Holiday Shopping Secrets

With the holiday season upon us, I want to share a few secrets that will sure to make your season bright!

Online Pricing in Retail Stores

As mentioned in previous posts, before you travel to retail outlets to do your shopping, make sure you test the online pricing waters with www.Amazon.com and Google's Shopping feature. Search for the items you plan to purchase, and in seconds, you'll have a clear picture where prices range in the market.

Further, a friend of mine recently discovered that retailers are beginning to take their online published pricing inside their stores. With a little research and a quick question to the store manager, you'll get better pricing and avoid the risk of shipping.

For you shoppers who prefer to "see and feel" the merchandise before buying, this may be the perfect fit for you. Imagine getting Internet prices and walking out with your gifts in hand...give it a try!

Seek Generous Return Policies

As you travel from store to store, ask the employees to explain their return policies this year. Focus your buying at stores with liberal policies that allow you to bring in coupons at a later date or let you bring your back your receipt when they have "After Christmas" sales to receive a credit on your merchandise.

Online Coupons are Real and Really Work

Take a gander at coupon sites like CouponChad.com (www.couponchad.com), Brad's Deals (www.bradsdeals.com), Coupons.com (www.coupons.com) and others. Retailers are using these sites more and more to tap into savvy buyers like you.

Invest in a Sunday Paper

For under $2, pick up this Sunday's major local newspaper. These papers are loaded with Holiday Shopping goodies like Buy 1 Get 1's, 50% off coupons and buy $25 in Gift Cards - get $5 Free. Hang on to those Manufacturer Coupons - they almost always accept them at retail stores even after the expiration date.

Keep close tabs on the retail fliers in the paper as they will continue to communicate their most recent deals. Focus your shopping list this year on the top items for sale and think about your needs for the coming 12-24 months. Is there something you anticipate buying in the near future that you can get steal on right now? Fliers are a great way to refresh your memory on what you need at home or for gifts in the coming year. Read it!

- Cash in the Couch

Wine Finder Friday

2007 Don Miguel Gascon - Malbec

This Malbec from Argentina was a pleasant surprise when I first tasted it. I sampled it at Binny's Beverage Depot (www.binnys.com) and noticed how well it was balanced.

The bottle cost around $11.99 and I soon thereafter found it on sale at Jewel for under $10.

It has violet color tones with great fruit flavor start to finish. It boasts plum, black cherry and spice notes throughout the middle. Surprisingly complex and can be drank easily with or without food.

Argentina and Chile are coming out with phenomenal wine for the price. Don't turn your head away from these South American gems.

It's Friday...so raise your glass, and enjoy!

- Cash in the Couch

Wine Finder Friday

2007 Columbia Crest Two Vines - Vineyard 10 Red Wine

Let me preface this post by saying, WOW. This is by far the best bottle of wine I've ever tried under $6.

Masterfully blended, this Washington State product highlights the Cab Franc, Syrah and Sangiovese varietals. It has a medium body with sweet tannins. You'll catch raspberry, cherry and cola...and so much more!

As with any young, less expensive bottle, be sure to let it breath or decant for 30-45 minutes before enjoying for the optimum flavor profile.

Believe me when I say this one is a must buy!

It's Friday, so raise your glass...and enjoy!

- Cash in the Couch

Wine Finder Friday

This Friday, we look to a wonderful staple red wine for your cellar. It's the 2007 Hahn Estates Cabernet Saugvignon from the Central Coast of California. It's a perfect "second step" wine when you graduate into more complex cabernet.

I would almost say it has 2-3 flavor dimensions. It ranges from jammy to vanilla with cinnamon and spice. It's a tremendous value for the price and is highly recommended. It's not just your typical table red wine.

It's Friday...so raise your glass, and enjoy!

Cash in the Couch

Wine Finder Friday

Take a deep breath...it's Friday, and that means wine time.

This Friday's selection is the 2007 Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec from the Mendoza  region situated at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Trapiche is the most well known wine maker in Argentina and dates all the way back to 1883.

