Computer Tip: Use "Ecofont" to saves your Ink

If you're really pinching pennies, or just a self-proclaimed eco-freak doing everything you can to save the earth, check out Ecofont. Ecofont is a computer font designed with pinprick holes throughout each character, thus allegedly saving 20% ink use over regular fonts. I think "draft mode" probably accomplishes a similar goal, but the idea is pretty clever. 

Ecofont is a free download for personal use so it can't hurt to give it a shot.  If you've got any thoughts on the matter, leave them in the comments.

Cell Phone Tip: How to get Free Texting on your Web-enabled Phone

I don't know about you, but it annoys the crap out of me that that my mobile provider can hit me twice for what should be a single unlimited-use charge:  $30 for an unlimited data plan, and another $20 for unlimited texting.  Really? What am I paying for??  Let's review:

Texting plan features:

• Send text/picture messages with a 160 character limit
  

Data plan features:

• Browse websites
• Send/receive email
• IM
• Social Networking
• Blogging
• Watch my freaking cable TV (Slingbox)
  
• And more...

So why the hell should I pay 2/3 as much for texts as I do for data?  Well, now we don't have to.

There are lots of ways to send text messages using a computer, but until recently none of them were practical for both sending AND receiving messages, especially on a phone.  Fortunately, a solution has arrived:  Google Voice.

If you don't know what Google Voice is, read the feature page...it's pretty cool stuff.  Even if you've got no interest in the other features, it's worth it to sign up (FREE) just for the SMS(texting) feature.

After you've done so, setting up free texting is easy:

• Go to Settings>Voicemail & SMS and check "Forward SMS messages to my email." 
• Then go to Phones>Edit and make sure "Receive SMS on this phone" is unchecked.  That way you'll only receive texts in your email, not your SMS inbox.

That's it!  Just make sure friends know to use your Google Voice number (at least for texting purposes). When they send you an SMS, instead of a text you'll get an email!  You can reply to that email like you would a regular email and it will be transmitted back to your friend-who-likes-paying-for-texts' phone as an SMS.


Voila! Now you're texting for free.

Avoid Texting Fees.  Send SMS to your e-mail with Google Voice
[Google Voice]

Online Rewards: Blingo.com (Search-and-Win)

One aforementioned rewards site (my favorite) pays you just for searching the web, but it turns out there are others that do the same!  Blingo is run byPublishers Clearing House (the people who do the "Prize Patrol") and is another site that delivers on its premise.

If you use Blingo as your search engine, you'll automatically be in the running for some pretty sweet prizes.  You might win infrequently, but when you do it's an instant prize, not points.  Each search (up to 25 daily) is a chance to win anything from a $5 Amazon Gift Card to a Ford Mustang.  Even better, if you refer your friends and a referral wins, you win the same prize...even if it's a car!

Blingo combines Ask, Yahoo, and Bing.com search technologies so results tend to be pretty good once you get past a few ads which present themselves at the top of your results.

Since my favorite search-and-win site tends to work best if your searches are scattered over the course of the day, my recommended strategy is to start your day with this one, and switch over to Blingo after you win a point (since nobody seems to get search-points in succession).  It might seem complicated, but it's really not if you make use of the toolbars/embedded browser search functions that both programs offer.

Try Blingo today!

Blingo.com [website]

Today-Only Deal: All AT&T Phones $0.01 at Amazon (except iPhone)

Heads-up to those wanting to switch to AT&T for wireless service but don't want an iPhone: Today only, with the exception of the iPhone, Amazon.com offers any AT&T phone for only 1 cent with 2-year agreement (the typical activation fee of $36 is waived to boot).

Note that the deal only works with NEW contracts (i.e. switching providers, not upgrades/extensions).

If you want to switch to AT&T and don't care for Apple, today's your day.

