Money Saving Duo

Discovering how to live a glorious life on less

Budget Tips

Black Friday 2024: The Ultimate Guide to Deals and Discounts

by

Black Friday 2024 is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to score incredible deals on everything from electronics to home goods, fashion, and more. Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or snagging something for yourself, this ultimate guide will help you navigate the frenzy, compare online vs. in-store strategies, and maximize your savings.

Please note: this post may contain affiliate or referral links which means that if you click through them and make a purchase or sign up for a service, we may be financially compensated for directing you there.

Black Friday Ultimate Guide to Deals and Discounts

Best Stores for Black Friday Deals

From major retailers to niche shops, here’s where you should look for the best discounts:

Related: Join our daily deals group on Facebook to get see some of the best deals from these stores and local Mid-Michigan businesses too on a regularly basis.

Join us on Facebook

Online vs. In-Store: Which is Better?

Choosing between online and in-store shopping depends on your priorities.

  • Online Shopping:
    • Pros: Convenience, no need to brave the crowds, and exclusive online-only deals. Many retailers also offer free shipping or curbside pickup.
    • Cons: Limited stock may sell out quickly, and delivery delays are possible for popular items.
  • In-Store Shopping:
    • Pros: Immediate access to products and the ability to see items in person before buying.
    • Cons: Crowds, long lines, and the risk of some items being sold out before you get there.

Pro Tip: Use retailer apps to snag doorbuster deals online before the stores open, then visit in-store for any items still on your list.

Strategies to Maximize Savings

  1. Start Early: Many stores launch Black Friday sales as early as November 1, with additional discounts on Thanksgiving Day or Cyber Monday.
  2. Plan Your List: Write down what you need, compare prices across multiple stores, and prioritize high-ticket items.
  3. Set a Budget: Avoid overspending by setting a clear spending limit and sticking to it.
  4. Leverage Rewards Programs: Use store rewards, credit card cash back, or points to stretch your dollars further.
  5. Shop Small Businesses: Many local stores participate in Black Friday promotions and may offer unique items and deals you won’t find at major retailers. You may also have good luck on Small Business Saturday too which comes right after, you guessed it, Black Friday.
  6. Price Match: Many retailers honor competitor prices during Black Friday. Check their price match policies and come prepared with proof.

Pro Shopping Tools and Apps

  • Honey or Rakuten: Add-on browser extensions that apply coupons and cashback rewards at checkout.
  • Flipp: Scan weekly ads for the best deals near you.
  • Pepper (app.gopepper.com): Before you make a purchase, buy a gift card through Pepper and use that at checkout. Most major retailers can be found on this app and you’ll earn gift cards with the points you redeem. This has been a great super hack when shopping on Amazon which typically doesn’t qualify for most other cashback reward programs.

Bonus Tips for Success

  • Check Reviews: Don’t get swept up in low prices without checking product reviews to ensure quality.
  • Keep Receipts: Many stores offer extended holiday return policies, so save your receipts just in case. Plus, you’ll want to scan them for extra cash back and gift card opportunities.
  • Stay Safe: If shopping in-store, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid over-packed areas during peak times.
  • Go in with a Plan: Remember, it can be easy to actually overspend when you see numerous great deals posted. That’s why it is always important to have a plan and stick to it. For us, we usually budget out the amount we are going to spend per person so that we know what parameters we have to work within. This helps us to actually save money, instead of spending more money than we would have otherwise.

Final Thoughts

Black Friday 2024 promises something for everyone, from unbeatable prices to the thrill of finding that perfect deal. By planning ahead, staying flexible, and using smart shopping strategies, you can score big while keeping your budget intact.

How to Save on Thanksgiving Dinner Without Sacrificing Flavor

by

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy good food, and express gratitude. But let’s face it—hosting a holiday meal can quickly add up. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to serve a delicious Thanksgiving feast. Here are some budget-friendly tips to help you plan your holiday meal without sacrificing flavor or quality.

1. Plan Ahead and Make a Budget

Before you start shopping, decide on a realistic budget for your Thanksgiving dinner. Plan your menu around affordable staples, seasonal ingredients, and sales. By knowing what you want to serve and how much you can spend, you’ll avoid unnecessary expenses.

