Saving Money
Johnny Depp, left, as Tonto, and Armie Hammer as The Lone Ranger, in a scene from the film "The Lone Ranger." Catching a matinee and buying tickets in bulk are two easy ways to save a few extra bucks on pricey summer movie tickets. (Jerry Bruckheimer, Inc./Disney/AP/File)
Blockbusters on the cheap: how to save on movie tickets
The summer's blockbuster movies are here (finally!) so you can give your Netflix queue a rest. Are you gearing up to see Man of Steel, World War Z, or Pacific Rim?
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the cinema, so long as the A/C is working. But the "full movie theater experience" — complete with popcorn, soda, Snow Caps, and the like — can be pricey. Thankfully movie theater deals and discounts abound, and we've got some tips on how to enjoy the big screen films for little cash.
Firstly, let us state the obvious: see a matinee. According to Real Simple, catching the day's first screening can save you around $3 per ticket. For larger cineplexes, matinees usually start around noon, but most local, independently run theaters only open their doors around 5 pm on weekdays — the perfect time for a movie, then dinner.
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If you can't make an early screening, or if you prefer to take in the sunshine this summer, and still want to get the most out of your movie experience, consider buying your movie tickets in bulk. With movie ticket admissions starting at just $7.79, BulkTix.com saves you at least $4 per ticket, and you'll receive free shipping on eight or more tickets via Google Checkout and coupon code "TURKEYTX". [Editor's note: Yes, we know that's a Thanksgiving-themed coupon, but it still works!] ( Continue… )
Home theater salesperson Justin Standish helps a customer with information on flat screen televisions at a Best Buy store in Nashville, Tenn. in 2008. With a range of home theater systems available for under $500, it's possible to spend your money getting the most bang for your buck. (Mark Humphrey/AP/File)
Wanted: budget-friendly home theater systems.
You may not know it, but we are currently in a golden era of home theater systems. Never has there been a better time to invest in improving your viewing and listening experiences: the advances in technology make for a plethora of setup options no matter constraints of space, know-how, or money. There really is equipment to be had at every price point that can take your system — and home viewing experience — to the next level.
But a myriad of technology and design options can make figuring out where to start overwhelming. To make things a bit easier, we've settled on a spending cap of $500, and determined what we think are the best home theater systems for a handful of budget-minded buyers. (Please note that we're working under the assumption that most people already have a nice, new HDTV.)
Starting from Scratch
While most experts will tell you that a home theater in a box system is never going to be as good as a piece-by-piece setup, for the person who has yet to upgrade to Blu-ray and wants an all-in-one package, it is still a viable option. We like the Panasonic 1,000-watt 5.1 Channel 3D Blu-ray Home Theater System, model SC-BTT195, ($339.99 with $41.65, a low by $18), which PCMag calls "a great choice for a starter system."
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As opposed to a including separate receiver and Blu-ray player, this system has a single unit that does the jobs of both — without sacrificing features. The SC-BTT195 can play just about any disc you put in it: Blu-Ray, DVD, CD, Super CD, etc., and if you hook it up to a 3D HDTV, you can enjoy 3D movies and convert 2D movies to 3D. Whether you are happily engaged in the third dimension or not, Panasonic's Adaptive Chroma Processing ensures extremely high color resolution, and the system is capable of 24p output (the same format used at movie theaters) when connected to a 24p video-on-demand source and a compatible TV. Speaking of VOD, the system comes with Panasonic's Viera Connect platform, which allows users to connect to services like Netflix. And if you buy one of Panasonic's communication cameras, you can also video chat using Skype. Unfortunately, it doesn't come equipped with WiFi, so you must connect to your network with either an ethernet cable or a WiFi adapter.
Of course, that's just the half of it. The SC-BTT195 is a powerful 5.1 system capable of 3D cinema surround sound. Depending on mode, this unit will deliver 1000 or 430 watts via two front tower speakers, one center channel, two rear bookshelf speakers, and a subwoofer. While the SC-BTT195 is short on inputs (there's just a front-panel USB for connecting your iPod and a rear panel analog input), the fidelity should more than impress the surround sound novice. ( Continue… )
Fireworks light the sky in Jackson, Miss. during an early Independence Day celebration last month. This Independence Day, save money on everything from electronics to lawn mowers through sales at Sears, Newegg, and more. (Rogelio V. Solis/AP/File)
Independence Day sales: Save on electronics, furniture, and more.
