Cyber Monday, or everyday: The good folks over at Logos Bible Software are offering the GtS readers 25% off the latest Logos software. Either click here or use coupon code GTS1 when checking out.

iPhone users should check out their recently launched iPhone app.

Jenn and I are trying to wipe out our last bit of debt. Prior to packing up and moving to Orlando, we (er… ok, it was mostly my stupid decision) took out a loan in order to buy a Jeep. We used part of the loan to pay for the 1979, midnight blue, custom rebuilt 350, dual side exhaust, CJ7 (oh, how I miss that jeep). The rest of the loan we used to cover some expenses prior to the move. In retrospect, there were some good and bad things about taking out the loan, but nothing we can do now about that decision except pay it off.

So, like I said, we’re trying to get rid of it. On Tuesday I finally caved in and decided we would cancel our cable service and some of the extra features we have on our phones. It started with a call to comcast. I explained that I need to keep my internet (for obvious reasons) but wanted to cancel my cable service. Our last bill was about $120 and I was looking to drop it in half. The representative explained that my internet, by itself, would be about $60. She said that there was promotion going on that could get me my internet and cable for $100. I said that I needed to drop my bill more than that and that I’d probably be just fine with internet only. She replied, “Can you hold for a moment?” After a minute or two she returned and said, “I’ve found a promotion that would keep you in the same package you have for $79 a month.” Now, the deal is only good for 6 months, but hey, I just knocked $40 off my cable bill and I have EXACTLY the same package. Sweet!

After that I call Sprint. This was the call I was really dreading. Jenn and I both have a Blackberry Curves. I love this phone. Best one I’ve ever owned. With it, we both had a data plan ($30 each) and I also had an option that allowed me to connect my laptop to my phone via bluetooth to surf the web ($15 a month). Over time I have grown VERY accustomed to these features and use them every day. But, I kept looking at that cell bill and thinking, “I could save $75 a month by getting rid of those features.” So, today I did. Sadly, the Sprint rep wasn’t as willing to hook me up as the comcast rep was. But I took off those options and added some text messaging for a net monthly savings of $65. Throw in my cable savings and we just saved $100 a month!

So, today’s Thrifty Thursday lesson is this. Don’t be afraid to call any of your service providers and ask if they can reduce your bill… they might just do it. Also, sometimes you have to let go of things you like… Like 1979 CJ7s and 24-7 access to email.

How about you? Got any good stories on saving a buck or two on monthly bills?

I need an assistant. Come to think of it, don’t we all? Imagine all the projects you could complete if you had an assistant. Imagine all the mundane and annoying tasks you could pass off to him or her so that you could focus on the stuff you want to do. Well, are you willing to pay for it? Because, I am.

So, here’s the deal. I’m looking to hire an assistant to help me with various project that I have underway. Now, the job will pay $10 an hour, but it will NOT be full time. At best, it might be part-part-time. Basically, if you’re looking to make a little side dough to take you guy or gal out on a date night, or to buy a new game for you Wii, then this is for you.

So, here’s what I’m looking for:

• Computer and internet savvy
• Strong knowledge of WordPress
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Ability to navigate websites and find specific information
• Preferably a Mac user
• Knowledge and efficiency in editing images

Right now I have two projects that need to be done and, depending on your performance and my ability to come up with more projects, there will be more work down the road.  For my projects I will give you details on what I want done and a realistic deadline for completion. Within those bounds you’re welcome to work when and how you want.

So, if this sounds intriguing and you’d like to be considered for the job, send an email to ryan@goingtoseminary.com. Make the subject: I can COpy and Paste. In the email, all I want you to include is 2 sentences telling me why I should hire you and one link to any seminary that is on twitter (the link should go to their twitter page).

So, there you have it. It isn’t exactly a thrifty tip for everyone, but it might put a few bucks in someone’s pocket.

