Cent Saving Saturday

Coupons.

They are not my friends.

I mean I’ve tried SO many times to collect them, cut them out, put ‘em in those handy dandy coupon organizers (check out these cute ones on Etsy if you’re into that: This seller offers a clip onto your cart version that is pretty affordable http://www.etsy.com/shop/glowgirl16?section_id=5923255 or, you can check out this one that is less affordable, but super cute http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39539434&ref=sr_gallery_16&&ga_search_query=coupon+organizer&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title), add all the stuff I have coupons for to my shopping list, and then rush off to the store with nothing but Dumb Dad’s ATM card in hand (and sometimes not even that).

It’s one thing I can’t even pretend to be awesome at.

But, I have gotten some really great coupons lately that I’ve put to use.

Not food coupons, silly, awesome stuff coupons.

Like to NY&Company, and DSW, and JoAnn’s, and Borders, and even DIRECTV has sent me some, for two for one PPV movies (which I have thoroughly enjoyed thanks to the recent, unexpected disappearance of Blockbuster).

Point is, I’m not sure why I can remember to take my coupons for shoes and handbags and reading material when I’m going to the store, but can’t, for the life of me, remember to take my food coupons to the store.

Guess I just don’t see as much of a savings in the food department (everyone knows it’s not because I don’t care, obviously food is VERY important to me). Especially not when I have to buy 2 jugs of Lysol to get 50 cents off of a third. Seriously, who even needs that much Lysol? That would insinuate that I’m planning to spend a great deal of time using it, and that’s a commitment I just can’t make.

Anyway, guess I’m looking for people to share their couponing tips (because I know some of you are SERIOUS about your coupons). How do you make it work? And, just how much cash are we talking?

Free Samples

They, however, are my friends.

I love them and I always have.

When I was young, I mean youngER, I used to love getting those free samples from the magazines and the drugstore for perfume and lotions and junk like that.

I’m not even sure Mimi knows this, but I used to hoard those things in my room.

Nowadays, while I would not be caught wearing CVS perfume (and the magazines have gotten pretty stingy with their free samples, have you noticed that?), I have still found some pretty cool samples to try.

For example, I recently contacted Juice Beauty (really cool organic cosmetics company) and they sent me some samples of their Green Apple Antioxidant Moisturizer and their age defying Antioxidant Serum.

Very nice.

I can’t say that I look like a 17 year old again, but I can say that the moisturizer is to die for. It’s lightly scented, it’s not too thick (some I’ve tried are like rubbing paste on your face), and it leaves my skin feeling very smooth.

I’m a bit of a face moisturizing-aholic (sadly the rest of my body gets completely neglected during the winter months; I swear you could strike a match on my knees), so I really am hard to please in this department.

It is a little on the pricey side, but you have to remember that all that business about the best things in life are free is just not true it’s organic (like USDA certified, which has to mean something, right?), it’s amazing (because I said so), and this is your skin we’re talking about here, people!

Do you want to look like this when you’re 40?

No. Effing. Thanks.

Anyway. You can check out the serum here and the moisturizer here.

Other places to get cool freebies:

• Pampers: They’ve teamed up their new product (set to launch in March, 2010) with Team USA for the Olympic Winter Games. Wanna deck your little cruiser out in their Olympic themed dipes? Sign up here and get a free sample. By signing up there you can also qualify to get other neat coupons and/or free stuff. I got Dumb Dad a Prilosec sample because I’m so over listening to him cry out like a scared school girl from the nightmares his heartburn gives him. You’d think he’d just wake up, but senor-sleeps-like-he’s-comatose can’t pull himself around enough for that. Of course he won’t agree to take the stuff, but he’ll eat anything if I dress it up in a chili dog.
• Websites that know what they’re talking about like The Freebie Blogger or Freebies for Moms. They stay up to speed on all these sorts of things. Me, I’m useless in this department, unless you want to know what samples they are giving out at Costco this Friday, and then I’m your girl.

And, the cent saving tip you’ve all been desperately awaiting…

How to find someone to prepare your taxes, once you’ve attempted it yourself and realized that you’re either in huge trouble or a bigger idiot than you thought.

Back in my official tax prep days, clients of this nature comprised a good chunk of our mid season filers.

Usually they are everyday people with a little education and a lot of confidence. Computer savvy, money conscious, and totally surprised to see a balance due at the end of their tax statement.

