Minneapolis Star Tribune reporter Jackie Crosby has a story in this Sunday's paper regarding the future of unclaimed rebate checks.

The article highlights the debate over what happens to unclaimed rebate checks. Rebate companies rarely report the unclaimed checks, and 43 states are now involved in a lawsuit to make sure that the money gets to its rightful owners. Of course, the states would be happy if that money went unclaimed with them, too, because then they'd get to keep it.

The best way to protect yourself is to remember to cash those rebate checks as soon as you get them. It's free money. Don't lose it.

P.S. And yes, this post is partly shameless self promotion! :-)

I recently bought a new HP Pavilion notebook. My goal when I ordered it was to buy the best product I could afford that met my needs.

As much as I tried to resist the add-ons they always tempt you with, I could not resist adding on an all-in-one, wireless photo printer. For the longest time, I've wanted the ability to easily make photo copies (instead of using my scanner) and print straight from my computer to printer with no wires.

So, when I saw I could get a nice all-in-one with my notebook and then get a $70 mail-in-rebate on the printer, I jumped at the chance.

The only problem was that I never received the printer. Instead I got a phone call from Fed Ex telling me that it appeared my printer may have gotten wet. Actually their words were, "We opened the box and took everything out and the printer looks okay, but the box is really bad. Do you still want it?"

Well, gee, if it is electronic and it got wet, and you've removed it from it's original packaging and all, then NO, I don't want it thank you.

So Fed Ex returned it to HP saying it was damaged in transit. Unfortunately for me, I naively believed that HP would send me another printer and all would be well.

But they didn't. They just accepted it as a return and credited my credit card. When I finally called to find out where my printer was, they said I would have to re-order it.

And then there was the kicker: The customer service rep said I would no longer qualify for the $70 rebate because I wasn't ordering it at the same time as a notebook.

WHAT?!!!

I politely explained to the rep that I should qualify for the rebate because I DID order it at the same time as a notebook, and that I NEVER RECEIVED it due to no fault of mine. The rep was rather snotty and told me "well, that's the way it is" and asked me if I still wanted to re-order the printer. I told him there was no way I would re-order it unless I could get the rebate. He said there was nothing he could do. At this point, I got snotty and said, "Well I guess I'll have to buy my printer someplace else" and promptly hung up.

I was still mad about the whole thing, so I sent HP customer service an e-mail explaining my case. I got a quick response back from them that basically said they understood my problem but that I would have to call the 800 number again, ugh.

Well, I called again, and the customer service rep actually listened to my story. When I explained that I had previously been told I couldn't get the $70 rebate, he said, "Well that's ridiculous. Please hold for a moment."

When he came back, he told me he had talked to his supervisor and that I could re-order the printer (with free shipping ) and get a $70 credit on my bill! So now I will be getting my printer, and the credit and I won't have to send in for the mail-in-rebate!

I'm glad that I didn't let my anger over the situation prevent me from following through. My persistence paid off and soon I'll be printing coupons and other goodies from my new printer.

You can save $10 on a purchase of $30 at Walgreens, on Friday, May 30 ONLY.

The coupon can't be used for prescriptions, alcohol or tobacco, or gift cards, but it can be used at the Photo Center, so if you have a lot of photos to print, today could be your lucky day.

Here's the coupon. Chief Family Officer has some tips for using the coupon here. Happy saving!

A recent report by ABC News confirms what I have suspected for some time: U.S. Savings Bonds just aren't what they used to be.

The report says federal changes will result in Series EE savings bonds earning a "miserly" interest rate of 1.40 percent. The Treasury has also reduced the amount of savings bonds you can purchase and, according to the story, seems to be encouraging investors to purchase other types of bonds.

"Taken together, the miserly interest rates offered on savings bonds, smaller
savings bond purchases and easier access to other Treasury securities, are
likely to diminish the attractiveness of savings bonds.
Savings bonds, however, offer one major advantage you can't get from other Treasury securities -- tax-free interest is available on savings bonds if they are used to pay for college expenses by an adult meeting income limits set by the IRS.
Also, the tax on savings bond interest is deferred, meaning you do not have to pay it until you cash in your savings bond. Even with these benefits, it's tough to
recommend the trusty savings bond." --- ABC News

My grandfather always bought his grandkids a savings bond for every birthday and Christmas. Ten years ago, I had enough money to put a dent in my college education. I had a few savings bonds left after college. (My first emergency fund!) My grandfather has since passed on, and one day when I was thinking about what to do with the bonds that would help me honor his memory, I started to think about what kind of interest they were earning. I realized that the bonds were barely earning any interest at all. I could have made more interest by putting the money in my checking account! (You can find out how much yours are worth by downloading the calculator here).

I decided that the best way to honor my Grandfather would be to use the money for my sons' college education. I cashed in the Savings Bonds last fall (about $1,500 worth) and divided it into three 529 plans for my sons. They'll earn more money there, which is something my frugal grandfather would appreciate it.

Ultimately, my goal is to fund our retiremement and then worry about the kids' college fund. But it still feels good knowing that our boys will at least be able to buy a couple of textbooks in 2025.

The Huggies Choice Rewards rebate offer has been extended until June 15.

Here's the deal: Buy 3 packs of Huggies in a single purchase, send in the UPCs, the original sales receipt, and this form, and you can have your choice of a $5 check, a baby lullaby CD (valued at $16.99) or an exercise DVD (also valued at $16.99). You can listen to samples of the lullabies or view a clip of the videos. You have until June 15 to make your purchase and until July 31 to submit your request.

I opted for one of the exercise DVDs because I am bored with my current collection... and I figure if I'm not exercising, at least I can pretend I will exercise!

Ever since I was a little kid, I've loved board games. I'm pretty competitive and enjoy a good match of wits with friends and family.

I had a really great trip to Walgreens this week.

Here's what I got:

2 bags of Chex Mix for FREE using coupons I got here.

2 bottles of Excedrin (24 ct) for FREE using coupons I got here.

2 bottles of Ajax dish soap for $1.59 using Walgreens coupon and a manufacturer coupon from the Sunday paper.

2 bottles of Pert Plus 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner FREE after Easy Saver Rebate and manufacturer coupons (I had a $1 off coupon and a Buy One Get One Free coupon).

