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After a 6-week hiatus our beloved Open Mic is back! We’ve modified it from a weekly post to a once-per-month post, that serves as a mini-version of a discussion board. It’s for you to leave a comment, share a tip or ask a question on whatever coupon, money-saving or debt topics you have in mind. You can also join and ask questions in our private Pocket Your Dollars Facebook group, which is separate from our public Facebook fan page.
As always, I look forward to hearing the voice of the Pocket Your Dollars community. Read through the Open Mic archives here.
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Where is the best place to find a discount on car rental? Is it cheaper to rent for the whole week vs just a few days? Certain brands better than others? We are look for when we’ll be in DC for a week over spring break. I know they have a good metro system, but we’ll need to get to the metro parking lot and a few days were we’ll be out of down town to explore the surrounding area.
When we went to DC last year we used Priceline to find the best deal…and we did, I can’t remember the actual price but it was really reasonable ($20 a day or so). The thing to remember when you decide on how long you’ll rent the car is the cost of parking. Depending on where you stay it can be upwards to $50 dollars to park, so it may be a lot cheaper to skip the car for some of the days.
We ended up getting a banging deal through Costco Travel (online). We wanted two drivers on our rental car (which is normally $10 or $15 extra per day), which Costco waives. It was also the lowest base price for the rental we could find ( 7-day rental). I’d highly recommend checking out their pricing. Even if you had to buy a membership, it could end up being a better deal (for us, with the 2nd driver, we saved $250 off the lowest quote we could find).
Good luck!
Do not get a car for D.C. Use the metro system. There is no reason to get a car other then maybe go to Mount Vernon.
Have you considered using Uber? A friend of mine who lives in DC uses it all the time…even to get to the hospital to have her baby.
Rental cars often have very low rates on weekends.
When we went to the DC area, our hotel in Maryland had a shuttle service to the Metro station.
I would like to transfer my balance on my Wells Fargo Visa card to a lower interest credit card……… Does anyone have suggestions?
Check credit unions. Their rates are usually pretty rockin’
I agree with credit unions. We did the same thing because credit unions beat out the national CC companies. Be sure to check out the interest rate compilin – credit unions usually have a fixed rate rather than the variable rate others offer.
Are Shari’s berries worth the price and are there any deals for the upcoming valentine holiday?
Try:
http://www.offers.com/sharis-berries/?path=zof-163440-mpn-100e1a&creative=9324982409&device=c&email_inject=1__&keyword=30853821364&source=s
or:
https://www.groupon.com/coupons/stores/berries.com
Does anyone have any experience (good or bad) with Sango dishes (sold at Kohls)? We bought Pfaltzgraff two years ago (no receipt anymore), and it’s like they have hairline cracks in or something. They come out of the dishwasher looking dirtier than when they went in, and I have to rewash by hand anyway. When they get really hot (dishwasher or microwave), they ooze “gunk” out all over the plates. Wondering if that’s what happens to stoneware, and if we will have the same issue with this Sango brand? Or is stoneware not really dishwasher/microwave safe like it says? Does anyone have a recommendation for dishes that look nice, hold up well, and are not terribly expensive? We need to buy 3 sets for our family.
Have you checked out Corelle dishes? You can get them at Fleet Farm, Shopko, Walmart, Target etc. If you watch for sales, Fleet Farm is usually the best $$$. They have a variety of patterns-both square and round and are safe for dishwasher and microwave. Also very lightweight and stack well. I have had mine for over 20 years.
Thanks, Kathy! They had a sale on their website, free shipping, 20% off for new email subscribers, and 2.5% back with Ebates! I got three sets of 16 piece dinnerware and 4 serving bowls for $107 (and that was with the tax)! I’m hoping these work out!
You got a great deal! Hope you like them!
Sounds like you may have already found an option that works for you – but wanted to recommend Fiesta ware. It is available at Herbergers, Kohls, and Macys in a variety of solid colors. I use store coupons (like $10 off $25) and buy it when it is on sale.
What do you consider a great price for Fiesta Ware?
$25 sale price for a place setting (as you may know, most stores periodically offer coupons for $10 off $25 purchase = $15). I purchase serving pieces when they are on sale for 30-40% off (and use a store coupon).
I see Fiesta Ware all the time at TurnStyle.
B, I’ve had stoneware in the past and never had the problems you describe. Does Kohl’s still carry them? Did you use your Kohl’s charge to buy them? Even without a receipt, Kohl’s would give you a store credit if they can figure out a price.
Does anyone know what the going rate is for a condo home inspection?
Thanks!
I’m considering making a large online purchase, and would like to purchase discounted gift card codes to pay for most of it. However, can more than 1 code be used for an order? (The order would include ordering 4 of the same thing).
Thank you for any help you can give!
Can you use more than 1 gift card to make a purchase? At any major retailer, yes. For sure I’ve done that with Amazon and I’d think others would allow it too.
I’ve never used gift codes before. Are gift card codes only to be used online, or may they be used in store?
You might want to check with the merchant directly. For some you have a limit. I know Sephora has a limit of 2, for example.
We’ve been having our taxes done by H and R Block for years but last year it cost us $355. We are just an average family with a mortgage, incomes and bank accounts. Nothing too complicated. Any suggestions on tax preparers in the north metro? Has anyone had good luck with Liberty Tax?
Have you ever tried to do them online using Turbo Tax or something like that? I did my moms this year and it walked me through everything. She has an annuity and I had to call to ask something about a percentage, but the rest of it was pretty easy to understand. At one point I did almost quit, but I hadn’t gotten to the point where I had to pay so it wouldn’t have been a loss.
We have used Turbo Tax for many years and love it!