They rush into the tax office looking haggard, anxious, and visibly annoyed. Begging (and by begging I mean ranting and raving about how some program screwed them over, you know, because the programs don’t simply respond to what YOU enter) moi to work my tax magic on their return and take away the $1000 balance due that they are convinced they don’t owe.

Sound like someone you know?

Well, you will be fine if you do exactly as I say.

A. Calm down.

2. Take a deep breath.

Then. Gather up your paper work and put it in a box (preferably in some sort of organized fashion) and then get yourself to the Internet ASAP.

Next. Visit this site first: www.irs.gov, because it gives you important tips for finding a tax preparer. And, I’m not talking about the one that sets up shop in your unlce’s basement at his bar. I’m talking about a legal one. Who will actually be able to be found if his work gets you sent to jail.

After that. Goggle it. “How to find a tax preparer”. Because Google can solve any problem. No kidding. Try “how to solve global warming” (apparently that’s so easy there is an ehow.com article about it!), or “how to be the perfect mother” (ehow again, they really can do just about everything).

When that’s done. Use all of the advice these sites give you (like looking them up in the National Association of Tax Professionals, and making sure they offer year round accessibility) and then call a few places to set up an appointment. They can’t make you pay them just to speak to them (well, I guess they can, but that right there is probably a red flag) and stopping by their office will give you a good sense of what they do. Meaning, if they have to meet you on the corner, blindfold you, and walk you to their alley-entry office with a sign on the door that says “Private”, you might want to go ahead and find another tax dude.

And, finally. If all else fails go to H&R Block. They may not be the absolutely most amazing tax prep service (I know some people have some serious beef with them), but they do have some tax professionals there that are awesome at what they do. Plus, the company (which is a large, publicly traded firm) will have to back what happens in their office. No way H&R Block will simply disappear. But, Aunt Tussie’s ex who does “everybody’s” taxes? He just might.

Whew, busy cent saving day today.

Now, be sure you come back Monday because some thing BIG is going down on PBD!

BIG!

It’s the launch date for my next dope, fresh, awesomely bodacious, rockin’, slammin’ PHOTO CONTEST!

That’s right.

First one of 2010 and it will be great!

Don’t question it. Just believe.

Year of awesome, remember?!

Cent Saving Saturday

Ahhh…

Is this thing on?

Hello…*bangs on imaginary microphone*

Does no one enjoy saving money?

I mean, I know it’s like 100% more fun to spend it, but, I’m talking about saving money on boring crap (like taxes and food and shelter and stuff) so you can buy stuff you really need (like shoes and handbags and visits to the spa).

Anyway, it’s fine if you don’t want my advice on how to organize your tax papers for your tax man.

I understand, it’s boring.

But, what if I helped you out with a great way to save on your taxes and get them prepared correctly and easily?

You don’t have to listen (but there is a giveaway involved).

You can navigate away now and go read about some juicy celebrity gossip (but there is a giveaway involved) or some fun, kid centered craft activity (BUT THERE IS A GIVEAWAY INVOLVED).

Or you can stick around (for my giveaway) and read a little bit about H&R Block At Home.

It’s H&R Blocks replacement for their former at home tax preparation software, Tax Cut, and it’s a little bit awesome (not that I am recommending you do your own taxes, but…if you already do and feel confident in your skidizzels, then maybe this is for you).

Let me tell you that I am a wee bit biased about this product.

Not because they gave me a copy for free (although they did, just so you know*), but because before, when I was saying I worked for a national tax preparation company for a whole butt load of years, I was talking about them.

Yep, I used to be one of those people at the office with the big green square, so I have to admit that I have a bit of an affinity for this brand of software.

But, my already-attached-opinion aside, I have to admit (go ahead and kick me H&R Block) I have used other at home tax prep programs and I truly do like this one the best.

Here is H&R Block’s take on At Home Deluxe: It “is for taxpayers who own a home or have investments and includes everything taxpayers need to complete their federal and state taxes. In addition to the Basic features, Deluxe offers personalized tax guidance, advanced tools to maximize mortgage interest deductions and assistance on investment income and stock options”.

All true.

