November 16, 2009
In a recent story, "How to Get the Best Holiday Deals," Andrea Woroch of PromotionalCodes.com provides some dos and don'ts to consider when looking for deals. Andrea explains the money-saving advantages of shopping online and comparing prices. Readers are encouraged to search for online coupons and promotional codes and suggests shopping for holiday items at websites like PromotionalCodes.com to find even deeper discounts. Consumers are warned not to pay for coupons and that sites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com are free and easy to use.
-Kiplinger Personal Finance Internet Magazine
November 12, 2009
"Online Coupons 101: Clicking for Savings" features an interview with online coupon expert, Andrea Woroch. Discussing the many advantages of shopping online, Andrea says that consumers can find savings on everything from clothing to travel, electronics, sporting goods and more and highlights PromotionalCodes.com as a great resource for online coupons and promotional codes. Specifically for holiday shopping, Andrea demonstrates how consumers can find Black Friday deals online and Cyber Monday offers. Specifically, PromotionalCodes.com will feature pages dedicated to these many offers to help shoppers save time and money.
-Sonoran Living LIVE! ABC Phoenix, AZ
November 6, 2009
More consumers turn to the web for deals these days and this holiday season, shoppers will find many discounts online. From Black Friday to Cyber Monday, retailers will offer sales on the web as explained in the recent article, "Retailers serving up holiday deals online." Consumers seek product reviews, price comparison and coupons on the web. For those looking for promotional codes, consumers are encouraged to check out sites like PromotionalCodes.com to find code discounts from many major online retailers and says that the site will also aggregate Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers.
-Fort Worth Star-Telegram
November 4, 2009
In a recent article, "Bad Times, Good Deals," consumers are encouraged to shop online at coupon websites for discounts on holiday items. PromotionalCodes.com is recommended to reader's as a resource for online coupons and savings for gifts and more. Not only will consumers save time and money online, but are encouraged to avoid long lines and crowds. Those who shop online can also choose to send gifts directly to the recipient to avoid lugging gifts from town to town.
-Washington Times
Use our facts, tips, supporting quotes & research in your story or article:
Thrifty Travel Tips for Bargain Holiday Fare
Whether flying home or planning a vacation to celebrate the holidays, don’t surrender to peak season prices. With a few frugal tips provided by online shopping expert, Andrea Woroch, even the most inexperienced bargain hunter will score a deal during the most expensive travel season.
• Don’t procrastinate. Make travel arrangements once plans are set in place to secure the best price. This is especially important when booking a flight because airlines have cut back seats this year, so last-minute deals are not likely to pop-up.
• Travel on off-peak days. Depending on the day of the week, there may be dramatic price differences for flights. Airlines price seats according to these peak travel days so avoid flying on Fridays, Sundays or holidays.
• Don’t stop at non-stop. To get where you are going cheaply, be prepared to take a connecting flight. Non-stop flights are usually more expensive due to premiums and higher demand.
• Don’t marry a brand. Compare rates among airlines, hotels and car rental companies and between discount travel sites to find the best price. Travelocity and Expedia are two websites that offer discounted prices for various companies so users can easily compare rates. Find Travelocity promotional codes or an Expedia coupon code at PromotionalCodes.com for further savings.
• Redeem coupons and codes for deeper discounts. Websites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com offer thousands of coupons and promotional codes. Search by company or category like flights, hotel accommodation, cruises, luggage needs, theme parks, top vacations and more to score the best deals.
• Reveal the “Top Secret Hotel” – Travelocity.com offers a unique hotel booking option. Enter the desired location then review the incredibly low prices – many options up to 45 percent off. Select the price point and luxury level that suits your needs and book the stay. The only catch is that the name of the hotel is not revealed until after payment is verified – a secret that most people are excited to uncover.
• Travel light. From checked bag fees to overweight charges, travelers could end up spending hundreds before a trip takes off. Limit what you are packing and leave room for the return trip for gifts and souvenirs. If you are planning to fly with presents, reconsider shipping gifts directly to the recipient or to the ultimate destination. This can be done easily when shopping online.
• Revel in a road trip full of memories. Depending on distance and number of passengers, driving could be a less expensive than flying. Families will save on multiple airline tickets while friends share costs on gas, food and/or hotel.
