Archive for October, 2012

Halloween has only just begun and I’m already thinking about what to do when it ends. What to do with the pumpkin? What to do with the candy? What to do with the costumes?

I got some earth-friendly input from lifestyle and wellness experts Erica Reid (wife of Antonio “L.A.” Reid) and Latham Thomas. The two joined forces with Healthy Child Healthy World –  a California non-profit that empowers parents to protect their children from harmful chemicals — to offer a few tips on how to keep Halloween (and its aftermath) clean and green.

Compost Your Pumpkin: Cut the pumpkin into smallish pieces to aid the decomposition process and let the worms do their job. If you’re not into composting, try pumpkin recipes such as pumpkin pie or pumpkin ravioli.

Know what’s in those snacks: Kids will want to dive right into their Halloween goodies, but make sure you are aware of what they are eating. Many commercial snacks contain artificial colors, dyes, sweeteners, preservatives, hydrogenated …

Continue reading How to have a green Halloween »

Partnership to help local kids

Camp Twin Lakes Partners Card: I am so honored to be the official media spokesperson for the Camp Twin Lakes Partners Card 2012, a multi-discount card that benefits Georgia’s children suffering from various challenges. Purchase this card now through Sunday and save 20 percent at more than 400 shops and restaurants. Examples include Swoozie’s, Brown & Co. Jewelers, Fab’rik, Coach, Prime, Aja and my favorite home furnishings store, Z Gallerie. So, whether you use this card to save at favorite places you frequently shop or use it to discover new ones, do so with pride — you are changing lives, one purchase at a time. And that, to me, is priceless. Cards are $62 — $60 goes to Camp Twin Lakes, $2 for shipping — at PartnersCard.com.

Deals on kids clothing

Carter’s: It’s almost time to bundle up the kids with snowsuits, boots and accessories. Carter’s will take $10 off your online order of $50 or more with code KBW876CZT at checkout. …

Continue reading Jessica Shops: Shop and support kids, special on soaps »

Here’s a deal for you sports fans that also does good.

Get Hawks tickets valued at $400 for only $40 when you purchase an Atlanta Hawks  “Fanraiser” card in conjunction with Bert’s Big Adventure.

For $40 you get:

• Two free game tickets valid for any ticket up to the original face value of $58 for select regular season and preseason home games.
• Four buy one, get one free tickets valid for any ticket up to the original face value of $83 for select regular season and preseason home games.

Here’s the part that’s even better. Half of all proceeds go to Bert’s Big Adventure — a nonprofit organization that provides an all-expenses-paid, five-day journey to Walt Disney World® for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families.

This deal runs through Friday, so purchase soon!

Follow me on Facebook | Twitter |  Email

– Nedra Rhone, for the Atlanta Bargain Hunter blog

Continue reading Deal on Hawks tickets »

Halloween at Georgia Aquarium — PWP Studio 2009

Wearing a costume in public on Halloween can get you more than just candy. If you dress in character on Oct. 31, you get a …

Free visit to the Georgia A-Scary-Um – All kids 12 and under in costume will receive free general admission with each paid adult or Annual Pass holder. Up to two kids get free entry. The Aquarium will be decorated and filled with music in the spooky spirit of Halloween. Trick-or-treat candy stations will be in each gallery and Halloween-themed arts and crafts tables and costume contests will be taking place throughout the day. Radio Disney will also join in the celebration from 1-3 p.m. for more music, contests and giveaways.

Free Krispy Kreme doughnut – Costume-clad doughnut fans of all ages get a free Halloween or Pumpkin Spice Doughnut at metro area Krispy Kreme stores. No purchase necessary. Good while supplies last. One doughnut per customer.

$2 “Boorito” at Chipotle – From 4-11 p.m. Chipotle …

Continue reading Halloween freebies and deals »

They don't die, they multiply. Even the newest toys, like Furby — the 2012 edition — may see discounts of up to 50 percent off on Black Friday.

For many bargain hunters, November brings the most sacred of shopping holidays — Black Friday. While there are many deals to be dealt on that day, there are also items not traditionally connected to Black Friday that can be had at substantial savings.

Cookware: “One of the first good items to buy in November that isn’t necessarily tied to Black Friday is cookware,” says Lindsay Sakraida, features director for Dealnews.com, a consumer website. Cookware, cutlery sets, dining sets and small appliances are all expected to hit the lowest prices of the year in November.

Hardware: Expect substantial savings on tools at stores such as Home Depot, Sakraida says. The discounts may not be as deep as they were several years ago, but you will still find some good markdowns.