This great value at $9 boasts soft tannins and displays plum and blackberry upon first blush. It has a surprisingly long finish of black pepper spice and hints of vanilla.

I tried this wine at a friend's birthday party, was completely taken by surprise, and followed up with a Wine Finder Friday post.

It's Friday...so raise your glass, and enjoy!

Cash in the Couch

Does it Pay to Join Sam's Club?

With any membership that charges an annual fee, you need to decide whether it is cost effective to join. Cost effective to me means that the price of membership is far less than the savings earned. With a typical Club membership at around $35-45 (it’s cheaper if you take out a Business Membership), I would argue you should save almost double the cost annually, if not more.

Is it Worth it?
Recently, I’ve been keeping track of what I specifically buy at Sam’s to gauge if the membership is worth it. Here is a glance at my grocery list:

Electronics: Televisions, Cameras, Photo prints

I never recommend buying electronics without pricing around. Always check local retail stores and sales flyers along with online retailers like Amazon.com to ensure you are getting the best price. But let’s say you don’t comparison shop. Sam’s, Costco and others have very reasonable pricing on all electronics. In fact, I get all of my photo enlargements done there – they are fantastic.

Food: Cereal, Meats, Seafood, Cheese, Party Platters, Chips, Bakery, Frozen Pizza, Frozen Anything

Buying in bulk traditionally saves. Make sure you have your cell phone calculator handy to find the unit prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Beverages: Water and Booze. Buy your booze here. Seriously. I repeat, Buy your booze here. You get the point.

Alcohol prices at Sam’s is crazy low. My favorite example is a 24 pack of Miller Lite glass bottles. Remember, a 24 pack of ML cans at most grocers are around $15, maybe $13.99 on sale. Sam’s sells their glass bottles, traditionally more expensive, for around $13.45. Darn good price.

As there are many wine lovers on Cash in the Couch, wine prices are stellar. My favorite, of which I’ll cover in a future Wine Finder Friday, is Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon. Traditionally $15 in most grocers, Sam’s sells it for $11 and change.

Nestle Water Bottle cases which typically run from $3.99-6.99, once again, Sam’s sells for less…$3.49

You’re Not Cool Unless You Join (and save)
Now I don’t go there for everything, but when I’m saving $3 per bottle of wine, saving a $2 per box of cereal, $2 per case of water, I hit that $35 market in a flash…and you just might too.

See you at Sam’s, fellow member!

Cash in the Couch

Wine Finder Friday

Happy Friday Wine Lovers!

For today's Wine Finder Friday, we travel to the distant land of Chile for a Pinot Noir that's a true sleeper. This $11 selection produced by Concha y Toro - marketed as Casillero del Diablo - is a real surprise for Pinot Noir under $20.

Pinot Noir - A delicate fruit

You may be aware that the pinot grape is a very delicate and tough fruit to grow. It loves cool weather and rocky soil. Due to the challenges growing great pinot, it often costs well above $20 to taste its true brilliance...and that's what makes this selection a great find. Pinot Noir is famous for its light red, light body and mild acidity - a perfect first step into the world of red wine for cautious white wine generalists.

Casillero del Diablo is aged in French Oak for 8 months and features soft tones of chocolate, coffee and mixed fruit.

Pinot Noir is notorious for being food friendly, so drink and enjoy it with everything!

It's Friday...so raise your glass and enjoy!

Cash in the Couch

Blingin’ Watches on a Budget

I, like many, suffer from chronic watch envy. Don’t deny it. You probably suffer from it too. It’s a known habit that humans stare at bulging time pieces. Let’s face it, we all have caught ourselves gazing into the glare of a shiney wrist watch on an unsuspecting passerby and thought, “Daaang! That thing is huge…must have cost a fortune!”


Truth is, you can find some of those eye popping gems for a great price...if you look hard enough of course. But don't sweat it, I'll make it easy on you.


A Quick Lesson on Watches


- There are very few watch makers that can produce large quantities of high quality time pieces.


- You’ve noticed that companies like Fossil brand (www.fossil.com) have hundreds of different styles and price points. In fact, Fossil manufactures high quality watches for some very high-end brands like Michele and Michael Kors.


