KNS Financial

Personal Finance From a Biblical Perspective

Financial Blogger Conference (#FinCon12) Swag Giveaway

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So, it’s been a month since we came back from the Financial Blogger Conference. If you remember, I shared with you what I learned from FinCon12 about a month ago, and now, it’s time to give away some of the conference swag!

Here is what will be included:

  • 4GB USB Flash Drive
  • Wireless Mouse (With Batteries!!!)
  • The Sound Mind Investing Handbook (a guide on investing using biblical principles)
  • Universal remote
  • Hard plastic drinking cup with plastic straw
  • Tote bag
  • Stylus pen
  • Smartphone screen wipe (sticks to the back of your device)
  • Small note book and pen set (leather-ish)
  • Sports bottle
  • FinCon12 notebook
  • Small flip notebook
  • 2 Bags of jellybeans
  • 2 wire organizers
  • 3 Pliable Canteens
  • 2 bottles of hand sanitizer
  • Calculator with clip
  • CreditCards.com Book of Cartoons

Here is a picture so you can drool (click to make it larger)…lol!

KNS Financial Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here are the official rules (yes, I stole most of them from Crystal;-))…

  1. The contest is only open to contestants living in the Continental USA and Canada
  2. Contest ends October 22, 2012 at 11:59pm EST.
  3. The winner will be selected randomly and notified by email by October 24, 2012.
  4. The prize will be held for 2 calendar days. If it isn’t claimed, a new winner will be randomly picked and contacted.
  5. I reserve the right to reject comments that I consider spam or invalid entries.
  6. An invalid or incorrect email address automatically disqualifies you from the drawing…it’s hard to contact a fake email…
  7. Local laws, rules, and regulations apply.

Free Tax Software Giveaway At KNS Financial

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H&R Block was kind enough to provide us with several free copies of their H&R Block AT Home Tax Preparation software.

Free Tax Software You Can Trust

Many of you already know that H&R Block provides professional tax preparation all across the country. However, like TurboTax, they also provide software with which, you can prepare your own return. H&R Block AT Home is available in a few different flavors depending on your needs.

Here are the variations:

Free – File For FREE:

  • FREE to prepare, FREE to print, FREE to e-file
  • FREE expert advice from our community of tax specialists
  • FREE audit support and representation from an enrolled agent – NEW and only from H&R Block
    100% Accuracy Guarantee and Maximum Refund Guarantee

Basic – Simple Tax Situations:

Everything in Free, plus:

  • Import last year’s return
  • Step-by-step guidance to maximize your refund
  • Double check for errors

Deluxe – Homeowners/Investors:

Everything in Basic, plus:

  • Import your W-2, 1099 and last year’s return
  • Searches hundreds of deductions
  • Personalized tax guidance
  • Mortgage interest and charitable tax deduction maximizers
  • Sale of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds

Premium – Self-employed:

Everything in Deluxe, plus:

  • FREE live tax advice2
  • Schedule C guidance
  • Tax laws and planning resources
  • Advanced tax calculators
  • Rental income assistance

The “Premium” version is what we are giving away here! The normal price is $49.95 just to file your federal tax return. To add on a state return, you have to pay $34.95 for each state! I guess it’s a real good thing that they are allowing me to offer this edition (the federal portion) as free tax software.

Free Tax Software For All?

Alright, maybe not for all, but for six! That’s right, H&R Block was nice enough to provide me with six codes for my loyal readers!

How To Enter To Win Free Tax Software:

  1. Link to any of the following articles from your website using the anchor text provided: http://knsfinancial.com/ira-contribution-limits-for-both-roth-and-traditional (IRA Contribution Limits), http://knsfinancial.com/401k-contribution-limits (401k Contribution Limits), http://knsfinancial.com/should-i-cosign-for-a-loan (cosigner). Please note that if you do not use the anchor text provided in the parenthesis EXACTLY AS IT IS WRITTEN, then your entry will not count! This is worth 5 entries for each article (potential of 15 entries)

  2. Sign up for email updates from KNS Financial (you can use the form at the bottom of this post, or the one in the upper right-hand portion of the website) – 3 entries

  3. Subscribe to the KNS Financial RSS Feed – 3 entries

  4. Follow @KNSFINANCIAL on Twitter and Tweet about this contest to your followers using the following (1 entry) – “Win free tax preparation software from @knsfinancial – http://bit.ly/hXCJ0j”

  5. Follow @FGSW (“Fat Guy Skinny Wallet” my new website about Weight Loss, Diet, Fitness, and Debt Management) on Twitter and Tweet about this contest using the following (1 entry) – “Win free tax preparation software from @knsfinancial – http://bit.ly/hXCJ0j via @FGSW”

So, you can have a total of 23 entries for this giveaway!!!

