Friday Freebies: Free Matchmaker Search

For fifteen years, Matchmaker.com has been helping singles looking for a long-term relationship to find their match. Catering to a more mature group of singles (age 35 and over), it’s the longest-running dating site online.

Now you can take advantage of their free membership and start the search for your very own match. As a free member, you’ll have access to profiles and photos on the site, and you’ll be able to post your own Matchmaker profile for others to view. Follow the simple online instructions to complete your application. It only takes a few minutes and then you can begin browsing the member list and show interest in whomever you like.

There is no time limit to your free membership. If you decide that you’d like access to the more advanced features such as the ability to send emails, use instant messaging and chat on the site, you can upgrade to Gold Membership at any time.

Matchmaker has already helped millions of singles find their perfect match. They take your privacy and safety seriously too, so you can reveal as little about yourself as you’d like until you feel secure and confident in disclosing more. Move at your own pace and comfort level.

Matchmaker.com offers local listings throughout the world’s major cities. Why not join today and get started in the search for your match? Just click the following link to learn more and sign up for your free membership.

Matchmaker.com Free Membership

Best of luck with your search for true love from all of us at Friday Freebies!

So you’ve finally decided to give online dating a try. You fire up your browser, search for “online dating” and voila! Suddenly you’re sorting through hundreds of millions of results to find the right place for you. What a letdown.

Finding an online dating site that suits your needs and goals can be just about as difficult as finding a date. Here’s some basic information, tips and online dating site reviews to help you get started and make the process a little simpler.

Depending on your goals and the amount of time and effort you want to invest, you might wish to start with a site or two that offer free services or a free trial period. Although your access to all of the features on a site may be limited as a non-paying member, you will be able to at least get a feel for the site, assess its potential and see if you’re comfortable there, plus browse around to see if there are singles from your area registered. Be advised that some sites leave profiles up from people who have never subscribed in order to tout higher levels of participation. You’ll also likely not be able to initiate or reply to messages on some sites as a non-paying member. It’s still a good way to get your feet wet and compare some of the sites yourself.

You’ll want to be sure to check the privacy policy of any site before you provide personal information. Many dating sites will share your information with other companies, but they’ll also often allow you to opt-out if you so desire. Check to make sure that the site has adequate security provisions to protect your information too. Affiliation with a privacy program such as TRUSTe is a good sign. You’ll also want to review and understand the billing and cancelation policies before you begin.

Stick with highly visible, reputable sites. The top sites that show up in almost any dating site comparison are great places to start. eHarmony, Match.com, PerfectMatch and Matchmaker are all usually ranked fairly high, so let’s do a quick review of each of those sites.

Match.com is known as one of the largest dating sites with over 15 million subscribers. It’s also known for ease of use and great search options, but it doesn’t offer matching based on surveys or other scientific approach. Browsing and searching is available for free, but you won’t be able to send or reply to emails unless you upgrade to paid membership (around $25 a month if you pay a month at a time).

Matchmaker.com is another site with millions of members, and it has the distinction of being the longest running dating site on the web. It’s another solid choice for the marriage minded, and offers access to many features for free, with the “Gold Membership” coming in at about $25 a month.

PerfectMatch is somewhat of a hybrid site. It uses a comprehensive personality profile system (developed by Dr. Pepper Schwartz) to help match members to others who are likely to be compatible, and yet it allows members to search other user profiles and initiate contact on their own. The monthly cost (again, if you pay month-to-month) is around $60.

eHarmony uses a unique and patented compatibility matching system to bring together singles who show good potential for successful long-term relationships. Although the site is a bit more expensive than many of the others (about $60 a month if you pay a month at a time), it does claim 20 million members and if you are serious about finding a compatible match for a long-term relationship or marriage, eHarmony’s rigorous matching system and guided communication process may be just what you need. The site notes that on average more than 200 members in the United States marry every day as a result of eHarmony matching.

All of the sites above offer lowered membership fees if you sign up for multiple months, and some of them have special discount offers available here on our site as well. Take a look at our online dating category for more information.

An intriguing site for those who may or may not be looking for a serious, long-term relationship is LavaLife. With 15 million members worldwide and three communities on one site, LavaLife caters to those who just want to flirt or meet new people as well as those who want to find romance or a relationship. There is also a community for those looking to hook up for what the site describes as “intimate encounters.” It’s been ranked as the #1 dating site in Canada. This one comes in at around $30 for a one-month membership. Again, you can try it for free or save on a longer subscription with our LavaLife offer.

Finally, no dating site review would be complete without mention of some of the great niche sites out there. From dating sites based on faith (such as CatholicMingle or J-Date) to those based on race (BlackSingles, Interracial Singles) and even those for mature singles, single parents and more, if you have a particular criterion in mind for your match, it couldn’t hurt to at least sign up for the free trial version on some of these sites. Of course, the broader sites also allow various ways to filter through potential matches to find what you’re looking for.

We hope our survey of top dating sites is helpful to you. Feel free to leave a comment if you have advice or experience of your own to share. And don’t forget to check out all of our online dating offers to get the best deal on the site that’s right for you.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who will be expecting a refund from the Internal Revenue Service this year, instead of blowing it on a new iPad, how about doing something with it for your own financial health? Here are some ideas you might want to consider.

Pay something off (or pay it ahead). If you have any high-interest obligations (credit card debt, household loans, etc.) every penny you can clear off the books will save you money. If you can eliminate even one high-interest debt, you’ll have that much more available to pay down others. Take them one at a time, highest-interest one first. If you aren’t getting enough refund to pay something off, at least consider paying down whatever debt you can. Even if you don’t have any high-interest loans, you’ll save money by paying ahead on your mortgage or car payment.

Contribute to your retirement account. In addition to contributions made by payroll deduction, you can also write a check to the custodian of your IRA for a one-time contribution if you’re not already up to the maximum annual contribution. Or you can set your IRS refund to direct deposit into the account.

