The Frugal Home Office

2008-10-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

I'm still reeling from my book signing afternoon at Costco last weekend. I don't see how this coupon clipper never realized that Costco sells quality goods at reasonable prices. I thought it was a warehouse, discount, "buy-in-bulk" store a la Sam's Club and BJ's. It's not. And if the loaded carts streaming from the Mayfield store in Cleveland are any indictation, I may be the last person in Cleveland to get that memo. You'd never know the economy is dicey from the shoppers at this store.

Costco is similar to those other shopping club companies only in that they charge a $50 annual membership fee for the privledge of shopping at one of their 543 stores worldwide. What will you find at Costco? A little of everything...from wines (Costco is the largest wine retailer in the United States) to clothing to organic produce to fine jewelry to prepared foods. They even have a seafood bar on weekends. You'll also find a host of product demonstrations, offering samples of food items, seven days a week. Not satisfied? Costco will return your membership fee at any time.

For us home office folk, they have good prices on electronics as well as office and cleaning supplies. Their book section is limited to recent releases, but their prices beat Amazon.com's by several dollars. They also offer a range of services, from insurance to travel...all at attractive prices. I may just have to give Costco a try. For roughly $1/week, it sounds like a good deal.

^{(photo © coolcaesar/cc license)}

80% Off Restaurant.com Gift Certificates

2008-10-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

Restaurant.com is having another 80& off sale, from now through Friday. That means $10 certificates are 60 cents, $25 GCs are $2, and $50 GCs are $4. Simply enter code "TREATS" at check-out.

Restaurant.com works with thousands of restaurants around the United States. Each offer has its own requirements, so be sure to read the instructions carefully. Still a great deal for employee incentives or an office get-together. Most certificates are valid for a year.

Good Buys at Staples this Week - 10/26 - 11/1

2008-10-25T14:49:00.001-07:00

It's not quite as good as last week, but Staples is still offering a few good deals for home offices this week. They are also continuing their recycling promotion, offering $30 in Staples Reward points when you buy a new PC, laptop, printer, or monitor after trading in an old component. Staples also offers $5 in Staplse Rewards for each used printer/toner cartridge you recycle with them. (That's the best offer among the office supply stores.)

This week's specials include:

$20 back instantly when you buy two multi-pack HP ink packs of the same kind.
A free package of Snicker's miniature candy when you buy an HP 3 or 4-pack ink cartridge package.
20 lb. box of Hammersmith copy paper for $24.99 after instant and easy rebates, a $41.99 value. (Limit two)

To read the entire ad, visit the Staples Web site.

Five Tips for Saving an Hour a Day

2008-10-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

When I first started my home business, saving an hour or several a day was not really an issue. More important was finding clients and work to keep me busy and earning money during those hours. However, after almost four years, wasting an hour has come to mean wasting money or taking time away from my friends and family.

Cleveland-based, Bright Side, a pioneer in accelerating behavior change, offers these five tips for re-claiming that lost hour (or more). While home business workers aren't generally bothered by meetings in the board room, virtual meetings and conference calls can be just as taxing.

1. The Chosen Few. Above and beyond setting priorities, Donna Rae recommends starting by focusing on accomplishing those tasks to assure your future happens the way you want. "Don't become distracted by the insignificant or get caught in the swirl of busyness doing things that don't add value." She advises distinguishing tasks between the urgent and the important, and ranking them accordingly. "Obviously the urgent and important go to the top of the list," says Donna Rae. "Next, look at the important, but not urgent. These are tasks, while important, can be done bit by bit, little by little." Tasks that are neither important nor urgent go to the bottom of the list.

2. Death by Meeting. A common complaint today is that people are being meeting-ed to death. According to Donna Rae, certain behavioral norms can make the most of people's time. "Brief, regular meetings to update progress, make decisions and commit to next steps are more efficient and effective than grand, comprehensive gatherings," she stated.

"Meetings move faster and are more productive in an environment of transparency," claims Donna Rae. "It's all about removing 'barriers' -- real or perceived."

According to Bonnie Curtis, Manager Global Oral Care at Procter & Gamble and Bright Side client, "We removed the table from our conference room," she said. "It's become a symbol of us creating an atmosphere of authenticity and productivity; our people feel that they are working in a safe and inclusive environment which has resulted in them being open to new ideas."

