Old Navy 50% Coupon Today

This may be the strangest promotion I've seen lately, but I'm willing to work with it.  Old Navy is doing a Thanksgiving weekend promotion called Gobblepalooza, with its very own website and a variety of sales and discounts next Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  There is also some sort of tie-in with the Rock Band video game.

Anyway, the Gobblepalooza website offers you the opportunity to create your own imaginary band.  If you go to the website today, make a band (it is only one step, not difficult) and print the band logo (still not hard, but two steps (for me), you can take the band logo to an Old Navy store and get 50% off a single item.  If you are planning to do some Old Navy shopping anyway, this is a great way to save some money on your purchase. 

Christmas is Coming: Do You Know Where Your Money Is?

If you celebrate Christmas, you know that December is an expensive month.  A few years ago, I decided that we needed a separate budget for December.  I was amazed at how much money we spend.  Here is a list of the items that I include in our budget:

(I've put them in a loose chronological order)

1. Cards and postage:  Military people tend to send lots of cards.  Gets expensive fast!


2. House decorations.


3. Gingerbread house party, a family tradition.


4. Nutcracker ballet, also a family tradition.  Cheap tickets can be found if you look early and are flexible.
   


5. Christmas party at our house - food and drink.  We've skipped this the last few years and I miss it, but I don't really feel like having a big party when my husband isn't here.
6. Teacher gifts.


7. Tree, and decorations if we need anything new.  I guess this could be free if you had an artificial tree and never needed anything new for your tree.


8. Gifts!  Plus wrapping.


9. Babysitters for other Christmas parties, and possibly for shopping if the kiddos are little.


10. Special meals, like Christmas eve dinner, Christmas breakfast, and Christmas dinner.  That stuff really adds up fast!


11. Travel, including gas, food, possibly hotels, airfare, and pet sitting costs.

In some ways, my family has been doing it the most expensive way possible:  we stay home through Christmas day, hosting all the big events so that my kids can have Christmas at home, then we hit the road the day after Christmas.  That tradition has been a little altered these last few, busy years, and it costs a lot less to not have all the stuff at your house.  But I love having people come to my house!

If you are a super-organized person, you've been putting aside a little money each month to pay for all this Christmas madness.  For the rest of us, there is still time.  Make a list of your expenses, then figure out how you can shave a little bit of money off of each category.  This might be the right time to cash in your change jar, trade in your credit card rewards points, or offer to work a few extra hours (if you get overtime!)   The most important part is making sure that you don't charge it all and figure it out in January - that is not a fun feeling!

I was inspired to write this post after reading How To Set Your Christmas Budget by Craig at Christian PF.  This article only deals with presents, and that's why I shared my overall list.  Happy budgeting makes for happy holidays!

Appreciation Days at Old Navy

Old Navy is once again honoring the military by offering a 30% discount (in stores only) from November 12th to 15th.  The ad is pretty simple and states "Be sure to bring your valid U.S. Military ID to show us when you check out," and also, "Offer valid for all eligible active, retired, and reserve US military personnel and family members.  Offer valid at Old Navy stores in the US only.  Not valid at oldnavy.com."  I guess we'll find out if it is off all prices or if it is only on regularly priced merchandise.  I'm going to my local Old Navy today to check out some possible holiday shopping, and I'll let you know what I find out.

Military Spouse Residency Relief Act

Good news on the homefront!  The Military Spouse Residency Relief Act was passed by Congress last week and is awaiting the President's signature.

Here is the body of the press release:

Washington, DC –Tuesday, November 3, 2009. A comprehensive military family legislation, the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (S 475 and HR 1182), which will legally recognize military spouses by providing them the option to claim the same state of domicile as their active duty spouse, passed through the House and Senate with strong bipartisan support, and is now being brought before the President to become a law.

The bill was introduced by Congressman John Carter (R-TX), who represents Fort Hood, the largest military installation in the country. “This is fantastic news for our service families worldwide,” says Carter, who has been pushing the legislation for the last three years.

Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced the companion bill into the Senate, which passed unanimously in August. The legislation will amend the Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act (SCRA) of 1940 allowing military spouses to share a home state with their spouse, the service member.

Currently, military spouses experience impediments in voting and property ownership as well as deterrents in employment and education. The bill offers fair treatment of the military spouse and improves the quality of life for military families by allowing the stability of a single state of domicile to call home.

Over 8,000 military spouses, friends and family members united to support the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Military-Spouses-Residency-Relief-Act/51457362877 They shared their individual stories as they contacted Congressional representatives to ask for support. Initially, Army Spouse, Rebecca Poynter and Navy Spouse, Joanna Williamson, approached Congressman Carter with their request to petition. “It has been a grass roots effort by thousands of spouses across the country, who have campaigned to get this passed, by telling their stories,” explains Poynter.

“The support from Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and the Veterans Service Organizations who testified in our support is greatly appreciated,” said Williamson, “and together we claim this victory for all military families.”

This is exciting news for military spouses and will undoubtedly save us all time and possibly even money.

More info on how the MSRRA impacts your income taxes.

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Used Auto Parts Can Save

Let me start by saying that I'm sure that there are lots of issues around used auto parts.  I don't claim to know much of anything about them.  However, the other day, the window in my car made a funny noise as it went down, and then it wouldn't go back up.  I took it to my favorite shop and unfortunately discovered that my favorite mechanic was GONE!  Ack.  However, I left the car there anyway and figured that I'd use this as an opportunity to discover if I liked these new people.

The verdict?  A blown motor, to the tune of like $450 with labor.  Given that I'm only nursing this car along until we PCS in June, that makes me very cranky.  On a whim, I called a (relatively) nearby auto part recycling/junkyard place to see how much that part would cost if I purchased it used.  $125.  And they could install it for $75.  Hmmm, a $250 savings.  It would take me an hour to get there, plus I'd have to sit and wait, plus an hour back, but I thought that was worth it.

I called the shop and told them that I was going to come pick up the car.  I said that I could get the part at Brandywine and then just get it installed there.  The shop staff countered that I could have the part mailed, then they would install it.  They even offered to discount my labor.  Sounded good to me.  I was ordering the part when the shop called back again, and said that they'd magically found a new part at about the same price as the used part I was ordering.  Outstanding!

Granted, their labor is a little more expensive than the junkyard's labor, but it is saving me at least three hours of driving (with the window stuck down) and sitting.  I will be saving at least $150 off the originally quoted price.

If you need a non-essential part on a car, it seems that used parts would be worth the look, especially if the car is older and you don't anticipate having it for a very long time.  Just looking for the used part could pay off by making your auto repair shop get creative.

Using Tools Makes Couponing Easy

I used to be an avid coupon clipper, and spend a ridiculous amount of time shopping at different grocery stores, matching up sales with double or triple coupons so that I rarely spent much on food.  It was great for our budget, but it wasn't great for our lives.

As our family's schedule has evolved, I've been couponing less and spending more.  It isn't a great situation, but it works.  Then, yesterday, I saw a grocery store advertisement offering triple coupons up to 99 cents this week.  My inner coupon queen started getting a little antsy and I decided that I'd take a little time, sift through the exploding drawer of coupons, and see if I could make any good deals.

On a hunch, I googled "Shoppers Food Triple coupon" and after a few false leads, came upon a site called Redemption Unlimited.  It lists all sorts of deals and coupon savings, including a huge list of coupons that can be used with the Shoppers triple coupon deal.  They list the date of the coupon flyer that the coupons were published in, which works out great for me since I've been doing nothing but shoving the flyers in the drawer for months now.  A few minutes of organizing the coupons, then going down the list, locating the coupons, and I was out the door.  It was way faster than any other way I've ever done it before!

