Frugal Quack

The Amazon Kindle gets another price discount this year, plus a new look.

Today it was announced that the Kindle has a new crisper display, longer battery life, streamlined profile making it lighter and thinner, plus it now only costs $139. That’s a lot of change in such a short amount of time, but we like it, we like it.

I can only assume that the Nook and Kobo will soon have similar price reductions coming soon, heck we might see an ebook reader hit the $99 price mark before Christmas. Wouldn’t doubt it one bit.

If you like to read, the Kindle is a sure bet because it facilitates the following:

• ability to store hundreds of titles
• portability
• fast access to just about any book ever published
• text to speech
• free ebooks
• 2 day free shipping from Amazon
• lighter profile at 8.5 ounces
• longer battery life (3 weeks vs 10 days)
• WIFI built in
• Native PDF support

Final verdict? Because of this new low price point, we now officially hail the Kindle a frugal gadget.

via Amazon

Tags: 139, amazon, black, graphite, new kindle, wifi kindle

A fellow blogger friend of mine is part of the Yakezie Challenge, and since having learned what it is, I wanted to be a part of it.

Essentially the Yakezie Challenge is a small network of bloggers who either have a personal finance site or a frugal blog and the goal is to meet others who are like-minded, but also to improve our web-based Alexa ranking. A fantastic idea cooked up by fellow frugal blogger, the Financial Samurai.

I mean, what better way to get the word out on a new blog, than to join a niche network? Not too mention, the oasis of content and friends and that should flow from joining. I’m super excited to be a part of it all.

To learn more and or to join in, visit the Yakezie Challenge page.

Tags: yakezie challenge

It doesn’t happen that often, that’s why the Sams’ Club Open House is a big deal and worthy of a mention on Frugal Quack.

On Friday, August 6th through Sunday, August 8th an open house will be held for all members and guests. Essentially what this means, is that if you’re not a member yet, this is a great time to sample the savings and discounts Sam’s Club offers without the $10 service fee they normally charge.

Have kids? This may be a great time to see what back-to-school deals they have on electronics and or basic supplies. To scope out what they have, be sure to visit before Sunday, August 8th.

Tags: back to school deals and discounts, sams club open house

Are you a big fan of the Chicago Tribune paper? If so, don’t miss the special promotion going on now for a one year subscription.

Over at daily deal site Groupon, the Chicago edition has the promo which ends today at midnite, tomorrow they’ll have a totally different deal for the Chicago area. To avail of the special one day only deal, go to Groupon and sign up. It’s that simple.

Want more? We’ll be sure to keep an eye out for more awesome daily deals like this one, and share them with you.

Tags: chicago tribune, deal, discount, Groupon, one day only, one year subcription, promo

It’s Friday night and you and your significant other would like to drown out the past week with a brew or two. But since you’re a dedicated frugal quack you want to know HOW best to save on beer.

Let’s take a look, and after the jump feel free to chime in below with your own tips and ideas.

1. Look for Deals – just like you do for toothpaste and paper towels, look for deals on beer as well. Many manufacturers offer discounts on their website, many local grocers offer savings weekly on certain brands or to introduce new flavor varieties. Take advantage of these deals and stock up.

2. Use A Coupon – hey, if you clip for cereal why not clip for beer, too? Look in the Sunday paper, online in manufacturer sites and or on coupon sites like CouponCabin. These are not super easy to come by, but they are offered once in a blue moon. (ha! no pun intended)

3. Borrow some – maybe you have a buddy who is a professional drinker. If so, spend a good amount of time there and mooch as much as possible but do offer to bring some cheese and nuts. It’s the least you can do. Ok, this tip is more tongue than cheek, but you get the idea, right.

4. Go to bars that offer BOGO – do ask around to find out which local bars and breweries offer Buy One, Get One specials. Many do, especially on certain theme nights such as Corona night or ladies night. This is a great way to save.

5. Don’t Buy Any – let’s face it, the best way to save on beer is to not buy any at all. Boo Hoo! For those who can’t (or won’t) do without their favorite barley elixir use the tips above to keep more Benjamins in your wallet.

Tags: frugal fun, frugal living, how to save on beer