Related: Not Sure How to Budget? Start With These Four Simple Steps

2. Shop Sales and Use Coupons

Keep an eye on grocery store flyers and apps for Thanksgiving promotions. Many stores offer discounts on turkeys and traditional sides like stuffing, potatoes, and cranberry sauce during the holiday season. For our midwestern folks, did you know that Meijer is offering their frozen Grade A turkeys for only $0.33/lb if you are a Meijer mperks member!?! Pair these deals with coupons for extra savings.

Related: Our Ultimate Money Saving Grocery Shopping App List

3. Get Creative with Ingredients

Traditional recipes are great, but you can tweak them to save money. For example:

  • Stuffing: Replace expensive artisan bread with day-old baguettes or sandwich bread. Add flavorful vegetables like onions and celery to bulk it up.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Stick to basic russet potatoes instead of pricier varieties. Add flavor with homemade garlic butter or cream cheese.
  • Desserts: Instead of multiple pies, serve a single pie alongside less expensive desserts like cookies or spiced applesauce.

4. DIY Where You Can

Pre-made items can be convenient but come with a higher price tag. Making dishes from scratch saves money and often tastes better. For example:

  • Cranberry Sauce: A bag of fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice makes a sauce that’s cheaper and tastier than canned versions.
  • Gravy: Use turkey drippings to create a rich, homemade gravy without needing to buy pre-made jars or packets.

5. Host a Potluck-Style Meal

If you’re hosting for a crowd, don’t hesitate to ask guests to contribute a dish. You can coordinate ahead of time to ensure variety while saving yourself both time and money. Guests are often happy to bring a side dish, dessert, or drinks and it can be a great way to incorporate others favorites into the big meal. Our family has done this now for the past couple of years and it always makes the day a little less stressful.

6. Incorporate Seasonal Produce

Seasonal fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, and apples are often cheaper in November. Highlight these ingredients in your side dishes to keep costs low while adding vibrant flavors to your meal.

7. Reduce Food Waste

Make just enough food for your guests to avoid overbuying and wasting. If you love leftovers, plan them into your menu. For example, use leftover turkey for sandwiches or soup.

8. Buy Generic Brands

For pantry staples like flour, sugar, and canned vegetables, opt for store brands instead of name brands. The quality is usually comparable, and the savings can be significant.

Sample Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Menu

  • Appetizer: Veggie platter with homemade dip.
  • Main Course: Roast turkey or turkey breast.
  • Sides: Mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted carrots, cranberry sauce and rolls.
  • Dessert: Pumpkin pie and baked apples.

Thanksgiving is about togetherness, not extravagance. By planning carefully and focusing on affordable, flavorful ingredients, you can host a memorable meal that won’t stress your wallet. With these tips, your Thanksgiving dinner can be both delicious and budget-friendly.

How to Redeem FREE Travel Miles When Your Luggage Is Late

by

Travel can be an exciting adventure, but nothing dampens the mood faster than waiting endlessly at the airport carousel for luggage that just won’t show up. Luckily, several airlines offer compensation in the form of free travel miles when your luggage is delayed. In this guide, we’ll break down the steps for how to redeem these miles and which airlines offer this perk.

Redeem FREE Travel Miles when luggage is late

Step 1: Check if Your Airline Offers Compensation

First, find out if your airline participates in compensating passengers for delayed luggage. The following airlines are known to offer free travel miles for this inconvenience:

  • Delta Airlines: Delta’s “Bags on Time” guarantee offers 2,500 SkyMiles if your checked bags don’t arrive at the carousel within 20 minutes of your flight landing.
  • Alaska Airlines: If your bag doesn’t show up within 20 minutes of your flight’s arrival, Alaska Airlines will compensate you with 2,500 Mileage Plan miles.
  • JetBlue Airways: JetBlue also offers 1,500 TrueBlue points for delayed luggage, though there’s no specific time frame, so it’s important to check with the airline when you’re at the airport.

Step 2: Time Your Wait

Once your flight lands, note the time. Most airlines begin counting the luggage delay from the moment your flight arrives at the gate. To claim your free miles, you need to be sure your luggage is officially delayed by the airline’s standards. Generally, this means your bag must arrive at the baggage claim after 20 minutes.

