The kids are tired of sandwiches or mac and cheese. You are tired of cooking and washing dishes. So the only choice left is to head out to eat and leave the cooking to someone else. Sure, it can be a nice break but you don’t want eating out to break the bank either. So how can you have your cake and eat it too?

Here’s how to have fun eating out and still keep smiling once you receive the check.

Change Your Choices

The most important thing to do to save money is to change your decision making. When deciding where to go don’t ask whether you are in the mood for Italian or Mexican food. Instead, ask where can I take advantage of coupons or special discounts?

Where to Find Coupons & Discounts

1. Sign up for email newsletters and coupons – This is the number one way to get great discounts. Most restaurants ranging from large chains to small mom and pop cafes now have an email newsletter where they regularly send out coupons and special promotions to their loyal fans. Even restaurants who advertise coupons in the Sunday paper tend to send out better coupons in email. You can sometimes sign up online other times you can do it in person. Many of the coupons are featured on www.ShoppingQueen.com but I can’t feature all coupons.
2. Ask about promotions – The most overlooked way to save at restaurants is to simply ask. With this economy most restaurants have special promotions and you just have to be in the know. Promotions range from early bird discounts, free kids meals, multi-course package deals and more. Call up your favorite restaurants and ask them what promotions they have. And don’t think this is a one-time thing. Specials and promotions change regularly so whenever you are dining make sure to ask.
3. Do an online search – Many restaurants now offer coupons on their website, so check out the restaurant’s website. You can go even further by doing an online search for the restaurant name and the word coupon.
4. Try Restaurant.com and HalfOffDepot.com (with caution) – These websites offer gift certificates to restaurants at prices less than the value of the gift certificate. This is a great way to try a new restaurant without spending more than you like. However, these gift certificates can come with a lot of fine print and exclusions so make sure you read all of the mice-type before you buy. You can frequently find extra off promo codes for Restaurant.com, so you can get an even better deal.
5. Take advantage of special events – Restaurant chains and even cities and counties constantly serve up special events. Restaurant weeks have become quite popular nationwide. Do a search for the name of your city or county and the words restaurant week. During Atlanta’s Restaurant Week for example, you can get three course meals at some of Atlanta’s finest restaurants for only $25. For more casual food, dress in cow attire and get a free sandwich or a free meal at Chick-fil-A this Friday, July 10th for Cow Appreciation Day.

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You hear the statistics every week in the news. You didn’t think it would happen to you, but now you are one of the millions of unemployed Americans. While it’s easy to become upset and depressed by being laid off, you can’t really afford to lay around waiting for a new job to come knocking. Finding a full-time job is a full-time job. You have to plan and organize your day just like you do at a real job. Get up, get dressed and get started.

When you find out you are being laid off, it is quite a shock to your system and is obviously very upsetting. But you can’t let your emotions take over. You have to go into task mode because you have a lot to get done before they escort you out of the building.

Lay Off Day

1. As soon as you find out you have been laid off, go around and get personal contact information from your supervisor and colleagues you would consider as good references. You have no idea where everyone will end up in the near future and when you are job searching you want to be able to give the best possible references. You don’t want a new employer randomly calling your old job asking about you, only to get Kelly who?
2. Next, go to the HR office and learn which benefits you will take with you and collect all the forms you need to complete. Most importantly you want to know how your health insurance will be handled and how much you will be responsible for paying. If you will be paid severance, ask how and when that will be paid. It’s best to have a notebook with to take good notes. On an emotional day like this, your mind may not be focusing completely on the task at hand.

Unemployed Day 1

1. Apply for unemployment benefits immediately. It can take a few weeks before you actually start receiving benefits, so you need to apply ASAP. To find what information you need to file for unemployment benefits and where to apply visit your state’s Department of Labor’s website. Make sure you completely understand all the benefits as well as all the required procedures for continuing to receive benefits.
2. Your resume should always be up to date. If it isn’t, update it with all your latest projects and be sure to include details. Have an HR professional look over your resume and give feedback. Don’t forget that you can also call your college alumni career services office for help too. That is often an overlooked resource. If you are thinking of applying to different industries, have different resumes targeted to each of them. A blanket resume, will get a blanket No.
3. Get a professional image. If your email is cutegapeach@email.com, an employer might not find it as cute. Set up a professional email with your actual name. You should also print some business cards with your contact information on one side and a brief resume on the other. You can get very inexpensive cards at Vistaprint.com.