• Be flexible and do the research. From travel dates to destinations and means of transportation, flexibility provides more options and cheaper choices. Certain countries may experience a slow season during our peak holidays, which could mean discounts on flights, hotels and attractions.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Andrea Woroch PR and Communication Specialist SurfMyAds.com Direct: 805.883.1000 ext.111 Email: Andrea.Woroch@SurfMyAds.com
PromotionalCodes.com, a project of SurfMyAds.com, Inc., is an online shopping website that works with over 8,000 retailers and provides thousands of free online coupons and promotional codes from top brand-names like Macy’s, Target, Home Depot, Travelocity, Dell and more. SurfMyAds.com Inc., developed by a team of young professionals in 2006 in Santa Barbara, CA, specializes in creating high-level web based projects. In addition to PromotionalCodes.com, SurfMyAds.com established the popular discount coupon site, CouponWinner.com, and runs two international websites - a UK-based discount shopping site, www.Codes.co.uk and the newly launched Canadian-based discount retail site http://CA.PromotionalCodes.com. For more information, visit www.PromotionalCodes.com, www.CouponWinner.com or www.SurfMyAds.com.
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Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping - What's Hot and What's Not
Long lines, congested stores and sold out items are so last season. This year, discover Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals with a simple click of the mouse and score holiday savings online. As the two most popular holiday shopping days, retailers will offer the lowest prices of the year online during Black Friday, November 27 and Cyber Monday, November 30. PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com will feature specific pages dedicated to these offers with special coupons and exclusive codes to help shoppers find the best deals quickly and easily.
Get ready to hit the web for holiday savings and find out why this season, online shopping is hot and in-store shopping is not.
ONLINE SHOPPING IS HOT
- Shop at the time that’s most convenient for you, whether it be late at night, while the kids sleep or from the office.
- Save time comparing prices and products on the computer.
- Score deeper discounts with online coupons and promotional codes from websites like www.PromotionalCodes.com, & www.CouponWinner.com.
- Go green! Carnegie Mellon University's Green Design Institute found that shopping online consumes less energy and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 35 percent.
- Retailers have more flexibility to drop prices and offer last-minute deals online than in-store.
- Avoid lugging gifts around town or on flights. Order online, use a free shipping codes and ship directly to the recipient. You may choose to have the present gift-wrapped for a special holiday touch as well.
- Enjoy a relaxing day after Thanksgiving with family and friends while you score savings on the web.
IN-STORE SHOPPING IS NOT
- Lack of beauty sleep. Most stores begin Black Friday sales as early as 1 or 2am and that means missing out on much needed Z’s.
- Sold out items. Consumers are looking for the same deals so popular items have the potential of selling out quickly.
- Late-November weather in most cities can be unpredictable and shopping in rain, snow, and/or sleet is not a fun adventure.
- Large groups of people plus congested stores put you at high risk for the h1n1 Swine Flu and other viruses during the cold and flu season.
- Car accidents are reported to be at an alarmingly high-rate on Black Friday.
- Trampling crowds and frantic shoppers - many serious and fatal accidents have occurred during this shopping frenzy.
- Time is money and running from store to store may burn calories, but is not a productive shopping strategy.
Top 10 Holiday Shopping Tips
TOP 10 HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIPS
‘Tis the season for shopping and spending. From gifts to travel expenses, party supplies, decorations and more, holiday costs quickly add up. Beat the frenzy and avoid over spending with smart holiday shopping tips from online coupon expert, Andrea Woroch.
1. Create a budget. Understanding your finances before the season takes off will leading to smart spending. Create a financial plan and allocate funds for certain items. Keep receipts, balance your check book and verify bank statements to maintain a holiday budget.
2. Make a list and check it twice. Shopping for gifts can be a time consuming and stressful task, but a little organization can go a long way. Plan ahead and organize a list of people you plan to give a present to along with possible gift ideas. This will help you map out shopping strategies, create a shopping timeline and serve as a check list so you don’t forget someone special.
3. Compare prices. Found the perfect gift but at a pricey fee? Don’t splurge before comparing prices among retailers. You might find a better value through a special promotion, or simply a better price, at another store.
4. Don’t be brand-bias. If you have a particular brand in mind for a particular product, then you might be stuck with an expensive price. In many circumstances, going off-brand may result in major savings. Read product reviews or seek guidance from retail experts to find a brand or product of equal or higher quality at a more affordable cost.
