Register Now For Free Online Courses

Looking for some enrichment?

There's still time to register for HP's FREE online computer classes. The classes are lead by knowledgeable folks, are self-paced and totally FREE.

You can learn everything from advanced digital scrapbooking to an intro to social networking. There's even a class called "Volunteer Tool Kit" that can help you take charge of your volunteer efforts.

Registration for the classes ends July 3. The classes close July 11.

I've done a couple of the classes before. As with any class, the more effort you put in, the more you get out of it. I found the HP classes to be enjoyable, free entertainment!

Printer Problems Resolved with Persistence

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.

Making Decisions for My New Laptop

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.

Free online courses

Freebies4Mom is celebrating craft week with tons of great tips for saving money on crafts. Today she's featuring an article by the Northern Cheapskate on digital scrapbooking.

I recently discovered another great resource for people wanting to learn more about the how-to's of digital scrapbooking, as well as other information about using your computer.

And best of all, it's FREE!

Hewlett Packard offers several free online instructor-led courses. Each course is comprised of numerous lessons, and you get access to a course message board where you can ask questions and discuss the topic with the instructor and other classmates. Instructors are considered experts in their fields.

The classes are self-paced, and last for just a few hours or a couple of weeks, depending on the subject.

Classes cover such topics as digital photography, digital entertainment, computer security, using PowerPoint and Excel, digital scrapbooking, and creating your own cookbook.

I took one of their basic digital photography courses online several months ago. I found the lessons to be easy to understand and the community was very welcoming and helpful. It was definitely worth the time invested.

The digital scrapbooking class looks really great, too. Now I just need to find time!

Saving on printing

Printing all those coupons can really add up when you factor in ink and paper.

Here are a few ways I save on printing:

Print in "Draft" mode. This uses much less ink. If you have a color printer, change your settings to "Grayscale," too. Printers usually have a larger black ink cartridge than color, and the black cartridge is cheaper.

Print two-sided. Most printers have a setting in the print preferences that will let you print on both sides of a piece of paper. This works great if you're just printing out information for you. Obviously, if you're printing coupons, it won't work.

Ask yourself if you really need to print something. If it's coupon you are certain to use, or information you know you will refer to later, than print. Otherwise, you have a few options for saving the info you want. You can copy the info and paste it into a Word document. Or you can go to CutePDF, and download some free software that will allow you to create pdf's of the pages you are interested in saving. This can be helpful for those rebate forms.

Some people insist on refilling their ink cartridges... You can buy refilled ones or buy kits to do it yourself, but I have never done this. I have heard that it can be hard on your printer. Instead, I try to shop around to find the best bargains on manufacturer cartridges. Some office supply stores will give you store credit for bringing in your used cartridges for recycling.

Calculating my tax prep options

Ever since I've had to file taxes, I've used H&R Block. I've blindly handed them all my paperwork, and then handed them a check to file the forms. It was relatively easy to use them... especially during the year my husband had worked in three different states.

In the early years, I had a great preparer - I adored her - but she passed away from cancer a few years ago. The past few years, we've been shuffled around at the local H&R Block office, and as our returns have gotten a little more complex (my hubby has some independent contract work), we've noticed that we're paying a LOT more money to have them figure out our taxes. In fact, last year it cost us almost $300.

So after talking to my one of my favorite uncles (who knows me well and who has done his own taxes for years), I was inspired to tackle our taxes myself this year.

There are a lot of options out there to help you figure your own taxes. If your adjusted gross income is less than $54,000 you can file online for free. See the IRS website for a list of programs you can use. This option didn't work for us this year because I worked for part of the year.

If you are a customer of State Farm Insurance, you can complete your tax forms online for free using Turbo Tax. You must register on the State Farm site to access the free program. (On a side note, you can also download a free year of McAfee antivirus and antispyware software on the website, too).

TaxAct also offers free do-it-yourself online tax prep software.

All of the free options usually have a nominal fee to complete your state return and/or e-file.

You can also go to the H & R Block and TurboTax websites and use the online tax prep programs starting at around $15.

Then of course, you can buy your own software (TaxCut and TurboTax are the most popular) at any office supply, electronics, or discount store. The prices range from about $20 to $80. Many stores are offering mail-in rebate deals, free DVDs, free gift cards, and free software with the purchase of these products.

I really struggled with this decision. I was very caught up in the freebie offers. But in the end, I ended up getting H&R Block's TaxCut Premium edition (federal, state & e-file) at Buy.com. Because I used the Google checkout, I saved $10 on my purchase. I paid $52 total. (most other places had the same software for $70+.

I chose to purchase TaxCut for several reasons. One was the comfort of the familiar. I know H&R Block. I liked that the software comes with some (albeit small) support. Our internet is sometimes spotty when the weather is acting up (we have satellite internet out here in the boonies), so I wasn't confident about doing something as vital as my tax return in an exclusively online format. I wanted to be able to have something on my computer, that I could use anytime I wanted, regardless of whether the internet was up or not. I don't get a lot of uninterrupted time at the computer, so I didn't want to worry about access issues when I did have time. I fear some of the online sites may get more bogged down as it gets closer to April 15.

I know I could have saved more money on this purchase than I did, but when compared to last year's return, I am saving an incredible amount of money. Heck, even if I paid full price for the software, I'd still be saving a lot of money.

I feel confident that I'll be able to figure all this stuff out. Just not sure when I'll get to it just yet. But I'll let you know how it goes.

Save money on anti-virus software

My dear frugal friend Michelle sent me some great information on how to save on anti-virus software for your computer.... unfortunately for me, I renewed my Norton about a month and half ago. But I thought it would be good to share this information with all of you.

Here's what Michelle writes:

"I bought a new computer three years ago and got a great deal on it (still have the computer, still love it). Like most computers, it came with a 90-day free trial of an anti-virus software product. When the 90 days were up, you had to purchase a subscription to the product (at a cost of about $40 for one license for one year). I'd renewed the subscription twice since then and it recently expired. (Side note: you have to be careful with products like Norton & McAfee. When you buy a subscription, it will automatically renew itself when the license expires, unless you specifically tell them you don't want automatic renewal. Another reason it always pays to check your credit card statements.)

I'm no longer paying for anti-virus software AND I'm actually happier than I was before when I was shelling out $40 or more a year for protection. Why? AVG Anti-Virus software. They have a free edition available on their website and I'm much happier with it than I ever was with Norton (or McAfee). My computer runs faster (you wouldn't believe how much working memory Norton and McAfee use--it's unbelievable) and there are DAILY updates with AVG as opposed to the twice or thrice weekly updates with other products.

As for the lack of technical support, I think there's a workaround in that you can look at online support for the product even without purchasing an "upscale" version of it (that's what I'm calling the versions that aren't free). And if the answer you need isn't found there, you can probably find it by entering search terms in a search engine.

(Side note: I know how important it is to have your security software up-to-date. I got hit a few years ago with a virus (on a previous computer) and although the damage wasn't as extensive as it could have been, it was still annoying to have to spend a few hours of my time cleaning up and fixing something that could have prevented with a few minutes work on the front end.)

Another idea, if you have internet service through your phone company, they often give you a CD to install to set up their software on your computer. Many of those phone companies also include free anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam software with their product. When I lived in Illinois , I had DSL with SBC. You could download and install anti-virus software for free from their website--all you had to do was log in with your username and password. I believe Qwest has a similar arrangement.

Anyway, in the spirit of helping people save money, I thought I would pass this stuff along.

Editor's Note: Michelle is a great frugal friend. She's toiled on a graduate student's salary , so she knows how to pinch pennies! Thanks for the info, Shel!