Saving Money during the Holiday Season

Fabulous frugal tips for surviving the holiday season

Photo by Charlene Marie

The holidays are right around the corner and you’ve found the perfect gift for that special someone. One problem; the perfect gift is out of your budget. “If I only didn’t buy that caramel, expensive-chino and chive-wondrous bagel the other day,” you mutter. Instead of worrying about past expenses, Mechanics Discount uncovered a few things you can do to stay within your economic means this holiday season.

Shopping

You can shop till you drop with these penny pinching suggestions:

· Use coupons

· Take advantage of Buy One, Get One (BOGO) deals

· Drop into the nearest dollar store

· Stop at a garage sale

· Check out a thrift store

· Browse Craig’s List

· Seek out weekly sales flyers

· Swap an item with a buddy

· Download the ShopSavvy app on a smart phone and scan barcodes for lower prices while out shopping

· Buy generic or store-brand products

Dining

Dine on a dime with these tips:

· Go out for lunch instead of dinner

· Eat at home more often

· Bring a bagged lunch to work or school

· Make your coffee at home

· Don’t let leftovers go to waste

· Check for restaurant specials or coupons online

· Grow or hunt your own food

Driving

Dive into savings this way:

· Carpool

· Plan routes ahead, so there’s no backtracking

· Keep up on your engine maintenance, oil changes, etc.

· Find the cheapest gas prices in your area at gasbuddy.com

· Maintain proper tire air pressure

· Fix small car problems yourself

In General

Generally speaking try to:

· Shut off lights, TVs and electronics that aren’t in use

· Use energy efficient products

· Fix or patch up leaky faucets or sinks

· Reuse items

· Turn down the heat or air-conditioning when gone

· Plug up or seal drafty windows or doors

· Make your own home repairs, if possible

· Change out old light bulbs to money-saving OttLite bulbs

Hope these tips help and if you have any other thrifty tips, let us know!

Happy savings!

~ Charlene Marie

Welcome Mechanics, Hobbyists and Car Enthusiasts!

Since we got so busy writing about the holidays, we never properly introduced ourselves.

Hello and welcome to the Mechanics Discount blog site! We are your source for automotive tools, equipment and supplies! We like cars looking and working their best and we offer all the tools to do it!

If you are searching for just the right caliper, engine stand, ramps or ratchet, we’ve got you covered. These items are only just a fraction of our inventory! Check out our categories below and you might just be surprised at what you find!

·         Abrasives

·         Air Conditioning Tools

·         Displays

·         Electronics and Diagnostics

·         Electronic and Cordless Tools

·         General Merchandise

·         Hand Tools

·         Knives and Collectibles

·         Lighting

·         Lifting and Hydraulics

·         Measurement Tools

·         Motorcycle

·         Paint and Body Supplies

·         Portable Battery Charge Test

·         Shop Safety and Apparel

·         Shop Tools and Equipment

·         Tool Storage

·         Welding

For even more great items, visit us at www.mechanicsdiscount.com.

Upon browsing through the Mechanics Discount site the other day, I even found the perfect gift for my son, who also loves cars!

Mustang GT Wired Mouse 

If there are too many items to choose from, just type what you need into our site’s handy search box!

We will also be having some great sales coming up for the holidays. Starting December 1, we will be launching “The 12 days of Christmas” campaign featuring a different product daily!

Keep an eye open for more interesting blogs, fun tweets and become our friend on Facebook, to stay in the know!

Speaking of knowing, we love to know what you think too! Feel free to leave any comments, suggestions or questions for us any time!

We want to welcome you once again and thank you for taking the time to find out more about us!

Until next time, keep that car, truck or motorcycle running smooth!

~Charlene Marie

Protecting your Assets During Cyber Monday and Beyond

It’s never too late to protect yourself while battle for the bargains is on.

If it’s deals you’re seeking to kick off the holiday season, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the days to shop; however, along with the great bargains, comes a not-so-super twist. On days where major sales are to be expected, random acts of violence can occur. In order to protect yourself and your wallet while the bargains are at their best, keep reading for a few beneficial tips.

During an early Black Friday event on November 24, 2011, the following incident occurred: at a Walmart in Porter Ranch, Calif., one woman allegedly pepper-sprayed bystanders, in order to gain a better access to the electronic section. On November 25, 2011, a family was confronted for their belongings in the parking lot of a Walmart in San Leandro, Calif., and one family member is in critical condition after being shot.

Why bring these sullen incidents to light? The goal is to increase safety and awareness while shopping. So the next time you decide to go on a bargain hunting spree, here are a few things to keep in mind:

· Park in a well-lit, non-isolated area

· Keep all shopping bags or valuables such as GPS devices out of view or in your trunk

· Don’t wear flashy jewelry or expensive clothing while shopping in sketchy locations

· Try not to shop in sketchy locations

· Avoid caring an abundance of cash or credit cards

· Beware of suspicious-looking or shady-acting individuals

· Steer clear of loiterers

· While making purchases, hide your credit card digits as much as possible. People can snap photos and use your information. 

· Shop with a friend

· Ask a security guard or store clerk to escort you to your vehicle

According to a news blog on the fbi.gov, today, US federal agents seized control of 150 websites due to selling counterfeit items.

Now that these sites selling fabricated items have been discovered, should an online shopper still be concerned? Personally, I would be. Here are a few tips to keep stay safe while shopping online:

· Look for a VeriSign logo when considering a purchase

· Become pals with PayPal. Making purchases with a PayPal account enables users to shop without entering their credit card information on a website.