Save, save, save. If you don’t have substantial savings (or even if you do), why not put your refund where it will earn you some interest? Consider a high-yield savings or money market account, or if you don’t have an “emergency fund” set back, then put your refund in a traditional savings account so it’ll be available in case of a job loss, unexpected car repairs or what not. Your refund check is also a great way to start a college fund for the kid(s), if you haven’t already done so.

Home improvement projects are also excellent investments. From home improvements and repairs that increase the value of your property, to purchase of a more energy efficient appliance of some sort, money spent on your home is almost like money in the bank. If your refund isn’t huge, you can still invest in energy efficiency. Replacing an old light bulb with an LED one will save you hundreds of dollars over the life of the bulb. Or how about an insulating blanket for your water heater?

De-fund next year’s refund. Why are you giving the government an interest-free loan every year? You’d be better off to adjust your withholding so that you’re going to break even, and then put the difference in savings each month. Just be careful not to adjust too far in the other direction. You won’t want an unexpected tax liability in April of 2013 (or a possible penalty for under-withholding).

You might also take some other simultaneous steps to reduce your taxes. Let’s say your refund this year is $600. Why not adjust your withholding to take out $50 a month less, and then contribute that $50 a month to your IRA or 401(k)? That will lower your taxable income, and you won’t notice the difference (until refund time next year, of course).

Or, you can go ahead and order that iPad. Of course, if you’d reduced your withholding and put the difference in savings all last year, you might also be able to afford one of those cool new covers too.

Still haven’t filed your tax return? File for free with H&R Block At Home Online.

It’s April, and you know what that means. Spring is in the air, the Easter Bunny is on his way and it’s almost time to file your federal income tax return. The Internal Revenue Service has provided an entire series of tax tips on their Website, covering everything from how to manage your tax records to what to what you need to know about refunds to all of the various ways to pay them what you owe. They’ve also posted a list of tips for last minute filers. We’ve boiled that down to a top five list (you can read the original list on the official IRS site).

First of all, here’s the really good news for all of us tax prep procrastinators. We have an additional two days to file this year, as the deadline has been moved from the traditional date of April 15th to Tuesday the 17th this year. If you need more time than that, you can file for an extension but be advised that an extension to file does not mean you have an extension to pay. If you believe that you’ll end up owing money to the IRS, you’ll need to include payment with your extension request. If you expect a refund, that’s even more reason to file on time!

Tip #1: eFile. It’s incredibly easy to file your return electronically, and it’s also incredibly secure. In fact, the vast majority (some 70%) of individuals now file their taxes online. You can find a list of “free file” companies on the IRS site, or use our H&R Block online offer to file for free.*

Tip #2: Double Check Everything. Incorrect Social Security ID Numbers, simple math errors and mistakes in reading the tax tables are all culprits that can cost you money or delay processing of your return (and hence, any refund). Be sure to double check everything, particularly if filing by paper. The tax software or online filing packages should check the math for you, but it’s a good idea to review the information as you go along anyway, and definitely go over the entire return with a fine-toothed comb if you’re mailing it in.

Tip #3: Making a payment? Use your credit card. If you end up owing taxes for 2011, you can pay by electronic funds withdrawal, or use a credit or a debit card to pay your bill. Like eFiling, it’s convenient, safe and secure. If you are mailing your payment instead, be sure to include the Form 1040-V Payment Voucher, and include your Social Security number, daytime phone number, the tax year and the type of form filed on your check.

Tip #4: Don’t forget to sign. Your return isn’t complete unless it’s signed and dated, and both spouses are required to sign a joint return, even if only one of them had income that year. Any paid preparer also has to sign.

Tip #5: Visit the IRS Website. There is a ton of excellent information on the IRS site. You’ll find advice, instructions, forms, and lots of other helpful information there. We’ve poked around ourselves, and it’s pretty easy to find what you need, whether you’re looking for a particular form, want to learn whether you’re eligible for a credit, or just need to know the current allowable mileage rate for business travel. It’s all right there at IRS.gov.

*Our site is a paid affiliate of H&R Block.

If saving money on groceries seems to be a recurring theme here on our blog, there’s a good reason for that. As noted in an earlier post about how to save with grocery coupons, groceries are a significant part of every household’s budget, ranking right up there near housing and transportation as the top three components, and costing the average family hundreds of dollars each month.

So it pays to keep grocery savings on your radar, and to devote a little time each week to planning and doing what you can to trim those grocery costs. Here are some great tips and “food for thought.”

Tip #1: More than 80% of paper coupons will come with your Sunday paper. Even in our age of online and SMS coupons, the good old fashioned Sunday newspaper, along with any weekly circulars from your favorite grocery stores, are still the best source for money saving information and deals. Most avid couponers and coupon experts agree that devoting about one half-hour per week to a thorough examination of the Sunday paper will save most folks hundreds of dollars a month in groceries. If you find a truly great bargain on a household staple, it’s sometimes even worth it to buy an additional copy of the paper for that second batch of coupons to clip. The idea here is to clip the coupons on items you’re likely to purchase anyway (or those you can definitely use), keep them organized, and match them to current sales at the store or stores where you shop. And when you do find that perfect storm of sale price and coupon on your routine purchases, it’s time to stock up. This leads us to…

Tip #2: Buy enough of something when it’s on sale to last you awhile. Keep a list of the essential items that you buy most often and their prices over time. You’ll often notice patterns in sales relating to seasonal or other considerations. When a deal comes around, stock up with enough to get you through to the next good sale. Obviously, don’t buy more of something with a limited shelf life than you can use before it expires, and don’t feel compelled to buy things that you’re unlikely to use just because it’s a “good deal.” Saving money on things that you don’t need or want anyway is no bargain.

Tip #3: Bring along your calculator. The bigger sizes, or the products with sale tags aren’t always the best bargains. Take a look at the unit price (i.e., price per ounce, etc.) after any coupon savings for the real value. Sometimes you’ll pick up a “buy one, get one” deal on the smaller size that makes it cheaper than the economy size. Combine deals and play your cards right, and you might even pick it up for free.