With Independence Day landing on a Thursday this year, it looks like shoppers will have this entire week to cash in on July 4th sales on in-season items. Additionally, we found an excellent mattress sale (contrary to the overall summer trend), deals on electronics and their accessories, and more.
1. Musicians's Friend July 4th Doorbusters Sale
Discount: Up to 90% off
Shipping: From $3.49 s&h or free shipping on orders over $25
Expires: July 4
Is It Worth It?: Now is the time to outfit the entire band before the big "The Stars and Stripes Forever" rendition! Head to Musician's Friend and hear the sweet sound of savings during their July 4th Doorbusters Sale, which takes up to 90% off select items and qualifies for first-chair as it's one of best sale we've seen from Musician's Friend so far this year.
2. US-Mattress 4th of July Sale
Discount: 50% off with up to an extra 40% off
Shipping: Free shipping
Expires: July 4
Is It Worth It?: Although it might be worth waiting until Labor Day for even better bedding deals, two months is a long time to sleep poorly on an old mattress, especially when US-Mattress's 4th of July Sale takes a flat 50% off and then up to an extra 40% off select sleepers. This sale beats out our May mention and offers some of the best discounts we've seen on these mattresses, including the Sealy Posturepedic Solon Firm Full Size Mattress (pictured) for $469. ( Continue… )
A journalist takes a picture with a tablet at the 66th Cannes Film Festival in France earlier this year. Stores like Staples, Lenovo, Best Buy, and Walmart will likely pack great deals on tablets in July. (Eric Gaillard/Reuters/File)
The best and worst things to buy in July
The dealnews staff published more than 6,000 deals last July, which we've analyzed so that we can offer our readers a bit of advice while planning purchases this month. And it's a particularly important month to do so, since a number of sales will appear to be better than they are. So in order to protect your wallet and spend your money wisely, be sure to read through our July buying guide below for everything you need to know to shop smart this month.
Shop Independence Day Sales for In-Season Items
The Fourth of July is an excellent time to score a discount on summer items while they're still in-season, which means you can finally find a deal on a grill during the holiday weekend; gas grills in particular experienced above average discounts last year. Summer clothing will also see strong price cuts, with stores taking up to 62% off on average. Also be on the lookout for extra coupons that slash up to an additional 50% off sale prices. That said, keep in mind that the prices will only continue to drop as the season progresses; patio furniture, for example, saw better discounts in August last year.
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Wait Until Labor Day for Bedding Sales
The one "usual suspect" for holiday weekend sales that we actually recommend skipping in July is bedding; for the past three years, Labor Day sales have taken much stronger discounts on these items than Independence Day promotions. If you wait until September, you'll find a much higher number of Editors' Choice sets, too. ( Continue… )
A view of the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. A California vacation is within reach with these deals on hotels, flights, and more. (PRNewsFoto/Sherwin-Williams/File)
California dreaming? Travel deals to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.
