'Friends & Family' Discounts: Tip-of-the-Day #210


FRIENDS & FAMILY DEALS ARE WORTH TAKING A LOOK AT (SOMETIMES)

In the beginning, a Friends & Family discount could mean an inside privilege that the general public couldn't touch. I remember years ago when a F & F discount at Gap or Pottery Barn actually meant something. But companies quickly realized this "event" could be spun into a marketing extravaganza that could lift revenue more than a Black Friday sale. So, what was once a very exclusive ticket to shopping heaven became ubiquitous with "promotional tactics" and degraded into something not nearly as special.

All that said, there are still some F & F discounts worth exercising - whether they're exclusive or not. I just hit one at Old Navy that saved me 50% off my entire order and that included already discounted items! Sephora also had a 20% off offer which ain't bad when you consider that cosmetics NEVER go on sale. I also got my hands on some "one time use codes" good for 50% off Columbia gear which was a score seeing as the rainy/snowy season is upon us.

Keep your eyes open for the tricks and the treats. You can quickly discern which promos are worth your while (and which can be skipped) and with the holidays around the corner, now is your time to stock up the gift cupboard at a deep discount!

Get Business Cards at Kinko's!: Tip-of-the-Day #209


CREATE YOUR BUSINESS CARDS - TO GO!

I'm leaving on a business trip to Japan in two days and suddenly realized that I don't have business cards to take with me! As a consultant, this isn't normally something I'd have printed up, but apparently you can't travel to Asia without them.

In a "panic", I was able to comp up a business card through our intranet and save it as a PDF. I then proceeded to email the PDF to Kinko's (now FedEx) and in a few hours they were able to churn out 100 (could be more, could be less) professional-looking cards on nice, heavy card stock. For a mere $28, which included the set up, card stock, and cutting fees, I walked away with business cards that frankly look no different than my colleagues' cards printed with a specialty shop.

If you're in a bind, I'd suggest Kinko's/FedEx over Vista Print any day. You have a far faster turnaround, better pricing (despite the claims of getting the first 100 cards for free with Vista) and quality control. I recently printed some personal cards with Vista Print and walked away incredibly disappointed.

Here's to seeing your name in print!

Cater Your Own Dinner Party: Tip-of-the-Day #208


CATER YOUR OWN PARTY FOR MAXIMUM SAVINGS (AND CONTROL)

My bf is turning 40 in a few weeks and I'm hosting a small dinner party in his honor. My initial thought was to have the "event" catered so that I could relax and enjoy the party, but after poking around and price shopping a bit I found it was far too expensive and ineffecient for a group of this size. Most caterers have minimums and I couldn't possibly get there with a head count of seven. And so, I decided to simply cater the evening myself! Here are some tips I've learned from hosting similar events and will pass them on to you if you're ever considering doing the same!

1. Pick foods/dishes you can prepare in advance. It's no fun if you have to be in the kitchen all night, prepping and heating and plating everyone's meals, so pick things that can be pre-prepared, like a charcuterie plate, a cold pasta salad or heirloom tomato salad with burrata cheese, sirloin served at room temp and/or homemade sushi!

2. Set up a self-serve "bar station". I wouldn't recommend setting up a full bar or you'll have people creating a chem lab right in your living room, but do set up a table with several options for wine and beer. This will relieve you, the hostess, from having to serve people all night and monitor glasses for receding alcohol lines. No fun.

3. Don't overcomplicate dessert. Don't feel you have to set anything aflame to make an impact. Go with something tried and true (and easy to serve). Even consider plating in advance of guests arriving.

4. Include party favors. I'm a big fan of creating a small gift that people can take home with them at the end of the evening so that they can remember the event. Mugs, hats, candy tins - all personalized with the name, date or a photo of the experience. It's a great personal touch.

Creating your own menu and tackling the majority of the preparation in advance of the event will save you a lot of money and let you enjoy the evening as well!

Extend Carpet Life and More!: Tip-of-the-Day #207


SHOE REMOVAL CAN SPARE MORE THAN YOUR CARPETS

When I had a new carpet runner installed not too long ago I decided that to help preserve its life (because it wasn't cheap!) I would start taking my shoes off before entering the house. My bf was on board with the plan and we've now had the carpet in place for nearly 8 months and it still looks brand spankin' new.

I used to think that people with a "no shoes policy" were sort of strange. But I'll tell you something, I've tried it and I'm a believer! Not only do you extend the life of your carpet dramatically but you keep the house (at large) so much cleaner. Shoe removal will ultimately save you money long term on carpet cleaning costs, but also the costs associated with having to replace or repair other heavily trafficked area rugs, refinishing wood floors, and even painting the lower sections of walls to accomodate scuffs and dings.

People don't think about just how dirty their shoes are from walking on the pavement day in and day out. You're tracking in fecal matter, hair, old decaying food and bacteria that you can't even see!

Try taking your shoes off before entering your house and guaranteed you'll notice a difference. Don't be embarassed to ask others to do the same in your home. It's your home after all and you're saving yourself money!

Great Hotel Rewards Program: Tip-of-the-Day #206


BUY TEN HOTEL STAYS AND GET ONE FREE!

I was having dinner with a girlfriend last night and we got on the subject of travel ('course I had just posted a blog entry all about the restorative powers of vacation so it was even more relevant). I mentioned that I generally gravitate to one or two sites to book most of my travel because the rates are often lowest. She was surprised when I didn't mention hotels.com. Then she went on to explain that hotels.com has a "buy ten, get one free program" that they lovingly refer to as welcomerewards. And welcome they are! Unlike department store "deals" where the freebie has to equate to the lowest valued item on your list, with this program you can stay ANYWHERE with you freebie! I was flabbergasted. (I love that word). Things'll be changing in my travel planning asap. Here's how the program works:

1. Sign up for a hotels.com account (it's free) and enroll in "welcomerewards." You can also join welcomerewards from your "My Account" page if you're already a hotels.com member.

2. Sign in to your account before booking a property priced at $40 or more (not hard to do).

3. After you've stayed a total of 10 nights (anywhere and not all at once), you will see an automatic credit in your account for a free night at any property offered by hotels.com, up to $400 in value!

I'm a little bummed right now that I didn't use hotels.com to book my October and November getaways...but it's never too late to start saving real money. Woohoo!

Vacations' Healing Powers: Tip-of-the-Day #205


IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH WITH A MUCH-DESERVED VACA

Not every blog entry will focus on saving money. Some will speak to saving your recyclables, saving yourself grief, and in this case, saving your life! Did you know that a vacation can save your life? No joke! Research now suggests that vacations can reduce the risk of heart disease and depression, and even slow the aging process! While common sense has always suggested that vacations are "good", science now backs it up. Here are some tips to be mindful of:

1. Take as much time as you can. I happen to have a nasty habit of booking all my trips under seven nights because I worry that I'll "get bored." But boredom may be just what most of us need to detox from our every day grind. It has been scientifically proven now that trips of seven or more days are the most restorative. And, contrary to what I believed, fewer but longer trips outweigh many shorter getaways.

