Doug Stephan's Good Day

The Queen of Cheap: Roberta Facinelli

THE QUEEN OF CHEAP NEEDS YOU!! We're looking for YOUR ideas to live well on little bucks! If we use your idea on the air you'll get 500, yep 500 Doug Bucks! You've got to be a member of the Doug Club (which is free to join - yeah!) to get the points. So send your Money Saving Ideas today to me at [email protected]!

LISTENER TIP OF THE DAY!

Jenny from Casper, WY writes: When I get to where I can't squeeze any more from a tube of lotion I cut it in half. If I don't use the entire thing at that point I stuff one part of the container into the other part, kind of making a closed container.
I also puchase those one size fits all winter stretch gloves by the dozens. You can find them for under a dollar a pair. Then when I lose one I awlays have another. There is no right hand or left hand so it doesn't matter which hand you lose!

******Thanks Jenny! The QOC has used the glove idea on her kids for years. You know how kids are - they're always losing gloves. Buy a dozen identical stretch gloves, and you'll save a fortune in replacement gloves! You've got an additional 500 Doug Bucks!

Kathy W listens on WDAN in Danville, Ill: Buy forever stamps now, and they can be used forever, even when the postal rates go up in May!
Put money on a Walmart gift card and use it at their gas pump and save 3 cents per gallon. Besides, the gas at the Walmart pumps are usually cheaper too.
For teachers and parents with small children: If you use wet wipes that come in tubs, cut the unused wipes in half and then put them all back in the air tight container so they're ready for use.

*****Thanks Kathy! And she should know about the wet wipes since she works with special education students! You get 500 Doug Bucks!

Walt E writes: If you want to be the most out of your mouthwash, after you swish it in your mouth, spit it into your toilet. Nothing beats a minty-fresh john! I like to do that at night, before going to bed. It gives the mouthwash 8 hours to kill the john-germs.

***The QOC is laughing!!! Somehow she's never associated the words 'minty-fresh' with 'John' (as in toilet!) Actually this is a great idea well worth 500 Doug Bucks! A minty-fresh thanks!

Diane writes: I buy onions when they are on sale especially the sweet Vidalia onions. They used to go bad before I could use them all – so now I take a old pair of panty hose and cut off the legs. Take one leg put 1 onion down by the toe – tie a big knot – then put another onion in – tie a big knot – put in another onion and so on. Just make sure the onions are not touching. Then hang each leg up. I use a hanger with each leg held on with a clip clothes pin. I store them in my pantry where it is cooler and dark. When you need an onion just cut off the bottom onion below the knot. They keep for months.

****This has to be one of the most original ideas sent into the QOC! She can just imagine what the kitchen looks like though with onion-filled pantyhose hanging from the rafters! Certainly a conversation starter! And worth 500 Doug Bucks!

Carol (Ladysilverhwk) writes: Bake three or four things at one time. It takes about a half hour longer, however you have four main dishes cooked. A roast, a chicken, a casserole and a meatloaf can be baked all together.
I always cook more than needed for one meal, and freeze the letovers in single serving containers. I save broth from baking a chicken or any other meat or vegetable dish. This broth is excellent for soup. And always save the bones. I brown them on the bottom of the over when cooking meats. The flavor from browned bones is really rich. You save money because everything is used. By cooking more than one thing at a time you can eat really well for a lot less and save money on gas and electric!

******Thanks Carol! The QOC (Queen of Cheap!) does this all the time. Why cook one meal when with a little effort you can cook several meals at the same time! And I always save the bones (even chicken bones my family has crewed on!). Yeah, I know, Gross. But it's family and once you boil the bones for soup all the germs are killed off anyway. Why waste perfectly good bones? Carol, you get 500 Doug Bucks for these!

Carter Crandall from North Carolina writes: Here in Northeastern North Carolina we must take our trash to "Recycling Centers" aka: The Dump. These centers have set up little buildings called "Swap Shops". People leave behind items that are used but are still functional (much like myself!) I have found things that I needed from computer parts to lawn equipment to tables and lamps to Christmas decorations. I have also done my part by leaving those items that I no longer need that some else might. And all the items are FREE! If other states and counties don't have a program like this, you could pass this idea along so that they can petition the mangers of the dumps to implement this simple and useful service.