  • Tip: Use your phone to set a timer when your flight lands so you can track the time easily.

Step 3: File Your Claim

If your luggage is delayed, you’ll need to file a claim to receive your free miles. Here’s how to do it with each airline:

  • Delta Airlines: Visit Delta’s dedicated “Bags on Time” page. You’ll need to enter your bag tag number and flight information. If eligible, the miles will be credited to your SkyMiles account within a few days.
  • Alaska Airlines: You can contact the appropriate Airport Baggage Office to make your claim. Make sure you have your flight number, baggage tag number, and the time your luggage arrived to ensure quick processing.
  • JetBlue Airways: You’ll need to contact JetBlue’s customer service either by phone or in person at the airport to request your compensation.

Step 4: Monitor Your Mileage Account

Once you’ve filed your claim, keep an eye on your frequent flyer account to make sure the miles are credited. Depending on the airline, this can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.

  • Tip: If your miles haven’t been credited after the specified time frame, follow up with the airline’s customer service team to resolve the issue.

Additional Tips

  • Be proactive: Always keep your baggage claim ticket handy, as you’ll need it to file your claim.
  • Sign up for mileage programs: Ensure you’re a member of your airline’s frequent flyer program before your trip. Otherwise, you won’t be eligible for free miles.
  • Know your rights: Some airlines will also compensate you with vouchers, meals, or hotel accommodations if your bag is delayed for an extended period—so it’s worth asking!

Delayed luggage is never fun, but redeeming free travel miles is a small silver lining to help soften the blow that many people don’t realize they can benefit from. By keeping track of time, knowing which airlines offer this perk, and filing your claim promptly, you can turn a luggage delay into your next travel reward!

Happy saving—and happy travels!

10 Smart Ways to Boost Your Savings in the New Year

by

As we step into a new year, you may be considering a money goal reset. Whether you’re saving for a big purchase, building an emergency fund, or planning for the future, implementing effective money-saving strategies is crucial and the new year is a fantastic time to put your money goals back in focus.

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you click through them and make a purchase, we may be financially compensated. Thanks for supporting Money Saving Duo!

Create a Realistic Budget

Start by taking a look at your numbers. If you were tracking your income and expenses this last year, you should be able to see how you’ve allocated your funds and what changes you would like to make. If not, make tracking your income your goal for the new year. This will allow you to set a realistic budget that allocates funds for essential needs and allows for savings. Be thorough in tracking your spending habits to identify areas where you can cut back. Not sure how to create a budget? We can help you with that.

Related: Exploring Alternatives to the Mint Budgeting App: Budgeting Apps to Continue Keeping Your Finances in Check

Automate Your Savings

Make saving a habit by automating the process. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account each month. This ensures that a portion of your income is consistently saved without requiring manual effort. Automating your expenses can also be a really helpful strategy in never missing a payment.

Cut Unnecessary Expenses

Review your monthly expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. Cancel unused subscriptions, opt for generic brands, and dine out less frequently. Small adjustments can lead to significant savings over time.

Embrace the 24-Hour Rule

Before making non-essential purchases, follow the 24-Hour rule. Wait a day before deciding to buy something. This helps you differentiate between impulsive and necessary purchases, preventing unnecessary spending.

Negotiate Bills and Services

Regularly review your utility bills, insurance premiums, and subscription services. Negotiate with providers to secure better rates or consider switching to more cost-effective alternatives. Loyalty often pays off, so don’t hesitate to ask for discounts.

Build an Emergency Fund

Establishing an emergency fund is a financial safety net. Aim to save three to six months’ worth of essential living expenses in case of unexpected events. This fund provides peace of mind and prevents the need to dip into long-term savings for unforeseen circumstances.

Related: Want to Save Money Fast and Jumpstart Your Emergency Fund? Here’s How to Save $1,000 in 30 Days

Explore Cashback and Rewards Programs

Take advantage of cashback and rewards programs offered by credit cards, retailers and shopping apps. Use credit cards responsibly, pay off balances in full each month, and enjoy the benefits of earning cash back or accumulating points that can be redeemed for discounts or gift cards.

Related: Our Ultimate Money Saving Grocery Shopping App List

Shop Mindfully

Adopt mindful shopping habits by looking for sales, using coupons, and comparing prices before making purchases. Consider buying in bulk for frequently used items, and resist the urge to make impulse buys.