Don't forget it's about time to submit your Easy Saver Rebates. There's still time to take advantage of the deals, which Centsible Shopper has posted here. The deadline for submitting the rebates is June 7. The new online form makes it super easy and you don't have to waste a stamp!

The new June Easy Saver rebate book should be out soon. Hot Coupon World has a preview of it here.

As a stay-at-home mom of three boys ages three and under, it is VITAL that I get some time to myself. It helps me establish my identity outside of being a wife and mom and it makes me a better spouse and parent.

In the early months of my new stay-at-home mom status, my "Me-time" was spent bargain hunting and garage sale shopping in town by myself. (In case you haven't noticed, I'm a nerd who enjoys getting good deals!)

But now going to town is an $8 expenditure. My days of "bumming around town" are now much more limited. I am combining trips more than ever, and that often means I have to do my bargain hunting with my entire family in tow.

The situation has forced me to redefine how I spend "Me-time."

My Me-time is more often spent around my neighborhood now.

Sometimes my hubby lets me carve out a moment for me to scrapbook or do some card making while he watches the kids. I take walks by myself to clear my head. I spend time reading out on my deck. I write on my blog. I visit my parents or sometimes we go to town together (they're good people that way!). I spend time doing yard work. I work on projects around the house (like organizing things or cleaning). I plan future bargain hunting trips and hunt for deals online.

In a way, I'm kind of glad that gas prices are up because it is challenging me to be more creative in all areas of my life. I'm rediscovering old hobbies and enjoying being at home more than I ever have before.

Most importantly, I've learned that "Me-time" doesn't have to mean I'm in a store.

Wish-Bone is offering a FREE bottle of its new Bountifuls salad dressing via mail-in rebate as part of its "Go Greens! Eat Salad" campaign.

My post on "Why a Recession is Good for Us" is an editor's pick in the 127th Festival of Frugality hosted by Funny About Money.

This week's Festival has lots of great information on everything from coupon organization to entertaining friends on the cheap. Lots of good reads!

My frugal friend Michelle pointed out a great post from Kara McGuire of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Read Buy my rock, get out of debt. It's hilarious. It kind of reminds me of when I was a kid and I tried to sell rocks from the driveway to my grandparents.

Summer is a great time to travel. Unfortunately, with gas prices eating up our budgets, it's getting to be a challenge to find the money to travel. I will be the first to admit we don't travel much these days (with the little ones, it's a challenge), but when we do, we like to get the most bang for our buck.

One of the first things we do when we decide to go somewhere is to research, research, research. This means using the internet, the library, requesting info from state travel bureaus, and talking with friends and co-workers. Find out the best places to go and which ones to avoid so you don't waste your precious resources.

Saving on Getting There and Staying There
You can use services like Expedia and Travelocity to find deals on airline tickets, but even with the high cost of gas, it may still be cheaper to drive. Use sites like Gas Buddy to get deals on fuel.

You can use services like Hotels.com to find hotel deals, but I've had the best luck by simply calling hotels directly and asking for their best price. Take advantage of rewards programs if you stay at hotels frequently. Some programs will give you a free meal with a night's stay. Others will give you a free night's stay if you stay several nights.

My travel-savvy friend AnnMarie plans her trips based on where her friends and family are and stays with them for free. She says, "We often plan our vacations this way so we save on hotel costs but also get to catch up with old friends. When we stay with people, we usually take them out for dinner or pay for pizza delivery as a thank-you. We also don’t stay with people we hardly know, only good friends. We aren’t in it only for the savings, that’s just an added bonus."

AnnMarie also recommends Ebates for buying your tickets and car rentals. Ebates often has good deals and you'll get cash back on your purchase. Use a rewards credit card to save even more.

My frugal friend Susan frequently camps on her vacations. Once you have the equipment, it is very frugal to camp... and you really get to experience your destination.

Plan your trips during the off-season such as early summer or early fall. Hotels will be cheaper and tourist sites will be far less crowded.

Think about what you will do if the weather is unpleasant. Plan indoor and outdoor activities. Plan at least one day to do nothing. After a rigorous schedule of site-seeing and exploring, it's nice to have a relaxing day by the water.

Saving on Food and Beverages
Stay at places that have free breakfasts or continental breakfasts. If your room has a fridge and a microwave, you can also save money on snacks and meals. I know a hockey mom who brings her crockpot and a pizza oven on hockey road trips. All the kids and parents come back to her room after the tournament and they get a hot, inexpensive meal.

If you'll be out doing lots of walking/site-seeing, be sure to bring several refillable water bottles and a cooler. Each morning we would fill our water bottles and put them in a cooler in the car filled with free ice from the hotel. We had plenty of cheap, cool drinks for our activities.

If you're doing the road trip thing, bring your own snacks and beverages. It's much cheaper than getting them at the gas stations. Pack your own picnic lunch to avoid spendy fast food stops.

When you get to your hotel, be sure to check the lobby (and ask the front desk) about discounts that are available at local restaurants. We found coupon books in the lobby of a hotel we stayed at and saved more than $30 on eating out over the course of our trip.

And speaking of coupons, check out the Entertainment Book for the area you plan to visit. You can often get good deals this way. You can also visit Restaurant.com to find cheap gift certificates for restaurants.

Look for places where your kids can eat for free. This is a great strategy because you'll save money and know you'll get to eat in a kid-friendly atmosphere. Try My Kids Eat Free, Kiddie Menu, and All Kids Eat Free for some starting points. You may want to call ahead to the restaurant to verify that their policy hasn't changed.

Saving on Activities
One website that I find useful is Free Attractions. You can find all kinds of free things to do at that site. Be sure to ask the locals for tips, too. They know of things that are off the beaten path and what days are cheaper. For example, I recently learned that a popular museum in my area has free admission on Thursdays.

Saving on Souvenirs
As a scrapbooker, I feel that the best souvenirs are photographs. But, if you simply must buy things to remind you of your vacation, try to focus on things you will use and admire. Do you really need another shot glass or spoon? One friend of mine always buys local artwork for her house. Another buys t-shirts.

Don't buy your souvenirs at a tourist attraction. They are often cheaper elsewhere. I've found fabulous t-shirts at a local Walgreens. We got our Mount Rushmore t-shirts in Mitchell, SD, instead of Rapid City, because they were half the price.