I had such a successful trip at Super Fresh that I then did the same thing for Walgreens.  I happened to remember that a site called The Thrifty Mama listed the best of the Walgreens ads each week, so I went over to that site to check it out.  I was able to match up a few coupons with sales and register rewards and make a great deal.

If you like to coupon but want to extend your savings, or you are just learning about couponing, or you need to shave time off your couponing, you will definitely want to use the internet tools available.  I'm amazed at what I found, and how much time I saved.

Veteran's Day Offers

A few national Veterans' Day promotions will be coming up in the next few weeks.  So you can plan ahead, here is the list so far:

Every year, Golden Corral does an offer for Veteran's Day that includes a free meal for all military members or veterans.  The 9th Annual Military Appreciation Monday is being held on Monday, November 16th, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and includes a free meal for all veterans, retirees, active duty military members, and members of the National Guard or Reserves.  In addition, individual stores are supporting various veterans' groups through raffles and other fundraising efforts.

Applebee's Restaurant is offering a free meal, from a limited menu, for vets on November 11th.  Their webpage lists the required documentation:  a military ID, an LES, a membership card from a Veterans' organization, a photograph of you in uniform, actually wearing a uniform, a copy of your DD214, or a copy of a citation or commendation.  It's nice that they list those so clearly.  It appears that they are offering the free meal all day.

McCormick & Schmick Restaurants are also offering free meals to veterans, on Sunday, November 8th.  Most locations are participating and you can find the list here.  There is a special menu being offered, reservations are suggested, and parties are limited to 6 people.  I've never actually been to a McCormick & Schmick, mostly because I am cheap, but this might be a nice way to try them without spending the full amount of dinner.

Update 11/7:  Pizzaria Uno is offering a free entree or individual pizza, with purchase of the same, to all veterans and active duty military members.

While not a national chain, Masala Wok, of Northern Virginia and various Texas locations, is also reported to be offering free meals to vets on Veterans' Day.  I'd call the individual location first but if you are nearby anyway, it might be a good way to try a new place.

With all these deals, you could really splurge and eat out a lot during Veteran's Day week, without spending quite as much as you usually would.

Don't Overlook the Base Thrift Shop

I stopped by a nearby base thrift shop yesterday in search of a particular item for a Halloween costume.  I've shopped at this thrift shop before, and found a few good items, but I had forgotten what an amazing bargain the base thrift shops can be.

Before I get started, I should probably mention that most base thrift shops are open to all ranks, and many allow civilians to shop there as well.  Be sure to check with your particular store, but don't be shy.  I've heard people say that they can't shop at the thrift shop because they are beyond a particular paygrade.  In 99% of the cases, that isn't true.

On to my shopping story!  In addition to the Halloween costume parts I needed, I was able to get through most of the women's pants and skirts before closing time arrived.  I found several nice items, in great brands, and was delighted to discover that they were only $1 each.  Now I won't be wearing the same pair of pants all winter!  I've shopped at thrift shops on five or six bases over the years, and they've always been wonderful.  A few years back, I got nearly my entire summer wardrobe for about $20 at one sale.  Better yet, I redonated the same items back to the shop when my size changed (again!)  It was almost like renting the clothes.

Most base thrift shops are operated by the services' relief society or by the base spouses' club, and proceeds benefit military families.  In addition to clothing, they often sell uniform items, household goods, and children's clothes and toys (Whoohoo!).  I still have a hard time convincing my husband that it is OK to buy uniforms from the thrift shop, but for seldom-worn (and expensive) items, he can be persuaded.  I just can't justify spending a bunch of money on a particular dressy uniform item that he may never need again, or that won't fit right when it is next needed.

Your base thrift shop is a great place to give and shop.  If you haven't been before, I suggest you find out their hours (usually limited) and check it out next time you are in the area.  I think you will be very pleasantly surprised.

Veteran's Days Discounts at Cabela's

Veteran's Day weekend, Cabela's outdoor store is offering their employee discount to all veterans, active duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel on Nov. 11 and 12.  Dubbed a "Hometown Heroes" event, eligible shoppers will need to check in at a table at the store to receive a coupon for the discount.