2. Try to stay closer to home. I've always adhered to this mainly from sheer laziness but now it's been shown that fewer time zones keep jetlag to a minimum. Jetlag is actually stressful to your body and avoiding it will make the vacation feel that much better. (Tip: go north or south to avoid harshest reentry).

3. Don't bring your laptop (or Blackberry!). This may seem like a no-brainer but often when people take vacations they also take their electronics with them! Free yourself of all obligation, to truly relax. That means no email, no calling work to make sure everything is okay, and no meetings or appointments. Enjoy the vacation!

4. Make new friends. This one is ironic because I totally avoid "making new friends" on vacation, but according to a Conde Nast Traveler report, the process of making new acquaintances actually increases the restorative powers of a vacation. Shmooze, go to happy hours, and chat with people by the pool. In short, try and pick a vacation where you'll meet people instead of isolating yourself on a remote island.

5. Don't get too lazy. Try to work some physical activity into your vaca and you'll notice a difference in how you feel by the end of it. Especially if you are normally an active person.

6. Try to pick a warm destination. I do this without any science backing my decision but that's because when I'm on holiday I want to *feel* it. Living in the Bay Area where it's moderate to cool all year long makes me actually crave warmth when I do get away. You won't see me hitting the wintery slopes of Lake Tahoe. I'll always be on the lounge chair in Mexico and now science is on my side proving it's restorative powers!

Smart women travel and enjoy their time off. You deserve it!

Improve Your Closet Instantly: Tip-of-the-Day #204


SPARE YOUR CLOSET AN EXPENSIVE OVERHAUL WITH A SIMPLE STEP

Did you know you can change the entire look of your closet without changing your wardrobe?! What do I mean? For as many years as I can remember I’ve always retained a mish mash of hangers – wire, plastic, some wood and a bevy of styles from shirt hangers to pant hangers to suit hangers, etc. You can imagine with so much going on, what my closet must have looked like. A mess! For some reason though, I never thought to do anything about it…until just last weekend.

I went to Target (yes, Target!) and for $100 I picked up nearly 200 uniform maple wood suit hangers (don't let the name fool you - these are great for shirts, pants, suits, dresses, etc). I brought them home, tossed every one of my mismatched hangers in the trash and instantly transformed the aesthetic of my closet. It’s actually surreal what a difference some uniformity can make. So, before you get exasperated with the way your closet looks, try a small (but effective) hanger makeover and you’ll be amazed by how fresh everything feels when you’re finished! And, for a mere $100 bucks you’re saving yourself the heartache of a spendy overhaul!

Real Benefits From Makeup: Tip-of-the-Day #203


MAKE YOUR MAKEUP WORK HARDER FOR YOU

I've always been skeptical of products that tout things like "all day coverage" and "flawless results." That said ladies (and yes, this one's for you), I've found a reason to believe in Benefit Cosmetics. Let me round up my favs and why:

1. Get Even: This product is positioned as an every day concealer with dual purposes: to keep oil at bay and color correct. With three shades to choose from (I use #2) you will find a tone that matches your skin. That, in and of itself, is a wondrous thing because I can't tell you how many high school pics I've had the misfortune of looking back upon only to see a clear delineation between the color of my face and the color of my neck. WHY didn't anyone say anything?? That said, I've been using Get Even for years (a friend turned me onto it) and frankly it's the only product I've found that actually does what it says it will do. I apply it directly after working out and it truly conceals discoloration and redness immediately. So much so in fact, that people notice how "good" I look just moments after emerging a hot mess from the gym. Why use a liquid concealer and a powder when one product gives you the same coverage without that heavy, pore-clogging feeling that almost always goes hand in hand with liquid?

2. Hoola: A bronzing agent like no other - I use this stuff ALL year round and it never looks like it. I'll have people ask me where I've been vacationing, why I look so "healthy" and how I can look so well-rested given the schedule I keep. I attribute ALL OF THIS to Hoola because it is so natural looking and it literally gives me the sun-kissed glow (cheesy I know, but no other way to describe it) that other products only think they're delivering. Again, I suffered from orange, Oompa Loompa syndrome for years (not knowing it) and Hoola's reined it in.

3. Dallas: In combination with Hoola, you'll never look "tired" again. Remember that flushed look that used to come so naturally from a brisk walk 'round the block, one run down the slopes, or a wink from some hottie on the bus? K, this does that and you don't have to worry about it disappearing just moments later. Sigh...youth.

My theory is that if you find the "important" products that really work for you (like the three mentioned above), even if they cost a little more than drugstore brands, they are sooooooooo worth it. Then you can spend a little less on the extras like brow brushes (I use a toothbrush - no joke - it's durable and I can throw it in my purse without fearing the fine bristles will pop off).

Pick makeup like you pick your wardrobe. A few key pieces and the rest hardly matters.

Smart Women Check Reviews: Tip-of-the-Day #202


LEARN WHAT THE CONSENSUS THINKS BEFORE YOU ACT

If you're someone who "likes to be your own person" and "avoids subscribing to mass opinion" well I applaud you...I feel I'm my own person with unique thoughts and opinions but I STILL review sites like Yelp! and TripAdvisor prior to trying a new restaurant or booking a vacation. Why? Because you'd be amazed what other people have already gone through the trouble of discovering FOR you.

Didn't your mom ever tell you something like "if only you could learn from my mistakes"....well now you can! And it's not only mistakes you'll learn of, you'll also gather a lot of positive information from people who can tip you off to things like what table has the best views of the city at the restaurant you're thinking of booking for your anniversary, which hotel rooms to steer clear of, where to get your nails done and why.

Not sure what I did before Yelp! came along. Not only do I use it regularly to seek out safe restaurant and hotel choices (etc.) in my area but I also contribute to the review pool as often as I am able.

This week alone I used Yelp! to find a good sushi spot in a part of Marin I'm not wholly familiar with and I helped others stay away from a terrible discount retailer I had the displeasure of shopping with just today!

Social sites are going to continue to grow in popularity and more and more people will come to rely on them even more than a recommendation from a friend. After all, why listen to one person when you can take a blended average of hundreds?!

Sell Outside the Box: Tip-of-the-Day #201


YOU'D BE AMAZED WHAT PEOPLE ARE SELLING

So I found this article on MSN.com about the strange things people are selling in this recessionary environment to make a few bucks. Folks are definitely getting more creative…and it definitely bears repeating:

Mother's milk. If you’re a nursing mother or somehow have access to fresh milk, there’s a market for it. (Ew!) The Human Milk Banking Association of America is a good place to start learning about the guidelines for donation, storage and transport. But in the meantime, Craigslist ads have apparently been notorious for offering milk for sale. Note: The going rate for buying milk from a milk bank is $2 to $3 per ounce so you can use that as your pricing guide…

Dog hair. Apparently, dog hair spun into yarn (or "chiengora") is an old art form that dates way, way back (long before sheep’s wool). Seems it holds in warmth and repels water better than other fibers. Check out: "Knitting With Dog Hair," a book that shows you how to cut, collect, spin and use dog hair for everyday knitting projects.

