Saving Money

Tracy Ball of Lexington places skewered chicken on the grill as curious spectators watch during the 35th annual International Bar-B-Q Festival last month in Owensboro, Ky. (John Dunham/The Messenger-Inquirer/AP/File)

Charcoal or gas? Settling the great grill debate.

By Lou Carlozo, Contributor / 06.02.13

The outdoor cookout season is just about here; we can almost taste the flame-broiledness! But, if the warm spring has you drooling to buy a new grill, you may want to hold off just a bit longer as the best grill deals begin in June, and really start smoking in July.

Ideally though you should start doing your research now, so when the hottest grill deals do start rolling in, you'll be ready to pounce. To help you pick the perfect grill for your outdoor cooking needs, we'll explore the charcoal vs. gas grill debate, look at the cost of both, and weigh a number of other grilling variables.

Grill Cost

There's little doubt that a charcoal grill — which can be as simple as a cooking grate and a receptacle to hold the bricks — is an inexpensive outdoor grill. Of course, a high-end charcoal grill can cost upwards of $400, while the cheapest gas grills generally start at $100. But for the sake of comparison, we'll stick to typical, basic models for each; the timeless Weber 22.5" One-Touch Silver Charcoal Kettle Grill will cost you $99.99 (with free shipping, a low by $12) while the basic Char-Broil 48,000-BTU 4-Burner Gas Grill is instead $158 (with free shipping, a low by $42). The Char-Broil arguably offers a more advanced setup, but it is fairly standard for a gas grill nonetheless. ( Continue… )

Actors Joe Dinicol, left, and Sarah Stouffer perform a scene from an episode of 'Betas.' Amazon said earlier this week that it will produce a pair of new comedy shows and three new kids shows for viewing on its video streaming service, capping a one-of-a-kind experiment that gave viewers a say in the selections. The five shows were culled from 14 pilots that were put up for free on its website and made available over Amazon’s video apps on mobile devices and game consoles starting in April. (Amazon/AP/File)

Amazon follows Netflix in producing original TV shows

By Angela Colley, Contributor / 06.01.13

If Amazon has its way, it won't just be the online retailer you use for everything from MP3s to small kitchen appliances; it will also be the producer of your new favorite TV show.

Earlier this year, Amazon had a pretty unique idea – produce TV pilots and let the viewers decide which ones would become the site's first original programming. Shows included Onion News Empire, a series that took a supposed "behind-the-scenes" look at the Onion News Network, Zombieland, a series based on the movie, and the kid's show Tumbleaf. Amazon streamed 14 pilots free, which proved to be a popular offer as thousands of people tuned in to review the pilots. According to Amazon, these TV pilots "comprised 8 of the 10 most streamed TV episodes on Amazon Instant Video" during that weekend.

And the Winners Are ...

Based on user ratings, Amazon has given the green light to five original series: three children's programs and two adult programs – Alpha House and Betas.

Alpha House, starring John Goodman, is a political comedy about four quirky U.S. senators who end up renting a house together in Washington D.C. The series was produced by Elliot Webb and Jonathan Alter and directed by Adam Bernstein. It received an average of four stars out of five from nearly 3,000 reviews. The Alpha House pilot is available free on Amazon. ( Continue… )

This product image released by Microsoft shows the new XBox One entertainment console that will go on sale later this year. (Microsoft/AP/File)

XBox One: Is it really for gamers?

By Louis Ramirez / 05.26.13

Microsoft's new Xbox will radically change your living room. Officially called the Xbox One, the new console comes with a built-in Blu-ray drive, extensive cloud capabilities, and the ability to pipe in live TV direct from cable providers and the Internet. In all, the new device is looking more like a premium home theater component than a gaming machine. So is the Xbox One the new must-have console or will its do-it-all personality have hardcore gamers flocking to the PS4?

Microsoft Wants Control of Your Living Room

First the good news. Previous rumors that the next-gen Xbox would require an always-on Internet connection and would stomp out the used games market were pretty much debunked at Tuesday's unveiling in Redmond. While it's true that the Xbox One will greatly benefit from an always-on connection (since many of the device's new features are cloud-based), playing games and watching Blu-ray movies don't necessarily require an Internet connection. Likewise, the rumor stating that gamers would not be able to trade-in and resell games was also squashed: Microsoft said there would be a market for trading in and playing used games, though the complete details of reselling used games weren't completely revealed. ( Continue… )

Shoppers push their carts at the Costco store in Nashua, N.H. Costco and other wholesalers have methods to encourage spending, Crowe says, including merchandise placement and customized deals. (Charles Krupa/AP/File)

Good value, or no? Seven ways wholesale clubs make you spend more.

