Red Box - $1 movie rentals

Are you still paying $5 or more for a movie rental? I've been a loyal Red Box fan for a couple years now, but I broke down and went to Blockbuster a couple weeks ago. It cost me $5.30 to rent ONE movie! I could rent 5 movies from Red Box for the price of one from Blockbuster! Now, that's a big potential savings. Haven't heard of Red Box? Well, they are basically a vending machine for DVD movie rentals. You'll find them outside drug stores and grocery stores typically. It's really easy, you simply search for the DVD you want on the screen, insert your credit card, and for just $1 it will give you DVD rental for one night. This is a great and cheap family or date night idea.

Finance Friday - Dave Ramsey for kids!

In case you live under a rock, Dave Ramsey is a great financial advice guru who preaches some pretty sound financial advice. But what I want to focus on today is his resources for you kids! It's really never too early to start teaching your kids about money, and Dave Ramsey makes it fun and easy through numerous resources. Check out his kid's area online at Junior's Clubhouse. From online games to books, he has resources for all ages to make learning about money fun and useful!

Sharpie Liquid Pencil - cool pen or cool pencil?

In case you didn't know, I work in the world of office products, so I see some of the cool new office products as they're about to come out. The Sharpie Liquid Pencil is one of those products. It's a pencil that uses liquid graphite, so it's "smooth like a pen; erases like a pencil." And you'll never have to worry about breaking a lead again. I haven't been able to get my hands on one to try it, but my sources tell me it's pretty cool! It should be available everywhere you buy office products in September.  Be on the look out for it!

Coverplay - Pack-n-play Slipcovers

As any parent knows, despite their small size babies require large amounts of stuff and traveling can be quite cumbersome & difficult. But thanks to Coverplay your next trip can be a little easier. Coverplay has created a slipcover that fits most pack-n-plays enabling you to leave behind one of the bulkiest item on your checklist. In addition to protecting your baby from germs, Coverplay is also a wonderful decorative accessory. Different colors & stylish patterns allow you to update an older pack-n-play and match it to your current tastes. What a fun way to protect your little one!

2-1-1 - need help or want to help?

Did you know you can dial 2-1-1 from almost any phone in the U.S. and be put in touch with a trained referral specialist who can help you locate programs and services if you're in need? Whether you're down on your luck and need help with groceries, you're a single mother needing childcare, or you're in need of job training to get back on your feet, 2-1-1 will help you get in touch with the relevant agencies. Additionally, if you want to volunteer, but don't know what agency to call or how to help, call 2-1-1. They can refer you to the agency that best fits where you're looking to volunteer. 2-1-1 is a service through the United Way, and it is a great service. Next time you need or help or want to help, give them a call.

Restaurant Grades - know your food

Wondering if you should try that Chinese restaurant in town? Or maybe you want to know if your favorite restaurant is practicing proper health standards? Well you could drive on over and go check out there health inspection report hanging on the wall (if you can find it, and if you don't mind people looking at you funny). Or you can look online. Our good ole' local governments have begun posting the health inspection reports online for all to see. For those in Georgia, they've just been put up by the Department of Public Health HERE. And for those outside of Georgia, check out this LINK (scroll down). And if it's not listed there, then do Google search for "restaurant health grades "my state."" We all want to eat safe; so check these out before you put their food in your mouth. Happy eating!

Finance Friday - the virtual family bank

How would you like to teach your kids a little more about spending wisely, saving patiently, giving thoughtfully, and setting/achieving goals? Well, dang, what parent wouldn't! Lucky for you, FamZoo created a pretty cool Virtual Family Bank that can do all that and more. So, if you need a little help managing the allowance vs. chores relationship, want to track your kids' personal savings goals, or just want to create some family time and teachable moments around money with your kids, then you need to check them out. They have a two-month free trial period, so there's no risk...other than your kids may actually learn some life lessons that will change their lives!

Here's their video that gives you a little more detail.

SendaBall - for every occasion

If you're looking for a cool gift idea that's a bit different, look no further. SendaBall will mail a fully-inflated 10" vinyl bouncy ball with your special message inscribed on it. And nope, there is no packaging; it is mailed "as is," so it's a site to see when it comes in the mail. My son actually received one a few months back from his aunt and uncle, and he loves playing with it! So, next time you need to cheer someone up with a fun gift mail them a ball and put a smile on their face when it comes in their mail.

There's a Monkey in My Chair - help sick kids

Are you looking for a great way to help others and teach your children about the benefits of giving? Consider sponsoring a Monkey! Medical issues aside, one of the hardest things for sick children is feeling disconnected from friends, family, & the outside world. That's where There's a Monkey in My Chair comes in. A large stuffed Monkey quickly becomes a best friend and important link to normalcy. The Monkey will go to school in the sick child's place and in its backpack it can transport notes, cards, pictures, gifts, etc between the child and classmates, providing that essential bond with peers. Brighten a sick child's world with a gift of hope and love!