| California's tourism commercials that poke fun at some of the state's stereotypes definitely reinforce one thing: sometimes, we really do wish we could reside in the land of Hollywood starlets, daisy dukes, convertibles, beaches, and surf galore. While relocating may not be an option, a visit to Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco is made possible by these airfare, hotel, and experience deals. Cali, here we come! First, head west with a 1-way flight on American's number one airline, Virgin America (from $59, a low by $3; expires June 30). Or, take advantage of roundtrip flights on United Airlines (from $178, a low by $10; expires June 30) that'll take you straight to SoCal or wine country. RECOMMENDED: 5 great travel rewards credit cards Southern California: Los Angeles and San Diego Hot Spots The City of Angels can be all glitz and glamour or beach bummy and relaxing. It's your choice: From Rodeo Drive to The Getty to Venice Beach you can explore all of L.A.'s neighborhoods from the centrally located Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites where a 1-night weekend stay starts at under $200 (a low by $10; expires June 30). The 4-star hotel is located in downtown LA, and is steps to the Philharmonic, the area's galleries, and famed eatery Bottega Louie. Want to feel like a celebrity while you are at it? Indulge in a spa day at the Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel & Spa ($99, a low by $101; expires June 29). The deal includes an 80-minute massage with luxurious hot stone and bamboo, a 15-minute body scrub, complimentary blended fruit smoothies, valet parking, and access to the sauna and steam room. Don't stop there. Follow in John Travolta and Angelina Jolie's footsteps by piloting your own plane with a 90-minute private flying lesson (from $99, a low by $126; expires August 30). With an hour of ground instruction and 30 minutes in the air, you'll be able to control the cockpit and take in aerial views of plenty of Los Angeles sights, too. Looking for something a little more romantic? Head an hour and a half south for a romantic summer escape to Southern California wine country. Stay in a deluxe two-queen or one king bedroom at the Temecula Creek Inn (from $89, a low by at least $21; expires July 1). A touch further south you'll find that San Diego's 70 miles of coastline and reliably sunny weather will keep your spirits high. The city also has plenty of sights to keep you giddy from start to finish. Tour the world-renowned zoo, visit the historic Gaslamp Quarter, and be sure to enjoy a fish taco or two. Once the sun goes down, rest your head in nearby Torrey Hills at the affordable Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Del Mar (from $154, a low by $18; expires June 30). With this offer, you'll also score a $50 dining or spa credit good towards the Serenity Spa and Salon, Bistro 39, or the NY Garden Deli. Alternatively you could throw caution to the wind and stay at the AAA 4-Diamond Hilton San Diego Bayfront (from $179, a low by $20; expires June 30). The hotel is situated on the San Diego Bay and boasts easy access to the Gaslamp Quarter and Petco Park where you can catch a Padres game. If you prefer to kick back, take in the views from the hotel's renovated outdoor space and go for a dip in the saltwater infinity pool. And like the Hilton Garden San Diego Del Mar, you'll also enjoy a complimentary $50 dining credit to boot. Northern California: Must-See San Francisco San Francisco may not have the always-sunny and warm weather of SoCal, but it does happen to be "The City That Knows How." Head to the diverse Bay Area with a 3-night stay at the Laurel Inn – A Joie de Vivre Hotel (from $1,050, a low by $50; expires June 29). Situated in the upscale Pacific Heights, the hotel sits on Sacramento Street amidst stylish boutiques and restaurants, so it's no wonder that the hotel also offers a wide range of high-end amenities including afternoon lemonade and cookie service in the lobby, coffee and tea service 24-hours a day, and more. To see the rest of this vibrant city, wander over to the nearby historic Presidio National Park and catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge, meander Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, and Union Square. With these deals to California, you'll be enjoying the West Coast before you know it. But, if you've got different ideas for a vacation, be sure to check out our daily travel deals for other airfare, hotel, and vacation packages. At the time of publication, these travel deals offered the lowest prices we could find. Deals may include blackout dates, additional taxes, and fees. Some of our prices may be based on mandatory double occupancy. |
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Summar Ghias is a contributor to Dealnews.com, where this article first appeared.
Original story: http://dealnews.com/features/california-vacation-deals/
Consumer credit cards are posed in North Andover, Mass., in 2012. Credit myths can cause people to make costly mistakes, (Elise Amendola/AP/File)
Five credit myths that can cost you money
There are hundreds of myths about credit and debt. They range from the somewhat reasonable to the ridiculous. The bottom line: Just because you’ve heard them all your life doesn’t mean they are true. A little legwork on the Internet or a conversation with a credit expert at a bank, mortgage company, or nonprofit credit counseling service may help you arrive at the truth. Here are five myths that can cost you money:
1. One credit score tells you all you need to know. So you looked up your credit score with Experian, you were satisfied with the report and moved on. Creditors take a much different approach. Some creditors will pull all three of your credit reports in order to get a more complete picture of your payment habits. Others, such as auto loan lenders or landlords, tailor their search to fit your performance in a particular location or area.
Credit scores from the three major services are rarely, if ever, identical so you really do need to look at what each of the three major credit bureaus have for your credit history and what your score is with each. The three major bureaus are: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. ( Continue… )
If your credit card information is stolen, you could rack up tons of debt before you even realize what has happened. Colley tells you what you need to do to minimize the damage. (Gene J. Puskar/AP/File)
What you need to do if your credit card is stolen
If the potential Rakuten credit card scam has you worried, your fears might not be totally unwarranted. In 2012, 12.6 million people were victims of identity theft, according to a study by Javelin Strategy & Research.
