmful to your computer. The information stolen is all that is needed to intercept your Economic Stimulus check or even to steal your identity.
Many antivirus and email programs contain phishing detection, but if you don’t, or if you are worried about the quality of the messages you receive you may look into purchasing an antivirus software system that also provides phishing scam detection, such as Stopzilla, F-Secure Internet Security Suite, or AVG Internet Security (one of the for pay products) Trend Micro PC-cillin and many more antivirus products are designing their software to detect and stop phishing scams before they can do harm to your computer, information and credit.

Have all your questions regarding your Economic Stimulus Check answered at the official IRS.gov website. Not only does it offer a section of Frequently Asked Questions, but it also provides the opportunity to legitimately check the status of your check.

September 29th, 2006 by Yvonne

ree. That word was once the most powerful term in the marketing world. Everyone wanted a free deal and anyone would stop what they were doing to hear how they could get one.

Now the word has lost its meaning. It’s thrown into any ad or offered as bait, ready to trick the next willing customer who comes along.

It usually happens like this: You hear a radio ad with a free computer program offer. When you try to sign up for it, you realize the “free” trial requires you to give them your credit card information. Now why would you need to give your credit card information to take advantage of a free offer? Well, if you don’t send a notarized letter to the company within 30 days of receiving your “free” product, you are involuntarily enrolled into their monthly program and your credit card will automatically be billed from now until the end of time.

Because of tricks like this, free offers are losing their affect. Even the valuable and honest free offers are overlooked by customers who have grown savvy to its rapid use as a marketing ploy.

The sad part about these not-so-free offers is that they hurt those companies who truly believe in giving value to their customers. These are the companies who would like to give an honest free sample, but their customers have learned to mistrust an offer that looks too good to be true.

Still, there is no better way to sell a service than by offering the customer a free taste. So how do you show your customer the true value of your free offer?

The one person who has mastered the art of capturing the customer’s attention and sparking their desire to take part in a free offer is the lady at the local supermarket. You know, the one who cooks up the bratwurst samples on Saturdays and manages to make your grocery shopping seem a little less like a chore.

Why is the bratwurst lady so successful with her free offer? Well first of all, everybody knows that her sample is completely 100% free. You don’t have to give your credit card number to try a bite. Heck, you don’t even have to pay for the toothpick that comes with it.

You’ve got nothing to lose with her free offer. If you don’t like the bratwurst sample, you’re not obligated to buy the whole package and you certainly won’t hurt the lady’s feelings. You’re free to cleanly walk away from the lady and her offer, no strings attached.

How simple is that?

The free offer has become so distorted in marketing schemes that we’ve forgotten how simple it really should be. It all boils down to making your customers comfortable enough with you to trust the significance of your free offer. Once they see the value and convenience of a free offer, they’ll know they have nothing to lose. How could anyone refuse an offer as clean and simple as that?

Take a good look at your free offer. Does it require that you or your employees enter the home of your customer? Does it require your customer to purchase something or give you unnecessary personal information? A “yes” to any of these questions will lower your customer’s comfort level and push them farther from you and your product.

If you want your free offer to stand out, you must offer something that is truly worth trying. Give your customer the freedom to try your product without obligation. Make them feel comfortable enough with you and your offer to know that they have nothing to lose.

Focus on showing your customer the value of your free offer, rather than tricking them to buy your product. After all, if they try your offer and like it, the product will sell itself.

September 29th, 2006 by Yvonne

What are Adobe coupons all about? First off all, it is very interesting to know that nowadays there are practically all types of coupons available all over the Internet. Gone are those days when you would have to dig through magazines, cut out coupons or look through your coupon piles to get that discounted offer you need. Now, all kinds of coupons are available online with just a few clicks and codes away.

Software coupons are perhaps one of the most popular of coupons online. These are coupons which offer you discounts for online purchases of software solutions that you need. One of the coupons that high in ranking in terms of demand is Adobe coupon. If you are looking to buy any of the Adobe software solutions, you will be better off getting one of our Adobe promotional codes to get few dollars off from your purchase.

