Tackle financial resolutions with Mint

There are 31 coupons and freebies today. If you shop online, get a cash back rebate on every purchase through Ebates. Free to join! Don’t miss exclusive coupons we share on the BargainBabe.com Facebook page. “Like” us today!

Free cat food - Get a freebie sample of Meow Mix cat food via Walmart. US residents only. You must be 18 or older. One per household.

Free cappuccino - Get a free sample of Hills Bros cappuccino though Facebook when you “like” their page. While supplies last.

Freebie American Baby mag – Get a free subscription to American Baby magazine when you fill out a simple request form. The number of free issues you will receive depends on your due date and birth date.

Free recipes - Get 20 healthy and light recipes free from Mr. Food.

Free mags - Get free magazine issues of Transworld Surf, Saltwater Fisherman, Yachting, and Sport Fishing in digital format through ValueMags.com. No purchase necessary! I’ve got many free subscriptions through this site. The offers for Cosmo, Working Mother, Out, Flying, Seventeen, and Bridal Guide are still valid.

This weekend! Free museums with B of A card - Get into more than 150 museums nationwide on Jan. 7-8, 2012, the first full weekend of every month, with your Bank of America/Merrill Lynch debit or credit card as part of its museums on us program. The freebie includes general admission and excludes special exhibitions, ticketed shows and fundraising events. Only the cardholder gets in free.

Free makeup w/$25 - Pick out two freebie makeup samples from Sephora when you spend $25 or more and use coupon code 2012. While supplies last.

Free glam tote w/ $45 - Spend $45 and get a free glam tote using Sally beauty coupon code 444645 now through Jan. 31, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST>

Free Tee with $100 - Get a free technical Tee that says “I love running” plus free shipping when you spend $100 or more and use this click through Brooks Running coupon.

Crafty daily deal site - Talk about specialized daily deal sites! This one is for crafters who knit, sew, crochet, quilt, and make jewelry. Sounds kinda cool! Sign up for Craftsy to get their daily deals.

Harbor Freight sale - The New Year’s tool sale is now happening at Harbor Freight. Many items are 22-62% off. Ends Jan. 12, 2012.

HOT! Reebok coupon - Get 30% off all running footwear with Reebok coupon code RUN30 Jan. 6-12, 2012. Not valid on shoes that end in $.98 or on gift cards. Shipping is free on $79 or more, no coupon code needed.

Bloomie’s white sale - The white sale is going on at Bloomingdale’s in stores and online through Jan. 12, 2012. Get 20-55% off sheets, towels, and more.

Beef sale - Whole Foods is having a sale on beef roasts Jan. 6-8, 2012. Boneless chuck, bottom round, rump roast and more cuts will be $3.49/lb., a savings of around $2/lb.

Land’s End coupon - The warehouse sale is on! Get up to 66% off and free shipping with $50 or more using Land’s End coupon code SNOWMAN and PIN 7110. Expires Jan. 12, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

TCBY coupon - I just received a $1 off coupon for TCBY because I’m on the email list. Subscribe to get your coupon!

Elizabeth Arden coupon - Get 20% off your entire order with Elizabeth Arden coupon code NEWYEARS20. Expires Jan. 9, 2012.

Danskin coupon - More than 80 styles are 40% off as part of this Danskin sale going on. No end date given. No coupon code needed.

Ends today! Kohl’s coupon - Today, Jan. 5, 2012 is the last day to use this Kohl’s coupon for 15% off if you spend less than $100 or 20% off if you spend more than $100. Use coupon code HAPPYNY15 or NEWYEAR20, depending on your total. Shipping is $.99 per item or free with $75 or more.

Shoe clearance - Check out the shoe sales and clearance pairs at the Walking Company. Up to 60% off on women’s and men’s shoes.

Financial resolutions - Get on top of your financial resolutions with the many, many FREE tools from Mint.com.

Entertainment book deal - Get all 2012 Entertainment Books on sale for $20.12, plus shipping is free! Ends Jan. 6, 2011. Entertainment Book – Save an extra 25-35% in cash back when you shop through Ebates.

Restaurant.com coupon - Pay $4 for a $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate with coupon code FUN. You get a free $10 gift card with each order. Code expires Jan. 10, 2011. Gift cards are not eligible for this promo code. Here’s how Restaurant.com works.

Pottery Barn Kids sale - Kids furniture is 15-30% off now through Jan. 9, 2012. In store and online. Shipping surcharges still apply.

GQ mag $4.50 - Get a year of GQ mag for cheap when you subscribe Saturday, Jan. 7 through DiscountMags.com and use promo code 9040.

Glamour $4.50 - Get a year of GLamour mag at a discount, just $4.50, when you subscribe through DiscountMags.com on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, and use promo code 5997.

