Cha Ching Dallas

Welcome to Thrifty Thursday!



Rachel from Cha Ching Queen and I will post new and/or recap money saving and making tips since the last week. We will discuss everyday ways you can save money.If you have a blog and you post money saving or making tips and would like to be featured in "Thrifty Thursday" send your info by email (can be found in about page) or leave a comment below.



Thrifty tip for this week:


Nielsen, the world’s largest market research company, is offering some great incentives for your opinions. Make your opinions count as a member of the Homescan Consumer Panel.

Earn valuable gift points, which are redeemable for electronics, household items, jewelry, toys and more. I've heard good things about this program. Panel members are provided with a hand-held scanner. Every time you or members of your household shop, you’ll use the scanner to scan the barcodes on all of your purchases. Then you’ll upload your data to Nielsen once a week and earn gift points that are redeemable for name-brand merchandise, including electronics equipment, jewelry, household items, toys, and much more.

Go here to find out if they are taking people in your zip. Nielsen is great about walking you through technical issues, so don’t worry about feeling overwhelmed. Note that it can take several months before you hear from them after first signing up – they have a limited number of openings available in each area.



Here is a list of a few more surveys and focus groups:
This is a list of the ones Rachel from Cha Ching Queen has had success with. Focus Forward is the best paying. She made $200 for a couple of hours once, and then we also got $75 for participating in a message board online for a few days.
Tamage
Pinecone Research
Your 2 Cents
Acop
Survey Savy
Focus Forward

Click here for some more online money making ideas from Cha Ching Queen.
Thanks Cha Ching Queen!

Welcome to Thrifty Thursday!

Rachel from Cha Ching Queen and I will post new and/or recap money saving and making tips since the last week. We will discuss everyday ways you can save money.

If you have a blog and you post money saving or making tips and would like to be featured in "Thrifty Thursday" send your info by email (can be found in about page) or leave a comment below.

Thrifty Tip for this week:

Okay, I promise my thrifty tips won't always be for the book worm but in honor of some great sales and coupon codes here are some more book thrifty tips...

Barnes and Noble 10% Printable and Online Coupon
Here's another 10% off Coupon for Barnes and Noble
ONLINE
Enter coupon code L3D4R9T at checkout. The 10% discount will be applied to the highest-priced item in your cart.
SHOP NOW >IN STORES
CLICK HERE to print your store coupon or select the 'File' menu in your browser and choose 'Print.'
Thanks Cha Ching Queen!

Border's is offering 40% off. Click here for 40% off any store item. Expires on August 9th and in-store only. For online purchases click here for 20% off any one item or use code SLH8092X.

Half Price Books is offering $5 off of $20 when you sign up on the mailing list here.

and don't forget my thrifty tips from last Thursday:
Paperback Swap help members Swap, Trade & Exchange Books with each other for Free. You can; mail a book, get a book. Any book you request is yours to keep, share or trade. No late fees, no processing charges, and no hidden charges. Every time you mail a book to another member, you can request one for yourself from over 3 Million. You can buy credits or earn them by posting your books and sending them.

At Swap Tree it is the same concept as Paperback Swap but you can also swap and recieve DVDs, CDs, and video games.

I am still a big fan of finding books at Yard/Garage Sales. Or you can always head to your local library.

Welcome to Thrifty Thursday!

Sherah from Cha Ching Queen and I will post new and/or recap money saving and making tips since the last week. We will discuss everyday ways you can save money.

If you have a blog and you post money saving or making tips and would like to be featured in "Thrifty Thursday" send your info by email (can be found in about page) or leave a comment below.

Thrifty Tip for this week:

If you love to read this tip is for you! Paperback Swap help members Swap, Trade & Exchange Books with each other for Free. You can; mail a book, get a book. Any book you request is yours to keep, share or trade. No late fees, no processing charges, and no hidden charges. Every time you mail a book to another member, you can request one for yourself from over 3 Million. You can buy credits or earn them by posting your books and sending them.

At Swap Tree it is the same concept as Paperback Swap but you can also swap and recieve DVDs, CDs, and video games.

Here are some sites from Cha Ching Queen were you can swap baby clothes and more, Swap Baby Goods and Swap Thing.

Welcome to Thrifty Thursday!

Rachel from Cha Ching Queen and I will post new and/or recap money saving and making tips since the last week. We will discuss everyday ways you can save money.If you have a blog and you post money saving or making tips and would like to be featured in "Thrifty Thursday" send your info by email (can be found in about page) or leave a comment below.

Thrifty tip for the week:

Here is a list of Ten Ways to Prevent Over Spending by Simple Mom.
One suggestion I found particularly useful on this site was taking advantage of the wish list feature on the online stores. For example I can go to Amazon.com and place any items I wish for or think would make a great present into the wishlist. That way I can shop around for better deals, or take the time to see if I really need to buy that item.