Donna Rae added, "Unless they are urgent, save topics and decisions for the regular meetings instead of having additional, time-consuming 'side' meetings. Lastly, leave the technology at your desk. This means no cell phones or other technological assistants."

3. Thrice is nice. "Although it can be a wonderful productivity tool, e- mail can become a burdensome nightmare," claims Donna Rae. Ease and low cost have caused an explosion of unnecessary e-mail. One way to free yourself of being tethered to e-mail is to restrict yourself to checking it only three times a day: in the morning, mid-day and near day's end. The time in between can be spent doing what you need to be doing.

4. Chunk it! Establish "chunks" of time where you are cut off and don't respond to others; where you remain totally focused on the task at hand. "This is a great way to complete those urgent and important tasks we discussed earlier," stated Donna Rae.

5. Go off peak. Do ordinary things at "off peak" times. For example, instead of eating lunch between noon and 1:00 p.m., go to lunch at 11:00 a.m. or at 1:30 p.m. First, the lines will be shorter and you'll be served more quickly, and during the relative peace while everyone else is at lunch, you'll be able to focus and get more done.

Sneak Peek: Staples Ad for 10/19 - 10/25

2008-10-18T05:22:00.000-07:00

The Staples ad for this coming week is posted and there's nothing too extraordinary about the week's offers, unless you're in the market for a new Kodak digital camera and have an old one to trade-in (in which case, Staples will give you $50 towards your new camera). They are also continuing their $5 credit in Staples Rewards for your old ink cartridges (as opposed to $3 in cash from OfficeMax.) If anyone sees a good deal that I've missed, let me know.

Calculate your Gas Usage before you Drive

2008-10-17T02:25:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking of driving to see a client or accepting an invitation for a book signing, trade fair, or promotional event, but are afraid of the gasoline cost of making the trip? Check out "Cost to Drive," a new Web site that calculates the driving expense and helps you to make an informed decision.

Restaurant.com Sale

2008-10-15T00:44:00.000-07:00

I found out about this deal rather late in the game, but it's too good not to mention. Restaurants.com is having an 80% off sale from now until noon Wednesday (CDT). Simply enter code "EIGHTY" at check-out and purchase $25 gift certificates for $2 and $10 certificates for 60 cents.

Restaurants.com works with thousands of restaurants around the United States. Each offer has its own requirements, so be sure to read the instructions carefully. Still a great deal for employee incentives or an office get-together.

Dell Discount Coupons

2008-10-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

I have a Dell PC and a Dell laptop and I'm very pleased with both computers. The PC is 2 1/2 years old (time for a replacement?) and the laptop is just under a year old and I haven't had trouble with either machine.

Dell is offering some substantial discounts this month on new laptops and computer equipement. Take a look:

$600 Off Sony Bravia 46'' Slim Design LCD HDTV with coupon code DV3X5W8JCP3640

$225 off Sony Bravia KDL32M4000 with coupon code 1GNV7994MB060C

Both offers expire on October 30.

Frugal Office around the Blogosphere

2008-10-13T04:29:00.001-07:00

"The Frugal Office" was featured over the weekend on fellow frugal blog, "Frugal in Virgina." Of course, we talked about our favorite subject, using the principles of frugal living in your home office. Take a look at our guest post.

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

2008-10-10T08:43:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-08T05:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

"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

2008-10-06T06:01:00.000-07:00

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.

Go Green with your Business and Save

2008-10-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Green living is the new buzz-word and most of us are eager to protect the environment as best we can...as long as it doesn't cost us a fortune. YUDU Media has just released a new e-book, "You Can't Afford Not to Be Green," which lists 51 ways that your business can save money AND save the planet at the same time. The majority of these apply to home-based businesses. A few of the book's suggestions include:

Putting PCs and monitors automatically on sleep, by using the PC's power-management settings can bring an annual energy savings of around $100-$200 per unit.
Cutting your electricity bill by up to 15% by switching off unneeded lights, with automatic timers, detectors and switches
Using solar-charging cell-hones, satnav units, PDAs and other hand-held devices.
Harnessing the many tax breaks available to businesses that use greener and more energy-efficient products. (more on this in a future blog post)
Avoiding the print, paper and postage costs of traditional publishing by switching to the new generation of digital brochures, catalogues and leaflets.

You can read more about "You Can't Afford not to Be Green" at the Yudu Media Web site.