Chicken poop. I have friends living in the San Francisco Bay Area who have actually considered raising chickens for the fresh eggs. (I barely make it through a dozen in a month but everyone’s different I suppose). The benefits however, that come from harvesting your own fertilizer from your chickens are endless. You can use the soil yourself (in your garden for instance) or sell the manure via online ad, local newspaper, or through your local farm or garden supply store. You'll just need a good amount of chicken manure and a way to bag it or haul it. The pricing will vary depending on where you live...so check your local supply stores for a good base rate.

Cardboard boxes. BoxCycle, is a nifty company that takes the work out of selling your boxes by listing them for you. They’ll communicate with the buyer and handle all payment processing. All you have to do is list your boxes with them and cash out when your payment totals $25. You won’t get rich doing this, but you’ll make a few bucks.

Teeth (false or otherwise). Seems pawn shops have reported an increase in the amount of business they've gotten for items containing gold -- and this includes caps and crowns made from precious metals and even false teeth (dentures), braces, and prosthetics. Again, ew.

Pig ears and bull "sticks". I was first introduced to the “bull stick” by a friend who adopted a puppy and all the unique “toys” that came along with it. While most pet stores carry pig ear and bull stick alternatives, some still offer the old-fashioned variety, made from 100% authentic swine ears and bull “bits.” If you have a working farm and have access to these tasty treats, it may mean extra cashflow. Yikes.

Scoop it First: Tip-of-the-Day #200


TWITTER (RELIABLY) DELIVERS THE DEALS

It’s true! I've blogged about it before, but Twitter has definitely become the hottest destination for gathering the “scoop” on airline, hotel and local attraction steals and deals. And this is stuff that apparently can’t be found via opt-in email – for now anyway.

Seems people are subscribing to business tweets to get their scoop but are also using the power of their extended network of friends and followers to solicit answers to questions and queries for special deals (like: "Help! Does anyone out there know if United takes upgrade coupons at the gate??"). Further, some folks are actually contacting companies’ customer service via twitter and getting faster response times than the traditional phone queue. Brilliant!

Twitter has made it easier than ever to search for attractions, destinations and even specific companies, so if you’re not eager to sign up for a barrage of ongoing updates, you may also dabble in Twitter and just seek out the tweets of interest on your terms.

Oh, and if you are a constant traveler (business or pleasure) you may find some value in following travel writers and other travelers on Twitter (Conde Nast published an interesting article in April of this year).

Keep your finger on the pulse of all that’s beating online; Twitter is strangely emerging as the leader in this space.

Pet Deductions: Tip-of-the-Day #199


TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR OUR PETS - COULD IT BE?

OMG! There's a new bill in the U.S. House that would allow pet owners to deduct up to $3,500 for "qualified pet-care expenses" for household pets (no livestock, sorry!), including vet bills! This HAPPY Act (Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years) aims to give pet owners a break. And rightly so! I've spent thousands on my cat's vet bills and would love this deduction!

The bill's primary goals include:
• Making it more affordable for people to provide the care their pets need.
• Making it less likely that pet owners are who suffering during the recession will abandon their pets.

"Qualified pet expenses" include a variety of (still) undefined things involved in providing care, with the exception of acquisition costs (i.e., you can't write off the cost of buying your pure bred show dog).

Some people mock this bill's comprehensive coverage (it's actually better coverage than the write-offs we humans get for our own medical expenses), but the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council supports the bill and so do I! I mean if the House is willing to entertain it, why can't we? I’ve spent beaucoup bucks curing cancer TWICE. Why not get a tax break? Fingers crossed!

Buy Whole Foods: Tip-of-the-Day #198


WHOLE FOODS CAN SAVE YOU WHOLE DOLLARS

Buying whole foods (and no, not the super expensive chain of organic grocers) is a rule that will save you money each and every time. There’s nothing unclear about it - when you have to laboriously cut up and package your food yourself, you save because you’re not tapping someone else’s time and energy (someone being paid by the hour by a supermarket or deli). It’s kind of like how Ikea can extend better prices on furniture because they’re having YOU assemble it!

The more times a food is “handled,” the more it will cost, plain and simple. In the printing industry it’s actually called a “touch cost.” Chopped veggies cost more than whole veggies, grated cheese is pricier than a block of cheese, and boneless skinless chicken breasts will cost a lot more than a whole chicken because someone had to painstakingly get that chicken prepared for you.

If you need a rule to live by, live by the rule that whole foods are better.

Here’s an example from Safeway.com:

A Foster Farms Whole Fresh Chicken is $3.47/lb. Meanwhile, Foster Farms Boneless Skinless Fresh Chicken Breasts are $6.49/lb. That’s nearly double!

And from the veggie aisle…
A 10 pound bag of whole fresh carrots is $3.99, and an 8 oz bag of peeled, pre-packed carrots is $3.99. Same price for a fraction of the goods!

For some people (um, me!) there is a willingness to pay a few extra bucks from time to time to have the work done for you. But, if you're trying to save a few bucks, buy the whole foods and work ‘em over yourself.

Ikea Delivers Lower Prices: Tip-of-the-Day #197


WHEN IKEA LOWERS PRICES & EXTENDS FOOD DEALS...YOU GO!

Ikea is lowering prices. A low-price leader is lowering prices further! Clearly a nod to the current recessionary environment, the just-published 2010 catalog has the new, lower prices noted throughout. The price of the Karlstad sofa, for example, has been cut from $499 to $399. The simple, Martorp nest of tables is $49.99, down from $99.99.

Like most furniture retailers, Ikea is competing for customers right now and one way Ikea keeps prices low is by requiring customers to assemble most of the furniture themselves. But, to lure in more customers in this recessionary environment, Ikea has also chosen to lower prices further AND roll out a number of food specials in its cafes. If you arrive before the store opens, you get free coffee. A stuffed salmon filet meal is $6.99, and a kid-size item is just 99 cents. Every Tuesday from Sept. 1 through Dec. 30, you can get Swedish meatballs with potatoes, cream sauce and lingonberry jam for $2.49, from 4 p.m. until closing. From Aug. 24-Sept 4, a princess cake and coffee is only 99 cents!

Keep your eyes peeled for "Seize the Day sales" throughout the year with major markdowns on a few items and also get free breakfast. (Woohoo!)

‘Course the other option is to buy your Ikea furniture on Craigslist, where it's even cheaper and almost always already assembled.

JetBlue & All-You-Can-Jet: Tip-of-the-Day #196


IS ALL-YOU-CAN-FLY A GOOD DEAL?

