Philly on the Cheap News Archives

Free Coffee for the Boston Police

Posted by Leah Ingram Philly on the Cheap News Comments Off

Apr 222013

Sure, Philadelphia had a scare of its own this weekend, when the Independence Hall area was evacuated and a bomb squad brought in, just in case. That’s because a ranting man had been acting suspiciously. I have no doubt that Philadelphia’s finest were at their best during this situation, as they are with all emergencies in the City of Brotherly Love.

Speaking of love, as you likely know, Philly on the Cheap is part of the Living on the Cheap network, which is running a fundraising program to buy the Boston Police a cup of coffee to thank them for their hard work during Friday’s manhunt and all throughout last week after the Boston Marathon bombings. So why shouldn’t the City of Brotherly Love share some of the love, too? That’s why I’m sharing this Philly on the Cheap news about something Living on the Cheap is doing.

Living on the Cheap has arranged to have a special blend roasted just for the brave men and women on the police force in Boston. (I’m rooting to name that special blend “Boston Strong” myself, because, well, I like a cup of strong coffee.) Living on the Cheap is collecting a $1 from everyone who feels moved to contribute toward this cause. The money will be used to buy custom bags of fresh roasted beans from Buona Caffe and send them to station houses all over Boston to fuel these officers’ days and nights. Each bag will have a special thank you message from our readers.

To contribute, click on the Donate button below and leave your message of congratulations in the comments. We’ll select random comments to print on the accompanying tags.

Thank you to everyone in advance, and a big hats off salute to Boston!

I’ll Be At Princeton Public Library’s Local Author Day

Posted by Leah Ingram Philly on the Cheap News, Special Events Comments Off

Apr 102013

Local Author Day begins on Saturday, April 13, at the Princeton Public Library with workshops for published and non-published writers. At 10 a.m., author and Star Ledger columnist Mark Di Ionno presents “Writing a Novel: Formulating an Idea and Plotting the Story.” Following at 11 a.m. will be author Jon Gibbs on “Recognizing and Embracing Your Narrative Voice.”

The highlight of the day will be an author fair from 1-4 p.m. where 42 authors will display and sign their works. I am one of those 42 authors who will be on hand to talk about my two latest frugal-living books–Suddenly Frugal: How to Live Happier and Healthier for Less and Toss, Keep, Sell!: The Suddenly Frugal Guide to Cleaning Out the Clutter and Cashing In. Not only will I be signing books, but I will be selling them at a discount!

You may recall that last year I gave a talk on frugal living at the Princeton Public Library. They’re a great bunch of book lovers to work with, and I’m looking forward to being able to share my love of frugal living with those who attend the author fair this Saturday.

If you’re interested in attending, the Princeton Public Library is located at 65 Witherspoon St. in
Princeton, New Jersey.

Philly on the Cheap Changing to Feedblitz

Posted by Leah Ingram Philly on the Cheap News Comments Off

Mar 132013

Just a heads up, Philly on the Cheap subscribers, that starting immediately, the Philly on the Cheap blog will be sent to your email inbox via Feedblitz. That’s a new service.

Up until now I have used the Feedburner service that Google provides. Feedburner is free; Feedblitz is paid–that means, that I pay for the service, not you. Subscribing will always be free. Nonetheless, because I did not pay for Feedburner, I was unable to get any customer service. You know that old adage, you get what you pay for. And when you don’t pay for a service, you get nothing for it.

The new inbox version of Philly on the Cheap will look very different. Notice the square logo above? You’ll see it on the new emailed version of the blog. Some of the reasons I made the switch include that Feedblitz offers a more dynamic product that is more user friendly and easier on the eyes.

Don’t freak if you get the newsletter tomorrow–or even later today, as I’m putting everything into place this afternoon–and it looks totally different. Feedblitz suggests that I ask you to:

Add feedblitz@mail.feedblitz.com to their address books or email whitelists immediately.
Only unsubscribe using the links we provide in each email, and not their ISP’s spam or abuse buttons.
Look out for the message from FeedBlitz advising them that the change has taken place.

