Santa’s Night Out

Are you searching for bargains on groceries? If so, visit Kroger for Santa’s Night Out today from noon to 8 p.m.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Kroger is offering discounts for shoppers during Santa’s Night Out, which lasts today from noon to 8 p.m. The eight-hour sale has Kroger large dozen eggs for 99 cents each, Kroger chocolate milk (half gallon) for 99 cents, walnuts or almonds (16 ounce bag) for $2.99 each and other bargains.

The store is also running its 10 for $10 sale on a wide variety of items, including Hormel Chili or Manwich sandwich sauce, Kroger sandwich or hot dog buns, Banquet entrees, Del Monte Pineapple or Kroger canned fruit, and Tennessee Pride Sausage Gravy, among other items.

The sale also includes fresh produce, such as avocados, Bartlett pears and Braeburn, Red Delicious or Granny Smith apples.

Where have you found great deals on groceries this week? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Want Free Stocking Stuffers?

The Christmas holiday is less than one month away. Wouldn’t it be great to find some free items to put in your loved ones’ stockings?

Here’s the tip of the day:

If you’re on a tight budget, here are four ways to get stocking stuffers – for free, according to Erin Gifford, a blogger with CouponCravings.com.
 
1) Hit the Drugstore: CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid are great places to stock up on FREE stocking stuffers. Drugstores often have free after rebate items available, meaning that if the price is $3.99, you get a $3.99 rebate by mail. These items can range from lotion, body wash, deodorant and cosmetics.
 
2) Pick Up Free Samples: Many Web sites have free samples that you can order online. The items can take several weeks to arrive, so it’s best to start requesting them early. It’s also easy to get free samples at perfume and makeup counters. Just ask.
 
3) Cash in Airline Miles for Gifts: If you have airline miles that you don’t plan to use, cash them in for dining gift certificates, magazine subscriptions and more. Go through your airline’s Web site or check out sites such as Points.com, which allow you to aggregate your points from various loyalty programs and redeem them for travel or gift cards from popular retailers like Gap, Target and Starbucks.
 
3) Get Free With Purchase Stocking Stuffers: If you’re planning to buy gifts at Bath & Body Works, for example, don’t forget the free with purchase coupons. At the department stores and online on makeup sites, you can often get free gifts with purchase.

How do you find free, sought-after items? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Save Online for Holiday Shopping

Do you plan to buy your gifts online this holiday season? Many retailers are offering discounts for online shoppers.

Here’s the tip of the day:

If you want to get the best deal possible, here are some tips for holiday shopping, according to the Associated Press.

1. Get in on the Deal:

CyberMonday.com, a unit of Shop.org, collects online holiday sales from 600 companies. Shop.org gets a percentage of sales made through the site.

Also, try opening e-mails from retailers. They often include coupon codes and alerts to online-only deals.

2. Know When and Where to Buy:

Major retailers generally post all in-store holiday deals online. Some retailers even post Black Friday sales online a day early on Thanksgiving.

After many stores advertise their Black Friday deals in newspapers the week leading up to Thanksgiving, online-only stores such as Amazon.com immediately start trying to beat the offers.

If you still have shopping to do after Black Friday, many retailers have online sales on the “Cyber Monday” after Thanksgiving weekend.

Cyber Monday sales vary. Some may last a week, others may feature a different item or category each day for a week and yet others might have deep discounts on items for just a few hours.

3. Online-only stores:

Before buying gifts at major chains, check online retailers such as Overstock.com, Amazon.com and Buy.com, which often offer the same or similar products for cheaper.
Some lesser-known online retailers de Grandpre suggests: NewEgg.com, 6pm.com and SmartBargains.com.

If you find a deal at an online retailer you’re not familiar with, check with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org. The group rates businesses based on the volume of customer complaints it gets and how quickly businesses respond to them. If a business has an “unsatisfactory” rating, this is your cue to shop elsewhere.

Other sites to research retailers include bizrate.com and resellerratings.com.
When buying online, it’s important to stick to your shopping list. Many online retailers try to suggest other items or package deals at check out.

4. Taxes:

Online retailers collect sales taxes only from customers in states in which they have a physical presence, whether it’s a store, their headquarters or a warehouse.

If there’s no physical presence in your state, then a sales tax isn’t collected. The easiest way to find out if you will be taxed is to put items in your basket and get a price tally before checking out.

