Top Shopping Deals for the Month of April

With several religious holidays this month, you’ll likely be preparing some big meals.

Thankfully, there are also plenty of deals at the grocery store for ingredients you’ll need to cook up those feasts. In April, you’ll discover great buys on the following:

• Ham
• Eggs
• Candy (especially if you wait until after Easter)
• Rolls and prepared dough products
• Pre-made pie crusts
• Frozen pies
• Cake mixes and frosting
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Lettuce
• Mushrooms

You’ll find some very good prices for non-food items as well. Whether you need some new sneakers, or want to cook your holiday dishes in new pots and pans, it’s time to go shopping! Check out this list of April bargains:
• Athletic shoes
• Cookware
• Electronics
• Fabric
• Tires and other car accessories

Take advantage of these deals while you can and get ready for the holidays and the nice warm weather.

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April Financial Calendar

1-30 Financial Literacy Month. Established in the US to encourage people to educate themselves about all things financial, Financial Literacy Month is the time to learn more about budgeting and improving your money habits.
Do something this month to expand your knowledge of financial matters—attend a financial seminar or read a book about finances written by one of your favorite money gurus.

1 Are you ready to file your taxes? Ensure you have all the forms and records you need to do your income taxes so you can file by April 17.

6 Good Friday. Spend time with loved ones today.

7 United Nations’ World Health Day. This holiday commemorates the importance of the health of all peoples. Every year on this date, the UN releases its message in terms of current health priorities. Why not use this day to survey your current financial health? It’s time to ensure your budget is in shape.

8 Easter. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Look over your entire investment portfolio this evening to ensure you’ve diversified your “nest egg” to ensure the best results.

17 Income Taxes Due. If you haven’t filed your taxes yet and can’t do it today, file an extension today so that you have until October 15 to file them. If you owe money though, the money is still due, so if you don’t pay until October, you’ll owe interest and penalties as well.

22 Earth Day. Established to celebrate our “neighborhood,” this holiday reminds us to give pause and thanks for the earth. Why not renew your recycling and re-purposing efforts? You’ll save waste at the local landfill and get double-duty from more of your personal belongings. Recycle, re-purpose and save money! For more information, and great activities for the whole family, see: Earth Day and Every Day: A Beginner’s Guide to Green Activities and Recipes (Green Matters)

25 Administrative Professionals’ Day. This day is designated to honor all the administrative professionals who keep the offices going. Why not splurge this year and give the administrative professional(s) at your office a $25 savings bond?
30 Get ready for spring. Have you thought about having a garage sale to make some extra money? Do some spring cleaning and price items you’re ready to get rid of. Deposit the money you make into your savings account. Good job!

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Best Shopping Bargains in March

Before you know it, the first day of spring will be here. Along with March’s arrival, grocery stores will offer some nice buys.

The National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Association has declared March to be National Frozen Food Month. And who will benefit from this designation? You, the shopper!

You’ll notice several coupons for frozen food items and great sales at your grocery store, too. Combine the two of them and you’ll save big money. It’s definitely the month to stock the freezer.

• Frozen Foods
• Lettuce
• Mangoes
• Pineapples

Non-food items are also available at bargain basement pricing. Boats are on sale again this month as showrooms need to be cleared for the new incoming models.

If you love good deals on perfume, March is your month. Because the perfume industry’s biggest shopping days are in December (holidays) and February (Valentine’s Day), their figures take a dive in March. So, in order to keep moving perfume off the shelves in March, they mark down their prices significantly. This is a great time to get that perfect birthday gift, or plan ahead to Mother’s Day!

Also, it’s almost time for gardening! Gardening tools are also on special this month, so check your wish list for garden implements.

If you don’t mind last year’s patterns, flatware and China will also be on sale in March. Here’s the quick list of March non-food deals:

• Boats
• Perfumes
• Gardening Tools
• Flatware
• China
• Luggage

Fill your freezer with frozen food deals this month. Then, prepare for gardening by purchasing all the tools you need on sale. Finally, take advantage of pricing on perfumes. When it’s all over, don’t be surprised if you find yourself looking forward to next March!

