Save money on Waxing!

Two years ago my husband used his credit card points to buy me an epilator. An epilator is an electronic tool that pulls hairs out from their roots. I use this on my upper lip once a month and save the money I used to spend getting this area waxed. Although epilators can cost around $60 (you can do better than this price), it pays for itself after you miss that waxing appointment 6 times.

Did I mention it hurts just a bit? Well, ice helps, plus the skin gets used to it.

You can also use this product for legs, arms, etc.

90% Off Wrapping Paper!

Visit a CVS near you to receive 90% off their holiday wrapping paper! Now is the time to save up for next year! It's maddening to see how expensive wrapping paper is otherwise- really? it's enough paper to wrap 3 boxed shirts? wow!

Free: Bottles of Suave

Today, January 14, 2009, Suave is giving one bottle of any Suave Product (ie shampoo, lotion, styling aids, etc) to every woman in America!

To claim your coupon, visit: http://www.suavenomics.com/.

Enjoy!

Going out to Dinner? WAIT

Did you check for coupons online first?

I never go out to dine without checking their website for special offers. Often if you join their e-clubs they will give you free appetizers, desserts, or buy 1 get 1 entree free. Example.

You can also find great dining discounts from the Entertainment Book (wait for 50% off and free shipping halfway through the year), NPR membership (donation more than $120), and Restaurant.com (wait for restaurant.com to have an 80% off sale)!

Tiny $300 Laptop

If you are starting graduate school, I would recommend purchasing a laptop. Last December I bought an eee PC for $299 from Amazon (including shipping0. This little laptop weighs 2.2 pounds and fits inside all of my purses. It is only 8.9 inches. It gets internet, word processing and other programs, and games.

Today eee PCs are a little more expensive ($320) but have double the ram and a much larger screen. This picture is of the newer version of the eee PC.

I also take this tiny laptop to work meetings and office retreats. The battery power on mine lasts around three hours when I turn the internet signal off and 2 1/2 hours when it is on.

Custom Framing

I really believe that custom frames are the biggest rip off out there.

If you have ever paid to get something custom framed, you know the cost is ridiculous. Stores across the board charge hundreds of dollars for framing - and that is after the common "50% off discount".




Here are my custom framing tips-

1) Don't. Instead buy a pre-made frame and purchase a custom mat that will allow your painting, diploma, etc, to fit snuggly in the frame. If you go to a place like Michael's, remember to bring a 40%-off-any-product coupon from your Sunday paper.

2) If you don't want a mat and still want a custom frame, try buying it online and doing the assembly yourself. You can save big bucks.

Rebates: To do or not to do

I was recently asked if I thought rebates were worth the hassle.

Here is my opinion- if you have forgotten to redeem rebates more than twice in your life, I would advise against rebates. Business Week had an article back in 2005 that claimed only 60% of rebates were redeemed. That is, of course, why companies love them.

If you are organized rebates are definitely worth it. Now days some companies such as Walgreen's and Rite Aid make rebates easier to redeem by allowing you to submit a claim online using your receipt. This makes sending away for your money much easier and allows you to track your rebate check online.

When I need to snail mail a rebate form I always make copies of everything before I seal the envelope and keep the copies on my desk until I receive the check. This way I don't forget about it and can call the processing center in case my check never arrives.

You Paid WHAT for your Wedding Dress?!

For those who want the perfect dress for the perfect day, no matter the price, knock yourself out. For those who want a great dress without spending thousands of dollars for something you'll wear once, read on!

Three great places to find a deal on your wedding dress:

1. Filene's Basement- Filene's has a Running of the Brides event that travels the country every summer. This is a great chance to get last year's styles for a super discounted price. Bring friends and get there early.

2. Find a local consignment shop (such as I do! I do! in Maryland) that sells used dresses at super discounted prices.

3. Go to craigslist and buy a used dress straight from the seller. Maybe you'll get lucky and won't even need alterations on the used dress!

Notice I did not include 'family hierloom' on this list. No offense to our parents but really? Lace from the neck to the wrist? Keep your mom's taste in mind when deciding if you should keep your dress for your daughter to wear in 30 years from now.

After the wedding, wash the dress in your bathtub with soap, rinse it off, let it airdry, and then sell it on craiglist for what you paid for it. I used the craigslist method and earned $50 from my wedding dress (it was a good deal for the buyer as she didn't need alternations and I did!).