Converter Box Coupon Program comes to an End

The government funded convert box coupon program designed to help consumers with the analog-to-digital switch is coming to an end on Friday, July 31, 2009. If you're still one of the 1.5 million households without TV reception, you still have a couple days to sign up for a converter box coupon.

To read more about how to get your coupon visit dtv.gov.

Summer Freebies

Free stuff for summer! I just want to shout that from the rooftops today.

So a friend of mine sends me a link this morning to a site that tells you where you can get all kinds of free items. This is great news. You can get free chocolate from Mars, free business cards, free lunch and so much more.

In this economy when saving money is key to survival summer freebies are a welcome budget saver. Check out the article 11 Fantastic Freebies.

See Gas Prices in Your Area

Paying too much at the pump? As is so often the case around this time of year, gas prices are starting to rise as we get ready to take vacations or extra trips out of town on the weekend. While gas prices aren't nearly hitting the levels that we saw a year or two ago, they are beginning to move upward as the heat kicks in.

Well, if you've ever wondered how bad you've got it at the pump, GasBuddy has released a national gas temperature map which charts gas prices by area, all around the country. It's actually pretty interesting to scan it and see where gas is the cheapest in your state, as well as where it's the most expensive. Unless you live in California, where the entire map is a deep red that stands for "high prices".

To see the map and find out more about gas pump prices, check out GasBuddy. How do your prices compare?

Comcast Offers Free VOD Hours

Attention all you movie lovers, Comcast is offering 24 hours of free video-on-demand to its’ subscribers. This applies to select new releases such as Gran Torino, The Cell 2, Friday the 13th and Inkheart all coming out this month.

Other VOD titles that are eligible include My Bloody Valentine, Razortooth, New in Town, Octane, Kaidan, 12 Rounds and Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li. All titles are available in high-definition for a clearer, more enjoyable viewing experience.

For those of you looking for ways to save money, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of free VOD this month. Relax, kick back and enjoy the show! For more information, visit the Home Media Magazine.

Green Mountain Energy Offers a Hot Summer Special

Now that summer is almost officially here, those electricity prices are probably starting to climb. Especially in a hotter state like Texas, we're starting to rely on that precious air conditioning to get us through the heat. Well, Green Mountain Energy is now offering a new low rate electricity special that's bound to keep you cool for less.

This low priced and exclusive 6 month plan from Green Mountain is a special limited time offer. At as low as 10.8 cents per kWh, it's one of the lowest offers available for electricity shoppers in Texas. In addition, Green Mountain customers have the assurance that they are purchasing 100% renewable energy to power their home. On top of that, Green Mountain Energy will plant up to 5,000 trees for every person that pledges an earth-friendly action after ordering their electricity.

So if you're looking to turn the lights on without breaking a sweat over your monthly electricity bills this summer, shop with Green Mountain Energy for your home power needs.

Where to Feed Kids for Free

No matter how you slice it, people are generally looking to save money. There are so many options available out there everyday for people to add to their savings, it's best to take advantage of them whenever we can.

One cost that can add up relatively quickly in the typical household is feeding those little hungry mouths we call children. Just like regular-sized people, they need to eat. However, unlike regular sized people, there are a myriad of restaurants where kids can eat free. If you're looking for a fun family dinner on any night of the week, and want to save a little money while you do it, Frugal Living has posted an excellent resource in the form of a list of places where kids eat free.

Not only does the list have dozens of restaurants, it breaks them down by night for your convenience. Definitely worth referencing the next time you're taking the young ones out for dinner, though you might want to contact the restaurant to be sure that the deal is being offered. To browse the list, be sure to visit Frugal Living.

TXU Energy to Provide Assistance with Electricity Bills This Summer

The hot summer months are typically when electricity bills spike resulting in customers falling behind on payments and possible turn-off of service. TXU Energy recognizes the special needs that the more vulnerable demographics have during the summer and aim to target those needs with their Summer Moratorium program.

For the third year in a row, TXU Energy will provide a deferred payment program for customers considered low-income, ill, disabled or at least 62 years of age. If you qualify based on the above criteria, call TXU Energy at (800) 242-9113 beginning July 1st and inform them of your situation. The flexible payment plan will be in effect from July 1 through September 30. TXU Energy will also waive deposits for customers over 62 years of age and for those with a near-perfect history of timely payments.

Visit TXU Energy for more information regarding this program and make sure to forward to someone you know who would appreciate the assistance. If you're in the market to switch providers or just to shop around, visit WhiteFence to find the best deals in electricity service and other home services. 

A Greener Way to Print

We all know that to be more environmentally friendly we need to cut down on printing, but what about when it is necessary to print out a document?

Most printers use petroleum-based toner which isn't the most eco-friendly way to print, but hey, that's the only option we have - at least for now. It looks like a soy-base toner is now in development.

As with any new product on the market there are those that say it's just as good as the petroleum-based toner and of course those that are opposed. I think it's a good option to at least try out. I hear the soy-based toner is cheaper too and who doesn't like that.

Read the article, Black and White and Green All Over: Soy-Based Printer Toner, to learn more about how to print green.

Upgrade Your HD-DVDs for Blu-Ray Discs

Over a year has passed since HD-DVD lost the high-definition disc war to Blu-ray. Warner Bros. just announced a trade-in program called “Red2Blu” to swap out HD-DVDs for Blu-ray discs. It’s a simple three step process of choosing which title you want to upgrade, mailing in the original HD-DVD cover art and receiving the Blu-ray version a few weeks later.

There are a couple of restrictions: it must be a Warner Bros. title, only one copy of a title can be upgraded and only 25 trades are allowed per household. Also, there’s a charge of $4.95 per trade including $6.95 or $8.95 shipping and handling, depending on where you live.

All you HD-DVD enthusiasts out there, I'd say give up your fight and switch over to Blu-ray while this great offer is available. To upgrade disc versions or for more information, visit Red2Blu.

Tip 4: Earth Day Electricity Specials!

While we've been offering some general tips to help you be more eco-friendly for Earth Day, individuals aren't the only ones getting involved in the green action. There are several companies participating as well, and they are offering some great deals and specials in order to help the environment, and keep some extra money in your wallet.

Each of these Texas electricity providers is offering a unique green special in honor of Earth Day. There are definitely some great options for anyone looking for electricity service.

Earth Day Special Promotions

• Bounce Energy is offering the Bounce Energy Blue Sky 100% renewable energy plan. Not only will the rate be at the lowest for the month of April, but you will also receive a $50 Home Depot gift card to help "green up" your home.

• First Choice Power has a new special that allows you to order a 100% renewable energy plan from April 15-30. They have a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation Rain Forest Rescue program and will make a donation to protect 2,500 square feet of Rain Forest on behalf of each new customer.

• Direct Energy is offering the Pure Wind Plan. Take advantage of this green plan by the end of April and receive a $50 Visa gift card.