I prefer TurboTax over H&R Block software. I’m not sure why and neither have given us any issues. The software downloads your tax info from your banking institution or employer and enters everything directly into the tax forms. I’ve never found a mistake and we haven’t had any problems with the IRS. When we first switched to the software, I compared the prepared tax form to the software one since the two years had identical input source. Same forms; better rebate. (I don’t know if the tax laws changed from one year to the next. It made us smile.)
My only complaint is they both want you to “upgrade” even though you don’t really need to. I go through whole process (one to two hours) first . I haven’t needed to purchase the upgrade yet.
Happy hunting.
I use a CPA in Minneapolis, but we do everything over email. I’m not sure what they charge for a regular tax return with itemizing, since I have partnership income. I still pay less than $400 for mine including the Partnership tax returns.
Michael P Mullen
5912 W 35th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55416
952-928-3011
I highly highly recommend Turbo Tax. I’ve used it the last 4-5 years. I have mortgage, student loans, banking accounts, income, itemized deductions, etc. It walks you through step by step and if you have any questions, they have great online help.
You can always sign up for an account and give it a shot – you only pay if you go through the entire system and file. So, if you get stuck… no harm, no foul. :)
I too am in the same boat. I have used H and R block for many years and have grown tired of paying the huge fee they charge. I am trying a new guy that was recommended to me. Lindgren’s Tax Service in Brooklyn Park, http://lindgrenstax.com/– 763-561-7959. We too are just the average family mortgage, incomes, and bank accounts. I prefer to have someone do my taxes, using Turbo Tax has never appealed to me.
Jane
The IRS has free tax preparation software for simple returns. No need to pay $355 to HR Block.
Try TaxAct Online. $9.95
I highly recommend McLaughlin Tax Service in New Hope. They are family owned, been around forever and very reasonable. I’ve used them for about 16 years! Quick, easy and reliable.
If you make less then 55k, you could get your taxes done for free at prepare and prosper http://prepareandprosper.org. aarp also does free taxes but u have to be older but their income limit is higher.
Joey Feek’s fans have been incredibly supportive during her battle with terminal cancer, and as a thank you to their fans, Overstock is giving away free copies of Joey and Rory’s final album Joey+Rory: Hymns That Are Important To Us.
“Now, as a thank you to their fans, old and new, for leaving their thoughts, we are sharing The Joey+Rory Gift of Music with them. Beginning tomorrow, February 10th and running through the GRAMMY Awards, we are giving away a limited quantity of the Feek’s new album Joey+Rory: Hymns That Are Important to Us,†Overstock said in a statement.
Read more at http://www.inquisitr.com/2784522/joey-feek-cancer-update-overstock-giving-away-free-copies-of-joey-and-rorys-final-album-as-a-thank-you-to-fans-for-their-support/#dlue8uFixzTeQBw0.99
What is the best and safest way to get off of the Credit Card Applications mailing list?
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0262-stopping-unsolicited-mail-phone-calls-and-email
Are there any promotions for Sunday only subscribers or do I need to cancel my startribune and wait for an offer?
There are no renewal offers, but if you cancel and wait 30 days to resubscribe, then you can get the new customer rates. I have a handful of offers I’ve worked out with them and offer to readers here like this one: https://www.pocketyourdollars.com/2015/08/star-tribune-subscription/
Hello! My husband just got a new laptop and now we are looking for the best option to get Microsoft office to load onto it. We have another laptop with an older version so could use an upgrade on multiple computers. What or where is the best deal for this software?? Looks like there is a $149 rate for only 1 computer and then the 365 for up to 5 computers and you pay $99.99 a year or a monthly fee of $9.99 to use the software.
Any suggestions are welcome! He has come to me knowing I can find a deal; but computers are not my thing!
You or your husband should check at work. Many companies offer MS Office license to employees for free or a nominal fee. I think we paid $35.
Does anyone know what the best option is for getting to/from the airport? There are 4 of us from Woodbury, so we are not sure if its more cost effective to Uber or drive and park. We have an early flight out and a late return flight.
I often park at Sheperd parking.
11 in covered ramp, 9 inopen lot
Anyone have recommendations for ordering cheap kids eyeglasses on line? I have purchased my own from coastal and firmoo, however, don’t find many options available on those sites for children. We need a couple back ups the way my son (age 9) keeps breaking and losing his. Thank you.
I’ve ordered many times from Zenni optical (for myself) but they now have a kids section. http://www.zennioptical.com/kids
Thank you Rene. I will check it out.
It’s been a few years since I did this but Target offers a deal for kid’s glasses that was definitely worth it then. Check into it again.
I’m visiting Minneapolis this weekend. Any great deals or fun events i should check out?
I have a keurig coffee maker. I only use the refillable k-cups. I have purchased Starbucks, Gevalia, Market Pantry etc. It does not go through the k-cup right. I have to put it through twice to make one cup of coffee. Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions?
Sounds like you should try a different refillable cup. I’ve never had issues with mine, no matter the kind of coffee I put in it :)
I think I had a similar problem with my keurig. Go to YouTube and search Keurig not making a full cup, and there will be a couple of tutorials on how to ‘fix’ this problem in your machine… it worked for me.
Just got an email from Cub discounting their private label products 20-25% thru 2/27. Any other deals worth combining with them?
The new coupons have been added to corresponding items on the Cub list. You could check out ideas there.
I thought I read somewhere on PYD site that if we go through the Pocket Your Dollars Rewards link to print coupons we can earn so much per coupon printed. Does that mean going through some link in there that would take us to lets say coupons dot com and print from there we will get credit? If yes where is it? I can’t find a link anywhere in there that will do that. OR is it if we print out a coupon from the list of coupons listed that you earn cash back on purchases?
I need some help knowing if I read that correctly or not….of course now I can’t find where it was I read that.
Thanks!