Today Only -- All AT&T Phones for a Penny with New 2-Year Service Plan
[Amazon.com]

Coupons: Groupon.com

If you live in or around a major city and like discounted fun...you'll love Groupon.com.  A Groupon is simply an emailed local deal that you can purchase (like a heavily discounted gift-card). There are Groupons for all sorts of things... restaurants, spas, specialty stores, night/sports clubs, cooking classes, you name it.  Who could turn down half price sushi? =)

The best part of Groupon, other than the deals themselves, is not having to hunt for them.  They come to you!  It's Easy:

1. Sign up for the mailing list (click "never miss a groupon" at the top, and make sure you've select the correct locale)
2. Get one great local deal in your email each day.
3. If you like a particular day's offer, buy the "Groupon" and use it before the expiration date
   
4. If you don't like the deal, don't do anything (no need to "opt out")...it's free and there's no risk!

The only caveat is that a Groupon only goes through if enough people claim it (usually just under 100 people or so need to). 99% of the time, the deal goes through anyway, but worst case scenario? The deal is canceled and you pay nothing.

Get on the mailing list today!


Learn How Groupon Works! from The Point on Vimeo.

Groupon.com [website]

Online Rewards: Lockerz

It's got a cheesy name, but this site has a lot of potential.  Lockerz.com is another completely free site that can earn you prizes.  It appears to be in an unofficial *beta* testing stage since most parts of the site don't work yet, but the concept is (will be) pretty simple:

Watch exclusive video, discover new music, play games, connect with friends, and get rewarded for it. The more often you visit, the more opportunities you have to earn PTZ (or “Pointz”), Lockerz’ own form of currency.

Could be fun. But the best part (and what all the kids are saying about it on youtube) is how few PTZ the prizes costs.  Redeem for anything from handbags to motor scooters, and cheap.  How cheap you ask?

• iPhone Skins: 35 PTZ
• Wii and Xbox 360 games: 100 PTZ 
• The complete Beatles Rockband package: 375 PTZ

For some perspective, I easily made 30+ PTZ in my first visit to the site.

Unfortunately, the only way to get a Lockerz membership is to get an email referral from a current member, but send me your email via Gchat (click the bubble below when I'm online) and I'll happily forward you one.[I will not use your email address for any other purpose]



Lockerz is probably trying to hook people early and raise the cost of each prize later...so get in NOW! =)


Lockerz [website]

Cell Phone Tip: Break Contract without early termination fees.

Are you stuck in a 2-year cell phone agreement and desperately want to switch carriers?  Cell carriers can charge astronomically high Early Termination Fees (some $200+) if you try to "get out" early, so what can you do?

Well you have a few options:

1. Get out FAST.  If you've been with the provider less than 30 days, you can probably get out without penalty.  Check the fine print in your contract.
   
   
2. Roam Excessively.  Deliberately use your phone out of network (set your phone to roam) and use "Night and Weekends" minutes out-of-network.  Apparently this can cause your cell provider to rack up a huge bill on your behalf and inspire them to cut you loose.
   
   
3. Look for contract changes.  If your provider makes a change to your contract (you should get a note in the mail), there's usually fine print stating that you may abandon your contract without a fee.
   
   
4. Complain!  Though unlikely, you may be able to get out of your contract if your service is truly awful and you complain about it often, and in a detail-oriented fashion.
   
   
5. Swap your plan. Find someone who wants to start a plan with your provider and transfer liability for your contract to them.  The incentive for them is that they'll get a *free* phone without being bound to a full 2-year contract term.

Watch the video for details!

How to get out of your cellphone contract for free
[Howcast via Lifehacker]

Cash Back UPDATE: "Cash Back" in the News

In case you had your doubts about cash back websites (despite my endorsements), the Washington Times just published a story about one of my favorite sites: Ebates.com!  Still wonder why cash back sites work?  According to a retail analyst for AllBusiness.com,

"The media landscape is becoming more and more fragmented, in our busy lives where we are on our phone and watching TV and reading a newspaper at the same time, retailers are looking for any way possible to get their message in front of consumers." 

Conclusion?  You're a fool not to take advantage of cash back!  With times being tight and holiday shopping around the bend, take every advantage you can get.

Use the sidebar to find links to cash back and deal sites.  Don't turn down free money!