I'll be taking a break from blogging for the Memorial Day Weekend. Sunday is my parents' wedding anniversary, Monday is my son's birthday, mother-in-law and aunt-in-law's birthday, and it's Memorial Day to boot! So my house is quite busy with all the celebrating!

Anyway, I hope you all have a safe and fun Memorial Day Weekend. I'll be back to my regular posting on Tuesday.

Happy Saving!

As you know, I adore garage sale season. But one of the other perks of summertime is grilling. It's so nice to be able to cook without heating up the house. And because there's an element of danger to grilling, my husband is more likely to volunteer to make dinner!

Here are some ways you can save on grilling this holiday season:

Save $2 on Kingsford charcoal after you sign up for their newsletter.

Lowes frequently offers rebates and special deals on grills and summer accessories. Click here before you make any major purchases to see what deals are available. Last Sunday's paper also had a $10 off a $50 purchase coupon in it. You can usually get the sales circulars by the doors at Lowes if you didn't get in the paper.

You can also check out all the deals on outdoor stuff at Home Depot here.

Buy a grill at Ace Hardware and take advantage of their Ace Rewards program. Hooray for Free-bates explains how it works here.

Get a free bottle of Country Bob's All Purpose Barbecue Sauce by filling out the form here. Limit one per household while supplies last.

Always been a Heinz person? Well, you can try Hunts Tomato Ketchup for a change and if you don't like it, you can get your money back (up to $3) using the form here.

You can get a 50 cents-off coupon for any flavor Mrs. Dash Salt-Free Marinades by clicking here.

Head to French's and get printable coupons for French's Mustard, Cattlemen's Barbeque Sauce and more.

This is just a few of the many, many coupons that are out there. Expect to see lots of great deals on all kinds of summer goodies - everything from ketchup to graham crackers to sunscreen between now and Labor Day. And of course, don't forget your local farmer's market. Farmer's markets are wonderful places to get great deals on delicious fresh produce. Take advantage of these great prices and stock up!

If you're planning a stop at Walgreens to pick up a few things, you may want to wait until tomorrow.

Walgreens has a coupon for $5 off a purchase of $20 or more that is good for Friday, May 23 only. The coupon is good toward photos, too.

Don't forget there's still time to pick up free after rebate items from the Easy Saver catalog. Check out Centsible Shopper for all the current deals at Walgreens.

The media is expounding its gloom and doom depressing recession talk, and it's got me thinking.

There are some good things that come out of a recession:

Recessions force us to think. When the housing market is lousy or when we fear potential job layoffs, we make more calculated decisions. When gas prices sky rocket, we must make some decisions about our driving habits. We're forced to consider what things are "wants" and what are "needs." We're forced to consider our values and determine what our goals are. We're forced to get creative to make our dollars last.

Recessions help us to conserve. When the economy is bad, we're more likely to do things that will help us conserve our resources. We may cut back on driving. We cook our own meals. We may start using CFLs to save money on our electric bills. We recycle things. We fix things. We borrow and lend things.

Recessions inspire us to save money. We look at ways to eliminate our debts, to earn more money, and to make our money go further. We prepare for that rainy day because we can see the clouds on the horizon.

Recessions foster stronger communities. When times are tough, it's harder to buy gadgets and toys and go on vacations. Recessions help us find inexpensive, local activities to participate in. We get to know our neighbors and spend more time with our families. During recessions, we also are reminded that others may be having a hard time, and seek ways to help them, because we know what it feels like to struggle.

No one likes a recession, that's for sure. But during a recession there is potential for personal growth, innovation, and kindness that doesn't always appear when times are good.

My credit for my first 100 free prints from ArtsCow will expire on May 31, so I thought I'd better start uploading some photos.

Sign up for TGI Fridays new "Give Me More Stripes" rewards program and get a coupon for a FREE appetizer or dessert and a pass to move to the front of the line at their restaurant at your next visit.

Membership in the "Give Me More Stripes" program is free. Once you sign up, you'll receive a rewards card from TGI Fridays. For every $1 you spend at TGI Fridays, you will receive one stripe. Earn 100 stripes, and get a coupon for $8 toward any item off their menu (except alcohol). There's no limit to how many coupons you can earn. Gift card and alcohol purchases don't count towards rewards.

With your membership, you'll also have opportunities to participate in complimentary welcome tastings, drink upgrades, and preferred seating and parking.

TGI Fridays also has a printable coupon to treat your dad to FREE Beer-Battered Onion Rings on Father's Day, June 16.

Now if only there was a TGI Fridays near me!

I recently got a new laptop computer. I'd been stealing my husband's work laptop for a long time so that I could blog in the evenings while I watch television. Since it's his work computer, you can see where the conflict of interest was! Our desktop computer is getting older, and I wanted the flexibility of using the computer anywhere in the house.

The laptop I bought is a pretty simple, no-frills model. My primary purpose for it is to surf the internet and blog. I'll also probably do some digital scrapbooking on it as well.

While I was building the new laptop online, I realized that there were so many decisions to make. And with every decision came the opportunity to spend more money. It was difficult to weigh the value of the "upgrades." I was able to find a few ways to save money on the laptop when ordering.

First of all, I opted not to purchase Microsoft Office. The laptop comes with Microsoft Works, which has a word processor that will meet my basic computing needs. I can always use our desktop or my husband's laptop if it's absolutely necessary. This saved $149.

I did not buy anti-virus software. The computer comes with a 60-day trial of Norton. During that time, I plan to explore cheaper/free options. One thing I'm looking at is AVG's free anti-virus software. It's not as comprehensive in its protection as Norton, but it is rated well. I figure if I can couple that software with some free firewall software, I could save $50 a year on computer protection. My uncle sent me a link on security freeware that I will researching in depth.

Some software programs allow you to load them onto both a desktop and a laptop computer as long as you aren't using both at the same time. This also saves money on software expenses. I'll also be exploring educational discounts since my husband is a college instructor.

I got free shipping and a $100 rebate. I also was able to get a wireless all-in-one printer for $49. This was a splurge for me. I don't really need a new printer, but I would love the ability to photo copy things.

I recycled a laptop bag that I had from a very old laptop (think 1999, folks!) so that I could protect my new computer without having to fork out any cash. I'll recycle the old laptop too.