Invest Wisely

Explore investment options to grow your wealth over time. Consult with a financial advisor to develop a diversified investment strategy aligned with your financial goals. A well-thought-out investment plan can help your money work for you.

Educate Yourself About Personal Finance

Knowledge is a powerful tool in managing your finances effectively. Stay informed about personal finance topics, read books, attend workshops, and follow reputable financial experts to enhance your understanding of money management.

Check out some of these highly rated books on personal finance:

The Total Money Makeover Book Cover
Get Good with Money Book Cover
Rich Dad Poor Dad Book Cover
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon

As you start your journey towards saving more money in the new year, remember that small changes can lead to significant results. By implementing these 10 practical strategies, you can build a strong foundation for financial stability and achieve your savings goals. Start the new year with a commitment to smart financial choices and watch your savings grow. Cheers to a financially prosperous year ahead!

Why We Chose Monarch Money When Our Favorite Money App Decided to Come to An End

by

Change is the only constant in life, and financial management apps are no exception. Recently, we found ourselves in the midst of a significant change as Mint, our trusted companion in budgeting and financial planning for years, announced its shutdown. Faced with the need to find a suitable alternative, we carefully evaluated our options and ultimately decided to make the switch to Monarch Money. Curious why we made the switch? We’re going to delve into the reasons behind our choice, highlighting the pros and cons of Monarch Money as we bid farewell to Mint.

What We Love About Monarch Money

  1. User-Friendly Interface: Monarch Money boasts a clean and intuitive user interface that makes managing finances a breeze. The dashboard is well-organized, providing a comprehensive overview of your financial landscape without overwhelming you with unnecessary details.
  2. Trusted Leadership: Monarch Money was started by a former Mint Executive! We feel like it has the same heart and soul we loved about Mint.
  3. Advanced Security Measures: Security is a top priority when it comes to handling sensitive financial information. Monarch Money impressed us with its robust security features, including end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and other advanced measures that ensure our data remains secure.
  4. Customizable Budgeting Tools: Monarch Money understands that everyone’s financial journey is unique. The app offers highly customizable budgeting tools, allowing users to tailor their budgets to their specific needs and financial goals. This level of flexibility was a significant factor in our decision-making process.
  5. Cryptocurrency Integration: As the financial landscape evolves, so do our needs. Monarch Money goes beyond traditional financial tracking by seamlessly integrating cryptocurrency accounts. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the growing interest in digital assets, providing a more holistic view of our financial portfolio.
  6. Automated Expense Tracking: Monarch Money’s automated expense tracking feature streamlines the process of categorizing and analyzing expenditures. This not only saves time but also enhances accuracy in budget tracking, a crucial aspect of effective financial management.

The Challenges With Monarch Money

  1. Learning Curve: While Monarch Money’s interface is user-friendly, some users might experience a slight learning curve during the transition. The navigation and features may take some time to get accustomed to, but we picked them up pretty quick moving from Mint.
  2. Limited Historical Data Import: One drawback we encountered during the switch was losing some of our history from Mint. However, there is an amazing import feature the moves your info directly from Mint. Great feature of Monarch!
  3. Subscription Cost: Monarch Money operates on a subscription-based model, and while the cost is reasonable for the features offered, it may be a potential deterrent for users who are accustomed to free financial management apps like Mint.

In the face of Mint’s imminent shutdown, the decision to transition to Monarch Money is one we feel good about! The pros, including a user-friendly interface, advanced security, customizable budgeting tools, cryptocurrency integration, and automated expense tracking, outweighed the cons in our assessment. While there may be a slight learning curve, the overall value and innovative features offered by Monarch Money aligned with our evolving financial needs.

As we embark on this new chapter with Monarch Money, we look forward to exploring its full potential and adapting to the changes in our financial management routine. Change may be inevitable, but with the right tools, it can also be an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Want to give Monarch Money a try? Get an extended 30-day free trial if you sign up with our referral link! We think you’ll like it for the same reasons we do!