***Carter - the Dumpster Diva thinks this is such a great idea. She's thinking that this could even be implemented at local churches, schools, community centers etc! Remember: Someone's trash is always someone else's treasure! Thanks and 500 Doug Bucks to You!

Dan, from Bath, NH writes: Each time I write out a check, I round up the amount to the nearest $5 increment. For example, if I write a check for $15.99, I deduct $20 from my balance. If the check is $14.50, I deduct $15 from the balance. I've done this the past 2 years and it has resulted in me having about $800 by Nov 1st. We then cash out the amount and use that money for Christmas.

***The Diva LOVES this suggestion! It's a painless way to save for the holidays - kind of like your own personal 'Christmas Club' (remember those?). Here's 500 Doug Bucks for you Dan!***

Courtney Mace writes: There are many ways to save on your cable and phone services. ABC.com, CBS.com, FOX.com, Hulu.com, Fancast.com are just a few ways to watch programs for FREE without paying for cable. Many other networks (like NBC.com) post episodes of their shows online.

Magicjack is an alternative to paying for a monthly phone bill. This service runs through the internet FREE of a monthly charge. There is a one time fee of about $20 per year. It has all the features of a regular phone with caller ID, call waiting, etc.

***Thanks Courtney! The Diva loves these suggestions and you get 500 Doug Bucks!***

Sharon reminds the Diva that Greeting cards are also a great deal at the dollar stores. Often you can find them 2/$1. The Diva says buy a bunch for different occasions and you'll always have them on hand. And an extra Diva Tip: Get those 'forever' stamps at the Post Office and you can even put stamps on the envelopes and not worry that the price of a stamp will go up! Give this lady 500 Doug Bucks!

Dusty listening on WJTK does something the Diva has often done: Buy several pairs of the same shoes. Hey the Diva craves comfort - no uncomfortable shoes for her. So like Dusty, when she finds a pair that's on sale and comfy: she buys a couple of pairs! That way you can also mix and match sets as they wear out and extend the wear of your favorite shoes! Thanks! 500 Doug Bucks for you too!

And Dusty: The Answer to your question: "Is Doug really as mean to ya'll as he sounds on the air?" Nah. He's really a softy. Sorry Boss. Had to say it.

THE CLOCK IS TICKING! GET THESE DEALS BEFORE THEY EXPIRE!

March 12 - 15th ONLY. Take 30% off GAP, BANANA REPUBLIC or OLD NAVY and they'll donate 5% of what you spend to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. You can use the coupon as many times as you like! Go to this link:

http://www.gapgiveandget.com/np/lls.html

COUPON OF THE DAY

Free Box of Touch Of Grey for Men! Go to the website below, print it out, and send your original cash register receipt before 12/31/2009.

http://www.touchofgraycoupon.com/justformen/togCoupon.aspx?OfferID=1618&LompID=28618&SiteID=536

THE DUMPSTER DIVING DIVA'S TIPS ON HOW TO LIVE WELL ON LITTLE BUCKS!

BEST THINGS TO BUY IN MARCH!

1. Air conditioners - especially in the south. The new AC's are coming in stock, but it's not sweltering hot yet. So demand is less right now for AC's, and that means prices are less.

2. Kitchen stuff. We're still a couple of months away from graduations and wedding - that's when prices creep up because of demand. March is the perfect time to stock up on cookware.

3. Jewelry. Right now we're after Valentine's Day and before Mother's Day - and retailers are trying to rid of the pieces that didn't sell well over the holidays. Show now and you could save $$$. (And if you're like the QOC - you'll stock up on your gifts now for the rest of the year!)

4. Mattresses. Want sweet dreams? Go mattress shopping in March. Retailers are trying to move out last years stock before the new models arrive in the late spring.

5. Improving your Home. Springtime is when most folks start to think about sprucing up their home. Beat the crowds at Lowe's and Home Depot and get personal attention if you start your projects now - at least plan them!

6. Vacuum Cleaners. Prices on last year's models are coming down since most new models come out in June. So suck it up and go for a new vacuum for spring cleaning!

7. Anything Wedding Related. If you're a June Bride - you should already have your lists up at the retailers! Why? Because everything is in stock now! As the prime wedding season approaches, the selection starts to get thin! If you start shopping in March you'll have a better selection, and lower prices.