This wasn't my most frugal purchase, but then, I don't make big purchases like this very often. I feel that I got the best value for the money spent. And that's what matters.

It seems like when you're pregnant, you think of everything in terms of weeks. Then, when your babies are here, you think in terms of months.

When you break it down into pieces like that, it makes it so much easier to believe they'll stay babies forever. Of course, we know that's not true.

Well, this blog is growing up, too. Today marks the 6-month anniversary of this blog's inception. On one hand, it feels like I've been doing this forever, but on the other hand, it feels like yesterday.

I've truly thankful for all of my readers. Without you, I'd be talking to myself. Well, I do that anyway, but you get what I mean! I have enjoyed your comments, questions, and ideas.

I've appreciated the media attention. I'm on KAXE 91.7 FM radio Monday mornings and had a blast doing the 2-hour Between You and Me show on KAXE with Heidi Holtan, I've been mentioned on KARE11 TV's website and featured in the Minneapolis Star Tribune's Money section. The extra visitors I've gained from the media coverage, has helped keep me inspired.

I have enjoyed meeting new blog friends. I've learned so much from Heather at Freebies 4 Mom, Sara at Be Thrifty Like Us, and Kacie at Sense to Save. Thanks for sharing your passion and knowledge with me.

Of course, Northern Cheapskate still has a lot of growing up to do, and I want to hear from you!

What types of articles do you like best? Least?
What types of topics would you like to see covered?
Is there a feature you'd like to see added to the blog?

Please share your questions, comments, and ideas with me, so that I can continue to make Northern Cheapskate a blog worth bookmarking. Post a comment here, or e-mail me. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for reading!

I recently joined Entrecard so that I could take advantage of free advertising of my blog. I am enjoying Entrecard more than I thought I would. First of all, I am getting new readers to the blog. I'm also discovering a lot of great reading materials too!

Entrecard is still relatively new, but they're constantly improving. Now you can link more than one blog to your account. They also have a very helpful free Entrecard E-book that explains how Entrecard works and how to use it to grow your readership.

One of my favorite blogs, No Credit Needed, is giving away a free e-book. The No Credit Needed Debt Reduction Guide is an 8-page tutorial on how to chip away at your debts and live a better life. It's an easy-to-read guide that will help you decide which debts to attack and how to reward your victories - big and small.

The e-book is a great introduction to eliminating your debt, and No Credit Needed is a great resource - complete with podcasts and its own network to inspire you on your path to financial freedom.

It appears that there are people out there who have decided to post rude, offensive, and irrelevant comments and links to my blog.

Because of that, I have decided to start moderating comments that are posted. This means there may be a slight delay before you see your comment appear.

I really wish I didn't have to do this, but I cannot tolerate offensive, malicious, and irrelevant spam on my blog. I cannot allow comments that distract from my mission in helping my readers save money and live a frugal lifestyle.

To all of you who have every shared a helpful comment, tip, or link, PLEASE continue to do so. This blog is a better blog when you share your insight.

Between my e-mail inbox and my surfing, I've found a few good coupons and other deals to share with you.

You can get two packages of Kraft LiveActive Cheese FREE after mail-in rebate by filling out the form here. (thanks to HotCouponWorld)

Speaking of LiveActive, you can save $3 off one box of LiveActive Cereal thanks to this printable coupon I found at MoneySavingMom. Rumor has it this cereal is less than $3 at Walmart, so you may even make a little money on this deal. I was able to print two coupons.

Get a free bottle of Coffee-mate when you sign up on their website. This deal is only good while supplies last and expires at the end of the month. If you participated in their free deal last year, you're not eligible.

Got a scar you want to minimize? Use this $3 off Mederma coupon combined with the $2 coupon from the Walgreen's Easy Saver booklet to save $5 on Mederma at Walgreens. The product is still freakishly expensive, but if you really need it, you could save a little.

Register at Neutrogena and get $5 off Healthy Skin Rejuvenator.

Need some moisturizer that protects you from the sun? Get a $1 off Eucerin Everyday Protection Body and Face Lotion here.

I went into Target this week to take advantage of the Luvs diapers sales, only to find that there were Luvs, Huggies and Huggies Overnights on sale for 50 percent off!!!

Needless to say, I stocked up. The Luvs were by far the best deal because of the coupons I had - I got 5 jumbo packs of Luvs diapers for $2.40!!

Check out Money Saving Mom for more Super Saturday savings!

I've known for years that white vinegar is great, non-toxic household cleaner.

But a few nights ago, I learned that it can help fix dishwashers, too.

My husband is a creature of habit, and I know that, so I'll take partial credit for the incident that happened. You see, we had been using store brand powder dishwasher detergent in our dishwasher. I was using it up before I started to use my gigantic stash of Electrasol dishwasher tablets I got for super dirt cheap last fall. Well, I forgot to tell my husband we were making the switch from the powder to the tabs.

He loaded the dishwasher and a short while later asked, "Why are there soap suds coming out of the dishwasher?"

It turns out, he thought I had switched to a liquid detergent.... so he filled up the dishwasher with plain good ol' Dawn dish soap!!! HUGE MESS! Our dishwasher was FULL of suds, and was making a funny noise.

I did a quick search on the internet and found a great, cheap solution: pour some salt and some white vinegar in to kill the soap bubbles. I then ran the dishwasher once more and it works fine now!

The funny thing was that when I did my search I discovered that hundreds of husbands and teenage sons everywhere have done the VERY SAME THING my husband did.

Anyway, my hubby and I both learned some lessons from the experience.

It seems like whenever I hit a bit of a writing rut, I can easily be distracted with a little internet surfing. What amazes me about my surfing is that so many of my favorite bloggers are writing about the very topics I've been thinking about.

Here are a few good reads I've discovered recently:

• No Credit Needed has a great article about learning to delay gratification in an article about his $100-A-Day-Rule.
• To go along with that, Frugal Dad, also writes about his desire to own a Nintendo Wii. Note: I didn't want a Wii before I read the post by Frugal Dad, but now I do!
• Want Not has a thoughtful article about The Conundrum of Groceries and Gas. I know that I am not getting out of the house as much as I once once because a trip to town now costs $7. I definitely could relate to her post and enjoyed her money-saving tips.
• As I was shopping online (saving gas money!) for my son's third birthday, I came across this list of helpful money-saving websites from Think Your Way To Wealth.

