Best is Yet to Be

Military life can be challenging in many ways.  Just when life seems like it is going in one direction then change occurs.  Moving on can mean a mixture of emotions.  It is sad to say good bye to the familiar.  It is exciting to start a new adventure.  It is scary to broaden your horizons.  Whatever the case may be, it is important that the best is yet to be. 

160+ Stores offering Military Discounts

Stores offering military discounts...It's important to show them your valid military ID.  From Brad's list

• A&W – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Abercrombie & Fitch – 10-15% off, at manager’s discretion
• Advance Auto Parts – 10% off with military ID
• Aeropostale – 10% off with military ID
• Agentsource.com – Up to 40% off standard real estate closing costs for Active duty men and women moving in the United States or Canada
• American Airlines – Discount varies, requires military ID
• American Eagle Outfitters – 10-15% off, at manager’s discretion
• American Video Productions -10% off to active duty, retired, families of military and dependents. Call and ask for the discount http://www.americanvideoproductions.net/
• Amtrak - 10% off
• Anchor Blue - 10% off
• Anheuser – Busch Amusement Parks – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Anna’s Linens - 10% off any purchase with Valid Military ID in store only
• Apple Store - The discount varies, you need to sign up here – http://www.apple.com/r/store/government/
• Applebee’s – Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you
• Arby’s- Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Ashford University – Discounted tuition at $250 a credit, books are covered for all required courses, waived application fee, waived technology fee and more! Benefits apply to all Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists and spouses, dependents eligible for survivor benefits, plus civilian DOD employees & separated vets/retirees still using their GI Bill.
• ASMBA – Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association – Membership in the non-profit association is free, and, when you join, you’ll get $3,000 of free AD&D coverage.
• AT&T – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• AutoZone– Varies Per Store - Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Avis – 25% off, online you should use this coupon AWD # A555084
• Azamara Cruises – Discounts vary, 800-338-4962
• Back Yard Burgers – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Banana Republic – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
• Barnes and Noble – 6% off regular price plus free shipping, check out www.bn.com/militarycity
• Barnhill’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Bass Pro Shops – 10% off from the 15th to 22nd of each month
• Bed & Breakfast Inns – On November 10th, over 500 Bed and Breakfasts are offering a free night stay to to veterans. Click here for the list of participating B&B’s.
• Best Inns and Suites – Varies, must present Military ID with check-in
• Best Western- Rates within allowable per diem, must present military ID with check in
• Big 10 Tires – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Blockbuster- Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Boscov’s- 15% off in-store purchases with military ID everyday.
• Boston Bill Sunglasses – 10% off
• Boston Market – 20% with military ID.
• Buckle – 10% off, Free Shipping on all military orders
• Budget – Varies, up to 25% off time and mileage Store, requires military ID to redeem
• Budget Truck Rental – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Burger King – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Busch Gardens - One day complimentary admission for members of the military and 3 direct dependents in 2012. Here’s to the Heroes
• Cabela’s - 10% off
• Camino Real Apartments – 5% military discount
• Captain D’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Carl’s Jr. – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Carnival Cruises – 10% off of cruise, but must be booked over the phone, and not online, as proof must be faxed in
• Century 21 – FREE Century 21 AON Home Protection Plan when they buy or sell a home through Molly Kucharski ONLY paid for at settlement. Value = $399.00, call 1(800) 952-2516
• Champs Sports – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Chevy’s Fresh Mex – 20%, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Chick Fil A – Varies, Discount with ID card (location dependent), discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Chipotle– Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Choice Hotels – Rates at or below per diem depending on location. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. Must present military ID.
• Ci-Ci’s Pizza – Discount varies, dependent on location, must present military ID
• Clarion Inn – Rates within allowable per diem while on travel orders. Must present valid military ID with check-in
• CoinsAndPins.com – 10% military discount on custom made products as long as the custom items are more than 60% military related
• Cold Stone Creamery - Discount varies, must present military ID
• Comfort Inn – Rates within allowable per diem while on travel orders. Must Present valid military ID with check-in
• Copeland’s Sports - Discount varies per location
• Cracker Barrel – 10-15% off, at manager’s discretion
• DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse – 10% military discount
• Dairy Queen- 10% off, location dependent
• Days Inn – Rates within allowable per diem. Must present valid military ID with check-in
• Dell Computers – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Denny’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Dick’s Sporting Goods – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Discovery Channel Store – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Disney Resorts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Disneyland - Military discounts are available only for tickets purchased at installation MWRs. Prices vary per date and length of visit
