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Ordering from the menu while dining out may not get you the best deal–or even the tastiest meal.
It’s not unusual for restaurants to have hidden menus (some of which, like In-N-Out Burger’s, are not really that secret) and special deals only accessible to those diners who are in the know.
You might even get early access to a popular item—last fall, Starbucks customers who told their barista “PSL 10” could get a pumpkin spice latte a week before the drink’s official addition to menus.
Ferreting out secrets is pretty easy.
Look for the code words on brands’ web sites, Facebook pages and Twitter feeds, and on message boards catering to foodies and deal hunters like Chowhound.com and HacktheMenu.com.
And when in doubt, ask your server if there’s anything they recommend that isn’t necessarily on the menu.
Don’t forget to pay attention to your local restaurants, too—they also have secrets.
At FIGat7th in Los Angeles, there’s “3 Little Piggies,” what a spokeswoman describes as “Kurobuta pork belly, slow-braised carnitas, and prime applewood smoked bacon with chili aioli, jalapeno relish, avocado puree, provolone, pickled red onions and shredded romaine, on panini grilled ciabatta.”
Time Out New York has tracked secret menu items at local outposts such as Momofuku Milk Bar (a milkshake with mint, cookies and espresso).
In-N-Out
The secret is definitely out when a brand posts its secret menu to its own web site. But that’s just the burgers.
Frugal Foodie is partial to the Neapolitan shake (a mix of strawberry, vanilla and chocolate) and well-done fries (extra crispy).
Starbucks
There’s an entire site—StarbucksSecretMenu.net—devoted to off-the-menu Starbucks drinks.
For example, a Chocolate Covered Raspberry Frappuccino, which adds raspberry syrup, mocha drizzle and java chips to a vanilla bean Frappuccino.
Jamba Juice
Some of the most notable secret combos taste like candy.
Among those Ranker.com lists include Pink Starburst (lemonade, soymilk, raspberry sherbet, frozen yogurt, sorbet and strawberries) and Sourpatch Kid (lemonade, blueberries, lime sherbet, pineapple sherbet, raspberry sherbet and orange sherbet).
Sonic
This chain already brags that its drinks menu allows for a whopping 1,063,953 combos, and menu listings do include a number of the ones you’re less likely to pair (like Purple Sprite, which mixes in cranberry juice, Powerade and a few other ingredients).
A secret food to try: the Frito Pie, which is Fritos topped with chili and nacho cheese.
Panera Bread
Another chain where the secret items are more advertised, Panera has sent out press releases about new additions.
One to try: the Power Chicken Hummus Bowl, a salad with chicken, hummus and a variety of veggies.
McDonalds
SecretMenuholic.com has a good rundown of the stealthy menu items, which include a McFlurry with an apple pie mix-in, and the Mc10:35, a breakfast-lunch crossover of a McMuffin and a McDouble.
Frugal Foodie is a journalist based in New York City who spends her days writing about personal finance and obsessing about what she’ll have for dinner. Chat with her on Twitter through @MintFoodie.
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Whether you know it as a snowpocalypse, a snowmageddon, or the ever-popular “oh no, not this again,” there’s no denying that giant snowstorms are a pain for just about everybody who has to deal with them.
And it’s not just because snow is cold. It’s also because a snowpocalypse can cost you a good deal of money.
If you live in the Northeast, Central North, or anywhere else that snow is prevalent, here’s what you spend each winter, on average … and how to deal with snow more cheaply.
Snow Shovels
Here’s an investment few Floridians need to worry about. Everybody who gets snowed upon has held many a shovel in their life, and has likely purchased many over the years.
No one shovel is terribly expensive, mostly running between $15 to $30.
Unfortunately, even the best shovels don’t last forever, especially if you’re dealt the “heavy slushy snow” card, so you’re likely buying at least one new shovel every winter.
After all, if all you have is an old bent shovel, you might as well scoop away the snow with your bare hands.
Scrapers
No northern vehicle is complete without at least one brush/scraper combo floating around the backseat just waiting for its inevitable use.
Most run between $5 and $20, but you always need to prepare for having to buy a new one.
Brushes bristle, scrapers lose their teeth, and suddenly you can’t get to work on time because you didn’t spend five bucks on a new scraper.
Nobody likes that, least of all your boss.
