The Saving Squad Helps Families Live Well for Less

There is power in numbers. And when it comes to saving you money, why settle for one source when you can have five of the best opinions in one place? Allow me to introduce you to the Savings Squad.

The Savings Squad is a mega-savings team made up of a published author, a licensed therapist (that's me!!!), a mom of four, a bargain hunting dad of three, and a social media bad-ass. Together, it’s our mission to help our readers become educated consumers and live well for less. From gift giving to family dinners we have you covered!

Here are our top five tips to help you save money this holiday season!

Hit “Snooze” on Black Friday
Looking for an alternative to 4 a.m. lines on Black Friday morning? Shop eBay.com on the weekend after Black Friday. Thousands of “entrepreneurs” stand in line for the limited quantity deals only to turn around and sell the stuff on eBay the following day for a small profit. So buy from them on eBay, avoid the lines, and typically only pay a small fraction more for the item. I started doing this a couple years ago and have scored some amazing deals.
Kyle James
Chief Savings Officer: Online Shopping and Coupon Codes
Rather Be Shopping

Track Holiday Spending
A gift-giving spreadsheet can help you stay organized and keep your budget on track, especially if you shop for deals all year long. Include every person and occasion you’ll need to buy for – friends, family, coaches, babysitters, etc. Label the columns with recipient’s name (column A), item name (column B), and budgeted expense (column C). When you do find a great gift at the right price, record the actual expense (column D) and put it in your gift stash.
Kimberly Danger, Chief Savings Officer: Home and Family
MommySavers

Spend Less, Give MORE
Spend less and give more this holiday season. Once you set your gift giving budget for holiday shopping, challenge yourself (and your family!) to come in under budget. Give what is left over to your favorite charity and make a contribution to a charity or cause you are passionate about.
Jennifer Melnick Carota
Chief Savings Officer: Gifts and Charitable Giving
The Gift Therapist

Give the Gift of Beauty
Want to give the gift of beauty? Check out Eyes Lips and Face (e.l.f.) for terrific face and body products that deliver real value. The gift section has great selection at $7-$20 with some amazing items for $10!! Snag name brands at seriously discounted prices at beautyticket.com.
Stevie Wilson
Chief Savings Officer: Fashion and Beauty
LA Story

Clip to Save
When planning your holiday feast, save money by clipping coupons and pairing them with store sales. During the holidays grocery stores have some of the best prices of the year on meats, dairy items, canned goods and baking ingredients. Coupons are plentiful in the Sunday papers as well as online at Coupons.com, Pillsbury.com, BettyCrocker.com, Smartsource.com, EatBetterAmerica.com and Shortcuts.com. Plus, be on the lookout for coupon booklets in your local grocery store which are often loaded with money saving coupons.
Michelle Hovestadt,
Chief Savings Officer: Food, Family, and Freebies
Wicked Cool Deals

In addition to our websites above, be sure to find us on Facebook. Look for a Savings Squad Facebook Page very soon!

The Gift of Song: Aceto by michael CASTALDO

My dear friend micheal CASTALDO has done it again.  In addition to his work with the New York City Olive Oil Coop and La Dolce Vita Foundation, micheal has realeased his new classical crossover CD, "Aceto" for all to enjoy.  A compilation of classic Italian soulful songs, his third CD does not disappoint.  What a perfect gift to give to a host or hostess at your next dinner party!  Just be sure to take it out of the wrapper and listen to it while you relax and enjoy great times with friends.  Thank you for the opportunity to review this masterpiece, micheal!  I absolutely love it!  Get your copy of Aceto on Amazon for $15.98!

For more information about micheal and his previous releases, please visit him at www.michealCASTALDO.com!

For the Love of Reading

Are you or someone special in your life a bibliophile? Are you looking for a one stop shop to keep track of your reading as well as find suggestions for future reading?  Read, Remember, Recommend by Rachelle Rogers Knight helps book lovers organize their favorite and future literary experiences.  What a perfect gift for the book lover on your list!  Mother's Day is right around the corner!!! 

But wait...there is more!  How about one for your favorite teenager?  Rachelle has that one covered too!  Sounds like a perfect Graduation gift to me! 

The reading journal for adults is now available for purchase at Costco!  Both versions are currently available for sale on Rachelle's website  http://www.bibliobabe.com/ and retail for an affordable $15.99. 

Make it a Gift of Three:  Include another book and bookmark to round out this gift of three for mom or that special teen on your gift list!  Create a theme and build your gift around the book you are giving!  Enjoy!

Gift Planning for Mother's Day

In my neck of the woods, Easter is a pretty popular holiday. If you don't celebrate Easter, don't bypass the pastel drenched holiday isles at your favorite retail store just yet! While shopping today at Gabriel Brothers, I noticed a lot of Easter/spring merchandise that could easily double for Mother's Day gifts.

For example, pastel kitchen towels, aprons, table cloths, linens, scented candles all lined up all together in the Easter merchandise. Of course these items will go on sale right after the holiday, but I would shop now for the best selection!