Tip #4: Sometimes store brands and generics really are just as good. Sometimes an alternative name brand is almost as good as your favorite, and will save you bundles. The point is, that if you’re after really big savings on groceries, you’re gonna have to loosen up a little with brands. So your mother always bought Skippy. Don’t you think you could at least try the Jif when it’s on sale? Be flexible with brands, buy the ones that are on sale, or for which you have a coupon, or both. And be sure to stock up when you do find great deals on the ones you prefer.

Tip #5: Know the rules. We covered this in another post, but it can hardly be over stressed. Knowledge is power. Know when double coupon day is. Know which stores accept competitors’ coupons and ad match. Make the most of your loyalty card. Be aware of coupon and rebate terms and policies. A little time getting familiar with the lay of the land can make your journey on the path of grocery savings all the smoother.

To help you get started on your research, here are links to coupon information for some major retailers.

Walmart Coupon Policies

Kroger Coupon Center

Target Coupon Policies

Walgreens Coupon Policies

Safeway Coupon Policies

Uncle Sam wants YOU to avoid tax season scams!

Sure, we all love the convenience of being able to get more done (easier) online. Whether it’s day-to-day shopping, or an annual e-file at tax time, God’s grand grid saves us all time and money. Unfortunately, it also makes us vulnerable to new threats from scammers, phishers and identity fraudsters.

The Internal Revenue Service does their best to encourage people to file online, but they’re also working hard to make sure people arm themselves against identity thieves and online scams that impersonate the IRS. Here are a few tips to keep you from falling prey.

They won’t tweet you. Generally, the IRS does not send unsolicited e-mails or online messages to taxpayers, and they NEVER discuss tax account information with taxpayers via e-mail or use e-mail to ask for financial and personal information. They don’t ask for account security information, PIN numbers or such. Some of the bogus emails can look very official, but if you’re in doubt, call the IRS yourself, don’t reply to an email or online message unless you already know who you’re dealing with.

You can’t click your way to a refund. Refund scams are the most commonly seen IRS impersonation schemes. They’ll tell you that you’re eligible to receive a tax refund, and that you have to open an attachment or follow a link to fill out a claim form. In truth, there’s no special form from the IRS needed to obtain a tax refund, other than your annual tax return.

You probably haven’t won the lottery either. If you receive an email claiming to come from the Treasury Department saying that you’ll receive millions of dollars in recovered funds or lottery winnings (or whatever) and all you need to do is give them your personal information to get the process started, just don’t.

Here are some other tips from the IRS Website on how to spot a scam. Avoid (and report) any email that:

• requests detailed or an unusual amount of personal or financial information
• dangles bait to get you to respond (such as mentioning a tax refund or offering to pay you to participate in an IRS survey)
• threatens a consequence for not responding to the e-mail, such as additional taxes or blocking access to your funds
• gets the IRS or other federal agency names wrong
• uses incorrect grammar or odd phrasing
• uses a really long address in any link contained in the message (or one that does not start with the actual IRS Web site address of www.irs.gov)

You can forward suspicious emails to phishing@irs.gov. More information is on the IRS Website.

It’s not easy to find time for every single one of the home maintenance tasks we know we probably ought to do. For that matter, there may be some routine maintenance duties around the house that some of us don’t even know about. If you’re looking for a simple home maintenance list that will help you get started with a schedule of high priority tasks, here are five simple things you can do that will help keep your home in shape and save you money to boot.

Keep it clean. Not only does regular dusting and vacuuming enhance the appearance of your home, it can actually save you money. Dust in the air (most of it kicked up when we walk across dirty carpeting) means that furnace and air conditioner filters get clogged more quickly, and that can result in inefficiency and increased operational costs (plus damage to your heating and cooling system). Regular vacuuming with a HEPA-filter-equipped vaccum is a big help. Don’t forget to check those furnace filters regularly too. Every month is not too often (especially with today’s electrostatic-charged models), and never let them go without inspection for more than three months.

Clear your vent. Clogged vents on clothes dryers cause more than ten thousand house fires in the United States  each year. Not only that, a dryer that is not properly vented can take up to three times as long to dry a load, resulting in wear and tear on the dryer and the clothes, along with increased energy costs. Clean the lint trap after every load, and either inspect and clean the vent yourself (or hire someone to do it) at least twice a year.

Unsludge your water heater. Sediment built up in a water heater can decrease its efficiency by one-half. It’s easy to stop the build up by draining some water from the bottom every few months. Either attach a hose and open the spigot, or put a bucket underneath and drain some water out. If the water comes out clear, then it doesn’t take much. If it’s murky or has visible sediment, a gallon or two ought to do the trick. Remember that the water will be hot, so keep your hands back to avoid scalding.

Dust bunnies begone. Even though nobody will see underneath your refrigerator, dust blankets there are a bad thing, causing inefficiency and, ultimately, damage. Keep your fridge in top condition and increase its useful life by cleaning regularly around the coils. Don’t be fooled by the ones without visible coils either. Even the newer models have filters and fans than need attention. Check your owner’s manual for maintenance details.

Let there be light. Okay, maybe this isn’t exactly a maintenance tip, but here goes. Have you considered replacing your old incandescent light bulbs (the ones we all love with the pleasing, warm glow) with the more efficient CFLs (the ones we all hate with the gastly florescent harshness)? Though many of us will hate to see our beloved 60 watt incandescents go, CFLs can save you a bundle. Since electric lighting is one of our top energy costs, it’s worth taking a look. The additional couple bucks outlay on the front end for the higher cost bulbs could save you as much as $20 a year, perhaps even more if you live in an area where energy costs are high. Since the CFLs don’t emit as much heat, they also help you save on cooling costs in warmer areas of the country. Add to that less time spent changing bulbs (since the average life of a CFL is as much as 15 times that of an incandescent bulb) and the proposition becomes more attractive.

These are just a few of the simple things you can do around your home to save money and keep things running smoothly. If you need help with household repair, maintenance or cleaning, check out our Angie’s List coupons for savings of 25% on your membership to the nation’s top consumer site.

Did you know that simple mistakes in computation make up a large portion of errors on tax returns? In fact, the IRS estimates that the average return contains literally dozens of miscalculations. These errors can cost you money, and delay the processing of your refund.