The weather is warming up and one of my favorite seasons is beginning: Garage Sale Season.

I love a good bargain, and with three boys ages three and under, I need to find good bargains - especially on clothing. Garage sales are great places to find affordable, quality baby items, gently used clothing, and unique toys.

It's easy to get caught up in the thrill of the hunt and lose site of your savings mission. So I've compiled this list of tips for making the most of your garage sale shopping.

First of all, know your inventory. Go through your closets and take note of what things you already have. Pay attention to the sizes, styles, condition, and seasons of all your kids' clothing.

Make a list of the items you will need. Once you have the inventory done, you'll have a clear idea of things to keep an eye out for at sales. For example, I know that I should be looking for snowpants for the boys for next winter, and pajamas for this fall. I'm well stocked on summer stuff, but could use a few more jeans and sweatshirts for next winter. I also keep an eye open for Halloween costumes for the kids and one-of-kind gifts for family members.

Know your prices. I'm usually willing to a pay a little bit more for children's clothing if it's in great shape and is a name brand (such as Old Navy, Levi's, etc.) than I am for discount store brands. I recently saw a kid's shirt that looked somewhat worn for $1 that came from JCPenney. I know that if I really watch the sales, I could get a similar shirt, brand new at JCPenney for $2 on clearance. I'd rather have a brand new shirt for just a little bit more money. It's important to know what the item would cost you new so that you know if it is a decent price at a garage sale.

Be ready to bargain. Many people are willing to bargain with you. Don't be afraid to haggle. Sometimes the person won't deal, but most of the time, they just want to get rid of the stuff.

Set a budget. It's very easy to get caught up in all the good deals at a sale, so set a budget before you leave, and don't exceed it. Raid your change jar, search the couch cushions, sell some aluminum cans, or even hold your own garage sale, to help raise funds for your shopping excursions.

Map out your trip. I like to plan out my trips so that I can make the most efficient use of my time and gas money. To save even more money, bring your own refreshments so you're not tempted to hit the drive-thru while you're out and about. Many newspapers will even post their garage sale ads on their websites, so you don't have to buy a paper. Just jot down the information you need, map out your trip, and go.

Try to shop alone. Bringing kids or spouses with you can slow you down and cost you more money than you'll save. Impatient little shopppers have their ways of distracting you from finding the best deals.

Don't buy things that you know are stained, missing parts or broken. You always say you can fix it, but you won't.

Remember this: The early bird gets the worm... and good things come to those who wait. The best selection is always at the beginning of a sale... but the best deals always come at the end. One time I got a laundry basket and a new soccer ball for FREE at the end of a garage sale simply because the homeowner was moving and didn't want to deal with her unsold stuff.

Get to know who has the best sales. Many people have high-quality sales on a regular basis. One woman I know even sends out e-mails to frequent customers alerting them to her upcoming sales. When you get to know the best sales, you can make better use of your time and money.

Think before you buy. Sometimes I will pick up an item and think it's a must-buy. But after carrying it around for awhile, I may re-think the purchase. I may notice a flaw in it, or I may decide I don't really need the item. I might also decide I don't want to clean it, store it, or maintain it. It's important to think about your potential purchases no matter how big or small.

Target has a couple of very nice diaper coupons available right now.

Here is a coupon for $1.50 off any Luvs Diapers at Target. The family packs are on sale at Target through Saturday for $13.99. If you have a manufacturer's coupon, you'll be able to get a great price on diapers.

Here are some Pampers coupons at Target. The one coupon is good for $3 off the purchase of one Pampers and 180-ct Pampers wipes. The other is for $1.50 off the Pampers Splashers swim diapers. Be sure to combine these with the manufacturer's coupons to really save.

Don't forget, the Huggies $5 rebate deal ends at the end of the month, so be sure to take advantage of that deal, too. The rebate deal isn't exclusive to Target, I just thought it was worth mentioning again.

Residents of Juneau, Alaska, have delved into the world of energy efficiency... not because the want to show the rest of us how "green" they are, but because they no longer have the "green" to afford basic electricity.

A major avalanche has knocked out Juneau's main hydroelectric power transmission lines, and it could be months before they are fixed, according to MSNBC. Alaska Electric Light and Power started using back-up diesel generators to power the city. But with oil prices at a record high, some people are seeing electric bills that are FIVE TIMES what they once were. The increased power costs have Juneau residents taking new measures to save electricity: eating by candlelight, turning off the computer and television, line drying their clothes.

When I was in high school, we once had a power-outage that lasted four days. It was a loooong four days. I can't imagine what it would be like to have little or no electricity for three months or more. I can't imagine what it would be like to have light bills that rivaled my mortgage bill. This story really made me think about how much energy my family uses on any given day, and gives me a new appreciation for it.

It also makes me think about things I can do (are am already doing) that could save energy around my house:

• Wash clothes in cold water
• Use Off-peak heating and water heating
• Line dry clothing
• Unplug appliances and electronics that aren't used on a regular basis
• Replace energy-sucking appliances with more energy-efficient models
• Replace my old light-bulbs with more energy-efficient compact fluorescents.
• Maximize my oven use (bake more than one thing at a time) and use my crock pot more
• Shut off the TV and computer and do things with my family

Sometimes we all need to be reminded not to take things like electricity for granted. I know the folks in Juneau won't ever do that again.

So many people have gotten themselves into serious financial trouble because of their addiction to shopping. They will max out credit cards for shoes in every color of the rainbow with matching handbags.

Those of us who live frugal lifestyles often scoff at these shopping fanatics. Yet, being a frugal person is not without its risks, too. Sometimes frugal shoppers get so excited about their bargain hunting, they spend money they don't need to spend on things they don't really need just because it's a "great deal." It's very easy for a frugal person to get caught up in the concept of "spending to save." You spend money stocking up on a "great buy" because it will save you money in the long run. You end up with little cash in your pocket and a hall closet overrun with shampoo and deodorant because you get nervous you may run out before the next big sale.