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Frugal Shopping for December

Although you have probably already spent a lot plenty for the holidays, December still has some bargains worth taking advantage of. There are still some discount-priced foods and consumer goods to be had, and don’t forget to use loyalty cards with the stores, and coupons.

Make your holiday dinners extra-special by taking advantage of these December deals at your grocery store:

✴ Dairy, such as butter and cheese
✴ Breads, like ready-made dough, dinner rolls and pie crusts
✴ Dessert items, such as cake mixes, icings, refrigerated cookie dough, pie filling
✴ Baking supplies, like yeast, sugar, flours, chocolate chips, spices, nuts, baking chocolate
✴ Ham
✴ Sweet potatoes
✴ Mushrooms
✴ Pears
✴ Tangerines
✴ Soda pop

You’ll enjoy some fantastic deals on a variety of consumer goods, given the time of year. Watch for big discounts on toys, tools and electronics. Plan to buy extra paper products for the kitchen. Make it a point to explore incredible savings at your local big box stores on the following goods:
✴ Toys
✴ Tools
✴ Gift cards
✴ Electronics, including computers
✴ Plastic wrap
✴ Aluminum foil
✴ Disposable bake ware
✴ Winter clothing, including coats

Did you know that you can also enjoy fantastic buys on wedding attire and home theater equipment this month? Save on these specially-priced items and watch your local sales circulars for even more in December.
Shop only the sales, and don’t forget to hit the after Christmas sales for anything you were putting off buying until you could get the bargain price.

Hint: If it is bright red, consider it as a gift for Valentine’s Day in a few weeks!

Shop smarter, live better, save big. That should be your resolution for 2012. Happy holidays, everyone!

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Frugal Shopping Ideas for October

October signals the arrival of fall. With the autumn comes a bounty of foods from nature. The holidays are also rapidly approaching, so you will want to start shopping slowly now so that you are not burdened all in one month. You will also want to pounce on any bargains you can find and start stocking up in the house before the snow starts to arrive (it can sometimes come as early as October!).

During October, shop for savings on these groceries:

*Soups
*Broths
*Canned fruits
*Canned vegetables
*Dried fruits, like raisins

Supplement meals this month with plenty of fresh produce. Try local farmers’ markets, warehouse clubs and vegetable wholesalers.

Look for bargains on these produce items:
*Broccoli
*Pumpkins
*Sweet potatoes
*Winter squash
*Cranberries
*Apples

If you’re in the market for large appliances, cookware, or accessories for your vehicle, October is a great month for the following items if you want to shop frugally:
*Trees and flower bulbs
*Tools used to landscape-garden
*Large appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, washers, and dryers
*Cookware
*Grills
*Lawn mowers
*Car accessories
*Tires for your car

October can mean big savings for items like trees, shrubs and other gardening needs. You might also consider planting winter crops of vegetable in your garden to save even more on food this year. Take advantage of October deals to replace large appliances and get end-of-season summer items like grills and lawn mowers. October equals great bargains as we move from summer to fall and start getting ready for winter. Keep your eyes out for those special items already on your gift list.

And don’t forget to buy Halloween candy in the early part of the month before the prices go up due to the fancy wrappers. Then shop the sales starting November 1st as they have to clear away all the remainders in order to make more room for the Christmas items. You can get candy and décor at up to 90% off. Shop for the items without Halloween wrappers if you can find them or opt for orange and use them over the Thanksgiving holiday to treat family and friends. This little trick can save you a lot on candy this year.

FURTHER READING

YOUR RECESSION SURVIVAL GUIDE: How to Save Money and Even Boost Your Income in This Recession

Smart Spending Strategies

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Financial Calendar October

 

October 1-31 National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Perhaps you or someone you love is disabled and working. Take some time this month to talk to your children about this special “branch” of the workforce. Stress that people from all walks of life can earn and support themselves.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
This is pink ribbon month, so look out for the pink packages in stores which show that the companies that have joined in have pledged certain monies to help sponsor charity events. Also keep an eye out for walks and other special charity events you can participate in. Or just make a donation through free clicks at theanimalrescuecenter.com. The purple button donates food to animal shelters and the pink donates money toward free mammograms for women who can’t otherwise afford them.

October is also the start of the next fiscal quarter. Keep an eye on all your business finances, and if you are not ready for the holiday selling season yet, well, what are you waiting for?