5. Save time online. Don’t waste hours running from store to store in an endless search for the perfect gift – at the perfect price. Instead, look for gifts from the convenience of your own home and at the time that’s best for you by shopping online. The internet makes it easy to compare products and prices with just the click of the mouse while avoiding overcrowded parking lots, long lines, swarming crowds and sold out items.
6. Use online coupons. Found a gift at a suitable price? Don’t stop there. Get an even better deal by using online coupons and promotional codes. Websites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com offer thousands of free online coupons and promotional codes for over 8,000 leading retailers. You can compare coupons for different stores to find the best deal for any purchase. For those who still dare to go in-store, printable coupons are also available.
7. Score free shipping. Many consumers avoid shopping online due to added shipping costs. However, many retailers offer free shipping based on the value and size of an order. If free shipping isn’t offered, don’t give-up. Websites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com offer free shipping coupons for thousands of retailers – http://www.promotionalcodes.com/free-shipping-promotional-codes.aspx
8. Stack coupons. Combine coupons and promotional codes to get the best value on any purchase. Use a promotional code for free shipping in conjunction with a coupon for money off a product or service to maximize savings. Better yet, apply a coupon to a sale or clearance item to get the best price.
9. Send gifts direct. Avoid lugging gifts from door to door or paying airline fees for oversized bags stuffed with presents. Instead, send gifts directly to the recipient. Many stores offer a gift wrapping option too and will allow you to enter a personalized message.
10. Gift cards are easy to find and easy to give. With the variety of stores offering gift cards these days, you never have to worry about finding the “perfect” gift for anyone on your list. Procrastinators and last-minute shoppers will rejoice knowing that many stores give you the option of emailing the certificate directly to the recipient’s inbox, or allow you to print the gift card at home for an instant gift solution! Use CouponWinner.com’s easy-to-search gift card finder: http://couponwinner.com/CategoryCoupons.aspx?CID=76
Pink Coupons That Care; Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness
This October, discover the value of pink coupons and join the fight against breast cancer online. In tough times like these, giving money to a favorite charity may not be an option. However, consumers can support a cause near and dear to the heart while spending on necessities. Various retailers offer to contribute a portion of proceeds to a charitable organization – making it easier to help the community. Breast Cancer Awareness is an especially significant cause that many brands choose to fund. Throughout the month of October, consumers can find retailers and limited-edition pink products that support breast cancer research.
To maximize these give-back purchases, consumers should shop online at websites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com, which are now offering online coupons and promotional codes for savings on items that benefit research foundations.
Pick your favorite pink coupon and support the fight against breast cancer:
DELL “Pink Promise PCs” – Get an additional 5% off Dell’s limited-edition Promise Pink PCs which benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.
My Pink & White M&Ms – Get 12 percent off an order of personalized dark pink and white M&M’s Milk Chocolate Candies while spreading hope. 10 percent of proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Finish Line – Enjoy $10 off an order of $60 or more in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
RedEnvelope “Pink Ribbon Collection” – 10 percent of proceeds made on the Pink Ribbon Collection will go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.
SwimsuitsforAll.com – Find a swimsuit that suits you and supports breast cancer awareness. 12 percent of all purchases will benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.
Disclaimer: This article and its contents are property of PromotionalCodes.com. To use the article itself, or any information contained within it, please identify its source as PromotionalCodes.com.
PromotionalCodes.com, a project of SurfMyAds.com, Inc., is an online shopping website that works with nearly 8,000 retailers and provides thousands of free online coupons and promotional codes from top brand-names like Macy’s, Target, Home Depot, Travelocity, Dell and more. SurfMyAds.com Inc., developed by a team of young professionals in 2006 in Santa Barbara, CA, specializes in creating high-level web based projects. In addition to PromotionalCodes.com, SurfMyAds.com features additional savings on leading brands offered through CouponWinner.com and runs a UK-based discount shopping site, www.Codes.co.uk. For more information, visit www.PromotionalCodes.com, www.CouponWinner.com or www.SurfMyAds.com.
Spook-Tacular Savings on Halloween Essentials
If ghosts and goblins don’t scare consumers, the hauntingly high prices of Halloween merchandise will. Reported as the third most expensive holiday of the year, Americans spend frightful amounts on this celebration and to help consumers save, PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com are offering thousands of online coupons and promotional codes for discounted prices on Halloween must-haves like costumes, cosmetics, candy, decorations, party favors and more.