Shopaholics Anonymous has some great resources to help you determine if you are taking your shopping habits too far. The website can help you identify if you have a problem, along with some potential solutions. Some signs that you may be a compulsive shopper are shopping when you are angry, scared or upset, feeling guilty or ashamed after a shopping trip/hiding purchases, using credit cards to buy things because you don't have the cash, thinking about money incessantly, or buying things simply because they are a good deal. Some people buy things to fill an emotional void; others get caught up in the "thrill of the hunt." There are many reasons why people develop this type of addiction.

You can take this quiz to see if you are a compulsive shopper. Be sure to seek professional help if you feel shopping is an addiction for you. Compulsive Shopping affects approximately 6 percent of the population.

The bottom line is to make sure that you are buying things for the right reasons. You must decide if you really need something before making a purchase. Sometimes this means waiting a day or two or longer to determine your motivation for buying the item. Sometimes this means recognizing that you have enough stuff.

Overcoming a shopping addiction is something you must do in order to get out of debt and live a better life. But as you learn to live a more frugal lifestyle, don't let yourself obsess over your savings. You need to have balance in your life. It's not healthy to take things to extremes.

McDonald's will be giving away the new Southern Style Chicken Biscuit or the Southern Style Chicken Sandwich with the purchase of a beverage on Thursday, May 15.

I don't know if I can even call this a review, because I can't be impartial. I LOVE this book.

Sometimes when I think about living a frugal lifestyle, I'm struck by its similarities to dieting. Both require extreme self-discipline. Both require attention to detail. Both are difficult.

I'm currently on a quest to get more exercise. My current goal is to do some form of exercise 30 minutes a day, three times a week. I plan to extend that time as I get more in shape. Eventually I will be attacking my less than stellar diet. But for now, I am working on fitness. One of the biggest things I've learned about being debt-free (except for my house) is that it is best to set specific, realistic goals. If I can have some success at the smaller goals, I can build momentum to attack the larger ones.

In case you haven't figured it out yet, I'm a dork. I like numbers. I like statistics. So I like Calories Per Hour. This FREE website has calculators that will tell you how many calories you burned doing a particular activity (30 minutes of computer typing burns 51 calories - WOO HOO!).

Calories Per Hour also has calculators to help you figure out how many calories your consuming and how long it will take you to reach your weight loss goal. I like that I can see exactly how my activity is adding up to help me reach my goals.

This healthy and frugal lifestyle stuff seems simple enough. To lose weight, simply expend more calories than you consume. To have personal financial success, you must earn more than you spend. These two things are similar and they both require major self-discipline. The key to success is to keep your eyes on the end result. Never lose site of the goals.

If this were easy, we'd all be rich and skinny. Time to go lace up my sneakers.

I've been an eBay customer for year, but I've never sold anything. I've wanted to learn how to sell things on eBay for a long time, but didn't really know how to begin. In fact, my husband even got me the book, "eBay Business All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies" by Marsha Collier as a gift about two years ago.

The book is very comprehensive... but instead of instilling confidence in me, it intimidated me. So I procrastinated. Then my friend Marta started selling stuff, and encouraged me to try it. Still didn't do it.

I finally put "Learn to sell on eBay" on my list of monthly goals for April. And wouldn't ya know it? My local community college listed a continuing ed course entitled "Buying and Selling Online" in an advertisement the very same day.

I decided to sign up for the 6-hour course. While I didn't learn anything I couldn't figure out on my own, I'm still glad I took the class. First of all, it gave me the nudge I needed. Our homework was to actually list an item for auction. And it was a much-needed mom's night out for a few weeks. I finished the class feeling much more confident and inspired to use eBay to clear out my clutter.

The item I listed in class didn't sell. But I re-listed it and it sold the second time. I didn't break any sales records, but it was still good to know I cleared at least one thing out of my cabinets.

I plan to list more things - particularly some baby stuff - when I get more time. It's all part of my plan to reduce the amount of clutter in my house and raise a little spending cash.

My eBay experience taught me a valuable lesson: Be willing to try new things. They may not be as difficult as you thought they would be.

Editor's Note: The following post is written by frugal friend and guest blogger Susan.

I have always been a frugal gal but things have gotten a little out of hand lately. Between this Northern Cheapskate and Freebies4Mom I have been racking up coupons and free items like I never have before! I have used coupons to purchase things I normally don’t use under the guise of “Oh, I’ll try it now that it’s free or almost free." I also can’t seem to get away from that Mid-Western voice in my head that says “It’s free! It’s un-American to turn it down!”

The end result is that I have all sorts of stuff I am not going to use AND I am short on cabinet space. What’s a frugal-ite to do?

The answer came in the mail today. I got a postcard from my postal carrier about their Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Details can be found at http://www.helpstampouthunger.com/.

The short story is that if you put non-perishable things in a plastic bag in your mailbox on Saturday May 10th, your postal carrier will take it away for you and donate it to a local food pantry! They only ask that it not be expired (of course) and not be in glass (Messy trucks are bad for the Monday delivery). The web site also says that most, but not all, post offices participate and if you want to check to see if yours is call 1-800-ASK-USPS.

I know our local food banks take personal care items in addition to food so I am putting in my tube of Aquafresh along with my 3 boxes of Chocolate Honey Bunches of Oats.

Does this make up for the cost of stamps going up the next day? NO! But I now won’t feel so bad on my next trip to the store with a fist full of coupons for things I normally don’t buy. And hey, I didn’t waste any gas going to the food pantry.

Editor's Note: Susan's idea for all your extra freebies is a very good one! I know that my local food bank really appreciates the personal care items because it is difficult and expensive for them to obtain them. Food banks and shelters are a great place to donate items you've gotten for free or almost free - such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and deodorant. Don't forget to donate those extra free samples you get in the mail and unopened hotel shampoos and soaps.

My sons and I attend Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes once a week during the school year. My boys have a great time, and I really enjoy "parent time" as well. ECFE classes are definitely worth every penny. I've learned so much and made new friends. My sons are learning things, making friends and having fun.

One of the things I've learned from ECFE is how to look at things with new eyes. So many times people get caught up in the thinking that all things fun must come from a toy store. I've learned to see new life in paper plates, coffee cans, and empty milk cartons.

I've also learned about new resources in the community - such as the Children's Fair we went to a couple of weekends ago. My kids had a GREAT time at the carnival and they got loads of wonderful goodies - books, sunglasses, beach balls, toys... we'll definitely go back next year.

