Kmart is really making a comeback. When I was a kid in the 70s, going to Kmart was a big thing. They had everything and the prices were really good. Then in the 90s, they seemed to go in a slump. I suppose competition from other stores (who were selling cheapo Chinese junk for mere dollars) crowded them out. But Kmart is making a remarkable comeback. I went to the website recently, and was really amazed at how they’ve spruced up the site– it’s very classy. And they’ve got GREAT deals, both online and at the store locations. The deals are especially for this holiday season, so it’s worth checking out (and Kmart offers free shipping on orders over $49). Here’s a smidgen of what’s there:

• “Attention Women’s” Kimono Wrap Sweater (search the ID #70198911) with an online discount of an extra 10% off
• Abbey Hill bedding, “Medallion Dream” bedding collection (search ID #96096112), an extra 30% online only
• Diamond 5-Stone Journey pendant and earrings set in 10K Yellow Gold (ID #89270115), 10% off online!

The discounted prices show up in the shopping cart after you’ve selected them.

There’s a lot more, too. Plus size womens’ sleepwear, girls’ and boys’ tops and all junior clothing, men’s and Big Men’s clothes, baby bedding, and special deals on the “Attention Women’s” brand clothing. The discounts run through December with an extra 10% off for online orders (remember, the discounts show up in the shopping cart).

I’d say Kmart is the place to be! They’ve also made the shopping fun- there are little hidden “ornaments” on the site that offer extra savings with a secret coupon code! Cute! Check them out.

Sears is having a “Doorbuster” sae tomorrow! This looks like a terrific sale! It’s only going on tomorrow, though, Saturday, November 15th, from 7am to noon ONLY. You can go to the Sears website about their Big One Day sale and look at their weekly ad specials for your local area. You will be asked to enter in your zip code, and then the weekly ad will appear. The sale looks spectacular! No wonder it’s called a Doorbuster. Here’s a sneak peek:

• OUTSTANDING– Canon Powershot 8.0 megapixel 4X optical digital zoom still camera $149.99 (before $30 instant savings)
• Men’s NordicTrack fleece pants and shirts $9.99
• Kenmore Stylite Retraxx vacuum $77.99 (hmmm, nice!)
• OUTSTANDING– Selected Craftsman power tools $199.99 (regular price is $399.99!)
• Sylvania 32” class LCD HDTV for $429.99
• $159.99 for KitchenAid 4.5 qt bowl lift stand mixer
• WeatherHandler 75pc Auto Safety Kit $19.99
• Bridgestone tires are on sale! (we need winter tires)

And there are loads more. There’s a lot of home electronics stuff, which is very popular again this year. The weekly ad is on their site. So if you’re still looking for gifts, I wouldn’t wait on this one. Sears is a quality store and they sell quality stuff. Plus, they have an excellent return policy. Check it out!

I don’t know about your kids, but my kids need some new shoes again. I traditionally get them new school shoes and boots about this time, and then we get sandals/sneakers in May or so. So it’s back to the stores for all of us! I’m just amazed at how quickly teenagers’ feet grow! Everyone now has bigger feet than me, except my younger daughter, who wears the same size as I do. Wow.

Well, shoes for four growing kids can be expensive! I try to look for deals online before I pull everyone out to the local stores. Taxes are going higher and higher, wages are lower and lower– now is the time to save money if there every was one! I never shop for anything without first looking for coupon codes. Why pay more than you have to? Coupon codes can save a little money, and if you use a lot of coupon codes (like I do), then all that little money adds up. If you or your family is in need of shoes, check out the good Shoes.com promo codes at the website.

Using coupon codes and discount codes is free, by the way. So you are doing yourself and your budget a definite favor by looking for and using coupon codes. And you may just save enough to be able to get a nice little pair of shoes for yourself. :D

Hoh boy, living in New York, I’ve seen my share of car accidents. What is it about New York and New England that makes people drive so CRAZY?! I’ve been in the crazies’ ways on more than one occasion. :( Not fun. I had no idea that I could have filed an insurance claim to recover my vehicle’s diminished value. I wish I had known that before the accident I had where some lady pulled into oncoming traffic (that would be ME) without looking and smashed into my van. Sure, the insurance company paid us $400 for the dented fender… but when that area completely rusted out and rotted two years later, we were left high and dry. I wish I had known that diminished car value claims are accepted in all 50 states for up to four years after the accident! Hmmm, I don’t remember the insurance company informing me of this little detail… how odd! :( I have a website bookmarked for a free diminished value estimate, to find out what I’m owed if that ever happens again. Judging by the way people drive around here, I may need it sooner than later… feel free to save the link to your bookmarks in case you have one of those “I shoulda, I coulda” moments.