• Dollar Car Rental – Allowable per diem rates
• Dunkin’ Donuts – Veterans advantage members save 10% on all online orders. They also send free coffee to the troops oversees.
• Eddie Bauer– 15% off most merchandise (some promotions excluded) with military ID
• El Molino Coffee Shop - Free Shipping, online
• Express Clothing Store- 10% off on top of other coupons as well with military ID
• Extreme Outfitters -10-20% on miltary Gear, online and in Store
• Eyewear - Discount varies, get the discount online at http://www.afeyewear.com/ – This site offers military discounts for a wide range of eyeglass companies
• Finish Line - 20 percent military discount off select items at special locations
• Foot Action – 20% off with military ID
• Foot Locker – 20% off with military ID
• Ford – Discount varies, http://www.encs.com/ford/
• Forever 21 – 10% off
• Friendly’s Ice Cream Stores – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Gander Mountain – 5% off
• Gap – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
• Geico – 2% to 15% in all states except Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas
• GM – Varies, always well below MSRP. You can sign in online at https://www.exclusivegmoffer.com/ip-gmpop/initPop.do?program=mpp
• GNC – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Golden Corral – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Great Wolf Lodge – Up to 33% off, discount varies however. Must book room over the phone rather than the internet.
• GuideToMilitaryTravel.com– Another great site for military families to go to when looking for travel discounts.
• Haber Vision – 50% discount on all sunglasses. Online at http://www.habervision.com/CodeResult.aspx?code=JB10222Q
• Hanes Outlet Store – 10% off with Military ID
• Hard Rock Cafe – 10% – 15% off. Varies for each location.
• Hertz – Allowable per diem rates. Show valid military ID
• Hewlett-Packard – Log on to website and click on New User Registration: Enter first and last name, user name, password and email address. Use company code: 2727. Discounts vary. Online only.
• Hickory Farms - 10 percent Military discount – Enter 892848 in code box on online order form
• Home Depot– 10% off Year Round, to active duty, active reserve, retired military, and immediate family. In-Store, just bring valid military ID
• Hooters – 10% off with military ID
• Hot Topic– 10-20% off with military ID
• IAVA – IAVA, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, is a veterans organization that looks to help take care of the newest generation of American veterans. They also are working with companies, such as JC Penney, to provide up to $200 in vouchers to certain retail stores.
• IHOP – 20% with Military ID at owners discretion
• IMAX - $1 off movie tickets with Military ID
• Inkshouse.com – 20% off $50 or more, use cod Mil20
• istudysmart.com – Free Shipping for Military Families, Online, 9/15 – 10/14
• Java Cafe – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Jeep – $500 for active military, reserves and retired reserves or active after 20 years of service. Requires military ID
• Jiffy Lube – 10% off with valid Military ID
• Jockey – 10% off with valid Military ID
• Jones New York Outlet Store – 10% off with valid Military ID
• KB Toys – 15% off during advertised Military Days
• KFC – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Kragen Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Lady Foot Locker – 20% off with military ID
• Leslie Pool Supplies - 10% off with military ID
• Lerner – 15% off
• Long John Silver’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Longhorn Steakhouse – 10% military discount (this may not be honored at all locations)
• Lowe’s – 10% off year round to active duty, active reserve, retired military, and immediate family. Just bring in a valid military ID. The military discount, however, cannot be combined with other coupons they may be offering.
• Macy’s – 10% off on the first Tuesday of every month, 15% with a Macy’s card. Here are more Macy’s Coupons.
• Maurices– 10% off with valid military I.D.
• Marriott Hotels – It’s the Per Diem amount the government picks up, whatever that amount is. Just call and place the reservation over the phone and ask for that discount. Online at http://www.marriott.com/reservation/worldnum.mi
• Mary Kay Cosmetics – Military personnel and dependents receive 10 % on online orders. Reference your service affiliation and status, and ask for additional free gift and bigger discounts by contacting website.
• McDonald’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Meineke – 10% off parts. In store only. Simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Michaels- 10% off every Wednesday at select stores. Call your local store for participation.
• Midas – 10% off
• MilitaryContacts.net – Up to 30% off contact lenses and free shipping on orders over $50
• MLB Hall of Fame – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Movie Theaters – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Mrs. Fields Cookies - 10% off with military ID, coupon link
• My Cruise Club – 9% off on all cruises www.militarycruisedeals.com
• NAPA Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Nautica - 10% off with military ID
• National– No fee for additional drivers, and special off duty rates per location. Service members receive full loss damage waivers
• National Credit Solutions – 25% discount, call toll free at 866-485-2540 x109, and for a direct line please call 972-746-4209
• New York and Company - 15% off military discount
• Nextel – 18% Discount, call 1-800-639-6111
• Nickelodeon Hotels – Reduced rates and perks, online and in store, www.nickhotel.com/military , 877-NICK-111 and ask for the Military Family Package.
• Nike – 10% off, In-Store. For official company policy please check out http://www.nikebiz.com/customer_service/discounts.html
