One of the nicest things about using coupons is that it gives us a chance to bless others with our bounty. At the same time, we can also save money when giving gifts by creating baskets based on items we already have on hand. In fact, I have one couponing friend who creating prizes for her Bunco group by filling reusable grocery bags with things she purchased on sale. By doing so, she was able to give each winner over $200 in prizes while still staying under the $20 club limit.   Here are a few tips for creating a memorable and well received basket: Start with the right container. This can be a basket, flower pot, wastepaper basket, or cloth tote. When choosing the container, just remember that you will have to have enough items to fill it. Always line it with some special. While you can use tissue paper, it is so much nicer to include something your recipient can use later, such as a wash cloth, napkin or place mat. Finish your look with great wrapping. … [Read more...]

  As the hot summer months grow even hotter, most of us are sitting at our office desks and computer screens dreaming of mountain getaways, beach vacations, and new places. When summertime hits, really we're dreaming of going anywhere else. Summer is about sunny vacations, window-down road trips, and warm nights doing something new. But, as worries about a downtrodden economy, rising debt, and budgeting continue to plague all of us in one way or another, summer vacations and pricey travel can feel like mere daydreaming. But, that dream vacation doesn't have to stay a dream. Consider these travel rewards credit cards to help you do the travelling you want to this summer. Of course, getting a credit card should be very carefully considered. Don't just go out and open any old account—evaluate your money situation, determine if a credit card is right for you, and look carefully into your many choices. There are numerous types of reward credit cards available—work to find the … [Read more...]

There are plenty of fabulous deals to be found on the Internet, and Heavenly Savings tries to alert you to as many of them as possible, bringing you up-to-the-minute coupons, discounts, and other offers. But the Internet is a big place, and there are deals hiding in every corner. The clever folks at Google have a tool that can help you scour all the nooks and crannies to find items for your own personalized wish list – and some of those items can be found for free. Google Alerts (http://www.google.com/alerts) – designed to notify you of information that you are monitoring on the web – can easily be manipulated to help you find free items and save you the task of scouring thousands of sites for these opportunities. Here’s how you can use this handy tool to start saving money by getting free stuff: Set Up Your Alerts The first thing you need to do is start brainstorming your keywords to monitor. There are many possible alerts that can yield free items, including: Free after … [Read more...]

With the rise in wireless technology, it is easier than ever to get good and reliable Home Security at an affordable price. Even if you have multiple needs in security, you can find good companies to meet them. There are camera systems that can help you keep an eye on both the interior and exterior of your property. You may even combine other safety and security needs including fire and carbon monoxide monitoring when you are looking for a complete home security system. Below are four kinds of alarm systems you can usually get all in one package when you are trying to protect your family. A good company like LifeShield will usually have these types of packages featured online.   1. Camera Monitoring One kind of system you can use to keep your family safe is through visual monitoring with cameras. Interior or concealable cameras may be necessary if you have service workers in the home any time you may not be. Also, you can make sure you keep loved ones safe with nanny cams … [Read more...]

Working in the same job for a number of years inspires some individuals to aim for early retirements so they can enjoy their lives. An early retirement typically occurs at about 55 years of age instead of the traditional 65-year rule. However, some individuals retire when they reach their 30s or 40s. The key to an early retirement involves having a workable strategy. Do Not Waste Money Foolishly Numerous single individuals and married couples tend to throw away money carelessly. These folks may as well buy trash receptacles in which to deposit their earnings every week. People think they need all sorts of items and amenities, but the fact is that most people do not miss these luxuries once they eliminate them from their daily lives. Every person has the right to have a good time and enjoy the money he or she earns by eating in a restaurant, watching a movie in a theater or attending a baseball game in person. Eliminate Cable Television, Cigarettes, Beer and Junk Food An … [Read more...]

  It didn’t matter where you lived when you were single or when you were newlyweds, but now that you have children it matters significantly. How do you find a family friendly neighborhood? What factors determine family friendliness? Where is the best place to raise your kids?   Common Concerns As with many parenting issues, answers will vary depending on the values of the family. There are, however, certain things all parents seem to want for their children. Good public schools are one of those things. Low crime rates are another. Both can be researched online. State education departments and many school districts publicly report standardized test scores, graduation and drop-out rates, as well as average classroom sizes. Crime rates are also available online. Most families, understandably, want to avoid neighborhoods where registered sex offenders are living.   Preferences Other factors you might consider when looking for a family friendly place to … [Read more...]