All the information I've received about this promotion has been second hand and it seems that the website doesn't offer any information.  I've heard that the discount varies from 5% to 50%, depending on item, and that it excludes guns, boats, trailers and safes.

I'm sorry that I don't have a link or more precise details.  I've been told call your local Cabela's store for more information.  If this accurate, and I've read it multiple places, this could be a great deal for the outdoor enthusiast.

Innovative Ink Savings

While researching another subject, I can across innovative software that can help you to save money on printer ink and toner.  HalfTheInk.com is the website that advertises PretonSave, software that saves ink by altering your printing instructions to use less ink without degrading the quality of your printing.  The software is easy to install and ready to use immediately, with any printer brand, and can be used on inkjet, laser or photo printers.  Once you've installed the software, and adjusted the settings if desired, all you have to do is press print as usual and the software will automatically change the print directions.  Not only will you save ink (and money) but you will also be reducing the amount of stuff that needs to be recycled.  Plus, fewer trips to buy more ink!

You can download a free 30 day trial from the website, and if you like it, there are various purchase options.  It isn't a cheap program so you will have to consider how much ink you are currently using before deciding if this is a good choice for you.  I would imagine that if you have a home business, or are a student, or print a lot of photos, this would be a smart investment.

I'm going to try the free trial and I'll let you know how it works out.  Please share your experiences if you have used this program before, or if you try it now.

10 Signs You Need Help

How do you know if you could benefit from professional financial help?  Here are 10 signs that things might be headed out of control:

1. You are late paying your bills each month.
2. You use credit for things you used to pay for with cash.  (groceries, utilities)
3. You fight with family members about money.
4. You make debt payments with rent money.
5. Creditors are calling or writing.
6. You use payday loans.
7. You aren't saving.
8. You are the subject of repossession, eviction, or legal action.
9. You are counting on a tax refund to solve your money problems.
10. You transfer balances from one card to another without making any positive progress.

If any of these sound familiar, then you would certainly benefit from some professional advice.  Fortunately, the military offers a variety of great ways to get help.  MilitaryOneSource offers confidential counseling services both in person and via the telephone.  Each branch of the service offers a personal financial management program (Army:  ACS Financial Readiness Program, other services:  Personal Financial Management Program) that can be accessed directly through your command or through your family support center.  If you've checked yes to any of these items, make a plan to reach out and get some help to make a positive change.

Avoiding the Impulse Buy

This is a huge issue for me:  I go into the store to buy a particular item, and I come out with a bunch of other stuff that I justified as necessary.  That is why I recommend this article:  Overcome Impulse Buying   Not rocket science, but a good reminder and I loved the Wikipedia definition and the links to other articles.

Post-Deployment Spending Sprees

If you've been in the military a few years, you've probably seen it (or even done it):  The homecoming spending spree.  There are two variations on this theme:  a spouse who is preparing for a service members return makes a lot of purchases in anticipation of the return, or a service member who comes home and immediately makes several purchases, sometimes large ones.

With proper budgeting and planning, this might be useful or even necessary.  Without forethought, however, it can surely be a bad thing.

This week has been an excellent example for me.  My husband is coming home on R&R soon  and I've been on a little mini-spending spree in anticipation.  Most of it is things that needed to be done eventually, including numerous small repairs to his car, but altogether the total expense is a little more than I expected.  Add in a huge commissary trip, a stop at the local liquor store, and a few updates to my own wardrobe and now I've spent a substantial amount of money.  I'm only feeling a little bit guilty - the car repairs had been put off a long time and it seems a sensible time to do them.

If I were doing this really well, I'd have set aside the money in a separate account to pay for these expenses.  I didn't but I'm pretty sure that I'll be able to absorb them into my regular budget without too much trouble.  Of course, I haven't gone out an done anything drastic.  We once had a friend who purchased her husband a new car before he came home.  They're a sensible couple, and I imagine that there had been discussions of getting a new car, but the thought still made me very nervous.  That's a lot of money for a surprise!

