Happy June!

Check out these freebies for Friday, June 1st only:

- Free Panda Express Orange Chicken

- Free Donut from Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme

Also, don’t miss the free tall drink from Starbucks, good report card freebies, free summer activities for kids, and more!

FREE Orange Chicken at Panda Express

On June 1 only, after 9pm, bring this coupon to receive a free serving of Panda Express’ popular orange chicken. Source: The Krazy Coupon Lady

FREE Donut from Dunkin’ Donuts on National Donut Day

Get a free donut on June 1st, with the purchase of a drink from Dunkin Donuts. Source: Cha-Ching on a Shoestring

FREE Donut from Krispy Kreme Donuts on National Donut Day

Get a free donut on June 1st from Krispy Kreme. No purchase necessary. Source: Cha-Ching on a Shoestring

FREE Tall Drink from Starbucks

From now until June 3, get a free tall drink when you buy a pack of Starbuck’s VIA instant coffee. Source: Freebies4Mom

FREE Victoria’s Secret Panty

Register or log onto Pink Nation to receive your coupon for their Pick-Up panty, with any Pink purchase. Source: Deal Seeking Mom

Good Student Report Card Freebies

Does your child need motivation to get good grades? How about a free Krispy Kreme donut, free Happy Meal, free scoop of ice cream from Baskin Robbins, and more! Source: Saving Dollars and Sense 

FREE Buy Buy Baby Good Bag

Start your baby registry at Buy Buy Baby online and when you go to the store, you’ll receive a free goody bag. Source: Deal Seeking Mom

Free eBook: The Everything Food Allergy Cookbook

Download a free digital copy of The Everything Food Allergy Cookbook from Amazon.com. Source: Money Saving Mom

Free eBooks on Amazon.com

Check out these free classic books in Kindle editions. Click on a category on the left, selecting Fiction, NonFiction, Cooking, to find more free eBooks!

FREE Summer Activities for Kids

Check out what’s free for kids to do this summer in this comprehensive list compiled by Cha-Ching on a Shoestring. Source: Cha-Ching on a Shoestring

Photo Credit: ND Strupler

Hurry and claim yours because this offer ends on Tuesday, May 29th!

This offer works just like the free MP3 credit.

Enter your favorite movie and share it on Facebook.

Then you’ll receive the free $2 Instant Video Credit.

Easy!

And there’s special $1 – $2 instant video rental deals for Memorial Day for films like Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol, The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 1, 50/50, The Notebook, The Proposal, The Incredibles, and more.

It is common for those in the lowest income brackets up to even the upper-middle class income brackets to struggle financially and to live paycheck to paycheck.

As a parent, it is understandable that you want more for your kids than a life fraught with financial stress and worry.

By providing your kids with a sound financial education, you can teach your kids how to manage money.

You can put these tips into practice today to begin their financial education:

1. Creating a Budget 

Teaching kids how to create a budget is one of the most important first lessons in financial education. A budget states how much income you have as well as what your expenses are.

By reviewing a budget regularly and reconciling your budget regularly against income received for the month to date and expenses paid to date, you can see how much money you have left over for fun things like movies, a trip to the mall and more.

Teach your child how to prepare his or her own budget. Then go a step further and show your child how to effectively use a budget on a weekly or even daily basis.

2. Developing Good Savings Habits 

Many people struggle with debt because they have an insufficient balance in their savings accounts. For example, credit cards may be used to pay for emergency situations, major purchases and more when cash is not available.

By contributing to a savings account regularly, your children will have cash on hand to pay for emergencies. Further, they can learn how to save up their money for major purchases.

Show your kids how to establish regular savings, such as through an auto-draft feature on their checking account. Also, show them how to save for major purchases they want to make.

3. Use Credit Wisely

Credit card debt is among the most significant financial issues that many people are dealing with today. When used wisely, however, credit cards can be beneficial.