Ebates.com links shoppers, store sites
[Washington Times]

Cash Back UPDATE: Bing Cashback

Previously mentioned deal site, Slickdeals.net has hosted a pretty handy forum for getting the most out of aforementioned cash back site, Bing Cash Back.  It turns out that while the listed cash back for each retailer on Bing is already pretty high, there's actually a way to boost your return even further.

The experts at Slickdeals have found a list of keywords which, if entered into your Bing search, display "sponsored links" or otherwise inflated cash back rates for a number of retailers.  The list is far from complete, but if you shop at any of the stores on their list, this is great way to maximize your savings.

Bing Cashback Forum
[Slickdeals]

Deal Sites: Slickdeals.com

It's definitely not the most eye-catching deal site out there, but Slickdeals.net definitely takes substance over form.  Voted time and again as the best place to find updated bargains online (including on my favorite blog, Lifehacker.com), Slickdeals is packed with content.

Slickdeals hosts tons of categorized coupons, deal forums broken down by subject matter, and even features an integrated tool set for comparison shopping, setting up deal-alerts, and more.  From handbags to camping supplies to flat panel TVs, Slickdeals has it all.  Try it today!

 Slickdeals

Special Offer: Get $100 when you open a Free BOA Checking Account

Here's an easy money opportunity for anyone without a Bank of America (or Chase) account.  From now through November 30th, open a free checking account and get $100 deposited in your account.

You must not have had an open Bank of America account in the past 3 months to qualify, but otherwise its pretty straightforward.

NOTE: Chase Bank is apparently offering a similar promotion, but it looks like there are more requirements.

See sites for details.

Get $100 when you open a Free BOA Checking Account
[Bank of America via Dealnews]

Coupons: RetailMeNot.com

Everyone knows one of the easiest ways to save money on a purchase is to use a coupon.  Clip it from the weekly circular or get handed one by a promoter and present it at checkout.  Coupon Codes work the same as paper coupons, but many people think they're exclusive.  Even though everyone doesn't receive a coupon code, most codes can be SHARED with everyone.  If only there was a forum where people could exchange them... Enter RetailMeNot.com.

If you shop online, chances are you've noticed a small text box on or about the payment confirmation screen prompting you to enter a "coupon code," "promo code," or the like.  Guess what? If you look in the right places, 9 times out of 10 you'll find a code.  A regular websearch might return results, but success rates can disappoint since codes expire quickly. That's where RetailMeNot shines.

RetailMeNot lets you search a specific store and shows you with nearly every available coupon code for that store. Even better, a success rating for each code (as voted by users) is posted by each listing so you don't waste time trying bad codes.  If you're looking to save money locally, there's even a "printable coupons" section for savings in your area.

 Remember RetailMeNot every time you go through online checkout.  If you use FireFox, simplify things by adding the RetailMeNot FireFox Extension to your browser.

RetailMeNot [website]
and
RetailMeNot FireFox Extension
[via Softpedia]

Cash Back: MrRebates.com

Mr. Rebates is notorious for being my cash-back site of choice 98% of the time.  The site's cash-back rates are nearly always a notch above the competition.  Better yet, sign up today and get a $7.50 cash-back gift after your first purchase! (don't worry that it's not posted anywhere.  After clicking "Join Now" click  the "show me the benefits of being a member" link- it's right there =)
 

There's no question, the website could use some polish, but who cares!  Whatever Mr. Rebates saves on web design, it gives back to its members in cash back.  As only a few other sites do, Mr. Rebates not only allows, but encourages and provides coupon codes which can be used in conjunction with your cash-back bonus.


Add Mr. Rebates to your arsenal of cash-back sites today.  Registration is 100% free.

DON'T FORGET!: If your plan is to buy something at your local brick-and-mortar store, see if the merchant has a "for in-store pickup" option on its website (many do).  You'll get all the benefits of a regular store (easy return policy, same-day receipt, etc.) and still get cash back!

Mr. Rebates [website]

Deal Sites: Spoofee.com

Spoofee.com is on my short list of sites I check every day.  If you want up-to-date deals but crave simplicity, look no further.

Spoofee posts freebies and amazing deals on housewares, electronics, fashion and beyond.  Deals are rated on a 5-star basis and registered users can post useful tips and suggestions in the comments section for each listing.  The site also posts weekly ads and coupon codes for a large number of online retailers.