Mother Jones mag deal - Get a year of Mother Jones magazine from Best Deal Magazines for $5.29 (6 issues) today only! That’s 73% off cover. Expires Jan. 5, 2012.

Grocery coupons - My Coupon Database searches dozens of coupon sites for all grocery and drugstore coupons available, including Coupons.com, mobile coupons from Cellfire, Redplum, CouponNetwork, SmartSource, and lots more. Totally free!

Coupon lessons - Grocery University is a comprehensive, 19-lesson set that will take your coupon skills (if any) to the next savings level. Sign up for these coupon lessons now and see your grocery bill drop!

Free Target events - In 34 cities across the country, Target sponsors free museum days and cultural events. Search by city to see what’s happening near you.

Groupon travel deals - Find hot travel deals leaving from your city.

Clicking on these links supports BargainBabe.com. This post is copyrighted by BargainBabe.com. Other sites posting this content are violating the DMCA.

catd_mitchell / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

Seems like every year we make resolutions only to break them, but could it be that in the end we are saving money by not sticking to them? Below I calculate the amount of money spent on meeting New Year’s resolutions and share tips to getting them done on a budget.

I will get fit.

A gym membership costs about $40 a month (if not a lot more). In a year, you’ll spend $480! Can’t afford the gym? Get in shape on a budget with our tips. Heck, you can even make money while you exercise. How about taking up a part-time job as a dog walker?

I will read more.

New books cost $10 – $20 at bookstores. If you buy one every month you’ll spend between $120 – $240 a year. The solution? Head to the library for classics and new books for free – as long as you return them on time. You can also download the classics for free on your iPad, iTouch, or iPhone. I recently downloaded Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice for free! Have a Kindle? Here’s how to get free ebooks for your Kindle.

I will quit smoking.

Not only is this good for your health and those around you, but it will cost you. I did a search online for Nicorette Gum and found it for $68. NicoDerm Patches cost $156. Together it cost $224 and depending on how long it takes you to quit it will keep adding up! Don’t make this a reason not to quit. Smoking costs you lots, too. Bobbi shared a while ago how quitting smoking can save thousand of dollars a year. To lessen the cost of quitting smoking, keep in mind that some health care providers will cover some of the costs of quitting.

I will work on my finances.

Getting your finances in order can be a daunting task that’s why many rely on the expertise of financial advisers. Working with a CPA can cost up to $1,500 a year. Though this may seems like a hefty price to pay, keep in mind that professional advice can save you money. Planning for the future? Here are six cheap ways to stay on top of your finances and financial management tools to track where your money is going.

Although many of these resolutions carry a high price, look at the long-term benefits. To make it easier on your wallet, tackle one resolution at a time. What do you want to accomplish this year?

This post is copyrighted by BargainBabe.com. Any other site posting this content is violating the DMCA.

Check out Best Buy's current holiday sale!

There are 37 coupons and freebies today. If you shop online, get a cash back rebate on every purchase through Ebates. Free to join! Don’t miss exclusive coupons we share on the BargainBabe.com Facebook page. “Like” us today!

HOT! Last minute flight deals - Southwest has a bunch of last minute holiday travel deals when you book by Dec. 19 and travel Dec 14-21, 2011. The best flights and prices will go quickly.

Tomorrow! Free ice cream cupcake - Grab a free ice cream cupcake at Marble Slab Creamery and MaggieMoo’s Ice Cream & Treatery on Dec. 15, 2011 from 4-7 p.m. to celebrate National Cupcake Day.

Free Christmas music download - Get a free Christmas song from Tim McGraw to the tune of “Christmas All Over the World.” Unclear how long this will last.

Free movie rental - Get $1 off any rental (that means a free movie for most rentals!) with Blockbuster Express coupon code DOLLARDAYS. Expires Dec. 15, 2011.

Free MAC shipping + gift wrap - Get free standard shipping with no minimum order through Dec. 18 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Excludes gift cards and Pro members. Select holiday gift wrap at check out to get a free holiday gift box or bag.

Free Alaska planner - Get a free Alaska Vacation Planner. Expect promotional emails to follow.

HOT! Williams Sonoma coupon - Save 25% off all potware with this rare Williams Sonoma coupon code COOKWARE25. Expires Dec. 19, 2011. Some exclusions. FREE shipping included! Excludes online orders of Le Creuset. Thanks, Su May!

Gap $25 jeans - Today only, a bunch of Gap jeans are on sale for just $25. Online only. Select denim for Men and Women. Get an extra 2% back in cash when you shop through Ebates.

Bloomingdale’s coupon - Use Bloomingdale’s coupon code SNOWFLAKE to save 10% off purchases of $50-$99.99, 15% off purchases of $100-$149.99, and 20% off purchases of $150 or more. Offer valid online only Dec. 14-15, 2011.