Another Thrifty tip is to consider doing your grocery shopping at a bag it yourself store or your local Walmart. Walmart has price matching and great coupons and freebies. I have saved a lot of money going to Walmart instead of our local grocery store.

For more Walmart Deals, check out Deal Seeking Mom’s Extensive Walmart Coupon Match up.
There is a Grocery Gathering is hosted at BeCentsAble each Monday and Thursday. Head over to check out all the deals being covered and to join in the discussion!
Thanks Bargain Briana!
No matter what grocery store you decide to shop at always come prepared with a list and coupons. It may take some extra time and preparation but speaking from experience it will help you save a lot of money.
Visit WholeFoodsMarket.com to view your ad online to find your sale dates or a store near you.
Always check here for coupons as well as the dallas coupon bank before heading to the store.

Check here to see Rachel from Cha Ching Queen's Thrifty advice!

Welcome to Thrifty Thursday!
Rachel from Cha Ching Dallas and I will post new and/or recap money saving tips since the last week. We will discuss everyday ways you can save money.
If you have a blog and you post money saving tips and would like to be featured in "Thrifty Thursday" send your info by email (can be found in about page) or leave a comment below

Here are a few Thrifty Tips I thought were helpful:

1.For your summer vacation plans get a customized vacation map with low gas prices along the route. Getting lost while driving in unfamiliar areas could lead to an expensive waste of gas and unnecessary disputes among passengers. You can use online resources to print a customized vacation map that highlights low-cost gas stations along your route.

2.If you are wanting to cut back on your monthly or annual spending and start saving more money start by keeping track of your expenses. Save receipts, record expenditures and track expenses for 2-3 months to see where your money goes. Many online banking programs offer customers the ability to categorize and track expenses online. You can download credit card bills into Quicken and review them monthly, along with our online banking statements to get a sense of where your money is going. By knowing how you spend, this will help you see where you can cut back.

3. Always always search coupons before making any purchase big or small. If you’re new to online couponing, you might be interested in this recent ranking of the 10 top coupon sites, based on the number of unique visitors, according to Compete.com. This list is a great guide to websites you’ll definitely want to visit before you head out to the supermarket next time, or log on to make another kind of purchase.
1. coupons.com
2. eversave.com
3. retailmenot.com
4. coolsavings.com
5. couponmountain.com
6. couponcabin.com
7. fatwallet.com
8. slickdeals.net
9. smartsource.com
10. couponmom.com

Thanks Suddenly Frugal

I am playing catch up today because this has been a very busy week including a trip to the Great Wolf Lodge for a quick family vacation. We had a blast and I am so glad we were able to use a coupon to save money on our stay. Needless to say I have some catching up to do.

For Menu Monday (June 29) :

I found some yummy recipes from 5$ Dinners.
With this summer heat it is sometimes hard to sit down to a warm dinner. This is a great recipe for a dinner that is good warm or cold.

Balsamic Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
3 cups rotini pasta noodles
1 package chicken tenderloins
1 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing, divided
2 carrots
1 green pepper
1/2 zucchini
Fresh basil
Fresh parsley
Salt/Pepper, to taste

Directions:
1. In medium saucepan, cook pasta noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Add to serving bowl with 1/2 cup of balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
2. Place chicken tenderloins (dice them first if you like…I didn’t, because I find it easier to cut cooked chicken than raw chicken) into medium skillet with other 1/2 cup of balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Saute for 4-5 minutes each side, or until tenderloins are no longer pink in the middle.
3. Meanwhile, peel and chop carrot. Core, seed and dice green pepper. Dice 1/2 of a large zucchini. Chop fresh basil and parsley.
4. Once chicken has cooked through, toss veggies with chopped fresh basil and parsley into the skillet with the chicken. Add 1/2 - 3/4 cups of water.
5. Cover and let steam for 4-5 minutes, or until zucchinis become translucent. Once steamed, take “sharp” metal spatula or knife and cut the chicken tenderloins into bite size pieces.
6. Once cooked, toss chicken and veggies with pasta and dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optional: Add a few shakes of Parmesan cheese to each serving. Serve warm or refrigerate at least 2 hours and serve chilled.
7. Serve Balsamic Chicken Pasta Salad.

July 4th Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 banana
1 cup of milk, rice milk or yogurt
6 large strawberries
About 1 cup blueberries
2 Tbsp ground flaxseed (optional)
2 Tbsp favorite sweetener, like honey, agave syrup or sugar
Enough water to cover all the fruit (about 3-4 cups)

Directions:
1. Add all ingredients and blend until smooth.
2. Drink and Enjoy!