Consider visiting http://www.247card.com to learn more how this prepaid debit card works like a credit card but will not allow you to get into debt. You simply have to load funds onto the card, then you can spend at will. This card can teach your kids how to use a credit card wisely as well as how to manage spending money better.

One of the best steps you can take to ensure your kids have a sound financial future is to provide them with a financial education. Use these tips to get started educating your kids about finances.

About the Author: Rick James is an avid saver and reader on personal finance. He can be found paging through the Wall Street Journal and NY Times daily, as well as clipping coupons from the local paper. Rick has been able to find financial stability through reading, research, and saving. To see some more of Rick’s writing you can check out paidtwice.com

This is a guest post from our supporters.

Photo Credit: Will Folsom

It’s not only a day to relax, but a day to honor those who have died serving our country.

In honor of veterans who have served and those who are on active duty, here’s a list of military discounts just for you.

You hold a special place in my heart!

For everyone else, here are the best free stuff this week, which includes free bowling all summer long for kids, free donuts, and more!

Enjoy time with friends and family!

FREE Target Summer Beauty Bag

You’ve probably heard about the Free Target Beauty Bag by now, which includes beauty samples and high value coupons. But if you haven’t signed up to receive this yet, do it now before they run out! See what was included in the last Target beauty bag.

Kids Bowl FREE All Summer

Kids who register on this site get a voucher for 2 free games of bowling per day for the entire summer. Dates and age limits vary according to each participating bowling alley. Check to see which participating bowling alleys are near you. Source: Money Saving Mom

FREE Redbox Game Rental

Get a free game rental from Redbox by texting TRYUS to 727272. Find a Redbox location near you. Also check out other ways to get FREE Redbox video rental codes. Source: Raining Hot Coupons

FREE 4 Sample Pack of Mrs. Dash

Like the Mrs. Dash Facebook page to get your free 4 sample pack of Mrs. Dash and some coupons. Source: Deal Seeking Mom

FREE Donut from Dunkin’ Donuts on National Donut Day

Get a free donut on June 1st, with the purchase of a drink from Dunkin Donuts. Source: Cha-Ching on a Shoestring

FREE Donut from Krispy Kreme Donuts on National Donut Day

Get a free donut on June 1st from Krispy Kreme. No purchase necessary. Source: Cha-Ching on a Shoestring

Military Freebies

FREE Museum Admission

Active duty personnel and up to 5 family members can visit participating museums free from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Source: Suddenly Frugal

FREE Wings at Hooters

This is probably the only time I’ll mention Hooters on this blog! All veterans and active duty military personnel with military ID will receive 10 free wings on Memorial Day. Source: Suddenly Frugal

FREE Workout at 24 Hour Fitness

All reserved, active, and retired military personnel and guests can workout free from 5/25-5/28.

Photo Credit: ReneS

This time it’s a cute, blue summer beauty bag.

As you know from their last giveaway, it’s best to jump on this before they run out.

All you have to do is go to the Target Style Facebook page and click on the offer.

Then enter your info.

Not 100% sure of what’s included so don’t quote me.

But in this promo image, you can see:

- Neutrogena Sunscreen

- Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter

- Aveeno Smart Essentials Moisturizer with Sunscreen

- Rimmel mascara

The site is experiencing heavy traffic so please be patient. I was able to get through though.

Get your FREE Target Summer Beauty Bag now!

With some health issues, bills, and less income, things are getting tight.

I’ve read so much about using cash only that I had to try this to see if it really works.

Going from using credit card to cash is challenging because I had to start planning out my grocery purchases more thoroughly.

I couldn’t just run out to the grocery store like I used to.

Instead, I had to put together my grocery list, the price of each item, and gather all of my relevant coupons. When I got to the store, I had to stick to my list as closely as possible.

What I wasn’t prepared for though, was the constant temptations at the store. I am always enticed to buy items not on my list! What an eye opener.