What can I get from Adobe Coupons?

The Adobe coupons that we provide usually can give you 10% to 15% off on your software purchase. This could only mean a $15 to $50 in savings, but that is not too bad, right? If you keep on using Adobe coupon codes along with other online coupons, it will add up over time, saving you hundreds on your purchases. That does not sound bad at all. Our Adobe promotional codes are only available for online purchases of software products. You can check out our array of coupon codes for more information on coupons available.

How Adobe coupon codes work

Adobe coupons are usually given with a coupon code. Before finalizing your online purchase, you simply need to enter your Adobe promotional code into a specified box during your check out. Of course, you would need to verify whether or not the Adobe coupon you got is applicable to your Adobe purchase. Terms and conditions are stated in your coupon so make sure you read them carefully. Some coupons do not contain the Adobe promotional code. Do not worry just yet. There is usually a link provided that you have to click through. After which the discount will automatically be reflected at check out.

Expired Coupons are Still Usable

Our site also offers expired Adobe coupons. Do not initially get discouraged by them. These coupons are those that have promotional codes that have recently expired. However, since Adobe usually does not update their coupons as timely, to give some promotional leeway, these coupons are still most likely will work. You can check out our list of expired Adobe coupon codes and be pleasantly surprised that some are still valid.

Adobe is probably one of the software solutions created with the highest functionality. Every computer, every online user, every graphic artist, website designer or programmer – uses at least one Adobe software in their everyday routines. Chances are, you would need some of their solutions now or in the near future. Adobe software can be quite costly, so every bit of discount will surely matter. When you do decide to buy, do not think further – use one of our discount codes.

Why our Adobe coupons?

There are a number of coupon providers online. However, our Adobe coupons offer the best discount deals without too much fuss that other sites tend to require. Also, we value your privacy most – all the information (whenever needed) that you provide us is handled with care. You can shop around for Adobe coupon codes online, but you will see how ours are the best deals you can get.

September 27th, 2006 by Yvonne

HBF has warned that the changes to the health insurance rebate expected to be announced in the budget next week will be disastrous for its 800,000 members.

WA’s leading health insurer is calling on the Government at the eleventh hour, to think again before taking an axe to the rebate.

HBF Managing Director Rob Bransby said the moves would penalise people who are doing the most to take pressure off the public system by taking responsibility for their own healthcare.

“Over 50 per cent of West Australians have private health insurance, these changes will not just affect the rich, they will cause hardship for all our members” Mr Bransby said.

“And every Australian who drops their health cover will place an additional burden on our already stretched public health system, affecting the whole community.”

Mr Bransby said the changes couldn’t come at a worse time.

“West Australians are already experiencing loss of security in the current economic climate. Targeting their health is the last thing they need. What’s more, Australia’s ageing population is placing increasing strain on this State’s health services.

“These changes essentially threaten the balance between Australia’s public and private health systems that have served us so well.“

Mr Bransby said opponents of the rebate system overlooked the fact that while individuals are paid a 30 cent rebate per dollar to take out health cover, those same individuals pay an additional 70 cents in the dollar into the overall health system.

“Today, people with private health insurance inject over $11 million into Australia’s health system,” he said.

September 27th, 2006 by Yvonne

Creative thinking is the key to maximizing your golf dollar! Opportunities abound for you stretch your golf budget.

Yeah, the economy has gone into the tank & most people I know are hurting financially — some real bad and others bad enough where they have to make changes in their lifestyle. But if you’ve been searching for an article like this, I assume that you haven’t decided to give up golf! Rather you’re looking for a way to continue to enjoy the game, but cut down on the expense. I like to call it “becoming a frugal golfer”!

Frugal means costing little, inexpensive, & marked by economy in the spending of money. Even though golf is inherently an expensive game, opportunities exist in numerous places to save money — sometimes big bucks! As you might expect, the internet is your best friend for exploring most of these.