The savings on sales taxes can be considerable on big-ticket items, so many consumers chose to go online for certain purchases, according to the National Retail Federation.

Most retailers plan to offer shipping deals this season, but the terms of the deals may differ from last year, according to Shop.org. One-fifth of retailers surveyed said they’re passing higher shipping costs on to customers by requiring them to spend more to qualify for free shipping. Another 11 percent plan to cut back on unconditional free shipping.

This means mailing your gifts for yourself may be cheaper. If your package is particularly heavy, though, a flat shipping rate may benefit you. If a company offers a gift-wrapping option, that could save a few dollars also.

Carefully weighing shipping and wrapping costs “save $5 or $10 with every gift,” according to Shop.org.

Here are some tips for safe online shopping, according to the Geek Squad:

Using a secure network: These tips can help you navigate the online shopping world safely and securely: 

Firewalls – Prevent unauthorized access to your PC or laptop from the Internet. Software firewalls help keep your PC secure while you surf the Web and avoid the throngs of shoppers. These firewalls help protect your personal information and can help block it from being transmitted over the Web. Configuring a firewall can be tricky and improperly doing so can prevent any access at all.

Wireless Access for Your Laptop – Your laptop needs the proper equipment to access the wireless signal. Most newer laptops have wireless network cards built in. If your computer doesn’t have built-in network cards, you can buy an external version that will plug into your PC Card slot (or Express Card slot on newer laptops). Check with your laptop’s manufacturer to find out what you need.

Personal Protection – Beware of wandering eyes! Keep an eye out for seat neighbors who might try to read your screen. You may want to think about investing in a privacy screen or filter. The filter fits easily over your computer’s screen, and can be found in all shapes and sizes.

Password protection: With everything from medical records to banking information available online, those 6-12 alphanumeric numbers can mean the difference between a clean credit report and an unpleasant surprise on your next bank statement. Geek Squad has some password tips:

Absolutely do not use single words you find in the dictionary. One of the most basic hacker tactics is known as a “dictionary attack,” where an automated program will attempt the words of the dictionary. These simple passwords are particularly vulnerable.

Take advantage of the shift key, and use the available characters in addition to numbers and capital letters.

Avoid personal details such as home address, birthday or children’s names. This information is surprisingly easy to attain, and hackers targeting you specifically will likely attempt it.

Visit Microsoft’s Password Checker (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/password_checker.mspx) to get an at-a-glance sense of just how secure your password is.

How do you plan to save while shopping online? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Holiday Shopping Savings

The free online coupon site, FabulousSavings.com, has launched a new section of its website with 2008 Black Friday sales and Cyber Monday specials.

Here’s the tip of the day:

FabulousSavings.com has created a resource with Cyber Monday and Black Friday deals for 2008 to ease your financial stress during the holiday shopping season.

Through www.fabuloussavings.com/blackfriday, shoppers can go online and search through Black Friday 2008 specials for many of their favorite retailers. FabulousSavings.com specializes in retailer-approved online coupons.

The coupon site has also launched www.fabuloussavings.com/cybermonday filled with Cyber Monday 2008 deals. Online shoppers can find savings on holiday gifts for electronics, jewelry, clothing and more in the comfort of their own home.

FabulousSavings.com offers shoppers these tips to make this Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2008 much easier:

1. Create a list with items needed for personal uses or gifts. This simple step can save time in the long run.
2. Shop at home with accredited coupon sites like www.fabuloussavings.com. This helps shoppers to avoid gridlock, lines, pushing and shoving, and lack of parking spaces.
3. Be the early bird on the Internet, allowing time to browse each online store.
4. Maximize savings by using coupons for 2008 Black Friday sales and Cyber Monday deals.

Want to learn more about holiday savings?

Check out a copy of North Augusta Today. The publication on Nov. 26 lists a Black Friday shopping guide, which provides a list of sales at retail stores in North Augusta. Or, visit North Augusta Today’s Web site at northaugustatoday.com.

How do you plan to save money on Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Toys for Less

Are you hunting for bargains on gifts for your children or loved ones? Several local stores have already started their holiday sales.

Here’s the tip of the day:

If you want to get a head start on the holiday shopping crowds, many retailers have already started offering discount prices. At several stores, current advertised prices end on Wednesday.