Probably one of the most helpful things ECFE has taught me is how to keep my kids entertained on rainy days when there's nothing to do and not a lot of money. The staff has happily shared with me their recipes and ideas for art projects.

I thought I would share a couple of the recipes they gave me. (Keep in mind: these are the recipes they use for their classes, so they do produce large quantities. If you don't have a lot of kids, you may want to reduce the recipes.)

Homemade Play Dough
3 cups flour
1-1/2 cups salt
1/4 cup oil
3 cups water
3 tbs Cream of Tartar
food coloring/Kool Aid

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Set aside. Heat water to boil, food coloring and oil. Carefully pour boiling water into dry ingredients, stir. As mixture becomes cool enough to touch, mix with hands. Turn out onto counter and continue kneading until all ingredients have been mixed through. Store in an air-tight baggie. Will keep for quite awhile. When play dough starts to crumble, make a new batch.

Bubble Solution
1/3 dish soap or baby shampoo
1-1/4 cup water
drop of food coloring (optional)
2 tsp of sugar

Combine ingredients and pour into an unbreakable bottle. To blow bubbles, experiment using plastic straws, pipe cleaners formed into loops, strawberry baskets from the grocery store, slotted spoons or any other items you can think of.

BeCentsAble has been developing a great new feature called "The Grocery Gathering."

UPDATED: The coupon has been claimed and will be shipped out just as soon as Dave e-mails me his address. Thanks for the response!

The other day when I was at Target, the cash register spit out a really good coupon with my receipt.... but unfortunately it's for a product I don't use!

So, I thought I would pass it on to one of you!

The coupon is for $10 off a 24-oz. Enfamil A.R. LIPIL powder infant formula. It expires 6/30/2008.

Remember, you can combine Target coupons with a manufacturer coupon, so if you have some of those formula checks from Enfamil's Family Beginnings Program, you'll be able to buy the formula for super cheap.

The first person to e-mail me will get the coupon. I'll update this post when it has been claimed.

I've been thinking a lot this past week about spring cleaning. Please note that I said thinking and not actually cleaning.

Anyway, I found these cute little recipe cards with easy and cheap homemade cleaning recipes on them through Keep It Cheap. Keep It Cheap is a really neat website that is all about reducing, reusing, and recyling in the name of frugality.

Making your own household cleaners is a great way to save money and be kinder to the environment. And in some cases, the homemade cleaners work better than the store-bought ones.

If you're a fan of the rock band Nine Inch Nails, it's your lucky day!

Nine Inch Nails is offering their new album "The Slip" as a FREE download. Simply click here and enter your e-mail address. The download link will be e-mailed to you.

You'll get all 10 songs from their new release, plus a PDF file with the cover artwork and credits. The music download comes in a variety of high quality formats.

Enjoy!

The last day to get $25 for signing up for Revolution Money Exchange is Thursday, May 15.

When you sign up using the link below, you will get a $25 credit in your account, and I will get $10 for referring you. Think of it as a nice way to say "thanks" for my blog! :-)

Revolution Money Exchange is a safe, secure way to send and receive money between account holders online, similar to PayPal. The difference between Revolution Money Exchange and PayPal is that are no fees to set up the account, send or receive money. There are only transaction fees for paper statements, overdrafts, or stop payments. There is also a fee of $2.50 if you want to withdraw money from your account via a paper check. If you want to know more, you can also read about it in USA Today.

To sign up, just click the button below. It only takes a couple of minutes to make an easy $25.

Looking for a frugal last-minute Mother's Day gift? Get a FREE 8x10 digital photo print at Walgreens Wednesday, May 6 ONLY. Simply upload your photo and enter the code 4MOM at check-out. Then pick up your free print at the store. Remember, you don't have to send it to your local Walgreens. You can send it to any Walgreens in the country (like the one closest to Grandma, for instance).

Also a reminder, ArtsCow is still giving away 400 digital prints and an 8x8 photo book to new members. Not sure how much longer this deal will last, so take advantage soon. I doubt their turn around is quick enough for Mother's Day, but Father's Day and graduation gifts may be do-able.

My twins are now 10-months old, and thankfully, they're starting to eat more "people" food. They're taking a greater interest in new tastes and textures and that means they get to share the family meal (mushed up, of course) and are slowly pulling away from baby staples like pureed carrots and squash.

I've been making baby food for the twins for five months now, and I must admit, I am so happy that the end is in sight when it comes to baby food. I thought those of you who are parents may want to know my thoughts on the whole homemade baby food process.

My main motivator was definitely economics. I estimate that I saved approximately $135 over the last five months by making my own baby food. And it really only took a couple of hours every two weeks. (Keep in mind I was making food for TWO babies... with a singleton, your cooking sessions would last much longer).

I found that there are lots of resources on homemade baby food available at the public library. I also love the website Wholesome Baby Food. It has lots of great information on how to get started, what kinds of foods freeze well, and recipes and tips.

I initially bought these little cubes for food storage. But as the babies ate more, I decided that I preferred these Rubbermaid containers. It was quicker to fill the larger containers and they don't break when you drop them, unlike the baby food cubes. Many friends have told me they used ice cube trays, and I tried it once, but didn't find it as convenient as some other containers.

I learned to take short cuts when it made sense. For example, it was easier and cheaper for me to buy regular ol' unsweetened applesauce than it was for me to buy the apples, peel and core, them, and make them into my own applesauce. I also found some great deals on frozen vegetables that steam in the bag. This made making things like green beans, carrots, and peas, faster and cheaper than buying the fresh stuff.

I did a lot of double duty. I roasted squash while I was baking sweet potatoes. I cooked chicken breasts in my crock pot while I made a pot of pears on my stove.

I found that I liked knowing exactly what was in my babies' food. I discovered that they had less tummy upsets and spit-ups when they ate food I had made instead of food I'd bought. I also found that the boys were able to try finger foods and thicker textures sooner than my first son had when he was eating all store-bought baby food.

I highly recommend making your own baby food. It's economical and better for your baby and the environment. The homemade stuff just smells and tastes so much better than store-bought!

One of the least frugal things I do involves our little Cairn Terrier, Molly. I take Mo-Dog (as she is affectionately known) to a vet that I know is a bit pricier than other vets in my area.