1. Discount Greens Fees – There are a multitude of national, regional, & local discount golf pass programs that cover reduced greens fee at courses close to you. Google “discount golf pass programs” plus “(your State)” & you should come up with a number of possibilities. Check your local newspaper’s sports section for coupons (Monday’s edition is popular in my local area). Subscribing to your local course’s e-mail listing (check a course’s website) can result in coupons. Many courses’ pro shops will gladly share this type of information with you if you just ask about it!

2. Online Greens Fees – Many internet companies sell online teetimes for specific dates & times at reduced rates. Some sites ask you to name your own price, and even auction sites like eBay are getting into the act. Do an internet search & surprise yourself at what’s out there.

3. New Golf Equipment – Retail stores, driving ranges & golf courses are the only way to go when you need to try out equipment to see if it is right for you, but once you’ve identified what you want, you have to check the internet. Low overhead of itself gives the online stores a big price advantage over the brick & mortar facilities. Ebay & Amazon can be the source of big savings! Timing your purchases (January & February in many areas) to just before the new equipment comes out can take advantage of overstocked inventories.

4. Used Golf Equipment – In the search for the new driver, iron, wedge, or putter that will magically reduce their scores, golfers are constantly abandoning perfectly good & in many cases, virtually new equipment. That driver that the golf manufacturers were glowing about just last year didn’t just lose the 20 yards it promised you, did it? Used equipment can be found just about everywhere because there is simply so much of it!

5. Clone Golf Clubs – Many clone golf clubs perform quite well, so check them out, but be careful to distinguish clones from knockoffs. Knockoffs will try to fool you by imitating brand name clubs to the extent that it can be hard to tell the difference. Clone golf clubs will level with you up front with phrases like “compare to” or “similar to” a brand name club.

6. Recycled, Refurbished, Reconditioned Golf Balls – Whatever term you prefer, these are used & there is a big market out there. Golfers lose millions of balls every year, many of which have only been hit once or twice. Golf ball recycling companies clean these balls up & resell them. The highest grade of recycled ball looks & plays perfectly (your playing partner will never know unless you decide to brag about how little you paid for them – typically about half price).

7. Sell or Donate Your Used Golf Equipment – If you decide to sell your used equipment, be prepared to swallow hard – you are likely only to get pennies on the dollar for them! A better way to go might be to donate them to charity for the tax deduction. Some charities won’t accept golf equipment, but others like The First Tee Program (for kids) will be delighted to take them!

8. Get a Part-Time Golf Related Job – Just a couple of shifts as a starter, ranger, cart attendant, or pro shop attendant at your local course is usually enough to get you abundant free golf (although generally with some time restrictions). Work a shift or two at a golf retail shop can result in significant discounts on everything they carry.

Trade specific brands of balls with your buddies, shop the coupon sites on the web, and forget the more expensive brand names for the non skill items like gloves & grips. There are so many ways to save if you put your mind to it! My passion over the years for this expensive game has led me to find whatever way I could to reduce the expense, but you know what? Besides saving the money, becoming a frugal golfer has been really satisfying & yes – fun!

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September 27th, 2006 by Yvonne

Order your free samples on everydayminerals.com! They’re great!

September 27th, 2006 by Yvonne

www.logicbuy.com for Deals & Coupons on Laptops, LCD TVs, Video Games, computers and more.

September 25th, 2006 by Yvonne

Freebies can be an excellent way to save money, but you need to understand the different types of freebies that are out there and then make sure that the freebie is not costing you money in hidden ways. Here are some of the typical types of freebies offered and what to look out for:

Free Sample: This is when a product is given away (usually in a smaller “trial” size, but full size samples can also be found from time to time) with the intention of letting you try it to see if you like it. The manufacturer is willing to give away a sample of the product in hopes that when you try it, you will like it enough to begin using it or switch to their product from a competitor you were previously using. These rarely carry hidden costs and probably are the image most people have when mentioning the word “freebie.”

Free With Purchase: This is where you receive something at no extra cost as an add on when you purchase a certain product. While these can be good deals if you were planning to buy or need the main product being sold, you need to be careful not to purchase something you don’t really need just because it comes with something free attached.