By Aaron Crowe, Contributor / 05.25.13

Unless I leave my wallet at home, I can never make a trip to Costco without spending $100. It's simply not possible. I may go there with a shopping list and be determined to stick to it, but every time I leave with more goods than I expected to buy.

What pull does Costco have over my wallet and how do wholesale warehouse clubs get shoppers to spend more than they've planned to? We uncovered a few factors that make up the allure of wholesale pricing — make yourself aware of them, and maybe you'll avoid buying more than you need.

Alluring Low Prices Add Up

People shop in bulk to save money, but low prices aren't the only way wholesale or warehouse stores entice shoppers to spend. Costco makes most of its money from annual membership fees, which help it maintain its low prices. Those low prices in turn make customers feel like they're getting a good deal upon just walking in the door; but lots of low prices add up and customers end up buying just a little bit more than they immediately need, says psychotherapist Judy Belmont. "It's unbelievable how low some of those prices are," Belmont says. "So people do end up spending a lot more."

Shop at Your Own Pace

It probably hasn't occurred to many shoppers that there's no music playing in the background at many wholesale clubs. "They want you in that store forever," behavioral and marketing psychologist Elliott Jaffa says. There's no fast music to make you shop faster or slow music to encourage you to meander through the store." It's as if time becomes suspended in the endless aisles. ( Continue… )

Greg Buster, left, of Franklin County, helps his son Robert Buster, move his belongings into a moving van. (Don Petersen/AP/File)

Six ways to save on moving day

By Angela Colley, Contributor / 05.19.13

May is National Moving Month! But despite the inherent excitement in setting up shop in a new, more suitable living space, 40% of Americans would rather go to the dentist than move, while 34% would rather do their own taxes.

It's no surprise we hate moving so much. It's not only a hassle but can be an extremely expensive endeavor: of people who paid professional movers more than their original quote, 57% paid as much as an additional $175 to $1,000. And on top of that, nearly 71% of people tip their movers, according to an Apartment Guide survey, which only adds to the total expense.

While we can't help you alleviate the burden of uprooting your possessions and starting anew somewhere else, there are some ways to lessen the financial strain of hiring movers. From ideal scheduling to scoring free materials, here are some ways to cut your moving costs.

Save 20% by Moving in the Off-Season at Off-Times

The actual date in which you move plays a big factor in how much you'll pay. "A move on the last day of June will likely be 15% to 20% higher than a move on the last day of March," explains a representative from Unpakt. This holds true for any moves throughout the summer until early September. The price trend then shifts back to the lower price points in October through early May. ( Continue… )

An Amazon.com package is prepared for shipment by a United Parcel Service driver in Palo Alto, Calif. Amazon had a revenue gap in 2012, and it may well be consumers who foot the bill. (Paul Sakuma/AP/File)

Will Amazon raise its prices?

By Angela Colley, Contributor / 05.18.13

In its fourth quarter earnings report, Amazon reported a net sales increase of 27%, raising its sales revenue to $61.09 billion. The retail giant's operational costs also went down by 22% to $676 million, but Amazon ended its year in the red with a net loss of $39 million, compared to its net income of $631 million in 2011.

The company's lack of profits in 2012 are mostly a result of Amazon's hefty investments and overall thin profit margins. And while no expert blames customers for not buying enough, it very well may be Amazon shoppers who will pay the price to make up for that revenue gap.

Consumers Could Be Paying for Amazon's Lack of Profits

These costly investments include developing 20 new fulfillment centers (making for a total of 89) and hiring 50,000 temporary workers during the holidays. Additionally, the Kindle and Amazon's video service are not very lucrative for the retail giant. According to Forbes, Amazon has been subsidizing the cost of the Kindle Fire in "order to gain a foothold in the market for tablets." Amazon also invested more in its video services last year: the company added 19 million pieces of digital media in 2011, all at no small price tag. ( Continue… )

An Ann Taylor storefront in Mount Lebanon, Pa. To say 'Happy Mother's Day' with a last-minute gift, Ann Taylor is offering a 40 percent online discount that can also be applied in-store, with the coupon code LOVEMOM. (Gene J. Puskar/AP/File)

Happy Mother's Day: five last-minute ideas

By Lindsay Sakraida, Contributor / 05.12.13

We're sure all of our readers love and appreciate their moms, but we'd also bet that a good number of you still haven't bought her anything yet for Mother's Day — which is now just four days away. While that sort of procrastination can often times lead to overpaying ("I don't care what it costs, I just need something!"), there are still plenty of deals to be had for last-minute stragglers.