Snowblowers
If you don’t want to deal with the back-breaking work of shoveling, you can always purchase a snowblower.
Unfortunately, a decent one can run you about $800, which is the price you pay for convenience.
Luckily, you can also purchase a power shovel for far less, around $100.
They don’t chuck the snow as far away from you as a snowblower will, but if your only goal is to clear a small driveway, it might be worth the purchase.
Accidents
Though towns do their best to clear the roads during a snowmageddon, sometimes they’re just plain icy and slippery.
And that’s when bad things happen.
If you’re driving along and suddenly start sliding every which way, only stopping once you crash into a heavy snow bank, your day has just been ruined, as has your bank account.
Even a small bit of bumper damage can run you $1000, while a totaled vehicle could cost you $15,000, especially if the insurance company invents a brand-new excuse to not help out.
Heating Costs
Unless you’re fine with shivering violently until April, chances are you’re going to turn the heat up during a snowpocalypse.
Doing so will keep you toasty, but also leave your wallet empty.
Even with a multitude of ways to save on heat and lower your bill, you should still expect to pony up just under $1000 come wintertime.
Though it’s a rough estimate, and everybody’s mileage can vary, the average cost of dealing with a snowy winter is about $2500. You can cut this number down by preparing your home, reducing heating costs, and taking advantage of other wintertime hacks.
As you can see, a snowpocalypse isn’t just a simple matter of “shovel, salt, and go.” There’s a lot to think about, especially once the falling white stuff compromises your bank account.
Do you have your own Snowpocalypse savings tip? Share it with the community below.
Mary Hiers is a personal finance writer who helps people earn more and spend less.
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Entering the real world is exciting. For young professionals this often means getting your first career-track job, moving into your own place and taking full control of your finances.
While everyone wants to get started on the right foot, there are some common mistakes young professionals make that can have long-lasting impact.
Figuring It Out Later
This is a time in your life when you may find yourself making many big decisions in a small amount of time.
Don’t say yes and figure it out later. Before you sign a lease or mortgage, determine whether you can afford it.
The easiest way to do this is to create a budget.
You may think you need to wait a while until your expenses “normalize” since when you first move into a place, there can be one-time costs like furniture and security deposits.
But if you wait a few months, you may find yourself already in some serious debt.
[Read: Can You Get Your Student Loans Forgiven?]
Do some research and make a budget immediately.
Then adjust your budget when you see how much money you are bringing home and how much you are really spending.
It’s best to start out tracking your spending right away, instead of playing catch-up later.
Assuming You Will Make More
You may be disappointed by your first salary. You may work in an industry where big bonuses are normal.
Regardless, plan your finances around the salary you are guaranteed right now. This gives you the freedom to make choices in the future.
If you are living beyond your means now, that raise or bonus will only go to paying off debts.
[Read: Can Your Job Hurt Your Credit?]
If you budget for your current salary, you can use that raise or bonus to boost your emergency fund, increase your retirement savings, or treat yourself.
Don’t spend your future self into a corner.
Not Asking Questions
Young professionals are covering a lot of new territory — making decisions we haven’t made before.
Don’t be afraid to do some research or ask for help. Read the fine print before you sign documents and if you don’t understand something, stop.
[Read: Your First Credit Card: What You Need to Know]
Before you accept a job, sign a lease or accept a credit card, ask a few questions.
Being financially independent doesn’t mean you have to be totally alone in the decision-making process.
There are others who have done these things before, so seek out a mentor to help guide you through the process.
There’s nothing more grown up than knowing when you need help.
“Top 3 Financial Mistakes Young People Make” was provided by Credit.com.
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Whether you’re religious or not, Easter can be an incredibly fun time of year — delicious candy, beautiful eggs, fluffy bunnies, and pastel everything.
But if you’re not careful, it can also be an expensive time of year.
A lot of things that people love to do to celebrate Easter will come back to bite them in the financial behind sooner or later (most likely “sooner”).
Here’s a quick rundown of things to avoid doing, if you want to keep your Easter under budget:
Hire an Easter Bunny
The world is chock-full of entertainers that will gladly dress up as the Easter Bunny for your child’s party — for a price, naturally.
Usually, this price is a rather hefty one. There is absolutely no need to hire any of these people, even if they’re really, really good at hopping.