• Nuvo - $30 off Ritmo Pregnancy Sound System. You can call 1-888-688-6462, or use coupon code MILITARY99 online at http://www.nuvo-group.com. Valid military ID required for in-store purchase.
• O’Reilly Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Oakley – There is a website you register with that offers Oakleys at a discounted price. It doesn’t say how much that price is though. Check it out online at https://secure.usstandardissue.com/
• Old Navy – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
• Pac Sun – Discount varies per location, just bring in a vaild military ID and ask
• Panchero’s Mexican Grill – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Pancho’s Mexican Buffet – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Panda Express – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Paradise Limousine – $25 Off Limousine Service Coupon Code: 1369 for service members
• Payless Shoe Source – 10% off
• Pep Boys– 10% off with valid military ID
• Pizza Hut– Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Play It Again Sports – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Professional Sports teams – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Pure Beauty – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Quiznos – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Race-Depot – 10% off, use code 10MILCITY
• Rack Room Shoes – 15% discount. Bring in valid military ID
• Raising Cane’s Chicken – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Ralph Lauren Outlet Store – 10% off with Military ID
• Ramada – 15% to 30% – depending on availability. Must present military I.D. upon check in.
• Red Robin– Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Regal Movie Theaters – Matinee prices for all show times. Requires Military ID
• Ripley’s attractions and museums – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – 10% military discount
• Rocky Mountain Tracking – 5% off any tracking inc. Use code USMILITARY, http://www.rmtracking.com/
• S&K Menswear – 8% Discount on all items free shipping on orders over $99 & APO/FPO shipping. To access the military site at S&K you must go through their AAFES Exchange Mail Online service. http://bdeal.me/aCVq2X
• Sally Beauty Supply – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Samsonite - 15% off with military ID
• Sea World– One day complimentary admission for members of the military and 3 direct dependents in 2012. Here’s to the Heroes
• Sesame Park Place - One day complimentary admission for members of the military and 3 direct dependents in 2012. Here’s to the Heroes
• Shedd Aquarium in Chicago- Free general admission with military ID. On the Shedd Aquarium page that is hyper linked here, scroll down to “Other Discounts” to find out more information.
• Shoe Carnival – 10% off with military ID
• Sierra Suites – Rates at or below per diem depending on location. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. Must present military ID.
• Simone Protective Health – 20% off their nutritional hydration drink.
• Six Flags Magic Mountain - Service members receive special discounts on admission for special events and specific dates. Tickets must be purchased in advance MWR and ITT 143. Recreation offices, not at the park.
• Sizzler – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Sonic – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Southwest Airlines – Varies, it’s a dollar amount, not a percentage. Not available on all flights, you’ll have to call Southwest and simply just ask.
• Spencer’s Gifts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Sport Chalet – 10% off
• SportsMemorabilia.com – 10% off at checkout, use code mili10 online
• Sprint – 10-18% off. Sprint will also put a “hold” on your line when you are deployed, if you provide a copy of your orders, so you still have the same number when you come back and you do not have to pay for the time your gone as well.
• Sprint Business – 15% to 20% Discount, 1-888-788-4727
• Subway – 10% off, if not in a military town
• Suzuki – $500 off for you and immediate family. Requires military ID
• Sweet Tomatoes – 10% off with military ID
• Szul- Free shipping to Military APO/FPO destinations until 12/31/10. http://bdeal.me/dnZ6Fb
• Taco Bell– Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Texas Roadhouse – 10% military discount
• The Melting Pot – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Timberland Outlets – 15%, bring in valid military ID
• Tommy Hilfiger – 10% with valid military ID
• Toyota – $500 off + $500 for firs time buyers. Requires military ID
• Travelodge– Rates within allowable per diem. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. Must present military I.D
• TurboTax– Active duty military are eligible to file federal tax returns for free through the Intuit Tax Freedom Project
• Under Armor Outlet Store – 10% off with military ID
• United Artist Movie Theaters – Matinee prices for all show times. Requires Military ID.
• Verizon – 23% discount on monthly bills. Applies only to the military member’s primary line.
• Vets-Cars.com – an auto dealer association that pledges “thanks, respect, low up-front pricing, transparency and a superior showroom experience for U.S. Veterans, Active Duty and family members.”
• Walgreens– 10% with military ID every Tuesday
• Wendy’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Wet Seal- 10% off
• Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo – Free admission ticket for active duty or reserve member of the military, also allows 50% discount in admission for up to 3 family members
• Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium – Enrolled military get in for free and 50% off for up to 3 family members http://www.nyaquarium.com/
• Wing Zone– 10% military discount in Alabama. Ends 12/31/2015
• World of Coca Cola – $2 off standard admission price for service member with I.D. and up to four guests.
• Wyndham Hotels – Discounts vary by 140 locations. Also depend on availability. Must present military I.D. upon check in.
• Zaxby’s – 10% off with military ID