Failure to take advantage of deductions and credits can also increase the amount of taxes you pay, or reduce your refund. More than two million Americans overpay because they fail to itemize deductions, according to the GAO.

So what can you do to make sure your return is accurate and that it squeezes every cent out of deductions and credits available to you? One solution is to use filing software from the experts at H&R Block.

H&R Block At Home is easy to use and provides 100% accuracy and maximum refund guarantees, plus free audit support and representation in the event of an audit. H&R Block has a 50-year history of helping people do their taxes right, and they bring that same expertise to all of their filing solutions.

You can prepare and e-file your federal return for free online with H&R Block At Home. The free version offers automatic double-checking of your tax return for errors, a step-by-step question and answer format to guide you through your tax return, free federal e-filing so you can get your refund in as few as eight days, and H&R Block’s maximum refund guarantee. You’ll also receive free audit support with guidance, plus an H&R Block enrolled agent to represent you in the event of an IRS audit.

If your return is more complicated and you believe you’ll need expert advice from a tax specialist, or if you want advanced features like the ability to import data from prior years, then H&R Block’s paid solutions start as low as $17. You can compare the free version to all of the others available on the H&R Block website.

Why take the risk of errors on your tax return when H&R Block At Home is so easy to use, and for free? Check it out before you file.

And check back here next week for another Friday Freebie!

Looking to get every advantage at tax time while staying on the right side of the law? Check out our coupons for H&R Block At Home filing software.

With 2011 W-2 forms out already, early filers will begin preparation of their U.S. tax returns before you know it. If you’re like many people who will be expecting a refund this year, you’ll likely want your return to be processed quickly so the money can be burning a hole in your pocket as soon as possible.

Even assuming that you have a fairly simple return, have all of your documentation ready, and prepare your return honestly, there are still a number of common, simple mistakes that may delay processing of your return or even cost you money.

Here are the top five most common errors made when preparing tax returns, according to the IRS.

Incorrect or Missing Social Security Numbers
It’s important to double check the information for everyone listed on your return, including yourself, your spouse, your dependents and qualifying children for the Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit. Be sure that both the names and Social Security Numbers are entered precisely as they appear on Social Security cards. If you file a paper return, be sure to enter any corrections to the peel off label, and to enter your Social Security Number in the space provided. If you don’t use the label, make sure you clearly print all of the required information on the return. Don’t forget to include the correct SSN or Tax ID number for child care providers if you’re taking a child care credit.

Incorrect Tax Entered for your Taxable Income and Filing Status
Those tax tables can be difficult to read, especially in the wee small hours of April 15th. Be sure to check only one filing status, and double check the tax table to make sure you’re in the right row and column. You might wish to consider filing your return electronically, or at least using one of the popular tax software packages available if you file your own return. Many common errors will be avoided or corrected automatically by the software.

Computation Errors on Taxable Income, Withholding, EIC, Etc.
Taxable income, withholding and estimated tax payments, Earned Income Credit, Standard Deduction for age 65 or over or blind, the taxable amount of Social Security benefits, and child and dependent care credit computations are where computational errors most commonly occur. Once again, it pays to double check your work or to use an electronic package to prepare your return.

Entering Information on the Wrong Line
Withholding and Estimated Tax Payments are the most common errors here. Also, be sure to enter income, deductions, and credits on the correct lines and double-check for correct totals.

Errors in Addition and Subtraction
Use a calculator. Seriously. Or, once again, software makes these operations pretty foolproof.

Here’s wishing you many happy returns.

When Valentine of Rome wrote a last note to his beloved back in the Third Century and signed it “Your Valentine” he had little idea that he would be starting a tradition that carries on to our day. February 14th is a day set aside for lovers, and if you’re wanting to make Valentine’s Day 2012 extra special, then we’re here to help with a guide to Valentines Day gifts that are sure to make the day a real celebration for you and your Valentine.

Say “Happy Valentines Day” with the perfect card, and traditional gifts of Valentines Day flowers or chocolates. Or make the evening really special by celebrating with a Valentine’s Day dinner. Whatever your style or budget, we’ve got suggestions for a romantic Valentine Day.

Valentines Day Gift Guide 2012

• Valentine’s Day Flowers
• Valentine’s Day Cards
• Valentine’s Day Gift Baskets
• Valentine’s Day Romantic Dinner

Creative Gift Ideas for Valentines Day 2012

Though the traditional gifts of flowers and chocolates are always appreciated, they’re far from your only option. Here are a few Valentines Day ideas that you might not have thought of.

How about a gift of romantic music? Here’s an entire collection of songs for lovers, from the classics to the latest hits.

Or maybe your Valentine would like an engraved iPod. You can load it up with some favorite tunes, or give a gift certificate for music downloads.

Here’s a hint for the guys. Jewelry. If you want to go all out (and show her that you’re all in) there’s nothing like shiny objects to please her.

And ladies, if you’re having trouble finding the right gift for your special guy, we’re not picky. Basically anything to do with electronics and sports will do the trick. It may not seem romantic to you, but hey, that’s what we like.

Of course, a romantic getaway is always in style. Check out our travel offers for great bargains on weekend and overnight trips for two.

If you’ll be needing a sitter for the weekend (or just the evening) you’ll find the most reliable sitters in your area on SitterCity, the number one site for caregivers. Come to think of it, a little scheduled downtime from the kids might be a great gift on its own.

Need Help Finding Your Valentine?

If you’re without a Valentine at the moment, why not check out Match.com? They’ve helped millions of couples on the path to love.

Here’s wishing you a fun, romantic Valentine’s Day 2012, however you choose to spend it!

For those of us who are into coupons and discounts, nothing rings our bell quite like a huge rebate on a major purchase. And for we geeky oriented savers, rebate nirvana can be reached fairly often. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly a third of all computer related products are sold with some sort of rebate nowadays. For consumer electronics products, it’s only a bit lower at around one-fifth.

Why, you might ask, are companies giving away stacks of cash to entice you to buy their products? Or why don’t they simply set the product’s price lower rather than setting it higher and offering a rebate? We’ve got two words for ya. “Human Nature.” Although offering a rebate may indeed help someone decide to make a particular purchase, according to estimates somewhere between one-third and one-half of rebates are never claimed!