Save Money on Entertaining with Restaurants.com

2008-10-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

If you're not familiar with Restaurants.com, you should check out their Web site or click on the icon above and on my left side bar. This company offers gift certificates to thousands of popular restaurants in dozens of cities for just $10 for a $25 certificate. Each restaurant has its own requirements. Some require a minimum purchase, some restrict the days of the week you can use the certificate, and most certificates require that at least two persons be in your party. Still, this is a good way to save on business entertaining.

If you're not comfortable using a gift certificate when dining with clients, save them for taking out independent contractors or employees, or use them as incentives for your staff. You can also discretly give the certificate to your server away from the table and your client will be none the wiser.

New October Coupons from Coupons.com

2008-10-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

It's the first of the month and that means new offerings from Coupons.com. You can visit their site by clicking on the widget on the left side bar. Included this month is a $2/2 coupon for Oust air sanitizers (to keep your office smelling nice), $1 off Alouette cheese (for that holiday office party), $1.50 off TAVA (my new favorite zero calorie beverage). There are several dozen coupons so make sure to take a look.

10 Tips for Surviving a Cash Flow Crunch

2008-09-30T07:11:00.001-07:00

Cash flow challenges are practically inevitable if you own a small business. If you're a freelancer like me, they become almost a way of life. Rusty Luhring, owner of Survivalware.com, has been advising small businesses for more than 30 years. He shares his tips on surviving a cash flow crunch: (While all of these might not apply to every business, there are things most of us can start doing better in the list. For me, it's invoicing promptly.)

1. Triage payments
Make a list of all payments due for the next three months. Give payroll priority and see what else you can negotiate to pay later. You may be able to slide with utilities; subcontractors can often be persuaded to wait a bit.

2. Accelerate collections
Call customers to check on payments that are overdue, or due soon. If you have a good relationship, you may be able to ask for early payment as a favor. For older accounts receivable, offer to forgive 15% of their overdue balance if they pay within the week. This may encourage them to respond and it's less costly than hiring a collection agency to go after receivables you may never see.

3. Invoice early
If you consistently send out invoices a week late, you are delaying receipts by a week. If you average $7,000 a week in receipts, the net effect is that you have $7,000 less to work with. If you take 10 days to send out the invoices, it's the same as if you need another $10,000 in working capital to run your business.

4. Offer discounts
This invoicing carrot can speed collections, but make sure that you understand how much it is costing you. Some large companies have policies in place that require speeding payments to earn discounts, e.g., 2% for paying within 10 days. But beware: Suddenly offering a 5% discount for payment in 10 days could give out the wrong signal.

5. Invoice more frequently
If you are billing customers for time, consider billing twice a month instead of once. Billing promptly on the 1st and 15th of the month speeds up immediate cash flow.

6. Ask for some payment upfront
Instead of just billing for time as it is incurred, ask for a third upfront, a third while the job is in-progress, and a third upon completion.

7. Fine-tune the timing of your payables
Take advantage of the maximum allowable time (60 to 90 days) to pay suppliers. Picture it as an interest-free line of credit that gives you more time to collect accounts receivable without spending money on short-term credit lines. If your payroll withholding taxes total less than $50,000 per year, remit the withholding on the 15th of the following month, instead of three days after payday.

8. Ask the right people for a loan or investment
Remember what they say about banks: They will lend you money only if you can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that you don't need it. Outside investors will sense your plight and demand onerous terms. This is a time to turn to friends and family and/or to get creative. Key customers might be able to help you out by advancing money to undertake a new product or pre-paying for products in anticipation of future demand.

9. Manage your credit cards
Many credit cards offer a cash advance credit limit that is separate (and lower) than the overall credit limit. Take the time to track the balances and credit limits for cash advances vs. overall purchases separately. Create a simple spreadsheet, and update it as the bills come in. When things get tight, make sure you charge whatever expenses you can to those cards that still have available merchandise credit, but no available cash advance credit. During a cash flow crisis, you want to maximize your available cash advances as they are almost the same as cash.

10. Consider layoffs
While large companies can take advantage of "redundancies" and "synergies" in downsizing their staff, it's more difficult for small business owners. Each employee has his/her own specialized revenue-generating abilities. Instead of letting go entirely, discuss rehiring them as freelancers. It reduces the costs of health insurance, payroll and stock options for you, and increases their freedom and provides time for them to seek out additional work from other companies to boost their income.