5th World Teachers’ Day.
Today is set aside to honor teachers and their contribution to the education of children all over the world. Reflect on how you might honor your children’s teachers today and take some time to talk with your children about what they want to be when they grow up. Mention the importance of financial responsibility in order to plan for your financial future and meet all of your goals. Also stop off at theanimalrescuesite.com and click on the purple button to donate food to animal shelters. Then click on the Literacy site button to donate free books to children all over the world.

8th National Children’s Day.
This day is to celebrate children. If you have children, you know just how important they are to your life. Why not take your children to the bank today and help them open their own savings accounts? Go to theanimalrescuesite.com and click to donate food to animal shelters, then click on the free link for Children’s Health to donate money from the sponsors to support child health care initiatives all over the globe. Also remember that you and the kids can play free sponsored games from the site. The more minutes you log in, the more money the sponsors donate to the worthy causes listed at the site.

Columbus Day.
Columbus Day celebrates Christopher Columbus’s first voyage to the Americas in 1492. Use this day off to review your budget for the past few months and check where you are in terms of savings for the upcoming holidays. You can also head over the theanimalrescuesite.com to click on the purple button to donate food for free to shelter pets, and the green button for the rainforest site to help preserve the last of the world’s great rainforests from further incursions and the loss of habitat that can bring animals living there to the brink of extinction.

15 Sweetest Day.
Sweetest Day was established to do something special for others, particularly for those who are less fortunate than yourself. On this Sweetest Day, make a donation to your local foster care organization or a world hunger cause. Go to theanimalrescuesite.com and click on the purple button to contribute free food to animal shelters. Then click on the yellow hunger button to donate food to end hunger worldwide.

16 National Bosses’ Day.
Celebrate your boss today. After all, it’s most likely because of him or her (directly or indirectly) that you’ve got a job. Even if they can be a pain, think of all the ways your steady paycheck makes your life easier.

16-22 Record all the money you spend for a week.
Beginning today, record every purchase and every bill you pay for the next week. Doing so will help highlight any unnecessary spending and help you curb these habits in the future.

24th United Nations Day.
It was on this day in 1945 that the UN’s document was signed and accepted by Security Council members. This date reminds us of UN’s mission, goals and achievements. Speaking of mission, goals and achievements, what are your missions, goals and achievements related to your finances so far this year? This is a good time to check to see if you are on target with your financial goals.

31 Halloween. “Treat” each of your children by making a $50 deposit into their individual savings accounts this Halloween instead of spending a small fortune on candy, costumes and decorations.

These are just a few ideas on how to make October a profitable and productive money when it comes to money matters.

For more how tos on a variety of money-related topics, see the Money Matters Series from Evelyn Trimborn, published by Eternal Spiral Books.

August 1-31
Family Fun Month.
Celebrate your family all month by planning a fun activity for your family each week: a barbecue one week, a walk through the park the next, and more. Take advantage of the family time together to teach your kids about managing money – a skill that will benefit them the rest of their life.

August 1st-Take time today to find out if your state has a sales tax holiday for back-to-school shopping. Mark your calendar with the dates and plan to do your shopping then. Set a goal to save big money on back to school-shopping this year.

7th-National Sisters’ Day. If you’re lucky enough to have a sister on this day, plan to spend some time with her. You can swap savvy saving and shopping tips to help save even more money.

12th-International Youth Day. This United Nations observance day pays homage to the world’s youth – their achievements and incredible impact on the world. Talk with your kids today and listen to their dreams for the future. Emphasize the importance of education and employment in creating their best lives possible. Discuss how your family saving for their goals needs to start now and might mean sacrifices today for a better tomorrow.

13th-National Garage Sale Day.
Believe it or not, there’s a day to celebrate the garage sale. Definitely plan to have yours this month. Use the money that you earn to make a difference to your family budget. For example, apply your takings to back-to-school shopping, save it, or invest it.

19th World Humanitarian Day.
This day observes the incredible perseverance by all the world’s humanitarian workers and to promote humanitarian causes. In particular, those who have lost their lives in the fight for humanitarian reasons are honored on this day. Consider a donation to the humanitarian effort of your choice. Think how you can make a difference in the world through your time and efforts. Also remember that wealth is relative. You may not think you have a lot, but you are far better off than many people around the world and there are some things that money can’t buy. Freedom is one of them.