Check it out for yourself and see what else Spoofee has to offer!

Spoofee [website]

Online Rewards: SwagBucks.com (Search-and-Win)

Swagbucks is one of my new favorite sites.  Lots of websites promise you free game systems and ipods for completing offers, but this one pays you to do what you do (for free) already.  Search the web.

I know, the name sounds sketchy, but skeptics take notice: this site actually delivers.  I'm not saying you'll make enough to pay off your loans, but after using it only a few weeks I've banked enough to earn $15 in Amazon.com gift cards.

Simply make a free Swagbucks account (so you have a place to store your "swagbucks" credit) and start searching.  If your search wins swagbucks (usually 1, but sometimes 2, 5, 10, 20....500), you'll be notified in your search results.  I tend to win something 1-3 times per day.  If you forgot to login before making a winning search...no problem. You'll be prompted to enter your login info to claim your winnings.

You can cash in your points for a variety of gift cards/products, but the best value per point is definitely the $5 Amazon.com gift card (don't worry, you can use multiple on a single purchase).  Additionally, Swagbucks will credit your account with matching swagbucks each time your friends win (up to 100/per) and provides a bunch of channels to obtain "swag codes": essentially coupon codes that credit you instant swagbucks if you enter them into your account.  Soon you'll be getting a FREE $20 gift card every month, or better.  Not bad, right?


A few tips for winning:

• For accessibility, add Swagbucks search to your searchbox at the top of your browser (or install the swagbucks toolbar).  There's an option to do so after you register.

• Instead of going straight to your favorite web addresses (i.e. gmail.com into the address bar), type ex."gmail" into your search and click the first listing in the results. It takes only a second more and gives you more opportunities to win

• Don't search "unnaturally" (i.e. repeatedly searching the same term or typing in gibberish in an effort to win).  It doesn't increase your chances of winning and, according to the FAQ, may be grounds for deactivation of your account.
  

The Swagbucks search engine pulls results from the Google and Ask.com search engines, so you know you're getting quality results.  In my tests, search results nearly mimicked the ones I had been getting in my search engine of choice.  Since discovering Swagbucks, I have all but abandoned traditional search.

Get 3 swagbucks free just for signing up!

Swagbucks [website]

Deal Site: Dealnews.com

Dealnews is far and away my favorite deal site.  A broad spectrum of products, frequent updates, and a clean, easy-to-navigate interface make it accessible to just about anyone. Find the best, current deals on electronics, home goods, and services with ease.

Each deal has a "hotness" rating and a description of how the deal compares to previous deals.  Visitors will be rewarded with occasional Dealnews-specific product codes. Even though some of the retailers may be unfamiliar to you, rest assured, Dealnews only posts deals from verified, reliable merchants.

You can also use Dealnews to set-up keyword alerts so you receive e-mail notifications whenever a deal-type gets posted to the site.  Dealnews also has 3 sister sites for more customized deal-searching: Dealcam for cameras, Dealmac for Apple-specific deals, and Stylenotes for fashion deals and other deals aimed at women.

Check Dealnews early and often for some of the best deals around.  The best deals sell out fast.

Dealnews [website]

Cash Back: Bing.com

Bing.com might be a new website to you, but the origins of its cashback program date back at least a few years.  The original concept for Bing's shopping "decision" engine was developed by a site known as Jellyfish.com which was purchased by Microsoft just a few years after launch.  Microsoft re-branded the cash back program as MS Live Cashback, and shortly thereafter as Bing Cashback with the launch of its newest search engine.

While relatively new to the cash back scene, Bing still manages to post some of the highest rates around as well as some pretty awesome promotions.  For instance, in August the site offered double cash back, sitewide (for many retailers as high as 50%).  Look at my savings on textbooks from Barnes & Noble alone! A current promotion gives members 25% at DrugStore.com, and Bing has even held 25% cash back promotions on EBay buy-it-now items. It is important to note that Bing doesn't allow the additional use of coupon codes with some merchants, so check with the vendor before trying to jointly use cash back AND a coupon (see my post on Ebates.com, which allows this universally).