I've also seen returning military members go on post-deployment sprees.  Again, I think that is fine if it has been planned and fits in the family's overall budget.  A new game system might be a great reward for months of hard work, as long as it isn't causing a financial shortage in other areas.

What experiences do you have with post-deployment spending?  Has it worked well or not?  What kinds of things have you bought?  I'd love to know.

Membershop Rewards from USAA

I was talking to the USAA rep at SpouseBUZZ Live today, and she mentioned their new online shopping rewards program.  I hadn't heard about it so I took the little card, came home and looked it up.  I'll admit that I'm not exactly sure that I understand all the details, but basically if you are shopping online, and you shop through the USAA Membershop website, you'll earn rewards at a higher rate than you could get if you shop without going through the Membershop website. 

For example, say you are going to buy your child a new winter coat at Lands' End.  If you go through the Membershop website and pay with a non-USAA card, you'll earn a 2% rebate.  If you use a USAA card, you'll earn a 4% rebate.  That's not too shabby!I have used other rewards programs, usually Ebates and MyPoints.  For purposes of comparison, Ebates currently offers 3% back on Lands' End purchases.  MyPoints does not have an affiliate program with Lands' End. 

To compare another site, I checked out Drugstore.com.  Using the USAA card, the rebate is 8%.  Using a non-USAA card through the Membershop site, the rebate is 5%.  The Ebates rebate is 6%.  MyPoints gives you 300 points per purchase, which is worth roughly $2.  For a third comparison, I looked at Ebay.  The USAA Membershop program doesn't work with Ebay, Ebates is 2%, and MyPoints is 2% (with a double bonus in September, making it 4%) in points.  MyPoints accrue to gift card value at around $2 worth of value for every 300 points.

This seems like a nice program to add to your rebate site collection.  If you're not interested in searching around to find the best rate for each individual purchase, I would certainly consider going through the USAA site for online purchases.  If you are using a USAA branded card, it seems to have the best rebate rates available.  Rebates can accrue quickly, especially if you are living overseas or do a lot of online shopping for any other reason.

Now, if anyone has a good way to remember to so my shopping through the rebate website, I would love to hear.  I often forget to go through one of those sites when I do my purchasing and I know that I'm missing out on a lot of rewards because of it. If you have tricks for solving that problem, please let me know!

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Calculating the Energy Efficiency Tax Credit

I've been planning on replacing some of our windows before the end of the tax year, because they are 45 years old and also because of the tax credit for energy efficiency.  This tax credit provides a 30% tax credit, up to $1500, for the replacement of windows, doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC systems, hot water heaters, and biomass heaters.  I did the math and figured that the tax credit maxes out $5000 worth of windows.  (I'm smart, huh?)

We replaced a few windows before and so I knew approximately how much it was going to cost.  I figured out which windows are most important (we have a ton of windows in this house) so that I would spend just over $5000.  The tax credit is good for the 2010 tax year, too, and by saving a chunk of the windows for next year, we'll maximize the tax benefit and we'll have time to save more money to pay for the improvements.

I called Rudy, my window guy, and asked him to come by so we could organize the project.  He mentioned the tax benefit and then said that I would need to spend around $7200 to maximize the tax benefit.  Huh?  That doesn't sound right.  It turns out, the credit is only available on the materials, not the shipping or the installation.I hoped for a minute that Rudy was wrong so I looked it up.  He was right (after all, he is the window guy.)  The credit is good on the price of the windows only.  And around $5000 worth of product ends up with a total bill of about $7200 if you are having them installed by someone else.  When Rudy did the actual calculations, he provided me with the portion of the bill that was tax deductible along with some information that will be required to prove that they are eligible windows.

