Black Friday is about eight weeks away and the big question is– how much will American shoppers spend? A report on National Public Radio says that Americans started worrying more about their job security in September which is worrying some analysts about how the holiday shopping season will go. Consumer confidence fell in September to 53.1, according to the Conference Board. It had been up to 54.5 in August and was expected to continue going up. Just to give you some perspective, the index dropped down to 25.3, a historic low, back in February. Typically, a reading above 90 indicates a solid economy.

So why does it matter how much we spend on holiday shopping? Because consumer spending on goods and services, housing and health care accounts for 70% of US economic activity. And there is no bigger spending period than during the holiday season. The Conference Board also uses a measure called the Present Situation Index. It measures what consumers think of the economy and according to the index, consumers aren’t feeling super positive. Both their current assessment and consumers’ six month outlook dropped compared to last month.

Job losses are decreasing each month, but the current unemployment rate, coupled with tight credit may be limiting factors when it comes to how much consumers spend this holiday season. Experts say shoppers may be more focused than ever before on finding discounts, using coupons and buying necessities. Some economists expect sales to be at the same levels as 2008, which were down 4.5% compared to 2007.

Whenever I see a UPS delivery truck heading down my street, I get kind of excited hoping maybe I’ll get a package that day. It’s always nice to get something delivered to you whether it’s a birthday gift or something you ordered online.

Residents in five U.S. cities will receive some valuable offers and samples right at their door when they receive a shipment from UPS. Certain ZIP codes in Chicago, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Miami, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. are included in this first-to-market service coined UPS Direct to Door. A new custom-designed package will include premium offers and samples from large nationwide retailers.

UPS announced the program Monday and the stores include: Bed Bath & Beyond, Omaha Steaks, Pottery Barn, The Men’s Wearhouse, FTD.com, Boca Java, The Finish Line, Mikasa, Newegg.com, Sephora, West Elm, Williams Sonoma and Zappos.com. Each pack will have about a dozen offers and samples for UPS Customers.

UPS says it wants to help retail marketers get their products and information out there in a more personal way. According to a press release, UPS says some marketing channels are facing challenges and wasting millions of dollars on e-messages and other ways of communicating. So keep an eye out for that UPS truck if you live in those five cities. Maybe it will eventually expand into my area and I’ll receive some extra goodies when my package arrives.

It wasn’t one big splurge like a boat or a car that pushed our next Twitter Tuesday Profile into nearly $30,000 worth of credit card debt. It was small, menial purchases put on plastic that piled up over time. While this single 30-year-old research assistant in Washington DC prefers to remain anonymous, they are very open about their personal finances on their blog, MeWithoutDebt.com and through their Twitter account, @MeWithoutDebt.

OODC: How did you get started blogging and tweeting?
@MeWithoutDebt: Near end of July this year, I realized that I need to do something drastic about reducing my slowly accumulating huge debt. I have been meaning to pay it off the debt for more than a year and half. However, I remember about debt when the credit card bill comes and the debt completely escapes my mind rest of time (when I am spending). In order to focus on my debt payment as well as share my experiences with others, I started blogging and tweeting.

OODC: Your blog allows people to follow you getting out of debt. How much debt do you have and how did you accumulate it?
@MeWithoutDebt: I started with around 27.5 K in credit card debt in end of July and now (mid September) I have 25.5 K in credit card debt. Most of debt were slowly accumulated over 3 years. I have not spent on anything major but small expenses here and there adds up in credit card and gradually balloons up with the help of compound interest rate.

OODC: Do you know how much you’ve reduced your spending since you started making this a priority?
@MeWithoutDebt: I have reduced around $30 a day by drastically reducing eating or going out, buying less items, cutting off unnecessary items from my life (such as cable, magazines) etc.

OODC: What are some of the best ways you’ve found to cut spending?
@MeWithoutDebt: I found the best way to reduce debt is, recognize that you have debt, do complete inventory of what are you spending on, cancel (or stop) anything that you don’t absolutely need (either materially or emotionally), and most importantly to be “disciplined” and “honest” about your financial health

OODC: What do you hope people get out of your Tweets and blog posts?
@MeWithoutDebt: Foremost, blogging and tweeting is keeping me disciplined financially. Now, I have to explain my financial actions in writing (thus needs to be logical) to myself and whoever is following my blogs and tweets. I also hope a few people can learn from my debt reducing adventure and apply it to their own circumstance.

Want to be considered for an upcoming Twitter Tuesday Profile? Just tweet me!

It’s great for getting local and International headlines, sports scores and movie times, but did you know that the Sunday paper can save you big bucks? For everyone who says a newspaper subscription is a waste of money– here are five reasons why that’s not true.

1. Grocery Coupons: This is an obvious one. Clipping grocery coupons from the Sunday paper can slash lots of money off of your food bill. You can also use the paper to investigate advertised sales at local grocery stores and pair those up with coupons for added savings.