Unemployed Day 2

1. Your best job referral is from someone who knows you. So send an email to all your friends, family and acquaintances and let them know you are looking for a job. And make it easy on them. Be specific about what skills you have and what kind of positions you are seeking. Don’t simply attach your resume and let them guess.
2. Start planning your networking. Nearly 80% of jobs are found through networking. In this tough economy with tight company budgets and plenty of job seekers, many employers are choosing to save money on recruitment costs and not advertise for positions. They instead just put the word out through their employees and industry contacts. So you really have to be in the know to even know about the job. So go online and find career and industry specific networking opportunities and get out there.

If all of this sounds like too much work, remember finding a full-time job is a full-time job and if you don’t treat it as such you probably won’t end up with a job.

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With the recession still in effect, perhaps no statistic is as closely watched as unemployment. It seems everyone has a friend or family member who has been laid off and can’t find work. So while you are happy you have a job and prefer not to think about the dreadful idea of being unemployed, this is precisely the time to think about it.

To survive unemployment with your sanity and finances in tact you have to be proactive. Here are some tips for being proactive and preparing for unemployment while you are still employed.

1. Keep your resume in tip top shape – The best time to update your resume is while you are actually working and your skills and projects are fresh in your mind. You should be ready to send out your resume at a moment’s notice. Also, with the economy being where it is, you will need to be flexible. So it’s best to have several different versions of your resume. Each highlighting a different skill set or industry.
2. Network on a sunny day – You should be actively networking when you have a job, not when you need a job. It’s estimated nearly 80% of jobs are found through networking, so you can’t afford not to network. It amazes me how some people suddenly begin networking when they lose their job. Think about it, who would you recommend for a job, someone who you have seen on a monthly basis and have come to know or someone who just shook your hand for the first time? In most major cities, you can go to a different networking event for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Just do an online search for your industry or career and you will find multiple options.
3. Save for a rainy day – While you still have a job, start spending like you don’t and save, save, save. You should have at least six months worth of expenses saved. And if you are over 45, you need more like nine months. It takes older workers more time to find a job and many times it at a lower salary.
4. Learn about benefits – Find out which benefits you can take with you before you are shown the door. Many benefits aren’t portable, for example life insurance and disability insurance. How much of your retirement account can you take? Most company retirement accounts have a vesting schedule, so you might not get as much money as you thought if you leave early. And most importantly, try not to cash out any retirement benefits. Instead roll them over to an IRA. Last but not least, ask about COBRA which is employer sponsored health insurance while you’re unemployed. Many laid off workers are learning they don’t get COBRA benefits since they worked for a small business with fewer than 20 full time employees.
5. Separate your life – Many employees use their work email for everything ranging from work projects to personal matters and family issues. You should setup a separate email account for your personal matters and let all your friends and family know. Along the same lines, do not keep personal files and information on your work computer. If you must work on personal files on your work computer, save them onto a memory stick and not on the hard drive. If you are laid off, you might not be given time to retrieve or delete anything from your computer.

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Glidden paint is so confident you will love the quality of their new formula that they’re giving a quart away for FREE to those who register for it on their website from June 25 – July 2. Choose from any of Glidden’s 282 colors and Glidden will tint and ship a quart of eggshell sheen directly to you. Available only through Glidden’s website. Available for a limited time and while supplies last.

The website is extremely busy, so you need to be patient. Perhaps try later on in the day.

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This is from my segment on Atlanta & Company on June 22, 2009.

Get out your red, white and blue, Fourth of July is next week. Are you ready for hot dogs, fireworks and fun? With the holiday falling on a Saturday this year, you don’t get to take advantage of extra time off. But with all the sales out there you can at least take advantage of extra dollars off. So what should be on your shopping list?

Party Supplies

Backyard BBQ food – Most grocery stores advertise their hot dog, drink and chips specials to get you in door and then spend money on other items. But if you just stick with your party shopping list, you can get some good deals. Depending on your pantry or freezer space you may even consider buying extra.