So instead of hastily buying the first overpriced trinket you see, or comically assembling something "homemade" when you haven't so much as held a glue stick since grade school, take a look at these Mother's Day deals that are still available.

Go Fresh with Flowers

It's true that you're probably not going to find the best deals on flowers the week before Mother's Day, but there are at least a few promotions floating around that can save you a couple bucks or get you a little something extra for your money. Plus, flowers are an extremely easy last minute option. Currently you can snag a ProFlowers bouquet with chocolates and a vase for $39.99 (a low by $20, May 12 delivery adds $14.99), while 1-800-Flowers takes up to 40% off select items and an extra 25% off via coupon code "VME8" (when you checkout with V.me by Visa). You can purchase a credit for a florist, like this $40 FTD credit for $20, but keep in mind that they frequently won't stack with other promotions that the site is running, especially coupon codes. ( Continue… )

Fireworks go off around Cinderella's castle during the grand opening ceremony for Walt Disney World's new Fantasyland in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. last year. There are competitive deals to be had for a family vacation to the Happiest Place on Earth, including a round-trip flight on United Airlines for as little as $159.80 and a three-night stay at the Nickelodeon resort in Orlando for $309. (Scott Audette/Reuters/File)

It's family vacation time. Best deals to Florida, California, and more.

By Summar Ghias, Contributor / 05.11.13

The arrival of summer evokes fond memories of ice cream trucks, long days at the pool, and of course, cross-country summer trips with the family. This year, why not make new memories with a cheap family vacation package to Florida, the Carolinas, Colorado, or California. The whole brood – including your usually indifferent teenager – will thank you one day.

The Best Cheap Family Vacations Start in Florida

The land of Disney-dreams-come-true is a precious childhood memory, so why not take your kids to Florida to enjoy the magic? Grab yourself a roundtrip flight on United Airlines for as little as $159.80 (from $160, a low by $22; expires May 31), then get pumped and ready to be slimed! A 3-night stay at the Nickelodeon Resort in Orlando (from $309, a low by $86; expires May 31) not only guarantees cameos from your kids' favorite friends including SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, but also boasts Nickolodeon-themed KidSuites, two wet and wild water parks, and of course, complimentary shuttle service to theme parks.

If you'd rather not risk sensory overload, kick back at the Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa for a 3-night stay in Orlando instead (from $195, a low by $73; expires May 10). Less than two miles from Universal Studios and SeaWorld, and just five miles from Walt Disney World, the resort offers just the right amount of serene relaxation after a theme park-filled day, not to mention spacious studios and villas, seven outdoor heated pools, hot tubs, and a fully equipped spa.

Been there, done that? If a trip to Disney World is no longer on your vacation bucket list, why not take the tots to a whole new part of Florida worth exploring: Cape Canaveral. Nicknamed Florida's "Space Coast," the area is both home to the Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach's 72-mile expanse of sandy shoreline.

 Settle in with a stay at the nearby Radisson Resort at the Port (from $70 per night, a low by $17; expires May 16); it's the closest hotel to the space station and the nearby cruise terminal, so aspiring kid astronauts can view rockets launch into orbit from right outside their windows. With an outdoor waterfall pool, a poolside Tiki bar, and access to nearby Cocoa Beach, you have the option to unwind or continue to play after a day of space exploration. For the perfect nightcap, parents can also head to Flamingo's Lounge Bar for live jazz and Caribbean music.

Beach Family Vacations and Foliage in the Carolinas

For a more nature-focused summer vacation, head to North Carolina and experience America's most visited national park. With forests straddling the entire border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you'll be able to take in plenty of plant and animal life, stunning scenery, and remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Enjoy all that the Smoky Mountains has to offer with a 2-night stay for two adults and two children with breakfast at the Waynesville Inn (from $129, a low by $49; expires May 17). The inn offers mountain views from 115 guest rooms, 27-holes of championship golf, and food and drink at a lively tavern. Hike through winding trails to take in the breathtaking views, visit Mingo Falls (one of the largest falls in the Southern Appalachian), or scratch your adventure itch by rafting along the Nantahala River.