(And yes, I know that I could install them myself and save a bundle.  Honestly, though, there are days I can't even get a shower.  I want these windows in before the cold comes.  This year.)

If you've been thinking of making improvements, be sure that you understand how the tax credit is calculated.  For more information, you can look at the Energy Star website.  There are other credits available for other types of energy efficient improvements and more details can be found at the same website.

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Caught by Making It Complicated

I can't believe it.  Several years ago, I closed my one department store credit card because I wanted to simplify my life.  Unfortunately, this store constantly offers outstanding deals to its credit card customers and I'm regularly being encouraged to reopen my account, usually by the "get a percentage off if you use your card" type offers.  It is also the only department store in my community and it is a convenient location with good selection and competitive prices.

About a month and a half ago, I was in this store buying some shoes for my daughter.  The cashier mentioned that I could save 30% by using my store charge card.  Well, I caved and reactivated my account.  I was glad to save the money and swore to myself that I would be sure to pay the whole thing off in a few days, using their handy online payment feature.

Well, as it turns out, one of the items I purchased needed to be returned.  I didn't want to pay the balance without figuring out the amount of the return, so I amended my plan and decided that I would take the return into the store, bring my checkbook with me, and pay off the balance once the return had been processed.  Simple, right?

You probably know that life can be busy.  Weeks passed and I hadn't made the return or the payment.  I got a handy email a couple of weeks ago, reminding me that I had a balance and it was due on September 21st.  I made a mental note to get over there and make that return.  I even put a note on my calendar so that I wouldn't forget that the 21st was the last day to pay the bill. As I have scrambled around in a busier-than-usual time, I didn't make it over to the store.  No problem - I'll just pay the balance in full and then have a credit.  Last night, I remembered and went online to pay my bill.  Oops!  The reminder hadn't said the 21st...it had said the 17th.  Now I've got a late payment and a late payment fee.  More than the amount that I saved by using the card in the first place.

I know that I am totally responsible for keeping up with my bills.  That's the reason I closed the account in the first place.  I should have stuck to my original, smart plan and kept the account closed.  There is a huge value in simplifying your finances and this is yet another example of why complicated just doesn't work.

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Financial Fails

For some reason, this post just cracks me up.  Carrie at Carrie...on the Cheap writes about Personal Financial Fails That Drive Me Crazy. 

There are several aspects to this post.  First, she is absolutely right about these being dumb things to do.  Second, she is also right that they are common situations, and situations that most of us have been guilty of at one time or another in our lives.  Third, it seems that people who makes these mistakes can't see that they are mistakes.

Another thing thing that I thought was that I've managed to eliminate all these fails from my life, and while my financial life is definitely better for it, I haven't suddenly become uber-rich or stopped needing to count my pennies.  What I think, however, is that this list definitely points people in the right direction and it is part of creating a general mindset of making smart money decisions.  Small steps like these join together to make a larger change over time.

Anyway, I liked it.

Three Ways To Avoid Library Fees

I've written about the many benefits of using public libraries, but there is certainly a negative aspect:  late fees.  My family regularly pays late fees to the library and though I can justify them as a contribution, I do try to eliminate the fines as much as possible.The best way for me to avoid late fees involves several parts:

• First, designate a single location for library books to live.  We use a drawer in the dining room but you also might use a particular bookshelf, a tote bag, or a pile on your bedside table.  Keeping library books centrally located makes it easier to find them for returning. If you have kids, train them to return their books to that place. (Easier said than done, I know!)


• Second, sign up for electronic and/or telephone reminders.  Most library systems offer automatic phone calls or emails a few days before your books are due.


• Third, use your library's internet services to renew books before the due date.  Most libraries allow you to renew two or three times, allowing you a few days to make it to the library.

Using these three things together has dramatically decreased the fines we pay.  I try to make a habit of renewing our books as soon as I see the reminder email from the library.  If I fail to do it the first day, I still have another day to remember!

Putting together a plan to avoid fines is an important part of using the library to save money.  If you are paying $20 in fines on borrowed books isn't very cost-effective!