8. Electronics. What's the difference between last years flat screen TV and this years flat screen TV? Really very little. Except that you can save big bucks by buying last years model and they clear them out to make room for the newer models. The Consumer Electronics Show was in January, and the new models which were ordered are shipping to the stores now, so they've got to get rid of last years stuff to make room. That means great deals on anything electronic from computers, to stereos, to cameras - you name it.

9. Winter Clothing. Right now markdowns on winter clothes are at their lowest! The QOC just bought a pair of $178 Ralph Lauren pants for her hubby for a mere $3 at Marshalls. But don't wait - stuff is flying out of all the stores as the markdowns are practically at where they'll pay you to take it out the door!

10. Holiday decorations. Go online. That's where you'll find Christmas decorations at rock bottom prices. Buy for next year and you'll save big!

This is a GREAT article the QOC found on MSNBC.com. She's reprinting it here!

How to get $100 worth of groceries for 25 cents

You can cut your grocery bill in half when you know how to use coupons and store promotions along with sale prices on your favorite items. For a family of four, that may be a savings of $100 per week, or as much as $5,000 per year. Coupon Mom Stephanie Nelson demonstrated how to combine sales, store promotions and double coupons and paid only 25 cents for $100 worth of common grocery items. Stephanie’s top tips to save are:

1. Plan your shopping trip before you leave home

Use the store’s sales circular and look for featured main dish sale items, such as chicken at 50% off. Plan a few meals for the week around sale items and buy extra for the freezer to avoid paying full price next week.

Have a complete list for everything you need for the week’s meals to avoid costly, unplanned trips to the store mid-week. Even if you take an hour to plan your meals, make your list and cut coupons, you’ll end up saving time overall by avoiding extra trips that blow your budget.

Be “store-flexible.” You don’t need to go to more than one store per week to save, but you should review the advertising circulars for a few nearby stores and shop at the store with the best prices for your items each week.

2. Let other people do the hard work for you

Find a Web site that lists the best deals and coupon bargains for your store each week. You’ll save an hour or more taking advantage of someone else’s research.

CouponMom.com lists the best grocery deals at thousands of grocery and drugstores nationally. Select and print the deals you like for your store in a few minutes.

You can also go to Google and type in the name of your store and the term “deals” to find local Web sites that may list deals for your store.

3. Maximize your coupon savings easily with the ‘no clip’ system

80% of grocery coupons come from the Sunday newspaper coupon circulars, so to save the most you need an easy way to manage them.

Use the “no clip” system to save an hour a week: Save the newspaper circulars, write that day’s date on the front and keep them in a plastic shoe box or file. Save the entire circular instead of cutting out a few coupons and throwing the rest away because you never know which items will go on sale in future weeks.

When you select and print your deals list from Web sites, each deal will reference the date its coupon came out. Cut out only the coupons you need for each trip, rather than cutting out and organizing all the coupons every week.

Buy 2-3 copies of the Sunday paper to increase your savings during weeks that the circulars have many coupons you would use.

Also print coupons and use electronic coupons.

4. Time it right — wait until the item goes on sale to use the coupon

If you use the coupon on a full-price item, you may end up paying half price. But if you wait and use your coupon when the item goes on sale for half price, you may end up getting it free. Many “coupon items” do not hit their lowest sale price until a few weeks after the coupon came out.

In the taped piece, many of the coupon deals used coupons that came out a full month ago. Had we used them a month ago on these items, we would have paid a lot more than 25 cents for our $100 cart of groceries.

5. Know how your store’s promotion and coupon policies work

If your store has a loyalty card, sign up. Be sure to provide your complete mailing address because you may receive personalized coupons for items you purchase.

Pay attention to special promotions and combine them with coupons. Check the store’s sales circular for promotions such as “Buy 10 participating frozen items and get $5 off your order.” Use coupons on promotion items to really save.

Find out how your stores’ coupon policies work. Do they double coupons? Up to what amount? Is there a limit on the number of coupons that can be used per order?

Does your store have its own coupons and if so, where can you find them?

HOW TO DRESS WELL CHEAP!

Want to dress in designer duds - on the cheap? The Diva has two words for you: THRIFT STORE!