24-Start shopping for a new car.
At this time of year, dealers are selling their remaining inventory of this year’s models at great savings to make room for next year’s new cars. To save some real money on your next new car, shop now for the best deals. Do your research carefully and see if now is the right time to buy.

26th-Women’s Equality Day. Celebrate the date that women were first given the right to vote in 1920 by purchasing a $50 savings bond for each of the favorite women in your life, such as your wife, sisters, and daughters. Women can treat themselves to their own $50 savings bond to celebrate this landmark day. Or, put the money into an interest bearing account and add to it, setting your own goals, hopes and dreams to improve your future.

31th. Make a call to reduce the interest rate on your credit card. It’s so important to try to save dollars however you can. Put some effort into reducing your credit card interest rates. Any reduction in the rate, no matter how small, is extra money in your pocket. The America’s Debt Diet and other websites have sample scripts you can use to help you get started saving money.

Don’t forget to check your budget and emergency fund to be sure you are on track. See the guide Emergency Fund 101 for more information. Also learn How to Use the Internet to Save Money.

Further Reading:

How to Slash Costs and Save Money on Everyday Expenses (More for Less Guides)

Smart Spending Strategies (More for Less Guides)

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Saving Money All Year Round-August Hints and Tips

August 1-31
Family Fun Month.
Celebrate your family all month by planning a fun activity for your family each week: a barbecue one week, a walk through the park the next, and more. Take advantage of the family time together to teach your kids about managing money – a skill that will benefit them the rest of their life.

August 1st-Take time today to find out if your state has a sales tax holiday for back-to-school shopping. Mark your calendar with the dates and plan to do your shopping then. Set a goal to save big money on back to school-shopping this year.

7th-National Sisters’ Day. If you’re lucky enough to have a sister on this day, plan to spend some time with her. You can swap savvy saving and shopping tips to help save even more money.

12th-International Youth Day. This United Nations observance day pays homage to the world’s youth – their achievements and incredible impact on the world. Talk with your kids today and listen to their dreams for the future. Emphasize the importance of education and employment in creating their best lives possible. Discuss how your family saving for their goals needs to start now and might mean sacrifices today for a better tomorrow.

13th-National Garage Sale Day.
Believe it or not, there’s a day to celebrate the garage sale. Definitely plan to have yours this month. Use the money that you earn to make a difference to your family budget. For example, apply your takings to back-to-school shopping, save it, or invest it.

19th World Humanitarian Day.
This day observes the incredible perseverance by all the world’s humanitarian workers and to promote humanitarian causes. In particular, those who have lost their lives in the fight for humanitarian reasons are honored on this day. Consider a donation to the humanitarian effort of your choice. Think how you can make a difference in the world through your time and efforts. Also remember that wealth is relative. You may not think you have a lot, but you are far better off than many people around the world and there are some things that money can’t buy. Freedom is one of them.

24-Start shopping for a new car.
At this time of year, dealers are selling their remaining inventory of this year’s models at great savings to make room for next year’s new cars. To save some real money on your next new car, shop now for the best deals. Do your research carefully and see if now is the right time to buy.

26th-Women’s Equality Day. Celebrate the date that women were first given the right to vote in 1920 by purchasing a $50 savings bond for each of the favorite women in your life, such as your wife, sisters, and daughters. Women can treat themselves to their own $50 savings bond to celebrate this landmark day. Or, put the money into an interest bearing account and add to it, setting your own goals, hopes and dreams to improve your future.

31th. Make a call to reduce the interest rate on your credit card. It’s so important to try to save dollars however you can. Put some effort into reducing your credit card interest rates. Any reduction in the rate, no matter how small, is extra money in your pocket. The America’s Debt Diet and other websites have sample scripts you can use to help you get started saving money.

Don’t forget to check your budget and emergency fund to be sure you are on track. See the guide Emergency Fund 101 for more information. Also learn How to Use the Internet to Save Money.

Further Reading:

How to Slash Costs and Save Money on Everyday Expenses (More for Less Guides)

Smart Spending Strategies (More for Less Guides)

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