You don’t want to be in the group that fails to collect, do you? Of course not. Here’s a quick primer on rebates and how to make sure you get those stacks of cash back after your purchases.

There are basically two types of rebates available, the instant rebate and the mail-in rebate. Although called a rebate, the instant variety is more or less like a coupon, except usually with a higher value. When you purchase the item the rebate amount is deducted then and there, lowering the price you pay. These also have the added advantage of lowering the amount of sales tax that you pay, since you’re only charged tax on the discounted price. Pretty simple, eh?

The mail-in rebate, on the other hand, requires that you pay full price for the item and then receive a refund in a certain amount later on – usually after jumping through more hoops than a tiger in the circus ring.

First, some good news. Your rebate check won’t be counted as income for tax purposes. The bad news is that since you’ll be paying full-price up front, you will also be paying sales tax on the full purchase price, and you won’t get that money back with your rebate. It’s pennies on the dollar, but still something to consider when making your purchase decision.

Whether you find your rebate offer online, in a store, by direct mail or even in the packaging of the item being purchased, it’s important to read the fine print and understand all of the restrictions and requirements before you make the purchase. Is there an expiration date? Does it only apply to purchases made at a particular store or online site? If you’re buying online and the rebate requires you to send in the original UPC code within so many days of purchase, are you sure the item will even arrive at your home in time? Does the offer require you to make an additional purchase of some sort? Take a look at all of the requirements and make sure you are willing and able to meet them.

Once you’ve made your purchase, carefully follow all of the instructions on the rebate offer. Complete the form in its entirety according to directions. It may ask for serial numbers or item stock numbers or a variety of other information about the product. It may also ask for fairly detailed information about where you made the purchase, as well as all of your own personal information. You may have to highlight or circle the item on your store receipt, and may have to include other original documentation such as the UPC code from the product packaging mentioned earlier. Follow each and every requirement to the letter. If it asks for your original receipt, don’t send a copy, etc. With rebates, you have to make sure you dot every i and cross every t or you’re likely not to get your money.

Be sure to make copies of everything before you send it in so you’ll have the information you need to pursue a claim if your rebate doesn’t arrive. Remember that you may be waiting a long time for it to come, sometimes as long as 90 days, so make a note on the calendar as a reminder of when to expect it. Otherwise, you might forget it altogether and fail to follow up if it doesn’t arrive.

Some offers will have a website where you can register your information and track the progress of your rebate. Remember that registering on the site is not the same as submitting the rebate. It’s usually in addition to the rest of the process.

Also, don’t plan on making a purchase, getting the rebate, and then returning the item for a full refund. You’re very clever, but you’ve already sent in the UPC and original receipt, remember? Who needs the bad karma anyway?

Here’s the best tip of all. Don’t buy something you don’t really need just in order to receive a large rebate. Even “free after rebate” mail-in offers will cost you sales tax on the initial purchase, not to mention your time and effort spent jumping through the hoops. Do you really need that new multi-blade razor handle or gel pen just because it’s “free?” The replacement cartridges are gonna cost you big time. Think about whether the product is something you really want or need before you buy it just for the rebate.

Rebate shopping can be fun and it can help you save big on major purchases, so long as you keep your head when making the purchase decision and jump through all the hoops, and above all remember to submit your claim!

The Christmas season is over, long weekends and vacation days are coming to an end, and it’s time to usher in the new year. Decorations get packed away, trees come down, and there are just a few last chances to kiss under the mistletoe before heading back to work. It’s time to reflect on the year gone by, and ask yourself one serious question. Did you really find all of the best bargains the year has to offer?

Fret not. When it comes to opportunities for savings, there’s always one more mountain to climb. We’re here with your guide to the first sales of 2012 with all the best deals and discounted prices. The New Year sale events at top retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Target, Macy’s and others promise to be better than ever before, with savings of 20-70% and more.

New Years is a time of “out with the old, and in with the new” so it’s no wonder that stores are making one last frantic attempt to make room for what is to come in 2012 with January clearance sales that are nearly unmatched at any other time of the year.

January Sale Events and Online January Sales

• Amazon New Year New You Sale 2012
• WalMart New Year Deals 2012
• Macy’s New Years Sales 2012
• Best Buy New Year Sales 2012

In addition to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, some of the best bargains of the year can be found during the annual after Christmas sales events at major retailers, both online and off. Walmart, Best Buy, Target and other top stores will all be making one last push and hoping to get their holiday season inventory out the door before the end of 2011.

One of the biggest questions asked by those planning to shop the after Christmas sales is the opening time for their favorite retailer. We’ll be keeping a comprehensive list for you right here as soon as information becomes available, so you’ll have a handy reference to help in planning your post-Christmas shopping spree. Here are a few opening times for starters.

Here’s When The Doors Open on December 26th

Walmart Opening Times – 6 AM Most Locations

Best Buy Opening Times – 8 AM Most Locations

Target Opening Times – 7 AM Most Locations

Macy’s Opening Times – 7 AM Most Locations

Sears Opening Times – Varies By Location

Here are a few tips to help you survive and make the most of the end-of-year sales.

Make a list.

It pays to make a list of the items you really wish to purchase during the after Christmas sales of 2011. Do a little research online ahead of time to get an idea of which retailers are likely to carry the items you want. Our own guides to holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are a good place to start.

Watch for announcements.

Be sure to keep an eye on commercials, websites and newspaper circulars for your favorite stores the week prior to Christmas. This is when many of the after Christmas sales events, opening hours, etc. are announced. We’ll also collect information on the largest and most popular retailers and post it here, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back that week for the latest information.

Get comfy.

If you’re going to shop in the brick and mortar stores, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and pack a lunch. Seriously. Or at least carry some snacks and a bottle of water. The crowds will be huge, the lines will be long, and you need to be prepared to be there awhile and still be comfortable.

Stay home.