Everyone’s talking about JetBlue's new All-You-Can-Jet-Pass for $599, which gives you unlimited flights for a month. The question is whether or not it’s a good deal and THAT depends on where you want to go and how many trips you want to take. For a business traveler who flies frequently, it might be a really good deal…and it might also be a good deal for people in long distance relationships, someone with friends and family in a number of JetBlue cities, etc.

The pass is good for travel between Sept. 8 and Oct. 8 and must be purchased by Aug. 21 which means you have 3 days to do it! To buy the pass, you have to become a TrueBlue member (easy to do), then you just have to call to purchase passes and book your flights (1-800-538-2583). Note: the airline won't charge its customary $15 fee for phone bookings. With the pass, you can pick any flight with available seats, even if the cheap seats are sold out, which is nice. Taxes are included for domestic tickets but you'll need to pay additional taxes for trips to Puerto Rico and international destinations.

This isn't the first time JetBlue has tried to boost travel, they have also recently offered refunds to travelers who have lost their jobs after they've booked tickets, have given triple miles to frequent flyers and have been announcing deals on Twitter.

If you've got plenty of time to travel and really want to cover some ground, you can also consider an around-the-world airline ticket, one of the best deals around, which is usually good for a year of travel. Prices start as low as $1,500!

Also checkout: a Greyhound Discovery pass for $499 for 60 days or a USA Railpass from Amtrak for 30 days for $579.

Attend Events at Off Hours: Tip-of-the-Day #195


LOOK FOR OFF-HOUR DISCOUNTS THAT REALLY PAY

There's nothing like finding a better price on an activity you were already going to engage in. For instance, this past weekend I was interested in attending the Craft Fair at Fort Mason (in San Francisco) and I knew tickets were going for $12. I wasn't terribly concerned by the admission price but when I heard on the radio that the admission was dropping to $5 for anyone attending the show after 5:00 PM, I jumped on it. The timing happened to work out better for me anyway and I was able to save $7 just by going to the show when the event coordinators clearly anticipated a drop in attendance. Score!

Similar to the "early bird" at many restaurants, if you're willing to engage in an activity when others may not be, you stand to gain. Here's another great example. A very luxurious hotel in Napa with hotel rooms that run upwards of $800 a night was recently offering a package by which one could stay mid-week and, along with a room, enjoy two free drinks at the bar and a three-course meal for two people, all for only $299. That's less than half what someone would pay on a Friday or Saturday night and it includes dinner! But, the hotel was willing to throw this offer out as a means of drumming up business when the property is otherwise "dead."

Keep your eyes peeled for these types of money-saving opportunities. I'm sure I don't have to remind you that the first movie of the day is always cheaper, as are theater performances.

Always Call For a Better Deal: Tip-of-the-Day #194


ALWAYS PLACE A CALL TO ENSURE YOU'RE GETTING WHAT YOU WANT

Before I ever finalize anything (from travel to online shopping) I will call the business to ensure I'm getting what I want. And what I want is the best outcome for my dollar. When I make my travel plans online for instance, I will phone both the airline and hotel I'm considering, and will actively seek out a "better deal." More often than not I find one! Two examples from this past week:

1. I am going to be flying to Japan on business and was interested in purchasing an upgradeable economy ticket (so that I could use my miles to move into Business class). The internet pulled up fares starting at $2700 which seemed exhorbitant to me, so I picked up the phone and called United Airlines directly. Sure enough, I was immediately quoted a fare $500 less than the web had presented - coming in at $2200 for the EXACT same itinerary. I don't have any visibility (or insight) into why this is the case, but it's either a system glitch or goes to prove that human-to-human interaction uncovers greater options than human-to-computer. I booked the flight at $2200 and made my boss very happy!

2. My boyfriend and I were eager to get away to a local vacation spot for one night of R & R. When checking the website it was clear that weekend stays require a two-night minimum. We only wanted to stay one night. We picked up the phone and called the property directly and were immediately extended a Saturday night-only stay, no questions asked. This one call enabled us to get away because had the two-night min. held, we wouldn't have gone.

These are two solid examples of why calling a business (any business) can reap rewards with little effort and energy spent on your part.

Starbucks Treats Abound: Tip-of-the-Day #193


STRETCH YOUR DOLLAR AT STARBUCKS, A.M TO P.M.

I'm not a huge fan of Starbucks, but I will say that they are conveniently located (EVERYWHERE) and often the easiest way for me to inject much-needed caffeine into my bloodstream. That said, I do have to praise their current promotional calendar. First they tempt us with "Free pastry day" then they create the pastry + coffee bundle at a better price than buying either item alone (smart thinking!). Now, they are offering a promo by which a purchased morning beverage means a discounted "grande" beverage later that same day!

It's quite brilliant really. A grande "cold" bevvie at or after 2:00 pm locks in your $2 deal and they are getting you to come in twice in one day! Some marketing genius over there at Starbucks headquarters is definitely earning their paycheck in this recessionary environment.

For you and me: this is a nice perk (no pun intended) and can be passed on to a friend or colleague if you aren't up for a double dose of the sultry Starbucks maiden in any one given day. Drink up!

Your Birth Right: Tip-of-the-Day #192


YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO A FREE TRIP TO ISRAEL...READ ON!

Are you Jewish, between the ages of 18 and 27, and have neither traveled to Israel nor have lived in Israel past the age of 12? May sound like I'm soliciting you for a dating service, but no, actually you qualify for a FREE 10-day trip to the Holy Land! Really! Here’s how it works:

Taglit-Birthright Israel (also Birthright Israel or Birthright) is a Zionist Jewish organization that sponsors free 10-day trips to Israel for Jewish young adults. Birthright Israel's goals are to diminish the division between Israel and Jewish communities around the world; to strengthen the sense of solidarity among world Jewry; and to strengthen participants' personal Jewish identity and connection to the Jewish people. As of spring 2009, over 200,000 young adults from 52 different countries have participated since the trips began in the winter of 2000.

To be eligible you must be recognized as Jewish by the Jewish community or by one of the recognized denominations of Judaism; or if either parent is Jewish and you do not actively practice another religion, you're golden.

The trip includes airfare from many major cities, hotel stay, most meals, all transportation within Israel, and costs associated with touring the country for the ten-day trip. A $250 USD deposit is required ($250 in Canada) but the deposit is refunded upon return from the trip. Airfare or transportation from a participant's home to the gateway city is not included, although the trips depart from multiple cities.

If you never thought you’d make it to Israel, now may be your opportunity! (That, or moving to NY, feigning homelessness and claiming your country of origin is Israel so you get deported on the U.S. government's dime).

L'chaim!

Health Care Practicalities: Tip-of-the-Day #191


18-TIPS TO GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR HEALTH PLAN

Still on the subject of health care...I've compiled 18 tips to help you maximize your health insurance plan and ensure you're spending your money wisely.

1. Know the “rules.” Always double-check whether the benefits, services or providers you need are covered under your plan before you receive treatment. If you don't follow the plan rules for receiving health care, your insurer may deny your claim or pay only a portion of the bill.