But you've got to be selective. If you're going to shop in Thrift Stores, do so in the best of neighborhoods! First - check out the Junior League. They have thrift stores all around the country (just google Junior League Thrift Stores). Their inventory is of very high quality - and more often than not you'll find items with tags still attached.

Also check out the thrift stores in churches in classy areas - just call the rectories and ask if they've got a thrift store.

And here's something the Diva does when she goes on vacation - buy your travel wardrobe at a thrift store. Then as you travel - and need room for all that stuff you buy - just leave behind your clothes!

Also check out these websites for thrift store locations:

www.thethriftshopper.com

http://locator.goodwill.org

www.habitat.org

The Best Things to Buy at a Dollar Store!

The Diva LOVES dollars stores! Trouble is, she can never get out of a dollar store for less than about $20! So be careful! Those dollars do add up. You'll find lots of bargains - but shop carefully. Check food origins - I'd steer away from foods manufactured in China or other asian countries. Also stay away from painted toys - the paint could contain lead. But warnings aside: here are some of the best items you can buy at a dollar a store:

1. Stationary supplies. It's incredible what you'll find. School and office supplies are a huge bargain: Ballpoint pens, markers, glue sticks, tape, thumbtacks, envelopes, notebooks, journals, pencil sharpeners etc.

2. Seasonal decorations. Pick the holiday - you'll find decorations from paper goods to costumes.

3. Candles. Have you seen the price of candles at speciality stores?! No way the Diva will pay $6 for a candle you can get for a buck at a dollar store. Candles make great gifts - the diva has made up beautiful gift baskets with these bargains. And how about a few for yourself?

4. Kitchen thingys. You know, that thingy that looks like a rubber tube that you roll garlic in? You know, stuff you never knew you needed but looks so cool you gotta have it? And after all, it's only a buck! Hey, you're not going to find high end stainless steel stuff here, but you'll find those gadgets that clutter most kitchen drawers. And if you're furnishing a dorm kitchen, making up a church gift basket, or on vacation and need some inexpensive utensils, this is the place! (OK, the Diva admits she's a kitchen snob 'cause she comes from a restaurant family and is used to high end kithcen ware. OK.)

5. Beauty Needs. You'll find shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, body lotion etc. - all for a dollar. The Diva recently visited a dollar store in PA and found one dollar jars of coconut oil. Now if you've never used this stuff, you're missing out on one of natures best moisturizers. Use it on your feet, your hands, even your hair. Terrific stuff for a buck.

6. Gift wrapping. This is the Diva's favorite purchase at a dollar store. Those same gift bags that cost $5 in Hallmark are a buck for the big ones, three for a dollar for the smallest ones. Buy up a bunch with different themes and keep them in the closet. You'll also find bows, tape, tissue paper and those annoying little glittery pieces of paper people use for decoration in the gift bags that usually wind up all over your house.

7. Mylar and rubber balloons. Every price these at a regular 'card' store? Whew! Buy them for a buck at a dollar store.

8. Things for your hair. Brushes. Combs. Barretts. Elastic Hair Ties. The Diva has found real wood brushes with boars bristles at a dollar store. This same brush is over $20 at a specialty store.

9. Stockings. Ever buy a pair of $10 stockings and have them rip the first time you wear them? Yeah, so have I. That was the first and last time. Now the Diva buys all her stockings at the dollar store. You'll find nylons, fishnets, heavy cotton. Whatever you need for a buck. And if they rip you don't feel so bad!

10. Socks. Along with stockings, socks and those nylon anklets are really good buys.

11. Makeup. Really, do you need a $7 eyebrow pencil? Buy the same thing for a buck. Eye shadow is a good deal to, so is lip gloss. The Diva is a little fussy about mascara and foundation - but blush is blush and is also a good buy. Sometimes you'll find brand names for a little more money (like $2!) and that's when the Diva stocks up.

12. Flip flops. Cheap rubber shoes. Slippers. C'mon. We all need them. And they're a steal for a dollar.

13. Paint brushes. Yeah, you could buy that really 'good' brush, and then waste time and money cleaning it. The Diva buys the dollar brushes and throws them out. (OK, yell at me for not being 'green' here - but if you're using oil paints, the stuff to clean the brushes costs more and is worse for the environment!) Just be sure to check with your town to dispose of them properly.