Here are a few more details about this giveaway:

  • You must leave a comment for each method of entry

  • If you win, you will receive a code to use the H&R Block Premium online version for free – keep in mind that the state return is not included

  • If you have already done one of more of the following, you are still eligible for the giveaway – just be sure to leave a comment stating what you have done (and follow the other rules as well)

  • If you have signed up for email updates, please use the same email when you leave a comment (or provide me with the email that you used within the body of the comment). I will match up your comment to my email list to be sure that people aren’t trying to “game the system”

  • If you have tweeted about this giveaway, please provide a link to the tweet as well as your Twitter username so I can match up the entries

  • Although, I plan to reference my email subscriber list and the Twitter records for both accounts, you will only receive credit for an entry if you leave a comment below. For instance, if you are signed up for emails and you fail to leave a comment telling me that you signed up, then you will not be entered.

  • The contest will end on Monday February 21 at 11:59 PM EST

  • I will be using the random number generator found at Random.org to choose the 6 winners.

  • If you are chosen as a winner, you must respond to the confirmation email within 72 hours – if not, another entrant will be randomly selected to take your place. Please leave an email that you plan to check often!

If you are more comfortable having a professional prepare your return, then be sure to contact us to set up an appointment for tax preparation.

Be sure you are aware of the tax filing delay, as well as the fact that the tax filing deadline has been extended this year. To get the most out of your tax situation in 2011, you should know the IRA Contribution Limits, 401k Contribution Limits, and the Income Tax Rates for 2011!

To Keep Up To Date With The Latest Tax News And Regulations, Sign Up For Our Email Updates:

Black Friday 2010 Deals: Walgreens

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photo by Afroswede

Although CVS is our store of choice for Black Friday, there are others drugstores offering really great deals such as Walgreens .  So we decided to post the Black Friday 2010 Walgreens Ad Scan, and highlight a few of Walgreens’ Black Friday Deals below. Once again I have broken the post up into 2 pages to make it easier for you to view the circular!

Please note that Walgreens usually refers to the cash you can only use in their store as a register reward.

They are calling these register rewards ‘Jingle Cash’ for the holiday season and are offering them back on the following items:

  • 7up, A&W, Canada Dry, or Hawaiian Punch 2 liter for $.99, get $1 in Jingle Cash
  • Advil PM 4 ct for $.99, get $1 in Jingle Cash
  • Colgate Total Advanced or Enamel Strength Toothpaste 4 oz for $2.99, get $3 in Jingle Cash
  • Crest 3D White Vivid Toothpaste 4 oz for $2.99, get $3 in Jingle Cash
  • Fiber Choice Fruit Tablets 10 ct for $2.49, get $2.50 in Jingle Cash
  • Gillette Fusion Proseries Skin Care 1.7-5 oz for $5.49, get $5.50 in Jingle Cash
  • Gum Eez-Thru Flossers 90 pk for $2.25, get $2.25 in Jingle Cash
  • Just for Men 2-in-1 shampoo & conditioner 8 oz for $4.99, get $5 in Jingle Cash
  • Nivea for Men Shave Gel 7 oz for $2.99, get $3 in Jingle Cash
  • Old Spice Fresh Collection Body Spray 4 oz for $3.99, get $4 in Jingle Cash
  • Oral-B Indicator Toothbrush for $2.25, get $2.25 in Jingle Cash
  • Planters Nut-rition 9.25 or 9.75 oz, Cashews 9.75 OZ, or Mixed Nuts 10 oz for $3.49, get $3.49 Mail-In Rebate
  • Robitussin to Go 2 ct for $2.49, get $2.50 in Jingle Cash
  • Scunci No Slip 14 ct, or No Damage 18 ct Hair Elastics for $1.99, get $2 in Jingle Cash
  • Secret Scent Expressions Body Splash 3 oz $3.49, get $3.50 in Jingle Cash
  • Thermacare neck, shoulder Heat Wraps trial size 1 ct for $2.49 get $2.50 in Jingle Cash

Please click on each page in order to see a larger image:

Walgreens Black Friday Ad 2010 Page 01

Walgreens Black Friday Ad 2010 Page 02

Walgreens Black Friday Ad 2010 Page 03

Walgreens Black Friday Ad 2010 Page 04

Walgreens Black Friday Ad 2010 Page 05

Black Friday 2010 Deals: CVS

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photo by Daquella manera

Sweat pants. Check.  Old t-shirt. Check. Gloves with the fingers cut out. Check. Glass of raw eggs. Check. Cued ‘Rocky’ work out music. Check. Scissors. Check. Coupon inserts and coupon database. Check.

In the words of the most famous shoe salesman to get four touchdowns in a single high school football game, “Let’s Rock!”

That’s right, kiddies.  Black Friday’s here.  Wipe that smile off your face – there’s work to do. CVS is offering us our largest challenge yet: how much free stuff can you handle?  Well, since nothing is sacred anymore and CVS’ Black Friday circular has already been leaked, here is a list of the MANY items they are offering for FREE after ECBs.  Please remember to check our Coupon Database on how to make these deals into money makers!

