I’ve recently discovered Redbox at McDonald’s. Let me tell you, I am in love with the idea. I have always been the type of person that hates renting movies because I walk into Blockbuster or Hollywood Video, peruse the aisles for 30 minutes, and still have a hard time picking a movie I am interested in. With Redbox or Moviecube, I can view the selection online, take my time picking it out, run up to the machine, grab a movie, and come home. They will sometimes give out codes for free movies (normally on Mondays) and sometimes if you buy something McDonalds is promoting, you’ll get a free Redbox code as well. The code BREAKROOM is the code they give out for a free first time rental, and you can use this again if you have another credit card to use it with. Keep in mind Redbox will authorize your card for $1, so that amount will be on hold, and if you are using your debit card, it may get you in trouble.

Movies have become so expensive these days that I don’t go to the movies unless it’s a special occasion or there is a movie I am dying to see. When I go, I make sure to use my National City Everyday Rewards Credit card to get the 2% cash back. It’s also inevitable that once you walk into the movie theater, you’re going to want a soda or some popcorn to enjoy during your movie. When you rent with Redbox or Moviecube, you can make your own popcorn at home or buy snacks and take them home to enjoy. It’s a great situation.

If you haven’t rented from a Redbox or Moviecube, I encourage you to do so! Now that you’ve got your free code, there’s no excuse!

Posted under Save Your Money

This morning I logged in to check my 401k performance, and I braced myself for the worst.  I knew that I had lost money, but I wasn’t exactly sure of how much.  Right now my portfolio is down 22.9%.  Needless to say I am a little bummed.  I am looking at this as a learning experience.  I am still young, but going forward I am going to make sure that I have money for retirement set aside not only in my 401k, but also in a CD or money market account as well.   

Currently I contribute 6% of my pay to my 401k automatically each month because my employer matches $1.15 per dollar I put in, up to 6%.  It would be crazy if I didn’t do it, because that is free money.  The reason I have so much company stock is because when they match, they put it all into company stock.  Right now I wish I didn’t have that much company stock.  The reason I chose to put so much into the Franklin Templeton Foreign Equity is because it was doing so well historically.  It is currently performing second to worst. 

 As soon as things get better with the stock market, I plan on selling some of my company stock.  Hopefully I won’t lose a lot of money but who knows what the future brings.  I’ll update next month on the current performance then.  Hopefully I’ll be out of the red!

Posted under 401k, Economy, Investments, Money, Retirement

I have tried all of these offers and they are good links at this time. I am excited about the free Dove deodorant!

Dove Deodorant Sample

Tide with Dawn

Ob silk Ease Tampons

Maybelline Mineral Power Foundation

Dove Cream Oil Body lotions

Posted under Freebies