Thanks for subscribing to Philly on the Cheap, and hopefully this transition will be as painless as possible.

Mea Culpa on Expired Offers: Blame WordPress

Posted by Leah Ingram Philly on the Cheap News Comments Off

Mar 132013

To my Philly on the Cheap readers:

I am posting this notice as a formal apology for the number of expired offers that continue to show up in the “You May Also Like” section of the blog posts here. That section will appear at the end of a current article. In fact, there will be one that appears at the end of this post–will be interesting to see what shows up.

I want you to know that I am doing everything I can to fix this bug via plugs ins I use on this blog, but I’m not having as much luck as I would like.

To give you a sense of the steps I’ve take to prevent these expired posts from showing up–because I know how frustrating they can be–I have done the following:

Installed a “post expiration” plug in on the blog. That means that I can choose a date when a post will go from current to expired.
Added code to the “You May Also Like” plug in NOT to choose any posts that have gone from current to expired.
Hand “cancelled” out-of-date offers when I see them showing up in the “You May Also Like” plug. Even though the blog is only 18 months old, I have nearly 700 posts–meaning that making these changes by hand is time consuming and, because I’m human, imperfect.

The problem really became a headache when I upgraded to the most current version of WordPress a few weeks ago. Not only did it mess up my already-installed plug ins, but it changed how the front page of my blog looks–meaning I am no longer able to offer a slideshow of current posts. That means more scrolling for you and more frustrations for me.

I will continue to try to fix the problem. I may have to bring my web guru in Colorado back online to help me, which means cha-ching from my pocket so I can bring you valuable blog posts to put more cha-ching in your pocket as you enjoy Philly on the Cheap.

Thank you for your patience, and please know that I am doing all I can to fix the problem as quickly as I can.

Philly on the Cheap Post Sandy

Posted by Leah Ingram Philly on the Cheap News 2 Responses »

Nov 042012

For the first time in 144 hours, my house has heat, light and hot water. At least I still have a house. Since I don’t really have anything “cheap” to share with you, I thought I would share a visual tour of my town in Bucks County and what we’ve been dealing with since Hurricane Sandy. I know that many in the Philly area have fared much worse. I hope to have this blog back online shortly and helping you to save money in Philly. Right now, though, I feel like there are so many more important issues to focus on beyond just saving a buck.

What my street looked like the day after Sandy left town. You know what’s ironic? The “Shade Tree Commission” in my town had tagged one of our trees as being dangerous, just because they didn’t like the way it “looks.” It was one of the only ones that didn’t fall down during the storm. Maybe they’ll move on to more important issues now.

Gas lines in Flemington, New Jersey. We had to wait 40 minutes only!

The contents of our main refrigerator and freezer were a total loss. At least the fridge and freezer got a good cleaning.

This is North Main Street in my town. As you can see trees and power lines down, debris everywhere.

Our gas grill was the only way we could cook or heat anything up, including water for bathing.

Finally, power was on the horizon. The crew that brought us light was here from Illinois!

Hurricane Sandy Status

Posted by Leah Ingram Philly on the Cheap News Comments Off

Oct 292012

Due to Hurricane Sandy, it is anticipated that my area will be without power for much of the week of October 29th. While I still do have power and access to email and the Internet at this time (otherwise I couldn’t have written this message), that could change at any moment. I will do my best to reply to email messages and update Philly on the Cheap blog posts using alternate methods. I thank you in advance for your patience if you do not hear back from me right away. Leah Ingram

Settlement for African-American Homeowners

Posted by Leah Ingram Philly on the Cheap News Comments Off

Jul 132012

This departs a bit from my regular Philly on the Cheap content, but since, in the end, it involves money, I figured I would share it with readers, in case you fall into the category of African-American homeowners in the Philadelphia area–or know someone who does.

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission announced that today’s $125 million U.S. Dept. of Justice settlement with Wells Fargo sets aside funds for an estimated 1,030 African-American homebuyers in the Philadelphia area who may have been targeted for illegal predatory lending schemes.