“Halloween shouldn’t be a stressful time of year,” says Lenka Keston, senior product manager for SurfMyAds.com. “By shopping at PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com, consumers can find huge savings at top Halloween retailers like BuyCostumes.com, Celebrate Express, Walmart, Toys R Us, Target and more, making it easier than ever to stick to a budget and simply have fun.”
Check out some of these online coupons and promotional codes to start saving:
Costume Express – Find complete costumes and accessories with savings of 15% on entire orders
BuyCostumes.com – Save $10 to $20 off costumes, accessories and more
Celebrate Express – Host a ghostly bash to remember with savings up to 80% off party supplies
Vogue Wigs – Add the final touch to any costume with a colorful hairdo and receive 5% off wigs
This year, don’t get tricked out of funds. Skip crowded stores and scary lines by shopping for holiday essentials at PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com.
PromotionalCodes.com, a project of SurfMyAds.com, Inc., is an online shopping website that works with over 8,000 retailers and provides thousands of free online coupons and promotional codes from top brand-names like Macy’s, Target, Home Depot, Travelocity, Dell and more. SurfMyAds.com Inc., developed by a team of young professionals in 2006 in Santa Barbara, CA, specializes in creating high-level web based projects. In addition to PromotionalCodes.com, SurfMyAds.com features additional savings on leading brands offered through CouponWinner.com and runs a UK-based discount shopping site, www.Codes.co.uk. For more information, visit www.PromotionalCodes.com, www.CouponWinner.com or www.SurfMyAds.com.
Shop, Save, Share, and Give
In tough times like these supporting your favorite charity may not be a top priority, but finding deals and discounts on items you need is. With a little research, it’s possible to find retailers that promise to donate a portion of your purchase to a charitable organization so that you can feel good about spending. But to feel even better, start shopping online at websites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com to find free, online coupons and promotional codes on brands that contribute a share of your sale to a nonprofit organization so you save money while giving back to the community.
Saving money while helping others is easy with a couple of clicks. Check out some of these online offers:
• Send a gift that tastes good and does good! Receive 10% savings on gourmet gift cakes from Bake Me A Wish! and be pleased knowing that a portion of the sale will go to donating birthday cakes to soldiers stationed overseas.
• Get 5% off an order of Organic Bouquet’s charitable flowers and giveback to one of your favorite organizations. 5% of your purchase will be donated through the company’s Flowers for Good™ program.
• Receive 25% off L'Oreal Preference Hair Color at Walgreens and help the Ovarian Cancer Fund. $1 of your purchase will automatically go to the organization.
• Give the gift of wine with this CouponWinner.com exclusive. Receive 15% off all purchases at Event Wines and give back to your favorite athlete’s charity of choice. Once you order through Charity Wine, a program comprised of limited edition bottles featuring images of celebrity athletes like Manny Ramirez, Curt Shilling and Tim Wakefield, 5% of the proceeds will be donated to the athlete’s preferred organization.
Don’t let time or money come in the way of helping others. With just the click of the mouse, you can contribute to a charity near and dear to your heart while shopping smart.
Coupon Do’s and Don’ts
If you’re new to the online coupon game you can certainly benefit from these helpful tips provided by online savings expert, Alexis Caldwell. Even seasoned online shoppers can learn from these insider insights.
DO’s
- Do shop online to find the best prices.
- Do compare prices between stores and brands before making purchases.
- Do find a promotional code or discount offer before purchasing anything online.
- Do research prices promotional codes at sites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com.
- Do stack coupons when possible. Sometimes you can apply several offers to the same purchase and save even more. For example,a coupon for 25% off can be used in conjunction with a free shipping coupon to maximize savings on the same purchase.
- Do stock up on certain items to increase your savings. Purchasing more can sometimes qualify your order for a better value coupon.
Don’ts
- Don’t purchase anything without entering a promotional code. If there is a box for a code, then you can likely find one on websites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com.
- Don’t make in-store purchases before comparing prices online. You can often find better prices online and many sites offer promotional codes for free shipping.
- Don’t stick to a certain brand. Going off-brand can mean saving.
- Don’t forget to read the fine print on coupons. Expiration dates, minimum order size and certain exclusions may effect how you use the promotional codes.