Ends today! Avenue coupon - Save 40% off your entire order AND get free shipping on $75 or more with Avenue promo code AV111346. Expires Dec. 14, 2011.

Cardstore coupon - Get 50% off your entire order of holiday cards with Cardstore.com coupon code CSSAVE510. Expires Dec. 15.

Piperlime coupon - Save 20% off men’s boots with Piperlime coupon code BOOTS at checkout. Ends Dec. 15, 2011. Get an extra 2% back in cash when you shop through Ebates.

Shoemall coupon - Save 20% off $25 or more sitewide plus get free shipping with ShoeMall.com coupon code HOLIDAY. Valid today through Dec. 24, 2011.

PetCo sale - Many items are 20-50% off during Petco’s holiday sale. Shipping is free when you hit $49, or a flat $6, though some exclusions apply.

Best Buy - The late-week holiday sale at Best Buy runs Dec. 14-16. Shop through Ebates to get an extra 1-3.6% back.

Rockport shoes - Get 20% off your next pair of Rockport shoes with this click through coupon.

Pottery Barn Kids toy sale - Select toys are up to 40% off at the Pottery Barn Kids Holiday sale. Plus, shipping is free on some 800 items.

HOT! Land’s End sale - Everything is 30% off plus shipping is free with NO MINIMUM. Nice! Use Land’s End promo code SANTA and PIN 1212. Expires Dec. 19, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Get an extra 6% back in cash when you shop through Ebates.

Reebok deal - Get 30% off your entire order with Reebok promo code RBKTHANKS. The big coupon is part of a customer appreciate sale that ends Dec. 18, 2011.

H&M sale - Mega holiday sale, with lingerie from $1, tops from $5, cozy knits from $7, kids jackets from $10 and adults’ jackets from $15.

Track holiday spending - Track your holiday spending with free budgeting software from Mint.com.

The Walking Company coupon - Spend $100 and get a free upgrade to second day shipping with The Walking Company coupon code FREE2DAY. Expires Jan. 13, 2012.

J.Jill coupon - Save 25% off your entire purchase online with this click through J.Jill coupon.

Picaboo coupon - Get 20% off your order of holiday cards of $50 or more with coupon code SPREADJOY. Expires Dec. 15, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Bev Mo discount - Buy 6 or more bottles of wine in store or online and get an extra 10% off, no coupon code needed. Your discount will show up automatically in your cart. More than 300 bottles are eligible for the extra discount. Ends Jan. 2, 2012.

MyPublisher - Save 25% off $50 or more, or bigger discounts if you spend even more with MyPublisher coupon code FINALSALE. Expires Dec. 19.

Ends today! Restaurant.com coupon - Pay $2 for a $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate with coupon code STOCKING. Expires Dec. 14, 2011. Gift cards are $4 with this promo code. Not valid with egift cards and dinner of the month. Here’s how Restaurant.com works. Get an extra 20-30% back in cash when you shop through Ebates.

GoDaddy.com coupon - Save 15% off $30 or more with Go Daddy promo code gdz1241d. Expires Dec. 25, 2011.

Whole Living mag deal - DiscountMags.com has a $4 daily deal for a yearlong A-list mag subscription! Here is this week’s lineup of mag deals: Dec. 14 Whole Living magazine with promo code 5918; Dec. 15 Car and Driver with promo code 7567. Plus, get 10% off most mags with DiscountMags promo code HOLIDAY10. No expiration date given.

Family Fun mag deal - Get an extra 20% off with Family Fun magazine code WKLYSPEC through Dec. 18, 2011. You pay $3.76 for the year!

Taste of home deal - Get an extra 40% off with Taste of home magazine code TASTEOFHOME through Dec. 18, 2011. You pay $5.40 for the year!

Rider mag deals - Best Deal Magazines has a bunch of super cheap magazine deals – $4.39 for a year subscription unless otherwise noted – this week. Each deal is valid for one day only. Dec. 14 Rider ($5.29); Dec. 15 Yoga Journal; Dec. 16 Whole Living; Dec. 17 Oxygen ($5.29); Dec. 18 Car & Driver. Save an extra 15% off most titles with promo code PXCJ1218. Expires Dec. 18, 2011.

Grocery coupons - My Coupon Database searches dozens of coupon sites for all grocery and drugstore coupons available, including Coupons.com, mobile coupons from Cellfire, Redplum, CouponNetwork, SmartSource, and lots more. Totally free!

Coupon lessons - Grocery University is a comprehensive, 19-lesson set that will take your coupon skills (if any) to the next savings level. Sign up for these coupon lessons now and see your grocery bill drop!

Free Target events - In 34 cities across the country, Target sponsors free museum days and cultural events. Search by city to see what’s happening near you.

Groupon travel deals - Find hot travel deals leaving from your city.