2. Advertised Deals: Local businesses are still using the Sunday paper to advertise sales. Find out where you can get the best bank for your buck by perusing ads. Area restaurants may have specials and deals you didn’t know about otherwise.

3. Pharmacy Coupons: Almost every Sunday the paper has store ads for big name pharmacy chains that include coupons for prescription transfers. Use this coupon with a new or transferred prescription to get a gift card to use at the store. If you can’t use these coupons then sell them on eBay for extra cash.

4. Free Events: Find out where the free fun is with the Sunday paper. Get details on free events, happenings and shows that you can take part in. It will keep you from simply heading to the movie theater next weekend and instead you can enjoy some free fun.

5. Classified Ads: Find out where next week’s yard sales are and hit them up for great deals on furniture, household items and clothing. The Sunday paper will have a great list of places to score deals.

A survey by Baby Center has revealed that 68 percent of new parents had credit card debt when their baby was born. However, more than 50 percent of families think they should have their debt paid before they become pregnant. Paying down debt and pregnancy can be a difficult issue, but Creditcards.com recently tackled it offering advice to new parents.

First, you should begin to analyze your debt. If you are having a tough time paying the minimum amounts on your credit cards and living above your means, you may want to reconsider bringing a baby into the world right now. But if you have some money left in the bank each month and can make payments with no problem, you’re probably in pretty good shape.

Then crunch the numbers, says the article. Using a spreadsheet could help you take a look at the expenses that will be ahead of you after giving birth, such as diapers, formula, childcare etc. Next, overhaul your budget. Take a look at your spending and make adjustments like eating out less.

Do a test run, according to Creditcards.com. Set aside the money that you think you’ll need with a new baby and see if you can survive with a smaller income. Keep reminding yourself of the ultimate goal. Try putting any extra money that you may have into savings and work to pay off your debt.

Also, try lowering your expectations. The article reminds readers to think twice about buying the most expensive stroller or designer clothes. Like I mentioned in Part One of this blog there are many ways you can save money on baby items, such as shopping at resale clothing stores or buying pre-owned furniture.

If you are planning for a baby or just found out you’re pregnant, don’t waste another moment and take a look at your finances. You want to make sure you can provide a safe and secure life for your baby.

Time for a pop quiz. How many people live paycheck to paycheck? If you guessed 61% of the population then you win. That’s according to a new survey from Careerbuilder.com. The study questioned 4,400 workers nationwide and found that six out of ten people always or usually live for payday in order to survive financially. That’s up from 49% compared to 2008 and 43% in 2007.

Don’t think those people living paycheck to paycheck are making small salaries. Three out of ten people living from payday to payday make $100,000 or more. That’s up from 21% back in 2008. In order to make ends meet, 21% of those surveyed say they’ve reduced 401(k) contributions or lowered the amount they’re stashing in savings. Even 23% of those earning six figures have dropped their contributions to retirement accounts.

Not only are people reducing their retirement savings, some aren’t saving at all. Thirty-six percent of those polled aren’t participating in any retirement programs. That’s five percent more than in 2008. Thirty-three percent of workers don’t save anything each month. Another 30% set aside $100 or less. And 16% save less than $50.

If you’re one of the six in ten people estimated to be living paycheck to paycheck, there are ways to stop the trend.

Boost Earnings: This could mean asking for a raise or it could mean getting a part-time job. Think outside of the box. Is there a hobby you can turn into a money-making opportunity? Do you have room for a roommate?

Reduce Spending: Get serious with cutting your expenses. Get rid of anything that’s not essential. This will give more room in your paycheck to start setting aside money in an emergency fund or a savings account.

Live By a Budget: Take time to write out a real budget. Putting it down on paper will help you stick to it. Give yourself a couple of months to get good at it. Make sure you have a portion or your paycheck going to savings.

The UCLA Anderson Forecast says that the recession will end this quarter, but its negative impact will be felt over the next decade. The report points to huge consumer debt as the root of the recession and says consumer spending will be a key factor in its recovery. Senior Economist David Shulman says that economic growth is beginning after four quarters of decline. He estimates that the Gross Domestic Products will increase by 2.1% during this quarter and by slightly more in the fourth quarter of 2009. Growth will continue, according to experts, throughout 2010 and by the end of the year Americans can expect noticeable improvement. California, one of the states hardest hit by the recession, may be a little slower to recover.

The report says that California will also begin to turn around, but possibly slower than the rest of the country. In fact, experts predict unemployment rates will continue to rise by several percent in 2009. The report says that California’s unemployment won’t drop below double digits until the end of 2011.