If you are giving a gift card to mom this year, pick up a small item or two that compliments the type of gift card you are giving. Just shave $5 off of the value of the gift card and scour the clearance racks for one or two small gifts to go with...this technique will make your gift more thoughtful and memorable. After all...isn't mom worth it?

Good Luck and Happy Giving!

My Favorite Money Saving Websites

Today I would like to share with you some of my favorite money saving resources on the web.  I encourage you all to spread the love and share these with your friends, family and colleagues.  After all...we are all in this recession together.  In no particular order, here are some of my faves:

For everything coupons, visit my friend Mindi at http://www.momsneedtoknow.com/.  You will learn everything you need to know about how to coupon effectively and keep up on deals of the week at select stores including Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, and many more.  I heard a rumor that Giant Eagle will soon be added to the list so hang tight for that!

For everything fashion, you can't beat my friend Aly's bargainista blog over at splendidcity called Shopaholics Daily.  Aly Walansky is on top of virtually every sale with lightening speed, so be sure to subscribe to her feed.  Many of the sales are so great that they sell out quickly, so tune in here for the best deals on the coolest fashions.

For great discussions and grocery deals for the entire family, please visit my friend Kim Danger at http://www.mommysavers.com/.  I absolutely love the forums and have participated in many discussions.  Be sure to subscribe to the site and join in on the fun.  Tons of great money saving tips for the entire family!

Another super website to follow is http://www.bargainbabe.com/.  My friend Julia has some of the best and most creative money saving ideas out there.  Subscribe to her feed and receive Julia's advice directly into your inbox.  Today she shared four new articles!  Definitely something for everyone here! 


So those are just a few of the websites that I frequent to try and save a few extra pennies.  What about you?  Where do you go to keep up on the sales and money saving tips?  Please share your favorite money saving blogs or websites below in the comments!

Bargains Guys Should be Looking For Right Now

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Keep a look out for the following gift ideas that may be found on clearance racks right now at huge discounts!

Leather Gloves

Sterling Silver Jewelry  (Amazon link to cuff shown)

Winter Coats

Bath and Body Lotions, Soaps, and Spa Products

Cashmere Sweaters

Designer Nightwear (please skip the fuzzy slippers and flannel jammies)

Pashmina Wraps

Designer Purses

Try discount department stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Burlington Coat Factory, Khols and Ross Dress for Less for the biggest bargains. If you live in the PA tri-state area, a visit to Gabriel Brothers is a must!  Don't forget to use the "Gift of Three"--Try to be more specific with your romantic theme.  Or just buy three pieces of jewelry...LOL!  Happy Giving!

The Gift of Three: Your Fabulous Ideas Part I

I'm a proud mama bear today! Last week I ran a Facebook contest asking for your "Gift of Three" ideas and I was totally blown away!  The ideas were very inspired, creative and affordable!  Kuddos to eveyone who participated...you done good :)  Because these ideas were so fantastic I wanted to share them with all of you just in case you have a few last minute gifts that you need to prepare for in the next few days.  Here we go with a sampling of my favorites! 






Robin M:  For your friends who have kiddies, a "date night" package
1. Dinner gift certificate for Olive Garden
2. 2 movie passes
3. Coupon to babysit while they are out on their date night!

Melinda F:  The Gift of warmth...
1. Smore maker kit
2. Hand warmers
3. Hot cocoa mix and mug!

Barbara H: Winter Warm Up

1. Two comfy-in-hand mugs.
2. A small bottle of rum
3. A batch of Hot Buttered Rum mixture and the recipe to make more.


Leann J: Gift Theme: The Gift of family fun and promises to go on picnics

Gift One: Outdoor party plates from Pampered Chef (set of six) $9.50
Gift Two: Outdoor utensil set from Pampered Chef (set of six and these ones snap together) $12.50
Gift Three: A nice big picnic blanket ... perhaps something you find on clearance

Mary A:  The gift of snuggle "downtime"

1. A Snuggly for $14.95
2. A good book - prices vary
3. A box of Sarris chocolates $9.95

Kathy H: The Gift of Indulgence
1. Container of Sipping Chocolate (powder) from Trader Joe's $3.99
2. Mix of Chocolates from Trader Joe's <$10 (various types)
3. Mug from Big Lots/Geagle/Walmart/Goodwill... $5-$10

Noelle O: The gift of a bagged lunch (for a female) :

1.Vera Bradley lunch bag $21
2.Klean Kanteen travel aluminum bottle $15
3.coupons for various lunch items (ziploc bags, frozen meals, soup, etc) FREE

Anne T:  The gift of art: (for my 5 year old)

1. Art Easel. From Michaels. Reg. $39.95, used my 40% coupon and got it for $23.97
2. Art box: Filled with extra supplies bought at back to school time: $1.00 for box.
3. White Dress Shirt, from Good Will Store(for smock): $ 2.25.