Clicking on these links supports BargainBabe.com. This post is copyrighted by BargainBabe.com. Other sites posting this content are violating the DMCA.

This laptop is on super sale at Office Max today only! Credit: Office Max

There are 31 coupons and freebies today. If you shop online, get a cash back rebate on every purchase through Ebates. Free to join! Don’t miss exclusive coupons we share on the BargainBabe.com Facebook page. “Like” us today!

THIS WEEKEND! Free museums with B of A card - On the first full weekend of every month, get into more than 150 museums nationwide with your Bank of America/Merrill Lynch debit or credit card as part of its museums on us program. The freebie includes general admission and excludes special exhibitions, ticketed shows and fundraising events. Only the cardholder gets in free.

$25 mag credit - Join the online magazine newstand Zinio and get a $25 credit that you can use to buy any of their 5,000 titles. It’s all in digital format, so you can read your mags on your Kindle Fire, iPad, Android, and many more. Ends March 2012.

Free holiday music - Amazon has plenty of free holiday music to download. Check back because the selection changes frequently.

Freebie glasses cloth and cleaner – You can still get a coupon for a freebie cloth and cleaner for your glasses through Walmart.

OUT mag free - Get 10 free magazine issues of OUT in digital format through ValueMags.com. No purchase necessary! I’ve got many free subscriptions through this site.

Free coffee w/purchase - Buy one drink and get a second free with this Peet’s coupon. It is valid Dec. 1-4 from 2-5 p.m. each day. Not valid at BART, airport, and supermarket locations. Excludes bottles beverages.

Movie free w/$2 - Rent two movies at any Blockbuster Kiosk and get a third rental free (or $1 towards a higher-priced rental) with coupon code HOLIDAYFUN. Expires Dec. 4, 2011.

Free tax advice TurboTax - TurboTax customers can get free tax advice daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST.

Target coupons - Spend $75 on children’s and infant clothes, get 20% off with this click through online Target coupon. Disney princess toys are buy one get one 50% off with this Target coupon. Same deal on Thomas and Friends. Buy select Kinect bundles and get a $50 Target gift card free. Shop through Ebates for an extra 3% off.

Applebee’s gift card deal - Get a free bonus $10 gift card when you spend $50 or more on Applebee’s gift cards.

Gap coupon - Get 30% off new arrivals with Gap promo code GAPCHEER. Online only. Expires Dec. 4 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Get an extra 2% back when you shop through Ebates.

TODAY! Laptop deal - Today only Office Max is selling the HP Laptop (2000-353NR) for $339.99, (orig. $479.99). The deal expires Dec. 2, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. CST. The laptop has a 15.6-inch HD LED-backlit display, a 500GB hard drive with a built-in Wi-Fi, digital media reader, integrated webcam, and microphone and more. Get it online at Office Max holiday deals or in stores. Get an extra 3% back when you shop through Ebates.

NYT deal - Get 50% off the New York Times home delivery with this newspaper deal for 12 weeks. When you subscribe to the paper, even for just one day a week, you get complete access to nytimes.com. Check your zip code to see if this deal is available.

Old Navy coupon - Get $10 off $50 online and in stores with this Old Navy coupon that is accessible through its Facebook page. Get an extra 3% back when you shop through Ebates.

$.99 holiday deals - The 99 Cents Only store has many holiday items for less than $1, including holiday cards, ornaments, wreaths, stockings, garlands, gift wrap, and gift bags. Expect many similar items at other dollar stores, like Family Dollar.

Dell coupons - Dell has rotating computer and laptop deals as part of its 12 Days of Dell sale. Everyday there are new PC deals, each one lasts for 48 hours only. Free shipping, too! Ends Dec. 13, 2011. Get an extra 2% off when you shop through Ebates.

Kmart sale - This Sunday, Dec. 4 Kmart is having an online customer appreciation holiday sale with almost everything an extra 5-10% off. Shipping is free with $49 or more. Sale happening online only. Get an extra 6% back when you shop through Ebates.

Ghirardelli coupon - Everything ships for just $5 flat when you buy chocolate with this click through Ghirardelli coupon. No expiration date given. Get an extra 5% back when you shop through Ebates.

Kodak coupons - Spend $100 and get $25 off your Kodak Gallery photo order. That is a nice 25% discount on holiday cards! Get an extra 7.5% back when you shop through Ebates.

Cheap glasses - Get a pair of prescription glasses for cheap from CoastalContacts.com with the following coupons, which sadly cannot be combined. Use coupon code DOORCRASHER to get any of the frames within the Door Crasher Glasses category for $10. Or use coupon code 40PCYBER to get 40% off and free shipping on any eyeglasses order. Lastly, use coupon code 10CONTACTS to get $10 off plus free shipping any contact lens order over $150. Expires Dec. 4, 2012. Get an extra 5% back when you shop through Ebates.

