Archive for October, 2009

If Cavalia appears to be an extravagant entertainment experience, that’s understandable. Tickets are not cheap. However, you can save up to 30 percent to select shows. Call 1-866-999-8111. I’ve called three times seeking details on the ’select shows,’ but have been unsuccessful getting through. The first call went to a voicemail message about opening night tickets, and the second and third sent me to more than 15 minutes of beautiful music, but no real person ever came to the phone. If this deal is indeed valid, you may have better luck going to the box office. There, you can purchase tickets at the Cavalia box office at Atlantic Station and mention promo code “Georgia Aquarium,” which has the discount posted on its Web site.

Photo credit: Elissa Eubanks, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The show runs through Nov. 15 under the White Big Top at Atlantic Station.

To read Inside Access blogger Jamie Gumbrecht’s ‘First Impressions’ of this show featuring horse and man, click here. …

Continue reading 30% off on Cavalia tickets | Scream on the Green moves inside »

Art a’ la Carte: Create your own membership package

The blog highlights a special offer for those who enjoy arts and cultural activities around town. The cost of paying for memberships local attractions can be expensive. This provides you a way to build your own membership package, selecting the family events you are most interested in. Here are the details highlighted in the Inside Access blog:

First spotted on ArtsCriticAtl.com: a new partnership among Atlanta arts organizations lets audiences create their own subscription from a mix of family performances. With this program, families can get a lower-cost look at different organization’s offerings without singing up for a membership.

Use Art à la Carte to choose at least three family performances by Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra or the Center for Puppetry Arts. You’ll pay for tickets all at once, but receive a discount of to 20 to 25 percent. You’ll also get admission discount coupons …

Continue reading Create a discounted Arts package | Free U.S. Army holiday concert »

Halloween freebies

Looking for as many Halloween food freebies as you can find? I found a few listed on Freestufftimes.com. It’s not comprehensive, and a few of the places are not in our market, but you’ll easily pick out a couple, like Taco Bell and Jersey Mike’s. Most require some sort of Halloween costume, either for kids or adults. But all promise free — if not healthy — food for a little effort. Here’s the list.

Atlanta on the Cheap has pulled together a huge list of Halloween activities and deals as well. You’ll want to take a look at this: Deals on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Here’s another one that just landed in my inbox: EVOS has a Halloween special as well. Children in costume receive a free kid’s meal; adults in costume receive a free organic shake.

Lawrenceville Ghost Tours

There are dozens of free passes for Lawrenceville Ghost Tours remaining on Haloffdepot.com. The trolley tour is described on the site: The Lawrenceville Ghost Trolley offers new stories, like the …

Continue reading Halloween freebies | Free ghost tour | Half off Sotto Sotto | Discount arts pass »

Today’s Voice of the Expert guest blogger is Meg Shepard, a graduate student in the University of Georgia’s Financial Planning Program. Shepard recently conducted a seminar on the Athens campus on what women can and should do to achieve their financial goals.

She says:

As women, we have all heard that on average we earn less than men, but we live longer than men. These issues create increased financial needs for women. Either we need to work more than our male counterparts, or we need to save more for retirement. The bottom line is that we need to have a plan for our money and start working toward our financial goals. However, research shows that women, on average, have less enthusiasm for money management and lower confidence in our financial management abilities than our male counterparts.

However, there is some good news. Although we are less confident and enthusiastic about financial matters than men, research shows that once we are financially educated women, on average, …

Continue reading Financial planning: What every woman should know »

Will Gen Y be made up of savvy consumers with an aggressive financial edge, or will they be scared away from the market by the reality of unemployment and stock market dives?

The answer differs depending upon whom you ask. A recent survey by online brokerage firm Scottrade suggests those between the ages of 15-32 will come out of the recession more likely to invest in the stock market, unafraid of financial institutions and fixed on gaining wealth.

However, others have argued that 20-somethings could be permanently damaged by what they’ve seen unfold before them: Their parents have lost jobs and homes; they’ve been unable to find jobs coming out of college; and the quick-trigger spending made easy by credit has reversed field.

“Many times, they could be the first let go from their jobs,” said Clarky Davis, also known as the Debt Diva, during a recent media tour through Atlanta. “They are not finding jobs, and they have to be more conservative or frugal than they are used …

Continue reading Will Gen X rise above the recession? »

Free Day of the Dead celebration

This is a reminder about an earlier post I wrote regarding free admission to the Atlanta History Center on Nov. 1 from noon-5 p.m. This is Atlanta’s largest Dia de Meurtos — or Day of the Dead — celebration. Read more about the highlights of the exhibition and celebration here.