Plastic Jungle - sell / buy discounted gift cards

Still have that gift card laying around from Christmas that you'll probably never use? Or maybe you just want the flexibility to use the money from that gift card anywhere, not just the company on the card? At Plastic Jungle, the folks understand the difficulties of gift cards, so they created a site where you can buy (at a discount!), sell (for cold hard cash!), exchange, or even donate gift cards!! Transactions are guaranteed, and the site is very easy to use. With money as tight as ever, don't let those gift cards go to waste, sell them at Plastic Jungle. Or do just the opposite and save money by buying gift cards to places you already go at discounts of up to 30%!

FIKI Sports - tabletop games like never before

Remember the days of folding a sheet of paper into a triangle and flicking it through your buddy's outstretched fingers to score a field goal? I sure do, and that's why FIKI Sports caught my attention! FIKI - Flick It & Kick It - has taken table top games to a new level, with genunine leather game pieces and a replica playing surface. They have tabletop games for football, hockey, basketball, golf, baseball, and soccer. These games are great for adults and kids alike, especially when they are only about $9-10.

Finance Friday - compare car insurance costs

Thinking of buying that new car you been saving up for? Well, before you do, check out Insure.com's cool new interactive tool that will compares the average insurance rates for over 2,400 vehicles. That great deal you're looking at may actually cost you more than you think, and that slightly higher priced vehicle may really be the way to go. Insure.com obviously wants you to buy insurance through them as well, but you can use the interactive tool without obligation. Always search around before you buy!

meetup - get involved with people nearby

Whether you're new to your area or you just want some more local social interaction, meetup is the way to make it happen. This site allows you to organize or join a local "meetup group" of people who meet face-to-face on a regular basis. It could be moms looking for playdate friends, ladies looking to discuss their latest romance book, or dog-lovers wanting to meet others who spoil their dogs. As they say, "life is short," so get out there and "do something, learn something, share something, change something!"

The Bargain Watcher - find consignment sales

Tired of hearing about a great kid's consignment sale AFTER the fact? Or maybe you have a bunch of stuff you want to sell, and you're looking for the next consignment sale near you? Through the "labor of love" of a mom who loves consignment sales came The Bargain Watcher. While the site is mostly limited to the Metro Atlanta area, they are slowly expanding their reach to list consignment sales across the U.S. This weekend alone it lists about 15 consignment sales in Metro Atlanta, so get out there and start buying and consigning!

Kiva - loans that change lives

What kind of lessons could you and your family learn by getting involved with Kiva? How about money management, investing, cultural differences, the value of charity...and many many more? Kiva connects people through microloans in order to alleviate poverty. They empower people just like you to lend to an entrepreneur in a developing country anywhere across the globe. This is a great way for you as a single person/family to make a huge impact! Lending amounts are typically $25, so it's easy to get started!

greatschools - make informed school choices

Are you planning a move sometime soon and want to know which school district to be in? Are you confident you are in a good school district for your children? If you're looking for a great resource to make an informed choice about what elementary, middle or high school to send you child to, then check out greatschools. This site is packed chock full of informative information, so you can make an educated choice about your child's education. Either click the link or type in your zip code in the greatschools widget in the sidebar.  As they put it, "Involved parents. Successful kids."

Kudzu - check these reviews before you call

Kudzu has been around for a while, and I'm sure you've heard of them, but sometimes it's nice to get a little refresher. Whether you're looking for a contractor to do some work around your house or a good lawyer to help write your will, Kudzu has the customer reviews you need to make an informed decision about who to call. They even have some great advice pages to help you narrow down your search. So, when you need some trusted recommendations, be sure to check out their site.

Stinky Cakes - the perfect gift for a 2nd baby

When your second child comes along, you rarely need a whole lot of the typical "baby stuff." Often, what you really need is LOTS OF DIAPERS. Yet, nobody wants to buy you diapers as a gift - until now! Stinky Cakes has now made it cool to give diapers by layering them with other fun gifts to look like a cake. This is truly a creative twist on a practical gift. Next time you go to a baby shower, think about giving them a practical, yet completely unique, Stinky Cake.

OpenTable - easy online restaurant reservations

Many of you have probably heard of OpenTable, but here's a little refresher because they are a really great resource for online restaurant reservations. My wife and I used it for the first time last weekend, and it was great. On their site, you can read reviews about local restaurants, make reservations at the one you like, and even earn reward points toward future meals! So, if you and your spouse need a nice meal out, check out OpenTable, and enjoy the no wait restaurant experience.

TeachStreet - learn something new today!

Would you like to learn something new today? Maybe take a dance class with your spouse? Learn to play guitar? Or find a private lesson teacher for your daughter? Then you need to check out TeachStreet! They have a great website where you can find local teachers and classes in your area for everything from Electrical Engineering to Piano! Or maybe you have a skill to teach? Then list yourself on the site and teach others what you love; and even make a few dollars while you're at it.