Unless you simply enjoy the bustle of bargain-hunting crowds (and we’re told that some people do), you might want to consider shopping online the day after Christmas. There’ll be no time wasted with transportation or parking, no lugging your purchases around like a pack mule, and every minute you are spared standing in line is another minute you can devote to finding bargains. The discounts you’ll find online are often every bit as good as the ones you’ll find at in-store sales, and you can have everything delivered conveniently to your doorstep. Just remember that more and more people will be doing the same, so be sure to set your alarm and get started early that day to avoid missing out on the items you really want.

PS: Be sure to check out the latest deals from Amazon!

If you’re wrapping up Christmas shopping and can’t quite settle on what to buy for the remaining folks on your list, why not consider an Amazon gift card?

Amazon.com Gift Cards never expire and they carry no fees. They can be used towards the purchase of literally millions of items at Amazon.com (and also at their affiliate website endless.com). You can print your gift cards from home  to give in person or send them by e-mail or even snail mail – and if you’re on Facebook, you can send them to your friends there via wall post!

You can select any amount, up to $5000. Or if you have a specific gift in mind, but you aren’t sure of the right color, features or model to choose, you can give an Amazon.com Gift Card suggesting an item and let them decide for themselves. They can buy the featured item, choose something similar, or pick from millions of other items at Amazon. When you give an Amazon gift card, it’s always the right gift, guaranteed.

You can also dress up your Amazon gift cards with images of your choosing from the site.  Feature any image shown on the item’s Amazon page. Simply scroll through the images and pick the one you want to be displayed on the gift card. You can see what the entire card will look like upon delivery by clicking the “preview card” button on the order form before proceeding to checkout. Of if you’re sending a card that’s not specific to an individual item, choose from seasonal card designs or topical ones. The possibilities are nearly endless.

Don’t forget about Kindle gift cards too. Amazon even has gift cards available that are valid at other retailers, such as restaurants, entertainment venues, home improvement stores and more.

Still shopping for other gifts? Here’s the last-minute shipping schedule for Amazon customers in the contiguous United States.

Have a lovely holiday season!

We love the Thanksgiving holiday. Who wouldn’t love a 4-day weekend, lots of turkey, parades, and a chance to wear out a perfectly decent pair of shoes marching from store to store in search of the best Black Friday deals? There’s plenty of leftovers, time to relax and watch some football – but then the inevitable letdown when we return to work on Monday. Fortunately, we also return to high-speed Internet connections and another opportunity to find some great bargains during breaks and the lunch hour. Welcome to Cyber Monday!

Maybe it’s not quite as well known as Black Friday, but since the National Retail Federation christened it during the holiday season six years ago, Cyber Monday has drawn millions of Americans to some of the best discounts and shopping deals online.

Okay, it may have started as not much more than an advertising gimmick, but since then Cyber Monday has become a bona-fide trend. Although some continue to doubt the claims of “busiest online shopping day of the year,” who really cares? There’s no doubt that some of the hottest deals of the holiday shopping season will be waiting for you on Cyber Monday 2011, to be held this year on November 28th.

Cyber Monday deals for 2011 will include a dizzying selection of holiday gifts, laptops, video games, TVs, clothing and more – from all of the top online retailers, including Amazon, Macy’s, Toys R Us, Best Buy, Sears, Walmart and dozens of others.

Here are some of the top deals that we’ve found.

Hotels.com – From Black Friday to Cyber Monday Save 50% during our 4 Day Sale! – Expires 11/28/11

HP Snapfish – HP SNAPFISH CYBER MONDAY! Penny Prints Sale Code:PENNYNOV From: 11/27-11/28

HSN – Cyber Monday Deals

Music 123 – Cyber Monday – Deals & Doorbusters + 15% off any single item! Use Coupon Code: MEGA15. Valid 11/27/11 – 11/28/11.

Overstock – Official Cyber Monday Sales Page – (Valid 11.28)

It’s the busiest shopping day of the season, with some of the best values of the entire year. People will begin lining up on Thanksgiving evening for their chance at doorbuster deals that you can’t get any other time. Nearly 150 million people in the United States will participate.

It’s Black Friday 2011, and it promises incredible savings on everything from laptops, TVs and video games to clothing, toys, and just about everything else. Black Friday falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving Day. The date this year is November 25, 2011.

Maybe you’re one of the people who will camp out at your local Walmart in order to be a part of the Black Friday rush, but more and more of us are turning to top retailers online for some of the most outstanding Black Friday sales anywhere. Amazon, Sears, Best Buy, Macy’s, Toys R Us, Dell Computer – yes, even Walmart – are now offering exceptional Black Friday online sales, with savings every bit as good (and sometimes better) than what you’ll find at any brick-and-mortar retail location.

Here are just a few of the Black Friday deals we’ve come across so far. We’ll be adding additional links as they become available.

AMAZON has already begun their Black Friday Deals Week, with ridiculous savings on books, movies, music, electronics, computers, toys, games, clothing, accessories and more. A lot of their deals are limited supply and limited time only, so follow this link to see what’s available each day. You can also sign up for their emails with special offers on through the holiday shopping season.

ROXIO SOFTWARE – Roxio’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday 2011 Sale – biggest discounts of the year! Buy Now and SAVE.

SHINDIGZ – Get 75% off Personalized Vinyl Banners from Black Friday through Cyber Monday at Shindigz! Follow this link and use code BLKFRDY at checkout!

KODAK – The KODAK Store has amazing deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

GAP.COM – Save up to 60% off EVERYTHING at Gap.com. Hurry ends 11/26

DISNEY STORE

Take an Extra 20% off your entire purchase at Disney Store with Promo Code: THANKS. Shop Now!

Hurry, Special Holiday Prices on great gifts from $5, $10, $15 and $20 at Disney Store. Shop Now before they’re gone!

Free Shipping when you spend $75 or more at Disney Store with Promo Code: SHIPTODAY. Shop Now!

6PM.COM

Black Friday Universal10% off Coupon!

24/24/24 – Hourly item priced at $24. Available on 11/25 and 11/28!