- Don’t give out personal information to get coupons. Sites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com give users the option of entering an e-mail address in order to receive newsletters, but do not require it to access coupons.
- Don’t pay for coupons. This is a sign that a website is untrustworthy. Promotional codes are provided by retailers to shoppers for FREE.
www.PromotionalCodes.com SurfMyAds.com, Inc. http://www.SurfMyAds.com Phone: 805.883.1000 | Fax: 805.883.1002 Email: PRPC@SurfMyAds.com
Recession Retail: “Deals” Shoppers Should Watch (and Watch out) for
It's a recession and retailers have to come up with new, effective sales strategies if they want to stay in business. The million dollar question is: how do you get financially stressed consumers to consume? New marketing tactics entice shoppers with promises of sales, exclusive offers and improved values. But which offers should shoppers take advantage of and which should they let pass by?
For the most part, there’s no easy formula for shoppers to abide by, but it never hurts to put a little more thought into these popularly marketed strategies.
1. Customer Loyalty Programs. Loyalty is a big factor in the success of many retailers, especially higher-end ones. Some customer loyalty programs like Sephora’s “Beauty Insider” card offer customers a free gift every time they spend a certain amount of money. Other reward cards shower customers with exclusive deals and discounts, or even special holiday or birthday savings. While rewards are great, if you know you could find cheaper products at other stores don’t hesitate ditch brand loyalty and shop around. Comparing prices is easy on the web.
2. “Buy more, save more” deals. Victoria’s Secret has been using this one for years; offering shoppers 1 pair of underwear for $10, or 3 pairs for $25. Here it is important to do the math. The bundle is enticing because you pay less for each item, a couple dollars less in this example. However, if you really only need one of something, then why pay $15 extra for 3? Some of these offers certainly are a good investment, but with others you just end up spending more money for items you didn’t need in the first place. Now if you can find a couple friends to go in on the deal with you then that’s another story.
3. Free shipping offers are increasing as online companies try to compete with brick and mortar businesses. Pretty much every retailer has free shipping coupons out there, often at free coupon websites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com. Some retailers like Amazon.com often offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount of money. Take advantage of these when possible, but make sure you don’t end up spending extra money just to get free shipping.
4. Coupons and money saving promotional codes are great advertisements for merchants and an easy way for shoppers to save money. These deals are easy to find at free coupon sites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com. Many online shoppers never pay full price thanks to promotional codes. Retail websites also send out e-mailed newsletters to publicize current and upcoming deals. Try not to sign up for too many of these though as they can really jam your inbox.
5. “One day only”, or “While supplies last” deals. Sometimes these really are great deals, but shoppers should be sure to check on return policies and compare prices before making an impulse purchase. These types of deals are especially popular with airlines and online discount travel companies. If you see what you think is a once in a lifetime deal, and you have the money, then take it. For the most part though, it’s best to avoid spur of the moment spending. Curb unnecessary impulse buys by imposing a waiting period before buying. When shopping online, bookmark the item you like and look at it a couple times a day, if you still want it by the end of the week, then purchase.
All retailers are trying to boost sales by marketing their products as unique, new, environmentally friendly, cheap, necessary or a just an all-around, great value. The best way to avoid being pressured into making purchases you’ll regret is to carefully weigh cost versus benefit each time you make a purchase. Don’t be enticed by flashing 50% off signs if you really don’t want a flat screen TV anyway; but don’t shy away from taking advantage of great deals on items you really do want.
No way! There’s a Coupon for that?
Experienced online shoppers know to look for promotional codes and coupons for major retailers like Target, Macy’s and JC Penny. But truly savvy shoppers know that saving doesn’t have to end there. If you know where to look, you can avoid paying full price on just about anything.
In just 10 minutes on free coupon site, PromotionalCodes.com I found 10 coupons for services and products that I never thought would offer coupons. Read on for unexpected deals you won’t want to miss out on.
1. Babysitting services, tutors, pet sitters and care givers are easy to find at websites like Care.com. The site screens applicants and posts local listings, making finding the perfect caregiver easy.
2. Identity protection is something that everyone needs, but no one wants to pay for. At least with these discounts you can pay a bit less, and rest a little easier too.
3. Educational services is probably not an oft clicked on category; but it contains a lot of useful discounts, including ones for advanced writing software, resume advice and $20 off law school essay editing. You can even find discounts for online courses and certification programs.