If you’ve ever searched for a seminary scholarship then you know how difficult it can be. Well, good news, there is now a seminary scholarship that is open to all seminarians and only takes 15 minutes to apply. The $1,000 scholarship is given out quarterly and includes a digital theological library from Logos Bible Software.

Now, the scholarship is sponsored by Logos Bible Software, so don’t be be surprised that in order to apply you have to watch a 9 minute video demonstrating their software. Compared to writing an essay, I’d say this is a pretty easy application process.  That and, well, Logos is a great tool for seminarians (see Terry’s review of Logos Scholar’s Gold).

So, head on over and apply today.

Disclosure: If you  didn’t know, I work for Logos. But who cares… we’re talking about a $1,000 schoarship that only requires you to watch a video in order to apply. If you’re in seminary and looking for scholarships, you’d be silly not to apply.

Yeah, I know it is Friday, but for those of you who like thrifty ideas I figured you wouldn’t mind too much.

So, Logos Bible Software announced today on their blog that, for the month of May, they will be giving away a free download of Money Matters by Larry Burkett. For full details on how to get the book, check out their blog post.

Also, don’t forget Terry’s post from last week where he shared a coupon code for a 30 day free trial of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University.

If you know of any other good, free, resources to help with money, please drop a comment below.

This guest post is by Deborah Lee. Deborah is a graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary and a tax professional with H&R Block. Her specialties include clergy and small business returns. You can find her at http://mytaxhelplady.com

Whenever a person makes a life change like returning to school, there are usually tax changes that go along with that.  Here are a few things that may affect you in 2009 when you file your 2008 tax return:

1. Income Changes: Changes in your income may make you eligible for the Earned Income Credit. That could mean up to $4824 extra in your tax refund if you have two dependents, $2917 for one dependent, and $438 with no dependents.
2. Child Credits: Two credits–the Child Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit–can provide taxpayers with up to $1000 per child. Child care expenses may also be claimed for a benefit, but you can only count child care costs for when both parents are working or in school.
3. Education Benefits: There are several deductions and credits available for your current school tuition. Books aren’t always deductible. If you do qualify to deduct books on it is restricted to items that are only available through the seminary and are required for your course work. This would include printed syllabi that you must purchase.
4. Student Loan Interest: Interest paid on student loans is also deductible.  They do not have to be Federal loans. Any loan interest can be deducted as long as it was taken out near the time you were going to school and were use for tuition & fees, room & board, books & supplies, etc.
5. Sale of Home: Many students sell their home to come to seminary. If you lived in your previous house at least 2 years out of the last 5 years you do not have to worry about paying tax on you home sale unless you made at least $250,000 profit ($500,000 for couples).
6. Buying a Home: If you are purchasing a home for the first time or if at has been at least 3 years since you owned a home, then you may be eligible for a credit up to $8000.
   If purchased between between April 10, 2008 and December 31, 2008. You may choose to take a credit for $7500 that must be paid back at $500 a year over the next 15 years through your tax return.
   With the new stimulus plan, the credit has changed for homes purchased between January 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009. The credit has been increased to $8000 and does not need to be paid back as long as you live in them at least 3 years.
7. Taxable Scholarships: Scholarships are not taxable as long as they are used for tuition, books, equipment, or fees. Scholarship money that is used for other living expenses or other uses could be taxed.
8. New Property Tax Deduction: You can now deduct property taxes on your home even if you don’t have enough deductions to itemize on Schedule A. The maximum deduction is $500 for an individual or $1000 for married couples.
9. Economic Stimulus Payments:  Be sure you know how much you received as a stimulus payment when you are doing your return. Don’t worry, you won’t pay tax on it. Your situation should be looked at in 2008 to see if you qualify for more. If you do you will get that as part of your refund. If you received too much last year, then you get to keep it. You can find out how much your stimulus payment was by going to the IRS website.

Is some of this new to you? Do you think you may have missed something last year. There’s no need to worry since tax returns can be amended for 3 years.