2. Plan ahead for emergencies. While you can't always be fully prepared for an emergency, you should know which nearby hospitals belong to your health plan's network of providers.

3. Take advantage of tax breaks. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) and medical savings accounts (MSAs) — known collectively as health care savings accounts — are becoming more popular. One of the most popular is the FSA, an employer-sponsored account that offers you a way to pay for certain out-of-pocket health care or dependent care costs on a pre-tax basis. Also, dental and vision care count as reimbursable medical expenses under FSA arrangements, so don't forget to save your receipts for these services.

4. Stay healthy. If you’re buying a private-market plan, you'll be charged based on your health, such as weight, cholesterol, blood pressure and other health conditions. Didja know that a recent study revealed that being obese adds $395 each year to the average $1,500-per-year health care cost? That's more than smoking (an addition of $230), aging 20 years ($225) and problem drinking ($150).

5. Stop smoking. If you apply for life insurance as a smoker, you'll pay a hard-to-swallow smoker rate. You'll need to be a nonsmoker for at least one year to qualify for nonsmoker life insurance rates. Health insurers may pay for nicotine-replacement programs but at renewal time, having quit can amount to substantial savings. Quitting can immediately save you $175 a month if you are a one-pack-a-day smoker!

6. Increase your deductible. Whether you are enrolled in a group or individual plan, the more you pay out of pocket, the less you will have to pay in premiums.

7. Seek out free or low-cost screenings. Does your HMO offer free blood pressure checks? Low-cost flu shots, or dieting and physical fitness classes? Take advantage of these lifestyle programs to help you stay healthy and reduce your doctor visits and medications.

8. Change your co-insurance ration. A common ratio is 80/20. This means that after you pay your deductible toward health care expenses, your insurer pays 80 percent of the bill and you pay 20 percent. Changing this ratio so you pay more will mean a lower health insurance premium.

9. Consider a catastrophic health plan. These plans offer limited insurance coverage with a high deductible, typically $1,000 for an individual and $2,000 for a family. Premiums are low because the insurance is intended for medical emergencies and doesn’t cover regular doctor visits.

10. Avoid extremes. Abandon dangerous hobbies and recreational activities such as skydiving, mountain climbing or NASCAR. Anything that poses a significant injury risk will super-charge your insurance premiums.

11. Go for an HMO. If the doctor you like is already in-network and the lab she/he works with is also in-network, an HMO can be as adequate as a PPO and offer lower premiums.

12. Trade up group insurance plans. If both you and your spouse have group health insurance plans available through work, calculate which one will cover both your needs at the lowest cost.

13. Regularly reassess your needs. You may be missing out on savings simply because you've stuck with the same plan year after year while your situation has changed. Do you have children that go to the doctor often? Do you take a lot of prescription drugs? Are tax breaks important to you? Are you willing to assume the cost of routine health in exchange for much lower premiums? Rethink these things periodically.

14. Adjust group plans. If you buy a group health plan through work, you may think you're stuck with whatever is offered every year. But employees can take charge of their coverage options and if you and your co-workers agree that some coverages are unnecessary (for instance, infertility treatment, mental health treatment and even dental), ask your employer to drop them at renewal time.

15. Inflate your credit score. Having a good credit history may help lower your health insurance rates if you are purchasing an individual plan, depending on the company. It’s not common but it is out there.

16. Haggle with your doc! Ask your doctor for a discount on medical treatments. There's a long history of patients negotiating with their providers for lower prices on elective procedures, such as laser vision surgery or psychotherapy. Establish the price you believe is reasonable and go for it.

17. Investigate your State Children's Health Insurance Program. The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is a federally funded program designed to provide health and dental coverage for children whose parents can't afford private health insurance. For little or no cost, SCHIP pays for doctor visits, immunizations, hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

18. Exercise more. It's harder to quantify what you'll save in health care costs by exercising more, since this number is also linked to losing weight through dieting. But generally speaking, exercising not only improves your health, it also saves you money when you purchase life insurance because healthy people live longer, and longer life expectancies mean better life insurance rates. Many studies show it's never too late to start exercising and that even small improvements in your fitness level can improve your health and longevity.

Renegotiate Your Rent: Tip-of-the-Day #190


TIMES ARE TOUGH - USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

I have now heard of two different stories from people who have bravely phoned their respective landlords and asked that rent be lowered to better align with the current recessionary environment. Both got what they wanted!

Seems no one thinks to do this, but ironically we're willing to ask for better deals on hotel rooms, monthly parking, and more. So why not ask for a break on the biggest expense of all, rent?

In San Francisco, rent is NOT cheap. A studio in the Marina district for instance still hovers around $2,000/mo. and at one point went for as much as twice that!

People are moving out of the city because they can't afford to live here anymore...the only good thing that's come out of this is that landlords are becoming far more receptive to negotiating rent rate.

A friend of a friend just knocked $300 off her monthly rent just by asking - that's a 20% savings on what she WAS paying. I also overhead a woman at the gym saying that her neighbors have been able to save $350 every month by volunteering to maintain their building's yard. People are getting creative right now and landlords (believe it or not) are willing to meet certain requests - even barter!

If you hadn't thought about it - now's the time to ask. And, for all you homeowners out there, I've heard people have been calling their lenders directly asking for better term rates. Hey, worst case is you hear the word "no" - best case, you're saving real money every month!

How Rigid is Your Company?: Tip-of-the-Day #189


OPEN ENROLLMENT CONFOUNDING YOU? ME TOO.

I'm a contractor working for a very recognizable company in the technology sector. I was brought on board through a placement agency and when I first started I was offered benefits through this agency (health insurance, life insurance, etc.). At the time I took a pass because I had just paid my dues (with my current provider) through the end of the summer.

Now that summer is quickly fading, I thought it might be a good time to explore my options again as a contractor, seeing as my contract has been extended (yay!) and I'm ready to pay a lower monthly rate!

Come to find out, that the "open enrollment" for benefits through this agency had closed and I would not be able to enroll until June 2010. June 2010?? I promptly reached out to my contact at the agency and was informed that it is "fairly standard practice for employers to limit benefit enrollment (outside of qualifying life events or loss of other coverage) to initial and open enrollment periods only." Apparently, a "communication" was sent to me regarding this very subject. An email, huh? I get hundreds of emails every day and frankly rarely open messages with subject lines that begin with "A Message From ___."

That said, I wasn't giving up. Known to be tenacious as a weed, I kept on, and suggested that with matters as important as health the agency should really follow up with a phone call or even a face-to-face meeting for new hires explaining the significance of declining insurance and what that means with respect to future enrollment windows.

After a number of persuasive emails (thanks to my background in Journalism and Law) it seems I was able to "convince" my point of contact that "qualifying life events" is rather vague and could in fact encapsulate any number of events including contract extension and significant rate increase with a current provider. Against all odds, I "broke through the clutter" and my point was taken. They apparently found a "loophole" for me that I must never breathe a word of (except to you all). The secret loophole is as simple as terminating my existing coverage and mailing the notice to my agency for renewed coverage.

