You may find it hard to believe, but tax season is in full swing! I’ve got a couple ways for you to save money on filing your taxes, and some tips to make it a little easier.
If you make $72,000 or less, check out the IRS Free File.
If you aren’t sure what you need to file your taxes, here are just a few pieces of paperwork you may need (depending on your tax situation):
W-2’s- one from each of your jobs
1099’s: if you are an independent contractor
DMV paperwork (if you don’t have this, then the VIN and license plate # from your car, and go here– CA only, I’m sure other states may have something similar).
Receipts for any tax-deductible donations
Receipts for any medical expenses (co-pays, prescriptions)
Paperwork from your Mortgage Company regarding your interest paid
Paperwork regarding your property taxes paid
Dependents’ Social Security Numbers
IRA Year-End Statements
Interest Statements from banks
I start a folder (like this one) each year and I put all of the paperwork in it as it comes into the house. Then, after we do our taxes, I print a copy out, pull out all of our supporting documents, put them into a manilla envelope, write the year on the front, seal it, and stash it with our other past years’ taxes. We keep 10 years’ worth of tax records, just in case.
I’m sick y’all. I have a sore throat. I can’t speak. I think I might have gargled hot asphalt. I lose my voice about once every few years- I guess it’s my time.
Yesterday was my birthday, and I got to celebrate with my kiddos and mom. I had dinner with a friend, and in true Gen X style, we went to the mall after dinner.
Here in San Diego, February is Museum month, and that means 50% off admission to selected museums. Digital passes good for 50% off of up to four passes can be printed here, or visit your local City of San Diego or County of San Diego Library branch location.
Don’t forget that there is also Free Museum Tuesdays all year long for San Diego Residents and military families.
If you are looking for a fun road trip, or live outside San Diego County, there is a collection of 30+ museums in the LA/OC/Santa Barbara area with free admission offers next Sunday, 2/5/23.
I’ve been working on this list off and on for over a month. The birthday freebies are starting to trickle into my inbox. Sadly, there aren’t many additions this year, and there are more than a few previous offers/deals that are no longer available.
Remember to read the fine print for these offers. Most of them are for adults, ages 18+ (19 in some states). Some offers require the coupon/offer be printed out, and some you can just show your phone.
This guinea pig is ready for some freebies.
First off, if you live in CA, OR, FL, NY, SC, AZ, WA, and NV, check out eBirthdayClub. There are TONS of great freebies on this site.
Members of the Cost Plus World Market Explorersprogram get a surprise birthday gift, among other perks; you will also get a 10% off coupon upon enrollment.
Torrid– Members of the DivaStyle Club will receive $10 off their next purchase of $10+
bareMinerals (cosmetics)- The birthday freebie changes each year. At this time I’m unsure if you can get it in store, their website is unclear.
Dave & Buster’s: $10 in free game play for those in the D&B Rewards Club.
Join the Sally’s Rewards Club and score a $5 coupon on your birthday, as well as tons of other super sweet perks!
Free Food Birthday Goodies:
Roundtable Pizza: Download their app, sign up for their rewards, and they will add a free personal pan pizza and 20 oz soda for your birthday (Received in 2023)
Red Robin: FREE burger on your birthday and all the latest Red Robin news.
Rubio’s Free plate/combo (You have to download their app)
Del Taco Free Shake (You also get something free when you sign up!)
Starbucks – Download their app and get a free birthday handcrafted beverage of your choice on your birthday only.
Baskin Robbins– Download their app, and you can receive a small scoop of ice cream for your birthday.
Bj’s Brewhouse– Rewards members receive a free Pizookie for their birthday.
Jersey Mike’s: Free Sub for your Birthday! (No matter what you read online, there is no Subway or Submarina birthday Freebies- Those deals are DEAD)
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: When you sign up for a Smile-age Account, you’ll score a free Fro Yo for your B-day! (I love Menchie’s!) Received in 2023
Nothing Bundt Cakes: Join their email list and receive a FREE Bundlet on your Birthday. (look for the link at the bottom of their website) Received in 2023
Sbarro Rewards Club: Free piece of pizza for your birthday when you purchase a drink. You’ll also get a coupon for a free slice when you sign up.
Panera– Sign up for MyPanera and get a free pastry or sweet on your birthday.
El Pollo Loco- Sign up for Loco Rewards to get a FREE birthday meal (2pc Chicken Meal or Classic Chicken Tostada Salad.)!
And as always-
There are tons of other birthday freebie lists, but they may include offers that are not available here or may include stuff that I don’t consider worth it (like a free Rice Krispy treat when you buy an entree that’s $10+, looking at you Noodles & Co. That’s a hard pass from me, or the Aveda “freebie”- pay $10 and receive a product valued at $23+… No thanks).
Another deal that everyone and their mama go nuts about is Benihana Japanese Restaurant – a complimentary meal up to $30 when you purchase an Adult meal at Regular Price (You must sign up for The Chef’s Table club). This used to be a FREE meal, no strings attached, but it has changed to basically a BOGO. That’s a no go for me, but it may still get you excited.
I have not included Ulta in my list because you have to make a purchase the year previous (and it needs to be a certain amount- I’ve been told different amounts by various Ulta Employees anywhere from $5-$50), so for me, that’s not a freebie. If I have to buy something to receive something, that’s a BOGO deal.
If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is right up your alley. Sign up and apply to sample products that you are interested in. I get probably 1-2 products to sample each month. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.
Social Nature has rounded up products that are available to try at a local grocery store or mass merchandiser near you. Apply to Try the products that interest you to see if you’re a match here.
Here are some of the new sampling opportunities:
Parmesan Crisps by Joyfull Bakery
Cruelty-Free Body Wash by The Seaweed Bath Co.
Premium Sparkling Tea by Sparkling Botanicals
Kids Juice Drink by PLEZI
Plant-Based Milk by Koita Foods
Meatless Nuggets by Quorn Foods
Plant-based Chicken Alternative by Sweet Earth Foods
And More!
And one of the things I love about Social Nature is that they don’t leave our friends with food allergies out.
There are sampling offers for Gluten-free, nut-free, and meat-free foods frequently.
Canadian Friends- You are in luck, there are sampling opportunities for you too! So if you love trying new products, check out Social Nature!
I started this post last night, but then I had to scurry to prep for all the rain we are getting over the next few days. For some reason, all of the umbrellas are in the detached garage? Who knows.
This week has been busy with work, appointments, and applying for some big campaigns for the blog, including several that will feature giveaways!
Don’t forget all of the 2022 Birthday Freebies! Make sure to check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday. I am currently on the hunt for new 2023 birthday freebies!
Howdy friends! I hope your week went well. I had yesterday off and I tie-dyed some shirts and spent the day playing with legos with the kids.
The freebies and deals are late this week- but there are some pretty cool offers this week.
Don’t forget all of the 2022 Birthday Freebies! Make sure to check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday. I will be updating for 2023 mid- January.
You may find it hard to believe, but tax season is in full swing! I’ve got a couple ways for you to save money on filing your taxes, and some tips to make it a little easier.
My throat is still very scratchy, and I have a raspy voice. But I made it through the week, and I’ve got freebies galore to share!
Here in San Diego, 
If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then
Hewes Family Fun 