Shopping around for a new bank?

If so, use this code: 100MBNA to score $100 with Bank of America when you open a free checking account (with direct deposit).

FSF: Budget Tools

Jonathan over at MyMoneyBlog has compiled an excellent list of budgeting tools for you to peruse.

Personally, I use PearBudget in partnership with Google Spreadsheets (to make it available online) and have been pretty happy with it.

It does have some limitations:
- Obviously, not being web-based.
- Does not have description fields as it is a straight Excel spreadsheet.
- Does not always accept updates made on the "main page."

However:
- it is simple.
- it is user friendly.
- it has great analysis tools.

Starting next month, I am going to try out mo.neytrack.in. My initial tour through the site got me pretty jazzed as it seems to fill in some of PearBudget's gaps. I am especially interested in using it to track "group expenses" with my roommates. This could be revolutionary.

To sum up, pick a budget, any budget, so long as it works for you, and you use it.

Free Stuff Friday (FSF): Free 411

A better way to save? Quit calling 411 and dial 1-800-FREE411, a new directory assistance service without the annoying 411 charges that creep up on your monthly phone bill.

Instead of spending $1.50 to locate the number for late-night pizza delivery, a 24-hour grocer, or your hairdresser’s new number, you can get the same directory assistance as regular 411 at no cost. Dial away! Calls are unlimited. Plug 1-800-FREE411 (800-373-3411) into your speed dial.

- An excellent tip from Daily Candy

Free McDonald's Snack Wraps this Saturday November 9, 2006

I heard this on the radio whilst driving last night. It seems that McDonald's is doing a promotion to promote their new snack wrap by giving them away for free. I believe the hours were 12-2 at participating McDonald's restaurants (wherever those are). The website seems to neither confirm nor deny this claim, so your worst case scenario is that you will end up at McD's for lunch. There are certainly worst things.

Bring on the Price Wars!

It seems that the largest retailer in the world has been struggling to meet its financial quotas; what fantastic news for consumers! Since Wal-Mart has such a large portion of the market share, their price cuts will hopefully have the effect of slashing prices across the board at other retailers such as Target and department stores. In a practical sense, we should all be even more alert to shopping around, looking for coupons, and not settling for anything but the very best price.

I have mentioned in previous posts about searching for coupons for things you are going to buy anyway, and a friend (thanks, Allie) gave me another great coupon link: Coupon Mountain. There's no reason not to check sites such as these out before buying! Price cuts and a little homework can end up saving you some hard-earned cash. Just for example, here's a 10% off code for Target: TCRCPTAA. If you were going to get something there anyway, why not save 10%?

Just remember amidst the coupon frenzy, the best way to save money is not to spend it in the first place. Happy saving!

Free Stuff Friday (Er, Sunday)

I apologize about the slight lag between Sunday and Friday, but alas. As promised, the first installment of Free Stuff Friday features free online stock trades at Zecco. At first glance, you have got to be saying to yourself, wow, this sounds too good to be true. Good for you. Some skepticism is healthy. However, in this case, it seems mostly unwarranted.

The trades are free, up to 40 trades per month, but the catch is that you need to open your account with $2500. That's a lot of cash. There's no minimum as to how much you need to keep in the account, only how much to initially fund it. This is how they make their money for the most part - they earn interest on your cash. If you are a high roller and make a lot of trades per month (I definitely do not - I am in for the long run), then this is a fantastic deal. Free? Sure, why not. As for me, I am going to stick with Sogo Invest, with their $1 trades for the first 90 days. There's no account minimums to open, so it's a bit more appropriate for a smaller G like myself. However, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to talk about this great free service!

Free Stuff Friday

I have decided to start a fun little thing I am calling "Free Stuff Friday" on this blog. My goal is to scour the internet for useful freebies and pass them along. As part of the virtual "ribbon cutting ceremony," this week there will be a posting a day early, you lucky dogs, you.

I'm practical, so this freebie seems a great place to start. Check out Degree's website for a free sample of deodorant. It may not be "sexy," but it sure is useful. No one likes a smelly girl.