Either create your own Easter Bunny costume, find a mall or shop where the kids can get free pictures with the Bunny, or just sit back and fire up some old Bugs Bunny cartoons for an afternoon.
That wascawwy wabbit is the gift that keeps on giving.
Buy Too Much Chocolate
As blasphemous as it may sound, there is such a thing as too much chocolate, especially when that chocolate can run you a pretty penny.
If you buy a dozen chocolate bunnies at five bucks each, that’s $60 on chocolate rabbits alone.
That’s way too much candy for any family (kids should probably just have a few small pieces each, holiday or no,) and that money could easily have gone to other, more important matters, like bills or ingredients for a delicious, homemade Easter dinner.
Hey, speaking of …
Eat Easter Dinner at an Expensive Restaurant
Any restaurant higher up on the food chain than McDonald’s will have an Easter dinner ready for you to enjoy. Of course, it’ll cost you some dough.
Depending on the size of your family, you could easily drop $50-100 on one night’s meal.
What’s the point, when you can just as easily create your own meal at home?
Buy the meat you want, cook it the way you like it, garnish it with whatever sides suit your fancy, and top it off with a dessert that’s bound to be way better (and cheaper) than whatever the local eateries would whip up.
Rent Top-of-the-Line Church Clothing You’ll Never Wear Again
Pastel dresses and formal tuxedos aren’t usually found in your typical closet, and so many people rent them for their Sunday church activities, return them the next day, and not think about it until next year.
Or, until the next credit card bill comes along, either or.
It doesn’t matter how cute or precious your little girl looks in a $90 outfit. It’s still a $90 outfit that ultimately doesn’t matter much.
Most people (well, the good ones anyway) will welcome and embrace you and your family regardless of what you wear to church. Just wear what you normally do and everyone will be happy.
Well, the rented formal wear company probably won’t be happy, but too bad.
Buy a Pet Bunny (if You’re Not Ready)
This could be the single dumbest purchase of your Easter, in addition to being the most expensive.
Unless you were planning to get a bunny for a while, knew what you were getting into, had all the right supplies, and budgeted accordingly for it, bringing home a pet rabbit for Easter is a horrid idea indeed.
The actual rabbit might not cost a lot, but caring for it, feeding it, bringing it to the vet when need be, and just being a good pet owner in general can cost a ton of money.
If you are truly ready to bring a bunny into your world, and have budgeted accordingly, then Easter is a tremendously symbolic time to begin.
But otherwise, just stick with chocolate bunnies. Just don’t get too many, since they’re not exactly cheap either.
Mary Hiers is a personal finance writer who helps people earn more and spend less.
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Let’s face it, we’re all looking for new ways to save money, and there are certain monthly costs you just cannot avoid.
If you’re a car owner, auto insurance is one of them.
Wouldn’t you love to have a lower auto insurance premium for the same value? Do you consider yourself to be a safe driver?
If you answered yes to both of these questions, a usage-based auto insurance program may be a solution for you.
A new way to lower your auto insurance premium is through usage based insurance programs.
Telematics Track Your Driving
I’m sure you’re asking, what on earth are usage based insurance programs?
Usage based insurance is just what it sounds like. Basically, your insurance will be based on how you drive your car.
Your behavior is tracked through a telematics device, which is a gadget that is installed in your car to measure your driving activity–how fast you drive, how frequent and far you drive, whether you have sudden stops, if you’re out late at night–you name it, telematics can track it.
This data is immediately shared with your insurance company.
If you’re a great driver, all of this will benefit you because it will allow your auto insurance provider to see your A-plus driving skills and give you lower rates because you are less of a risk in their eyes.
Getting rewarded for good behavior? Isn’t this the way the world should work?
Insurance carriers such as Progressive are already offering programs like Progressive Snapshot.
All you have to do is get the Snapshot device installed, drive for 30 days, and on day 31 your rate is fully personalized, and you can start receiving discounts.
Pretty cool!
Is Usage-Based Auto Insurance Right for You?
According to Forbes, Progressive started offering their telematics program back in 1998, and one-third of overall customers opt-in to participate and of that one-third, two-thirds receive savings.
Allstate also offers a program called Drivewise, Esurance offers Drivesense and State Farm offers Drive Safe & Save, to name a few.