Target:

Hot item: Board games for $4. Remember these games? Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Let’s Go Fishin’. Not only were they fun, but they’re on sale! Your kids will love these games as much as you enjoyed them.

The store is also running a great sale on Legos and Pixos, both for $10. A variety of other toys and electronics are also on sale.

(The sale ends on Wednesday, Nov. 26.)

Kmart:

Kmart is offering 20 percent off scooters and skateboards. Also, all Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn toys and Indiana Jones, Batman, Speed Racer, Iron Man and Hulk figures and vehicles are buy one, get one free.

The store is providing 10 percent off almost everything in the store, according to a store advertisement. Don’t forget that Kmart offers layaway.

(This sale also ends on Wednesday, Nov. 26.)

Big Lots:

Big Lots has sale prices on many toys, including Bratz dolls (the 9 inch Holiday Fashion Doll) for $5. Other sales include Dora the Explorer Fisher Price toys (talking house, doll, talking cash register), Fisher Price pianos, Barbie and Disney coloring floor pads and classic hardbound books.

Big Lots is open on Thanksgiving Day. The store is running an Early Bird Special from Thursday through Saturday for shoppers who arrive before 11 a.m. Shoppers will receive a $10 off Big Lots Bucks Coupon.

(The sale prices end on Saturday, Nov. 29.)

Have you already started shopping for Christmas gifts? Where have you found the best deals? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Thanksgiving Dinner for Less Than $30

Do you think it’s possible to cook Thanksgiving dinner for a family of four for less than $30? ALDI wants to show you how.

Here’s the tip of the day:

ALDI is making it possible for shoppers to save money without compromising their holiday traditions. The discount grocery store chain offers a complete Thanksgiving meal for a family of four for less than $30, which is 30 to 40 percent less than other supermarkets, according to a corporate press release.

Here’s what your Thanksgiving meal could include:

• 14 lb. Butterball Whole Turkey ($.99 per lb.)  $13.86
• Chef’s Cupboard Stuffing Mix (6 oz.)  79 cents each
• Chef’s Cupboard Gravy (12 oz.) $1.19 each
• Fit & Active  Dried Cranberries (6 oz)  $1.19 each
• L’oven Fresh Classic Dinner Rolls (12 ct.) $1.69 each
• Happy Harvest Extra Fine Frozen Green Beans (16 oz.) $.1.39 each
• Chef’s Cupboard Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz.) 49 cents each
• Chef’s Cupboard French Fried Onions (6 oz.) $1.99 each
• Happy Harvest Cut Sweet Potatoes (15 oz.) 69 cents each
• Belmont Deep Dish Pies – apple, peach or berry (42 oz.) $4.49 each
• Sundae Shoppe Whipped Topping (8 oz.) 69 cents each

Beginning Nov. 23, ALDI also will offer a selection of appetizers for under $4, including Antoinette Brie or Camembert cheese, crab and shrimp or shrimp cakes and wheat crackers. Appetizers and other special purchase items vary weekly and are available while supplies last.

Customers also can visit the Special Purchase section online and subscribe to ALDI’s e-mail newsletter to get e-alerts about upcoming specials for food and other merchandise.

Visit the ALDI Meal Planner at www.aldi.us for helpful holiday recipes to use with ALDI select brand items, such as: roast turkey with cranberry sausage stuffing, cranberry glazed ham, gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, pecan pie and apple pie.

How are you saving money for Thanksgiving dinner? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Save Money at the Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium is offering a discount to visitors in support of the Toys for Tots toy drive.

Here’s the tip of the day:

This weekend, from Friday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 23, participants are invited to buy one adult admission ticket and receive either $15 off Aquarium Membership or $10 off a second full-price admission ticket with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy.

Guests may purchase a toy to donate on-site at the South Carolina Aquarium's Gift Shop. Membership to the South Carolina Aquarium offers unlimited admission to the Aquarium for one year, discounts, special events and more.

The event will benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.
 
What:     Toys for Tots Toy Drive
Where:   South Carolina Aquarium
             100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, S.C. 29401
 
When:    Friday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 23
 
How:      Buy one adult admission; receive $15 off the purchase of an Aquarium
              Membership or $10 off the purchase of a second admission ticket with the  
              donation of a new, unwrapped toy.

Contact: For more information, visit scaquarium.org or call (843) 577-FISH (3474).