Free After Rebate: With this method, you pay for the product up front and then send in some type of proof of purchase (usually a bar code accompanied by the receipt) to get a rebate on the money you paid. While these look great while purchasing the product, it’s important to read the fine print and terms before proceeding to purchase. Chances are there will be some restrictions which may make getting the rebate difficult. You want to take the time to know that you will qualify for the rebate and can receive it with relatively little work before you buy. If you don’t, you may find that the freebie is not so free after all.

Free Trial: This freebie gives you a product or service at no cost for a certain period of time. Two classic examples are one month free memberships or three free issues of a magazine. As with a free sample, the companies hope that once you begin using their product or service, you will continue to do so. The point to be careful about in regards to these free offers is that you are usually required to cancel the membership or subscription once the free trial period is over. If you don’t, then you will automatically begin being billed for the product or service. It is easy to forget these dates and your free trial can become quite expensive if you don’t religiously keep track of the dates.

Free Reward: This is where you receive something for free after doing something or completing a task. A classic example is receiving something after filling out a survey or applying for a credit card. The issues to take into consideration and weigh are whether the time spent doing the activity is worth the reward or, in case of filling out an application, will completing the activity cost you in some other way down the road.

Free Shipping: This has become the mantra to selling on the Internet. You buy the product and receive free shipping. The problem here is that we all know that the shipping has to be paid for somewhere, so you can make an educated guess that the shipping fee is being passed onto you in some other form. Classic examples of these are “processing fees” or “handling fees” which are added to the cost of the product. Even when these don’t appear outright, you can be sure that the free shipping has been factored into the cost of the product.

As you can see from the above information, free can actually end up costing you in hidden ways if you are not careful. In the end, taking the time to understand all the information and terms associated with the free offer is essential to make sure that the free offer doesn’t end up costing you more than if you had never pursued it in the first place.

You can find free baby items at www.free4baby.com .

September 25th, 2006 by Yvonne

Is your coupon collection a disaster? This article is designed to provide you with some useful information that will help you store, manage and reference the coupons you clip. Specifics may vary from person to person; however, the following information includes helpful and important guidelines from which everyone can benefit.

Many of us may not even realize it, but there are people who save thousands of dollars each year by clipping and using coupons that offer savings on virtually anything you can think of: food, clothing, entertainment, tires, cosmetics, travel, electronics, cleaning supplies – the list goes on and on.

You can find coupons in newspapers, magazines, mailers – you name it. Some people even consider it a challenge to find certain types of coupons that can literally save them hundreds of dollars each time they go shopping. The real test, however, is organizing your coupons so that you can actually utilize them in a timely fashion and take advantage of the savings that are offered.

Here are just a few coupon organization ideas to help you store, manage and be able to reference the coupons you clip:

Coupon Organization Idea #1: Use an actual filing system. Many people just throw their coupons into a drawer haphazardly, where they can easily become buried, never to be seen again. A great coupon organization idea is to use a ring binder with top-loading sheet protectors. The sheet protectors are closed on three sides so your coupons remain safely inside, and because they’re clear, the sheet protectors provide a quick view of coupons. Then, you can just carry your small binder with you when you shop for easy access to the coupons you want to use.

Coupon Organization Idea #2: Arrange by date.

Almost every coupon has an expiration date, and of course, if the coupon is not used before it expires, it becomes worthless. Arrange your coupons so that the dates that are coming close to expiration are in the front of your coupon filing system. You may also want to arrange your coupons by category and put the date closest to expiration to the front. If you really want to get organized, organize your coupons by aisle so that your trips to grocery or department stores are much quicker!

Coupon Organization Idea #3: Remove outdated coupons regularly. On a periodic basis, check through your coupons to find and take out the ones that have expired… these coupons are just taking up space and will also make your “live” coupons more difficult to find. You’re never going to use them anyway, so why let them take up space? Plus, it will create more room for new coupons that you can actually use!

Coupon Organization Idea #4: Show restraint.

Many times, the urge is to clip every possible coupon you might remotely be interested in. Try to avoid doing this. Instead, clip and save only the coupons you think you’ll actually use. Look for buy-one-get-one-free coupons or double coupons that will save you more money.