I do this because I believe the quality of care is far better. Mo-Dog is not a pet - she's a member of our family and I've gone to more than a few vets that treat her like an animal... The vet we currently take her to treats her like people!

But in the back of my frugal mind, I can't help but wonder if I'm getting a little raked over the coals when it comes to paying for certain pet medications. Here's a little background: We live at the crossroads of Mosquito Land and Tick Central, so it is imperative that our dog be protected against heartworm and Lyme's disease. We also don't want the cute little fur ball dragging any ticks into the house.

So each year, we take Mo-Dog to the vet to get tested for heartworm and Lyme's disease. She gets the Lyme's vaccine and then the vet sells us Frontline Plus and Iverhart Max to ward off fleas and ticks and prevent heartworm, respectively. Fortunately my dog only weighs 18 pounds, so she has the smallest doses of these meds. It still totals $120 for a six-month supply!

At this year's visit, the vet told me that I could give Molly the Iverhart Max year-round (instead of just during prime mosquito season), and then she wouldn't have to have the heartworm test for two years (instead of every year). They also said that the Iverhart Max has the bonus effect of acting as a de-wormer.

When I did the math, it is slightly cheaper to just have the dog get the test every year than to buy a year's supply of Iverhart ($58 versus $53). But if you factor in the cost of gas and the inconvenience of dragging the dog to the vet, the whole thing is a wash.

I also was not happy with the $91 tab for Frontline Plus (to prevent fleas and ticks). The vet did give me an extra dose for free, but it's still pricey.

The whole thing got me wondering if I couldn't find an online resource with better prices.

Here's what I found when I looked at some of the most common pet supply websites. (My findings are based on a 6-month supply for a dog weighing under 22 pounds):

1800PetMeds had Frontline Plus for $81.99 and free shipping. I could save $9.21. Iverhart Max was $21.99... a savings of $7.11. The 1800PetMeds website says it will price match its competitors and still give you free shipping on orders over $39. There's also a coupon code (AM46) that I saw in the April 27 Smartsource, that could save an additional $5 on my order.

Doctors Foster & Smith is having a sale through May 12... only $68.99 and free shipping. This is a savings of $22.21!! Iverhart Max was also a good deal here... only $13.14 versus the $29.10 the vet charged me.

PetCo had Frontline Plus for $88.99... for a meager savings of $2.21. PetCo has free shipping on orders over $50. They did not carry Iverhart Max.

PetSmart doesn't carry either of these medications.

PetCareRx had Frontline Plus for $77.99 for a savings of 13.21. Iverhart Max was $9.11 cheaper than my vet. PetCareRx apparently has a rewards program called Pet Points that offers you a $5 discount for every $100 you spend with them. The offer free shipping and $5 back on orders over $35 if you use the code GOOGLE CLICK at check-out.

Based on the above findings, Doctors Foster & Smith were the clear winners. If I had ordered my pet meds through them instead of through my vet, I would have saved more than $35! It would also be cheaper to buy a year's supply of the Iverhart Max from here than to take Mo-Dog for the annual test! It just shows me that I should have done my homework before I took the dog to the vet!

I did discover one catch to the online ordering. The Iverhart Max is a prescription medication, so you have to get your vet to fill out some paperwork for you before you can order it online. The Frontline Plus can be ordered without a prescription. Many of the above websites' deals are ending within the next week, so if you're in the market for these products be sure to order soon.

I plan on calling my vet this week to see if they'll price match. If they will, I'd rather give the local people my business. If not, I'll still have time to do the paperwork and reap the savings before the online sales end.

Throughout the past week, I've seen quite a few great freebies and coupons during my trip around the internet.

Here are a few of the goodies I've found:

Kid in grades 1-6 who read 8 books this summer, can earn a free book from Barnes and Noble.

Try Yo-Plus yogurt for free after mail-in rebate. There's also a printable coupon for $1 off here. I like the Cranberry Raspberry flavor.

You can also try Stonyfield Farm's YoMommy yogurt for free here. If they're out of the coupons for the free trial, they'll still send you a $1 off coupon.

Free sample of Nads Hair Removal Strips I know, the name is horrible, but if you have some unwanted hair, it's an $8.99 value! I don't know how long this deal will last so don't wait on this one.

Science Diet Pet Food will give you a printable $8 coupon after you fill out the short form here.

Free Planet Heros DVD from Mattel. There's no shipping and handling for this 16-minute kids' video!

Save $2.25 on Silk Soymilk when you fill out the form here.

This week has been a busy one in terms of publicity for Northern Cheapskate.

It started with my usual segment on KAXE 91.7 FM's Morning Show on Monday. Then on Tuesday, my blog got a mention on KARE 11 TV's website as part of Jeff Olsen's story "Surviving the Economy: Get Cheap."

Last week, I read Star Tribune Reporter Kara McGuire's article "A Case of Triple Trepidation" about a Twin Cities couple who is facing the addition of triplets to their family of three. The couple was struggling with how to make ends meet with a growing family. I was moved by the article to share some of my money saving tips with the Karnowski Family... and in return, Kara interviewed me for this Sunday's Ka-Ching column in the Money Section of the Star Tribune. You can read it here.

All the attention has been very flattering... and I'm so excited to have new readers!

For those of you who are new here, let me just give you a brief idea of what Northern Cheapskate is all about:

I'm a stay-at-home mom of three boys under the age of three living in rural northern Minnesota. I have a passion for frugal living, bargain hunting, and freebies. My goal with this blog is to motivate my readers to live better for less.... to make the most of what they've got, to be happy with what they have... and most importantly, to take personal responsibility for their finances.

I try to update the site daily with my thoughts on frugal living, bargains, freebies, and other money-saving tips. I encourage you to subscribe to my blog by entering your e-mail address in the form in the upper right-hand corner of this page. I also encourage you to share your frugal thoughts, bargains, and questions with me. I'm not a financial advisor, but I'll do my best to help you and I love spreading the word about good deals.

To my faithful readers, thank you so much for your tips and comments. This blog is made better with your participation! You keep me motivated to watch my pennies, and for that, I thank you!

Happy saving!

I must admit that as a thirty-something person, I haven't read a lot of retirement books. I've read my share of news and magazine articles on the subject, and I've read books on investing, but not on retirement.