REI free shipping - Now through Dec. 31, shipping is free at REI with no minimum. Hot stuff! Get an extra 6% back when you shop through Ebates.

Restaurant.com coupon - Pay $3 for a $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate with coupon code SNOW. Expires Dec. 4, 2011. Not valid with gift cards, egift cards, and dinner of the month. Here’s how Restaurant.com works. Save an extra 25% off when you shop through Ebates.

Kohl’s coupon - Print this Kohl’s coupon pass and save 20% off through Dec. 5, 2011. Online use coupon code HOLLY20. Shipping is free with $50 or more. Get an extra 4% back when you shop through Ebates.

Grocery coupons - My Coupon Database searches dozens of coupon sites for all grocery and drugstore coupons available, including Coupons.com, mobile coupons from Cellfire, Redplum, CouponNetwork, SmartSource, and lots more. Totally free!

Land’s End coupon - Get free shipping with no minimum with Land’s End coupon code STAR and PIN 3013. Expires Dec. 2 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Get an extra 6% cash back when you shop through Ebates.

Coupon lessons - Grocery University is a comprehensive, 19-lesson set that will take your coupon skills (if any) to the next savings level. Sign up for these coupon lessons now and see your grocery bill drop!

Container store coupon - Spend $100 and get free shipping through Dec. 4, 2011. No code needed.

Free Target events - In 34 cities across the country, Target sponsors free museum days and cultural events. Search by city to see what’s happening near you.

Groupon travel deals - Find hot travel deals leaving from your city.

Mega Swagbucks – It’s Friday and that means it’s Mega Swagbucks day, when you earn even more swagbucks for your normal Internet searching. Get 30 Swagbucks just for joining. This site feeds my Starbucks habit!

Clicking on these links supports BargainBabe.com. This post is copyrighted by BargainBabe.com. Other sites posting this content are violating the DMCA.

Grocery University is on sale for less than $10!

If you missed yesterday’s super sale at Grocery University, a 19-part coupon class, the sale has been extended! The audio class usually sells for $24.95 but today it is on sale for $9.95. That’s 60% off!!!

This sale only comes around every six months, so if you have any interest in using grocery coupons to save money, or want to take your couponing to the next level, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND GROCERY UNIVERSITY. I use it, and it has really helped me fine tune my couponing. I’m even getting my husband involved!

Here’s a sneak peek at Grocery University, taught by my blogger friend Carrie.

The first chapter is on menu planning, which cuts down on extra grocery trips and helps avoid eating out and ordering take out. The trick, Carrie says, is to make a grocery list around sales, then plan the meals based on what deals you’ll be getting. People usually do the meal planning first. It’s not about changing what meals you make, just timing them to sales.

Tip: Carrie compares grocery sales at five stores each week, but she only shops at the 2-3 stores with the most deals.

Her grocery list is comprised of:

• What’s on sale that week.
• What’s at a stock up price (to replenish her pantry).
• What she absolutely needs to buy that week, even if it’s full price.

Carrie’s goal is to buy the main items in her meal plan at a great price. She spends 15-20 minutes each week to plan meals and says she eventually developed a feel for meal planning around sales and can “wing it.”

Grocery University will help you learn to use coupons and take your coupon savings to the next level. The lessons are quick (most less than 10 minutes) and Carrie is fun to listen to.

Today is your last chance to buy Grocery University for less than $10 and start saving hundreds of dollars at the grocery store.

I earn a commission on each GU sold. Thank you for helping me make BargainBabe.com my full time job!

Get these Black Friday apps to save

This list of five Black Friday apps comes from iYogi, which provides computer support for consumers and small businesses. A common feature is the ability to share deals on Facebook and other sites.

Go straight to all the Black Friday 2011 deals and ads.

TGI Black Friday – Search thousands of deals from stores like Best Buy, Kohls, Macys, Target, Walmart, and more. Get updates from almost all the major retail stores, download PDF ad scans, create personalized shopping lists, e-mail deals to friends, and compare prices of products across various stores and categories.

The Coupons App - The Coupons App Android application is a must-have if you want to grab a good deal this Black Friday. This app provides the latest shopping deals and online coupons for countless retail stores, beauty products, restaurants, and gas stations–all at your fingertips. For a specific deal, the ‘Voice Search’ function will let you find the coupon of your interest available at a best price. With barcode scanner to compare prices.

The Black Friday Deal Finder - This iPhone app places all pre-released advertisements from various retailers at your fingertips. It also categorizes products by brand, price, free shipping, online availability of products, and best discounts. The Black Friday Deal Finder updates and notifies you of any new deal or advertisement release. One can create customized shopping lists and ensign his/her favorite deal for quick and easy access.

