When considering cost, keeping to a budget is always important. But like anything, you get what you pay for. You should always try to buy the “best” product for the money you can afford to spend (in other words- the best ‘value’ for your money).

The Acer Aspire TimelineX laptop is an amazing computer. Not only is it extremely light weight, weighing just a hair over 6 lbs, but also has a 500 GB hard drive and 4GB of DD3 RAM.  It has a 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5-450M dual-core processor for smart performance with a speed boost (2.66 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology; 3 MB L3 cache). Intel’s Turbo Boost technology maximizes speed for high useage applications, accelerating performance to match your workload

The processor is like the brains of your computer – and having an Intel i5 dual Core processor is like having 2 brains working for you at once. This allows you to basically “multi-task” and perform several different functions simultaneously.  I love this because at any given time I have more than three things going when I am working on my laptop and the last thing I want is dealing with a slow computer.

Also, with Intel’s “smart performance”, the processor can “power up or down” as needed, allowing the computer to conserve energy to get an amazing 11.5 hours of battery life.

I was also impressed with the overall ‘feel’ of this computer. While being light weight, the laptop still felt very solid and well built.

Win an ACER Laptop!

Guess what?  One of you gets to win one of these laptops! Here is how to enter:

1. Leave a comment sharing what you will be doing with this laptop if you were to win it.

For additional entries:

• Follow me on twitter and tweet the following (copy/paste): Hey! @commnsensemoney is giving away an ACER Laptop powered by Intel. Go here to enter http://bit.ly/cLGq75 #wingiveaways

• Like Common Sense with Money on Facebook.

• Subscribe to Common Sense with money via email or RSS feed.

If you are reading this entry on your RSS reader or email newsletter make sure to CLICK HERE to enter this giveaway. Emailing me is not a valid way to enter this giveaway. This giveaway is open to residents of the US 18 years and older. This giveaway ends 8/23 at 3PM EST

Stop by these blogs for more chances to win this laptop:

Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
Bargain Briana
Common Sense with Money
Coupon Cravings
Mommin It Up
Moms Need to Know
Mommy Snacks
Passion for Savings
Saving Cents with Sense
Southern Savers
Stretching a Buck

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that Intel Corporation has provided me with the Acer TimelineX Series, as well as one for the contest winner. There is no direct or implied obligation on my behalf to write about the product. This Post was written by me and was not edited by the sponsor. Read more on my disclosure policy. Find more information on the terms for this giveaway on the Win Giveaways Facebook page.

I am loving this fab line of Remington Styling products.  This new Remington Cool line comes in very whimsical designs that are sure to please the fashion diva in anyone.  If you haven’t had a chance to spot this at either Target or Walmart, this is a very affordable line of styling products.  Both the hair dryer and the flat iron sell for around $19.99 each.  But don’t let the price or size fool you, both products are getting rave reviews.

I had a chance to update my very boring looking hair dryer with this pink leopard print Remington Cool hair dryer.  This hair dryer was much smaller than my previous one but it actually did the job much faster.  This is great for me because I hate spending too much time getting my hair to look good.  I did not get a chance to try the flat iron which is GREAT because I normally wear my hair curly.  However, I checked on Youtube and this flat iron getsgood reviews.

Win a Remington Cool Hair Dryer and Flat Iron Pack

One lucky reader will have a chance to win a Remington Cool Hair Dryer and Flat Iron. Here is how to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post sharing how long your hair care routine is everyday.

For additional entries:

• Follow me on twitter and tweet the following (copy/paste): Hey! @commnsensemoney is giving away Remington Hair Styling products. Go here to enter http://bit.ly/9QxJEb #wingiveaways

• Like Common Sense with Money on Facebook.

• Subscribe to Common Sense with money via email or RSS feed.

If you are reading this entry on your RSS reader or email newsletter make sure to CLICK HERE to enter this giveaway. Emailing me is not a valid way to enter this giveaway. This giveaway is open to residents of the US 18 years and older. This giveaway ends 8/23 at 3PM EST

Stop by these blogs for more chances to win:

Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
Bargain Briana
Coupon Cravings
Mommin It Up
Moms Need to Know
Mommy Snacks
Passion for Savings
Saving Cents with Sense
Southern Savers
Stretching a Buck

This giveaway was sponsored by Remington as part of Win Giveaways Back to School Bash. This Post was written by me and was not edited by the sponsor. Read more on my disclosure policy. Find more information on the terms for this giveaway on the Win Giveaways Facebook page.