$1 Meal at Boston Market

Downloading this coupon took some work, but here it is. Boston Market has a coupon that will allow you to buy a meal consisting of a quarter white chicken or three-piece dark chicken, mashed potatoes and cornbread — all for $1. There are no veggies in that deal, but don’t let that stop you. You can’t beat the price. It’s only good through Nov. 1, and just one coupon is good per person.

Free Pumpkins

Thanks to Sue Rodman from Field Trips with Sue for pointing out on Twitter that Northside United Methodist Church still has pumpkins if by chance you’ve waited until the last minute to get one before Halloween on Saturday. The pumpkins are buy one, …

Continue reading $1 Boston Market meal deal | Free Day of the Dead | Free pumpkins | more »

Have you stopped dating to save money? With so many cheap date ideas, there’s no need for such a drastic measure. There are tons of romantic, fun and interesting dates around Atlanta for $40 or less. Here we list each week options for cheap date ideas. So, get off the couch, get out of the house and go have a good time. Whether you’re married or single and dating, you’ll find something that appeals to you here.

Heat things up

I love arts and crafts; I’m just not very good at making them. Still, giving it a try at a local pottery shop is always fun. You and your date can make all kinds of things for each other, decorating bowls, mugs and other ceramic dishes with cute messages on them. It’s a good way to spend some time together, and you can go any time of the day. I even stumbled upon this coupon for a free hour of studio time at Wired and Fired, located at 994 Virginia Ave., Atlanta. The coupon expires Nov. 15.

Talking turkey

Learning Thanksgiving cooking tips is on the …

Continue reading Cheap date ideas: 5 hot dates at cool prices »

Does the thought of looking at your 401 (K) account make your head spin? Considering how much of their retirement funds many have lost, the idea of facing 401 (K) accounts head on can be nauseating.

Alas, you can’t — and shouldn’t — put off the inevitable. One of the biggest mistakes people make is turning a blind eye to 401 (K) funds. Instead, it’s as important as ever that you’re actively engaged.

Here are some important tips from Dallas Morning News personal finance writer, Pamela Yip. Here’s an excerpt:

Diversify your investments – Spread your investments across the major asset classes such as stocks and bonds to reduce the risk that a significant drop in either one of these areas will devastate your entire investment portfolio.

It’s also important to diversify your money within asset classes.

For example, large-capitalization stocks tend to be less volatile than small-capitalization stocks.

Bonds vary as well, with corporate bonds more aggressive in their growth and …

Continue reading Tips for managing your 401 (K) account »

‘Wiggles’ Discount

Travelzoo.com has discounted tickets to see The Wiggles Go Bananas, coming to the Arena at Gwinnett Center on Nov. 8. Tickets are $10 off, with discount seats going for $20 for the 1:30 p.m. show. Enter the promo code ZOO when purchasing your tickets by clicking here. The Gwinnett Center is located 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway.

Medieval Times

The same Web site also has one of the better deals I’ve seen for the Medieval Times dinner theatre. A group of four can purchase tickets for $120, at $30 each. The regular price is $49.95. A three-pack is $100 and a two-pack is $75. Tickets must be purchased by Nov. 29, and can be used from Nov. 1-Dec. 30. The discounts are up to 40 percent off.

The event includes a four-course Medieval Banquet, as well as live jousting, sword fights, equestrian skills and falconry.

Enjoy a four-course Medieval Banquet at the Atlanta Castle in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Guests will be entertained by live jousting, sword fights, equestrian …

Continue reading ‘Wiggles’ discount | 40% off at Medieval Times | Save on ‘Rockettes’ | Blue MedSpa $45 »

Foreclosure help

Henry Unger, the Biz Beat blogger, alerts readers this morning to a special foreclosure prevention program Thursday at the Georgia World Congress Center from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. The program is free and open to the public.

Said Unger:

Homeowners who plan to attend are urged to bring all necessary paperwork, including recent pay stubs, mortgage documents, tax returns and bank statements.

The event is being organized by the HOPE NOW Alliance, in partnership with the Obama administration’s Making Home Affordable program, NeighborWorks® America and Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta.

Continue reading Special foreclosure help »