I drive 20 minutes to go to Whole Foods so if I’m there, I have to weigh out if I need that item now or if it can wait until my next trip. It’s a waste of gas to drive back if I only need one item.

So there’s a constant battle in my head. Can this wait or do I need this now?

It’s hard! Sometimes, I overbuy and other times I don’t buy enough. And if I run out and have to get it at a closer store, the item costs more!

But because I have a limited amount of cash with me, I always put stuff back. I do carry a little extra cash with me in case there’s an awesome sale on something I buy regularly. And I have seen a lot of great sales like buy one get one free deals, which I have advantage of.

What using cash only has done is helped me stick closer to our grocery budget and analyze buying habits.

This is only my first month of using cash for groceries so it will take some getting used to.

I only used my credit card for groceries 3 times this month, which is an improvement. And I enjoy seeing a lower credit card bill.

Do you use cash only to pay for groceries? What are your tips?

Photo Credit: JMR_Photography

What’s free this week?

- 2 Shutterfly Photobooks

- 7-Eleven Slurpee

- Your own designer sandwich box

- Alice in Wonderland, Kindle Edition.

Enjoy this weekend before the big Memorial Day weekend coming up next.

FREE $2 Amazon MP3 Credit

This offer is back again! Get $2 in free credit to use on MP3′s or towards an album from Amazon.com. Answer the question: My  favorite song right now is ______.

And click on Share and Claim, and enable app on Facebook. You’ll then be prompted to log into Amazon to receive the free credit. You can always delete the app after. Free credit must be used by 5/24/12. Source: Money Saving Mom

2 FREE Shutterfly Photobooks

Sign up for a Shutterfly account and get a free 20 page 8×8 photobook plus 50 free prints! Just pay for shipping. Check the link to see how you can get another one for fre. Source: Generous Savings

FREE Slurpee on 5/23

On 5/23, from 11am – 7pm, head over to 7-Eleven for a free slurpee, 7.11 oz size only. Good while supplies last. Source: Money Saving Mom

FREE Aveda Shampoo and Conditioner Sample

Bring this coupon to your nearest Aveda for a sample pack of their Invanti Exfoliating Shampoo and Thickening Conditioner or get it online with a $30 purchase. Expires 6/30/12. Source: Deal Seeking Mom

FREE Online Sewing Machine Class

Learn how to diagnose problems with your sewing machine in this free online class. Source: Money Saving Mom

FREE Sandwich Box from Rudi’s

Upload artwork from you or your child and receive a FREE custom Sandwich Box featuring it. Your artwork will also be entered in our Rudi’s Sandwich Box Contest Gallery. Source: Cha Ching on a Shoestring

FREE Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Kindle Edition

This is one of my favorite childhood stories. Download the Kindle edition free from Amazon.com. ource: Cha Ching on a Shoestring

A time where you can hang out, relax, talk, and catch up on busy lives.

Regular dates are important to schedule in, especially if you have children.

Spending time together, not money is what really matters.

With this in mind, here are 5 frugal and fun date ideas that won’t break the bank.

1. Neighborhood Walk and Picnic

Just get out and take a walk together. Bring a picnic and have a destination in mind. For instance, find a park where you can “break bread” together. Cheap, quiet, and often quite romantic.

2. Free Music Concerts

Look for free music festivals in your area like “The Mosquito Serenade” or “Music in the Park”. They often feature local bands and singers and usually provide great entertainment. Always a fun night out and totally affordable. Check your local newspaper for similar music festivals in your area.

3. Bring The Movie Theater Home

Buy a box of movie-theater style popcorn, rent a DVD, and have a movie date night at home. Avoid the expensive movie tickets, expensive food, sticky floors, and of course, the dirty bathrooms.

4. Historic Sites & Museums

You’d be amazed by how many local historic sites and museums are in your area. Often these make for great date ideas as they allow you to spend time together and get a better grasp of your local history.