Had your fill of foliage? It might be time to wander to the other Carolina for an all-American beach-inspired vacation. Unpack your swim trunks and get acquainted with the family-friendly premises at the San Dunes Resort Hotel in Myrtle Beach (from $79, a low by $19; expires May 12). The hotel's got a whole range of freebies including free accommodations for kids, an on-site water park, a free catamaran sightseeing cruise, complimentary golf, and admission to Ocean Drive Pavilion Amusement Park, not to mention firework displays at the biggest public oceanfront pool bar on the Grand Strand: Ocean Annie's Beach Bar. No wonder Myrtle Beach is sometimes called the vacation capital of the nation.

Want to skip the seashore all together? Whether you and Ma want to recreate the Hey Dude dreams of your early teenage years, or would rather just let the kids roam free and create their own ranch sitcom, book your family a 3-night stay for two adults and one child at the all-inclusive Majestic Dude Ranch in Colorado (from $1,647, a low by $1,428; expires May 18). The full-on immersion into dude ranch life includes being paired with a horse and mountain bike for the duration of your stay. You'll then enjoy guided excursions through 200 acres of adjacent open land. What's more, all activities — which entails kayaking, mountain climbing, archery, and fly-fishing — are included. With local rodeos and 600 Pueblo cliff dwellings in nearby Mesa Verde, you'll also access unique Colorado experiences firsthand.

Go West for Cheap Family Vacation Ideas in California

The great state of California offers all of the vacation elements of the destinations we've mentioned already, so why not go all out and head west? First, enjoy the SoCal sun, laid-back beach towns, and surfing culture by calling the Wyndham Garden San Diego (from $61, a low by $17; expires May 11) your home base for a few days. Located just two miles from Sea World in Mission Bay, the hotel provides centrally located accommodations with free WiFi and parking. Don't pass up spending a day exploring Balboa Park, roaming the historic Gaslamp Quarter, touring the San Diego Zoo, or viewing rare birds just outside of town at the Torrey Pines State Reserve.

 Much like its east coast counterpart, Disneyland is a kid mecca. Stay near by in Fullerton at the Howard Johnson Inn (from $52 per night, a low by $20; expires May 13) and you'll be just ten minutes away from the park. What's more, the hotel offers complimentary shuttles to and from the park and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet. The best part of staying in Fullerton? Los Angeles is just 25 miles away. Be sure to check out the Walk of Fame, the Griffith Observatory, and the Getty Museum.

With these deals to family-friendly locales across the nation, your summer vacation plans are in the bag. But, if you've got different ideas for a getaway, 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.}

Summar Ghias is a contributor to Dealnews.com, where this article first appeared. 

A florist sorts roses in a flower shop in Vienna. On occasion of the Saint Valentine's Day. 1-800 Flowers is offering a 40 percent off coupon for Mother's Day flowers. (Herwig Prammer/Reuters/File)

Mother's Day is coming. Five great gift ideas.

By Martin Schneider, Contributor / 05.05.13

Today's roundup is dedicated to Mother’s Day presents, both the traditional and the techy. From jewelry to jeweled iPhone cases, we've got a little something sparkly for every mom. And for everything else, do check out the other extra special Mother’s Day deals we've stockpiled.

Or, if you want to go all out this year, be sure to enter our Mother's Day Sweepstakes. One lucky reader will walk away with a $200 gift card from Perfumania Red Envelope

$40 Credit

Store: Amazon Local

Price: $20
Expires: May 7. Is It Worth It?: Red Envelope is an incredible resource for thoughtful and beautiful gifts. Specializing in tasteful and useful items including throw pillows, pendants, bracelets, slippers, measuring cups, and so on, Red Envelope just may be the perfect source for this year's charming Mother's Day gift. Plus, this Editors' Choice $40 credit for $20 is the best offer we've seen for Red Envelope in more than a year. What's more, the voucher can be applied to cover taxes, and shipping and handling, and gift-wrapping, and is valid from today until June 30.

Two Row 8mm AAA White Freshwater Pearl Necklace
Store: WinPearl
Price: $14.99 via coupon code "dealnews25" with free shipping
Lowest By: $8 Expires: May 7. Is It Worth It?: Neckties are classic Father's Day gifts; pearl necklaces are the Mother's Day equivalent! Give your mom a stunning double-stranded pearl necklace for the reasonable price of $15. This 15-inch white pearl necklace is stately and elegant. But if such a classic, white pearl necklace doesn't suit her style, consider the 8mm AA+ Black Freshwater Pearl Necklace for $10.19 via coupon code "dealnews40" with free shipping (a low by $38; expires May 10). This 17-inch necklace features a white gold-plated clasp and is professionally hand knotted between each pearl. ( Continue… )