Swagbucks: Back to School Week

Swagbucks is having a Back to School promotion this week! If your not a Swagbucks member, this week is a great time to join! If you sign up now, use the code SwagToSchool, and you’ll receive 70 Swagbucks to start your account with!

There are 5 different One-Of-A-Kind collector's bills available this week too. Here's the coolest part of these bills: collect all of them this week and you'll receive a BONUS 50 Swagbucks! You can see what they look like HERE. I've already won 3 of them! Woohoo!

Plus there is going to be a swag code extravaganza starting tomorrow, Thursday 8/12 so get ready!

For those of you who don’t know, Swagbucks is an excellent way to earn a little extra money by doing the same things you do everyday. What are Swagbucks? They are "points" you earn by simply doing your normal routine searches using Swagbucks for your search engine. It's that easy!

Cash in your Swagbucks for prizes like gift cards to some of your favorite stores. For example, 450 Swagbucks= $5 Amazon eGift Card. I've already cashed in enough Swagbucks for $40 Amazon eGift Cards. I'm saving them for Christmas. Free gifts..Woohoo! =)

Join Swagbucks, search, and start saving!

Tipster Tuesday: Pay your bills online!

Paying my bills online is one way I save money and simplified my finances. I find it so easy and convenient to pay my bills online from the comfort of my home. I pay 12 bills a month online which saves me $5.28 on stamps. That is a savings of $63 a year! May not sound like a large amount, but every little bit adds up. I know I can find a lot more things to spend that $63 on other than stamps. Most utility, electric, phone, mortgage, and cable companies allow online bill paying. Here is the advantages of paying your bills online:

• Saves time- You don’t have to waste time writing checks, stuffing envelopes, or driving to the post office.
• Payment scheduling- You will be able to ensure your payment is made on time because you schedule your payment when you choose. This helps avoid any late fees or late payments that could affect your credit score. Many companies offer a bill reminder feature which automatically sends you an e-mail notifying you of an upcoming bill due date.
• Convenience- No need to load the kids in the car and run to the post office. You will be able to stay home in your pajamas and pay your bills whenever it is most convenient for you. Perhaps while enjoying your morning cup of coffee, naptime, etc.
• Budget oriented- You can easily access your accounts and review your balances, payments, and history. Online bill paying allows you to save money on postage, envelopes, checks and gas.
• Environment friendly- By reducing your paper checks and paper bills, you will reduce the amount of clutter and paper waste you have in your home.

Now you may be thinking, "Is paying my bills online safe?" Reports show that people who use online bill paying are 10% less likely to have their identities stolen than those who use paper billing payments. While nothing is completely safe, there are some routine precautions you can take to ensure your online activities are secure:

• Make sure the Website is secure. Login to your account by entering your user id and password. Notice that the lettering in the URL address will change from "http" to "https." The "s" stands for "secure" and lets you know that the site is indeed secure. You may also find a “VeriSign Trusted” seal or padlock somewhere on the website.
• Create strong passwords of at least 8 characters that combine letters, numbers, and symbols. Use a different password for each account and change your passwords frequently. NEVER select the option to automatically save your password and login information!
• Secure your PC with security software such as Norton and keep the software updated.
• Sign up with a credit-reporting agency such as Equifax to review your credit history and receive alerts when unusual activity occurs on your credit.

So as long as you do everything you reasonably can to secure your PC and take routine precautions in making your online transactions, the benefits of managing your finances online will outweigh any safety concerns. Online bill paying can save you money, time, and add convenience to your life!

Amazon: Parents Magazine Subscription only $4!

Amazon has a 1-year subscription to Parents Magazine for $4! Thats a total savings of 90%! Offer good through Aug 14th. Please allow 6-10 weeks for the first issue.

I LOVE this magazine...if I only had the time to read it! =/

Menu Plan Monday 8/9

Here's what our menu plan looks like this week:

Monday- Baked Chicken, Oven Baked Eggplant Fries, Mac & Cheese

Tuesday- Chili Dogs, Corn on the Cob

Wednesday- Tater Tot Casserole, Green Beans, Carrots

Thursday- Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Friday- *

Saturday- 

Sunday-

*I haven't decided the rest of the week yet. I'm working all weekend, so it's going to be something quick and simple. 

Breakfast:

• M&M Pancakes (Special breakfast!) =)
• Cereal with fresh fruit
• Sausage, Egg, & Cheese Burritos
• Oatmeal 

Snacks:

• String Cheese
• Yogurt with granola
• Fresh Fruit
• Popcorn
• Granola Bars
• Veggies or Pita Chips with Hummus
• Smoothies

What's on your menu plan this week?

Rebate Roundup 8/8-8/14

My friend Greta over at Friend Family Savings has your weekly Rebate Roundup! She has taken the time to compile a list of info and deal ideas for current mail in rebates to give you ultimate savings!

Rebates are a great way to earn extra money and save you money on items you would normally buy anyway. Plus it's exciting to open your mailbox and find a rebate check or gift card several weeks or months later! =)

Thanks so much Greta!

CSN Store $40 Gift Certificate Winner!

The winner of the $40 CSN Store Gift Certificate is:

Shirley- supergrand2009@

Congratulations! I will email you shortly. Thanks to everyone that entered and stay tuned for more giveaways coming soon! =)

Veggie Delights: Mushroom-Veggie Sloppy Sandwiches

Every Friday Meagan over at Frugal Fun Fortune shares with us a meatless dish. Be sure to visit Meagan to see this week's dish: Mushroom-Veggie Sloppy Sandwiches

Meagan is a girl after my own heart! =) I told you guys last week how much I LOVE Rachael Ray and every single one of her recipes are truly delish. I will be trying this one very soon...YUM!

Thanks so much Meagan!