5. Live Performances at Your Local College or Junior College

Most junior colleges and small colleges have a fantastic drama program with several inexpensive plays and music performances throughout the school year. These plays and performances always make for a fun and frugal night out. Check the website of colleges in your area for specific details.

What frugal date idea would you add to this list? I look forward to your suggestions.

About The Author: Kyle James owns and manages a website called Rather-Be-Shopping.com which lists and organizes online coupons for over 800 stores.

Photo Credit: KFoodaddict

Hope you enjoy this Mother’s Day as a mom, with your mom, or thinking of your mom…

with a free Redbox rental, free coffee drinks, and more.

These offers are valid today, Mother’s Day only!

Hurry before they expire.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Enjoy!

FREE Redbox Code

Use code MAY13. Valid Mother’s Day only.

FREE Denny’s Cookie ala Mode

Send mom and e-card on Denny’s Facebook page and you’ll both receive a coupon for a free Cookie ala Mode. 

FREE Simply Fresh Cookbook

Dine at Ruby Tuesday on Mother’s Day and receive a code for a free copy of the Simply Fresh Cookbook.

Buy One Get One Free Caribou Coffee

Use this coupon to get a free coffee drink when you buy one for your mom.

Buy One Get One Free Peet’s Coffee

Use this coupon to get a free coffee drink when you buy one for your mom.

Photo Credit: LWY

They want your business and wouldn’t have this policy unless they weren’t profitable.

A money back guarantee encourages consumers to try something new without regret.

I don’t know about you but I tend to be more loyal to stores that do offer a generous return policy because they care about their customer’s satisfaction.

If a store is losing too much money because of their generous return policy, then they will rescind it or make restrictions. Stores that have done this include Target and Costco.

Years ago, Target would accept items, even if opened. Now they will not accept returns on opened or used products.

With Costco, they have tightened their return policy on certain items like electronics to 90 days.

My goal with Living Richly on a Budget is to provide you with resources so you can make better choices with your money.

Hopefully, this helps you stick to your budget, knowing where you can return things that you can’t use or aren’t satisfied with.

Bloomingdales’s

Bloomingdale’s is a high end store that I’ve shopped at a handful of times, before I was on a tight budget. Their customer service is excellent. They went above and beyond to help me. I was looking for a bag that wasn’t on the sales floor. The salesperson found it for me in the stock room!

I shopped there because I like the comfort of knowing that I can return my items, if needed.

There’s no limit on the number of days to return something. However, for furniture you must return within 3 days. With mattresses, you may return them within 5 years with some fees deducted. Still, that’s generous.

Costco

Costco has an excellent return policy on their membership as well as merchandise. You can receive a full refund on your membership fee at any time you are dissatisfied.

For merchandise, their return policy states: “We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund. The following must be returned within 90 days of purchase for a refund: televisions, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, touch screen tablets, MP3 players and cellular phones.”

That means you can return anything anytime, even food. The exceptions are electronics which must be returned within 90 days.

Kohl’s

Kohl’s return policy is return any item, any time, for any reason, with or without a receipt. If you have a receipt, you can get a full refund or even exchange. If you don’t have a receipt, you can make an even exchange, take a merchandise credit or get a corporate refund.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom is famous for having a really good return policy. There’s a story about someone returning a car tire (something they obviously don’t sell) to Nordstrom and they accepted it! They have a hassle free return policy and great customer service.

REI

Every item at REI is 100% satisfaction guaranteed. You return or exchange an item by mail or at any retail location, regardless of whether you made the purchase online, by mail, or in a store. Plus, if you are an REI member, you don’t even need a receipt for returns because they have a record of all your purchases! Pretty awesome!

Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s will accept returns on opened and unopened items with no limits. They will even go as far as opening a product for you to try, in store, at your request.

Whole Foods

Whole Foods guarantee’s their customer’s 100% product satisfaction or their money will be refunded. Whole Foods will accept returns on products, even if opened, anytime, as long as you have a receipt.

Photo Credit: Portal Abras