Currently, all of the usage-based insurance programs only reward you for your good driving with savings; however, in the future, it is expected that users will also get penalized for poor driving.
Essentially, If you typically drive well above the speed limit, take risks on the road or drive erratically, telematics is not the best option for you because you won’t receive any savings for your driving behavior.
It’s important to note that telematics is currently not offered in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Indiana and North Carolina.
Now that you have the facts on usage based insurance programs, do you trust your driving is good enough to give it a try?
Wouldn’t saving money on your monthly bill be awesome?
Plus, usage based insurance encourages safe driving, which is always a good thing!
This article was written and sponsored by CoverHound, where you can compare car insurance rates in as little as 3 minutes.
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We don’t want to get all mushy or anything, but you’re one-of-a-kind! And that means you have unique wants and needs.
There are a lot of mobile apps out there focusing on personalization, and some do a better job than others.
We pulled together seven of our favorites – each one will help you customize a different facet of your daily life.
Here they are!
Sworkit can help you get fit, regardless of how much time you have or where you are.
After downloading the app, you can choose what type of training you’re after (strength, cardio, yoga), your workout (full body, core, lower body) and the amount of time you have (anywhere from 5 to 60 minutes).
That’s it! Sworkit will curate a set of exercises just for you.
Available in: iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Apps
The latest version of BrightNest takes home customization to a new level with the Interactive Home Quiz.
The app serves up a series of simple “yes or no” questions about your home and delivers a personalized tip based on each response.
BrightNest also allows you to create custom to-dos and set recurring reminders, so whether you want to reorganize your tool shed twice a year or clean your fish tank once a week, BrightNest will help you get it done.
Available in: iTunes
Mint helps you understand exactly where your money is going.
Once securely synced with your bank accounts, Mint creates a customized budget based on personal spending.
Then, the app gives you the freedom to choose your own budget limits.
Whether you need to adjust your spending to include a new hobby (hello, new pottery wheel) or simply track your meals out, Mint makes it easy.
Available in: iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Apps, Windows Store
The mySkin app demystifies skincare by creating a personalized routine based on your skin.
When you sign up for mySkin, you’re prompted to answer questions about your skin type (dry or oily), skin color, hair color and past skin problems (like acne, blackheads or scars).
The app then serves up a skincare routine that’s right for you and recommends products.
Available in: iTunes, Windows Store
When you sign up for Ness, they’ll prompt you to select the types of foods you like and the types you hate.
After that, Ness will serve up restaurant recommendations, and allow you to rate places you’ve already tried.
Every time you rate a place you’ve eaten (it’s kind of like Netflix for restaurants), their recommendations for you will improve.
Available in:iTunes
Do you have trouble remembering people’s names?
What about doing quick math in your head or switching between different tasks?
Lumosity can help you get better at each of these things (or all three!).
When you create an account, Lumosity prompts you to select the different aspects of your brain that you’d like to train.
Then, they send you a customized workout routine every day. You can set training reminders at a time that works for you.
Available in: iTunes
Love to shop but hate the mall?
Keep personalizes the shopping experience by bringing styles you’ll actually wear into one app.
To customize your experience, choose brands, stores and looks that fit your personal style.
Then, under the MyFeed tab, you’ll see curated shoes, bags, clothes and home items for sale.
When you scroll over an item you like, you can “Buy” or “Keep,” making sure you never miss a deal.
Available in: iTunes, Google Play
BrightNest is a free site that provides tools and tips to homeowners to help them save money, get organized and keep their homes in great shape. Sign up for a free BrightNest account today!
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There’s not much that can make the pain of tax season less taxing, but restaurants sure try.
Come April 15 (tomorrow!), once your return is filed and the check in the mail to Uncle Sam, be on the lookout for tax-themed freebies and deals.
Be on the lookout for more offers from both national chains and local spots as tax day approaches—many restaurants announce their deals at the last-minute.
For now, add these to your list of possibilities:
Boston Market
The “Tax Day Chicken Meal Deal” offers two half-chicken individual meals for $10.40, no coupon required.
Each meal comes with half a rotisserie chicken, two sides and fresh cornbread. Available at all locations.