Paper products – Plates, napkins and utensils are on sale. And they have no expiration date so this is a great time to stock up for your Fourth of July party and your future parties.

Grills & Patio Furniture

The best sales on grills and patio furniture are during Fourth of July. You can typically find savings up to 40% off. This is the perfect time to buy for the best selection and price. After Fourth of July, the clearance sales begin and while the savings my increase the selection dramatically decreases. So you will find it difficult to find a matching patio set or the grill you want without visiting four different Home Depot locations.

Appliances

like Home Depot and Lowe’s have big sales on appliances during holiday weekends. You can take advantage of store discounts and promotions combined with manufacturer rebates to multiply your savings. If you need a new appliance now this is a good time to buy. Otherwise the next big sale will be during Labor Day weekend.

Summer Clothes

Retailers don’t care about the thermostat, so even with temperatures in the 90’s as far as they are concerned summer is over. So swimwear, summer clothes and accessories are all heavily discounted. This is a good time to buy items you might have been eyeing but couldn’t afford or to stock up for next year. And with the long summer and warm fall weather we enjoy in Atlanta you can wear many items well into October.

Spring & Summer Home Items

Bed and bath items as well as other home items also get marked down based on the seasons. So if new sheets and towels are on your shopping list, this is the time to buy. Many times the only thing that changes between the seasons is just the color and pattern. Also many home décor items like candles and frames are also being clearanced to make room for the fall styles.

School Supplies

The beginning of July marks the beginning of the back to school shopping season. The earlier you buy, the better deals you can get. There are so many retailers from office supply stores to grocery stores competing for your business that many items are offered for free or a few pennies. Check out the weekly School Supply Deals on the ShoppingQueen.com website starting next week. Don’t wait until the tax free shopping weekend, most of the good deals will be over then.

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Are you getting the best deal? Discover how to turn smart spending into smarter savings. Ladies’ Soiree at the Market in Marietta, GA has invited me to speak at their event this Thursday, June 18th. To register you can call 678-354-5221. I will be sharing my secrets to getting the best deal no matter where or when you are shopping. More than just saving money at your local store, you will learn how you can save money online, at the doctor’s office and even at a car dealer. Learn the best places to seek deals and the most overlooked way to easily save money. Don’t forget to bring your burning money questions too.

The registration fee is $40 and includes a 4 course meal prepared by a la carte market. They offer freshly made take home meals especially for families. If you like their food you can take advantage of their A la Carte Coupon offer for Shopping Queen readers. (Note the coupon is valid until 7/31 not the date on the coupon.)

I hope you will come and join us.

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This is from my segment on Atlanta & Company on June 8, 2009.

Having kids – it used to be midnight feedings and diaper changes that kept parents up at night. Now it’s the cost of a college education. An average private university education today costs around $100,000. For children just entering kindergarten that cost will be around $250,000 by the time they enter college. Multiply that by the number of kids in the family and you can see why parents can’t sleep at night.

That’s why it’s important for parents to start saving for their children’s education early and regularly.

529 Savings Plans

529 Savings Plans are special savings accounts and investments designated only for college expenses. They are becoming increasingly popular and easy to find and manage. Here are the key features:

1. Contribute after tax dollars and they will grow tax free as long as the distributions are made for college expenses.
2. The federal government doesn’t offer a contribution tax deduction but many states offer a state income tax deduction for contributions in their state plan.
3. No matter what state plan you enroll in, the money can be used to attend any accredited college in any state.
4. There are no income limits or annual contribution limits.
5.  The parent or guardian is the custodian of the account and the child is the beneficiary. Thus the account is considered part of the parents’ assets for financial aid purposes and calculated at a lower rate.

To learn more about the benefits of 529 plans check out http://www.savingforcollege.com/

529 Prepaid Plans

529 Prepaid Plans allow parents to pre-purchase a future college education at today’s prices. These are state based and each has it’s own set of rules and regulations as to how soon and how much you can contribute. These plans are most recommended for parents who are fairly certain their child will attend college in a certain state. While these plans were popular they are no longer as popular and many states are no longer participating.