Make the Trip


Recently, I found myself in the market for a new watch as a gift for my now fiance. A friend of mine tipped me off that Michael Kors watches, similar to the styles found at Nordstroms, could be found on the cheap by heading to the local Prime Outlet Mall (http://www.primeoutlets.com/) and more specifically to the Fossil Watch Outlet (http://www.primeoutlets.com/our-brands/fossil.aspx).


After 5 minutes of visiting the store, I was awestruck by the selection, the brands they manufactured and the prices they sold them for...I ended up walking out of there with a $350 Michael Kors watch for $85.

Granted, most of the watches available were from last year's collection, but c'mon folks, who honestly knows that?! And who cares???

All in all, I walked out of that store with my shoulders back, my head held high, a beautiful time piece in hand, an elated bride to be, and a cool $265 back in my pocket.

Cash in the Couch

Wine Finder Friday - Fan's Choice

I'm excited to announce the very first Fan's Choice guest blog on Wine Finder Friday! My first guest is Eric McMillan, a friend, co-worker, and most notably a wine buddy and trusted palate when it comes to great vino. I want to thank Eric for his review and selection this week.

2007 Carmenere, Casa Silva Reserva (picture shows ‘03) from the Colchagua Valley region of Chile

Review

In my opinion, Casa Silva Reserva is one of THE BEST $10.00 bottles of wine I’ve ever had! I seriously mean that! When savored, it drinks like a dark chocolate covered plum. It’s light enough to drink in the afternoon but bold enough to enjoy with a delicious meal. I would have to say it’s a Chilean version of a cross between an “Old Vine” Zinfandel and a lighter bodied Cabernet Sauvignon.

Where to purchase

Although I discovered this when I was at Bin 36 (http://www.bin36.com/) - a great wine bar in Chicago - while enjoying some sarvecchio, I also found it at Binny’s (http://www.binnys.com/) for $9.99. Make sure to call your local wine store to confirm they carry this selection as I found not all locations carry it.

It's Friday... (a little late, I know!), so raise your glass and enjoy!

Cash in the Couch

Wine Finder Friday

This little gem can be found at Trader Joe's for around $7.99. Nerello del Bastardo by Marchesi di Montecristo is known as the "Bastard of Barolo", a similar taste to the famous Italian staple red wine. It is known to be made from Nebbiolo grapes and is more than likely blended with the Sangiovese varietal.

The fruit flavors of the wine match its pleasant nose with no unintended surprises. It’s deep red color almost accents brown around its edge. The bouquet offers black licorice, rose and blended fruit with a final touch of spice. It’s a big wine, but plenty mellow enough to enjoy alone or with food.

This is one of those wines that at a $7.99 price point, it makes sense to buy a case and store until its 8-12 years old reaching full maturity. It’s a really good value.

As with any young wine (2006, 2007, 2008 vintages), this wine especially needs to "breath" before it reaches its full potential. I recommend using a decanter or uncorking it and let it sit open for 30 minutes to an hour before enjoying.

If you want to make a smart investment in your wine portfolio, pick up the Vinturi Wine Aerator at Bed Bath and Beyond (and use your 20% off coupon to save $8). http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=16490091&RN=107 This handy tool opens wine up to its optimum nose and flavor faster than any decanter out there, and works one glass at a time. Give it a try! It’s fantastic!

It’s Friday, so raise your glass…and enjoy!

Cash in the Couch

When to Buy Store Brands

It looks the same. It costs a lot less. But I've never heard of this brand!? Should I buy it?

In many cases, the answer is YES!

In the October issue of Consumer Reports magazine, they reviewed store brands to big name brands, and the result was quite favorable for store brands. The article explains, "In blind tests, our trained tasters compared a big national brand with a store brand in 29 food categories. Store and national brands tasted about equally good 19 times. Four times, the store brand won; six times, the national brand won."

And the good news is, they reported "the store brand foods cost an average of 27 percent less".