The fund includes $2 million for city residents, and an additional $50 million for alleged victims living in eight metropolitan areas, including the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area.

The multi-state settlement consolidates nationwide complaints alleging race-based predatory lending by Wells Fargo. It resolves a commission investigation of illegal lending in Philadelphia.

The settlement requires Wells Fargo to establish the $50 million new homebuyer assistance fund from which qualified buyers will receive up to $15,000 for down payments. An additional $2 million will be designated for African-American residents in the city of Philadelphia who originated home loans with Wells Fargo between Jan. 1, 2004 and Dec. 31, 2009.

Other funds will provide cash rebates for African American borrowers who might have qualified for prime loans, but received non-prime rates from Wells Fargo. A federal government designee will determine and notify potentially eligible recipients.

Philadelphia area residents who believe they may be eligible for funds should email the U.S. Department of Justice at wellsfargo.settlement@usdoj.gov.

EXPIRED: Enter to Win: $100 in Cash

Posted by Leah Ingram Philly on the Cheap News Comments Off

Jun 252012

CONTEST HAS ENDED!

~~Would you like to win $100? In this economy, who wouldn’t want an extra $100 in their back account? I know I would!~~

In partnership with Living On The Cheap, the blogs affiliated with Living on the Cheap all together are going to give five (5) lucky blog readers $100. Yes, that’s right, there will be five lucky winners.

Given the size of the prize (hey, that rhymes!), we’re asking you to do a bit more than simply leave a comment and then you’ll be entered into the drawing. Instead, you’re going to need to track down three “secret” words or phrases, and once you have them, you can enter the contest. Don’t worry–I’ll supply step-by-step instructions so you can have a chance to get the cash.

~~To enter the $100 cash drawing, follow these 4 steps.~~

~~Step #1: Click on the Philly on the Cheap Hot Deals. Once you’re there, you need to look for the secret word. Hint: It says “Here’s the secret word.” Write it down.~~
~~Step #2: That page also has a link to the next secret word, along with how to find it. Find that one and write it down.~~
~~Step #3: Go to this Living On The Cheap page and find the secret word. Write it down.~~
Step #4: Now send an email to lotccontest@gmail.com. Put “Contest Entry” in the Subject line. In the body of your email you must include all three secret words/phrases, as well as your real name and mailing address.

Don’t worry we aren’t going to add you to any mailing lists, we promise. Deadline to enter is 10 p.m. EDT on Thursday, June 28. Five winners will be randomly drawn and contacted by email from the Living On The Cheap crew. If they don’t hear from you within 72 hours, they’ll move onto the alternate winner.

~~Fine print: Only one entry per household. Duplicate or incomplete entries will be tossed. You must be a resident of the United States.~~

Announcing Living on the Cheap

Posted by Leah Ingram Philly on the Cheap News Comments Off

May 152012

(Here is the press release that went out today, May 15th, to announce the new website/network, Living on the Cheap, with which I am affiliated.)

Announcing Living on the Cheap

New website helps consumers find the real deals

Philadelphia, PA — Times are hard. Prices for food, gas and fun keep rising, yet our incomes can’t keep up. A new website, Living on the Cheap, says you don’t have to count squares of toilet paper or sacrifice cappuccinos to make ends meet.

Run by 22 veteran consumer journalists, Living on the Cheap is packed with practical advice on everything from using coupons to buy healthy food to saving money on car repairs. Its savvy reporting helps you navigate the many restaurant and retail loyalty programs as well as decide whether a bargain cruise is really a bargain.

Leah Ingram–founder of Suddenly Frugal, a blog about living more on less, and the Philly on the Cheap blog, which focuses on deals and discounts in the Philadelphia area–is one of the consumer journalists in the Living on the Cheap network.

