Thrifty Tips for January 2, 2014

THRIFTY THINGS TO DO THIS NEW YEAR 
Here are a few things to consider starting up this new year with savings in mind.

52 Week Money Challenge 
I have no idea where this began, but I do like the concept.  Each week for the year 2014 you put away a set amount starting with one dollar for week one, two dollars for week to and on down to 52 dollars for week 52.  You can even go in reverse and start with $52 and work your way down to one dollar on the final week (to make those deposits a bit easier during Christmas season) or even deposit the larger amounts when you have extra cash during the year and just mark off those specific amounts.  After 52 weeks you will have almost $1400 saved. I think this is a great way to get in the money saving habit.  Here is a link to where you can print your own sheet  from Affinity trust to get started or simply search online and find one that you like.  

SavingStar
Don't go to the grocery store without first confirming that you have checked all the possible cash back opportunities you can get via SavingStar.  Instead of a coupon that takes cash off an item you are purchasing, SavingStar adds up the savings and you cash it in later via PayPal, a bank deposit, Amazon credit or even donate your savings.  I check in with SavingStar at least once a week and check the Grocery eCoupons for items that I typically buy.  When I buy those items (within the expiration date time just like a coupon), money gets put into my account.  Learn more here.

eBates
If you plan to shop online, stop at eBates first.  More often than not, you can use this online shopping portal to go to the retailers you like and get money back.  It also goes into an account which adds up funds and pays you back via a check quarterly as long as you have earned at least $5 cash back.  If you haven't the total will carry.  AND if you refer a friend, they will also give you cash for that friend once they make qualifying purchases.  Super easy.  Learn more at this link or at this referral link here.  Oh and when you sign up, you also can currently get a gift card for $10 to stores like Target.  Just saying.  :)

Overdrive
Do you have an eReader, Kindle, Nook or a computer?  You can read and listen to many books for free with Overdrive and your local public library.  If your library participates (and you can find out simply by typing in your zip code at the Overdrive page), you can borrow lots of ebooks and audiobooks for up to 21 days.  Considering that your average audiobook can cost up to $20 and beyond, this can be a huge money savings.  Even eBooks are fairly pricey.  Learn more about Overdrive at this link.  And if you are in the Yavapai Library Network, you can learn more here.

Recyclebank
Get rewarded for learning how to reuse and repurpose with Recyclebank.  You can earn discounts, coupons and magazine subscriptions (paper or digital -if paper be sure to share) and more when you participate in learning games, quick "easy greens" activities, reading articles, and pledges to make better environmental choices.  The points can come in slow or fast, but they do add up and you learn a lot.  I've received over 13 magazine subscriptions already (the varieties change all the time from Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, Sports Illustrated to Sunset and more).  Check them out and learn more here.  

ChristianPF
Signing up for a good money-wise newsletter is another great way to start 2014 (provided you read it), and I just love ChristianPF.  Learn about budgeting, read encouraging articles and money saving tips from a Christian perspective.  I've been receiving this newsletter for years now, and it just keeps getting better, and of course, it is totally free.  Learn more here.  Oh and in case you think it is all about the cash, check out this well-written article on finding contentment.

Universal Class 
Residents of Yavapai County can take free online classes through the Yavapai County Library.  You can take up to five courses and have up to six months to complete.  All the courses have real instructors that you can email.  Here’s just a little sample of what you can take:  Career Development, Algebra and Math Skills, Bookkeeping, Photography and Writing Creative Fiction.  Apparently there are 500 classes you can take. To sign up you just need a Yavapai County Library Card and pin number.  Learn how to sign up here (this one specifically was for Prescott, but it will help you know what to look for).  And if you are in Prescott you can sign up here.  Find your Universal Class link for your Yavapai County Library here where you will see the names of the libraries and various links.  If your library offers Universal Class you can get there from that link listed. just scroll down the page.

FREE EBOOKS (Keep in mind that these were free at the time of my posting.  Always check the price before you download.)

Believing God by Beth Moore (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE) (CHRISTIANBOOK.COM)

To Live is Christ - Joining Paul's Journey of Faith by Beth Moore (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE) (CHRISTIANBOOK.COM)

The Beloved Disciple - Following John to the Heart of Jesus by Beth Moore (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE) (CHRISTIANBOOK.COM)

When Godly People Do Ungodly Things - Finding Authentic Restoration in the Age of Seduction (AMAZON)  (CHRISTIANBOOK.COM)

Picture Perfect - (Weddings By Design #1) by Janice Thompson - Revell Publshing (AMAZON) (CHRISTIANBOOK.COM) (BARNES & NOBLE)

GROCERY SALES (Just a smattering of the deals that caught my eye click on the store name for a link to their site)

FRY'S

Blackberries 6 oz 99 cents
Iceberg, Red or Green Leaf Lettuce or Romaine 99 cents each
Progresso Soup Select Varieties 18.5-19 oz 10/$10
Barilla Pasta 10/$10
Minneola Tangelos 99 cents lb

ALBERTSONS

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Any Size Package $1.67 lb
Great American Cod or Tilapia Fillet Frozen, Sol;d in a 1 lb Bag Buy 1 Get 2 Free ($9.99 each reg)
Jumbo Cantaloupe $1
Albertsons 18 ct Large Eggs $1.99
Boneless Pork Sirloin Chops Any Size Package $1.99

SAFEWAY 

Rancher's Reserve Boneless Beef Round Tip Roast $2.99 lb
Granny Smith, Red or Golden Delicious Apples 99 cents lb
Home Pride Bread 20 oz White or Wheat $2.50 
Chef Boyardee Canned pasta or Hunt's Manwich 14.5 to 15 oz $1
Ocean Spray 100% Juice 60 oz Selected Varieties 2/$4