· Verify questionable sites or companies at bbb.org

· Look for “https” at the beginning of a web address. The “s” stands for secure.

· Check for online customer reviews about a company

· Use a pre-paid credit card for purchases

· Do not give checking or credit card information when asked via email. These emails are considered phishing scams.

· Look for misspellings or shoddy-looking websites

· Keep an eye open for the word “replica”

· Make sure your web browser is up-to-date and online security is enabled

In any situation, it’s better to be safe than sorry and in this day and age, one can never be too careful. While keeping these precautionary measures in mind, try to enjoy your holiday shopping experience.

Do you have any other safe-shopping tips? If so, let us know!

~Charlene Marie

Tips for a Less Stressful Holiday Season

The holidays are almost here; how is your stress level?

Just when you thought you have everything figured out, you realized that you forgot the gravy for your holiday feast. After spending three exhausting hours at the grocery store last night, you were certain you had everything for tomorrow’s big day; yet, gravy is on your mind as you speed toward the airport to pick up your in-laws. “Arrrgh,” you yell, as you feel your blood pressure start to rise. When are you going to have time to get an important aspect of your meal when it’s almost 9 p.m. and the stores are about to close?

Here at Mechanics Discount, we have gathered a few tips to keep your stress levels at a minimum. After trying our suggestions below, hopefully you’ll feel stress start to melt away!

· Do what Santa does: make a list and check it twice!

I don’t know about you, but I probably would be at the store every night if I didn’t make one! Don’t like wasting paper? Download a note application on your cell phone. I downloaded the ColorNote app on mine and it works like a charm!

· Take time out for yourself

Although it’s the season to do a lot for others, just think about how much more you’ll enjoy your company or holiday events when you are relaxed. Take some time to do something that you take pleasure in. Enjoyment is typically a great remedy for stress.

· Buy yourself extra time with a pre-made holiday dinner.

This suggestion my sound unappealing, but it works out really well and no one will know but you! Many grocery stores have this option in their deli department. You can get a turkey, ham stuffing, vegetable casseroles, cranberry sauce and much more in these packaged bundles. You can mix and match the options and all you have to do is heat them up when you get home. I’ve taken this route many years and have gotten plenty of compliments on a great meal! Just don’t forget to order your meal-bundle ahead of time!

· Exercise

You hear this suggestion time and time again; however it’s healthy and is great advice. Even if you do sit-ups or push-ups while watching TV, it can help eliminate stress. Try kickboxing or take a jog with a friend. Playing a get-up-and-move game on the Wii or Xbox also counts! Exercise releases endorphins which causes the body to relax.

· Spend some time with furry friends

Did you know that pets relieve stress? They do! In fact, in Japan, people even rent pets! Pets can help improve your mood, provide unconditional love, encourage exercise and according to known studies, have shown to reduce blood pressure. Even on the worst of days, who can’t resist looking into the eyes of a puppy or kitten and smile?

· Don’t hold it in

Let out your stress by talking, writing or even tweeting about it! Even the littlest ways of letting your woes out in a verbal or written form can help stress.

Here’s another great tip: always be prepared on the road. Weather you break down or need to tighten a few bolts on a rattling car, having an emergency tool kit is essential.  Having one can save you time and money, which ultimately reduces stress! Below is another great device which can help when you are in a unappealing predicament:

Here is a 900 Peak Amp Ultra-Portable jump starter from Mechanics Discount.

 

Hope our advice helps and all the best to you and your family for happy and stress-free holidays!

Have any other tips for reducing stress? Let us know!

~Charlene Marie

Holiday Gift Guide 2011

The holidays are creeping up fast. Are you prepared?

Last year, did you find yourself frantically searching for the perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday list? Did you try your hardest not to get things that would not be re-gifted or set aside in a closet to collect dust, but still felt uncertain about your shopping-choice outcome?  No need to worry, since this year, we took the liberty of finding some fun and useful gift choices that just about anyone can enjoy! So kick back, relax and let us help you discover that hard-to-find present by checking out our gift selections below!

·         Bring photos, memos and pens into the light, literally. Check out the Pic and Memo lamp and help your recipient stay well-organized from The Lite Source!

Pic and Memo Lamp

·         Have someone on your list that likes eyewear? Get them a designer pair of TAG Heuer sunglasses from Sunglasses Avant Garde! Purchase a pair under the TAG Heuer Speedway category and get another pair 50% off!

TAG Heuer Speedway 0231 402

·         Do you know a car enthusiast? Get them a light-up Camaro, Corvette, Mustang GT, Charger or Viper mouse from Mechanics Discount! Some models even come in a police version! 

 Mustang GT Wired Mouse

·         Have a hunter in the family? Get them a DAC Cleaning Kit complete with a collectable wooden box from Survivalist Outfitters!

DAC Cleaning Kit

·         Here’s a must-have for coffee lovers! Check out the Nespresso Essenza C100 Black with Aeroccino Bundle from Espresso Kitchen.

Nespresso Essenza C100

·         Want to be non-traditional? Surprise someone with the gift of décor! Purchase any rug from Décor the Floor and have it shipped for free! These rugs are gorgeous!

Adana Circles Brown Runner

Have any other gift ideas? We’d love to hear them!

Stay tuned; there will be more ideas in the next few weeks to come!

Until then, happy shopping!

~Charlene Marie