This Week at Staples 9/28 - 10/4

2008-09-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

Staples offers a two-day sneak peek at their weekly specials every Friday. Highlights of this coming week's ad include:

50% Staples Rewards points on all case and ream paper purchases
Staples gel pens for 1.99/12 pack

Not a whole lot happening at Staples this week.

Free Night of Theater

2008-09-27T01:01:00.000-07:00

Even the most dedicated home business owner needs a break sometime and what better way to enjoy an evening out than one the national Free Night of Theater. Save this date. This national arts initiative offers first-time theater-goers a pair of free tickets on October 16 to one of a number of theaters in more than 100 cities and featuring more than 600 theater companies. Visit the Free Night of Theater Web site to see if your city is participating and what day tickets will be available to order (it varies by city).

Tickets are on a "first-come, first-serve" basis and you request them via your local Web site (links from the national page). The idea of the program is to give audiences a chance to sample a theater they have never attended (so don't "cheat).

Connect for the Cure

2008-09-26T01:01:00.000-07:00

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). Started by First Lady Betty Ford, a breast cancer survivor herself, and her daughter Susan in 1985, NBCAM has made great strides both by increasing early detection of this disease and erasing the stigma that was once attached to it.

A number of pink products are promoted during October with a portion of the proceeds going to help eradicate breast cancer. One that's particularly useful to those with home office is this pink universal power cord from Amazon.com. It's so much more stylish than the traditional yellow cords.

To learn more about NBCAM and to download a variety of free material, visit the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Web site.

^{(photo courtesy of Amazon.com)}

Free Trade Magazines

2008-09-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

Every industry has its specific magazines, those that write about events and new trends in the industry. Many of these publications can be had for free to qualified (that is, people working in that industry) readers. To subscribe to magazines in your area of expertise, visit freebizmags.com.

If you are good at putting a sentence together, consider contributing to business magazines in your industry. While glossy, mass-market magazines get thousands of submissions, business magazines are generally eager for new writers and most of these publications pay quite well. Look for contact information on the magazine's masthead just inside the front cover.

Getting the Most from your Energy Dollar this Winter

2008-09-24T04:57:00.001-07:00

Fall is here and cold weather is fast approaching in much of the United States. Heating bills can impact a home office budget, just as they can your household budget. Ken Ely, a home heating and energy efficiency expert with Lennox Industries -- a leading provider of customized home comfort systems -- offers the following look at how the average dollar is spent on household energy consumption and advice for controlling expenses to make that dollar go further.

-- 45 cents -- Heating and cooling accounts for approximately 45 percent of the average home's utility bill -- or about 45 cents of every dollar -- and is typically the largest energy expense. To cut down on climate control costs, be sure to schedule annual routine maintenance on your heating system to ensure it's running as efficiently as possible. If the heating system is more than 15 years old, consider replacing it with an Energy Star-qualified system, which will be more energy efficient and can help lower utility bills. For example, by replacing an older furnace that is 60 percent efficient with one that is 95 percent efficient, homeowners can save approximately 57 percent on energy bills and up to $5,513 over a five-year period. Programmable thermostats are another way to maximize energy efficiency. These devices automatically control the temperature to use less energy at certain hours of the day, such as nighttime or when homeowners are away from home.

-- 20 cents -- Household appliances, such as refrigerators and clothes washers, are responsible for about 20 percent of a home's energy bill. Make sure appliances are clean and free of dust and lint to ensure proper ventilation and to increase their efficiency. In addition, check refrigerator and freezer doors to ensure they are sealed tight to prevent cool air from escaping. When washing dishes, use the air-dry setting on automatic dishwashers rather than heated drying to conserve energy. Finally, be sure to clean the lint trap in your clothes dryer before every load of laundry, which will help increase the drying efficiency of the machine.

-- 13 cents -- Heating water is another major energy expenditure and accounts for approximately 13 percent of a household's energy bill. Consider insulating the water heater with a water heater jacket that can be purchased at most hardware stores. Homeowners also can lower the temperature setting on the water heater to save energy. Some water heaters come from the factory already set at 140 degrees or higher, but a setting of 115 degrees can provide comfortable hot water for most uses. Finally, consider replacing a water heater if the existing one is more than 10 years old, as it probably is operating at an efficiency level of 50 percent or lower.