Store Brand Milk

One product where this especially holds true is milk. Store brand dairy products are typically produced by the same name brand you see right next to it on the shelves. Take Dean Foods Fat Free Milk for instance. If you see a Dean Foods gallon of milk next to a Jewel brand gallon, they are the exact same milk. Companies like Prairie Farms and Swiss Valley do the same thing. Frankly, there are not enough dairy farmers left to handle the volume, so the large name brands produce most everything.

Test it Yourself

The next time you buy milk, pay close attention to the font and text size of the Good Until Date printed on the container. When the name brand and store brand dates look the same, you will know that store brand milk came from the same plant and the same production line as the name brand. The only difference is the label on the container.

Unless you are EXTREMELY brand loyal for whatever reason, save yourself some CASH and buy the store brand. It's the same milk!

I could go on about the comparisons with store brand hand soap, furniture polish, cheese, contact solution and medine, but you get the point. Give them a try! It PAYS.

Cash in the Couch

Wine Finder Friday

This week, we explore the lighter side of wine with a white selection. The 2006 Brampton Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa for $8.99 will blow you away for a wine under $10. It’s bright and intense with a pleasant sense of citrus and tropical fruits followed by its keynote soft, grassy notes.

The perfect food pairing is a lemon herb chicken breast with asparagus and garlic bread. But I’m not going to lie, it goes great with pizza!

It’s Friday…so raise your glass and enjoy!

Cash in the Couch

Use Credit Cards to Save Money

That just doesn't make sense, does it? Using a Credit Card to Save Money? Or does it make sense...

First a quick DISCLAIMER - the following ideas are for readers who have the financial ability to pay their bills in full every month. If you are in credit card debt paying minimums, please review your current buying habits, make cutbacks, and commit to paying down your debt every month with a deadline for being debt free. Please seek advice on handling your own personal situation.

That said, there's actually 2 ways this works.

One way to save money using a credit card is through the card's Reward Program. It is fairly common to find a credit card that will pay back the holder 1% of your total transactions.

Let's say a person makes $50,000 (after taxes) and is able to put away 10% for retirement. After rent/mortgage payments (20%), the vast majority of the remaining $35,000 of life's expenses can be paid for by credit card. Cell phone bills, cable bills, clothes, groceries, gas, transportation, dinner, drinks - all can go on plastic. Just think, if you were able to put all $35,000 on your credit card, you'd have an extra $350 cash in your pocket to treat yourself to that new TV or a relaxing weekend away. But don't be deceived...

Be careful: Some credit cards will charge you an annual fee for their Rewards Program. You shouldn't have to pay a fee, so keep your eyes peeled for a free program.

The behavior of using a credit card to save can be counter-intuitive. We've been trained that Credit Cards are bad, that they'll suck you in and make you spend money you don't have to spend. But for financially responsible folks like yourselves, they give you a financial advantage.

The second opportunity to save is through a little financial trick called the Time Value of Money (TVM). Investopedia defines TVM as, "The idea that money available at the present time is worth more than the same amount in the future due to its potential earning capacity." (http://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/timevalueofmoney.asp) Since credit cards only require you to pay once every 30 days, think about a lifetime's worth of spending where you can delay your payments every 30 days as opposed to spending the money at the time of purchase.

REWARDS:

Look for a program that gives a CASH reward. While free flights and gift certificates for electronics are great, nothing, I MEAN NOTHING, is better than CASH. You can buy anything with it - flights, electronics and all.

So the next time you go to pull a bunch of cash out of the ATM or use your Debit card to pay, think again! Every $100 spent with Cash or Debit Card is another dollar lost!

Here's a quick tip...to use at the BAR!

1. Ask the server if the bar has a credit card minimum. If you can't reach the minimum, have another!

2. Instead of paying cash every time you get a drink, put down your card and open a tab. This will help you avoid over-tipping (how many times have you tipped $1 on a $2 beer? - that's a 50% tip!) Unless you're trying to hit on the server, take my advice and open a tab.

3. Not only are you saving your cash and delaying payment, you're racking up those Rewards points to treat yourself for being so smart!