Groupon App -  Groupon presents another free shopping application for iPhone, Android and Blackberry users. This app categorizes deals of up to 50%-90% discounts on various products and is available in more than 500 cities across the world.

Google Shopper - This app helps customers find unbelievable deals on millions of products online. It provides shoppers the opportunity to pinpoint the best deal with various interactive features. Google Shopper app hosts features like: “Today’s offer”, “Scan the cover of book and media”, “Search by voice” etc.

Last chance to win!

There are FIVE GIVEAWAYS ENDING TOMORROW! So this is your last chance to enter to win. Click on the links below to enter now!!!

Contests that end Nov. 24, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST

• $99 HP HD webcam
• $99 doll, train, and toys from Cracker Barrel
• $100 Lands’ End gift card
• $100 storage cubes from Way Basics
• $100 holiday cards from DaySpring

Contests that end Nov. 29, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST

• $199 Rockboard scooter
• $100 Bertolli pot and accessories
• $100 Carter’s gift card
• $100 in cash from Ebates
• $120 designer reusable bags from Envirosax

This post is copyrighted by BargainBabe.com. Any other site posting this content is violating the DMCA.

Sarah_Ackerman / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

I’ve come across even more ways to save money on movie tickets, so I’m combining an older post (which you can see here) to share a total of 12 ways to save on movie tickets. I also included a list of sites that offer free movie screenings below.

Second-run movie theaters – I’m lucky to have a theater nearby that plays movies only a few weeks old. It makes me feel like I’m not missing out on a movie when everyone is talking about it. And you can’t beat the price – a fraction of mainstream theaters.

Work/school discounts – Many universities give students discounts on movie tickets. So do many companies (typical of bigger ones). All you have to do is buy the movie ticket vouchers at the school’s ticket office or your company’s HR department. Make sure to check ahead of time if there are any restrictions. Some tickets are not valid for the first two weeks of a new release.

Facebook coupons – A while back I wrote about compromising ethics to save money and one of the examples I included was sneaking snacks into the movies to avoid ridiculous concession prices. You can now score freebie popcorn or drink coupons by “liking” theaters on Facebook. AMC is one movie chain that regularly releases movie coupons on Facebook.

Daily deal sites – If you can get a Fandango movie ticket discount on a daily deal site, go for it. Just be aware that Fandango has a service fee. AMC movie tickets is another one I’ve seen discounted on daily deal sites.

AAA discounts – Reader Robin suggested getting movie theater deals through AAA if you’re a member. While browsing their site I discovered they have discounts to theme parks and more.

Senior, military, or student? – Many theaters offer discounted prices to students, seniors, and military personnel so make sure to ask at the box office about a discount. Most of the time, discounts for seniors, military, and students are not advertised. Be sure to bring ID.

Head to Costco. Not only can you buy a year’s worth of toilet paper but you can get cheaper movie tickets. I bought two tickets for $15.49 for the Regal Cinemas chain that I will use to watch “Inception.” The cashier told me the warehouse also sells AMC tickets for a couple cents more.

Buy in bulk. If you’re loyal to a theater, take advantage of their rewards program. AMC Theaters’ Stubs program is $12 a year but includes free concession upgrades, $10 in rewards for every $100 spent, and a waiver for online ticket fees. The Regal Cinemas’ Regal Crown Club awards one point per $1 spent. When you rack up 120 points, you can redeem them for a free ticket. Other theaters send special offers to members.

Entertainment Book. Another friend, Kristin, said she buys Entertainment Books when they are discounted (the books are currently going for $25-$40 for 2012). Movie tickets cost $5 to $6 with the Entertainment Book.

Go to a matinee. The easiest way to save money and avoid the crowds is to head to the movie theater in the morning and not during peak days like Friday and Saturday. Make sure to check the times your local movie theater considers matinees as it varies from theater to theater. You’d be surprised how late some matinees start!

Think independent. I’m not suggesting you go by yourself. Find local independent theaters and frequent them for their low prices. The theater I went to is small and only has three screens but it was clean and had an old Hollywood vibe to it.

Movie screenings – Catching a movie before it’s release date is possible if you’re willing to do some work. All you have to do is score an invite. Trust me, it’s easier than it sounds! I first learned about movie screenings while I was walking around my university campus. There’s usually a couple of guys and gals hanging around campuses asking students if they want to screen a movie, but you don’t have to go track these people down. Below are some sites to consider if you want to screen a movie.