-- 11 cents -- Eleven percent of the energy budget for an average household -- or about 11 cents of every dollar -- goes to lighting. Switching out traditional incandescent lights with more efficient fluorescent lighting is a quick and easy way to save on utility bills. In fact, by replacing 25 percent of lights in high-use areas with fluorescents, homeowners can save about 50 percent on lighting-related energy expenses. Energy Star-qualified fluorescent lamps also last six to 10 times longer. For exterior lighting, be sure to use compact fluorescent or high-pressure sodium fixtures, which are more efficient, and consider motion sensors that operate lights automatically.

-- 10 cents -- The energy lost through windows can account for about 10 percent (and as much as 25 percent) of a home's heating bill. Look for cracks or holes around windows, and apply a sealant where necessary to prevent air from escaping the home. During the winter, be sure to keep blinds open during the day to allow sunlight to enter and heat the home naturally. Also, consider installing tight-fitting, insulating window shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing. Finally, to maximize a home's energy efficiency, replace single-pane windows with double-pane windows or windows with low-emittance (low-e) coatings that can reduce heat loss.

^{(photo courtesy of PR Newswire)}

Free Calendars

2008-09-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

One of the things that those with a Frugal Home Office never pay for is calendars. If you don't get one from your doctor, lawyer, accountant, charity, church, bank... there are plenty to be had for free online. Calendars for 2009 are just starting to become available. Below are a few links for free calendars.

There are also dozens of sites, such as this one, where you can print calendar pages and templates and create your own desk or daily calendar.

Give Your Business a Utilities Check-Up and Save

2008-09-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

I know the last thing you probably want to be doing is calling utility companies if you don't have to, but scheduling a few minutes every six months or so to check your utility rates can save you money. I've been doing this for a couple of years and have never failed to save at least $20/month. Today, I saved a whopping $65/month.

Yes, in a perfect world, the phone company, gas company, and cable people would let you know if they lower their rates, but they rarely, if ever happens. So, if you ask for a lower rate, there's a good change you'll get one. If you carry a balance on your credit card, now's a good time to call them too. They might just lower your interest rate.

Office Depot Extends 10 Percent Off Promotion

2008-09-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

Office Depot has extended their 10% off any other through October 18. There is no minimum on this offer (although you need $50 for free delivery) and only technology is excluded. Use code 77242882 at check out. Click on the icon on the left side-bar of visit www.officedepoit.com.

This Week at Staples - 9/21 to 9/27

2008-09-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

Staples offers a two-day sneak peek at their weekly specials every Friday. Highlights of this coming week's ad include:

50% Staples Rewards points on all case and ream paper purchases
Free assembly on all office chairs (a good thing, believe me!)
16-packs of Duracell AAA and AA batteries for $9.75. (there is also a .75 coupon from a recent Sunday insert that will make this even cheaper.)

Free Things from Wal-Mart

2008-09-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

If you're not already familiar with this page, I suggest you bookmark it and visit it often. Wal-Mart (of all people) is a great source of freebies--everything from personal care items to cleaning products. Presumably, the hope is that you'll love the new products and continue you to buy them at Wal-Mart, but the promotions come with no obligation. Recent offers have included toilet paper, dishwasher capsules, and laundry detergent. The packages arrive promptly and usually come with coupons for your next purchase.

Save $20 on $100 Purchase at Staples

2008-09-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

If it's time to stock up on office supplies, you might consider taking advantage of Staples' $20 coupon when you purchase at least $100 worth of merchandise (excluding laptop or desktop computers). The coupon is good for purchases via the Web site, phone, or in-store and expires 9-20-08. Visit this page to print your coupon.

Free Things for your Birthday

2008-09-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

If you're like most small business owners, taking the day off for your birthday is rather laughable. However, if you can spare a few hours, there are dozens of businesses that offer free goodies to help you celebrate. Below are just a few (thanks to A Full Cup):

APPLEBEES - free dessert
BAKERS SQUARE - free pie
BASKIN ROBBINS - free ice cream treat
FUDDRUCKERS - free burger
HARD ROCK CAFÉ - free dessert
HOMETOWN BUFFET - free birthday cake
IHOP- free meal
JOE'S CRAB SHACK - free cake
MAX & ERMA'S - free $5 dessert
OUTBACK - free dessert
PERKIN'S - free stack of pancakes
PF CHANGS - free cake or cheesecake
RED LOBSTER - free slice of cake
TACO BELL - free combo meal of your choice
TGI FRIDAYS - Free Birthday Dessert
DAVE AND BUSTERS - $5 game card credit
HOLLYWOOD VIDEO - free video rental

^{(photo © stock.xchng)}

Frugal Thoughts around the Blogosphere

2008-09-13T06:19:00.000-07:00

There were plenty of frugal articles around the Net this week, everything from Sarah Palin to networking. Here are a few of the pieces I enjoyed:

Have a great weekend.