4. Newspaper and magazine subscriptions; discounts are available for popular publications like USA Today, Forbes and The Wall Street Journal.
5. Concert and Event Tickets. Before checking out at TicketMaster, check for deals and promotional codes that will save you money to popular concerts and events all across the US.
6. Restaurants. Coupons for Restaurant.com allow you to buy their already discounted gift certificates for even cheaper. Now you can eat out and not feel guilty.
7. Gift baskets and flower delivery. Same day delivery and customizable packages make thoughtful presents convenient for anyone to send, and now you don’t even have to pay full price.
8. Postal Stamps. Ordering stamps online certainly beats standing in line at the post office. And with discounts and free shipping coupons there’s no reason not to.
9. Weight loss programs and diet delivery systems, now your wallet doesn’t have to get thinner just because you want to.
10. Groceries, that’s right there are even printable coupons for grocery store merchandise. Coupon cutting has never been easier. Now that was a productive 10 minutes.
Taxes Made Easy: e-File Today!
Tax season is getting off to a roaring start. With the slump of the economy hurting Americans’ wallets, many are filing early and electronically in order to receive returns sooner and save on tax professional fees.
According to the I.R.S. about 90 million people chose to file their taxes electronically last year. That’s over half of taxpayers—and early numbers from this season suggest that many more will turn to their computers when filing this year.
And who can blame them? The advantages of e-filing are multiple: First of all, those who file electronically will be playing an important role in “greening-up” the tax process by saving paper. Just think of how many trees could be saved if everyone e-filed. Second, e-filers will receive their returns much sooner than those who use paper filing. E-filers can even request their returns via direct deposit; which can take as little as 8 days. In contrast, paper-filers normally wait weeks to receive returns. And of course with the convenience of e-filing, Americans can do their taxes wherever and whenever they like; as long as there’s a computer nearby.
Luckily, for those of us who just learned what a W-2 is, filing taxes online doesn’t mean filing them alone. There are tons of software programs and online downloads that can make the process much easier (without adding extreme costs). And people are saving even more money on filing this year by using e-coupons when purchasing tax software. Jon Conlon, a consumer specialist for the popular discount shopping website, PromotionalCodes.com, says he expects tax software to account for a significant portion of the company’s Q1 overall revenue.
“When comparing this January’s sales to those of 2008, we found promotional code use for H & R Block’s Tax Cut http://www.hrblock.com/taxes/products/software/index.html increased by over 100%. Likewise, use of Intuit’s Turbo Tax www.turbotax.com coupons rose more than 1,000% from last year” Conlon says. Coupons for both programs (and others) are still available on the site.
Of course which program tax-payers choose depends on how much guidance they desire. Most tax programs offer several different versions ranging from basic to deluxe to premier. Usually programs can be downloaded from the site to a computer desktop, or ordered as software on CDs. Some websites (including Turbo Tax and Tax Cut) allow the customer to prepare and file completely online without downloading anything – this option is often cheaper. Many programs include complimentary sessions with tax advisors and some allow users to file multiple returns. Those who choose the more extensive packages, like Turbo Tax Deluxe, will find the program really does act like their very own personal tax professional.
Keep in mind, many tax programs such as Turbo Tax, TaxSimple, eSmartTax, and TaxAct.com offer free federal returns with electronic filing.
With so many options it may be hard to choose which online system to use. Consumers should shop around to find one that fits their guidance needs and budget. Reading previous customers’ testimonials can be helpful. Also be sure the site is a reputable one that can be trusted with personal information.
Look to the I.R.S.’ webpage for more tips on e-filing. Also, see if you are eligible to e-file your federal taxes for free by visiting this link, or one of the companies listed above:
http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html
www.PromotionalCodes.com SurfMyAds.com, Inc. http://www.SurfMyAds.com Phone: 805.883.1000 | Fax: 805.883.1002 Email: Andrea.Woroch@SurfMyAds.com
Cheap Tricks for Cheap Travel
If a lack of funds is keeping your travel dreams grounded, keep reading. For years, backpackers have been traversing the globe on a budget and you can too!
Getting there
Great fares and deals are out there, you just have to know where to find them.