Extra gift baskets I have on hand, just in case:

1. Wine Glasses, $1 each at the dollar store(bought 8 for 4 extra baskets)
2. 4 Bottles of wine(bought 6 and got a 10% bulk discount, the other 2 are for me!)Abput $8 per bottle
3. Wine opener: Have 4, again, the dollar store

Barbara H:  Baker's Bounty

1. A copy of Beard on Bread from Amazon - $12
2. A loaf pan - with our without the loaf you may have baked in it $2 -$4
3. A fun kitchen towel to lay over rising bread - can use it to wrap it all up. $2-$4

Rebecca M:  The Gift of Walking
* Aluminum water bottle in a cheery color -- about $7

* Wrist wallet (to carry ID, insurance card and cell phone) -- about $10 online, or make your own
* Online music store gift card (to load favorite tunes on mp3 player) -- Your choice
* Small microfiber towel (for a quick dry off upon return) -- About $5
* Encouraging note – Priceless

Jen S:  On the card, include this quote from the toast on It's A Wonderful Life:

1. Bountiful Beer Bread...that this house may never know hunger.
2. Seasoned Salt...that life may always have flavor.
3. Sangria Drink Mix...that joy and prosperity may reign forever!
www.tastefullysimple.com/web/jstover

Colleen C:  The Gift of a Legacy for your Inlaws or Parents!

They can write it down for your children to tell and pass down!

A Father's Legacy: Your Life St... (Spiral-bound) by Thomas Nelson
A Mother's Legacy: Your Life St... (Spiral-bound) by Thomas Nelson
A Nice Pen to write the Legacy:
Total Price : Is PRICELESS!!!!

Have any of your own inspired ideas?  Please share your "Gift of Three" in the comment section below!  Great job, everyone!!!

Holiday Stress Got You Down? Snap Out of It!

Today marks one week until Christmas--how did that happen so quickly?  If I'm asking that question, I'm sure you are, too.  Truth be told, rather than enjoying the holiday season, most people are frazzled and overwhelmed...too stressed out to really enjoy the true meaning of the season.  Here are a few tips to help keep this time of year in perspective and enjoy the company of the people you love the most!

1.  STOP, DROP and BREATHE:  If you are feeling like you are going to have a stroke because you have too much to do with too little time, just stop!  Sit down and focus on the experiences that mean most to you over the holiday.  Breath deeply and focus on the positive.  You don't have to do it all!  Rethink you holiday traditions and decide to make the most of what resources you do have...the love and companionship of family and friends.  A gathering with cheese and crackers is no different than one with prime rib when you have the right people sitting at your table.  Take some pressure off of yourself...you deserve it!

2.  JUST SAY NO:  Don't overcommit yourself this holiday season.  Decide right now how you are going to spend Christmas weekend and make sure to carve in some quality time for your immediate family.  If you are frazzled, they are frazzled.  And that is not really a holiday, right?  Sit down as a family and make a schedule that you can all look forward to.  Ease your guilt by scheduling visits after the holiday has passed.  Then get on the horn and do it!

3.  CHOOSE LIFE:  In the grand scheme of things, holiday planning is not a matter of life and death.  Focus on what you can do to make the holiday brighter and more memorable rather than the need to please everyone and keep up with the Joneses.  Give yourself permission not to be perfect and design a holiday with traditions that you will look forward to and put the joy back into holiday celebrations. 

What are your holiday survival tips?  I would love to hear your ideas...please share your comments below!

Photo Credit :  thesecretlanguageoffeelings.com

Uncommon Yet Practical Gifts

I'm always on the lookout for a great central gift that really "speaks" the gift giving theme that I am trying to convey. at UncommonGoods makes the brainstorming for unique and affordable gifts so much fun! Here are some of my new favorites. Can you guess the theme for each one? What else could we give along with it to make a memorable Gift of Three?


UDON NOODLE BOWLS



Circle Kabob Skewers


Record Bowls


TEA CANDLES




CHALKBOARD PLACEMAT SET OF 4




VINTAGE RESTORED PHONE




Scarf Spritzer Knit Kits






Embroidered City and State Pillows



Are your wheels turning yet? Giving in three's is easier than you think! And the added thought you put into the gift really takes the giving over the top!

Collectible and Memorable Ornaments

Stuck on a gift idea for someone who has everything? Thoughtful holiday ornaments are a great (and fun!) solution to this gift giving dilemma. Go the extra mile and personalize your selections to the likes and interests of the givee. Not sure? Check out their social networking profiles for plenty of clues! Here are some of my favorites:



Star Wars R2-D2 Holiday Waterball Ornament
On sale for $4.30




I Love Lucy 4-Inch Resin Ornaments
$19.99



Betty Boop Blow Mold Ornaments
$11.99



Elvis Presley 5-Inch Resin Ornaments
$22.99



Sex and the City Shoe and Martini Glass Ornaments
$27.99



South Park 3-Inch Blow Mold Ornaments Set
$16.99



Simpsons Blow Mold Ornaments Set
$12.99

If you are looking for collectible action figures, toys, bobble heads, and movie memorabilia, this site has you covered. They really do have some pretty unique stuff! Some items are a bit pricey, but they currently have a holiday gift rush sale going on right now. Free shipping on orders over $59, too. Happy Giving~