About the South Carolina Aquarium:
 
The South Carolina Aquarium features thousands of amazing aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in more than 60 exhibits. Dedicated to promoting education and conservation, the Aquarium also presents views of Charleston harbor and interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages.
 
The South Carolina Aquarium is open Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (last ticket sold at 4 p.m.) from August 16 to March 31. 

The Aquarium is closed Thanksgiving Day, half day Dec. 24 (open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Dec. 25. Admission prices are as follows: Children 1 and under (free); Youth 2-11 ($10); Adults ($17); Seniors 62+ ($16). Military, senior, college and group discounts are available. Memberships are available by calling (843) 577-FISH. For more information call (843) 720-1990 or visit www.scaquarium.org. 

Free Shredding Event Day

Disposing of your personal information properly can prevent the possibility of identity theft. On Saturday, two local agencies are willing to help you dispose of your personal documents.

Here’s the tip of the day:

An Identity Theft Shred Day, co-sponsored by the Brad Raborn Allstate Agency and Augusta Data Storage, Inc., will be held in the parking lot of Raborn’s Allstate offices at 4490 Washington Road on Saturday, Nov. 22.

The event is open to individuals who want to shred personal information from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Members of the Allstate Insurance Company and Augusta Record Management will be on hand to answer questions about protection from identity theft.

The Federal Trade Commission estimated in September 2007 that about nine million Americans are the victims of identity theft each year.

If you ever became a victim of identity theft, would you know what to do to help restore your name? There are many issues that may need to be addressed:

1. Understanding your rights as a victim.

2. Filling out paperwork, including police reports.

3. Issuing a Fraud Alert to the three major credit bureaus, financial institutions and credit card companies, as well as the Social Security Administration, Department of Motor Vehicles, Federal Trade Commission, and U.S. Postal Service.

4. Obtaining copies of your credit bureau reports and working with the three major credit bureaus to restore the accuracy of your credit history.

You can also get help if you become a victim. As this crime becomes increasingly common, the amount of time it takes consumers to clear their credit can be significant. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s 2006 Identity Theft Report, issued in September 2007, 10 percent of all ID Theft victims need at least 55 hours to resolve their issues. The top five percent of that group need 130 hours or more.

The Federal Trade Commission reports that while more than half of victims did not have any out-of-pocket expenses in 2006, 10 percent of ID Theft victims paid $1,200 or more to correct their issues.

Some insurance companies, including Allstate Insurance Company, are offering identity restoration coverage. This type of coverage, often added for an additional fee to homeowners, renters and/or condominium insurance coverage, can provide customers access to identity restoration assistance and reimburse them for covered expenses incurred to help restore their identity.

While this coverage can help victims of identity theft recover their lives, it is still up to every individual to protect himself or herself. The following six tips can help make you less vulnerable to identity theft:

1. Don’t carry unneeded credit cards.

2. Cancel all unused, lost, or stolen credit card accounts immediately.

3. Keep Social Security cards, birth certificates, and other personal documents in a secure lock box or safety deposit box. Don’t carry them, or duplicates, in a wallet.

4. Check credit histories periodically and report any unauthorized activity.

5. Keep careful track of all receipts. Store them in a safe place or destroy them before putting them in the trash.

6. Do not give out Social Security numbers or other information to any person or company unless you are familiar with them and you have initiated the conversation. 
For more information, visit www.allstate.com.

Source: Allstate Corp.

Fund Your Trip with Hotel Rewards Points

If you have a tight travel budget, fund your trip with hotel rewards points.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Hotel rewards programs are becoming increasingly popular and flexible. Some companies are relaxing restrictions and offering bonuses under their programs as they attempt to fill rooms and boost loyalty among their customers. However, it’s important to check the details, according to the Associated Press.

For instance, customers are redeeming their Hilton HHonors points at an all-time high since Hilton Hotels Corp. announced in January that it would eliminate blackout dates. The hotel chain is projecting a 25 percent increase in overall redemptions for the year compared with 2007, the AP reports.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. announced in September that its members could choose rewards from a dozen different options through the end of the year. These options include free nights, bonus points or gift cards.

Marriott International Inc. will eliminate blackout dates under its Marriott Rewards program on Jan. 15.

Under Marriott's new system, members will be able to redeem points for free nights at 2,900 hotels every day of the year. For every four-night stay redeemed, members can extend that stay by one day for free.

