A few weeks ago Wisebread editors Linsey Knerl and Lynn Truong began creating the Dealista podcasts. The Dealista promises insider tips to help you shop wisely, spend less and get more for your money. The Dealista podcast should help you find the best deals and freebies, protect your consumer rights and beat retailers at their own game.

Recent podcasts include How to Double Coupons, How to Get the Best Deals on Baby Stuff and The Basic Rules of Price-Matching.

Don't go shopping without Dealista.

Some of the best deals and coupons can be found around the holidays. This year is no exception with many great coupons for Independence Day. Here are our top 10 coupons for Independence Day.

1. Crocs -  Free shipping with any order, coupon code: july4.

2. Prescriptives - Free shipping with any order, coupon code: SUMMER.

3. Roaman's - 20% off your order, coupon code: RD4THJULY.

4. Shoes.com - 15% off and free shipping on your order, coupon code: FLAG15.

5. Woman Within - 25% off orders over $60, coupon code: WWJULY4.

6. Macy's - Free shipping on orders over $99, coupon code: FIREWORKS.

7. Classic Closeouts - Free shipping on your order, coupon code: CJXPLODE.

8. JCPenney - Free shipping on orders over $49, coupon code: 4THJULY.

9. Express - $15 off every $60 your spend, coupon code: 7266.

10. American Eagle - Free shipping when you purchase any 3 items.

More July 4th Coupons

Earlier this week we introduced you to Mr. Free Stuff. Today we bring you Mr. Free Stuff's better half, Mrs. Sweepstakes.

Mrs. Sweepstakes is the second installment in a super hero family of characters that represent their own money saving web sites.

Mrs. Sweepstakes provides consumers a one-stop destination for an array of traditional sweepstakes that award cash prizes, but it also informs readers on contests for shopping sprees, products, vacations, gift cards and tickets among other items. A recent day’s listings included contests such as a $1,000 Bloomingdale’s shopping spree, tickets to see Britney Spears in concert in Los Angeles, $2,500 worth of gasoline, and a year’s supply of Kraft Mac & Cheese.

Visitors need to click on the "Enter this Sweepstakes" link for their chance to win the sweepstakes or contest.

Who says finding bargains and saving money can’t be fun? That is what Mr. Free Stuff asks. The cartoon character represents the newest online destination in the frugal living space.

Mr. Free Stuff is a site where visitors can find free samples and product freebies.

Inspired by 'The Incredibles,' Mr. Free Stuff is the first installment in a super hero family of characters that represent their own money saving web sites.

Mr. Free Stuff features offers for freebies in a variety of categories, from Audio & Music and Animals & Pets to Home & Office and Sports & Fitness. On a recent day, the home page showcased access to a free coupon for a Mars Candy Bar, a free quart of eggshell paint from Glidden, a free sample of Hugo Boss Element cologne and a free one-day invitation to shop at Sam’s Club.

All visitors have to do is click on the links to sign up for the free stuff.

Later this week we'll announce the launch of the second installment in this money-saving super hero family, Mr. Free Stuff's better half.

Get your free stuff today!

Go Frugal had the chance to chat with this money saving mom of two who, via her popular website www.ConsumeQueen.com, is helping readers fight the rising costs of the economy by providing frugal tips to change the way we shop.  


GF: What inspired you to start Consumer Queen?

CQ: It was my passion to help others! I wanted a way that I could help my friends and family save money...Who knew I would be helping thousands of people all across the U.S!


GF: What advice would you to a newbie looking to start saving - First steps?

CQ:

• Get the Sunday paper
• Register for my website - it's free. We have so much information and so many people willing to help new people starting
• Know that you won't start saving hundreds of dollars right away. Start slow and build your savings as you go along. If you have the passion to save, it won't take you long.
• There are many ways to save - Not just clipping coupons. Being frugal is the key. You have to have a frugal mindset - Clearance shopping, using home remedies etc. You don't have to give up the brands that you love, you just have to shop smar.t

GF: As a parent, it can be a challenge to raise financially-responsible children.  How do you teach your kids the value of living frugally?

CQ: Get them involved! I have my children help me clip my coupons and organize them.  I don't give in every time my children want something at the store, instead I give my kids an allowance so they can see how spending their own money feels. They have a different mindset when it comes to spending their own.  I also teach my children to tithe.

Remember to always be honest with your kids! I don't hide when we are financially strapped because I want them to learn what's going on with the family. You will be surprised how your kids will react and jump in and help.