Deployment Tips

Here is a neat list of 101 items to send a care package to your sweetheart.
Jane's List Deployment Tips

1Q2012 Results for Alfa Sugar

Alfa Sugar enjoyed a robust year of 3,126 hits and celebrates a one year anniversary of blogging.  It's been a pleasure to blog about financial perspective and see that there is an audience for this material.  Finances affects us each and every day of our lives and even in ways we least expect.  I truly believe that if you watch your finances and make improvements, slowly but surely things will improve not only for yourself  but also for your community. 

We continue to have an international audience representing a variety of countries. 
USA, Sweden, Russia, Germany, United Kingdom, India, Canada, Latvia, Singapore, Romania, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Iran, Brazil, Columbia, Georgia and others.  (all in no particular order)

Our top three articles for the quarter:
1) Out with the Old and In with the New
2) Fraud Alert Called Phishing
3) Concurrent Retirement & Disability Pay for Veterans

Student Loan Costs Are Life-Changing

Would you consider paying $211,000 for an original student loan cost of $74,000?  Of course not.  Unfortunately, when students take on student loan debt and assume that if they work hard to pay it off, then life will be good.  Today's reality offers a different financial perspective here. 

In this article, Student Loan Debt, it is evident that marriage and starting a family is long delayed because of this debt.  Sometimes career advancement is delayed as well.  This article (at the bottom) even highlights a great list of how debt negatively affects students such as difficulty in renting a home because of a high debt to income ratio number. 

The military member is keen on money for education.  Sometimes the GI Bill or other education benefits seem too good to be true.  The reality is some funds are low, and the cost to cover education tuition and fees is not paying as much as aniticipated.  Military are having to take on loans in order to pay for education.  The financial hardship is not recommended.

Many folks offer a solution of working hard and paying as you go.  The increasing popularity of evening college classes is back in addition to online courses.  Hence, you can work a full-time job and obtain your education so some of the financial hardship is avoided.

Interest on the debt is challenging especially when it kicks in.

You cannot claim student loan debt in bankruptcy.  You must pay it off. 

The financial hardship is to mount if students take on more debt.  Recommendation is to delay graduation by working and earning funds to pay for college.  If you are already in debt, then working a full-time job and another part-time job or two will be life for awhile.  It is an enslavement that many wished they never had agreed to doing.  Perhaps view this time in life as an opportunity for character building.  It is during times of financial hardship that you learn things in ways you least expect. 

Self-Sufficiency Can BE In Vogue

Upon reading this morning's article about a family of 20 not in debt and able to be self-sufficient, I truly believe that their fiancial tactical approach to frugality is one to note.  Family of 19 Debt Free article highlights some key points that many folks need to understand.  The importance of paying your bills, not incurring debt and even itemizing bills where sneaky charges must be caught.  Yes, it is wise to NOT assume that your bills are always correct upon receiving them.  Folks struggle with Math so I will doubly make sure that I question any bill that comes my way.