Free turkeys: “A lot of grocery stores will offer a free turkey …

Continue reading November deals go beyond Black Friday »

Raise your hand if the interest rate on your CDs and other risk-free accounts is practically zero. If your hand is NOT in the air, please call me immediately!

These are tough times for anyone looking for a return on low-risk investments. While the Feds are keeping interest rates low to encourage consumer spending, it means you can forget about getting rich from interest income on savings, CDs, and other insured accounts.

So when I saw this recent post on Moneytalksnews.com, I had to pass it on. You can read the full story, but here is an abbreviated list of eight ways to earn more on your savings.

Leave a comment and let me know you’re using any of these strategies or if you have any additions to the list!

Shop around – Use an online search to compare rates for insured savings accounts nationwide. Smaller local banks and credit unions often have higher rates than the bigger banks that show up in these search engines, so check local deals too.

Invest in stocks – Investing in …

Continue reading Ways to earn more on your savings »

Certified financial planner Wes Moss provides personal finance advice and accessible investment strategies. His guest post appears here weekly.

Wes Moss hosts 'Money Matters' Sunday mornings on AM750 and 95.5FM News/Talk WSB.

Is your wallet ready for Nov. 6? The presidential race has dominated conversations in our media, kitchens and workplaces. It’s practically the only thing clients and callers to my radio show want to talk about: What’s going to happen to my money, post-election? (Among my recent posts: How a “fiscal cliff” would affect you and Can the economy predict the election?)

This obsession with the election is understandable. We’re angry that Washington — paralyzed by unparalleled partisan gridlock –- seems unable to make  headway on our economic problems. It’s no surprise public approval of Congress has fallen to just 10 percent — the lowest level since Gallup started keeping track in 1974.

But here’s the thing: The economy and the stock market seem …

Continue reading Wes Moss: Washington’s affect on economy is limited »

Kick-off the new week with a few quick deals…

Today (Sun. 10/ 28) your last day to get a free kid combo at Willy’s Mexicana Grill. Any child (12 and under) who visits Willy’s dressed in his/her Halloween costume will receive a Free Kid Combo. The offer is good with any adult purchase.

Also today, Loft stores are having a tag sale. In-store only, you can get tops starting at $9.88, pants starting at $14.88 and accessories starting at $6.88. Check for a store near you.

Follow me on Facebook |Twitter | Email

– Nedra Rhone, for the Atlanta Bargain Hunter blog

Continue reading Free Willy’s & tag sale at Loft »

It’s Halloween weekend which means there is no shortage of cheap and free events, but here are a few things to keep on your radar for this weekend and beyond.

Free ‘Fantasy Makeup’ for Halloween (UPDATED)

Does your Halloween costume involve elaborate makeup? From 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., WED., The Spa at The Elaine Sterling Institute — an esthetics school and professional spa in Sandy Springs — is offering free ‘Fantasy Makeup’ appointments. Students and instructors will be on hand to help make your Halloween costume great! Call 404-256-5228 to schedule an appointment.

BOGO tickets for ‘Paws for Cocktails’ fundraiser

Enjoy entertainment while helping Furkids and Small Dog Rescue and Humane Society. The gala event is 5:30-10 p.m., Nov. 8 at Park Tavern, 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta. You can snag a free ticket when you purchase one at regular price ($22) Saturday-Wednesday at furkids.org/ajcbogo. The ticket includes parking, a drink, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment.

Free ‘Make up Bag …

Continue reading ABH weekend deals: Free makeovers and ‘Paws for Cocktails’ bogo »

Last minute candy coupons:

Walgreens: Walgreens has Halloween candy deals, such as Hershey’s fun, miniature or snack-size candy bags (15.92- to 24.44-ounce sizes) at buy one, get one half off. Regularly $5.99, two bags would cost you $9. Use two of the $1 coupons from the Oct. 14 SmartSource circular on 22-ounce bags or larger to pay $7 at the register. You also will get 1,000 points in your Balance Rewards account, which is the equivalent of $1. Your net cost would be $3 per bag, or 50 percent off. Walgreens also has smaller bags of Hershey’s, Mars or Nestlé fun or snack-size candy bags (9.7- to 12.5-ounce sizes) on sale for $2.49. Use the Mars coupons found in the Oct. 7 and Sept. 16 RedPlum circulars for $1.50 off three, along with the 50-cent store coupon found in Walgreens Savings Booklet in stores to pay $1.49 per bag.

Rite Aid: Rite Aid has a promotion that gives you a $5 +UP Rewards coupon when you spend $15 or more on participating brands of Halloween …

Continue reading Coupon Mom: Last minute candy, beverages, paper products and more »