The Best Prom Money Can Buy: South Suburban Spending Habits

We called on our Facebook fans from across the south suburbs to share their experiences dealing with the expenses of a modern-day prom.

For some, prom is the apex of the high school experience—a magical night to be looked back on with nostalgia for years to come.  Others will recount it as a well-dressed ten-ton credit-munching beast with an insatiable appetite. Like Matt L., our Tinley Park Patch Facebook friend who needed several years to pay his parents off his parents for a prom loan. Or Angie S. from Oak Lawn, who budgeted $1,000 for her daughters’ proms (and she’s not the exception). Now that we’re in the heart of prom season, we were curious to hear about the financial impact prom has on the typical south suburban family. How much does the average local family spend on a prom, and who foots the bill? Mom and dad, or the teens? We asked our Facebook fans across the …

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Frugal Family: Vision, Battery Power, Tans and Legos

A short list of great deals in the area for the money-conscious family.

This week, we scoured our local sources to come up with great deals on kid’s glasses, batteries, and tanning. Remember to check with the merchant for additional conditions: 1. LENS CRAFTERS Deal: 50% off lenses with a frame purchase. This deal includes no-lines, bifocals, and sunglasses made with your prescription. Print your coupon here. Restrictions apply. See retailer for details. Good through: 4/2/11 2. All Charged Up Battery Store Deal: Getting ready for spring repairs but your power tools have lost their charge? Get your old drill’s battery rebuilt. Get 10% off all battery rebuilds at All Charged Up Battery. See its website for pricing and details. Good through: Offer can expire at anytime. 3. LA TAN Deal: LA Tan is offering $50 …

Frugal Family

Frugal Family: Computer Starting, T-Shirts and Kids Meals

A short list of great deals in the area for the money-conscious family.

This week, we scoured our local sources to come up with great deals on PC set up, hair cuts, kids meals and clothing. 1. STAPLES Getting a new PC up and running can be a daunting task. You’ve got to get it ready to run, put all your data on it, and then figure out how to work the thing. Don’t fret! Staples makes it easy. Deal: Buy any new PC and get free PC setup, data transfer, and Microsoft online training. Restrictions apply. See your local Staples (or its weekly ad) for details. Good through: 4/2/11 2. La Coutoure HAIR STUDIO Thinking about dying your hair red for St. Patrick’s day? Why not also get it cut for free? Deal: Get a free haircut with any full color service (valued at more than $32.00) Good through: Offer may change at any …

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Frugal Family

Frugal Family: Deals on Pictures, Pet Food, Celtic Music and Film

A short list of great deals in the area for the money-conscious family.

This week, we scoured our local sources to come up with great deals on baby photos, auto care, movies, Celtic music and pet food. Remember, you are a big part of this column. Let us hear about the deals you've seen. Just add them in our comment box. Remember to check with the merchant for additional conditions: 1. OLAN MILLS PORTRAIT STUDIO IN KMART Yes, we know your baby is the cutest baby ever. Why not get free pictures? Deal: Receive one 8 x 10, two 5 x 7s, and 8 wallet-sized baby portraits free. Print your coupon here. Good through: Sunday, March 6. Valid for children 3 months and younger only. 2. PETSMART Get ready for the purrrrfect deal. Deal: Buy one bag of IAMS Cat or Dog Food (4 lb. cat food or up to 8 lb. dog food) and get one …

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Frugal Family

Deals on Tacos, Computers and Ice Cream: Frugal Family

A short list of great deals in the area for the money-conscious family.

We’re back with a few new ways to save money. Remember, you are a big part of this column. Let us hear about the deals you've seen. Just add them to our comment box. This week, we scoured our local sources to come up with great deals on ice cream, electronics, and pizza. Remember to check with the merchant for additional conditions: BASKIN-ROBBINS Treat a friend to some tasty ice cream and get one free. Deal: Buy one cone, get one free.  Print your coupon here. Good through: March 5, 2011 BEST BUY Free up some desk space by swapping out your desktop for this space-saving laptop. Deal: $349 – Get a Gateway laptop with a AMD C-series processor, 15.6-inch display, 3GB memory, and 320GB hard drive. Good through: February 19, 2011 BEGGARS PIZZA…

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