Thank You 5$Dinners!

*Always check here for coupons (new month so new coupons!) as well as the dallas coupon bank before heading to the store.

Tell About it Tuesday (June 30):

Tuesday we went to The Great Wolf Lodge. I highly recommend going there for a fun family vacation but with the warning that you need to come prepared to play not to rest. We had a blast and really enjoyed our stay. We also enjoyed driving around Historical Grapevine, TX. If you plan on going to The Great Wolf be sure to stop by the dallas coupon bank for a 20% off discount first. Also I would not recommend buying a "Pup Pass." The pass is for a stuffed animal, T-shirt, 2 free drinks and souvenir cups, and 20 game tokens. Really you can get more for your money without purchasing the pass. Next time we go we will also plan on bringing more food from home to save money especially with a refrigerator and microwave in every room.

If you have a blog or any tips that you would like to tell us about please leave a comment or email me. Thanks!

Win It Wednesday (July 1):

Huge Coupon Giveaway –Enter 3 Times a day on Cha Ching Queen (Ends July 6)

Mr. Linky list of blog giveaways for this week:
Deal Seeking Mom here
Money Saving Mom here

Susan from cravingthesavings.com is giving away four tickets to the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus' opening night in Dallas (July 29).

Thrifty Thursday (July 2-Today):

Welcome to Thrifty Thursday!
Rachel from Cha Ching Queen and I will post new and/or recap money saving tips since the last week. We will discuss everyday ways you can save money.If you have a blog and you post money saving tips and would like to be featured in "Thrifty Thursday" send your info by email (can be found in about page) or leave a comment below.

Thrifty tip for this week:

Are you a Deal Shark?
Here’s a great article about Deal Sharks (the best online shoppers). The key is to use malls and physical stores to look at a product and make sure it is what you want, but then buy the product online. Research is also important. Use comparison sites and find out how to layer (combine coupon codes, rebates, discounts).
Here are few sites for info on layers Ben's Bargains, Deals of America, My Bargain Buddy and SlickDeals
Always be on the lookout for a good deal even if you don’t need the item right away. One shopping seizes the deals and then stores them for later use as gifts.Even if you don’t do much online shopping there are some sites that will compare product prices at stores in your area. One example is shoplocal. Subscribe to mailing lists. Yes, you’ll get lots of junk, but you could also get some great coupons. That is how I got a 30% off coupon for Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic. If you just can’t seem to find a good deal, ask for help. There are lots of sites with forums where people post questions or requests for coupon codes. A couple include fatwallet.com and slickdeals.net
Thank you Rachel!

Tomorrow Family Fridays (July 3):

Happy 4th of July Weekend! God Bless America!

Welcome back to Family Friday!
Rachel from Cha Ching Queen and I will post family fun activities and ideas for the upcoming week/weekend. We will share ways you can save money while enjoying family time together.If you have a blog and you post Family Fun money saving tips or if you have any fun family ideas and would like to be featured in "Family Friday" send your info by email (can be found in about page) or leave a comment below.

Local 4th of July Event Websites:
Addison Kaboom Town
Arlington 4th of July Parade
Frisco Freedom Fest
Grapevine 4th of July on the Lake
Lewisville Red, White & Lewisville
Liberty By The Lake Celebration
Plano Independence Day Parade
Richardson 4th Of July Celebration

Ft Worth Activities
DFW July 4th events
The most complete list in town. Find your fireworks here.
www.PegasusNews.com
Star Spangled 4th
Jul 4, 10 a.m.-midnight. Enjoy a crafts, live music and entertainment, art, car and motorcycle show, parade, and fireworks at the Firewheel Town Center in Garland. Free.
Dallas Booms! at Fair Park
Jul 4, 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music, free museum admission after 4 p.m., and food will be available at Fair Park. And fireworks will go off after dark, too, of course. Please leave the coolers at home, but bring lawn chairs or a picnic blanket. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome.

July 4th Crafts & Recipes
Quick & Easy July 4th Recipes & American Flag Crafts Ideas!
Family.go.com

The Ballpark In Arlington

Have a safe and fun 4th of July weekend!

Welcome to Thrifty Thursday!

Rachel from Cha Ching Dallas and I will post new and/or recap money saving tips since the last week. We will discuss everyday ways you can save money.

If you have a blog and you post money saving tips and would like to be featured in "Thrifty Thursday" send your info by email (can be found in about page) or leave a comment below



To take the itch out of mosquito bites, and make them go away within a few days - rub the bite with a small piece of cut onion a few times a day. The juice neutralizes the itch and helps heal the bite. The more often you apply, the sooner the bite disappears. Everyone who tries it is astounded!