Bruegger’s Bagels
Sign up through the eClub or Facebook page by April 10 to get a coupon for a $3.50 “deduction” on the chain’s Big Bagel Bundles.
That brings the price to just $10.40.
Cactus Jack’s
Tax-day diners can redeem a special “1040 dining certificate” for $10.40 off the purchase of two entrees.
Good at any of the company’s Great New Hampshire Restaurants.
California Tortilla
Make a purchase on April 15 and say the code word “taxes shmaxes.”
You’ll be rewarded with a free order of chips and queso or salsa with your meal. Available at all locations.
Cohen Restaurant Group
On April 14 and 15, the California-based restaurant group has a coupon for $10.40 off the purchase of two meals and two drinks at participating locations.
Great American Cookie
Through the “Incomes the Sweetness” promo, tax-day visitors will receive a free original chocolate chip cookie.
Participating locations only, and only while supplies last.
Per the company’s announcement, “No purchase or proof of completed taxes is necessary.”
Hard Rock Cafe
Diners can sing for their supper on April 15.
After 5 p.m., pick a song and sing it in its entirety on the restaurant’s live stage, to earn a free entrée.
Participating locations only.
Muckleshoot Casino
The Auburn, Wash., casino’s Spice Bay Buffet will offer a special lunch and dinner buffet for $10.40 per person.
Available 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
Print out a coupon from the chain’s Facebook page to get a cup full of frozen yogurt and toppings for just $4.15, about 50 percent off the usual price.
Participating locations only.
Frugal Foodie is a journalist based in New York City who spends her days writing about personal finance and obsessing about what she’ll have for dinner. Chat with her on Twitter through @MintFoodie.
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Are there items in your home that haven’t been touched in years?
If so, you’re not alone! Sometimes, things seem great in theory (especially when you see them at 2 AM on an infomercial).
But when they actually make it into your home, they become official dust collectors.
Watch out for these 7 tempting items – they’re famously not worth it!
Home Fitness Equipment
Average Cost: at least $30 (probably more!)
Pumping iron at home sounds great in theory (who wants to deal with a gym?) but when it comes down to it, many of us ignore the thigh master and treadmill that’s taking up space.
In fact, Consumer Reports found that nearly 40 percent of people used their home exercise machines far less than they had planned.
Instead of spending cash on at-home equipment, consider using a free app like Sworkit or Fitocracy.
That way, you can skip the pricey home equipment and the gym membership.
Banana Slicers
Average Cost: $10
We admit that this kitchen gadget looks cool, but let’s be real – how often do you really need to slice bananas?
We’re guessing probably not enough to justify a $10 fancy slicer.
Instead, use a knife! It’ll get the job done.
Note: Banana slicers aren’t the only kitchen gadget you should never buy.
Baby Wipe Warmer
Average Cost: $25
When you’re a first-time parent, the number of things you need to buy for a baby can be overwhelming, and it’s tough to know what’s really necessary.
We’re here to simplify life (at least a little bit): skip the baby wipe warmer.
Instead, warm a cold baby wipe in between your palms before you use it.
Your baby’s bum will stay warm, and you’ll have one less baby-thing to buy!
But listen, if you want to splurge on the wipe warmer to avoid any potential extra tears/stress/middle of the night soothing sessions, we totally get it.
Dog Bed
Average Cost: $50 – $80 (depending on the size of your dog)
Don’t get us wrong, we think every dog deserves a comfy place to sleep, but there are a lot of ways to make a dog bed without going to the store.
(And Spot will enjoy them just as much.)
Try making your own dog bed with pillows and old blankets or towels. Not only can you control how soft the bed will be, you’ll save some cash.
Tip: If you’re skeptical about the aesthetics of pillows and blankets, consider putting the makeshift bed in a suitcase.
Wine Stopper
Average Cost: $10 – $15 (and up!)
Someone once said that popping a cork is one of the few sounds in the world that brings true joy to the listener, but we don’t think it’s necessary to plug that bottle back up with a fancy-schmancy wine stopper.
Instead, just use a cork. Once a cork is back in the bottle, it does a great job preserving your wine.
If you want something a little more attractive, make your own stopper with leftover corks.
We love this geode version made by Emily at Cupcakes and Cashmere.
Alarm Clock
Average Cost: $20 (and up!)
