ALWAYS USE AN ONLINE COUPON WHEN U CAN

www.retailmenot.com is a great site to search coupon codes by category or website. Especially during such a high promotional time period, you want to be able to comparison shop for the best price.  To find more coupon codes, google the name of the retailer and the words "coupon code." It takes 2 extra minutes to find free shipping or 10% off.  It's worth your time and can save you a lot of money.  

REPLACE YOUR BATHROOM CAULKING

It's easy to replace the caulking in your kitchen and bathroom.  You don't need to buy a caulk gun. Buy a tube in the caulk isle at Home Depot called Kitchen and Bathroom Silicone Caulking.  It's inexpensive and can be easily applied. 

Scrape out the old caulk with your finger, a knife from your dining set, or a spackling knife. Wipe over the area with a paper towel to remove the little pieces of caulking you couldn't peel out with your fingers.  Tape both sides of the area and apply the caulk.  Smooth it down with your fingers.  

It's very easy.  It gives your bathroom and kitchen a face lift that makes a big difference.  

OBSESS OVER YOUR CREDIT SCORE: WATCH and INSURE

If you don't obsess over anything, it's time to start obsessing over your credit score.  No one tells you this until you find out the hard way.  Your credit score can cost you opportunities and money if you don't protect it.  

STEP 1:  ALWAYS WATCH

Subscribe to a monthly program like Credit Secure from American Express.  This program is my favorite because it has the best value.  The price is around $11 a month and they notify you when you have a new score and report.  This way you can check your score and read tips on how to improve it over time.  Shoot for a score of 750.  

Another advantage to watching your score is that you will be able to see if you forgot to pay something, neglected to close an account, have incorrect personal information, or if someone has opened a cell phone account under your name. 

STEP 2:  INSURE

Sign up for protection like Lifelock.  It's approximately $100 a year and they insure you in case you become a victim of credit fraud.  If you have never had credit fraud, you don't know how terrible it can be.  If you have had fraud, you know that trying to contact Experian, TransUnion and Equifax is almost impossible and the process of filing a police report is enough to put you in a straight jacket.  

HOW TO BUY A NEW APPLIANCE AND AVOID HOT POTATO

Ask a lot of rhetorical questions when buying an appliance.  Never assume anything.  For example, who will fix it if it doesn't work after the installation within the warranty time period?  Ask every obvious question you can think of because once the thing is in your house, you are powerless.  You become victim to the hot potato game of manufacturer, sales man, and the installation team.  

I just bought a Bosch dishwasher because I was attracted to the product's quiet washing cycle.  I went to a showroom in Brooklyn to look at the unit.  The showroom referred 3 salesman that could sell me the unit.  I selected the salesman with the best price.  The salesman referred me to a company that could install the unit.  I paid $1000 for the dishwasher and scheduled delivery and removal of my old unit. The dishwasher doesn't work.  There is water on my floor and everyone involved is playing the hot potato game: Bosch, EBA, Buckley's Installation, Bosch's 3rd party service man, and the showroom.  It's must be the other guys fault.   

MY LESSON: The less people involved, the more likely you are to have someone accountable.  (I think that applies to many other things too) 

ALSO: Pay with a credit card because when you feel screwed, you can stop payment.  

PUT A CARD IN YOUR WALLET

It takes about 2 minutes, and it's worth your time doing it.  List all hotel groups, rental car companies, and airline account numbers on a 2x3 card.  Put this card in your wallet in the front. You will see it in your wallet, and it will remind you to give the hotel your rewards number when you are checking in.  

Try to consolidate your points and miles into a few accounts so that you are able to use the miles/points over time.  

Don't use miles for a flight under $400.  You can fly to Japan for 50,000 points and you can fly to Chicago for 25,000.  A flight to Japan costs $2000 and a flight to Chicago costs $200.