In short, solid knowledge of a Credit Card's advantages will change the way you think about money. But just be careful...make sure you read that devious fine print...it pays!

Cash in the Couch

Wine Finder Friday

This week, I'm going to give a shout-out to my friend and co-worker Eric for leading me into this delicious 2005 Shiraz by Rosemount Estates, typically under $9.99. Found in most retailers and grocery stores, this wine is a staple in my home cellar. The first nose is full of berry and spice. It finishes with a warm, smooth coating of American Oak.

I recommend the 2005 over the 2006 vintage, but 2006 is no slouch. As with most red wines worldwide, 2005 was an unbelievable weather year for wine.

I recommend pairing this wine with a thick cut of steak, mesquite pork chop or a collection of Cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Add a zesty vinaigrette dressing to mixed vegetable and lettuce salad and you have a dynamite meal that's sure to impress!

So raise your glass, and enjoy!

Cash in the Couch

Wine Finder Friday

Welcome to the first of many Wine Finder Friday posts - great wines under $12.99.

The inaugural selection is Tres Ojos Old Vines Grenacha, a staple varietal from the Calatayud region of Spain. Commonly found under $10, this delicious fruit forward wine is a steal! You'll find hints of tart raspberry and red berry with a touch of spice...this wine goes far beyond the traditional Grenacha flavor. You can buy it online or at your local wine store like Binny's Beverage Depot (http://www.binnys.com/) in Chicagoland.

On a side note...

Since you are probably wondering... 'WHY SHOULD I LISTEN TO THIS GUY ABOUT WINE?'. Well, since 2003 I've been enamoured with learning about wine. It started back in college when visiting friends studying abroad in France, Italy and Spain where my love for wine took flight. My interest expanded with a trip to Napa Valley where I began to understand the difference between good and not so good wine.

As with everything I do, I decided to find the best value - it's all about more for less with me. I've been tasting wines from all over the world, all under $12.99 (I'm not rich, you know!) and found some spectacular wines - some that drink to well over a $30 bottle. So don't think that you have to spend $50 to find a great tasting wine.

I hope you enjoy trying some of my recommended selections. So raise your glass, and enjoy!

Cash in the Couch

What Free Credit Report?

Catchy jingles. Funny commercials. Free credit scores. Free credit reports.

You’ve heard credit reports are free. Experian, TransUnion, Equifax are the major agencies reporting credit and are required to provide free reports by law - 2 per year in fact. But the websites being advertised on TV and Radio are nothing but money traps for unsuspecting consumers. The reality is… “Free Credit Score” websites are FAR from being free.

I admit, I’m human. I make mistakes. But I never make mistakes when it comes to getting scammed out of money…never…NEVER!...well, that is until I needed to check my credit for the loan on my townhome. I was told the 3 major credit reporting agencies provide a free credit report twice per year. So I figured, well, I might as well try one. Big mistake. BIG.

Here’s the catch:

My mistake, of course, was found in the fine print. Where they get you is this: the fine print requires you to enroll in a credit report service for a monthly fee of around $10-$15. After I received my “FREE CREDIT REPORT”, I never realized I was getting charged monthly for access to my report any time I wanted. After 4 months of charges, I found a strange line item on my Visa statement. It was an unidentifiable account out of California. So I called Visa and disputed the charges and they told me it was linked to the "free credit.com" website.

2 months later, after repeated calls to the website customer service, and letters and calls from my attorney, I was able to reverse only 3 out of 6 months of charges. What a rip off! Who needs to keep a monthly watch over their credit for $12.95 per month?

I was floored! What a scam?! How can they do this legally?

While I don’t have that answer, I do know to stay away.

It’s scary folks…I just saw Ben Stein, a renowned and trusted economist and finance whiz, promoting the latest rip-off credit score business. These little companies are popping up everywhere - I know of 4 being advertised currently on TV.

Please proceed with caution – it’s not worth wasting your time and money…I paid for a great lesson and I’m glad to share this costly story.

If you’re looking for the real way to get a free credit report, refer to this article on how to find the right service, and don’t make the same mistake. You’re smarter than that!

