The Frugal Free Gal

Great news! You can now find a Coupon Database located right here at The Frugal Free Gal! This feature is perfect for my coupon fans out there. You can search the database for coupons that are currently available to you, helping you to save money on your grocery bill! You will see what coupons are available and where they can be located. Some coupons are located in magazines such as “All You,” some coupons are eCoupons such as “SavingStar” and many of the coupons are the very popular “Printable Coupons” from Coupons.com, Redplum, and more. All of the coupons you need and want are found in one easy and convenient location.

Searching for coupons has never been easier. The Coupon Database is a tool for YOU to use and enjoy and a place where you can come to find all of your coupons in one place. To get access to the coupon database, you will need to click the tab “Coupon Database” located in my menu bar as seen below:

 You will be taken to the coupon database, where you can search for coupons. If you are interested in “Printable coupons,” simply select the “Coupon Source” drop down menu and find “Printable Coupons.” There are several categories to choose from including Target Store Coupons, Rite Aid Video Values Coupons, Kroger Store Coupons, and more.

If you would like to do a broad search for coupons on an item such as “ice cream,” you can type “ice cream” into the first search field. You will be given a list of the current ice cream coupons available. The first few search results were Lactaid Ice Cream, Dove, M&M, Snickers, Twix, 3 Musketeers ice cream bars, and Kroger Deluxe Ice cream. Remember that not all coupons are printable. Some coupons are located in your newspaper inserts, in magazines, and other locations.

If you would like to look for a specific brand, such as “Huggies,” type “Huggies” into the first search field and you will be given a list of all Huggies brand coupons currently available. Some of the coupons are listed as Target.com coupons, Walgreen IVC, and All You. You can also see a “Huggies” Home Mailer source, which means that these coupons could have been mailed directly to you. There was a printable coupon available at the end of the list.

Searching for coupons is easy with the coupon database. I hope you come by often to check out the current coupons available to you. Tell your friends and family about the coupon database. Coupons are added and removed on a regular basis. You do not want to miss out on any great savings! If you have any questions about the new coupon database, feel free to contact me.

*Note: This is a new feature. Please let me know if you are having any trouble accessing any of it by leaving a comment below.

Setting Up a Savings Account: What You Need to Know

Setting up a savings account is the first step towards saving for the future. Consumers need to do more than just save for retirement. They also need to have an emergency fund they can rely on in case they lose their job or decide to take on an expensive project, like home remodeling. Unless a person has a safe place to store their extra money, they will be much less likely to save.

Different Types of Savings Accounts

Financial institutions offer more than one type of savings account. Before setting up an account, consumers will need to evaluate their needs and goals in order to choose the most beneficial option.

If a consumer is saving for their child’s college education, they will want to consider opening a 529 account. 529 accounts give parents a tax-free way to save for their child’s future. The downside is that the money must be used for education related purposes. This type of account will not suit those that need more flexibility.

A money market account is another option that consumers will want to consider. A money market account is similar to a savings account, with a few key differences. The first difference is that money market accounts offer customers higher interest rates. The second key difference is that these accounts require account holders to maintain a large minimum balance. If an account holder falls below this minimum balance, they will be charged a fee.

If neither of these two options meet a consumer’s needs, they can open a regular savings account. Savings accounts allow savers to earn interest on their money, while enjoying the freedom of accessing their money whenever they need. Most of these accounts don’t have minimum balance requirements, and if they do, the requirement is usually very low.

3 Questions that Savers Need to Ask Themselves Before Setting Up a Savings Account

1. Is my money insured?

It is absolutely necessary that your money is insured. Most savings accounts offered by banks and credit unions will be insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000. This means that if the bank were to go under, your money would be safe. If a financial institution does not let customers know that their money is FDIC-insured, do not open an account.

2. Am I getting the best interest rate?

One of the greatest perks of opening a savings account is that you will earn interest on your savings. Before setting up an account, consumers will want to check the rates offered by a few different banks to make sure they are getting a good rate.

3. What features does the account offer?

When setting up a savings account, make sure that your money will be easily accessible. Look for a savings account that offers online services, ATM access, overdraft protection, and if possible, check writing privileges. Many savings accounts even give customers the option of having money automatically withdrawn from their checking account at regular intervals. This helps savers fight the temptation of spending, instead of saving, their money.

When setting up a savings account, many people simply open an account at a financial institution close to their home, without exploring their options. However, consumers do need to consider which type of account they need, as well as the features the account offers, in order to get the most from their savings.

This is a guest post by David Spader.

Many people are discouraged when they have to pay for a new computer.  Computers can be expensive investments, but it is possible to cut the cost of your purchase considerably if you know what you are doing.

First of all, you need to know what you do and don’t need when you buy your machine.  The perfect computer for a power gamer or multimedia developer may not be what you are looking for if you just need a compact machine while you work in Starbucks.  Say no to any major cards and peripherals that you don’t need.

You can also consider purchasing the previous year’s model.  Believe it or not, the functionality probably won’t change that much.  While the newer models may be a tad faster, last year’s model should have no problem keeping up with your needs.  You may be concerned that you have to replace it faster, but since you are getting such a great discount on it you will it is a great return on your investment.

On a similar note, you can consider buying a refurbished model as well.  These computers have been returned for minor problems, but have been repaired.  The chances of you having any functionality problems with a refurbished computer shouldn’t be any higher than any other new machine.  However, the cost should be significantly lower.

When you make your purchase, decide whether or not you want to have for a warranty.  A warranty is pretty important, but how long do you need to extend it for?  Many warranties are just extended to bring in a little extra money for the retailers.  They may only be helpful to you if you feel that you have to have a machine for a specified period of time before it is replaced.  However, statistically if a machine lasts for a year without giving you any problems, then the chances of it being defective are relatively low.  An extended warranty may be helpful if you carry your computer around a lot where there is a higher risk of it being damaged or stolen.

Finally, take advantage of all coupons and incentives you have.  If you can get a computer at a 20% discount, then you should seriously consider taking the opportunity.  You may not get a better deal in the future.

Computers are typically significant expenses, but that doesn’t mean they have to actually be expensive.
They are like any other product.  Make sure you do your research ahead of time and take advantage of any opportunity to save some money.

This is a guest post by Kalen Smith.

Do you sign up for free samples on a regular basis? I do!

If you know you will be traveling soon, I recommend saving your free samples for traveling.

Above, you can see my stash of free samples. I have travel size items such as deodorant, lotion, toothpaste, floss, shampoo and conditioner, and more.

When I get ready for traveling, I gather all of my freebies together into a large ziploc back and bring them with me! I have done this in the past and they come in handy.

I have a new stash ready to take with me, saving money and space!