• Film Metro - It’s free to sign up with this site. Once you do, you’ll start receiving invitations to screenings.
• GoFobo - To access free screenings on this site, you’ll have to register. Most screenings are private and a RSVP code is needed. When there are extra seat available, invites are sent to those who are registered. These are sent shot notice.
• Confirm4Movies - This site requires you to register on the USA Audiences websites. Once in their database, you’ll get invitations to screenings. For most these screenings you’ll have to arrive one hour prior to the movie starting and you’ll be asked to answer a few questions afterwards.
• MyCinemaAccess - Registration is free for this site. All you have to do is wait to learn when screenings are available and RSVP. They are adamant about not overbooking a screening, so they ask that if you RSVP you show up.
• Cinemit - This site only offers screenings in Boston, Washington, New York and Philadelphia. To get an RSVP to a screening you’ll have to register with them. It’s free. Screenings will be posted on the site and member are required to answer a question to be considered. It’s based on a first come, first serve bases and there is no right or wrong answer.

Winner and runner ups announced below!

Visiting family and traveling were the two retirement activities most desired by the 42 readers who entered our contest to win “Can I Retire?” by Mike Piper, a self-published blogger who I met at a conference recently. Olivia made me laugh out loud when she said her priorities were “God first, then family, and finally fishing.” But I decided to declare as the winner…

Rhonda Fedro, who dreams of helping others like her:

I want to be able to relax and enjoy each season. . maybe find a husband since I’ve singled parented my kids there was no time. I also would LOVE to volunteer with single moms and help them develop a career path – i sew so maybe i could fit them for attire from goodwill .. that would enable them to join the workforce in style .. along with helping them budget, I love trying to budget, and for me it’s harder and harder w/prices higher and higher .. So those are my goals, I’m just hoping health holds out as I age.. Thank you!

First runner up is Diane Phillips:

I am looking forward to retiring so I can do all of the things I have always wanted to do but had to work instead. Volunteer at the local animal shelter, become a docent at the local zoo, spend more time with my family, audition for the philharmonic are just a few. I want to get more exercise, read more books and see Greece and Australia. Hopefully I will be blessed with enough retirement years to accomplish them all.

Second runner up is Sonia Lites:

I would like to enjoy my retirement by not worrying about anything financially

Third runner up is kim:

I would spend some of my retirement hours volunteering at my local food bank and at the public library helping an adult learn to read.
I currently volunteer at a soup kitchen several times a year in addition to my fulltime+ hours as a dialysis RN. Also involved at my church and community organizations. My dream would be to take a special vacation every year expanding my horizons. Hey wait, I can do that now! Show me that retirement money!!!

Winner and runners up have been notified by email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, the book goes to the first runner up, and so on. Runners up will receive a “I BRAKE FOR BARGAINS” bumper sticker. Thanks to everyone who participated!!!!

If you didn’t win, buy Can I Retire? on Amazon for $10.20 (orig. $15). The Kindle version is just $5!

Check out our Coupon Database for the latest grocery, drugstore, and magazine coupons. Each week we share the top grocery coupon matches and the top drugstore coupon matches, including many freebie items! How does watching the show make you feel? I feel guilty that I don’t use more coupons.

Homemade laundry detergent recipe from Bree on Extreme Couponing

Ingredients

4 cups hot tap water

1 Fels-Naptha soap bar

1 cup washing soda

1 cup Borax

Directions

Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

Fill a five-gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (It will gel.)

Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per two gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons. Top-load machine: 5/8 cup per load (approximately 180 loads). Front-load machine: ¼ cup per load (approx. 640 loads).

Check out last week’s clip of Extreme Couponing.

Loud. Brash. Egotistical. That’s how I would describe Ramit Sethi, the New York Times best selling author of “I Will Teach You To Be Rich”. Ramit was the keynote speaker at the Financial Blogger Conference I attended and presented at earlier this month. He kicked off his talk with this video, which ticked off a lot of frugal bloggers.

After the conference my friend, Jen from Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, chatted me up on Skype.

Jen: Ok, I just watched the video…Funny, yes, but a TOTAL insult to frugal bloggers. So, was it funny in the context of his talk, or if you are a frugal blogger sitting there, would you still have been totally insulted?

Don’t want to read into it, but thought it was pretty nervy.

I understand his point, since his whole thing is about making money and don’t get caught up in saving $3 here and there. But what he forgets is that 80% of finances are behavior and emotion and if you can’t get your spending under control in the little things, it doesn’t matter how much you make, you’ll still have money issues.

So that is my beef with that. And since you were there, wondering your feedback. (Not like I am about to take on a NYT best seller or anything, BUT……

Julia: Yeah, the video was making fun of frugal and coupon bloggers, but I didn’t take it personally. Ramit is known for being inflammatory and making waves, so I guess I just saw it as another attempt to rile people up.

I believe in what I do and I know I save my readers thousands of dollars, not the pennies he showed in his video.

Not that I would try to convince him of that. Not worth my time, if you know what I mean!

Jen: I thought that probably was the take, that even frugal bloggers would chuckle if you were there and that out of context, it was just rude, but I did laugh and kind of laughed at him since he has no clue how the mentality of saving a bit here and there adds up to a lifetime of $100,000. Not everyone can be making 6 figures by just being entreupeneurial. But glad that everyone has that chance if they want to go for it.

