My Way2Save anniversary was last week (that year FLEW by) and the year end bonus was so teensy I didn't even notice it for a few days.
I'd anticipated about $100 in rewards and got $66. The problem is that I don't use on-line billpay or my debit card and this program is designed to reward those who do. While I peaked at nineteen transactions during my first month I defaulted back to six (three credit cards paid off twice a month) once the glamour faded.
So is it worth is?
I guess so. On the one hand I have $66 more than I had without changing my financial routine. On the other hand $66 isn't worth waiting a year for - especially since I did so much mental math in anticipation!
School supplies are on sale - Must be mid-July! Slacker parents better get off their butts and start shopping because things that cost a penny this week will be at least 300 times more expensive when school starts!
Walgreens has a decent looking selection this week but the only thing that caught my eye were 50 cent Sharpies. They're not stainless steel but not all markers can be perfect.
CVS is having a gift-a-palooza this week! CVS' rewards program is simple: 1. Sign up for card 2. Use card 3. Instant reward prints at the bottom of your receipt.
Here's what they are giving away:
Caliber or CVS/pharmacy 1 subject notebook 70-80 sheets, .99c Free after ECB. Limit 2
Paper Mate Grip pens 8ct. .99c Free after ECB. Limit 3
Caliber or It's Academic 5" pointed or blunt tip scissors $2.99 Free after ECB. Limit 2
Caliber or CVS/pharmacy school glue 5oz .99 Free after ECB. Limit 2
Caliber or CVS/pharmacy 12" plastic or wood ruler .99 Free after ECB. Limit 2
Staples penny sales are back and to sweeten the deal the circular has a $5 off $20 coupon right on the front page!
Staples® 8.5" x 11" copy paper, 500 sheets, 1c After Rebate. Limit 2
#2 yellow pencils, 8/pack, 1c. Limit 2
Staples® photo plus 4" x 6" paper, $9.99 - 8.99 rebate. Limit 2
Since my move I've been caught up in the first season of Six Feet Under. Its oddly compelling.
Unfortunately the liner notes are spoiler whores. First season took place in 2001. The liner notes say one of the main characters is going to die in 2005. Not only does this mean they'll be safe from any possible injury for the next few seasons, I will now expect this death!
I never had this problem with Blockbuster. Sure they were slow and cheated me out of Smallville but at least they didn't send along any spoiler liners!
I love this Dunkin D's ad campaign! While the McGriddle holds my breakfast food heart croissanwiches aren't far behind.
There was the usual debate over at SlickDeals over a Kill-A-Watt measurer. These handy devices measure how much power devices draw during regular use, on standby mode, while powerring up, etc. Here are some real world figures from the thread on power usage. Interestingly enough his cell phone charger wasn't drawing any power unless connected to a phone.
Here's some useful trivia I drew away:
- Shredders (even ones with off switches) draw power when not in use. I use mine every day but Sunday and never unplug it! Needless to say I immediately got up and unplugged the thing.
- Laptop chargers have a rating on their power supply showing how energy effecient they are. Mine has a roman numeral IV which is "ok." V (five) is the most effecient while anything between I-III should really be considered for an upgrade. Find your rating by flipping over the power supply and looking for the characters within a small circle. Mine is an HP charger and says "Effeciency Level" right next to it.
There was also the everyday advice on attaching all electronics to one surge protector you completely shut off when done and a lot of back and forth debating on wether saving the extra $1 is worth all the extra hassle. Then some hippies jumped in and said if we all saved a watt we'd save the world and it went downhill from there.
To quote one post and summarize the thread: "Guys...people who want to save the planet like my roommate will never get along with people like me who are lazy and, quite honestly, look at the personal benefits rather than global."
Either way - if you want to save the planet or save a few bucks, do yourself a favor and unplug that shredder. Or if you live in the land of the sun and have an extra $700 buy a solar powerred doo-hickey to power everything you own (although not simultaneously). 
In honor of the Walkman's thirtieth birthday gizmodo decided to torture a 13 year old by making him carry one for an entire WEEK then ask if he preferred the walkman or an ipod.
Are you done laughing? Good because it took the poor kid three days to realize tapes had a side 2.
I wonder if this qualifies as child abuse. Thanks Ryan for the link. No thanks for the nostalgia ;)
Prior to couponing I had a vague idea of when things went on sale. Burgers were cheap in summer, soda around Super Bowl and school supplies in the fall.
Oh the naivete...
What's cheapest this Month:
• Air Conditioners
• Summer Sports Equipment
• Sportswear
• Craft Supplies
• Sodas, Hotdogs, Hamburger Meat, Condiments
• Loss leader school supplies start now through the end of August
Fruits and Vegetables in Season this Month:
• Watermelon
• Strawberries
• Cantaloupe
• Blueberries
• Peaches
• Apricots
• Kiwi
• Raspberries
• Plums
• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Summer Squash
• Corn
• Green Beans
• Lettuce
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