Being a victim of identity theft is no small matter. At best, someone gets a hold of your credit card information and uses it to buy some stuff online. At worst, a thief open accounts in your name, makes huge purchases, and racks up a ton of debt before you realize what's happened. The toll to your credit history can last for years, but there are things you can do to minimize the damage and protect yourself in the future.
Report Your Losses
If you notice strange activity on your credit or debit card, report the charges to your bank immediately using the toll free number on the back of the card or on your statement. The Federal Trade Commission says you aren't responsible for any charges made on a stolen account number after you report identity theft, so act quickly.
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Enact a Fraud Alert
If you find suspicious activity on your accounts, ask one of the credit bureaus to place an initial fraud alert on your credit report. Once you notify one credit bureau, that bureau will notify the others and alerts will appear on all your credit reports. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the alert will remain on your credit report for 90 days. During that time, creditors cannot open new accounts without verifying your information, making it harder for thieves to access your credit. You can file a fraud alert online through Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. ( Continue… )
A woman packs moving boxes as she prepares to clear out her home. If you are trying to get rid of old clothes, unwanted DVDs, or other items, websites and applications such as Swap.com and Bondsy can help you exchange your items for new ones. (Tony Avelar/The Christian Science Monitor/File)
Getting rid of stuff? 8 websites you need to visit.
Bartering for goods or services may seem like an old-fashioned concept, but with the power of the Internet, it's coming back in style. With a variety of sites and services to help you trade or swap goods of all types, now's as good a time as ever to go on that shopping spree — even if finances are tight. Sound too good to be true? We've collected eight stellar services that help you get rid of things you don't want in exchange for things you do.
Craigslist
The online classifieds section may not be what comes to mind when you think of bartering, but Craigslist does have a bartering section just for this purpose. (It's listed under "for sale.") In this forum you can post about things you want to get rid of or things you're looking for and see if anyone bites. However, the downside to Craigslist is that anyone can post anything and nothing on the service comes with any guarantee. Though you can find some great deals, be on the lookout for scams.
Bondsy
Bondsy is an interesting twist on the bartering concept in that it only allows you to trade with people you know or trust. Fire up Bondsy on your iPhone (sorry, other smartphone users) and write up the details on what you have and include a picture. With luck, one of your other iPhone-toting pals will have a use for it.
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Swap.com Valet Service
Like its name suggests, Swap.com lets members swap stuff, and it's simple to use. Just box up what you don't want and ship it to Swap.com: they'll sort it, photograph it, and list it on the site. You can swap your goods for those from other users listed on the site, or accept a cash payment.
While Swap.com charges a fee for shipping, cataloging, and listing as well as storage fees for goods that don't sell, its guaranteed listings ensure that anything you buy on the site is exactly what it says it is. But just in case it isn't, the site also has a no-hassle return policy. ( Continue… )
The Samsung Galaxy S3, Nokia Lumia 820, and iPhone 4 smartphones are displayed. Apple, Samsung, and Nokia offer some of the best smartphones for photo enthusiasts, Narayanan says. (Dado Ruvic/Reuters/File)
The best smartphones for avid photographers
Whether you're an Instagram obsessive, a "pro" mobile photographer, or simply enamored with kitty pics, smartphones have revolutionized the ways in which we take and share photos. In a little over a decade, these gadgets have nearly replaced the functions of point-and-shoot cameras and have come to reign as consumers' cameras of choice. The trend towards bigger and better megapixels partly explains why smartphone photography has surged in popularity, but constant web connectivity that allows for instant image sharing, as well as image-processing apps and third-party accessories, have helped to seal the deal.
Manufacturers realize that consumers consider a devices' picture-taking quality as much as its ability to make calls. Just take a look at this billboard promoting the newly launched Nokia Lumia 928. The marketing campaign highlights not the processor speed nor its screen size nor svelte design, but simply the low-light camera performance.
To get a better handle on which smartphones offer the best mobile photography features, we turned to the venerable Digital Photography Review for the top five smartphone cameras that offer the most bang for your buck. Or the most pop for your pixel. You know what we mean.