1. Discount travel sites like Priceline, Cheaptickets, Expedia and Travelocity offer many budget travel options. Kayak.com is another exciting resource for vacation planners. On Kayak you can quickly compare rates from multiple travel sites, including those listed above. To cut costs even more, visit sites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com, which have a number of useful travel promotional codes.
2. Subscribe to an airfare newsletter and request to receive special low-rate alerts from travel sites like LowestFare.com and AirFareWatchDog.com. Travelzoo.com’s “Top 20 Weekly Travel Deals on the Internet” is a great resource too. These e-mail notifications and low airfare lists will keep you updated on the best rates.
3. Be flexible about trip dates and try to travel during less popular times. Vacationing on the offseason is a great way to curb costs to popular destinations. You may not encounter the best weather, but you will save on flights and accommodations. Even taking a trip during the week instead of the weekend is a good start. Staying there Unfortunately, transportation is only the first step in travel fees. High hotel costs are a chief reason many would-be travelers choose to stay home. However, there are cheaper (and even free) options for those willing to go the less conventional route.
4. Hostels have long been a go-to resource for backpackers wanting to avoid hotel rates. Hostels are known for lacking privacy and certainly luxury. But most are perfectly accommodating for travelers who are just looking for a place to sleep at night and store luggage during the day. www.HostelWorld.com is a great source for choosing a hostel or budget hotel that fits your comfort desires and price stipulations.
5. Home exchange, if you’ve seen The Holiday you probably have a good idea of what a house swap entails. While you probably won’t run into Jude Law, you will get a free place to stay. http://houseswap.com/ currently has a pool of over 25,000 exchange listings located all over the world. Their site recommends house exchange as an excellent way to save money while enjoying comfortable accommodations. Some sites (including HouseSwap.com) charge for membership, but others are free.
6. Couch Surfing has also emerged as a popular budget travel trend; especially among young people. It is exactly what it sounds like; locals invite travelers to stay in their homes for free, for a prearranged period of time. Sometimes accommodation is actually a couch, other times a spare bedroom or air mattress. As an added bonus, many hosts are happy to act as a free tour guide and friend during their guest’s stay. http://www.couchsurfing.com/ has over 3 million group members, representing every continent. Each member has a user profile so that tourists can get to know their host before they visit. CouchSurfing.com estimates that over 1 million friendships have been created thanks to their site. You could be next.
Crafting a low-budget vacation may take a little more time and research, but most travelers will tell you the extra work is well worth it. With all the low-cost options for travelers, there’s no reason not to get out and see the world!
Love at First Click: Why more are looking for love online
It seems that despite (or perhaps because of) tough economic times, people are seeking out romantic relationships, and asking their computer to play matchmaker.
Data reveals that each month over tens of millions of people visit online dating websites; and that number has been increasing rapidly. In the 4th quarter of 2008, PerfectMatch’s membership reportedly grew by about 50%. Similar sites like eHarmony, Plentyoffish.com, Match.com and OKcupid.com have experienced member growth as well.
Tyler Stauss, an Online Consumer Specialist for PromotionalCodes.com, says that he’s seen a steady increase in the use of promotional codes for dating sites, with January-February 2009 sales up 53% from November-December 2008 numbers. Particularly popular, he adds, is a code for eHarmony.com which offers $40 off a 12-month subscription. Stauss says the post-holiday season typically sees an increase in traffic for online dating sites, especially around Valentine’s Day.
In addition to the holiday factor mentioned by Stauss, experts predict online dating participation will continue to rise at a faster than normal rate because of the current economic recession. Economic stress causes people to seek comfort in a partner. Yet be weary of the financial costs involved in traditional dating (transportation, dinners, event tickets, wardrobe etc.). With e-dating, singles can save money by staying in and meeting romantic partners online. In fact, eHarmony’s website argues that despite their monthly fee, members will end up saving, because their in-depth personality quizzes will mean less wasted money on dates with incompatible people.
Of course, you can’t put a price on love. While the recession did bring a boom to online dating, the practice has been popular for years and will most likely continue to thrive even in better economic situations. Obviously for many, the idea that true love is just a click away is just too tempting a thought.
Say “Bonjour” to Becoming Bilingual
In an increasingly globalized society, learning a foreign language is a great way to embrace a new culture and become a more “worldly” citizen. But how should one go about acquiring a new language? There are many options, each varying with regard to time commitment, price, and success rate. Here’s a summary of five of the most popular techniques.