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

Another college savings plan created by the government is a Coverdell Education Savings Account. Like a 529, the contributions are not tax deductible but the earnings are tax free if used for education expenses. Unlike a 529, a Coverdell Education Savings Account can actually be used to pay for any education expense from K-12 and college. Qualified expenses even include academic tutoring, books, supplies and equipment. There are income and contribution limits but this account could be a great complement to a 529 plan.

Tips for Saving

1. Begin saving early – the earlier you start saving, the more time your money has to grow.
2. Don’t worry about the amount – many parents delay saving for college because they feel they need to invest a larger amount. Just start saving something. As your kids grow and your income grows, save more.
3. Get your kids involved – you’re saving for your kids, so don’t keep them in the dark. Show them how much you are saving and your progress. Get them involved, so when your kid asks you for the latest and greatest new shoes or gadget you can say you are saving for college.
4. Put your own oxygen mask on first – as they tell you on every airline flight, take care of yourself before you take care of your child. Make sure you are saving for your retirement before you save for college. There are loans for college but there are no loans for retirement.

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Everywhere you turn there seems to be even more upsetting news about the economy. It’s all enough to make you depressed. You want to go out and have fun to forget about it all but then you remember how much it’s going to cost you. So what are your options, being depressed or being broke?

Before you pull out the bag of potato chips and pint of ice-cream, don’t despair. There is another choice – having fun on a budget.

Budget for Fun

First things first, the best way to ensure you have fun guilt-free is to budget for it. No matter how tight of a budget you have, you should leave room for fun. If you don’t budget for it, you will not only overspend but you will also not have as much fun because in the back of your mind you know you can’t afford it.

Set aside a certain amount each week for a fun activity whether it is a cheap movie rental or a date night with your honey.

Stretching Your Entertainment Dollars

Once you have set a budget, then you can start looking for all the fun that’s waiting to be had. Here are some inexpensive ideas:

1. Go earlier – Many restaurants offer early bird specials before the big crowds come to dine. So call your favorite restaurant and ask about their early bird specials or happy hour deals. Cinemas also offer early bird specials too. If you can’t miss a movie starring Brad Pitt but don’t have his bank account, go before noon. AMC Theatres offers tickets for 40% off before noon on weekends.
2. Look for coupons and promotions – Do a search online for your event, venue or restaurant and the words coupons and promotions. Many offer printable coupons online or you can sign up for their promotions list. If you can’t find anything online then try an Entertainment book. Entertainment books offer tons of coupons for restaurants and entertainment venues such as theme parks, museums and more.

Paying No Dollars for Entertainment

Cheap is good, but free is GREAT. You can actually have more fun not spending money than spending money. So where can you have fun for free? Actually in more places than you think.

1. See a movie for free – This time of year many communities and organizations feature free movie nights in parks and other public places. Not only is it free but a nice departure from closed in theatres. Just do a search for free movie and your city name and you should see a list.
2. See a free concert – Get on your local city or county recreation and activity newsletter/email list. Local communities plan many free or low cost activities for their residents and you just have to be in the know. Events range from free concerts, children’s art projects to free movies. You pay your taxes so make sure you enjoy the benefits too. And many times the activities are not restricted to just residents.
3. See a museum for free – Many cities and counties offer free museum admission to their residents on certain days. Check with your city and museum to see when they might be participating. If they don’t have any current dates, don’t worry you can still see museums for free. Bank of America customers with any kind of debit or credit card can see select museums for free the first weekend of every month.
4. Volunteer for free entry – Instead of paying for entrance to a celebrity golf tournament, theatrical play or other entertainment ask to be a volunteer. In exchange for an hour or two of service you get free admission. Not to mention you usually get better viewing access.

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With the kids out of school for the summer it’s tough finding activities to keep them busy. But don’t worry, Steve Jobs would like to help baby sit.

Well not exactly…

Apple retail stores are once again offering Apple Camp. These free workshops are recommended for kids ages 8 – 12. Each workshop lasts 3 hours. Students can learn how to make movies, music and more. For more details and to learn how to sign up check out the Apple Camp site.

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