As a military family, you are able to shop at the Commissary and it's nice especially when the sales and case lot sales are put on.  Coupons are good for 6 months after the expiration date.  Also, the coupons are handed out on Saturdays as well as a coupon basket by the bathroom (you can give coupons and take coupons).  You do need to do a food and supply inventory and know your prices but in the end, using coupons and watching what you buy and use in your household will help the bottom line.  Cutting your Grocery Bill in Half is a great book resource as well.

Food is a number one budget blower and with food costs rising, it is even more imperative that folks cook and budget more.  emeals.com is a great tool to faciliate staying on a budget and yet having the menu planned along with recipes.  Keep in mind that you only pay for the dinner meals minus sales tax so it is important to watch your food budget as you supply food for your breakfast, lunch and snacks. 

Be Old-Fashioned & You May Find Out How Cool That Is

It's been awhile since I last blogged...guess life is happeniing in my household!!!!  We took a vacation to the beach and had a magnificent time.  Unfortunately, my husband's blackberry was Murphy in the car and he had to deal with work-related issues while on vacation.  There is a challenge in today's society for folks to truly be away, rest up and enjoy time off from work.  The technology today may be of great benefit to many, but I believe that there is a growing dysfunction in society where few put down the technology and actually talk, be there and be a normal human being with others. Children especially are seeking time and attention from their parents.  April Perry of The Power Of Moms writes a great article that many of my friends are liking called Your Children Want YOU!   Folks are hiding behind their blackberry, their texting, their e-mails or their curtains and are isolating themselves.  If you watch the movie Wally, it shows the funny way that folks get wrapped up in all that technology.  Could it really happen?

We drove down the interstate road and saw lots of DVDs playing in the car.  Yes, we pulled ours out later in the day, but after we made a point to play I Spy, Guess a Number between 1 & 100, Category: Vegetable, Mineral or Animal, and a few other family games.  We were laughing and sharing a special memory making moment without technology interfering with our old-fashioned fun.  We even tracked all the different license plates tags from across the country including Nova Scotia & Quebec making it a geography lesson for my kids.  At the restaurant, we played the game Left, Right & Center and even got GrandPa laughing.  Folks were envious of our fun, that is the ones who weren't distracted with technology. 

There are lots of technologies eager to eat up your time if you allow them to do so.

24/7 TV/Cable TV/Direct TV/Satelite
Internet for Social Networking sites as well as news feeds or online gaming
Texting
E-mailing
Watching a movie
Radio

It's so easy to have access because you just have to push a button.  The nice part is that you can push the OFF button.

Being in the military, it's challenging to connect with folks outside the network.  For one thing, folks don't get what your spouse does for a living.  Yes, they are in the military and they appreciate it but really and truly...theres's an unknown.  It's challenging to find common ground with folks.  Even within the military community, it's challenging to connect with others because of politics, background, living arrangements and (let's be honest) likeability. 

Another issue is relocating, moving, traveling and/or being in different places not knowing many folks.  It's challenging to connect.  It gets lonely even when the family PCSs together. 

It's easy to eat excessively.  Check out our high obesity rate as well as our rise in diabetes.  Rachel Ray's foundation Yum-O! is encouraging to counter this epic problem in our country.

It's easy to watch too much tv or surf the internet.  As one pastor challenged his sunday school class, he said go without the tv and internet for two weeks, and you will see a dramatic improvement in your sex life.  

It's easy to get into activities you would not dream of doing.  Some taboo topics and some unexpected.

It's easy to overdo because you are compensating for what's missing in your life.

Yes, here is where I must plug in that God is exactly what you need in your life especially if you are lonely.  Going to church or the base chapel is difficult at first but it is the best way to not only feel better about yourself, meet and socialize with other, but to seek the One who can  only give you the peace and understanding that you need.

Financially speaking, it's of great benefit to be old-fashioned and to find out how cool it really is.  You will see a big difference in your life.  I can't say that the technologies are bad or that you should not do them.  I am just saying that you need to keep things in balance and yes, old-fashioned values are coming back in vogue in more ways than what you may realize.  The next time you are questioning things....keep in mind that God is my refuge and strength (Psalms). 

By Stephanie Arredondo 2012 for Alfa Sugar