Here is Dumb Mom’s take on H&R Block At Home Deluxe:

• There are tons of little question marks all over the place so if you’re not sure or you’re confused you can click on them and they’ll give you more info.
• There is a frequently asked questions bar along the side that follows you from screen to screen and changes as a you go. It helps you to remember things you may have forgotten (like your student loan deduction that you really should never forget since you’ll be paying on it for the rest of your life) or clue you in to things you didn’t even know existed.
• It is really easy to install and use and update. It doesn’t take forever to do so either (unless you have an ancient computer like the desktop over here at Casa de Dummies, and then I’m not sure what’s gonna happen).
• You can prepare taxes for like 5 different people. So you can let your mother-in-law do her taxes at your house (read you can do them for her since that’s what she really wants anyway, right?). Or, you can use it for your teenage son who worked for the summer so he can get his $110 refund back (and have cash to take that tramp from school who won’t leave him alone out, which means maybe you wanna go ahead and NOT do his taxes).
• It’s cheap. Okay, it’s not exactly cheap, but it is a good price for the quality and convenience you receive. You can get a copy of the At Home Deluxe version for $39.99 (on Amazon) and it includes a free federal e-file and a state download. Plus, they provide you audit support (in the form of an Enrolled Agent) for the off chance that you find yourself in that situation (although it does happen as Mama B shared with us last week). Not too bad when you consider that Turbo Tax is $49.99 and you have to pay extra for their Audit Defense coverage.

But, here is the absolutely most perfect reason to go with H&R Block At Home…

because you can win one right here on parenting BY dummies!

To enter all you have to do is:

1. Be a PBD follower (these kinda perks are only available for my most awesome members).
2. Leave a comment telling me how you normally get your taxes done.

Want Extra entries (1 entry for each activity)?

1. Become a fan of H&R Block on Facebook. And leave me a comment that you did so I can go check (‘cause I totally will!).
2. Follow me on Twitter @thenagainphoto.
3. Tweet this giveaway.

Contest ends at 11:59pm PST on Friday, January 22, 2010, and the winner will be randomly selected and announced on next Saturday’s Cent Saving post.

Easy, no?

Good luck (and don't forget to read my small print)!

*PBD admits it’s Free Disclaimer: In order to provide a reliable review of the product H&R Block provided PBD with a copy of the software to prepare her own taxes with. They did not tell her she had to say they were awesome and no cold, hard cash exchanged hands. They are hooking one of PBD's readers up with a free copy because I told them you guys were awesome, shameless name droppers who appreciate free stuff. Don’t make me a liar people! Oh, and like I said before, if Uncle Sam comes a knockin' don't bother even telling me about it because I'm not getting involved in any kind of government-fraud-like madness. One piece jumsuits have never been my thing, I think it's my short torso...

Cent Saving Saturday

In a desperate attempt to up the awesome over here at PBD, I’ve decided to make a few changes.

Saturday Swag-urday is on hiatus (at least until next holiday season) and it’s been replaced by it’s much more budget friendly buddy, Cent Saving Saturday.

Now, don’t get all excited, I’m not gonna start collecting coupons and bargain shopping.  I think we all know that Dumb Mom is not cut out to be a “couponer” and the only discounts I really care about are the ones you get for being a DSW rewards club member!

But, following the spend-your-money-unwisely-so-your-kids-think-Santa-is-the-sultan-of-a-small-nation holiday I think we could all use a bit of focus on spending less and saving more (even if I’m only saving for this).

Plus (now cover your ears if you’re sensitive or have a weak stomach) it’s tax time.

That’s right, I said the naughty word.

Taxes.

Because, in case you’re like me and you’re still writing 2009 on every thing, you should note that the dreaded season in which Uncle Sam rips you a new one and then charges you for it is upon us.

So, I figured, what better way to help a fellow blogging buddy than to offer them tax related advice.

I’m sure you are wondering what a SAHM/former teacher/photographer/freelance writer/blogger/disgruntled hospital employee knows about taxes.

Well, friends, let me tell you that before I became a photographer/freelance/writer/blogger/disgruntled hospital employee, but after I became a former teacher/SAHM I was a certified tax preparer for a national tax preparation company for 5 years.

I know what you’re thinking…is Dumb Mom that person they were making fun of on In Living Color all those years ago?