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Apple iPhone 5 Smartphone
Specs: 4" 1136x640 Retina display, Apple A6 processor, 1GB RAM, 8-megapixel iSight camera, 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, 1080p video capture, 802.11n wireless, Bluetooth 4.0
Some photo enthusiasts may carp about the iPhone 5's grainy or soft images, but look no further than Flickr for proof that the iPhone 5 is the most beloved smartphone camera. As such, Digital Photography Review praised the iPhone 5 off the bat for its camera's marked improvement over that of the iPhone 4S. Although the 8MP capacity remained unchanged, the iPhone 5's redesigned camera optics, combined with a faster A6 chip, and larger screen (4" vs. 3.5") lead to improved picture quality. And though the iPhone doesn't have the best camera, it offers "satisfying image quality, some neat functions like auto panorama and HDR mode, and – crucially – it is supremely easy to use." ( Continue… )
With the heat creeping up, it's the perfect time to complete a few tasks inside the house. Nichol-Caddy lists five items that you need to have — plus where to get the best deals for them. (Melanie Stetson Freeman/The Christian Science Monitor/File)
Tackle the honey-do list with 5 must-have tools
By Joshua Nichol-Caddy, dealnews contributor
Surely mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges is out of the question in heat like this. But the weather shouldn't keep you from putting to good use these tool and hardware deals that will help tackle those stragglers on the home improvement to-do list.
1. HDX 65-Piece Screwdriver Set
Store: Home Depot
Price: $9.88 with in-store pickup
Lowest By: $25
Is It Worth It?: Owning this Editors' Choice set of 65 screwdrivers may finally mean you can tighten the loose screw on the kitchen cabinet. Featuring a variety of sizes and heads for nearly any job, this set specifically includes a 15-piece screwdriver, 4-piece precision screwdriver, 1-piece ratcheting screwdriver, 1-piece 2" extension bar, and 9-piece 1/4" drive socket. What's more, the ergonomic, soft-grip handle on every piece of the set will also help avoid blisters.
2. Craftsman Limited Edition 26" 4-Drawer Top Chest
Store: Sears
Price: $244.99
Lowest By: $105
Expires: July 6
Is It Worth It?: The screwdrivers detailed above will fit perfectly in one of the four drawers of this limited edition top chest. Fortunately you won't need to use any of them to put together this steel chest as it comes fully assembled. It features a keyed internal locking system as well as drawers of various sizes with liners and accessories to protect the tools inside. While there are side handles for portability, this 50-lb. chest is really for claiming a spot in the garage because it can hold up to 600 lbs. And keep a dry-erase marker handy, as perhaps the coolest feature of this chest is its finish.
This chest is available through a larger sale that cuts up to $255 off a rather wide selection of Craftsman tool chests. And though it's a little late for Father's Day, this is the best sale we've seen on these items since November.
3. Craftsman Universal Max Axess MTS 85-Piece Set
Store: Sears
Price: $113.99 with free shipping
Lowest By: $6
Is It Worth It?: Go nuts on some bolts! With all that room in the tool chest, this 85-piece set will fit in perfectly. It includes a variety of 1/4" and 3/8" drive Max Axess sockets, extension bars, ratchets, and drives. Even better, the entire set can pack up into its durable and portable molded case.
Store: PayDeals
Price: $9 with free shipping
Lowest By: $19
Expires: June 25
Is It Worth It?: This little lightweight flashlight is Editors' Choice deal. It boasts a lens that turns and a dual-output LED, which can run for up to 72 hours on two AA batteries (included). Weatherproof, this handheld flashlight is great in case of emergency.
5. DuroMax 3,300-watt Portable Gas-Powered Generator
Store: Factory Authorized Outlet via Rakuten Shopping
Price: $259.99 via coupon code "SUMMER10" with free shipping
Lowest By: $107
Is It Worth It?: Speaking of emergencies, this gas-powered generator can produce a 4,000-watt surge and 3,300-watt continuous power, running for up to eight hours at a 50% load. It also boasts an electric start, idle control, and wheel kit.
Joshua Nichol-Caddy is a contributor at dealnews.com, where this article first appeared. Original article: http://dealnews.com/features/Tackle-the-Honey-Do-List-with-5-Must-Have-Indoor-Tools/767208.html
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