14. Some OTC (over the counter) creams, medications and vitamins. Yeah, you could buy a $7 bottle of Advil, or a $1 bottle of Ibuprofen, which is what Advil basically is. You could buy an expensive sunscreen with 70 SPF for $12, or you could buy a $1 tube of zinc oxide which is basically 100% sun blockage (The Diva like to put the contents of the zinc oxide tube into some $1 hand cream for a quick and easy sunscreen.) Just check expiration dates, and check where it's made.

15. Tape. Duct tape. Masking tape. Adhesive tape. Blue tape. Plumbers tape. Electrical Tape. Buy it all at the dollar store and save over 50%.

Getting away is getting cheap, cheap, cheap!

Itchin' to get out of the cold? Now is the time to start looking to take a little va-ca-tion! Prices for travel and falling like a - well - dumpster! And folks like the Queen of Cheap are celebrating!

1. Cruising your thing? Checkout www.vacationstogo.com. Then click on "90 Day Ticker". You won't believe the prices for cruises. Some are discounted 70 and 80 percent.

2. If you haven't yet, sign up for e-mail alerts at www.spiritair.com. A few times a month they'll send you alerts for their $9 fare sale. That's right, $9 from Fort Lauderdale to Puerto Rico, or Costa Rica, or many of the other places they fly. Sometimes even $9 to Fort Lauderdale as well. They also have $1 fare sales, and other prices so low you wonder how they can afford to fly the plane.

3. One of the best deals can be the all inclusives. That's where you pay one price and get just about everything: room, meals, drinks (including alcohol), most sports and activities, even babysitting! Go to sites like http://www.cheapcaribbean.com. Click on deals and you'll find a week at all inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, with air, for under $600.00

4. Love to Ski? There are a multitude of ski packages out there! Checkout www.Kayak.com, one of my favorite sites. Also talk to the mountain you're interested in, or the state skiing sites like Skiutah.com. They often have discount lodging and ski deals. AND...don't forget Doug Club members can get lift ticket for FREE using their Doug Bucks!

Take the kids to a Broadway Show for little or zero Bucks!

The Queen of Cheap loves to go to the theater, especially Broadway. But have you seen the prices of tickets?!!!??? I mean, who can afford $100 bucks and up for a seat nowadays, let alone bring your kid! But the Diva believes it's important to expose your children to the theater - so here's some good news!

The once-a-year Kids Night on Broadway has been extended to every month! On the first Tuesday of each month, for every adult full price ticket you buy, you can bring a kid for FREE! (Which is the Diva's favorite four letter word!). There are other perks too, like 2:1 meals and backstage talks. Go to www.kidsnightonbroadway.com

If you've got a middle school or high school kid (or a kid who looks like one!) you can see a whole variety of shows for just $5.00. Many NY shows, including Broadway and Off-Broadway donate tickets to High 5 so that middle and high school kids can afford to attend. Each kid is allowed to bring one parent (if necessary). You can also buy 6 tickets for $25 if you're bringing a group. This is a fantastic deal for top shows (we recently saw Wynton Marsalis at Jazz at Lincoln Center for a mere $5 for an orchestra seat.) You never know where you're going to sit since these are basically 'run of house' tickets - but we've sat in $120 orchestra seats for five bucks! Go to www.highfivetix.org.

Great Gifts Under $10

1. Movie Tickets. The AAA has great movie ticket discounts. (You may as well use that membership for something!) So doeswww.wildaboutmovies.com . Or you can pay full price and get them from your local theater or movie chain website. Wrap it up with a package of microwave popcorn, or a box of Milk Duds for a cute stocking stuffer!

2. If you're going to give money as a gift, the Diva says: how about getting a 'wow' factor with Presidential $1 coins. One for each President issued so far will set you back a whopping $8. The US is honing our Nation's Presidents by issueing $1 circulating coins featuring their images in the order that they served. Four coins are issued each year. Presidents Harrison, Tyler, Polk and Taylor are being honored in 2009 (Presidents # 9 - 12) These and earlier Presidents are available through your bank, credit union and thrift institutions. The US mint also has collectible coins available. More information at www.usmint.gov/$1coin

3. You can do the same with State Quarters: hey, a whole set of state quarters is $12.50. More than $10 I know, but not that much more!