Shulman says recovery will be slow throughout the country and will depend significantly on two factors: exports and residential construction. He blames a two decade spending spree that began with rising stock prices and continued with skyrocketing home prices is over. Now, rather than relying on rising asset prices, consumers will be forced to save more and consume less. “Credit impaired lower income consumers can’t spend the way they used to and wealth impaired affluent consumers won’t,” writes Shulman.

I have so many friends that are pregnant or just recently had babies. I began wondering how much it might put a strain financially on some new moms and dads. Having a little one is not cheap. Diapers, bottles, clothes, food, furniture, childcare and of course hospital bills all begin to add up quickly. First, how about an idea on how much it costs to raise a child. At Baby Center there is an actual raising-a-child calculator. That’s right. You can get an estimate on how much you might spend on your child through the age of 18. You can punch in a year for when a child would be or was born, basic information on where you live, your annual household income, whether it’s a single or two-parent home and if the child will go to college. Based on my information, it was more than $250,000 to raise a child. So how can moms and dads save money? Here are some tips:

Clothing:  Consider checking out garage sales and/or resale clothing stores. Babies grow out of clothes so quickly and these options can keep some money in your pocket. Also, many stores slash prices at the end of the season. Right now, you might be able to find some deals on summer clothing. Maybe ask your friends who have older children for some hand-me-downs. Let’s not forget maternity clothes for moms. I have some friends that said they will loan me their clothes when I have a baby. Sounds good to me!

Furniture: My brother-in-law and his wife purchased a crib that eventually turns into a grown up bed for when their son gets older. There are also pieces that come in combos, such as a changing table that also doubles as a dresser. When you decide what you need, think resale again. You can always keep an eye out for pre-owned furniture. Just make sure you do a good cleaning of the items.

Food: Are you handy in the kitchen? Making your own baby food can save you loads of money. Here’s an idea from Babies Online. Use a blender for the food and put the puree in an ice cube tray and freeze it. Label a freezer bag and drop them in. Then microwave the cubes when the baby is hungry.

FREE STUFF! Log onto these websites to learn more.

All Free Samples has more information about companies and deals, such as Johnson’s Baby Relief Kit and free Huggies. It also hasn’t forgotten about moms and dads. You can find free books, meals and other things.

Planning Family allows you to register for free and receive stage-based coupons, newsletters and free samples.

Coupon Surfer at this site you can browse by brands to see if there are any coupons and look at their most popular. I chose Enfamil for formula and a coupon for a free breastfeeding support kit popped up.

Many times you can log onto the site of some of your favorite brands of baby food, formula, etc. and find coupons or free offers on their websites as well. So while you’re waiting for that special day to come, do some research and save some money. You and your baby will benefit from it.

It’s the first Friday of fall. Hopefully your weekend is full of fun plans, but even if it’s not here are some great freebies to enjoy!

Kids Eat Free at Boston Market: From now through the end of October Boston Market is letting kids eat free. Get up to two free kids’ meals with any $6 purchase. No coupon required.

Free Panda Express: Take this coupon into any Panda Express location today to get a free single serving of the Sweet Fire Chicken Breast.

Free Museum Admission: Saturday, September 26 is Museum Day which means you can download a free admission card that will get you in to hundreds of museums for no charge. Search for participating venues in your area.

Free Caramel Apple Dip: Get your free Marzetti Caramel Apple Dip for taking a 10-minute survey. Thanks to A Few Short Cuts for this one!

Free Uncrustables Sandwiches: According to Chief Family Officer, starting Monday Smuckers is giving away 80,000 free uncrustables sandwiches to folks who offer up their best after-school organizational tip.

My husband and I recently renewed our AAA membership in case of emergencies, but I had no idea of the extra benefits that a membership includes. Not only can you use it when you are stranded on the side of the road, but with a little extra research I was able to find some great deals that you can get just by using your AAA card.

Prescription Savings : Believe it or not AAA can provide discounts (possibly up to 25 percent). The AAA Prescription Savings Card can be downloaded for free on their website. The catch is you can only use it when your medication is not covered by insurance.

Banana Republic Discounts: AAA is linked to clothing discounts? Sure is. You get a 10 percent discount with your card at Banana Republic Factory Stores and The Gap Outlets.

Dell: Dell has partnered with AAA to offer members savings on its products, such as computers, printers and televisions.

Hertz Car Rentals: If you’re traveling and need to rent a car, AAA can come in handy. You can save anywhere from 10 to 15 percent with your membership.

Kmart, Kohl’s and Sears: Shopping online can save you money. At Kmart having a AAA membership can get you 5 percent off your purchases. At Kohl’s you can save 15 percent on purchases of $100 or more. And with Sears online you get a 5 percent discount.

Shoes.com and Target.com: Get shoes at 20 percent off and save 10 percent at Target.

Restaurants & Hotels: We all love to eat out and AAA can help you keep a few extra dollars in your pocket. Also, keep your card on hand when traveling for hotel discounts.