Thursday Tastes are on the menu for today!

For your consideration: Economic Stimulus And Getting More From "Profits" From Your Dining Gift Cards.

Recently, a friend of ours received one of those gift cards you can buy from major grocers for the Olive Garden. Our friend was upset that he had to use the card for the Olive Garden even though he really didn’t like Italian food. We, at The Money Kings said, “Hey. Turn that card over!”

After turning the card, our friend was surprised to find out that his gift card was usable at Bahama Breeze, Red Lobster and Smokey Bones as well the Olive Garden. We encouraged him to read the fine print . . . The Money Kings encourage everyone to READ THE FINE PRINT and profit!

Of course, he could re-gift the card to someone else for their birthday, or some other holiday. (Another good way to save money on gifts for others!)

Speaking of gifts for others, you need some ideas for spending that Economic Stimulus money don’t you? We, at The Money Kings, definitely advocate SAVING your tax credit, but if you absolutely, positively, crucially, categorically and spiritually must spend the rebate then think about:

1. Inviting your boss to each a nice meal at your home.
2. Buying some of your frequently used cooking items (e.g., oils, sodas, wine, rice, canned goods, meats) in large quantities to drive down costs.
3. Saving your rebate check for that large holiday meal you host each year.
4. Buying food for a local shelter, thereby making a nice charitable donation . . . wind up deducting the rebate right back off your income for the year!

Good luck out there.

The Money Kings

Keywords: food, gift cards, restaurants, economy, economic stimulus, economic stimulus package, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, Smokey Bones, donation, rebate, tax, credit