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Free and Cheap

Janine Dorsey

Janine is a 20-year veteran journalist who puts her sleuthing skills to use unearthing deals and discounts for families in the Tampa Bay area. Raising her own two daughters has taught her that some of the best things in life are “free” but not necessarily “cheap.”

Gayle Guyardo

Gayle Guyardo co-anchors “News Channel 8 Today” weekday mornings with Rod Carter. She does a special segment, “Ways to save today,” each Monday between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. Gayle is a third generation Tampa native and a graduate of Auburn University. She and her husband Mark raise four little girls - Katie, Lindsay, Ali and Ella.

Richard Mullins

The Tampa Tribune’s retail reporter, Richard Mullins writes about consumer trends and everything you buy at the mall, grocery stores and restaurants. He believes credit cards are the window to our souls. And yes, he gets paid to wander the mall for work.

Debbie Swartz

Debbie, a 20-year veteran journalist, can typically be found at the end of Target aisles looking at clearance items. She’s also been known to send one her young daughters through the checkout lane to redeem a coupon.

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Free greeting card for mom

Posted Apr 26, 2012 by Janine Dorsey

Updated Apr 26, 2012 at 12:58 PM

Create your own personalized greeting card for mom, for free.

Just visit Cardstore.com and follow the prompts to choose a Mother’s Day card.

There are designs suitable for aunts, sisters and others you wish to honor on this holiday, too.

You can upload photos and add personalization to the card once you have chosen a design. Or you can skip that part if you don’t have any photos handy. The whole process just takes a few minutes.

At checkout, enter the promo code “LUVMOM” and your order will be free with free standard shipping.

Hurry, supplies may be limited and Mother’s Day is just two weeks away!

And remember to check back with Free & Cheap, we’ll be rounding up ways to celebrate with mom on her special day without breaking the bank.

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Save at Walgreens with the AARP card

Posted Apr 25, 2012 by Janine Dorsey

Updated Apr 25, 2012 at 10:56 AM

Walgreens may not have a loyalty card program like CVS, but there is still a card you should show at the register to save.

The AARP program has a partnership with Walgreens drug stores and updates special offers each week for their members.

Currently the offers include a $5 coupon off your next purchase when you spend $20 and a $3 coupon off your next purchase when you buy $10 in Walgreens brand products.

If you prefer to do your shopping online, AARP members can save 5 percent right off the top.

Check back frequently to see the latest savings.

And if you think you’re too young to qualify, you may not be. Only one member of your household has to be at least 50 years old to sign up for the program.

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Camp one night, get one free

Posted Apr 24, 2012 by Janine Dorsey

Updated Apr 24, 2012 at 12:28 PM

Families wanting to get away for a weekend needn’t spend a bundle. Camping can be an inexpensive way to spend time together.

And next month, it will be just a little bit cheaper if you spend the night with KOA.

KOA campgrounds are sponsoring “Come Kamp and Kare” the weekend of May 11 and 12. When you stay as a paying guest at a participating KOA on Friday, May 11, your Saturday, May 12 stay at that campground is absolutely free.

Participating campgrounds in Florida include Madeira Beach, Marco Island, Fort Myers, Daytona, several in Orlando and more.

The program is a fundraiser to support the company’s KOA Care Camps program for kids with cancer.

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Military members, family can save

Posted Apr 23, 2012 by Janine Dorsey

Updated Apr 23, 2012 at 03:45 PM

Are you a member of a military family?

If you or a member of your immediate family serves or has served in the armed forces, there are lots of businesses that want to show their appreciation.

Here’s a round-up of a few that we discovered:

Free museum admission: Visit Blue Star Family to search for museums offering free admission to military members. Some offer the perk year-round, others just during the summer months. Check back for updates.

Busch Gardens and SeaWorld: Here’s To The Heroes is Anheuser-Busch’s way to give back to military families. Military personnel and up to three direct family members are treated to complimentary single day admission to a selection of theme parks in Florida and elsewhere.

Save on everything: Military.com gathers information on discounts and deals for all manner of goods and services for armed service members. Some of the current deals include discounts at Banana Republic, Lowes, Auntie Anne’s, Weight Watchers and The Body Shop.

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Kids admitted free with All Pro Dads

Posted Apr 23, 2012 by Janine Dorsey

Updated Apr 23, 2012 at 03:48 PM

The hhgregg All Pro Dad Father & Kids Experience is returning to Tampa on Saturday (May 12) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium.

The Father & Kids Experience is a hands-on event providing inspirational bonding opportunities for families. Dads will spend three hours playing with their kids, rotating through interactive stations on the football field and learning practical parenting tips.

Registration is $15 per family, which includes admission for one adult and up to four children, and is available at www.AllProDad.com. The event is recommended for children ages 5 and older. Advanced registration is required and early registration is encouraged as the event is expected to sell out.

The 2012 All Pro Dad Father & Kids Experience is sponsored by hhgregg, and presented by Bright House Sports Network, along with sponsors Russell Athletic, Nielsen, Fresh For Florida Kids, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and media partners, Bright House Network, WQYK, and The Tampa Tribune.

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