Sign-up is free (free Windows Live ID required).  Bing pays your cash back balance on request via check or direct deposit to your bank account.

For those who sniff at cash back sites...here's your wake-up call.

DON'T FORGET!: If your plan is to buy something at your local brick-and-mortar store, see if the merchant has a "for in-store pickup" option on its website (many do).  You'll get all the benefits of a regular store (easy return policy, same-day receipt, etc.) and still get cash back!





Bing Cashback [website]

Cash Back: Ebates.com

Ebates.com is the oldest (since 1998) and arguably still the best cash back site on the web.  Sign up today and get a $5 as a thank you bonus after you make your first purchase.  Registration is free!

The site posts consistently good cash back rates and offers a "daily double" double cash back promo on a different retailer every day.  Right now, in lieu of the regular daily double program,  Ebates is offering doubled cash back at a number of back-to-school retailers including BarnesandNoble.com and HP.com.

Once you've set up a Free Ebates profile, you are automatically paid the balance of your cash back account via your preference of check or PayPal on regularly scheduled dates.  You'll see the next pay-date is 11/15 from the image above.  For most merchants you are paid back ~2-10% of your purchase, which may seem small but it adds up.  Obviously if you buy a big ticket item like a TV or a computer, you earn substantially more (I earned $50 on a recent laptop purchase).

Better yet, unlike some other cash back sites, Ebates allows and encourages coupling the cash back savings with Coupon Codes (more on this in later posts).


DON'T FORGET!: If your plan is to buy something at your local brick-and-mortar store, see if the merchant has a "for in-store pickup" option on its website (many do).  You'll get all the benefits of a regular store (easy return policy, same-day receipt, etc.) and you'll still get cash back!

Ebates.com [website]

Getting Started

First, don't be overwhelmed by the number and various types of sites!  If you look closer, you'll see that everything is very straightforward and you can opt to follow only one or two of these strategies and still see results.

If you are confused by anything described in the blog, here is a rundown of the majority of the products I'll cover:

**PURCHASES**************

1. Deal Sites:  It's really Black Friday EVERY day.  Regularly updated bargain-blogs that list some of the best sales on the web.  Some of them are genre specific (i.e. electronics) while others cover a range of merchandise and/or services.
   
   
2. Cash Back/Rewards:  Get paid to spend.  When you click on a link to a merchant's website (i.e. Target.com, BestBuy.com) and make a purchase, the host site for that link gets commission on the sale.  Cash Back Sites SHARE some of that commission with you.  All you have to do is 1) Click a Cash Back Site's link to the retailer rather than going directly, then 2) make your purchase!  Your cash back credits automatically.  Individual Cash Back Sites offer different cash back rates for different stores, so sign up at multiple (it's FREE) to make sure you use the one with the highest return for your particular purchase!
   
   
3. Coupons:  Whenever you see that little blank asking for one at online checkout, just assume there's one out there.  Various sites post regularly updated success rates for little-known promotional/coupon codes.  I'll list the best sites for both codes and printable coupons here.
   
   
4. Credit Cards:  Find a card that will give you the most bang for your buck (If you don't carry a balance).  I'll use this heading to highlight the best in credit card cash back and rewards programs.  Also, I'll share some little-known benefits which all major card holders are entitled to. 

**EASY MONEY**************

1. Online Rewards:  Get paid to search, receive emails, you name it.
   
   
2. Focus Groups:  Got 20 minutes? There could be $50 in it for you.  Marketing companies pay good money for just a few minutes of your time and your opinion.  Better yet, they usually pay you immediately.  Many studies can even be done from the comfort of your home.  (I'm going to use the term "focus group" broadly here, so other marketing studies like surveys may fall under this heading as well.)
   
   
3. Freebies:  Who doesn't like free stuff?  I'll try not to post anything trinkety, but if McCormick & Schmick's gives away $25 gift certificates again (Yes, they've really done it at least a few times before), you'll be the first to know =)
   

If you combine these strategies, I promise you'll notice some serious changes in your financial life.  Spend less, afford more.  It's that simple.