It's been a while since a cleaned out my bookmarks folder of all the little links I've found recently so it is time for another diary full of mini-tips. Check it out, there is something for everyone down below.
Before we get to the good stuff, I have an administrative note: I recently revamped the mailing list for announcing these diaries. If you want to get an email announcement each week when a new diary is posted, send me email: frugalfridays (at) gmail.com and I'll add you to the list. If you didn't get an email this week, you are not on the current list.
Seasonal Sales: Just a reminder that February is the month that furniture and winter coats traditionally go on sale. It's also not a bad month to pick up a formal dress before they clear out their stock for spring. If you still need to pick up a 2010 calendar, they are practically giving them away now. Also look for sales on electronics and other big ticket items as this is traditionally a slow month for retailers.
Alternatives to CDs: Do you have a CD that's maturing? Rather than roll it over, here are 5 Alternatives to CDs you may want to consider. I just wish he had mentioned the best one first, rather than last: Debt Reduction. Paying down debt may give you the best return on your money right now.
Emptying Your Flexible Spending Acct: While this was much more timely info before the end of the year, some flexible spending programs allow you to continue to spend until the end of February (or even March), so if you haven't yet exhausted those funds, look at 7 Ways to Empty Flexible-Spending Accounts Now. In any case, you may find some things you already bought on this list that you had forgotten about. Just make sure you apply for the reimbursement before the deadline for your program.
Charitable Giving: In tough economic times, charities get squeezed from both ends: demand is up and donations are down. Even if you can't afford to write a big check to your favorite charity these days, that doesn't mean you can't still help out. There are some good ideas in How to give when the giving gets tough. If you are looking for a more tangible reward for your good works than just a warm fuzzy feeling, Disney is here to help. Under their Give a Day Get a Day program, if you donate a day of service to a local charity, you can get a one day free pass to their parks.
Financial Myth Busting: The Financial Highway blog did a nice little series on busting various financial myths. A lot of this info you probably already know, but there may be some topics that are new to you.
Financial Advice You Can Afford: If you are looking for investment advice, you don't need to pay an arm and a leg. Here are some resources for Good financial advice on a budget. While you are at it, you may want to investigate some of the books on this list of Six personal finance books with lasting lessons -- even for tots or this list of Books about Money.
Airline Baggage Fees: Want a handy chart showing the baggage fees charged by each airline? Look no farther than Dan's Deals List of Airline Baggage Fees.
DOT Consumer Site: Speaking of air travel, the Department of Transportation has recently rolled out a new website for consumers where you can find links to current advisory information and help in filing complaints, among other helpful links.
Cell Phone Plan Comparison: Looking for a new cell phone plan and being driven to distraction by the confusion? Lucky for you there is a handy chart that compares the big 4 companies side by side for a variety of situations: Bill Shrink's The Ultimate Cell Phone Plans Comparison.
Reuniting Yourself with Your Lost Camera: If you are concerned that you may someday misplace your digital camera, Andrew McDonald has a simple tip to help reunite you. Take some photos of yourself and our identifying info and never delete them. His photo series is so entertaining, it makes me want to steal his camera just so I can give it back. If you have lost a camera, memory card, film or photos in the past, don't despair. There is a website where people who have found pictures post them trying to find the original owner. Your pictures may even now be waiting for you on I Found Your Camera.
Ameriquest Class Action: Did you have an Ameriquest Mortgage made or serviced by them in the past 10 years? You may be eligible for a settlement under a recently settled class action suit. If you enter your loan number on the settlement website, you can determine whether you are entitled to a portion of this settlement.
Steps to Success: I love to make plans on how to reach my goals. (I may not always succeed in following them, but that's a whole other issue.) If you are like me, then you may appreciate this list of 10 Steps to Financial Success in 2010
ARRRRGH!: I had one more link that I wanted to share, but now I can't find it anywhere! It was a website where you can find out how much merchants will pay to process your credit card. It turns out that different companies charge differing fees, so all you had to do was enter the first 6 digit of your account (which identifies your bank, not you) and you could figure out how much merchants have to pay to do business with you. If anyone has a link to this site, please post it in the comments and I'll be eternally grateful.