Sigh.

All this to say that if your company (or any business for that matter) has your well being casually cast aside in favor of "policy" - push back! Dig a little! DON'T take no for an answer. This is a theme with me, have you noticed? Smart women fight for what they need!

Secret Car Warranties Shared: Tip-of-the-Day #188


LIVE IN CALIFORNIA? YOU HAVE AN ADVANTAGE.

Didja know that unlike popular belief, car warranties are not just for new vehicles and are not always in writing? If you take the time to find out what warranties come with your car, what repairs those warranties cover, and how to enforce your warranties, you may save yourself a significant amount of money when your car needs repair.

Here's the catch: not all dealers/manufacturers/purveyors of automobiles are forthcoming with the scoop. Many automobile manufacturers have “secret warranty” or “warranty adjustment” programs. Under these programs, the manufacturer will do free repairs on vehicles with persistent problems, even after the warranty expires, in order to avoid a recall and bad press - but they won't tell you about it until you COMPLAIN! According to the Center for Auto Safety (www.autosafety.org), at any given time there are approximately 500 secret warranty programs available through automobile manufacturers.

Manufacturers don’t advertise these programs, so a car owner often won’t know about the available relief unless he or she demands that the manufacturer repair a problem after the original warranty has expired. In a few states, including California, Connecticut, Virginia, and Wisconsin, manufacturers are required to tell eligible consumers about secret warranty programs - usually within 90 days of adopting the program.

What does this mean for you? Well, you can either buy your next car in one of the aforementioned states OR be hypervigilant about ferreting out the details of your warranty when an issue arises. It's worth it!

Celebrate Creative Thinking: Tip-of-the-Day #187


SMART WOMEN GET CREATIVE TO GET WHAT THEY NEED

Getting a reservation at a restaurant like The French Laundry is like winning the lottery. Literally. There are 16 tables, two seatings, and dozens of unknown factors working against YOU getting in (like people lining up outside the door in Yountville, Hotels and Industry Insiders getting first dibs, and people with a network of friends dialing in at warp speed).

My boyfriend's 40th birthday is fast approaching (two months from now to be exact) and as a self-professed "foodie" wished to dine at The French Laundry (TFL from here on out). I knew the odds of getting that sacred spot but I'd done it once before and on Mother's Day no less, so I was confident I'd succeed.

After two days of dialing for dollars I was panicked. I wasn't getting through! The closest I'd come to getting a reservation was the waitlist. Today was do or die. And I got creative!

1. I employed Skype, a nifty software application that enables users to make voice calls over the Internet.
2. I downloaded "Moonlight21", an auto redial app that works alongside Skype for maximum effectiveness.
3. I called the luxury hotel that I'd booked for the evening of our adventure and asked the concierge to please help me procure a res.
4. I employed two colleagues to dial with me (I offered them $20 or a free lunch for the first person to get a ring instead of a busy signal).

Then it was just me versus the universe.

At 10:04 this morning my luck changed. The phone....RANG! And at 10:11 I was speaking with a reservationist and securing my table at TFL. Elation, jubilance and delight followed. I would have been devastated to have to tell my bf that I'd been unable to make his wish come true. And I didn't have to!

Net net: When faced with what seems like an overwhelming challenge, get creative and employ as many unique tools as needed to get what you need!

High-End Retailers Reach Out: Tip-of-the-Day #186


HIGH-END MERCHANDISERS ARE MAKING DEALS NOW

If you think stores like Neiman Marcus and Tiffany & Co. are WAY out of your league, think again. Much like my article reporting that haggling in mainstream retail is becoming the norm, high-end retailers are willing to make deals now too. But not overtly. You aren't going to see ads in windows or mainstream newspapers touting huge savings. That would risk tarnishing the exclusivity of the store. Instead, the deals are coming through email and only landing in opted-in subscriber's in-boxes.

Customers who subscribe to emails from Neiman's, for instance, have been regularly invited to “midday dash” sales. The two-hour, online-only sales promise 50 percent off luxury goods that can be bought only by clicking on a link in the email message. Customers learn about the sale just hours before it begins - so if you don't check mail often, this deal's not for you. (FYI: This week’s “dash” featured a $697 Burberry handbag, marked down from $1,395. A Carmen Marc Valvo chiffon gown was $575, down from $1,150. And Cole Haan flats were $82, down from $165.)

At Tiffany & Company, they have lowered prices on diamond engagement rings about 10 percent. When the average ring runs around $10K, that's a $1000 savings! It won't be advertised though - it's only discretely offered to "preferred" customers.

Did you know that sales associates at luxury department stores are often empowered to give discounts of 10 percent (or more) to customers spending upward of a certain amount of money, usually $20,000 or $25,000? I know you and I might never spend that but in this economy, the discounts are given more often, to more people, and available to those spending far less than $25,000.

It is not uncommon now for retailers to send emails like the one Bloomingdale’s sent in April to its subscribers: “Today only! Take $500 off your regular-priced online purchase of $1,500 or more in the Men's Department.” That's nearly 40% off and it wasn't the day after Christmas.

Moral of this story: sign up to receive emails from luxury retailers and reap the rewards.

Starbucks Secret Savings: Tip-of-the-Day #185


PICK THE SMALL CUP AND GET MORE FLAVOR + SAVINGS!

Here's a little secret that Starbucks doesn't want you to know: They will serve you a better, stronger cappuccino if you want one, and they will charge you less for it. Ask for it in any Starbucks and the barista will comply without batting an eye. The drink in question is the elusive "short cappuccino" — at 8 ounces, it's a third smaller than the smallest size on the official menu (the "tall") and dwarfed by what Starbucks calls the "customer-preferred Venti.” The short capp has the same amount of espresso as the 12-ounce tall, meaning a bolder coffee taste, and a better one at that.

This secret cappuccino is cheaper, too — generally a full .30 cents cheaper. But why does this cheaper, better drink go unadvertised? The official line from Starbucks is that there is no room on the menu board, although this doesn't explain why the short cappuccino is also unmentioned on the comprehensive Starbucks Web site, nor why the baristas will serve you this drink in a whisper.

This in fact is the Starbucks way of sidestepping a painful dilemma over how high to set prices. Price too low and the margins disappear; too high and the customers do. Any business that is able to charge one price to price-sensitive customers and a higher price to the rest will avoid some of that awkward trade-off.

The cost of overhead (staff, beans, cups) is similar for any size of drink, so, larger drinks just mean a greater margin for Mr. Starbuck. And the thinking here is simple: Offer the cheaper product but make sure that it is available only to those customers who face the uncertainty and embarrassment of having to request it specifically. Fortunately, the tactic is easily circumvented: If you'd like a better coffee for less, just ask!