What’s your take on Ramit’s video making fun of coupon clipping and frugality? Is this guy a total jerk?

Winner and runner-ups announced below!

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writter Yazmin Cruz.

I asked you to share how the recession has affected your financial situation for a chance to win Lorilee Craker’s “Money Secrets of the Amish” and my review post was flooded with comments. Many of you said you’ve cut down on frivolous things and are trying to save money on groceries. In need of coupons? Check out our Coupon Database to find all grocery and drugstore coupons available.

The first runner-up is Andrea Stempel who said her husband’s salary has been cut and they have been struggling to make ends meet for their family of six. The second runner-up is Christine Judd who recently graduated from college and is having a difficult time finding a job.

It was difficult picking the winner as there were many compelling stories, but I finally declared

Alison P. the winner because she’s turned saving money into a family affair. She wrote:

T Hoffarth / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

Have you ever caved into buying an item at a higher price because you didn’t want to be perceived as cheap? Last weekend, I did just that at the Santa Monica Pier, a major tourist attraction in California.

My family and I headed to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to grab drinks. At the front of the line I was faced with a major decision.

“Hi. I’m getting three regular sized drinks – a latte, a Mocha Ice Blended with whip, and hmm…where is it?” I asked.

“What drink?” responded the barista, looking at the menu.

“Oh there it is! My usual Black Forrest, please. Wow, it’s $5.75. Did your prices go up?”

“No, we’re at the pier. Your total is $18.03.”

I grinned nervously and turned to my dad, who I could tell disapproved of me forking over almost $20 for coffee.

“That’s not what we usually pay,” he whispered.

“We’re at the pier,” I heard myself respond as I handed over my debit card.

I didn’t notice the prices till I was ordering, and felt uneasy about canceling my order and walking out. What was I supposed to say? I was being charged 50% more just because we were in a tourist area. Should I have asked for a discount?

I still can’t left it go. At the time, I felt as if everyone was watching me because I was holding up the line. I didn’t want them to think I was a big cheap-o or worse, that I couldn’t afford the drinks! I also didn’t want to mortify my teenage sister like Julia embarrassed her friends when she haggled for cupcakes. So I paid up. Was I wrong to cave in?

I know there are a couple of things I could have done differently. I could have used my Swagbucks account to get a gift card to Starbucks and skipped the overpriced temptation at the pier. Alas, I failed to plan ahead.

What would you have done: haggled, walked out, or paid up?

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

I was really excited to receive “Money Secrets of the Amish,” by Lorilee Craker, who is the author of eleven books including New York Times bestseller “Through the Storm” with Lynne Spears (Britney Spears’ mother). Win my copy below.

The title tickled my curiosity about the Amish way of life. How frugal are they?

Like me, Craker wanted to learn more about the Amish after hearing they were thriving during the recession on NPR. Being a Mennonite and a journalist, she wanted to know more as her own financial situation tightened. Craker writes:

In contrast to my paranoia about being overleveraged and underfunded, the Amish were at peace, unruffled, and rich in contentment. As I dug deeper, I realized that these Plain people could teach me a thing or two about money, and what I could do, not only to hold on for dear life during this recession, but to actually thrive.

In the 224-page book, Craker learns about the money decisions Amish people live by and pass down. She interviews several people about their savvy spending habits. She’ll teach you tips for secondhand shopping, saving for a rainy day, and more. My favorite chapter in the book is about talking to children about money to show them self control and delayed gratification. The book is an easy read as it’s not a traditional financial book.

To win my review copy, let me know how the recession changed your financial situation. Can’t wait to read the book? Buy it on Amazon for $10.87 (orig. $15.99). Comment by Thursday Oct. 20, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST to be eligible to win. The winner will be announced Friday!

A fancy Vegas hotel room. (Not where our reader stayed). Credit: prayitno/Flickr

The Unethical Man wrote in with another money morality dilemma (he seems to run into them often):

Sorry, I got one more question for you. As you may already know, I go to Vegas quite a bit. I try to take advantage of as many free room night offers as I can. Why? Because when traveling out of town, one of the incidental expenses is the room. My question is whether you think it is unethical to accept an offer of free rooms from a property but not gamble there or eat there? You hardly spend any time at the property except for showering and sleeping. At checkout time, the bill reads $0.00 on the TV screen.
Ethical or unethical?

I think you are in the clear as long as part of the agreement for the free hotel room does not include a promise to spend time at the hotel eating or gambling. I’m sure that’s what the hotel wants, but it can’t force you to gamble any more than it can force you to starve.

More money morality posts:
Freebie tacos a deal or a steal?

Is BB a good Samaritan or greedy stranger?

Dilemma: Neighbors gave us cash we don’t want