Good Buys at Staples - 10/12 - 10/18

After a couple of lack-luster weeks, Staples is offering several good deals this coming week (October 12 - 18, 2008). Among them are a couple of Free after rebates items. You can view the entire upcoming ad here, but these are a few of the highlights:

• Brother 575 Plain Paper Fax Machine -- $9.99 after rebate
• HP All-in-One J4580 Printer -- $49.98 after rebate
• Zentith Phillips universal remote -- Free after rebate
• Peachtree Sage Pro Accounting 2009 software -- free after rebate
• Briteliner Highlighters 5 pack -- $99

In addition, this is the last week to earn 50% Staples Rewards on reams of copier and printer paper as well as in-store copy orders. Staples is also offering a $30 tech trade-in bonus (to your Staples rewards account) when you bring in your old tech item and purchase a new one. This offer is good through November 15 (2008).

Health Insurance for the Self-Employed

One of the most difficult--and expensive--aspects of starting a small home business is finding affordable and adequate health insurance. Since a national health plan is at best years away and since you risk your assets and health if you go without, it's important not to put off getting health insurance. Here are a few places to look:

• Cobra - If you are quitting a corporate job to go into business for yourself, make sure that you take advantage of the government plan--Cobra--that lets you keep your company health insurance if you pay the premium yourself. In most cases, this will be lower than the coverage you can get on your own. Cobra benefits last for 18 months after you leave your job.
• Local Small Business Associations - Small business associations in major cities often offer health insurance plans that allow multiple companies to take advantage of their group buying power under one group health plan. In Cleveland (where I live), COSE offers health plans for small businesses starting with one-person enterprises. In addition, the membership fee gives you access to a number of marketing and networking resources. Check to see if your city has a similar organization.
• AARP - If you're at least 50 years old or going to be turning 50 soon, don't throw the mountain of literature that AARP sends out away. It can save you money. For $12.50 annual dues to join AARP, you are eligible for their health program via United Health Care. I joined last year and saved more than $200/month on my health insurance bill.
• Assurant Health - This company (in business since 1892) offers a number of health insurance products aimed at the self-employed, at attractive prices. It's my experience that they favor young applicants with no medical history. They also offer temporary health insurance for up to six months if you need a policy to cover you during a waiting period.
• Trade associations - Many trade associations offer group health insurance to their members. Ask people in your industry or visit forums for your type of business. Often these policies are limited to certain states.

Do you know of a good and affordable place to get health insurance for the self-employed? Share your story by leaving a comment.

Free Desk Lamp

Take advantage of this latest business freebie and request a free USB desk lamp. Simply complete this online form. They say your lamb will arrive in 4-6 weeks. There's a limit of one per household.

Read the privacy policy, but it doesn't look like they'll bombard you with sales offers.

Free "Successful Living" Subscription

"Successful Living," a new, bi-monthly magazine that deals with tips and stories about living frugally, about other things, is offering a free year's subscription. I just received my first issue and thoroughly enjoyed it. To sign up, visit this Web page.

^{(photo courtesy of Successful Living)}

Free AARP Membership from Walgreen's

As I mentioned in my post about health insurance, I'm a big fan of AARP. This is, in no small part, because they've saved me about 50% on my health and life insurance since I joined when I turned 50 last year (perhaps the only good thing about turning 50). Now, you can explore the many benefits of this organization for Americans 50 years and older for free with an October offer from Walgreen's Drug Store.

Walgreen's is giving you a coupon printable at the cash register for a one year membership or extension (a $12.50 value) when you buy $10 worth of Walgreen's brand products . To sweeten the deal, you can also submit your cash register receipt for a $5 refund if you buy three participating products (such as their aspirin, ibuprofen, Wal-itin allergy medicine, etc.) as part of Walgreen's Easy Saver Rebate Program. If you submit your request online, they'll credit you with $5.50. It's a great deal.