Pet Insurance Promo Offer: Tip-of-the-Day #184


ENJOY FREE PET INSURANCE FOR 60 DAYS

SERIOUS illness can take a financial toll on families without health insurance - especially when the patient is the family pet! Vet bills can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the visit and only 1% of all cats and dogs in the U.S. are insured!

This may be partly due to the fact that fewer than 20 companies now sell pet insurance in the United States, but the industry is poised for rapid growth because veterinary technology is becoming more advanced, more available, and more expensive, which is leading to a greater need for insurance, especially in emergencies.

A typical pet insurance policy costs $300 a year, but can vary based on the age of the pet, species, level of coverage and other factors. But that's just a drop in the bucket when you consider what you could end up paying in an emergency.

If you’ve been thinking about getting pet insurance now is the time! Trupanion, a Seattle-based pet insurance company offers the most complete pet health insurance coverage for unexpected illnesses and accidents, covering 90% of all veterinary bills. For a limited time, Trupanion is offering 60 days of free pet insurance just for members of Catster.com (yes, I’m a member and that’s how I heard about this!). Join the Pet Insurance Clubhouse Group to take advantage of this special offer and start your FREE 60 day trial.

Sizzling Savings at Sears: Tip-of-the-Day #183


SAVINGS ALMOST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

Calling all parents! Did you know that Sears has a "Wear-out Guarantee" for kids? They do! It’s called KidVantage and if an article of children's clothing or shoes wears out before the child grows out of it, it is replaced at no charge!

It’s hard to believe a program like this exists and I’m pretty sure that had this program been in place when I was a kid my mom might never have had to buy another article of clothing – at least for my sister. I mean think about the possibilities for households with multiple kids! There are multiple benefits...literally. I don’t mean to open up a can of worms but if Sears is willing to dole out a brand new item of clothing for its worn out counterpart (albeit in the same size) well then younger siblings can definitely benefit. No?

In addition to the Wear-out Guarantee, with every purchase of $100 in children's apparel, KidVantage participants receive 15 percent off their next purchase and the coupon is ready to use and attached to the end of your receipt.

Unbelievably the program is completely free, and customers can sign up at any in-store register.

Bonus: You will receive money-saving offers throughout the year too.

Save Fees on eBay!: Tip-of-the-Day #182


SAVE MONEY JUST BY BEING A WELL-RATED SELLER

Buy or sell much on eBay? I'm guessing if you do you already have a good track record by way of positive ratings from transactions. Well, now eBay is trying a new way of rewarding good sellers and it's all upside for you and me!

Under a new program unveiled this week, eBay is giving top-tier status to sellers who have very little negative feedback from buyers - even if these sellers aren't among those who make the most sales. Now top-rated vendors will get a 20 percent discount on the fees they must pay eBay after selling an item (a HUGE savings if you're selling something of any value). Also nice: your products will be more likely to show up in searches because you'll have "good buyer" status buoying you.

To qualify: a merchant must have at least 100 sales, worth a total of at least $3,000, on eBay per year. Hmm. That could be tricky...though could add up fast when you consider the average sale is $30. You just have to be consistent about it.

I've long used eBay to sell items I purchased rashly (and then fell outside of the return window) or even gently used merch that could be better served in someone else's home. If you consolidate all of your saleable merchandise and use eBay as your sole channel of redistribution you could easily meet the sales threshold and stand to gain more than you imagined with the reduced fee model in place! I'm pretty excited about this one.

Goodwill Brings Deals Online: Tip-of-the-Day #181


SHOP, SAVE & HELP THE WORLD A LITTLE!

Here's a chance to shop online, score some great deals, and even make a difference in the world!

Goodwill has introduced an online arm called "Goodwill Too." Where the traditional Goodwill store offers mostly donated goods, Goodwill Too offers its customers mostly brand new merchandise (closeouts and overstock items which keeps costs down), with a scattering of gently used merchandise. The merchandise is categorized and clearly marked - so you can easily distinguish between brand new merch and donated items.

The best part? Goodwill Too offers flat-fee shipping on its orders, with standard shipping costing only $7.99 for any order weighing up to 150 lbs (actual or dimensional weight). And, all purchases are processed through PayPal (you don't even have to have a PayPal account to use it) so if you're a little nervous about using your credit card online you don't have to!

I found some really groovy items already - from potato peeling gloves to "speed limit" pillows. Have a look!

Save Your Identity: Tip-of-the-Day #180


22 TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY: IT'S WORTH MORE THAN YOU KNOW

Identity theft causes more than financial havoc, it can cause emotional duress that can go on for years. Smart women can learn how to avoid being a victim - read on.

* Keep your confidential information private. Your bank or credit card company won't call or e-mail to ask for your account information. They already have it.

* Keep an inventory of everything in your wallet and your PDA, including account numbers. Don't keep your Social Security card or any card with your Social Security number, such as an insurance card, in your wallet.

* Order and review your credit report. You are allowed one free report each year from each of the three major credit agencies. Order reports here; it is the only place to get them for free.

* Stop getting banking and credit card information in the mail. Go paperless.

* Monitor your bank and credit card transactions for unauthorized use. Crooks with your account numbers usually start small to see if you'll notice. The sooner you catch them, the easier the problems are to clear up.

* Keep your vehicle registration and insurance forms in a sealed envelope in your glove box and lock it and your car when at home or away.

* If you conduct business online, use your own computer. A public computer is less secure, as is wireless Internet.

* Look for suspicious devices and don't let anyone stand nearby when you use an ATM. Take your card and receipt with you. Keep your PIN in your head, not in your wallet.

* Don't store credit card numbers and other financial information on your cell phone. Really folks.

* If you're job hunting using resume Web sites, don't apply unless the employer has a verifiable address.

* Once you no longer need to store them, shred any bills or statements that have your personal information on them. (Note: buy a good paper shredder for under $50).

* Keep your computer system and browser software up to date and set to the highest security level you can tolerate. Install antivirus, antispyware and firewall protection, and keep them up to date as well. When possible, use hardware firewalls, often available through your broadband connection router.

* If you use wireless Internet access, make sure you get help from someone who understands wireless security when you set up your access point or router.

* Back up your data and store it away from your computer.

* Don't open e-mails from strangers. Malware can be hidden in embedded attachments and graphics files.

* Don't open attachments unless you know who sent them and what they contain. Never open executable attachments. Configure Windows so that the file extensions of known file types are not hidden.

* Don't click on pop-ups. Configure Windows or your Web browser to block them.

* Don't provide your credit card number online unless you are making a purchase from a Web site you trust. Reputable sites will always direct you to a secure page with an URL starting with https:// whenever you actually make purchases or are asked to provide confidential information. (Tip: look for the yellow "lock" at the bottom of the screen).

* Use strong passwords: at least six characters, including at least one symbol and number, and no reference to your name or other personal information. Use a different password for every site that requires one, and change passwords regularly.

* Never send a user name, password or other confidential information via e-mail.

* Consider turning off your computer when you're not using it or at least putting it in standby mode.