I've heard it may work on other insect bites, but have not tried it on anything other than mosquito bites.


Source: Farmers Almanac

Thank you Thrifty Fun





You can save money by teaching you children to save money for tips and ideas here is a great website where kids (1st grade thru 6th) can lean about money in an educational and entertaining way.



Planet Orange for Money Savvy Kids


Planet Orange first launched by ING DIRECT in 2002. The site, recently redesigned, has been recognized as a “Best Bet” by USA TODAY and named ‘Best of the Web’ by Forbes.com as a helpful place where kids can learn about money in an educational and entertaining way.

Planet Orange now offers parents, educators, and children enhanced learning tools and games having to do with finances and money. There are a variety of space missions at Planet Orange, used to help kids discover the importance and value of money along with personal finance lessons through fun and engaging games and activities.


Planet Orange covers topics like earning, saving, spending and investing are all covered in an interactive, space themed manner. There’s also a Teacher’s Resource Center with tutorials, free lesson plans, and supplemental information and tools to enhance the learning experience.



Keep in mind that kids may need a parent’s help to register though, for a kids site I was sort of surprised at the long registration form.

Welcome to Thrifty Thursday!

Rachel from Cha Ching Dallas and I will post new and/or recap money saving tips since the last week. We will discuss everyday ways you can save money.If you have a blog and you post money saving tips and would like to be featured in "Thrifty Thursday" send your info by email (can be found in about page) or leave a comment below.

Thrifty tip for this week:
Are you a caregiver to someone with these ailments or do you take care of a child under 5 years old? If so, you are eligible to get cash back on certain products you buy for your loved one. For example, if you take care of small kids you can get 75 cents back for each package of diapers you buy, $1 on diaper rash cream, and more...
The Caregivers Marketplace is the nation’s first free program specifically designed to offer cash back on products not typically covered by insurance or Medicare. They work with manufacturers to negotiate cash back on carefully selected products and services that you need to keep your loved one well cared for, healthy and most importantly, home. Products eligible for cash back include nutrition, digestive health, incontinence, bathing and skin care, and aids for daily living. So, what's the catch? There is none. It is free to participate and receive cash back. The product manufacturers actually pay Caregivers Marketplace to participate. Anyone who purchases caregiving products for himself or herself, or a loved one, can enroll in and use the program. Click here to enroll and find out more. This is very exciting. I know I will be saving my receipts. You have to wait until you have bought 5 qualifying items and then you can submit the cash back form.

Another Thrifty Thursday idea is to create a money saving buddy system. Create a small group of close friends and commit to keeping each other up to date and in check with money saving ideas, coupons, and blogs :) Share tips and have fun sharing creative ideas, recipes, good finds, and even freebies. I have a couple of good friends who are great at sharing money saving/ making ideas with me. I am so thankful for all the fun ways they have helped.

Thrifty Thursday
Posted by Rachel Labels: how to save money on gas, thrifty
Welcome to Thrifty Thursday!

Sherah and I will post new and/or recap money saving tips since the last week. We will discuss everyday ways you can save money.

If you have a blog and you post money saving tips and would like to be featured in "Thrifty Thursday" send your info by email (can be found in about page) or leave a comment below.

Frugal Tip for Thursday, June 11.

Ever since the gas price peak people have been looking for ways to spend less on gas. Here are a few tips on how to save on gas.

• The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. Drive slower, but not too slow.
• Use cruise control. My maintaining the same speed you will get better gas mileage.
• Combine errands
• Remove excess weight from your car. Remove unneeded items. It’s a good excuse to clean out your car.
• Keep up with car maintenance. Keep tires inflated and aligned, get frequent oil changes, regularly replace air filters,
• Look for a credit card that either gives you rewards or cash back for gas purchases. We have a Discover Gas card and get 5% cash back on all gas purchases.
• Buy gas when the temperature is cooler (like the early morning or at night) to reduce gas evaporation. Also, during these times gasoline is densest and you’ll get the most for your money.
• On the highway keep your windows closed. Open windows can reduce your gas mileage by as much as 10%.
• On the other hand, in stop and go traffic you want to open your windows and turn off the air-conditioning.
• Think ahead when nearing hills. Accelerate before you reach the hill, not while you're on it.
• Look for the most direct routes. Curves, corners, and jumping lanes requires extra gas. Remember, the shortest distance between two points is always straight.
• Driving in reverse uses more gas. Try to park in ways so that you wont need to put the car in reverse when leaving.
• Carpool.
• Walk or bike whenever you can.
• See if your city has a lowest gas price listing or web site. For example at dallasgasprices.com/ people report on where they have found cheap gas in the city of Dallas.