4. The Dollar Store. They're everywhere. And for $10 you can buy a basket and fill it with all kinds of stuff. Make a 'Spa' basket with body scrubbies, soaps, those $1 perfume knockoffs, bath bubbles etc. Or how about a home 'fix it' basket. Dollar stores are great for things like picture hanging hardware, screwdrivers, and all those little household things you don't know you need until you see them! C'mon. Use you imagination. The Diva does this for all occasions from Holidays to Baby Showers!

5. Give someone a night out with gift certificates fromRestaurant.com You can get $25 gift certificates to local restaurants for $10 or under (BIG TIP: You can go on line and get coupon codes for a little as $3 for a $25 certificate - just google "Restaurant.com discount codes")

6. 'Business' cards. At www.vistaprint.com you can get them for a few bucks. And they don't have to be for 'business' only. Everyone needs cards with their name, address, phone and e-mail on it to give to friends. How many times have you scribbled that info on a napkin and handed it to someone. These cards make a great gift, and you can even pick personalized graphics to go on them. The Diva has several different kinds of cards for her various personalities (Hey, I'm a Gemini).

7. A great pen. It's something you'd never buy for yourself, especially when you can swipe those cheap ones from the bank (the Diva is not confessing to anything!). You can find Cross pens for under $10 - especially at discount retailers. Parker pens can cost into the hundreds of dollars, but they also have less expensive ones that fit the under $10 budget.

8. A picture frame. When's the last time you splurged on a great picture frame. Checkout your local Job Lot - they often have great frames at 40 - 70 percent off. If you're really egotistical you can give someone a framed picture of yourself (The Diva is sending one to Doug this Holiday!)

9. Calendars. There is a calendar on every subject. Dollar stores and Job Lots/Odd Lots always have calendars this time of year. I personally love the Demotivator calendars from www.despair.com . They're a bit more $12.95 - but where else can you make up your own demotivating calendar with sayings like "You were meant for me. Perhaps as a punishment".

10. Day Planners. These are great unless the person you're buying for has a Palm or a Blackberry!

How to save every day by avoiding huge markups

1. Don't buy anything that's on eye level at the supermarket. That's where they put the most profitable (read most marked up) goods. The items higher up, and lower down - have a lower profit margin - therefore, lower price.

2. Don't buy precut fruits and vegatables. C'mon. Don't be lazy. Cut your own! It's a lot cheaper and healthier. The precut fruits and vegetables have chemicals on them to prevent discoloration - so you're paying 2 - 3 times as much to eat chemicals!

3. Bring your own popcorn to the movies! Movie popcorn is marked up a whopping 1300%!! Pop at home, put it in ziplock bags, and stuff it in your bag! A few juice packs or water bottles will save a mint too!

4. Don't buy wine in restaurants. Most glasses are marked up 400%. Most bottles 200 - 300 %. Have a nice after dinner drink when you get home if you must!

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS WITH THESE MONEY SAVING IDEAS!

1. Subscriptions for Soldiers program. For just $10 per subscription - you can send magazines to our brave men and women in service to our country. CLICK HERE The subscription can be in the name of a specific soldier, or the site will choose one for you from their list.

2. Cell Phones for Soldiers. www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com. They'll even send you prepaid envelopes for your used cellphones. These phones are then reconditioned, and given to soldiers to use to call home. You can even donate $$$ for calling card minutes. Like the magazines above, you can name a specific soldier, or let them choose one. CLICK HERE

3. Dunkin Donuts sends a case of Dunkin Donuts coffee to 50 military members each month. You can submit names at BY CLICKING HERE. Go to Contact Us and click on Military Requests

4. www.anysoldier.com lets you send just about anything on their list to those in harms way. The site also has a great reference list on what to send and what not to send. You can also go to their affiliate site: www.treatanysoldier.com and send a premade care package for as little as $11.95. CLICK HERE

5.Send books to soldiers through www.booksamillion.com. Go to the very bottom under services, and click on Books for Troops. You simply buy the books and the organization sends them to the soldiers at no cost to you. There are also some great bargain books for your shopping list as well. CLICK HERE

(go back to ROBERTA's bio page)

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