  • $4 in ECBs when you buy Old Spice Fresh Collection or Gillette Odor Shield Deodorant 2.6oz for $4 (Limit 1)
  • $3.99 in ECBs when you buy Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste 6oz for $3.99 (Limit 2)
  • $2.99 in ECBs when you buy Listerine Pocketpaks 3pk., 72 strips total, for $2.99 (Limit 2)
  • $.99 in ECBs when you buy Carmex Lip Balm 0.15-0.35oz for $.99 (Limit 1)
  • $6.99 in ECBs when you buy Eucerin Daily Skin Balance Body lotion 8.4oz for $6.99 (Limit 1)
  • $6.99 in ECBs when you buy Philips In-ear headphones or Universal remote control for $6.99 (Limit 1)
  • $.99 in ECBs when you buy Advil PM 4ct for $.99 (Limit 1)
  • $.99 in ECBs when you buy Excedrin Migraine, PM, or Extra Strength 8ct for $.99 (Limit 1)
  • $2.99 in ECBs when you buy L.A. Looks Styling Gel 20oz for $2.99 (Limit 1)
  • $3.99 in ECBs wyb Herbal Essences Hydralicious Shampoo or Conditioner 10.1oz for $3.99 (Limit 2)
  • $4.99 in ECBs when you buy Renpure Organics Shampoo, Conditioner, 13.5oz or Amazing Miracle Reconstructor 8oz for $4.99 (Limit 2)
  • $.79 in ECBs when you buy Reese’s Singles 1.4-2oz fore $.79 (Limit 5)
  • $1.59 in ECBs when you buy Mars King Size Assorted 1.94-3.63oz for $1.59 (Limit 5)

Here is the complete circular for Black Friday:

CVS Black Friday 2010 Ad 1
Click Photo to view larger image


CVS Black Friday Ad 2010 Page 2
Click Photo to view larger image

 

CVS Black Friday Ad 2010 Page 3
Click Photo to view larger image

So by this weekend we’ll have our trusty coupon organizer and shopping bags ready to go!  Please take a look at older posts of our previous shopping trips for tips on various ways to make your CVS shopping successful.  I can’t stress enough how much utilizing the Coupon Database has saved us time and money.

If you haven’t started the drug store game yet, Black Friday is a great time to get started!  Happy Shopping!

5 Words or Phrases That Usually Scream…SCAM!!!

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I heard an ad the other day on the radio – honestly, I don’t even remember the product or service being advertised. But I heard a key phrase that automatically made me think it was a scam.

Then that made me think of all the phrases that I hear in advertisements and infomercials that scare me away from the product.

Here are a few that I can think of:

1) What the [government, or some huge industry] Doesn’t Want You to Know!

For a long time I was such a huge fan of The Motley Fool, but then they every newsletter and report they advertised was about some secret that Wall St. didn’t want me to know!

Of course, you also have “the fat cats in Washington”, “banks”, “credit card companies”, and even “the food and drug industry”!

This type of sensationalism is usually meant to hide the fact that there is nothing substantial in what they are offering you!

2) You Must Call in the Next [insert insanely short amount of time] Minutes to Get This Deal!

Are you kidding me? So, I can’t get this handy, dandy new kitchen item that slices, and dices, tenderizes, and sends you a tweet when your meal is ready, unless I call in the next 10 minutes?

Well, since you’ll be running the same taped infomercial or radio ad over the next 6 months, why should I now believe anything else that you have to say?

3) But Wait…There’s More!!!

Another phrase (often said with much excitement and fervor) that is meant to get the blood flowing faster and seal the deal.

Usually this lets me know that the main item in the deal is a piece of garbage and they are trying to distract me with shiny add-ons!

4) New and Improved:

This one may not point to a scam, but it’s usually ridiculous hype!

If you told us that the old formula was a great, amazing innovation that had no equal, why do you come out with a better version every 6 months?

5) This Time it’s Different:

You hear this often in economics or investing, when someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes.

In every industry where there has been a huge surge in demand, and thus prices; you will here these words. When you do, be on the lookout for someone who wants you to invest in something right before it crashes!

A few thoughts from others:

I also asked people on Facebook and Twitter to give me a few phrases that signal “scam” to them. Here is what they had to say:

“Just send a small token of interest to show you’re serious.” – Victor McCloud

This is definitely a popular phrase with these “work from home” scams!

“Multi level marketing” – Len Penzo

Most multi level marketing programs (even the ones with good intentions), end up like scams in the long run. Here is a great article looking at the nature of most multi level marketing.

“Your credit card will not be charged” – Max Messner

This happens a lot when you sign up for a free service. They claim that you aren’t making a commitment, but then want your credit card information, with the promise that “it will not be charged”! Then why do you need my credit card number?!?!?!

“Free” – Harrell Financial Services

This is another phrase that usually does it for me as well. However, since I have receive a lot of freebies in the mail recently, and I know of several ministries that give away items; this doesn’t always mean scam.

But 99% of the time it will!

“Timing doesn’t work” – Rob Bennett

Another phrase that is common in investing circles. People will first misrepresent market timing (by presenting it as only day-trading), and then use this phrase to keep you stuck in their program/investments.

However, many times this is said out of ignorance regarding timing based on long-term valuations!

Reader Questions:

  1. Have you ever heard these phrases in connection with a scam?
  2. What words or phrases signal scam to you?

photo by SMercury98

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