Waking up in the morning can be tough, and an alarm can save the day if you’re prone to oversleep. But, you don’t need to buy a separate item just to wake you up.
Just use your cellphone! You don’t even need a smartphone to set an alarm – flip phones have an alarm built in, too.
DVD Player
Average Cost: $35 (plus the cost of renting DVDs…one at a time)
Do you remember when DVD players were luxury items that cost $100 or more?
Yeah, that’s because they were useful. Now, there are a slew of other ways to get your Leonardo DiCaprio fix.
Like Netflix!
You can get a membership to Netflix for $7.99 a month and have endless entertainment streamed directly to a computer, tablet or other device (like an Apple TV, PlayStation or Xbox). BrightNest is a free site that provides tools and tips to homeowners to help them save money, get organized and keep their homes in great shape. Sign up for a free BrightNest account today!
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Just because the sticker price on a car is low, doesn’t mean that car is automatically a good deal.
Remember, that’s simply the price you pay to own the car.
It does not take anything else into account – cost of repairs, average fuel cost, average insurance premiums, and so on and so forth.
When you’re looking for a cheap, economic vehicle, you need to look at the entire picture. Cost alone means little. Cost-to-own means everything.
Recently, Consumer Reports came out with a comprehensive analysis of the most and least expensive cars to own over a five-year period.
Very likely, none of you need nor want an expensive car, so let’s just focus on the cheap.
Here are five cars of varying sizes that, according to Consumer Reports, you can operate for five years for under $35,000.
Toyota Prius C Two ($24,600, Subcompact)
The smaller a car is, the cheaper it’s bound to be, and the Toyota Prius C Two is no exception.
A subcompact hatchback, the Prius C Two is not the best car for comfort or looks (it can get rather cramped in there, plus the engine is a tad noisy), but if your goal is to have something cheap to get you from here to there, this is perfect.
It’s reliable, gets 43 MPG, and won’t require frequent trips to the mechanic.
Toyota Prius Four ($28,200, Compact)
For just a few thousand dollars more, you could ride with a Prius Four, which is a much better ride than the C Two – roomier, more comfortable, quieter, and it just might have better MPG as well.
Going to the highway could net you upwards of 55 MPG, and if you get the hybrid model, electricity could boost that number to an absurd 67 MPG.
Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE ($31,800, Midsized Sedan)
Now we’re getting bigger, and therefore more expensive. However, $31,800 over five years is still not at all a bad deal.
The price tag goes up mainly due to a lower MPG (26-38 MPG) depending on what kind of engine you get, along with slightly less reliability than before.
But we’re still not even close to Jalopyville here, thank goodness.
Subaru XV Crosstrek Premium ($34,200, Small SUV)
Yes, even an SUV can cost very little to operate, despite all you’ve heard.
For just over $34,000 in a five-year span, you could be driving a Subaru.
It’s not the comfiest ride ever, and you might be sending this one to the repair shop a tad more often than you’d like after the first year, but there’s nothing too major to worry about here.
Besides, for an SUV, getting 26 MPG is a small miracle.
Honda Civic Si Manual ($34,800, Sporty)
Finally, we have a sporty car that just slips under the $35,000 barrier that separates the bargains from the ripoffs.
The Honda Civic Si Manual is, quite obviously, a manual vehicle, which helps drive down the cost to own automatically.
In addition, this car actually boasts better gas mileage than the last couple of cars on this list, at a cool 29 MPG.
Still, a bigger car means bigger sticker price, and the Civic Si is no exception. But if you’re in the market for a good, economic sporty car, this might be the perfect one for you.
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When we think of things that will save the environment we think of taking the bus to work or buying local food — both expensive actions. Yet going green doesn’t have to cost you a ton of time or money. In fact, many of the eco-smart habits also help you save money by reducing excess and getting more use out of old things.
We all know the phrase: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. However straightforward it may sound, it can still be hard to incorporate environmentally friendly actions into your everyday. Becoming familiar with the sustainability of every company and brand you support can be time-consuming and difficult. It can be confusing to determine which kinds of plastic can be recycled and which can’t.
Thankfully, there’s technology out there that can make helping the environment a bit easier — all while saving money. There’s apps that help us monitor our energy and water usage to help us make smarter choices, and apps that make it easy to upcycle old clothes and electronics.
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