Source: The Associated Press

How do you save money on your hotel stays? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Travel Smart

If you’re going out of town for Thanksgiving, using smart packing techniques can help you save money, especially if you’re flying.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Many airlines are charging for your checked luggage on flights, but you can also be billed extra money if your bag is too heavy. Follow these smart packing techniques from Mori Luggage & Gifts to prevent overweight fees at the airport.

You can save money while traveling by 1) selecting a lightweight bag and 2) packing light, according to spokeswoman Jayme Schwartz.
 
5 Tips For Choosing The Right Lightweight Bag:

1. Make sure your bag is not just light, but also durable. Some bags are very light, but they are not durable. Choose a reputable brand that has a good warranty in order to protect your luggage investment.

2. Choose a bag that's functional for you as well.  Many customers are looking for highly functional carry-on luggage that can serve a dual purpose. For instance, some luggage essentially combines two bags in one.

3. Don't sacrifice quality for weight. In order to make a bag lighter, manufacturers have to remove components. In many cases, the frame is the heaviest part of the bag so they change the material to something lighter. This can also mean the bag is less durable, especially with inexpensive bags. Remember that while the difference in weight from one bag to the next may only be a ½ pound to 1 pound, the quality can differ greatly.

4. Make sure you choose a bag that meets the airlines carry-on restrictions. Generally, a 22 inch bag will fit into most overhead compartments, but it's always good to check with your specific airline before you travel.

5. Shop at a specialty luggage/travel goods store. The staff will be more educated on the merchandise and familiar with travel guidelines. They will also be able to recommend
items that are best suited to your travel needs.

10 Tips For Packing Smart and Light:

1. Wear items that can be worn more than once and wear your heaviest/bulkiest shoes instead of packing them.

2. Try to only take 1-2 pairs of shoes.

3. Transfer beauty products/toiletries from glass or heavy containers to smaller plastic ones to cut down weight.

4. Make a list of everything you think you will need. Next, lay all of the items out in front of you. Force yourself to take at least one third less than what you've laid out.

5. Bring clothes in basic, versatile colors (black, navy, etc.) which coordinate well into
multiple outfits.

6. Utilize packing folders and cubes to maximize space and keep your suitcase organized. They have see-through mesh covers so if your bag needs to be searched by security, they don’t necessarily have to rifle through your loose clothes.

7. Space Saver compression bags are another great packing tool. These bags squeeze
the air out of clothing, which is especially good for bulky items like sweaters and jackets. They are also great for packing dirty clothes.

8. Remember the 3-1-1 rule about taking liquids in carry-on bags. You may take 1
clear, quart-sized, ziplock bag and the containers inside cannot be larger than 3 ounces.

9. Squeeze extra air out of bottles to prevent them from exploding due to the air pressure.

10. Pack a travel luggage scale if you're worried about increased weight on your return flight. They are compact and range in price from $9.95 to $29.95.

How do you reduce your costs when flying? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Win Free Party Space

Do you want to hold a party but your funds are low? A local coffee shop is providing an opportunity to win free party space.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Casa Blanca, a new coffee café in the White’s Building in downtown Augusta, is holding a drawing for free space for a group party or special event.

The space can accommodate 120 people. It also has a mezzanine and indoor/outdoor patio area. Casa Blanca can also serve as a romantic setting for two or a holiday gift.

Catering is not included. However, a discount will be available if the winner chooses to use Casa Blanca for catering services, according to the entry form.

How do you register?

The winner will be selected by drawing on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008 at Casa Blanca, 936 Broad Street, Augusta, Ga. 30901.

All entry forms must be received at Casa Blanca by Nov. 29, 2008. For entry forms, go online to casablancatime.com. Or, simply stop by Casa Blanca.
 
There is a $20 entry fee for the event space drawing. All participants must be 18 or older.

For more information, call (706) 495-4356 or visit casablancatime.com

Do you have ideas for throwing a party on a budget? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Free Meal for Veterans

Golden Corral restaurants across the United States are offering veterans a free meal today.

Here’s the tip of the day:

On Monday, all 485 Golden Corral restaurants in 41 states will provide a free dinner buffet and a drink to all veterans of the U.S. military. This includes veterans of the National Guard and Reserves. No identification is required, according to the Associated Press.

