I do my own income taxes, which includes W2 income from a regular job, and business income from some of my frugal endeavors (mystery shopping, focus groups, etc.)
I had just about figured the return out when I leafed through the front “What’s New” part and discovered that I was entitled to one of the new tax credits! Make sure you check out the “what’s new” part of the tax directions if you’re a do-it-yourselfer!
In January I wrote about the Disney program for free admission to a Disney Park in exchange for volunteering someplace in Boston. I went to the theater at the assigned time, signed in, did my ushering (and saw a great play!) then went home. A week later I received an email with a link to get my voucher. I logged in and printed my voucher. This was a very easy process (possibly too easy, it has apparently ended because so many people signed up).
I spent less than four hours ushering (the majority of the time I was in a seat, watching the play, which is what they want you to do after everyone is seated). If I wind up in Florida this year, I can get into Disney for free! The cost is usually about $70 for one day admission, so this is a good deal (if I’m planning to attend the park, not a good deal to spend hundreds of dollars to get there to use a $70 voucher).
I’m back!
I needed double a batteries for my camera, and went to CVS to get them. I noticed a sale, I grabbed the deal for a free four pack of aa batteries with the purchase of one four pack for $3.99. Then I noticed that the ten-pack was only $2.99. These are the exact same batteries. I ended up paying a dollar less and got two additional batteries. It’s always worth looking at all the merchandise grouped together to see if there is a superior deal!