* Don't keep passwords, tax returns or other financial information on your hard drive.

and...

If you suspect your identity may be compromised, place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus. When you place an alert, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report. After that, take advantage of the free annual reports the bureaus are required to give all consumers. Stagger your requests so that you get a report every four months. Beware: A fraud alert applies only when someone tries to open a new line of credit. It won’t keep someone from using existing accounts.

* If you've been phished, contact the real bank or other company named in the fraudulent e-mail. You also may want to notify the Internet Crime Complaint Center and forward the e-mail to spam@uce.gov.

If you are the victim of identity theft, take the following steps:

* Make an identity-theft report to the police. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Also, contact the office of your state's attorney general; you may be able to file a report there. Get copies of all this paperwork and keep them in a safe place.

* Close accounts that have been tampered with. Contact each company by phone and again by certified letter. Make sure the company notifies you in writing that the disputed charges have been erased. Document each conversation and keep all records.

* Place a seven-year fraud alert or a "freeze" on your credit reports.

* Begin the process of having the fraudulent information removed from your credit reports.

* Consider purchasing identity theft insurance. It cannot protect you from becoming a victim of identity theft, but it can help you pay the cost of reclaiming your financial identity. Be wary of identity theft protection services; the Consumer Federation of America has found they may not be worth the cost.

Great S.F. One Night Stands: Tip-of-the-Day #179


TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOME REAL SAN FRANCISCO TREATS

Summer, even fog-filled ones, should be filled with a few fun getaways, no? And, per some of my earlier posts, you don't have to go far to enjoy time away. Here are a few awesome deals at San Francisco (and surrounding area) hotels that are really a can't-miss opp for some much needed R&R. Quick! Go!

40% Off In-Room Spa at Palomar
You'd go the extra mile for a good sports massage, but you wouldn't complain if that rubdown came to you—sort of like a spa version of room service—and at 40 percent off, no less. So book a night here, and don't plan on leaving your room.
Now through Sept 7, Hotel Palomar, 12 Fourth St (at Market), 415-348-1111

Urban Retreat at Hotel Vitale
They had you at free parking, but the kind people at the Hotel Vitale will also shower you with a bay-view room upgrade and $50 toward your meal at Americano when you book the Urban Retreat. You'll also get late checkout, but let's not think about that yet.
Now through Dec 31, 2009, Hotel Vitale, 8 Mission St (at Embarcadero), 415-278-3700

Ultimate Escape at the Claremont
Six years shy of a centennial, this 1915 resort on the sunny side of the Bay is offering $99 rates for an overnight and free use of the spa, lounge, fitness room and three pools to show off its freshly renovated digs. All you have to do is show up.
Starts at $99/night, Claremont Resort & Spa, 41 Tunnel Rd, Berkeley, 510-843-3000

Ultimate Date Night at Cavallo Point
This Fort Baker Army post turned luxury resort boasting an unreal view of the Golden Gate is throwing in complimentary breakfast and dinner at Murray Circle, spa and fitness club access and parking when you book a Contemporary King Junior Suite. In other words, you'll get the royal treatment.
Starts at $395, through Aug 31, Cavallo Point Lodge, 601 Murray Circle, Sausalito, 415-339-4700

Dive Package at Bardessono
During the summer, it's no stretch to say: Wednesday is the new Friday—making it the perfect time to drive up for Bardessono's rooftop pool party and stay the night in a Spa Suite, with two drinks on the house and a three-course dinner for two. If only we could do something about those Mondays…
Just $299 (normally a room alone runs $800!), Weds through Oct 28, 2009, Bardessono Resort, Yountville, 707-204-6000 or email: jana.flahive@bardessono.com

Free Upgrades at AVIA Napa
The terrace fire pit alone wins it. But luckily your Master Tub Suite keeps bringing it with a gas fireplace and deep soaking tub. So while there are endless wineries at your fingertips, you just might not step outside of this month-old hotel—until checkout.
Rooms starting at $200, AVIA Napa, 1450 First St, Napa, 866-644-2842

Top 100 Useful Internet Sites: Tip-of-the-Day #178


USEFUL SITES CAN SAVE MONEY & LEND HELPFUL INSIGHT!

Here is a round up of 100 of the most useful sites on the internet today for finding deals and freebies, the best advice for tackling financial problems and tools to make your life simpler and easier. Take a look!

The best sites for saving money
Bargaineering
Consumerism Commentary
The Dollar Stretcher
Financial Integrity
Get Rich Slowly
The Simple Dollar
The Simple Living Network
Smart Spending
Wise Bread

The best sites for savvier spending
Angie's List
BillShrink
The Budget Fashionista
Consumer Reports
The Consumerist
Edmunds.com
ePinions
FreeShipping.org
Red Tape Chronicles
Shop It To Me
ShopLocal.com

Best sites for bargain hunting
Ben's Bargains
DealNews
Ebates
FatWallet
MyBargainBuddy.com
Slickdeals

Best sites for grocery savings
CouponMom.com
The Grocery Game
Hot Coupon World
Penny Pincher Gazette

Best sites for coupons
Alex's Coupons
CouponCabin
CouponCode.com
Coupon Mountain
RetailMeNot.com

Best sites for comparison shopping
BeatMyPrice.com
BeatThat!
DiscountMore.com

Best sites for saving and investing
Bankrate.com
Findacreditunion.com
Morningstar
Financial Engines

Best sites for paying for college
FinAid
Savingforcollege.com

Best sites for managing your credit
AnnualCreditReport.com
CardRatings.com
Credit.com
CreditCards.com
CreditMattersBlog.com
myFICO

Best sites for real estate and mortgages
ThinkGlink.com
Mortgage Professor's Web Site
HUD.gov
Making Home Affordable

Best sites for free government help
Federal Citizen Information Center
The Federal Reserve
Govbenefits.gov
Home Energy Saver
Mymoney.gov

Best sites for insurance
Insure.com
United Policyholders

Best sites for doing it yourself
Fix-It Club
Instructables
Nolo

Best sites for travel
Farecast
Kayak
MouseSavers.com
OneBag
SeatGuru
Theme Park Insider
TripAdvisor
The Universal Packing List
WebFlyer

Best sites for really cheap travel
CouchSurfing
HomeExchange.com
Less than a Shoestring

Best sites for charitable giving
Charity Navigator
DonorsChoose.org
GuideStar

Best sites for productivity and careers
The Blog of Tim Ferriss
The Brazen Careerist
Lifehacker
The Thin Pink Line
WebWorkerDaily
Zen Habits

Best sites for free entertainment
Fancast
Hulu
Pandora

Best sites for freebies
Freebiewatch
Free Stuff Times
Hey, It's Free!

Best sites for swapping stuff
Freecycle
PaperBack Swap
TitleTrader

Best sites for free tech stuff
5 Star Support
OnlyFreewares.com
Mozy
Tech-Recipes
Wi-Fi Free Spot
Zoho