Okay, maybe you weren’t thinking that.  Maybe only Hubby refers to me as “that island dude from In Living Color”.  And, maybe it’s only Hubby who uses his totally-fake-not-even-close-okay-seriously-mon-it-sounds-JUST-like-it-but-I’m-not-admitting-that-to-him-or-he’ll-never-shut-it accent when I come home from one of my many jobs.

But, I’m sure you are curious about my credibility since I seem to be a bit of wanderlust when it comes to the professional career department.

And, I’ll admit, your concerns are warranted.

Why does one person need 7 jobs?

Dumb Dad asks me the same thing all of the time.

And, all I can say is that I like a challenge.

I like having something on my plate, and being engaged in an activity that keeps me busy and requires that I push myself to accomplish it.

I’m not sure why I have the desire to constantly bite off more than I can reasonably chew and then spend weeks flailing about to get my bearings in my exhaustion induced stupor.

Probably just so I can complain about being busy (and tired, and fat).

Well, the explanation is neither here nor there, all that matters is that the facts are these: Dumb Mom did taxes professionally for many years as a way to make some extra cash while continuing to stay home with her children (I worked every evening and weekend during tax season).  This experience allowed her to gain invaluable knowledge about the United States Tax Code and the filing of personal (and business) income taxes.  As she remains interested in this topic (because every person she knows requires that she does their taxes for them) she can be a wealth of almost always accurate information for those less schooled in the ways of the IRS.  Incidentally, Dumb Mom thinks doing taxes is fun.

Feel free to submit your own tax related questions if you want.  If I don’t know I’ll tell you and then work my butt off to find the answer (remember, I’m a glutton for punishment).

So here is this week’s tip: Get organized.

Yep, it’s really one of the key components for having a positive filing experience.

And organized does not mean having all of your receipts in a big used-to-be-home-to-a-bomb-a$$-pair-of-shoes box with “TAXES 2009” scribbled across the front.

Your tax professional does not want to spend hours going through your stupid little box.  Actually your tax preparer probably won’t mind all that much because thanks to your inability to use a filing system, Mr. Taxman just made even more bank offa you by charging you hourly.

Way to go, champ.

Now, not only do you owe Uncle Sam a fat wad of cash, you also owe Mr.Taxman a big chunk too.

So, if you want to save a few bucks (and be more informed about your tax situation) take time to go through your receipts from the year.

Separate them into categories, label them, and keep them in order.

I’m anal about having junk piles of paper lying around so I make sure that I do this throughout the year.

I have those cheapo, beige colored, nondescript file folders that I staple down both sides and label with the month. 

Then I stick all my necessary recipets (not the ones from Starbucks or DSW, those I chuck immediately to prevent spousal discovery!) in them as they accumulate.  At the end of the month I haul it down to my office/guest room/storage area/play room/secret lair area for safe keeping, and replace it with the empty folder for the following month.

Way to go Dumb Mom’s organizational skills!

Come January, all I have to do is separate them.

I like to start off by separating my business receipts (for my writing and my photography) from my personal ones (like medical/dental, home related, job related, etc).

Then, I make subcategories from there to ensure that all things are accounted for accurately.

You probably don’t need to get so technical, but my tax background rears it’s ugly head when it comes to tax record accuracy.

Not because I’m afraid of being audited (seriously, it sounds scary but only like 1% of average income people get audited per year and Uncle Sam would be seriously disappointed if he chose to come after me), just because I’ve had to go through my fair share of last-year’s-black-shoe-boxes-of-horror and I can’t imagine being that person myself.

I’m probably one of the only people on the planet who enjoys tax season. 

I like doing my taxes. 

I like getting a refund (because I always do, even though I know that’s not supposed to be the goal).

And, I like helping other people muddle through their tax nightmares because I appreciate the frustration of it all.

Want Dumb Mom to answer your tax related question on a future edition of Cent Saving Saturday?

Bring it on.  And, I dare you to try and stump me because, as creepy as it sounds, I love me an IRS related challenge!*

P.S.  Submitting your questions and receiving an answer from Dumb Mom does not guarantee that you will not be audited or thrown in jail for tax evasion.  The American tax code has a number of “gray areas” with a lot of room left for interpretation.  Dumb Mom tends to interpret things in her favor and the IRS has a history of interpreting things in their own.  As such, I will not be held accountable for any monies you owe, time spent in prison, or criminal record you gain for taking my advice.  Proceed with caution, friends, I don’t actually know everything, I just think I do!