The event is Golden Corral’s eighth annual “thank you” dinner. The North Carolina-based restaurant has provided more than 1.8 million free meals to veterans.

Do you know another restaurant or organization that is offering free meals to veterans? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Bring Your Own Lunch

If you eat out for lunch everyday, you’re spending a lot of extra money on food. To save money, consider bringing your own lunch to work.

Here’s the tip of the day:

At most fast food restaurants, value meals are priced, on average, about $5 per meal. If you multiply this by five days a week, that’s $25 you’ve spent for one meal. For an entire month, this totals $100.

If you eat at dine-in restaurants, you can easily spend much more. What’s the remedy for your wallet? Bring your own lunch.

Before you sigh wearily, consider your options. There are plenty of tasty, low-cost meal choices for lunchtime. You can bring leftovers from dinner, a sandwich or one of many frozen entrée options.

Bringing your lunch might also help you to eat healthier. In many instances, the foods that we enjoy the most might not be the best choice for our bodies.

How do you save money for lunch? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Ask for a Rain Check

If a store is a having a great sale and runs out of merchandise, you can ask for a rain check to still take advantage of the savings.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Many grocery stores will offer rain checks if they run out of sale items. Simply go to the customer service desk to request the rain check, which is a small slip of paper that includes the name of the item, sale price and date of receipt.

At Kroger, for instance, the rain check must be redeemed within 30 days of the date listed.

What stores have provided you with a rain check? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Turkey Call

If you’re going to have turkey for the holidays, you can also support a local job training program.

Here’s the tip of the day:

If you plan to serve turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, then perhaps you could purchase your bird from the Augusta Training Shop. The non-profit organization employs mentally and physically disabled residents and provides training in furniture repair, refinishing and painting; seat replacement and polishing of all metals.

Augusta Training Shop is selling smoked turkeys for $40. Orders must be prepaid with cash, check or credit card. Turkeys average 12 pounds. The deadline for orders is Nov. 24 at noon.

Simply Southern Catering will provide turkeys for the “Turkey Call” fundraiser. All proceeds will benefit Augusta Training Shop’s job training program.

For more information, contact the Augusta Training Shop at 706-738-1358 or
AugTrgShop@aol.com. Or, visit the Web site at www.augustatrainingshop.com.

The organization is located at 1704 Jenkins Street in Augusta, just off Walton Way across from Jiffy Lube & Zaxby’s.

Do you plan to support local organizations or charities this holiday season? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Save More on Fuel

Gas prices are lower, but who doesn't want to save a few pennies? Kroger is offering several new ways to save on fuel.

Here’s the tip of the day:

From Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, 2008, Kroger is offering additional Fuel Saver rewards. The savings are valid with a customer's Kroger Plus card.

Here are three ways to save on Kroger fuel:

1. Save 10 cents per gallon for every $50 in eligible gift card purchases.
2. Save 10 cents per gallon for every $100 in qualifying grocery purchases.
3. Save 10 cents per gallon for every two eligible prescriptions you fill.

The offer excludes Kroger gift cards, the “Wishes” line of gift cards, Green Dot prepaid reloadable products, MoneyPaks and Western Union prepaid cards, according to a Kroger sales paper.

Prescription offers exclude state and federally-funded prescriptions. Please ask the pharmacy for details. Also, the Fuel Saver grocery offer excludes alcohol, Western Union, lottery, postage stamps and other items excluded by law.

For more information, visit the customer service desk at your local Kroger grocery store.

How do you save money on fuel? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Visit the Salvage Yard

If you’ve got an old car sitting at the house, take it to a salvage yard for some extra cash. This is also a great place to find used vehicle parts.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Several local businesses specialize in used and rebuilt automobile supplies and parts. For more information, look in the Yellow Pages under "Automobile Parts & Supplies – Used and Rebuilt."

Here are just a few local companies:

CMB Custom Wheels & Auto Accessories:

This salvage yard pays cash for old vehicles. For more information, visit CMB at 2382 Whiskey Road in Aiken. Contact the business at (803) 644-3172.

Pull-A-Part:

This business allows customers to search for used car parts using a computerized inventory system. Then, staff members will help customers to locate an available car on the lot.

Customers can choose the part they want and remove it by themselves. Simply bring some tools and leave with hand-selected, used auto parts. No jacks or torches are allowed. Also, customers cannot work in the parking lot.

