Here’s what not to miss before the end of the 2010!

1. Electronics

Lots of stores have great deals right now. Highlights include:

Samsung Blu-ray Player – $137.00 (regular price $349.99)

Apple 8GB iPod Touch – $209.95 + free shipping!2. Autos

It’s a great time of year to strike a bargain on a great used vehicle, and Bonus.com easily allows you to locate what you want, where you want it, at the price you’d like to pay. Don’t miss our easy tools to find a deal near you!

3. Appliances

LG Extra Large Capacity Electric Dryer – $494.99 (regular price $699.99)

Dyson DC28 Animal Upright Vacuum – $479.00 (regular price $599.00)

4. Organization & Storage

Welcome in 2011 by getting a few things in order.

Martha Stewart Fabric Drawer – $7.00 (many colors available)

Underbed Storage Containers (Set of 4) – $67.96 + free shipping to store

This time of year many stores such as Target, the Container Store, and hardware stores put “holiday” storage boxes on sale. Since they are red and green, they go on sale, but they’re the same great storage containers you can buy all year round, but for less!

Have any New Year’s bargains we shouldn’t miss? Be sure to share them in the comments!

Happy New Year & Happy Shopping!

- Kristen

Car talk aside, let’s talk about insuring that chunk of metal. If you’re like me, you receive about two to three offers for a new great deal on auto insurance every week! I often wonder if I’m getting the best deal out there, or if my insurance agent is just contacting me once a year to make sure I’m still in his good graces for yet another year of coverage. So, I did a little research…and I’m passing on the knowledge to you!

1. Shop Around – Hey, that’s something we’re good at – shopping! Be sure to compare rates and coverage options among these types of insurers:

• Direct Insurers (example: GEICO)
• Exclusive Agents (example: Allstate)
• Independent Agents (directory here)

2. Be sure to ask for discounts! Make sure you’re getting all the discounts you qualify for. Some you may not be aware of include:

• Defensive Driving Course – If you’ve taken a class, you may qualify for a discount
• College Age Drivers – For a child driving a car that is more than 100 miles away, this could earn you a discount up to 40% off!
• Good Student Discounts – GPAs above 3.0 are eligible for savings, possibly up to 25%
• Association Discounts – If you are a member of an organization or work for a large company, be sure to ask if there are available discounts

3. Clean Credit Report – Believe it or not, your credit report will influence the level of your insurance premiums. Correct any mistakes on your report and if you have a low score, be sure to take measures to try to raise your score. Some ideas can be found here!

4. Your Wheels Can Cost You – Vehicles are assigned a number in the insurance business based on their make and model, factoring in risk of theft and safety. The higher the number, the more you will pay. You can look up the rating by make and model at the Insurance Services Office. Might make that mini van look a little more enticing, huh?!

So, here’s to getting the best deal out there – it pays to be a savvy shopper!

Remember, I don’t have a radio show and I’m no expert, so consult someone who knows more than I do before you jump ship and dump that coverage!

Happy Shopping!

- Kristen