Savvy Shopper's Living On Less

Zombie Apocalypse? CDC Offers Shopping Advice

Thu, 19 May 2011 13:38:32 -0500

Worried about a Zombie Apocalypse? The CDC says citizens should prepare for an invasion of the undead the same way we would for any emergency. So what do you need to do before zombies...or hurricanes or pandemics actually happen? First of all, you should have an emergency kit in your house. This includes things like water, food, and other supplies to get you through the first couple of days before you can locate a zombie-free refugee camp (or in the event of a natural disaster, it will buy you some time until you are able to make your way to an evacuation shelter or utility lines are restored). Below are a few items you should include in your kit, for a full list visit the CDC Emergency page.

Water (1 gallon per person per day)
Food (stock up on non-perishable items that you eat regularly)
Medications (this includes prescription and non-prescription meds)
Tools and Supplies (utility knife, duct tape, battery powered radio, etc.)
Sanitation and Hygiene (household bleach, soap, towels, etc.)
Clothing and Bedding (a change of clothes for each family member and blankets)
Important documents (copies of your driver's license, passport, and birth certificate to name a few)
First Aid supplies (although you're a goner if a zombie bites you, you can use these supplies to treat basic cuts and lacerations that you might get during a tornado or hurricane)

Savvy Shopper Text Alerts

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:18:28 -0500

Don't miss out on bargains. Text SHOP to 3-7798 for daily updates on the latest and best Savvy Shopper deals.

The Money Coach

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 05:22:25 -0500

Too much holiday spending and credit card debt? Jewish Family Services of Greater Greater Hartford in West Hartford offers free, confidential hour-long sessions with certified financial planner Jim Goldman, (aka "The Money Coach,") who can offer advice on how to get your finances back on track. Goldman has been volunteering his services with the organization for three years. (Open to all, regardless of religious affiliation.) Call 860-236-1927 to schedule.

Rewards "R" Us At Toys "R" US

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 04:38:03 -0500

Help Santa stretch his budget. Sign up for the Rewards "R" Us loyalty program and you'll get 10 percent back on up to $500 in Toys "R" Us in-store and online purchases this holiday season. The program starts Sunday and ends on Christmas Eve.

Electric Bill Savings

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:25:49 -0500

Is your mailbox full of offers promising to lower your electric bill? Before switching to a different provider, check out WhiteFence.com. The site searches out the best utility deals in your area. At CTEnergyInfo.com, (and 877-WISEUSE), you can compare available energy rates, get tips on ways to save and find information on local energy assistance programs.

Free Social Networking Tutorials at Rosie Knows

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 06:16:32 -0500

Stumped by Skype, foiled by Facebook or twisted by Twitter? Maybe you're a parent who just wants to know what your tech-savvy kids are up to? At RosieKnows.com, you'll find free, how-to tutorials for these online applications and more. Rosemary Blanford, a mom herself, has put together easy-to-follow, step-by-step lessons for even the most computer-challenged.

Avoiding Coupon Scams

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:34:34 -0500

When coupons look too good to be true, they often are. CouponSherpa.com offers an excellent roundup of ways to avoid "getting clipped."

Free Mobile Apps from USA.gov

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:08:32 -0500

USA.gov, the federal government's official web site has an array of free mobile apps, including a "Products Recall" application that lets you check the safety of a potential purchase when you're shopping at the mall or hitting tag sales.

Deal of the Day Mobile Text Alerts

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:35:05 -0500

Hate it when you miss a great sale? Get daily shopping deals sent directly to your mobile phone by signing up here.

Deal of the Day Mobile Text Alerts

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:22:51 -0500

Get daily shopping deals sent directly to your mobile phone by signing up here. (You can also sign up for text messages about the latest concerts and dining news.) The Weekender newsletter covers the best weekend events. Get it emailed to you by signing up here.

Money Hunters Premieres In June On DIY

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 05:56:32 -0500

There's money in your next home renovation...and DIY Network's Money Hunters, Matt Blashaw and Deanne Bell, help you find it. In the new show, the pair work alongside real-life homeowners to deliver the best damn renovation their budget can buy, using innovative solutions, smart shopping options and tricks of the trade. Those who stick to the Money Hunters plan get a killer makeover they never thought possible.

Free Calls at Verizon Stores

Thu, 06 May 2010 13:56:14 -0500

Mom loves you best. Show her the love this weekend by calling home. Verizon Wireless makes it easy, (and easy on your wallet), with a "Free Calls to Mom" promotion at area stores on Saturday and Sunday. On both days, the company is offering anyone who stops by free wireless calls to anywhere around the globe. (If you're lucky, you might be able to make your call on a smartphone that uses Skype mobile or video conference with Mom via Skype Internet.)

Participating CT locations include the West Farms Mall store; the North Haven store, 373 Universal Drive North, the Stamford store in Stamford Town Center and the West Hartford store at 1479 New Britain Avenue.

Vegan On the Cheap

Wed, 05 May 2010 15:43:12 -0500

Here's the ultimate vegan cookbook -- a collection of 150 easy recipes that cost just 50 cents to $2 a serving. "Vegan On the Cheap:Great Recipes and Simple Strategies That Save You Time and Money," by Robin Robertson, includes recipes for appetizers, soups, salads, casseroles and entrees -- plus tips for everyday savings. (List price is $17.95, but you can order it from Amazon for $12.21.) Eating green can stretch your budget, but this books can save you some dough.

Zappos coupons

Mon, 03 May 2010 14:41:55 -0500

"Zappos Coupons" is a popular websearch -- and many online sites may claim to have Zappos coupons, but the reality is that the e-tailer does not offer coupons or promotion codes.

Here's the explanation on their website.

"There are many reasons a coupon code is not offered. Zappos seeks to add value by offering free shipping both ways, a 365-day return policy, and speedy fulfillment at our warehouse once an order is placed. Our customer service is available 24/7 and 365 days a year where you'll be greeted by a friendly Customer Loyalty Team member. We can help you over the phone, through Live Chat, or by E-mail. Our selection includes over 3 million products that are in our inventory today."

New Target Mobile Website

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:45:00 -0500

If your phone has a web browser, you can access Target's new mobile web site at m.target.com. The site includes the TargetLists function, which lets you set up and manage shopping and gift lists. You can also browse Target's Daily Deals and set up sales notification alerts.