Commerce over mobile devices, such as iPhones and the iPod Touch, is booming in the United States. With this in mind, FreeShipping.org has introduced an iPhone application that allows users to find coupon codes for online shopping and make purchases off their iPhone.

The Free Shipping Coupons app, which is free and available at the iPhone App Store, is also ideal to conduct a price comparison and see if you can get a better deal online versus an in-store purchase.

The free shipping app features coupon codes for price discounts as well as free shipping deals from participating merchants. Users can search by store or category.

This is a great companion to the Coupon Sherpa iPhone application that has in-store coupons to 100+ stores. Coupon Sherpa is also free to download in the app store.

The guys from WiseBread.com have written the ultimate money-saving handbook. It's called 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget. FreeShipping.org is featured in the book as a top money-saving resource.

Everyone wants to spend less and live better. The writers of WiseBread.com cover everything from the basics on spending and saving to making your taxes work for you and how to score free stuff. Written by top writers in the field, such as Tim Ferris and Mary Webber, the catchy pieces include “5 Money-Making Ideas,” “7 Ways to Score Free Drinks,” “2 Most-Overlooked Points of Health Care Insurance,” “20 Signs a Pink Slip is Coming,” and much more.

At only $10.17 on Amazon.com, you can't afford not to buy this book.

Another frugal week has come and gone. Here's what you might have missed.

• The frugal highlight of the week has to be Susan Samtur, a.k.a. the Coupon Queen showing how she saves 97% on her groceries by creatively using coupons. I wouldn't want to be stuck in line behind her.
• Jason White of FrugalDad started a second blog, Frugal Real Estate where he shares tips for frugal home buyers and sellers. We wish Jason good luck with this new venture.
• Lynnae of Being Frugal.net shares why she decided to homeschool her children. It might have something to do with the budget cuts for education.

Timing is everything, it seems. Knowing when is the best time to buy that new car, house or lawn mower could be the difference between saving hundreds if not thousands of dollars every year. That's why we created the Best Time to Buy Guide for over 40 products and services. Before you make another major purchase, check with this guide to know when the best time to buy is.


1. Air Conditioners
The price of air conditioners rise and lower with the temperature. Most old air conditioners expire when the temperature goes up which creates a high demand in the summer months.

If an air conditioner is a must buy right now, then begin looking for discounts today on last years models. If you have a unit that can make it through another season, then the best option is to wait until stores are clearing their inventory at the end of the summer. As temperatures cool the prices will drop and you can find great deals to keep you cool next year.

You can save money on the purchase of a new air conditioner by having your current system serviced. Early in the season is the best time to find deals on service for your air conditioner. In the heating and air conditioning business, the summer months are the most profitable. Many companies will offer discounts on air conditioner service before the heat arrives to stay busy.

Best time to buy an air conditioner: October
Best time to have your air conditioner services: February

2. Airline Tickets
Increase your odds of cheaper airfare by purchasing well in advance of your departure. Viewing ticket prices up to 4 months ahead of departure will give you the best chance of finding a guide deal. Look for tickets early in the week to find deals as prices have a tendency to rise as the week goes on.

Try to fly on a Saturday and avoid flying on Sundays to get a better deal. Holiday travel is always more expensive so determining a travel schedule can be especially valuable when looking for discounts around the holidays.

Flight discounts are unpredictable so the best advice is to check frequently, and once you find a good deal take it. It might not be around very long.

Best time to buy airline tickets: Tuesdays, months in advance of departure

3. Big Appliances
The new models for large appliances roll out in September and October, so stores will be working to make room by discounting previous models. Some stores will keep older inventory in stock through the holiday months and then reduce what ever is left at the beginning of the new year.

During the rest of the year look for holiday sales around Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Best time to buy big appliances: October and January

Another Earth Day may be behind us, but that’s no reason to stop thinking green. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite eco-frugal posts from this week - Enjoy!

• Wisebread addresses some nagging questions about balancing an eco-friendly, and frugal life via “Grocery Store Earth Angst.”
• Frugal Village tells us how to replace those toxic household cleaning products with safe, green alternatives that are as easy on your wallet as they are on Mother Earth.
• 3r Living is a wonderful resource for environmentally-friendly home decor and furnishings. Eco Buying sat down with owner Mark Caserta for a special Earth Day session of “10 Questions With” to get the scoop on the business-side of being green