OVERSTOCK.COM

Official Black Friday Sales Page (Valid 11.25)

VITAMIN SHOPPE – Not Valid until Friday Morning November 25th

Black Friday & Beyond Unbelievable Deals – Save Up to 68% at Vitaminshoppe.com!

LITTLE GIANT

$50 OFF on Little Giant Type 1A Classic Ladders. Valid November 25 – 28..

REEBOK.COM

Take 30% off our entire stock of Toning Footwear and Apparel at Reebok.com with coupon code TONING30! Offer valid 11/25-11/27.

Buy any Apparel item and get a second Apparel item FREE at Reebok.com with coupon code BFBOGO! Offer valid 11/25-11/27.

Buy any RealFlex Footwear and take 50% Off any Apparel item at Reebok.com with coupon code FLEX50! Offer valid 11/25-11/27.

Save 20% off your entire order* at Reebok.com with coupon code DEAL20! Offer valid 11/25-11/27.

HOTELS.COM

From Black Friday to Cyber Monday Save 50% during our 4 Day Sale! – Expires 11/28/11

WALGREENS.COM

$10 off $50 Sitewide w/ promo code SAVINGS10

MUSIC 123

Black Friday – Deals & Doorbusters + 15% off any single item! Use Coupon Code: MEGA15. Valid 11/25/11-11/26/11.

FREE Shipping on almost everything – no minimum order!

Woodwind and Brasswind

Door Busters! 25% Off Books, Video & Music + Free Shipping! Use Coupon Code: BLKBOOK. Valid 11/24/11-11/30/11.

Door Busters! 20% Off Accessories + Free Shipping. Use Coupon Code: BLKACC20. Valid 11/24/11-11/30/11.

Black Friday Door Busters! $100 Off $500 + Free Shipping! Use Coupon Code: BLK100. Valid 11/24/11-11/30/11.

GRIFFIN TECHNOLOGY

Save up to 80% on essentials for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch at GriffinTechnology.com. Shop Now!

HSN

Black Friday Electronics Deals

HP SNAPFISH

HP Snapfish Black Friday:Up to 65% Off Holiday Bestsellers Code:BOOKS65 From: 11/25-11/27

STEVE MADDEN

Start stuffing your shopping bags with 30% Off Everything at Steve Madden through Monday with code STUFFING! Plus free shipping!

ABES OF MAINE

Save on Thousands of Items

OFFER EXPIRED

We’ve just received word from GoDaddy that this offer has expired. We hope you took advantage of it. Remember that you can always find the best deals on the Web with our GoDaddy coupons.

Whether or not you’ve used our GoDaddy Coupons in the past to save money on domain names, website hosting or other services from the #1 registry, here’s a deal that you just can’t pass up.

For a limited time only, GoDaddy is offering Dot Com domain names for only $5.99. The offer is good for the first 10,000 domains registered. Click on the following link to take advantage of this incredible offer.

Smokin Hot Savings! $5.99 .COMs. Limited Time offer!

GoDaddy has been providing high quality, low prices and 24/7 customer service since 1997. In fact, they’ve come to dominate the domain registration and web hosting industry. Now you can get yourself a Dot Com domain name at a dramatically reduced price when you take advantage of this limited time offer.

Here’s the fine print. The offer applies to new domains, for the first year of registration only. The offer may not be used for renewals or transfers, and the discount can’t be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. You also can’t use gift cards, PayPal or AliPay to redeem the offer. Also, the offer is limited to one order (of up to five domain names) per customer.

So if you act quickly, you can register up to five new Dot Com domain names for only $5.99 each (plus the ICANN fee of 18 cents). Just follow this link, and the discount will be applied to your shopping cart when you check out.

$5.99 .COMs. Limited Time offer

Act now, because we have no idea when the 10,000 special price domains will run out!

You’ll always find the best deals on domain names, website hosting and other services on our site.

Today, Halloween is celebrated in the United States with costume parties, trick-or-treating, and spooky movies, but did you know that the holiday traces its roots back over two thousand years to an ancient Celtic festival of the dead?

The Celts lived in what is now northern France, Ireland and parts of Britain. Many scholars believe that the celebration of Samhain (pronounced SAH-wen) marked the end of the Celtic Year. It was observed on what would become the night of October 31st in the modern calendar. The name is Old Irish for “Summer’s End.”

The Celts believed that on this night the boundaries between the physical world and the spirit world were opened and ghosts of the dead returned to cause mischief, destroy crops, and generally make trouble. Their spiritual presence was also thought to make it possible for priests to make prophecies about the coming year. Sacred bonfires were built, crops and animal sacrifices were made, people dressed up in costume (often representing the dead or other spirit creatures) and fortunes were told. The “new fires” were then used to relight hearths extinguished earlier in the evening. This was thought to bring luck and protection for the new year.

By the First Century of the Common Era, the Romans had conquered the Celts, and their harvest festival traditions were eventually incorporated into the Celtic celebrations. Feralia was a day in late October when the Romans commemorated the passing of their dead, and the celebration of Pomona, the Roman Goddess of fruit and trees, also fell in Autumn. Pomona’s symbol, the apple, is still a part of our Halloween festivities today with the tradition of bobbing for apples.

By the 7th Century, the Catholic Church (at that time the center of life in much of the land of the Celts) designated November 1st as a commemoration of the Saints. By the Year 1000, All Souls Day, a day to honor all of the dead, was added to the calendar on November 2nd. A three day celebration called Hallowmas included All Souls Day, All Saints Day, and the eve of All Saints (All Hallow’s Eve, or “Halloween”). Bonfires were built, parades were held, people dressed up in costume (often as saints, angels, devils, etc.), people bobbed for apples and, yes, predictions for the coming year were made. Any of this sound familiar?

It’s a long way from those ancient Celtic observances to the huge commercial holiday we know today, yet we’ll still see bonfires, and people dressing in costume, and maybe a few ghosts out on the prowl. Times have changed, or have they?

☆☆☆

Are you going out to celebrate a grownup Halloween on the town this year? There’s no place better than Claddagh Irish Pub, and you’ll save on your meal with our Claddagh Irish Pub coupons. Sláinte! And Happy Halloween.