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"I Just Need..."

How many times have you said those words, followed by something that could, possibly, be categorized as more stuff.  I know I have.  Today, I came across a nice article by mnmlist.com:  Buying is not the solution.  It is short but a good reminder that more stuff isn't the solution to problems.  More stuff isn't going to make me smarter, more organized, a better parent, or prettier...it is just going to fill my house and empty my wallet.

Portrait Pictures Shouldn't Be Pricey

Now that the school year is underway, we've been spending money on all sorts of extras:  instruments, field trips, and yesterday my kids gave me the forms for school pictures.  What a racket!  Every year, I look over the price list and think that this is insane.  The packages are very expensive and they often include an odd selection of sizes.  In addition, they charge extra for things such as a colored background, and you don't get to see the pictures before you buy them.  And we're not talking beautiful, professional pictures here - they're school grade pictures!

For example, the first package listed on the order form includes appoximately five "pages" of photographs.  On a "custom" background (which is anything other than gray), this package cost $54.00.  That's a lot of money for 27 pictures, 9 of which are a miniscule 1 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches, and 12 are 2X3.  I don't know about other families, but I find that the teeniest pictures are often wasted on us.  Basically, you are getting six pictures of any decent size (1 8X10, 3 5X7s and 2 3X5s).  That's not much for $54.

I recognize that many of us get so busy with life that it is hard to get the kids out to have their pictures taken regularly.  That is one of the benefits of the school picture program:  it is at school.  No spending your Saturday sitting around a portrait studio.  Even so, I think the cheapness of a local chain studio makes it worth the effort to get your child over there. We often use the JC Penney portrait studios, just because they've worked well for us in the past.  I know that many other stores also offer portrait services, including Sears, Kmart, Walmart and Target.  If you are not going in the Christmas card season, you can often get in without an appointment, and they offer a variety of backgrounds, low or no sitting fees, packages or per-sheet charges, and they are cheap.  Of course, the regular price isn't usually that good, but with a little effort you can easily find discount coupons. 

Just yesterday, I decided to take the kids to get their pictures taken.  I used to keep a file folder of photo coupons gathered from various sources, but yesterday I just hopped online and found a JC Penney coupon for $3.99 sheets with no sitting fee and a free 8X10 , or a $7.99 portrait package that has roughly the same number of photographs as the one offered at school for $54.00.  That's a substantial savings! We went over to the studio, without an appointment, and were told that they could fit us in in about a half hour.  We did some errands and returned.  The photographer took about twenty minutes taking about 10 shots of my daughter, then we got to choose whether we got the package (one pose) or ordered individual sheets.  Of course, it was hard to chose between the poses so we ordered a few different ones.  We ordered eight sheets with a total of 20 pictures, and were able to choose more of the larger pictures and just a few of the smaller ones.  With the free one, we paid for 7 sheets at $3.99 each, and after tax the total bill was just under thirty dollars.  Whoohoo.  We got the pictures we wanted, with the backgrounds we wanted, in the sizes we wanted, and saved about $25.  That was definitely worth the extra effort!

One key, that can be inconvenient, is that they usually won't allow a family to use more than one coupon per day.  Therefore, to get the best prices, you need to bring the kids on different days.  This can  be a negative in the logistical sense, but I find it is partially offset by the fact that my kids are a lot more cooperative and pleasant if I'm only trying to get one person photographed at a time.  This works even better if you can manage it so that one parent takes just that one child - the pictures get taken and they get a little special time as well.

Other coupons that are currently being offered include:

Sears:  $2.99 photo sheets with a $14.99 sitting fee (free for their Super Saver club members)

Target:  Free 8X10 and $3.99 sheets with no sitting fees

Walmart:  30 photo package for $7.99, no sitting fees for first subject

Kmart:  $7.99 for the first 8 sheets, $1.99 each thereafter

There are nearly always specials available...be sure to check before you go.