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-debt/credit-reports-now-free-for-all.aspx

http://www.ftc.gov/freereports

Cash in the Couch

Slick Savings on Your Next Oil Change

Folks, it scares me how easy it is to get ripped off when you take your car in for an oil change. Some places charge over $40 for a very simple service that you have to perform at least a few times a year.

One fallacy is how often you need an oil change. Every 3,000 miles is what they tell you... because they love it when you stop by and spend money! Believe me, they LOOOOVE when you come to see them. But your wallet does not. Some cars take more oil or have improved efficiency and don't need changing every 3,000 miles (or whatever that tacky sticker on the windshield says). Also, synthetic oils have improved the lubrication process and last longer. For more information, check out: http://www.boston.com/cars/news/articles/2007/04/01/carmakers_increase_oil_change_intervals/

Here is a simple rule. If you are paying more than $25 (in Chicago) for an oil change, you're dripping money from your engine!

It's an easy fix, so don't panic.

Here's how:

1. Consult your car maintenance record for the suggested mileage for an oil change.


2. When you get your mail, PLEASE scan through the 'junk mail'. Look for your local Money Mailer, ValPak, Clipper Magazine and others. Inside, quickly scan through the coupons for your local oil change service. Look for Firestone, Merlin, Jiffy Lube, Midas, Tuffy, NTB and others.


3. Most coupons will be good for about a month, and will save you $5-$15...well worth the 2 minute 'junk mail' scan.


4. Go to the company's website for more deals and coupons. Your local, privately owned service may also have a website where they post their deals.


5. Caution: be aware that the price may or MAY NOT include your oil disposal and new filter. There may be an addition fee. Also, engines that take more oil may charge a few bucks extra. Make sure you read the fine print or ask the front desk.

It's that simple. Scan the mail and check the website - that's a cool $45-$90 bucks back into your pocket every year. Well done!

Cash in the Couch

Save Money on Great Wine - Wine Finder Friday

Coming this Friday...Wine Finder Friday! Save money on great wine under $12.99. Every Friday, stay tuned for my pick of the week.

Cut the Cable Bill in Half!

It was a few months after being laid off from my first job that I realized my cable bill was out of control - frankly offensive! I was paying nearly $100 per month for a basic cable package with a DVR and HD channels. I knew I had to put a cap on expenses, and fast.


I decided to call the customer service department with my provider to find out what, if anything, I could do to reduce my costs.

After talking with several different representatives, I learned the only division that had the authority to give a decent price break was the cancelation department. Their goal is to keep you as a customer...which is great news for you!


After several failed tries with different divisions, I called the cancellation department direct. Instead of choosing the "change/reduce service" prompt, I chose the cancel service option. Immediatley, I was connected to a representative who was able to not only reduce my bill by nearly 50% for 12 months, but she even threw in FREE HBO!


This really works! I my fiance's mom just saved over $30/month on her cable/internet bill this last week!


Here is how to negotiate the deal...


1. Call your provider - choose the cancel prompt or ask the representative to send you to the right person who can cancel your service
2. The cancellation rep, who I will call the "customer retention" rep, should ask some questions as to why you are cancelling or how they can keep you business. Play tough here!
3. Tell them that what you are paying is too high for your budget and you are looking at competitors to save money- you can even name them.
4. Let them know that you have been pleased with your service and that you would like to maintain the same services you have currently, but just need a break on the price as times are tough right now (which for a lot of us, this is no lie)
5. Politely ask if there are any promotions or temporary breaks that would allow you to stay with them.


You'll be amazed how easy this works and how much money you'll save.


I want to hear from you. Please share your success stories and ideas!

Good luck,



Cash in the Couch
Finding money where you least expect it.

"Cut the Cable Bill in Half" is coming soon...

Working on the first Cash in the Couch blog post on how to find money where you least expect it..."Cut the Cable Bill in Half"

The post reviews my recent experience with the cable provider...I was able to keep my DVR, HD Channel Package, added HBO and cut my bill in HALF!

Keep posted...and follow my blog updates on Twitter: @cashinthecouch

Talk soon!

John