Looking for a laptop carrier? Then start up by looking at Belkin laptop carriers. Seriously! Belkin recently sent me this Laptop Messenger bag and this bag can take it! This carrier is made of high quality material backed by Belkin’s lifetime warranty. It is also FULL of compartments that are sure to fulfill your organizational needs. The notebook compartment is very plush to keep your laptop secure. The shoulder strap is thin to keep it out of the way and also adjustable which is great for short people like myself.  If you travel this is a great bag to use because you can pull in and out the laptop very easily at security checkpoints.

Win a Belkin Prize Pack

One lucky reader will have a chance to win a Belkin Laptop carrier of his/her choice (up to $60 value), a Belkin cooling pad and a wireless mouse. Here is how to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post sharing what size laptop you will put in this bag if you win it.

For additional entries:

• Follow me on twitter and tweet the following (copy/paste): Hey! @commnsensemoney is giving away a Belkin Laptop Carrier. Go here to enter http://bit.ly/dyDKCV #wingiveaways

• Like Common Sense with Money on Facebook.

• Subscribe to Common Sense with money via email or RSS feed.

If you are reading this entry on your RSS reader or email newsletter make sure to CLICK HERE to enter this giveaway. Emailing me is not a valid way to enter this giveaway. This giveaway is open to residents of the US 18 years and older. This giveaway ends 8/23 at 3PM EST

Stop by these blogs for more chances to win:

Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
Bargain Briana
Coupon Cravings
Mommin It Up
Moms Need to Know
Mommy Snacks
Passion for Savings
Saving Cents with Sense
Southern Savers
Stretching a Buck

This giveaway was sponsored by Belkin as part of Win Giveaways Back to School Bash. This Post was written by me and was not edited by the sponsor. Read more on my disclosure policy. Find more information on the terms for this giveaway on the Win Giveaways Facebook page.

The Land’s End Small Haul backpack is the perfect size for a child ages 5-8. This will be my son Benjamin second year in a row wearing this backpack to school. It is in the same shape and looks the same way it did almost a year ago. This back pack has double-strength base for extra durability. It also has a removable organizer pouch keeps school supplies straight. 360° reflective trim helps keep kids visible and glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls on main compartment. You can also find a d-ring to clip on his lunchbox.

Here are some additional features on this backpack:

• Two big compartments and mesh water bottle pockets keep everything in their place.
• Padded C-shaped shoulder straps are comfortable & fit better
• Padded back panel for comfort
• It fits: binder, folder, textbook, 2 notebooks, snowpants, sweatshirt/jacket, hat, gloves, shoes
• Small exterior zippered pocket keeps extras handy

Just for kicks here is my son wearing his backpack to school last year:

Win a Lands End Backpack

One lucky reader will have a chance to win a Lands End Backpack valued at $29.50. Here is how to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post how many kids you will be sending to school this year.

For additional entries:

• Follow me on twitter and tweet the following (copy/paste): Hey! @commnsensemoney is giving away a Land’s End Backpack.  Go here to enter http://bit.ly/9j1q6O #wingiveaways

• Like Common Sense with Money on Faceboo.

• Subscribe to Common Sense with money via email or RSS feed.

If you are reading this entry on your RSS reader or email newsletter make sure to CLICK HERE to enter this giveaway. Emailing me is not a valid way to enter this giveaway. This giveaway is open to residents of the US 18 years and older. This giveaway ends 8/23 at 3PM EST

Stop by these blogs for more chances to win:

Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
Bargain Briana
Coupon Cravings
Mommin It Up
Moms Need to Know
Mommy Snacks
Passion for Savings
Saving Cents with Sense
Southern Savers
Stretching a Buck

This giveaway was sponsored by Land’s End as part of Win Giveaways Back to School Bash. This Post was written by me and was not edited by the sponsor. Read more on my disclosure policy. Find more information on the terms for this giveaway on the Win Giveaways Facebook page.

