www.slickdeals.net - lots of great buys especially on electronics but other stuff too. The forum gives lots of feedback on how to maximize price matching, rebates and sales to get the best deal.  Dales warns they sometimes push the envelope of ethics.

A similar website is www.fatwallet.com.

Another site is www.salescircular.com - this one takes the weekly ads from various stores and puts the sales items side by side so you can quickly find the cheapest deal going in a local store.

Dale also suggests www.pricegrabber.com and www.froogle.com.

EDUCATE YOURSELF

Maybe you don’t know much about X (ex:  investing, Medicare, college funds) in the financial arena.  Why not go to your local library and learn?  It’s free and you’ll be better informed going forward! Challenge yourself to educate yourself this Spring by reading at least one financial book in 2006.

This said, there are many famous authors, such as Suze Orzman.  You could certainly select one of her books.  However, my personal recommendation would be to start with a book by either Larry Burkett or Howard Dayton.  The Bible has more to say about finances than heaven and hell combined.  Since God created man and the entire financial system, I endorse reading books that present the Biblical view of investing, saving, etc.

My latest endeavor has been to try to read a few books about finances.  I usually read 2-3 every year.  This year, I read Dave Ramsey’s More than Enough.  If you are your spouse are having a hard time getting on the same page financially, this is a good one.  Also, this is NOT a “nuts & bolts” book.  It’s more about gaining a proper financial perspective.  It’s motivational and relates numerous stories from Dave’s ministry.  He’s a believer and makes limited references to Christianity. 

On a “secular” note (meaning financial advice is not purported to be from a Biblical perspective), I’ve read David and Tom Gardner’s book The Motley Fool’s Money after 40.  These brothers are based in Alexandria, VA.  They have a syndicated radio program and website.  Most of America knows them as The Motley Fools.  This is not a Christian-based book or website.  And some of their humor is borderline (but not overly offensive) at times.  However, I find that I agree with about 95-98% of their recommendations about saving, spending, etc.  They also encourage people to not “live for money” in this book.  So, I think they have a balanced approach to finances. Thus, if you want to round out your education with a “nuts & bolts” book (meaning, this books digs into estate tax rates, recommends investment strategies, etc.), I highly recommend this book.

You might also want to check out the following 2 sites based upon my book “reviews”:

1-www.fool.com

2-www.financialpeace.com or www.daveramsey.com

Coming in May….. I may need a couple of months to cover the topic of college savings.  I have a few thoughts to share for those looking to save for college.  I would ask that if you are a parent who has or currently is dealing with paying for college…..PLEASE E-MAIL ME and give me your advise/suggestions.  I’ve read a couple of authors on the topic.  I know what I’ve done (and even not done well) the last 5 years.  Let me hear and learn from you – to share w/ others.  If you want to start learning now… go to www.finaid.org. Fill out a “pretend” calculator/analysis and see what you think your child could be eligible for.

April Shopping   

Here are some deals to consider if you must shop!  (Toss catalogues before you open them and avoid temptations to shop!)
1-Bath & Body Works:  If you like fragrance or if you’re looking for end of school teacher gifts, Bath & Body Works has a wide selection and usually has some kind of deal.  (Don’t buy unless you’re getting a sale deal.)  One recommendation if you shop this store, ask to be on their mailing list.  They frequently mail coupons for free products with $10 purchases.  In the end, you spend maybe $10, but leave with $20+ in products.

2-Family Christian Bookstores:  Participate in their frequent buyer program and early a 25% off your total purchase coupon/card when you’ve made 10 purchases (this can be 10 individual greeting cards – you determine over time how much you spend).  When you do earn the 25% off discount coupon/card, buy their boxes of cards for weddings, babies, birthdays, sympathy, etc.  You can even find the boxed cards on sale and use the 25% off coupon on top of the sale price!  If you’re a card sender or have a number of baby showers to attend, this is a great way to save.  I like their blank cards because you can customize them to fit any occasion!

3-“To eat out or dine in?”  That is the question!  Like most folks, I like a night out.  There are a number of restaurants offering “kids eat free” deals.  Monday:  Red, Hot & Blue.  Springfield McDonald’s has $0.99 Happy Meals.  Jerry’s Pizza also offers a large pizza for $4.99 on Mondays if you are not feeling like cooking.   Tuesday:  Bennigan’s (at Springfield Mall).  There are also a number of McDonalds with $0.99 Happy Meals (that also make me happy).  Sunday:  After 4pm, kids dine free at Baja Fresh. 

Don’t forget to join kids’ birthday clubs, like the one at Bob Evans, where your little tikes can get a postcard redeemable for a free meal (any time).

Let me know if you are aware of other free kids dining deals and I’ll share next month.

4-Easter Pictures:  For those of us who prefer a bit more professional look than we capture on our own cameras….Wal-Mart Photo Studio offers an inexpensive package to capture your children/family in their Easter attire.  If you indicate your child’s birthday, you’ll get a coupon in the mail during their b-day month for an even further reduced priced portrait package.  Photos (use one of the 8 x 10 in the pkg) are great gifts for grandparents (ex: Mother’s Day)!

5-Easter Treats:  Hope you hit your favorite shops after Easter for treats for next year.  This is the time you can get a bag of plastic eggs for $.10 at Wal-Mart (which would have cost you $1.50 2 days prior).

****On May 8, I’ll be speaking about budgeting and savings ideas at the Virginia Hills Baptist Church’s MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group.  The meeting is at 9:30 and the church is located on Telegraph Road in Alexandria.

Thank you to those of you who have inquired about my book, Face of Courage.  I’m having a lot of fun telling folks about my book and sharing in this ministry!

Joy to you! 

Michele Buschman

 “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through Him who gives me strength”  Philippians 4:12-13.