Those interested can also sell their used car to Pull-A-Part. Store locations have up to 2,000 foreign and domestic cars, trucks and vans. The business offers optional 30-day warranties. There are "fresh cars on the lot each day," according to store information.

Pull-A-Part is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., closing only on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, according to the Web site. The admission fee is $1.

Customers must be at least 16 years old to enter the yard.

For more information, visit Pull-A-Part at 329 Sand Bar Ferry Road in Augusta. The contact number is (706) 432-0600. Visit the Web site at www.pullapart.com.
 
Have you ever taken a vehicle to the salvage yard or purchased used vehicle parts? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Dollar Menu

You don’t have to spend a lot of money for a good meal. If you need to eat on a budget, the dollar menu is a great way to save.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Are you hungry and on a tight budget? Try these low-price items at local restaurants:

McDonald’s:
Below are items found on McDonald’s Dollar Menu.

Cheeseburger
Parfait
Small fries
2 Pies
Apple dippers
McChicken
Side Salad
Soft Drink
Sundae
Sweet tea

There are also breakfast items found on McDonald’s morning menu.

Sausage biscuit
2 Hashbrowns
Small Orange Juice

Taco Bell:
Here are some choices from Taco Bell’s Why Pay More! menu.

79 cents
Cheese Roll-up
Triple Layer Nachos
Cinnamon Twists

89 cents
Bean Burrito
Cheesy Double Beef Burrito
½ pound Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

99 cents
Crunchy Taco
Soft Taco
Big Taste Taco
Caramel Apple Empanada

Where do you find discount fast food prices? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Teach Your Kids About Money

Many of us struggle in our finances because we didn’t receive a strong foundation during childhood. It's important to teach our kids how to manage their money.

Here's the tip of the day:   

Perhaps our parents didn’t save money or they spent beyond their financial means. Don’t let your children make the same financial mistakes. Instead, give them the tools to manage their money successfully and prevent costly financial blunders in the future.
Success magazine recently shared these tips on "Five Simple Mistakes You Don’t Want Your Kids to Repeat."

1. Buying items you didn’t really need. Many people call this "retail therapy," said Darren Hardy, the publisher and editorial director at Success magazine. Parents must teach their kids to ask the following questions before they make a purchase:
Do I need it or just want it? You’ll be surprised how many items are “wants” rather than “needs.”
If I want something, how bad do I want it? Is the item worth seven times what it costs? This is what a single dollar is worth invested at 10 percent return in 20 years, Mr. Hardy said.

2. Your one river ran dry. Regardless of the job or business your children choose, they should be involved in generating multiple streams of income from a variety of enterprises.

3. Your house is bigger than your wallet. Mortgage companies use a calculation to determine if you can afford your mortgage payment, which is called Debt-to-Income ratio (DTI). This is one number that became "flexible" over the past few years and allowed people to get into houses they couldn’t really afford. Don’t demonstrate this standard to your children.

4. You exposed your eggs. People have often heard they need a diversified portfolio, but most people have 90 percent or more invested in a single asset. Mr. Hardy suggests teaching your children “to be aggressive in earning money and conservative in keeping it.”

5. You didn’t grow your money tree. The most important investment you can make in securing your long-term financial health is investing in yourself and your personal development. In fast-changing times, your children should continue learning even after earning their degree. This will make them “financially secure and viable,” Mr. Hardy said.

Also, many parents want to teach their children about the stock market and investing, but they don’t know how to explain the concepts.

UpDown.com educates kids about investing in a fun, informative, and intuitive way. The site has been described as “fantasy football meets the trading floor,” said Meagan J. Ellis, an account manager.

At UpDown.com, each stock is like a pro football player. Members are given $1 million in virtual money to invest and compile their “fantasy” portfolio. Kids can earn real money if their virtual portfolio outperforms the S&P 500, a stock market index containing stocks of 500 large-cap corporations in the United States.

In addition, members can create their own competitions and compete amongst their friends, providing a social element that will keep kids interested in investing.

For more information, visit http://www.updown.com.

How do you teach your kids about money? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.

Student Discounts

College students are usually on a budget, so they’re always looking a deal. Student discounts can help them to save money – which many parents will appreciate.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Students can receive discounts at the movie theater, museums, plays and other venues. When you’re out on the town, ask if the establishment offers any type of student discount.

Where have you been able to find student discounts? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.