Find free tools, tips and information at http://www.mytaxhelplady.com

When it comes to an oil change, I hate having to go somewhere and pay $30 +/- to have some guy change my oil.  The problem is two-fold.  First, there is something emasculating about going to another dude and asking him to fix your car.  Second, $30 just seems like an unreasonable price for an oil change.

Now, while I don’t have a solution for the first problem, I have noticed a solution to the second one.

The other day I was driving home from church and saw a sign outside of the local Jiffy-lube.  The sign read, “Come in now for $10 off.”  Being a little past due for an oil change, I dropped the family off at the house and headed over to shop.  When I arrived I noticed that there were several cars in line and no sign any more.  Since I was there, I went ahead and paid full price for the oil change, but learned an important lesson.  When Jiffy-lube has two empty bays, they will put out the sign to save $10 on an oil change.  This gets people to come in, and then they take down the sign.

So, here is how to save on an oil change.  Wait until a really miserable day… think cold and rainy.  Then head out to get an oil change.  Usually, there won’t be anyone in line and Jiffy-lube will have the $10 off sign out front.

Ever since the day I’ve found out about this, I’ve paid close attention to Jiffy-lube.  The sign is most often out on rainy days and sunday mornings.  These are apparently “slow” times for them and they are looking for ways to get people in the bay.  So, next time you start getting near oil change time, check the weather report… it might just save you $10.

I’m going to  have to give a HT to Phil Gons on today’s thrifty tip. Not only is Phil an amazingly smart guy (currently finishing up his PhD thesertation – yeah, I made that word up) but he’s also a really thrifty guy (just ask him about his new bluetooth headset).

So, Phil pointed out to me the other day that, when ordering a product, it is generally a good idea to call the company and ask if they have and unadvertised specials or if they can do better than their web price. He recounted a story of shopping for a new computer for his dad. After reviewing the Dell website, he gave them a call and asked if they could beat the web price. The sales person said that he couldn’t on the base package, but that he could give him a discount if he upgraded the computer a bit.

I shared with Phil that it would have never crossed my mind to call and ask for a better price… but apparently it worked. Now, I’m going to bet that places like Amazon.com aren’t going to beat their online price, but if you’re shopping at a company that sells their own product (like Dell) it might be worth a shot. You’ll never know until you ask. So, take a moment and just make the call.

Also, it never hurts to ask if they give discounts to students… that’s always worth a shot.

It has been a while since we’ve shared a penny pinching tip around here (sorry about that).  But today I have a pretty good tip for you: Buying groceries online.

Now, the first time I saw amazon’s online grocery store, I was pretty skeptical.  For me, there is just something strange about order my cereal on a website and having it delivered to my house. However, my wife (the bargain hunter) noticed that there were often some really good deals (50% off section) at the amazon grocery store.  Not only were there good deals, but I didn’t even have to drive to the store!

The great news is that the savings can get even better! You can get 15% off your order PLUS free shipping using the subscribe and save feature.  Here are the details:

• Set a delivery schedule that fits your needs–every one, two, three, or six months
• Extra 15% discounts on our everyday price
• Free shipping on every order
• E-mail reminders of upcoming shipments
• The flexibility to change your schedule or cancel at any time–no risks, no fees

We’ve used subscribe and save in the past for children’s vitamins and other regular items we go though.  I’m telling you, online grocery shopping is a sweet tip.

Top off the good deals with good selection (they have a great selection indeed) and the amazon grocery store is a great thrifty idea.

According to our current Two Cent Tuesday poll, you folks are pretty big fans of the ESV.  That being the case, I’m sure that you’re planning on picking up the new ESV Study Bible when it gets released in October.   Amazon has the list price at $49 and $31.49 as their offer price.  That’s a nice little chunk of change… Wouldn’t you rather just get it for free?

Well, if you want to give it a try, Best-Bible.org is giving away a free ESV Study Bible. All you have to do is leave a review for something on the site and/or link to the website.  The more reviews you leave the more entries you get in the drawing.

Potentially save $30 while helping people learn about Bibles… sounds like win/win if you ask me.