Exploring Alternatives to the Mint Budgeting App: Budgeting Apps to Continue Keeping Your Finances in Check

by

In a surprising turn of events, the popular Intuit Mint budgeting app has announced its impending shutdown. For many users who have relied on Mint for years to manage their finances, this news may come as a shock. However, the world of personal finance management is vast, and there are several alternatives that offer similar features and functionalities.

Join us as we explore some noteworthy alternatives to Intuit Mint, discussing their pros and cons, to help you find the perfect fit for your financial needs.

YNAB (You Need A Budget):

  • Pros:
    • Zero-Based Budgeting: YNAB follows the zero-based budgeting philosophy, where every dollar has a specific job, leaving no room for financial ambiguity.
    • Real-time Sync: YNAB offers seamless real-time synchronization with your bank accounts, ensuring that your budget is always up to date.
    • Educational Resources: YNAB provides excellent educational resources to help users better understand and manage their finances.
  • Cons:
    • Subscription Fee: YNAB operates on a subscription-based model and some users may find the monthly or annual fee a drawback. The cost ranges between $8.99/mo if you opt for the annual fee or $14.99/mo if you go monthly.

Monarch Money

  • Pros:
    • Intuitive Design: Monarch Money boasts an intuitive and user-friendly design for a seamless budgeting experience.
    • Customizable Categories: Users can create and customize budget categories to align with their unique spending patterns.
    • Expense Tracking: Monarch Money provides robust expense tracking features to keep you informed about your spending habits.
    • Mint Leadership: If you loved Mint, Monarch was started by a former Mint leader.
  • Cons:
    • Newer Player: As a newer entrant, Monarch Money might not have the same extensive user base or history as some other options.
    • Subscription Fee. There is a monthly fee to use Monarch, although they offer a discount to those switching from Mint. And a free trial. Click here to try out Monarch for 1 month free!

PocketGuard:

  • Pros:
    • Automatic Categorization: PocketGuard automatically categorizes your transactions, making it easier to understand your spending habits.
    • In-App Bill Negotiation: This unique feature helps users find better deals on bills, potentially saving money on regular expenses.
    • Goal Tracking: PocketGuard allows you to set and track financial goals, motivating you to stay within budget.
  • Cons:
    • Limited Investment Tracking: Unlike Mint, PocketGuard has limited capabilities when it comes to tracking investments.

Empower (formally Personal Capital):

  • Pros:
    • Investment Tracking: Empower excels in investment tracking, providing a comprehensive overview of your investment portfolio.
    • Retirement Planner: The app includes a retirement planner tool that helps you visualize and plan for your financial future.
    • Net Worth Tracker: Empower offers a robust net worth tracking feature, giving you a holistic view of your financial health.
  • Cons:
    • Learning Curve: The array of features may result in a steeper learning curve for new users.

Goodbudget:

  • Pros:
    • Envelope System: Goodbudget employs the envelope system, allowing users to allocate funds to specific categories and spend accordingly.
    • Syncs Across Devices: The app syncs across multiple devices, ensuring that your budget is accessible wherever you go.
    • Debt Paydown Tools: Goodbudget provides tools to help users strategize and accelerate their debt paydown.
  • Cons:
    • Free Version Limitations: While Goodbudget offers a free version, it comes with limitations on the number of envelopes and accounts you can use.

EveryDollar

  • Pros:
    • Dave Ramsey’s Approach: EveryDollar follows Dave Ramsey’s zero-based budgeting approach, focusing on giving every dollar a specific job. The Money Saving Duo has seen huge results from those who follow Dave Ramsey.
    • User-Friendly Interface: EveryDollar features a user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate and set up their budgets.
    • Financial Peace University Integration: Users familiar with Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University can seamlessly integrate its principles into their budgeting with EveryDollar.
  • Cons:
    • Manual Transaction Entry: EveryDollar may require users to manually input transactions, which can be time-consuming compared to apps with automatic synchronization.
    • Limited Free Version: The free version has some limitations, and the Plus version comes with a subscription fee.

As the Intuit Mint app sunsets, it’s essential to explore alternative budgeting solutions that align with your financial goals and preferences. Whether you prioritize real-time synchronization, investment tracking, or a specific budgeting philosophy, these alternatives offer a range of features to suit various needs. Take the time to evaluate your priorities and choose the budgeting app that will best support your journey toward financial well-being.