Remember the thrill of your first wagon or trike? The fun of riding down the block or maybe being pulled over to the custard stand for something creamy and cold? Or maybe you were the type who loved to lug your toys around the yard or play construction zone with your little red wagon. Remember how much fun it was back in the days before video games and cheap toys that are really just marketing tie-ins for some corporate television series?

If you thought it was fun when you were a kid, wait until you experience the fun of watching your own children as they enjoy classic riding toys of the highest craftsmanship and value. Take a look at these top 5 ride on toys, and see if they don’t bring back some memories.

Classic Little Red Wagon

This is THE classic little red wagon from Radio Flyer that has earned a place in the prestigious Toy Hall of Fame from Parents Magazine. It features a full-sized steel seamless body with no-scratch edges, a no-pinch ball joint to keep fingers safe, durable steel wheels and real rubber tires that make for a smooth and quiet ride and a controlled turning radius to make it safe and comfortable for children to ride in. Your little one will love carting around toy friends and helping out around the household with a little red wagon in tow.

Classic Little Red Wagon Only $95.95 Save 31%!

Radio Flyer Little Red Scooter

The award-winning Radio Flyer Little Red Scooter is crafted in sturdy steel with a sleek design featuring classic red painted finish, a wood platform with grip tread, high-performance molded wheels, a ringing bell, and adjustable handlebars for growing riders. The little red scooter is perfect for promoting balance, physical skills, and active fun. Designed for safety and durability, it’s the perfect choice for your youngster. The Double rear wheels offer extra stability. Also available in pink.

Radio Flyer Little Red Scooter Only $49.99 Save 23%!

Classic Wood Row Cart

This classic wooden row cart is a replica of the original “Irish Mail” row cart from 1930. Children use a push-pull motion to propel either forward or backwards as they steer with their feet. Rubber tread tires ensure a smooth ride. This classic riding toy strengthens critical motor skills while also building stamina and coordination. It’s the perfect combination of practicality, nostalgia and fun.

Classic Wood Row Cart Sorry, Currently Unavailable

John Deere 36″ Wagon

Okay. So not everybody loves red. If your family bleeds John Deere green, then this is the wagon for you. This beautiful 36″ wagon is constructed of heavy-duty rust-resistant steel and it rides on steel wheels with rubber tires. Add those distinctive John Deere graphics, a wide wheelbase for increased stability, plus an easy-to-grab handle to make steering a breeze and you’ve got the ultimate wagon. It’s perfect for imaginative play and projects all around the house and yard.

John Deere 36″ Steel Wagon Only $79.99 Save 5%!

Kiddi-O Air TIre Junior Trike

In addition to the classics above, we wanted to highlight an innovative new ride-on toy as well. The colorful Kiddi-O Air Tire Trike features a removable push bar for customization, a lockable rear-wheel that allows easy adult steering, and air tires for a smooth ride. It’s a smart combination of part trike/part stroller, with quality design and construction. Stroll or pedal in style!

Kiddi-O Air Trike with Canopy Only $119.00 Save 14%!

In northern climates, the growing season is just about over for another year, but some of the most important work for gardeners is just beginning. Cleanup and prep work done this Fall can make a huge difference in next year’s lawn and garden. Here’s a checklist for Fall cleanup and some tips on getting things ready for Winter.

Remove debris, spent plants and weeds. The importance of removing leaves, spent annual flowers or vegetables, weeds and other debris before the snow flies can’t be overstated.

Autumn is the time of year is when weed pods and cases burst open to release their seeds. Pull the plants up or at least clip off the heads and discard them. By the way, you don’t want these in your compost pile or bin.

Contrary to popular belief, whole leaves do not make good mulch. They can foster plant disease, harbor pests and upset the pH balance of the soil. Rake them up and get them out of there. They may be composted or shredded for mulch, but you’ll need to watch closely for evidence of added soil acidity.

Pull up those annuals and compost them, unless you suspect disease, in which case they need to go to the garbage or yard waste collection.

HINT: If you need tools and supplies for Fall cleanup and winterizing, check out the garden center at Amazon for savings and selection.

Prep for Spring. After you’ve gotten rid of the weeds and other debris, it’s a great time to prepare beds and your lawn for spring.

Fall is generally not a good time to prune or fertilize plants, since it can encourage now growth that can be damaged by the cold. There are two notable exceptions. First of all, fertilizing the lawn with a winterizer blend that stimulates root growth helps the grass withstand Winter and also gets it off to a good start in the Spring. As to pruning, it’s alright to trim out dead or damaged foliage and branches.

It’s also a great time to work up your beds, test the soil for pH and nutrients, and add whatever is needed to be absorbed during the Winter. Three or four inches of mulch or compost on top to be incorporated next Spring is the finishing touch.

Before the ground freezes is also the time to plant hardy bulbs that bloom in the Spring. You can also plant some shrubs, trees, and perennials this time of year.

Dig up your tender bulbs. Some perennials will freeze and die if left in the ground in cold climates. You’ll want to dig up Cannas, Dahlias, and the like fairly early. Trim off any foliage, let them dry for 10 days and then store them in paper bags in a cool, dark, dry place to replant next Spring.

Water and mulch. Particularly if it’s been a dry year (as it has been in 2011), your trees, shrubs and hardy perennials will need a good soaking before the soil freezes. A heavy blanket of mulch (at least 5 inches) is a good idea too, especially in areas where you don’t usually get deep snows for cover. You can wrap tender shrubs and roses with burlap to protect them.

Clean up your tools. Admit it. Even if you started out this year with nice, shiny, well organized tools, through the dog days of Summer and on into the Fall, they’ve fallen prey to neglect. Fall is an excellent time to clean them up with soapy water, scrub off the rust with a wire brush or steel wool, sharpen any cutting edges, apply a light coat of vegetable oil, and get them organized again. If you don’t have a peg board or other storage system, these lazy Fall days are a good time to make one. You’ll thank yourself come Springtime.

Don’t forget, if you need tools or supplies for your Fall cleanup, take advantage of the savings at Amazon.com. Click here to visit the Amazon Garden Center.