50 Percent Staples Rewards on Case and Ream Paper

2008-09-12T05:38:00.000-07:00

Staples is offering 50% back in Staples Rewards on any purchase of case or ream paper from September 14 through October 18. It's a good incentive to stock up on paper for the winter. If you're not familiar with the Staples Rewards program, it's free to enroll and it earns you 10% every day on case and ream paper, ink cartridges (although, I find these are cheaper on Amazon.com), and copies. They also send you special coupons and other offers. You can sign up online and print your card on your computer.

Credit for Cartridges at OfficeMax

2008-09-11T06:54:00.001-07:00

Don't just throw your old ink cartridges away. Not only does it contribute to the masses of garbage in America's landfills, but you're wasting money. OfficeMax will give you a $3 credit for each used cartridge that you bring into the store...up to six per visit.

My store just takes the amount off of your total at check out, but I'm told that some stores give you a coupon for future use. Either way, it's money in your pocket.

^{(photo © istockphoto)}

The Power of a Penny at OfficeMax

2008-09-10T05:44:00.000-07:00

OfficeMax is offering a variety of items for just one penny through September 13. Some are available in-store only and others can be ordered online. Included are:

Sharpie Permanent Markers (in store only; limit 2)

Sharpie Accent Mini Highlighters (in store only; limit 2)

OfficeMax 50-pack of slim CD jewel cases; buy one, get one for one cent

2-packs of Avery Black View Binders; buy two, get one for one cent

HP Photo Paper; buy one pack, get one for one cent

So make sure to get out to OfficeMax and get some (almost) free markers.

Selling the Plane on eBay

2008-09-09T07:36:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big fan of the political conventions. They tend to be a little too self-congratulating for me. I do, however, usually watch...just in case someone says something noteworthy. This year, the highlight of both conventions was when Republican Vice Presidential candidate (and mother of five), Sarah Palin described how she sold the Alaska state private jet on eBay. If that's not in the spirit of living frugally, I don't know what is.

The eBay sale is also a good example of using non-traditional methods in business--something that can benefit any home office. Don't be afraid to take your personal finance saavy, such as clipping coupons, shopping sales, filling out rebate forms, and negotiating the best prices, to your business life.

By the way, the plane didn't sell on eBay, but the publicity surrounding the listing attracted a buyer. You can view the eBay listing here.

^{(photo © AlaskaDude/cc license)}

Free Road Atlas from DHL

2008-09-08T04:49:00.000-07:00

I have no sense of direction and distance--a bad thing in these days of exorbitant gasoline prices. So, if a client or a bookstore wants me to visit them or participate in an event, I usually have to consult a map to see if it makes sense to drive that distance.

Fortunately for my dog-earred road atlas, DHL, the shipping company, is offering a new Rand McNally Road Atlas to those that visit their site and complete a short survey about their company's shipping habits. It's a $15 value. To send for yours, visit the DHL Web site.

Office Depot's Tech Recycling Program

2008-09-07T05:50:00.000-07:00

Office Depot is making it relatively easy to be "green" and recycle your old computer equipment and electronics. Their tech recycling program allows consumers to purchase a large ($15), medium ($10), or small ($5) box and fill it with as many acceptable tech items as will fit. You then drop it off at an Office Depot store and they will forward the items to the appropriate recycling center.

Not only are cell phones, computer equipment, and other tech items jamming America's land-fills (and potentially leaking dangerous mercury and other elements into the earth), but getting rid of electronics can be a pain in the neck. In my area, for instance, the city only accepts such items twice a year. Office Depot makes being responsible easier. For more information on the Office Depot Tech Recycling Plan, visit their Web site.

^{(photo © 2007 S. Mitchell)}

Don't Be Afraid to Use Coupons

2008-09-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

Do you feel uneasy using coupons when you shop? DON'T! According to a new study by the Promotion Marketing Association Coupon Council, more than 89 percent of the overall US population report that they use coupons when shopping for grocery, household, and health and beauty items. In addition:

Spending 20 minutes per week clipping and organizing coupons can save up to $1000 per year
The typical family saves between $5.20 and $9.60/week using coupons
More than $350 billion of packaged goods coupons are offered annually in the US
The average value of each coupon is $1.25
September is National Coupon Month

Fortunately for home businesses, more and more coupons are being offered for products like computer paper, pens and pencils, and other office necessities. Let's hope that trent continues.

