Thrifty Chef Contest: Post Your Recipe Here!

What's better than cooking cheap and nutritious meals? Getting rewarded for it! From now until Monday, March 29 you will have the opportunity to post your favorite recipe (only one entry per person, please!) Starting on Tuesday (March 30) individuals will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite recipe. Voting will end on Monday, April 5. The entrant that receives the most votes for his or her recipe will receive a $25 gift card to be used at Olive Garden, Red Lobster, or Texas Longhorn.

What are you waiting for? Post your scrumptious recipe here today!

The Best Birthday Freebies

Birthday goodies from restaurants abound, even in a tough economy, and they're not just for kids. There's plenty of free food for adults and kids on their special days, though, like senior discounts at restaurants, you may have to ask for them wherever you go.
We're not saying you should pretend it's your birthday to take advantage of these deals, but if it really is your birthday, here are some ways to celebrate for free or on the cheap.

Denny's: Kids enrolled in the Denny's Birthday Club will receive a birthday card entitling them to a free kids meal and sundae at a participating Denny's restaurant as long as they're with an adult paying for a regular-priced adult entrée.
Age limit: Kids 10 years and under accompanied by an adult.

Red Robin: Red Robin patrons who join the restaurant chain's eClub get a free gift for signing up as well as a free birthday burger (in addition to regular e-mail newsletters). When you register, you'll have to fill out a survey asking what you order most often at the restaurant, when you go there, who you tend to go with and how often you go.
Age limit: None

Firehouse Subs: By adding yourself to the Firehouse Subs mailing list and selecting your favorite sandwich on the restaurant's menu, you can get a certificate for a free sub during your birth month.Firehousesubs.com
Age limit: None

Baskin Robbins: Baskin Robbins entitles members to a free 2.5-ounce scoop of ice cream and discount on a birthday cake.You'll have to create an account at baskinrobbins.com, but you can opt out of e-mail newsletters and other offers unrelated to your free birthday ice cream and cake deal.
Age limit: None

Bob Evans: Birthday boys and girls can get a free Bob Evans kids meal when a parent signs up for the restaurant chain's birthday club online. Menu options include mini cheeseburgers, a grilled cheese sandwich, Kraft (Stock Quote: KFT) Mac & Cheese, chicken strips and spaghetti with meat sauce.
Age limit: Kids under 12 only.

Do you know of other b-day freebies in town? Post them here!

Taken from: http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/108990/the-best-birthday-freebies

7 Ways to Live Well on Less

Just because the economy looks bleak doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself. With a little creativity, you can live a rich life without being rich — try ideas:

1. Plan a swap meet. Organize a group of friends with similar styles; everyone brings rarely or unworn clothing and walks away with some new (to them) styles.

2. Put the web to work for you. Before shelling out full price, check eBay, where a slightly used or even brand new version may be available for a fraction of the price. You can even request that the site email you when the item you're looking for becomes available. If you can't wait, do a search to see if any coupon sites have codes for free shipping or discounts.

3. Learn the art of the haggle. "No matter where or when you're shopping, or for what, the day of the fixed price is over," says Fred Brock, author of Live Well on Less Than You Think. "If you don't ask, 'Is that the best you can do?' you're doing yourself a disservice, especially with big-ticket items, including home appliances and furniture."

4. Butter up your favorite brands. Companies love hearing from loyal customers and will often send them coupons or free samples, reports Brock. Pen an enthusiastic letter or e-mail to the customer service department of your favorite conditioner, snack food, or cleaning product; it could save you cash while you continue to enjoy name-brand products.

5. Take a chance on a student. Contact hairdressing or massage schools in your area to connect with stylists and bodyworkers in training. Students are required to practice on real-life clients, usually with supervision, before receiving professional certification, and services will cost you a fraction of the usual price. Find a reputable beauty school near you at beautyschoolsdirectory.com.

6. Use the card (not the credit card). Did you know that you can get CDs, DVDs, and even video games for the price of a library card (i.e., zilch)?

7. Make talk cheap. Astronomical cell phone bills? Enter billshrink.com, a Website that analyzes one of your monthly statements for free and recommends the best packages for you, taking into account who you call the most and when, the features you use, and which company offers the best coverage in your area.

Can you think of another way to live well on less? Post your ideas!

Taken from Redbook(http://shine.yahoo.com/event/financiallyfit/7-ways-to-live-well-on-less-977040/)

Lasting Change Program Launch!

It's finally here! The Lasting Change financial literacy program begins this Thursday, March 4 at the William Wells Brown Community Center (547 East Sixth Street). Dinner will be served from 6:30-7:15 p.m. and the 'class' will last from 7:15-8:30 p.m. Participants will receive $5 for every class they attend, and can earn additional monies (up to $75!) by opening a checking/savings account. Every participant will be paired with an 'asset mentor' who will help and encourage them throughout the program. The last class will be held on April 8.