“Our readers love hearing about creative ways to save money,” says Ingram, who is also the author of 14 books include Suddenly Frugal: How to Live Happier and Healthier for Less and Toss, Keep, Sell!: The Suddenly Frugal Guide to Cleaning Out the Clutter and Cashing In. “Some of our most popular posts include those that point towards freebies, such as Suddenly Frugal’s Freebie Friday posts.” In fact, MSN Money picked up Ingram’s recent piece on Mother’s Day Freebies, and featured it on the site’s front page.

Living on the Cheap is brought to you by the people who bring you On the Cheap sites in 29 cities, good to know if you’re ever traveling to Colorado Springs, Chicago or Charleston, South Carolina–some of the cities in the On the Cheap network.

In addition to city-specific savings, such as those that Philly on the Cheap highlights, Living on the Cheap focuses on ways you can stretch your dollar in your every day life. Here are five tips culled from recent Living on the Cheap stories:

The most valuable card in your wallet is your library card. Libraries offer workshops, entertainment, and story hours, and even help finding a job, all for free. Many libraries also distribute free passes to local museums and attractions.
Sign up for email alerts from your favorite restaurants and stores or “like” them on Facebook. You’ll get advance notice of sales as well as coupons, freebies and special offers.
Track down the clearance section at your grocery store. You’ll find slightly damaged and discontinued items at a significant discount. Use coupons with these for extra savings.
Check out websites like gofobo.com for free passes to movie previews. Join cinema loyalty programs to earn free tickets. Some theaters host weekly half-price days. This summer, many theaters will offer free or $1 kids’ movies.
Like sports but hate ticket prices? Sign up for emails from ticket sellers. Many send out deals and two-for-one offers. Check local newspapers and websites for package deals (such as tickets, food and drinks). Try college sports for great action at bargain prices.

Living on the Cheap is written by savvy frugalistas who know a deal when they see one. Its writers contribute to Marketplace Money, MSN Money, The Miami Herald, AARP The Magazine, New York Magazine, Consumer Reports Money Adviser, Good Housekeeping, O Magazine, The Boston Globe, Bankrate.com and many more media outlets, including television and radio. Ingram has appeared on national and local television, including “Good Morning America,” “The CBS Evening News,” “The 10! Show,” “Action News,” “Good Day New York,” and “Good Day Philadelphia.”

“These days, we’re bombarded with money-saving tips and ‘deals’ that aren’t really deals at all,” Ingram adds. “The Living on the Cheap mission is to bring readers the tips that actually save them time and money.”

2012 Blogathon

Posted by Leah Ingram Philly on the Cheap News 1 Response »

Apr 302012

For the past 5 years Michelle Rafter, a freelance writer like myself, and founder of the Word Count blog–a blog about freelancing in the digital age– has been holding an annual Blogathon in May. The notion of a Blogathon is this: people with blogs (raising hand) should be posting regularly, because their readers come to expect it.

As far as my Suddenly Frugal blog goes, I already post 5 days a week. And I have Michelle’s Blogathon to thank for getting me into the habit of daily postings. Before that I felt daily posting was something I should be doing, not something I wanted to be doing.

After completing my first Blogathon, in which I did post all 31 days of May, my behavior changed. And I’ve kept up (pretty much) the regular blogging since. As a result I’ve gained more readers, more people following Suddenly Frugal on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, and overall, greater traffic to my blog. Another benefit: sales of my two books–Suddenly Frugal: How to Live Happier and Healthier for Less and Toss, Keep, Sell!: The Suddenly Frugal Guide to Cleaning Out the Clutter and Cashing In have remained steady.

Now that I’ve launched this second blog, I need to do a better job of posting regularly on Philly on the Cheap. So, this year I’ve signed up, yet again, for the Word Count Blogathon, but this time I’m going to be focusing now just on daily Suddenly Frugal blog posts but also daily posts on Philly on the Cheap. In a perfect world I would like to be posting here 3 to 5 times per day but for the Blogathon’s sake, if I can post once a day–which I know I’ve been neglecting–then the Blogathon will have been a success. I hope you’ll stick around or come back throughout the month as I strive to post at least once a day for the next 31 days.

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