1) Immersion: for the very dedicated. True immersion requires one to move to a foreign country and speak nothing but that language. This is a popular education abroad program for college students, many of whom spend a year in their host country with the hopes of becoming fluent. Immersion is the most time and financially intensive learning option, and is widely regarded as the most successful.
2) Foreign language classes. Many colleges offer extended education programs that are open to non-students (typically for a fee). These classes are beneficial because they offer in-person instruction and a chance to practice your new language with fellow learners. Depending on the class chosen, this option can be more expensive and time consuming than programs undertaken on your own. However, the outcome is highly beneficial.
3) Software programs. PromotionalCodes.com data reveals that promotional codes for language learning software, like Tell Me More and Transparent Language, are very popular with site users. In Fact, according to its website, leading language software program, Tell Me More, boasts over 5 million customers worldwide. Tell Me More’s advanced technology includes a speech recognition program which gives instant feedback on word pronunciation. The program even allows users to engage in conversations. Software Programs are popular because they offer learners flexibility and independence in their lesson schedule, while providing detailed instruction. Prices of such programs vary greatly based on what exactly they include.
4) Audio CDs. CDs remain a popular language learning route because of their low price and convenient, portable nature. Audio CDs allow learners to listen to instructions while commuting to work, and even download lessons to their iPod, and listening while exercising or running errands.
5) Lastly, books are available as a cheap(er) resource for language learning. Books are a good option because they allow the learner to go completely at their own pace. And small phrase books can certainly come in handy when traveling to foreign countries. However, without an audio component getting pronunciations right can be difficult.
Most experts agree that it is important to gain face-to-face experience in order to master a language. This could mean booking a vacation to Spain or France, or (a more economic alternative) locating a native speaker near you. Craigslist is a great place to post a request for a conversation partner. These could be paid meetings, but are typically free exchanges. Such encounters offer a great way to gain some practice with a new language and possibly make a friend.
Adieu.
Times are Tough – so Take off!
The recession is causing many Americans to tighten their purse strings when it comes to travel, leaving the tourism industry in the red. Hotels are facing empty rooms, airlines are cutting flights, and even rental car companies, often seen as the cheap travel alternative, are loosing business.
But every cloud has a silver lining. In order to make up for dismal Dec.-Jan. sales, tourism companies like Expedia, STA travel, Orbitz and others have been hard at work developing promotions to get people moving again.
Jon Conlon, a consumer trend specialist at PromotionalCodes.com, a discount shopping website, says he can’t believe some of the deals merchants are offering. He was shocked to post a promotion from Virgin Atlantic featuring one-way flights from New York to London for only $156. But with so many Americans suffering from personal economic worries, is anyone taking advantage of these opportunities? According to data from PromotionalCodes.com, yes, they are.
Conlon says domestic destinations, particularly Vegas and Miami, have become especially popular in the last few months. “Right now the Wynn – which is a premier 5-diamond Vegas resort has a promotion on our site offering rooms for $129 per night. It’s a hard one for our users to pass up, especially when you consider the same suites would regularly cost at least $300.”
Popular travel information website LonelyPlanet.com has also been finding that, despite the recession, interest in travel continues to thrive. It seems these tough times are leading Americans to search even harder for an escape from the everyday. In fact, a LonelyPlanet official reported that on February 10th, 2008 the site received more visitors than ever before. Like PromotionalCodes.com users, Americans using LonelyPlanet.com were mostly looking for information on domestic trips.
STAtravel, which caters to students and young travelers, is one of many companies responding to Americans’ desire to stay close(r) to home. One of STAtravel’s promotions, “Travel Bailout, 5 days, 5 deals” offers $100 round-trip rates to Denver, Miami, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.
Like many companies, STAtravel highlights the fleeting nature of these offers. It’s common for such deals to last only days or weeks, or in STA’s case until the flights are sold out. The whole idea is to get Americans to take advantage of deals now, because they won’t be around once the economy recovers.
A good way to keep up on travel deals is by visiting websites like PromotionalCodes.com or signing up to receive newsletters from airlines or websites such as Kayak.com or Travelzoo.com. With holidays like Spring Break and Memorial Day approaching, the travel industry is expecting a boost in sales. Experts recommend shopping early to gain deals on trips during these popular times.
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