As parents we do what we can to make sure our kids start the new year with lots of self-confidence: we buy them the clothes and back to school items that they need.  Sometimes a straight healthy smile is part of those needs.  Invisalign Teen™ system is the modern and hygienic way to straightening teeth. UNLIKE what you may expect, the cost of Invisalign is COMPARABLE to that of old-fashioned metal braces. In addition to that, the almost invisible braces are very inconspicuous. Plus they are comfortable and removable and allow your teen to continue with their favorite sports, music or other activities. The trays are also removable which means they can take them off for every day oral care and they result in no forbidden food.

How to Save Money on This Expense

Getting braces for kids is NOT cheap by any means and there are some things you can do to spend your money wisely:

• Make sure you work with a reputable orthodontist. Ask friends for referrals and make sure to shop around.

• Make sure to inquire whether the cost is covered by insurance.

• If the cost is not covered by insurance use a flexible spending account to pay for this with pre-tax dollars.

• Usually you have time to prepare for this expenditure (it’s not like out kids sprout crooked teeth all of a sudden). So you have time to save money for this expense.

Enter the Invisalign Sweepstakes

Invisalign is currently running a back to school sweepstakes for kids to “Gear Up From Head to Toe” to get ready for school. It ends 9/20/10 and the grand prize winner will receive FREE Invisalign treatment and a $500 shopping spree at Journeys.  Make sure to enter these sweepstakes here.

Win a $100 AmEx Gift Card

One lucky reader will have a chance to win a $100 Amex GC.  This could buy a lot of back to school items for your kids!  Here is how to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post sharing if you know someone who needs braces and could use learning about Invisalign. If you don’t know anyone who needs braces just leave a comment then.

For additional entries:

• Follow me on twitter and tweet the following (copy/paste): Hey! @commnsensemoney is giving away a $100 AmEx Gift Card. Go here to enterhttp://bit.ly/bC8qlW #wingiveaways

• Like Common Sense with Money on Facebook and copy/paste this on YOUR Facebook wall: “I just entered to win a $100 AmEx GC. Go here to enter http://bit.ly/bC8qlW via @common sense with money”

• Subscribe to Common Sense with money via email or RSS feed.

If you are reading this entry on your RSS reader or email newsletter make sure to CLICK HERE to enter this giveaway. Emailing me is not a valid way to enter this giveaway. This giveaway is open to residents of the US 18 years and older. This giveaway ends 8/23 at 3PM EST

Stop by these blogs for more chances to win:

Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
Bargain Briana
Coupon Cravings
Mommin It Up
Moms Need to Know
Mommy Snacks
Passion for Savings
Saving Cents with Sense
Southern Savers
Stretching a Buck

This giveaway was sponsored by Invisalign Teen as part of Win Giveaways Back to School Bash. This Post was written by me and was not edited by the sponsor. Read more on my disclosure policy. Find more information on the terms for this giveaway on the Win Giveaways Facebook page.

I am SO excited to share this news with you. A few bloggers and myself have been working HARD to bring you, our readers, a back to school giveaway event.  We have been contacting companies and working with the best of them to bring you top items for your chance to win.  Next week from Monday through Wednesday you will have a chance to enter for a chance to win products from the following brands: Lands End, Belkin, Invisalign, Proactiv, Bissell, Cengage, Zulily, Bar -S, Intel among others.

In addition to being able to enter this giveaways right here on Common Sense with Money you will also be able to enter at the following participating blogs:

Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
Bargain Briana
Coupon Cravings
Mommin It Up
Moms Need to Know
Mommy Snacks
Passion for Savings
Saving Cents with Sense
Southern Savers
Stretching a Buck

So, not only will there be tons of prizes but also tons of chances to enter to win. What do you need to do know to get ready? Besides resting your fingers because they will be busy next week entering giveaways, if you are on Facebook you may want to Like Win Giveaways to get updates on when these giveaways go live on ALL participating blogs. If you are not on Facebook, it’s OK too. I will of course be posting the giveaways here with links to the other blogs where you can enter.

Good luck!