Money-Saving Coupons from Bic

2008-09-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

BIC has a new set of printable coupons on their Web site that save you money on their Mark-its, mechanical pencils, and Wite-out products. They have a 30-day rolling expiration date. Visit this site to print your copies.

Fall Food Links

2008-09-04T05:59:00.000-07:00

In several of my other projects, I talk about food and cooking, along with a group of other talented food bloggers. Here's a little of what we've been discussing this week--fall foods, apples, Halloween treats, and planning for the holidays. Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend.

Harvest Party Snack Mix

A simple sweet snack for a fall harvest or Halloween party.

Holiday Cake with Kiwi

This New Orleans holiday recipe is as attractive as it is delicious.

Ohio Pioneer Apple Cake

Fall is Apple season in Ohio and this traditional recipe for Ohio Pioneer Apple Cake (pictured above) is a great way to use them.

Pumpkin Pies & More

Pumpkin pie, so popular in autumn, has a long history, going back to the 17th century.

Quick Apple Crisp

A sweet dessert to use up all those apples in season right now.

Summary of Latest Fat Fighting Research

If you’re concerned about your weight or the weight of someone you love, clip this article and post it near your food shopping list. More thoughtful shopping will keep health-giving foods on hand and help you resist the junk food aisle of your supermarket.

Win a $250 Office Depot Gift Card

2008-09-04T05:08:00.000-07:00

Is there a new office product that you just love and would like to share with the world? Your opinion could win you a $250 gift card from Office Depot. All you have to do to enter is write a product review and post it on the Office Depot site on or before 9/27/08. For details and posting instructions, visit the Office Depot Web site.

Office Depot is also offering 10 percent off of all online orders until 10/18/08. The offer excludes technology, printer and copy machine ink cartridges, and several other products. There's no minimum, so even if you just need some paper, envelopes, and other office supplies, this might be a good time to shop. They offer free delivery/shipping on orders of $50 or more. Use coupon code 77242882. You can follow the Office Depot icon on the sidebar to access the site.

Free Business Cards from Vista Print

2008-09-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

Vista Print offers 250 business cards for free if you agree to have their logo on the bottom of the reverse side of the cards. It's not for everyone, but I've used their services both for the free and the "for-a-fee" cards and they do quality work.

For the free cards you have a choice of 42 different designs and you can put all of the standard information on the card, including name, company name, three address lines, city and state, and four fax, phone, email, or Web site lines. Logos and additional information are available for a fee.

To order your free cards, visit the Vista Print Web site. You'll be charged shipping, but mine was only a few dollars to Ohio. Your amount will vary depending on where you live.

Free Post-It Sample

2008-09-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

Register to receive a free sample of recycled Post-it notes from 3M. The sample of 10 sheets of 4"x6" notes are available from their Web site. Recycled Post-its are made from 30 percent post-consumer product.

Enter to Win a $10,000 Dell Office Makeover

2008-09-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

Does you home office need a makeover? Are you using that same equipment that you bought five--or ten--years ago? Then hurry up and enter Dell's "Synergistic Mission Critical" sweepstakes. One lucky small business owner will win $10,000 worth of Dell products to turn their home office into a state-of-the-art work station. In addition, there are daily prizes of computers, printers, digital cameras, and other useful stuff.

The contest is open to all businesses headquartered in the US and Washington DC, with the exception of Colorado, that have between 1 and 500 employees. Entrants must be at least 18 years of age.

You can enter daily by visiting this page through 9-3-08. Good Luck!

Save on Office Supplies with Ebates

2008-08-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

If you haven't signed up with Ebates yet, you should. This company offers up to 25 percent back on all of your online purchases, with companies including Office Depot, Office Max, Dell Computers, and Vista Print...just to name a few. More than 900 companies are included in the program. They also have periodic exclusive free shipping orders and online coupons.

There's no cost to join. To use Ebates, you just visit the ebates.com site and follow their links to the site where you'll be shopping. Your account is credited for each purchase automatically. You request a check whenever you'd like.

To sign up, just follow this link.