Articles By:

Lynnette Walczak

Always on the lookout for a good bargain, I consider myself a frugal person -- but not cheap. And not afraid to spend money on the things that matter. I like to share good deals with others when I find them. One of my favorite ways to save money is to reuse items in ways other than their intended purpose -- so I write a lot about outside-the-box ideas that most people wouldn't think of! When I'm not saving money or looking for good deals, you'll find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).

Special Delivery: Personalized Message Beans

I happen to think that these personalized Message Beans are the coolest thing since personalized roses! Yep, roses embossed with your very own message.

Free 411: Get FREE Directory Assistance On Your Phone

We've used Free 411 several times and can highly recommend it. We'll never pay for directory assistance again! All you have to do is dial 1-800-FREE-411 from any phone!

Shopping At Thrift Stores: Secrets To Finding Cheap Stuff

Thrift store shopping has practically replaced outlet mall shopping. Here are pros and cons to find the best deals, the next time you go to a thrift shop!

Kids: Get A FREE Lemonade Stand!

See how to get a free kids lemonade stand... plus where to buy lemonade stands for kids who want to earn a little extra money.

How To Find The Cheapest Gas Prices Near You

Find the absolute cheapest gas prices in your own neighborhood. Just enter your zip code and see the highest to lowest gas prices where you live... or where you're traveling.

Black Friday Sale Ads Leaked To The Public

Check out the incredible prices at Black Friday 2005 after-Thanksgiving sales at major retail stores including: Ace Hardware, Bass Pro Shops, Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, Costco, EB Games, Express, JCPenney, KMart, Kohl's, Linens & Things, Meijer, Office Max, Radio Shack, Sam's Club, Sears, Staples, Target, Toys R Us, Walgreens, WalMart, and many more!

Is Every Store Markdown REALLY A Good Deal? (No.)

Call me crazy, but whenever I'm shopping, I'd rather feel like I'm getting a bargain. NOT like I'm being suckered by some marketing ploy. Stores like Kohl's don't have to play tricks with their prices to get us into their stores. Here's the scoop...

Identity Theft Hits Close To Home…

I am personally involved in a case right now where my credit card info and personal data were stolen and now my information resides in the hands of 'bad people'. Yes, it's scary.

Tag You’re It … It’s Like One Big National Treasure Hunt!

Fun stuff you can use, and then pass on to others. Here are some great not-for-profit, just-for-fun projects that you can get involved with, no matter WHERE you live.

Pass On Your Old Books… In A FUN Way!

Here's a fun new way to pass your books onto fellow readers...

Mystery Shopping 101: Is It A Scam? (Tips From Someone Who’s Done It!)

Have you ever thought about being a Mystery Shopper? You've seen the ads... You may have even come across the Mystery Shopping websites during a search for 'Work At Home'. Is it a scam? Can you really make money doing this? You can... but here's what you need to know!

I Got A Whole New Wardrobe… From Goodwill!

The clothing items at the Goodwill Store are typically marked between $3 and $6 each... Well, on my most recent trip there, they were having a '50% Off Everything' sale. So, you can just imagine the LOAD of clothes -- and purses, and winter coats -- I was able to get for about $70!

Gift Certificates or No Gift Certificates?

What's your take on Gift Certificates? Personally, I think there's no better gift than a Gift Certificate... here's why.

Online Shopping Sites To Find Great Bargains On Last-Minute Gifts

Online shopping is on the rise, as more and more people are realizing how secure it is, how fast the order arrives on your doorstep, and how great the deals are. If you're in need of a last-minute gift or two, check out the following websites that currently feature some of the best prices, the best quality products, and the best deals around!